Andrea will be the first African-American female elected to Federal office in Virginia's history and she is running in a district with a large African-American population. Andrea is fighting a vigorous campaign against the Republican incumbent. She supports DAPAC's progressive values such as universal health care, a woman's right to choose, and ending the Iraq war and the Patriot Act. Andrea also supports strong environmental protections and is opposed to drilling in ANWR, off the east coast and supports limiting emissions. She believes the funds saved from ending the Iraq War would go far in funding health care and education.
Andrea will receive a tremendous increase in Democratic turnout due to several factors. First, the Obama Campaign is expanding their phenomenal effort to register new voters; their goal is 150,000 new voters between the June primary and the general election. As an example, The Virginia State Board of Elections reported that over 36,500 new voters registered in July. Also young voters are now registering over 50% higher than in the 2004 presidential election. The Obama Campaign will continue this effort with a push to get their identified voters to the polls on election day. Second, Andrea will receive a significant increase in Democratic turnout due to the fact that there is a large African American population in the district who will be highly motivated to vote for both her and Obama. She is working hard to increase the African American turnout in her district with early projections indicating that this turnout will be double 2004's turnout.
Andrea grew up in Chicago and attended Northwestern University where she majored in early childhood education. She has taught at the elementary school and college level and understands the needs educators face every day. Andrea also worked for the United Farmworkers as a community activist and organizer, as the Regional Coordinator for MoveOn.org and as the Virginia Coordinator for the Kucinich presidential campaign. She has lengthy business experience in the private sector and currently works as a consultant to government agencies on computer and homeland security.
The current incumbent for the district, Randy Forbes, has been a staunch leader of the Republican religious-right and has led efforts to foster school prayer through legislation. He founded and chairs the Congressional Prayer Caucus and opposes laws that ban prayers that are led by school officials. In addition, he is a member of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus.
Forbes also received campaign funding from Tom DeLay's ARMPAC and other questionable funding sources. ARMPAC received a fine of $115,000 from the Federal Election Committee and was forced to go out of business.
This is a very tough district. However, Virginia has been badly hit by the Republican's economic policies and the state is currently facing a deepening recession. Polls indicate that Virginia voters will be punishing Republicans on election day for their devastating economic policies and their negative effects on middle-class families.
Andrea is the first serious Democrat running against Forbes in this district and she desperately needs your support to run an aggressive campaign to have these voters identify her as their representative who will lead them out of this economic quagmire. DAPAC has just jumped into the race and we are going to aggressively find funds for Andrea to run a successful race for this seat. We will be doing a fundraising training with her and a grassroots get out the vote organizing effort.
As progressives, we have the opportunity to make an historic impact on this election and allow a progressive Democratic legislature the power to change our country's direction in the next year. Please consider supporting our efforts by making a contribution to DAPAC at www.dapac.org and Andrea's campaign at http://andreamiller.us. Thank you for your continued help.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
DAPAC Update (5/23/08)
DAPAC Endorses Dennis Shulman (NJ 05)
DAPAC is proud to announce its ninth endorsement for the 2008 Congressional election: Dennis Shulman. He joins Steve Harrison, Martin Heinrich, Dan Seals, Jared Polis, Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin as DAPAC's endorsed candidates running for the US House of Representatives in 2008. This fall he will be running against Scott Garrett in the hotly contested fifth district of New Jersey.
New Jersey's fifth district is currently held by staunch Republican Scott Garrett, a Republican who has voted to drill in ANWR, extend the Patriot Act, bar same sex marriage, ban stem cell research, oppose all abortion legislation (including cases of rape and incest), and oppose troop withdrawal from Iraq. The American Conservative Union gave Garrett a score of 100 percent in 2004, 2005 and 2006. It is obvious that we need a strong Democratic candidate like Dennis Shulman to bring progressive leadership to this district.
Shulman is a truly progressive candidate, supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, such as being 100% pro-choice, supporting same-sex marriage, taking immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supporting publicly funded, single payer, universal healthcare, strong environmental protection, and many others. He has pledged to vote for these crucial issues once in Congress. DAPAC is proud to add him as a newly endorsed candidate.
