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.