GOP Retirements Leave Openings for Progressive Democrats
This week, exciting announcements revealed that Republicans will not run for reelection in two districts that DAPAC has targeted for 2008. First, Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the House, announced that he will retire from his seat in Illinois' 14th district. There are already strong Democratic candidates running in the district, and this announcement should only make their chances for election stronger.
It has also been reported that Deborah Pryce, the Republican from Ohio's 15th district and the former Chairwoman of the Republican Conference, will retire in 2008. Pryce won by a very slim margin in 2006, barely defeating DAPAC-endorsed Mary Jo Kilroy. Kilroy is already working on her 2008 campaign, and is a strong progressive candidate. Running for an open seat, Democrats in both districts now have a very good chance at being elected.
Karl Rove to Leave the White House
Another prominent Republican announced his more immediate resignation this week. Karl Rove, Bush's closest advisor, will leave his post as Deputy White House Chief of Staff at the end of August. Rove has been widely cited as the political mastermind behind Bush's victories, as well as successful 2004 congressional Republican campaigns, but his 2006 attempts were seen as failures when the Democrats took back both houses. In the past months, Rove has been under scrutiny related to the CIA leak involving Valerie Plame and the firing of US attorneys. The official announcement of his resignation explained that Rove would spend more time with his family, but what is truly next for him remains to be seen.
Increased Army Suicides – Yet Another Reason to End the War
On Thursday, the US Army reported that 99 soldiers committed suicide in 2006, which is the highest number of suicides since the Gulf War in 1991. Almost one-third of last year's suicides occurred in military zones, and overall the number of suicides increased 15% from 2005. Additionally, there have been 44 suicides already this year.
The Army cites failed relationships, legal and financial problems, and “occupational/operational” issues for the increased number of suicide, but many are pointing to additional studies that show increased mental health problems within the military with the ongoing war in Iraq. The military has also been accused of not providing adequate mental healthcare resources to the men and women serving our country. With the stress that soldiers are under after multiple and extended deployments, it is no wonder that increased numbers are reaching desperation. It is clearly time to bring our troops home and away from immediate danger, and also time to make their healthcare a top priority.
This Week's Polls
This week, Gallup released a report detailing Americans' top financial concerns. When asked, “What is the most important financial problem facing your family today?” the top answer was healthcare costs. The cost of healthcare was the top concern for all groups when the results were divided into three income brackets, while other concerns varied with income levels. Overall, the most common responses were:
Healthcare costs: 19%
Lack of money/low wages : 15%
Cost of owning/renting home : 8%
Energy Costs/oil and gas prices :8%
Too much debt/not enough: 7%
money to pay debts
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