Renowned author, educator, and clinical psychologist, Dr. Dennis G. Shulman has dedicated his life to serving all segments of the community. Dr. Shulman has lived in New Jersey’s fifth Congressional district for more than 25 years. Shulman grew up in a working class family and lost his sight at a young age. During high school, Dennis worked in a toy factory to help his family pay the bills. Later, he graduated from Brandeis in the class of 1972 Magna cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. That same year Dennis’ volunteer activities on behalf of the developmentally disabled earned him a Special White House Commendation for Outstanding Humanitarian Service and The David Aranow Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Welfare.
Dennis then went to Harvard University to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Public Practice. Just two years into the program Dennis won a Training Fellowship from the National Institute for Mental Health. He also began what has become an extended series of teaching positions, professional publications, postdoctoral studies, and speaking engagements.
Graduating from Harvard, Dennis began his career as a clinical psychologist and as an educator, including more than a decade at Fordham. In 1997, Dennis founded the National Training Program in Contemporary Psychoanalysis at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies, which he continues to serve.
In 2003, Dennis was ordained as a Rabbi. That same year he published his book, The Genius of Genesis: A Psychoanalyst and Rabbi Examines the First Book of the Bible. Recently, CQ Politics changed the rating in the race due to Shulman’s signs of viability to reflect a much more competitive race than what was initially thought.
DAPAC is helping our endorsed candidates raise millions of extra dollars to run more effective campaigns this cycle; on average, for every dollar we receive we raise 12 dollars for our candidates. You can donate directly to DAPAC at www.dapac.org and you can also support Dennis Shulman in his campaign by sending a donation made payable to “Shulman for Congress” to us at DAPAC where we can forward it along to him.
You can find more information about our endorsed candidates for the 2008 cycle, targeted districts, links to candidates' web pages, the latest news, and more on DAPAC's website: www.dapac.org. Please take the time to visit, where you can find additional information about Dennis Shulman, as well as our other endorsed candidates Steve Harrison, Martin Heinrich, Dan Seals, Jared Polis, Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin.
DAPAC is proud to announce its ninth endorsement for the 2008 Congressional election: Dennis Shulman. He joins Steve Harrison, Martin Heinrich, Dan Seals, Jared Polis, Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin as DAPAC's endorsed candidates running for the US House of Representatives in 2008. This fall he will be running against Scott Garrett in the hotly contested fifth district of New Jersey.
New Jersey's fifth district is currently held by staunch Republican Scott Garrett, a Republican who has voted to drill in ANWR, extend the Patriot Act, bar same sex marriage, ban stem cell research, oppose all abortion legislation (including cases of rape and incest), and oppose troop withdrawal from Iraq. The American Conservative Union gave Garrett a score of 100 percent in 2004, 2005 and 2006. It is obvious that we need a strong Democratic candidate like Dennis Shulman to bring progressive leadership to this district.
Shulman is a truly progressive candidate, supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, such as being 100% pro-choice, supporting same-sex marriage, taking immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supporting publicly funded, single payer, universal healthcare, strong environmental protection, and many others. He has pledged to vote for these crucial issues once in Congress. DAPAC is proud to add him as a newly endorsed candidate.
Renowned author, educator, and clinical psychologist, Dr. Dennis G. Shulman has dedicated his life to serving all segments of the community. Dr. Shulman has lived in New Jersey’s fifth Congressional district for more than 25 years. Shulman grew up in a working class family and lost his sight at a young age. During high school, Dennis worked in a toy factory to help his family pay the bills. Later, he graduated from Brandeis in the class of 1972 Magna cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. That same year Dennis’ volunteer activities on behalf of the developmentally disabled earned him a Special White House Commendation for Outstanding Humanitarian Service and The David Aranow Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Welfare.
Dennis then went to Harvard University to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and Public Practice. Just two years into the program Dennis won a Training Fellowship from the National Institute for Mental Health. He also began what has become an extended series of teaching positions, professional publications, postdoctoral studies, and speaking engagements.
Graduating from Harvard, Dennis began his career as a clinical psychologist and as an educator, including more than a decade at Fordham. In 1997, Dennis founded the National Training Program in Contemporary Psychoanalysis at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies, which he continues to serve.
In 2003, Dennis was ordained as a Rabbi. That same year he published his book, The Genius of Genesis: A Psychoanalyst and Rabbi Examines the First Book of the Bible. Recently, CQ Politics changed the rating in the race due to Shulman’s signs of viability to reflect a much more competitive race than what was initially thought.
DAPAC is helping our endorsed candidates raise millions of extra dollars to run more effective campaigns this cycle; on average, for every dollar we receive we raise 12 dollars for our candidates. You can donate directly to DAPAC at www.dapac.org and you can also support Dennis Shulman in his campaign by sending a donation made payable to “Shulman for Congress” to us at DAPAC where we can forward it along to him.
