Senator Trent Lott Joins Resigning Republicans
This week, Trent Lott, Senator from Mississippi and minority whip, joined the growing list of Republican resignations from Congress. Lott will leave the Senate before the end of the year, which came as a surprise to many. It is speculated that he chose to resign so suddenly because, in doing so, he will avoid a new law which would prevent him from working as a lobbyist for an additional year.
Lott is the sixth Republican Senator to announce his retirement from this Congress, and in the House there have already been 17 Republican retirement announcements. Notably, Dennis Hastert, the former speaker of the House, formally resigned on Monday, and DAPAC candidate John Laesch will be running in a special election in Hastert's former district on a date to be determined by Illinois' governor.
The increasing number of Republican resignations adds to the hope for a historic Democratic victory in 2008. In the Senate, 23 Republican seats will be up for election, while only 12 seats currently held by Democrats are up for election. In the House, it is clear that many seats held by Republicans are trending Democratic, and DAPAC continues to target these seats and seek true progressive Democrats to take back our districts.
Former Congressman Henry Hyde died on Thursday. He ran the impeachment of Bill Clinton and he was my nemesis when I ran for Congress against him during the impeachment. -- Tom Cramer, President of DAPAC
Republicans, Struggling to Raise Money, Recruit Rich Candidates
In an historic change, Democrats are out-raising Republicans in Congressional campaigns, and Republicans are now changing their election strategies. In the most recent fundraising data from this cycle, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) had raised $56.6 million, while the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee (RCCC) had only raised $40.7 million. The most-telling data lies in the amounts of cash both organizations have on hand: the DCCC reported $29.2 million, while the RCCC had $2.5 million at its disposal.
Republicans are now actively recruiting independently wealthy candidates to make up for the fundraising weaknesses, and in a New York Times article, Republicans described this tactic as central to their plan for the 2008 election. These wealthy candidates include James Oberweis (R), an Illinois dairy magnate who is running in IL 14th, the same district as DAPAC-endorsed candidate John Laesch.
Although rich Republican candidates would seem to have an advantage, the results of the 2006 election show that this is not necessarily so. Of the ten candidates who spent the most amount of money from personal funds in their 2006 campaigns, only two actually won their races.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Weekly Update (11/16/07)
Democrats Continue to Push for End to Iraq War
On Wednesday, the House approved a bill which allocates $50 billion for short-term funding of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which includes deadlines and goals for troop withdrawal. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, leader of the House Out of Iraq Caucus, commented that, “While this bill is not perfect, it is the strongest Iraq bill to date.” The bill passed with a vote of 218-203, with all eight of DAPAC's endorsed members of Congress voting in favor.
The $50 billion allocated by this bill would fund the wars for approximately four months, and without it, the Pentagon would have to start dipping into its general budget. The bill requires that troop withdrawals begin 30 days after its enactment, and sets a goal for most combat troops being withdrawn by December 15, 2008. In addition, the bill requires that all detainees in US custody be interrogated under the standards laid out in the Army Field Manual, which is a significant measure aimed at preventing torture.
This bill will face a tougher fight in the Senate, where it will probably not receive the support needed to prevent a filibusterer. Regardless, Bush would most likely veto the bill if it arrives at his desk. In spite of this, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “Democrats are committed to bringing the American people what they deserve and demand: An end to President Bush's 10-year, trillion-dollar war.”
The struggle over this bill, and the many that have preceded it, illustrates why we need to elect a greater number of progressive Democrats to the House. Many of the Democrats currently serving want to set deadlines to end the Iraq war, but we have seen time and again that the votes to do so are not there. It seems likely that a Democrat will be elected president in 2008, and it is just as important that our Democratic candidates for Congress are elected, to ensure that the legislation reaching the president is progressive. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates commit, in writing, to support legislation to end the war in Iraq when elected to Congress.
New Polls from Iowa and New Hampshire Show Presidential Races Still Undecided
This week, the New York Times and CBS News released polling data from Iowa and New Hampshire, taken among potential caucus-goers and primary-voters, showing the current standing of the presidential contenders. When the respondents who will be participating in the Democratic caucus or primary were asked which candidate they would vote for today, the results were:
Iowa
Clinton 25 %
Edwards 23
Obama 22
Richardson 12
Biden 4
Dodd 1
Kucinich 1
Undecided 11
New Hampshire
Clinton 37
Obama 22
Edwards 9
Richardson 6
Kucinich 5
Biden 2
Dodd 1
Undecided 13
In both Iowa and New Hampshire, only 48% indicated that they had made up their minds about their choice; in contrast, 51% in Iowa and 52% in New Hampshire said that it is still too early to be sure.