You can find more information about our endorsed candidates for the 2008 cycle, targeted districts, links to candidates' web pages, the latest news, and more on DAPAC's website: www.dapac.org. Please take the time to visit, where you can find additional information about Dennis Shulman, as well as our other endorsed candidates Steve Harrison, Martin Heinrich, Dan Seals, Jared Polis, Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Weekly Update (4/18/08)
DAPAC Endorses Steve Harrison (NY 13)
DAPAC is proud to announce its seventh endorsement for the 2008 Congressional election: Steve Harrison. He joins Dan Seals, Jared Polis, Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin as DAPAC's endorsed candidates running for the US House of Representatives in 2008. This fall he will be running against Vito Fossella in New York's 13th Congressional district in a rematch from the 2006 Congressional cycle.
In addition, He will be facing tough opposition in his Democratic primary from a more conservative candidate. It is crucial that Harrison wins his primary, so he will be the Democratic challenger in the general election. This cycle, a Democrat should take Fossella's place and bring progressive leadership to the district.
Harrison is a truly progressive candidate (he has already been endorsed by legendary feminist activist Gloria Steinem and The Progressive Democrats of America), supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, while his Democratic opponent for the primary is not. Steve is 100% pro-choice, supports same-sex marriage, wants to take immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supports publicly funded, single payer, universal healthcare, strong environmental protection, and many others. He has pledged to vote for these crucial issues once in Congress. DAPAC is proud to add him as a newly endorsed candidate.
In 2006, when Steve Harrison ran for Congress it was because he was frustrated by incumbent Vito Fossella's blind support for George Bush, and his lack of respect for our Constitution. Dan shocked the pundits by amassing 43.2% of the vote - a Democratic record - despite being outspent 13 to 1. In the process, he bankrupted Fossella's $1.5M war chest.
Steve grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and has maintained a life-long commitment to community preservation by forging an emotional connection to his home. Now, as a son, a husband a father, a brother, a lawyer and a small business owner, he understands the challenges faced by people throughout his district. Steve and his wife of 34 years - and both of their children – continue to live in Bay Ridge.
For decades, Steve has been active in local governmental, educational, political and civic organizations. As Chair of Community Board 10, he spearheaded many initiatives including the largest rezoning in Brooklyn's history.
With the 2% boost that traditionally is associated with the Democrat's new "Line-A" ballot position, Steve heads into the 2008 election needing to close a gap of less than five points.
Please help support Steve Harrison in his campaign by sending a donation made payable to “Friends of Stephen Harrison,” to us at DAPAC where we can forward it along to him.
You can find more information about our endorsed candidates for the 2008 cycle, targeted districts, links to candidates' web pages, the latest news, and more on DAPAC's website: www.dapac.org. Please take the time to visit, where you can find additional information about Steve Harrison, as well as our other endorsed candidates: Dan Seals, Jared Polis, Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin.
DAPAC is proud to announce its seventh endorsement for the 2008 Congressional election: Steve Harrison. He joins Dan Seals, Jared Polis, Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin as DAPAC's endorsed candidates running for the US House of Representatives in 2008. This fall he will be running against Vito Fossella in New York's 13th Congressional district in a rematch from the 2006 Congressional cycle.
In addition, He will be facing tough opposition in his Democratic primary from a more conservative candidate. It is crucial that Harrison wins his primary, so he will be the Democratic challenger in the general election. This cycle, a Democrat should take Fossella's place and bring progressive leadership to the district.
Harrison is a truly progressive candidate (he has already been endorsed by legendary feminist activist Gloria Steinem and The Progressive Democrats of America), supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, while his Democratic opponent for the primary is not. Steve is 100% pro-choice, supports same-sex marriage, wants to take immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supports publicly funded, single payer, universal healthcare, strong environmental protection, and many others. He has pledged to vote for these crucial issues once in Congress. DAPAC is proud to add him as a newly endorsed candidate.
In 2006, when Steve Harrison ran for Congress it was because he was frustrated by incumbent Vito Fossella's blind support for George Bush, and his lack of respect for our Constitution. Dan shocked the pundits by amassing 43.2% of the vote - a Democratic record - despite being outspent 13 to 1. In the process, he bankrupted Fossella's $1.5M war chest.
Steve grew up in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and has maintained a life-long commitment to community preservation by forging an emotional connection to his home. Now, as a son, a husband a father, a brother, a lawyer and a small business owner, he understands the challenges faced by people throughout his district. Steve and his wife of 34 years - and both of their children – continue to live in Bay Ridge.
For decades, Steve has been active in local governmental, educational, political and civic organizations. As Chair of Community Board 10, he spearheaded many initiatives including the largest rezoning in Brooklyn's history.
With the 2% boost that traditionally is associated with the Democrat's new "Line-A" ballot position, Steve heads into the 2008 election needing to close a gap of less than five points.
Please help support Steve Harrison in his campaign by sending a donation made payable to “Friends of Stephen Harrison,” to us at DAPAC where we can forward it along to him.
You can find more information about our endorsed candidates for the 2008 cycle, targeted districts, links to candidates' web pages, the latest news, and more on DAPAC's website: www.dapac.org. Please take the time to visit, where you can find additional information about Steve Harrison, as well as our other endorsed candidates: Dan Seals, Jared Polis, Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Weekly Update – April 11th, 2008
Please send us and our candidates your Bush tax rebate to help our political cause to elect progressive Democrats to Congress.
DAPAC's Endorsed Candidates
We would like to take this time to highlight some key developments with our six endorsed candidates. What follows is a brief summary of important information about each of our endorsed candidates. Please take this time to donate directly to us so we can continue to support such strong, progressive candidates in the future. Also, please contribute directly to their campaigns so we can take back more Republican-controlled seats in the US House of Representatives. Visit our website at www.dapac.org where you can find a quick and easy way to contribute directly to us, remember we are receiving a 12 to 1 match for our candidates, and links to the candidates webpages, so you can contribute to them as well. Through DAPAC's efforts we project to help our endorsed candidates to raise an extra $600,000 over what they would ordinarily raise.
Sam Bennett (PA 15)
There are only 7 Congressional districts in the nation that were won by both Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004 that are currently represented in the U.S. House by a Republican; this is one of them. Sam also has vast campaign experience gained while helping run successful state campaigns for other Democratic candidates, as well as conducting the most effective GOTV effort in her county's history. Currently the chair of the Allentown Democratic party and vice-chair of the Lehigh County party, she will fight for change on progressive issues including women's rights, health care, education, and the war in Iraq, unlike her Bush-supporting opponent. The primary is approaching on April 22nd, and with your support she should have a good shot at taking the seat in November.
Jim Himes (CT 04)
An article in the political publication Roll Call just named this district the main Connecticut battleground. “During the 2006 midterm elections, Connecticut was one of the most fiercely contested states in the battle for the House, with three of its five seats in the Democratic cross hairs. But now - 16 months after Democrats Joe Courtney (DAPAC-endorsed) and Christopher Murphy ousted then-GOP Reps. Rob Simmons and Nancy Johnson and GOP Rep. Christopher Shays held off a stiff challenge for the second consecutive cycle - the Nutmeg State has lost much of its luster as a campaign hot spot for 2008. The biggest target remains Shays, who faces a new challenger, Jim Himes - an investment banker, leader of an affordable-housing nonprofit and Greenwich Democratic Town Committee chairman. Himes has racked up an impressive fundraising record, even outraising Shays for one quarter last year.
Democrats privately say that having a new candidate helps them in 2008, and Himes' fundraising totals have been impressive. While the incumbent raised $1,168,000 through December, Himes was not far behind at $951,000 and ended 2007 with slightly more money in the bank than the incumbent.
Democrats here say that Himes is focusing intensively on assembling the kind of get-out-the-vote efforts that could have put Farrell over the top. They also say that Shays' continued support for the Iraq War keeps him out of sync with the district.
Democrats say that in this generally Democratic state, the fact that it's a presidential year should produce conditions similar to the 2006 midterm wave. The district includes wealthy areas that have been trending Democratic as well as more urban areas with a strong Democratic lean.”
Mary Jo Kilroy (OH 15)
Mary Jo ran for Congress in 2006 and narrowly lost by 1,055 votes, or about half a percentage point. This cycle the Republican incumbent, Deborah Pryce, has announced her retirement, and having a wide open seat should help push Mary Jo to victory. Like all of our endorsed candidates, she is 100% pro-choice. She has also been endorsed by NARAL Pro-Choice America and the AFL-CIO of Ohio. She will work for fiscal responsibility and renewable energy if elected. She has already won her primary, so now it is time to help her prepare for her real challenge in November.