On the Republican side, the results were:
Iowa
Romney 27
Huckabee 21
Giuliani 15
Thompson 9
McCain 4
Paul 4
Tancredo 3
Hunter 2
Undecided 10
New Hampshire
Romney 34
McCain 16
Giuliani 16
Paul 8
Huckabee 6
Thompson 5
Undecided 11
Republican voters were less decided than the Democrats, with 57% in Iowa and 66% in New Hampshire answering that it is still too early to decide on their choice.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Weekly Update (11/9/07)
House Overrides Bush for First Time on Water Projects Bill
This week, after the president vetoed an important water projects bill, the House of Representatives overrode Bush for the first time in his presidency. The vote to override passed easily, with 361 members voting in favor, and 54 against. The bill then went to the Senate, which also overrode Bush, with a vote of 79 to 14. Democrats hope that this effort serves as a turning point, and that Bush and the Republicans who continue to support him realize that they do not hold a monopoly on decision-making.
The bill allocates $23 billion to various water projects, and would bring funding to almost every congressional district in the country, including projects like dams and sewage-treatment plants. The bill also funds restoration of the Florida Everglades, and includes $3 billion for post-Katrina flood control projects, which Bush has been heavily criticized for vetoing.
State Elections Show Democratic Growth
Elections were held on Tuesday in many states, and Democrats gained control in a few notable races. In Kentucky, Democrat Steve Beshear defeated the Republican incumbent governor, bringing the total governorships held by Democrats to 28, and reducing the Republican number to 22. In addition, Democrats in Virginia gained control of the state senate for the first time in 12 years by picking up four seats. These victories signal the increasing support for Democratic candidates throughout the country, and show the great promise for Democrats in 2008.
Poll Shows Importance of Iraq and Economic Issues for 2008 Election
A poll conducted by ABC News and The Washington Post, released this week, asked respondents what issues are most important to them when considering their 2008 vote for president. As expected, Iraq was the most-named issue, with 45% of respondents citing the war. The economy was a strong second, with 30% of respondents naming it as one of their top two issues. In addition, nearly two-thirds rated the current economy negatively in the poll.
Clearly, Americans are tired of the Bush administration's failed economic policies, and are ready for change on the economic front, as well as on the Iraq war. This news bodes well for all Democratic candidates. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates commit in writing to responsible economic policies, including cutting Bush's tax cuts, increasing the minimum wage, and ending predatory lending practices, and also commit to taking immediate steps to end the Iraq war.
This week, after the president vetoed an important water projects bill, the House of Representatives overrode Bush for the first time in his presidency. The vote to override passed easily, with 361 members voting in favor, and 54 against. The bill then went to the Senate, which also overrode Bush, with a vote of 79 to 14. Democrats hope that this effort serves as a turning point, and that Bush and the Republicans who continue to support him realize that they do not hold a monopoly on decision-making.
The bill allocates $23 billion to various water projects, and would bring funding to almost every congressional district in the country, including projects like dams and sewage-treatment plants. The bill also funds restoration of the Florida Everglades, and includes $3 billion for post-Katrina flood control projects, which Bush has been heavily criticized for vetoing.
State Elections Show Democratic Growth
Elections were held on Tuesday in many states, and Democrats gained control in a few notable races. In Kentucky, Democrat Steve Beshear defeated the Republican incumbent governor, bringing the total governorships held by Democrats to 28, and reducing the Republican number to 22. In addition, Democrats in Virginia gained control of the state senate for the first time in 12 years by picking up four seats. These victories signal the increasing support for Democratic candidates throughout the country, and show the great promise for Democrats in 2008.
Poll Shows Importance of Iraq and Economic Issues for 2008 Election
A poll conducted by ABC News and The Washington Post, released this week, asked respondents what issues are most important to them when considering their 2008 vote for president. As expected, Iraq was the most-named issue, with 45% of respondents citing the war. The economy was a strong second, with 30% of respondents naming it as one of their top two issues. In addition, nearly two-thirds rated the current economy negatively in the poll.