Jared Polis (CO 02)
Jared has been fighting for public education for many years. He served on the CO State Board of Education, co-chaired a successful $300 million bond initiative for schools, co-founded an agency that provides homeless youth the opportunity to earn high school diplomas, co-chaired a commission on high school improvement, and chaired a national association of study boards on education. He also served as a member for the Colorado and Boulder Democratic Party Executive Committees from 2000-2007. He is running in Mark Udall's old seat which Udall is vacating to run for the Senate. The primary is in August and Jared needs as much support as he can get to help him win this competitive race.
Dan Seals (IL 10)
Dan won his primary by a wide margin, and The Democratic Campaign Congressional Committee recently named Congressional Candidate Dan Seals (IL-10) to its "Red to Blue" program. Seals earned a spot in the exclusive program by demonstrating his early strength and inspiring people from across the district with his commitment to bringing change to Washington.
The Red to Blue program is designed to provide financial and structural aid to the strongest Democratic candidates across the country. In 2004, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $7.5 million for 27 campaigns across the country with an average of more than $250,000 per campaign. In 2006, the program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns across the country with an average of more than $404,000 per campaign.
Additionally, Congressional Quarterly recently released its analysis of the best-funded House challengers in the country and Dan Seals ranks sixth in the nation among both Republicans and Democrats and third among all Democratic challengers.
Victoria Wulsin, MD (OH 02)
Dr. Vic ran against controversial Republican Jean Schmidt in 2006 and lost by less than 1%, or just 2,517 votes. She is running again on her strong progressive platform. A long time advocate for public health with much experience in both the public and private health sectors, Wulsin would make significant progressive changes to health care policy once elected. She won her competitive primary on March 4th by taking 58% of the vote vs. 38% for the second place finisher. With your help this momentum will continue through November.
DAPAC's Endorsed Candidates
We would like to take this time to highlight some key developments with our six endorsed candidates. What follows is a brief summary of important information about each of our endorsed candidates. Please take this time to donate directly to us so we can continue to support such strong, progressive candidates in the future. Also, please contribute directly to their campaigns so we can take back more Republican-controlled seats in the US House of Representatives. Visit our website at www.dapac.org where you can find a quick and easy way to contribute directly to us, remember we are receiving a 12 to 1 match for our candidates, and links to the candidates webpages, so you can contribute to them as well. Through DAPAC's efforts we project to help our endorsed candidates to raise an extra $600,000 over what they would ordinarily raise.
Sam Bennett (PA 15)
There are only 7 Congressional districts in the nation that were won by both Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004 that are currently represented in the U.S. House by a Republican; this is one of them. Sam also has vast campaign experience gained while helping run successful state campaigns for other Democratic candidates, as well as conducting the most effective GOTV effort in her county's history. Currently the chair of the Allentown Democratic party and vice-chair of the Lehigh County party, she will fight for change on progressive issues including women's rights, health care, education, and the war in Iraq, unlike her Bush-supporting opponent. The primary is approaching on April 22nd, and with your support she should have a good shot at taking the seat in November.
Jim Himes (CT 04)
An article in the political publication Roll Call just named this district the main Connecticut battleground. “During the 2006 midterm elections, Connecticut was one of the most fiercely contested states in the battle for the House, with three of its five seats in the Democratic cross hairs. But now - 16 months after Democrats Joe Courtney (DAPAC-endorsed) and Christopher Murphy ousted then-GOP Reps. Rob Simmons and Nancy Johnson and GOP Rep. Christopher Shays held off a stiff challenge for the second consecutive cycle - the Nutmeg State has lost much of its luster as a campaign hot spot for 2008. The biggest target remains Shays, who faces a new challenger, Jim Himes - an investment banker, leader of an affordable-housing nonprofit and Greenwich Democratic Town Committee chairman. Himes has racked up an impressive fundraising record, even outraising Shays for one quarter last year.
Democrats privately say that having a new candidate helps them in 2008, and Himes' fundraising totals have been impressive. While the incumbent raised $1,168,000 through December, Himes was not far behind at $951,000 and ended 2007 with slightly more money in the bank than the incumbent.
Democrats here say that Himes is focusing intensively on assembling the kind of get-out-the-vote efforts that could have put Farrell over the top. They also say that Shays' continued support for the Iraq War keeps him out of sync with the district.
Democrats say that in this generally Democratic state, the fact that it's a presidential year should produce conditions similar to the 2006 midterm wave. The district includes wealthy areas that have been trending Democratic as well as more urban areas with a strong Democratic lean.”
Mary Jo Kilroy (OH 15)
Mary Jo ran for Congress in 2006 and narrowly lost by 1,055 votes, or about half a percentage point. This cycle the Republican incumbent, Deborah Pryce, has announced her retirement, and having a wide open seat should help push Mary Jo to victory. Like all of our endorsed candidates, she is 100% pro-choice. She has also been endorsed by NARAL Pro-Choice America and the AFL-CIO of Ohio. She will work for fiscal responsibility and renewable energy if elected. She has already won her primary, so now it is time to help her prepare for her real challenge in November.
Jared Polis (CO 02)
Jared has been fighting for public education for many years. He served on the CO State Board of Education, co-chaired a successful $300 million bond initiative for schools, co-founded an agency that provides homeless youth the opportunity to earn high school diplomas, co-chaired a commission on high school improvement, and chaired a national association of study boards on education. He also served as a member for the Colorado and Boulder Democratic Party Executive Committees from 2000-2007. He is running in Mark Udall's old seat which Udall is vacating to run for the Senate. The primary is in August and Jared needs as much support as he can get to help him win this competitive race.
Dan Seals (IL 10)
Dan won his primary by a wide margin, and The Democratic Campaign Congressional Committee recently named Congressional Candidate Dan Seals (IL-10) to its "Red to Blue" program. Seals earned a spot in the exclusive program by demonstrating his early strength and inspiring people from across the district with his commitment to bringing change to Washington.
The Red to Blue program is designed to provide financial and structural aid to the strongest Democratic candidates across the country. In 2004, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $7.5 million for 27 campaigns across the country with an average of more than $250,000 per campaign. In 2006, the program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns across the country with an average of more than $404,000 per campaign.
Additionally, Congressional Quarterly recently released its analysis of the best-funded House challengers in the country and Dan Seals ranks sixth in the nation among both Republicans and Democrats and third among all Democratic challengers.
Victoria Wulsin, MD (OH 02)
Dr. Vic ran against controversial Republican Jean Schmidt in 2006 and lost by less than 1%, or just 2,517 votes. She is running again on her strong progressive platform. A long time advocate for public health with much experience in both the public and private health sectors, Wulsin would make significant progressive changes to health care policy once elected. She won her competitive primary on March 4th by taking 58% of the vote vs. 38% for the second place finisher. With your help this momentum will continue through November.
Friday, March 28, 2008
How DAPAC Targets Money to Our Endorsed Candidates
In addition to traditional Get-Out-the-Vote drives, canvasing of districts, setting up phone banks, and general advertising DAPAC does far more than any other political action committee in getting money directly to candidates. In the 2006 election cycle we helped our candidates raise five times the amount we received in direct donations; this cycle we expect to increase the number to 12 times what we take in.
The first way we do this is by supplying our endorsed candidates with lists of potential donors. These lists include people who have given to Congressional campaigns in the past and who are likely to support progressive Congressional candidates in the future. This list has expanded to over 14,000 people in the past year—a seven fold increase.
Secondly, we legally bundle contributions from our donors to our candidates. We often receive checks from our donors made out to our candidates. We forward these contributions along in full without taking a cut off the top. So far our endorsed candidates have received thousands of dollars this way.
Thirdly, our supporters authorize us to bill their credit cards for specific amounts for our endorsed candidates. Once again, we forward these contributions along to their campaigns without keeping anything for ourselves.
Fourthly, on our website, www.dapac.org, we have links to all of our endorsed candidates websites where anyone can quickly and easily donate to their campaigns. Our website receives numerous hits every month and many of the people visiting our site learn about our candidates for the first time through it. This tool is an invaluable resource.
Finally, we provide free advertising for our candidates in the form of our monthly newsletter, weekly email, blog, and website. In these forums we discuss our endorsed candidates, their histories, their progressive stances and records, and why he or she is the best candidate running in the district. All of this advertising makes their names more recognizable on a national scale and persuades larger donors to contribute to their campaigns.
Our endorsed candidates are tremendously grateful for all we do for them. Without our support they would not have the time or resources to focus on other aspects of campaigning, such as getting out the vote or formulating policy stances.