Clearly, Americans are tired of the Bush administration's failed economic policies, and are ready for change on the economic front, as well as on the Iraq war. This news bodes well for all Democratic candidates. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates commit in writing to responsible economic policies, including cutting Bush's tax cuts, increasing the minimum wage, and ending predatory lending practices, and also commit to taking immediate steps to end the Iraq war.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Abner Mikva Endorses DAPAC
Abner Mikva is just one of many prominent Democratic leaders who has endorsed DAPAC. His name should be familiar, as he has recently been named as the mentor to Presidential candidate Barack Obama.
Abner Mikva graduated from the Univeristy of Chicago Law School and went on to become a US Congressman in Illinois' 2nd Congressional district from 1969 to 1973, and Illinois' 10th from 1975-1979. Following that he was appointed to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where he served as chief judge until his retirement in 1994 to become the White House Counsel to Bill Clinton until 1995. He has also taught law at Northwestern University and at the University of Chicago.
Mikva has consistently been an advocate for progressive politics and his endorsement means a lot to us at DAPAC. Being backed by such a respected member of the progressive Democratic community means that DAPAC only endorses candidates who meet our strict requirements for progressive causes. These issues include, being 100% pro-choice, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, opposing the Iraq War, supporting stronger gay and lesbian rights, and many others.
Abner Mikva graduated from the Univeristy of Chicago Law School and went on to become a US Congressman in Illinois' 2nd Congressional district from 1969 to 1973, and Illinois' 10th from 1975-1979. Following that he was appointed to the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, where he served as chief judge until his retirement in 1994 to become the White House Counsel to Bill Clinton until 1995. He has also taught law at Northwestern University and at the University of Chicago.
Mikva has consistently been an advocate for progressive politics and his endorsement means a lot to us at DAPAC. Being backed by such a respected member of the progressive Democratic community means that DAPAC only endorses candidates who meet our strict requirements for progressive causes. These issues include, being 100% pro-choice, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, opposing the Iraq War, supporting stronger gay and lesbian rights, and many others.
Weekly Update (11/2/07)
DAPAC Announces Endorsement of Jay Footlik
We are pleased to announce our endorsement of Jay Footlik, who is running for Congress in Illinois's 10th district. Like all of DAPAC's candidates, Jay has pledged to vote progressively when elected to Congress on issues including choice, same-sex marriage, the environment, healthcare, and more. Footlik will be facing competition in the Democratic primary from a more conservative opponent, and also faces Republican incumbent Mark Kirk, who has portrayed himself as moderate, while actually acting as a rubber stamp for the Bush administration's policies.
Jay Footlik grew up in Skokie, Illinois, and learned about economic hardships first-hand as his mother worked to support the family. This background shaped his belief that political leaders have a responsibility to help citizens with quality schools, access to healthcare, and availability of jobs.
Footlik went on to earn a BA from UCLA, and a law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. His political career took off when he was working on Bill Clinton's 1992 bid for the presidency. When Clinton was elected, Jay was brought to the White House as Special Assistant to the President, working as the principal liaison to the American Jewish community. He has been involved in other political campaigns as well, including the Kerry/Edwards presidential campaign, where he worked as Senior Advisor on the Middle East and Jewish Affairs. In this position, Footlik shaped the political policies that led to the campaign's overwhelming support from the American Jewish community.
Currently, Jay works at the firm, DiNovo Strategies, Inc., which he co-founded. At the firm, Jay has worked on a variety of projects, both in Israel and at home, aimed at forging peace in the Middle East. In addition, Jay currently serves on the board of trustees for the American Council of Young Political Leaders, and on the board of directors for both American Friends of the Rabin Center and SAFE (Securing America's Future Energy), which aims to reduce America's oil dependency.
You can learn more about Jay Footlik by clicking here to visit his website. We will also post information on our website in the endorsed candidates section, which features all of DAPAC's endorsed, progressive candidates.
US Diplomats Challenge State Department on Iraq
The Bush administration's Iraq strategies continue to be criticized, and this week many US diplomats added their disapproval. These diplomats were uncharacteristically public with their blunt criticisms, after the State Department sent word that “directed assignments” to Iraq may begin next summer. This type of assignment has not been used since the late 1960s, when diplomats were sent involuntarily to Vietnam. The State Department stated that if enough diplomats do not volunteer to go to Iraq, assignments will be put in place for approximately fifty openings expected next summer. If diplomats refuse to be stationed in Iraq, they could risk losing their jobs.