We never take any money off the top of our candidates. The only way we stay in business is through kind contributions from people like you. Please consider a donation to DAPAC today to ensure that we can continue getting money to our candidates.
In addition to traditional Get-Out-the-Vote drives, canvasing of districts, setting up phone banks, and general advertising DAPAC does far more than any other political action committee in getting money directly to candidates. In the 2006 election cycle we helped our candidates raise five times the amount we received in direct donations; this cycle we expect to increase the number to 12 times what we take in.
The first way we do this is by supplying our endorsed candidates with lists of potential donors. These lists include people who have given to Congressional campaigns in the past and who are likely to support progressive Congressional candidates in the future. This list has expanded to over 14,000 people in the past year—a seven fold increase.
Secondly, we legally bundle contributions from our donors to our candidates. We often receive checks from our donors made out to our candidates. We forward these contributions along in full without taking a cut off the top. So far our endorsed candidates have received thousands of dollars this way.
Thirdly, our supporters authorize us to bill their credit cards for specific amounts for our endorsed candidates. Once again, we forward these contributions along to their campaigns without keeping anything for ourselves.
Fourthly, on our website, www.dapac.org, we have links to all of our endorsed candidates websites where anyone can quickly and easily donate to their campaigns. Our website receives numerous hits every month and many of the people visiting our site learn about our candidates for the first time through it. This tool is an invaluable resource.
Finally, we provide free advertising for our candidates in the form of our monthly newsletter, weekly email, blog, and website. In these forums we discuss our endorsed candidates, their histories, their progressive stances and records, and why he or she is the best candidate running in the district. All of this advertising makes their names more recognizable on a national scale and persuades larger donors to contribute to their campaigns.
Our endorsed candidates are tremendously grateful for all we do for them. Without our support they would not have the time or resources to focus on other aspects of campaigning, such as getting out the vote or formulating policy stances.
We never take any money off the top of our candidates. The only way we stay in business is through kind contributions from people like you. Please consider a donation to DAPAC today to ensure that we can continue getting money to our candidates.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Early Democratic Congressional Primaries in Ohio on Tuesday; DAPAC Candidates Need Your Help
The Ohio Congressional primaries take place at the same time as the presidential primaries on March 4th. DAPAC has endorsed two candidates in Ohio. The first is Victoria Wulsin in the 2nd district. She is facing some primary competition and needs your help. Please visit her website at www.wulsinforcongress.com. Recently she has announced multiple labor endorsements for the 2008 Democratic primary. A public health doctor board certified in occupational medicine, Vic has long worked with organized labor on workplace health and safety issues. Her background includes work at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and as a uniformed officer in the US Public Health Service. She announced support from some of the largest and most active labor unions in the region and the nation, including:
“These unions are focused on finding solutions, from providing a safe work environment and respect on the job to ensuring a good education for every child and the basic services the public expects," said Wulsin. "When I’m elected to Congress, I’ll work with them and with everyone in my district to create good jobs and support our families.”
Wulsin has also been endorsed by The League of Conservation Voters, The Dayton Daily News, The Cincinnati Enquirer, the Feminist Majority, and many former political leaders in Ohio including the former governor Jack Gilligan and the current Cincinnati mayor Mark Mallory. Please help her campaign any way you can.
The Second DAPAC-endorsed candidate in Ohio is Mary Jo Kilroy who is running in the 15th district. Mary Jo ran for Congress in 2006 and narrowly lost by 1,055, or about half a percentage point. This cycle the Republican incumbent, Deborah Pryce, has announced her retirement, and having a wide open seat should help push Mary Jo to victory. She has been a Franklin County Commissioner for the last six years and previously was elected to the Columbus School Board for eight years. She is 100% pro-choice, as are all DAPAC-endorsed candidates, both male and female, and has been endorsed by NARAL Pro-Choice America and the AFL-CIO of Ohio. She will work for fiscal responsibility and renewable energy if elected. Please visit her website at www.kilroyforcongress.com.
Please take the time to visit our website, www.dapac.org, as well. You can find more information about all of our endorsed candidates for the 2008 cycle, targeted districts, links to candidates' web pages, the latest news, and a quick and easy way to donate to our organization. Without your help we would not be able to bring you as many progressive candidates, and our help to them would not be as significant. Please donate to DAPAC today to make this country more progressive. We also accept contributions for candidates and will forward these earmarked contributions to their campaigns.