The embassy in Iraq is the largest in US history. Although it is located in Baghdad's Green Zone, the embassy has been frequently under fire. Diplomats have also complained that they are unable to travel without heavy security. In addition, many diplomats feel that the training they receive – often just two weeks – prior to deployment to Iraq is inadequate; comparatively, diplomats going to Vietnam during the Vietnam War were given four to six months of special training. Together, these factors have made diplomacy in Iraq near impossible. One foreign service veteran said that service in Iraq is “a potential death sentence.”
According to a recent poll released by the Associated Press, only 12% of foreign service officers believe that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is fighting for them. In addition to the thousands of men and women serving in the military in Iraq, these government employees are needlessly put in harms way in Iraq. It is time for an end to Bush's failed Iraq strategy. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates will vote to put an end to the war in Iraq when elected to Congress.
We are pleased to announce our endorsement of Jay Footlik, who is running for Congress in Illinois's 10th district. Like all of DAPAC's candidates, Jay has pledged to vote progressively when elected to Congress on issues including choice, same-sex marriage, the environment, healthcare, and more. Footlik will be facing competition in the Democratic primary from a more conservative opponent, and also faces Republican incumbent Mark Kirk, who has portrayed himself as moderate, while actually acting as a rubber stamp for the Bush administration's policies.
Jay Footlik grew up in Skokie, Illinois, and learned about economic hardships first-hand as his mother worked to support the family. This background shaped his belief that political leaders have a responsibility to help citizens with quality schools, access to healthcare, and availability of jobs.
Footlik went on to earn a BA from UCLA, and a law degree from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. His political career took off when he was working on Bill Clinton's 1992 bid for the presidency. When Clinton was elected, Jay was brought to the White House as Special Assistant to the President, working as the principal liaison to the American Jewish community. He has been involved in other political campaigns as well, including the Kerry/Edwards presidential campaign, where he worked as Senior Advisor on the Middle East and Jewish Affairs. In this position, Footlik shaped the political policies that led to the campaign's overwhelming support from the American Jewish community.
Currently, Jay works at the firm, DiNovo Strategies, Inc., which he co-founded. At the firm, Jay has worked on a variety of projects, both in Israel and at home, aimed at forging peace in the Middle East. In addition, Jay currently serves on the board of trustees for the American Council of Young Political Leaders, and on the board of directors for both American Friends of the Rabin Center and SAFE (Securing America's Future Energy), which aims to reduce America's oil dependency.
You can learn more about Jay Footlik by clicking here to visit his website. We will also post information on our website in the endorsed candidates section, which features all of DAPAC's endorsed, progressive candidates.
US Diplomats Challenge State Department on Iraq
The Bush administration's Iraq strategies continue to be criticized, and this week many US diplomats added their disapproval. These diplomats were uncharacteristically public with their blunt criticisms, after the State Department sent word that “directed assignments” to Iraq may begin next summer. This type of assignment has not been used since the late 1960s, when diplomats were sent involuntarily to Vietnam. The State Department stated that if enough diplomats do not volunteer to go to Iraq, assignments will be put in place for approximately fifty openings expected next summer. If diplomats refuse to be stationed in Iraq, they could risk losing their jobs.
The embassy in Iraq is the largest in US history. Although it is located in Baghdad's Green Zone, the embassy has been frequently under fire. Diplomats have also complained that they are unable to travel without heavy security. In addition, many diplomats feel that the training they receive – often just two weeks – prior to deployment to Iraq is inadequate; comparatively, diplomats going to Vietnam during the Vietnam War were given four to six months of special training. Together, these factors have made diplomacy in Iraq near impossible. One foreign service veteran said that service in Iraq is “a potential death sentence.”
According to a recent poll released by the Associated Press, only 12% of foreign service officers believe that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is fighting for them. In addition to the thousands of men and women serving in the military in Iraq, these government employees are needlessly put in harms way in Iraq. It is time for an end to Bush's failed Iraq strategy. All of DAPAC's endorsed candidates will vote to put an end to the war in Iraq when elected to Congress.
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