The Ohio Congressional primaries take place at the same time as the presidential primaries on March 4th. DAPAC has endorsed two candidates in Ohio. The first is Victoria Wulsin in the 2nd district. She is facing some primary competition and needs your help. Please visit her website at www.wulsinforcongress.com. Recently she has announced multiple labor endorsements for the 2008 Democratic primary. A public health doctor board certified in occupational medicine, Vic has long worked with organized labor on workplace health and safety issues. Her background includes work at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and as a uniformed officer in the US Public Health Service. She announced support from some of the largest and most active labor unions in the region and the nation, including:
- The American and Ohio Federation of Teachers
- The Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
- The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
- The United Auto Workers (UAW)
- The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
“These unions are focused on finding solutions, from providing a safe work environment and respect on the job to ensuring a good education for every child and the basic services the public expects," said Wulsin. "When I’m elected to Congress, I’ll work with them and with everyone in my district to create good jobs and support our families.”
Wulsin has also been endorsed by The League of Conservation Voters, The Dayton Daily News, The Cincinnati Enquirer, the Feminist Majority, and many former political leaders in Ohio including the former governor Jack Gilligan and the current Cincinnati mayor Mark Mallory. Please help her campaign any way you can.
The Second DAPAC-endorsed candidate in Ohio is Mary Jo Kilroy who is running in the 15th district. Mary Jo ran for Congress in 2006 and narrowly lost by 1,055, or about half a percentage point. This cycle the Republican incumbent, Deborah Pryce, has announced her retirement, and having a wide open seat should help push Mary Jo to victory. She has been a Franklin County Commissioner for the last six years and previously was elected to the Columbus School Board for eight years. She is 100% pro-choice, as are all DAPAC-endorsed candidates, both male and female, and has been endorsed by NARAL Pro-Choice America and the AFL-CIO of Ohio. She will work for fiscal responsibility and renewable energy if elected. Please visit her website at www.kilroyforcongress.com.
Please take the time to visit our website, www.dapac.org, as well. You can find more information about all of our endorsed candidates for the 2008 cycle, targeted districts, links to candidates' web pages, the latest news, and a quick and easy way to donate to our organization. Without your help we would not be able to bring you as many progressive candidates, and our help to them would not be as significant. Please donate to DAPAC today to make this country more progressive. We also accept contributions for candidates and will forward these earmarked contributions to their campaigns.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Weekly Update (2/22/08)
McCain Involved in Lobbyist Scandal
The New York Times ran a front page story breaking a campaign scandal involving Sen. John McCain and a female telecom lobbyist. Multiple unnamed McCain aides' have suspicions of a romantic relationship between McCain and Vicki Iseman. The allegations stretch back to 2000 when some advisers became extremely anxious because, "a female lobbyist had been turning up with him at fund-raisers, visiting his offices and accompanying him on a client's corporate jet. Convinced the relationship had become romantic, some of his top advisers intervened to protect the candidate from himself - instructing staff members to block the woman's access, privately warning her away and repeatedly confronting him, several people involved in the campaign said on the condition of anonymity."
McCain denies all allegations of a romantic relationship, “but to his advisers, even the appearance of a close bond with a lobbyist whose clients often had business before the Senate committee Mr. McCain led threatened the story of redemption and rectitude that defined his political identity."
The McCain campaign is fighting these allegations, calling the New York Times article a “smear campaign.” They are attacking the New York Times as a “thinly sourced piece of innuendo journalism,” and arguing that the Times' is a liberal publication. Expect far more on this developing story in the coming weeks.
Congress Allowed Expanded Wiretapping Law to Expire
Congress chose not to renew an eavesdropping law that many felt encroached too far on citizens' civil liberties. President Bush expressed his disappointment by saying that letting the law expire, “will make it more difficult to track terrorists and 'we may lose a vital lead that could prevent an attack on America."
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, responded by saying, "We know this president dislikes compromise, but this time he has taken his stubborn approach too far. He is whipping up false fears, and creating artificial confrontation." Clearly, Congress did the right thing in allowing this legislation to expire. The only way that this was accomplished was by having a Democratically controlled Congress. Help ensure that Congress becomes even more progressive with the upcomingA elections by donating to DAPAC today.
The New York Times ran a front page story breaking a campaign scandal involving Sen. John McCain and a female telecom lobbyist. Multiple unnamed McCain aides' have suspicions of a romantic relationship between McCain and Vicki Iseman. The allegations stretch back to 2000 when some advisers became extremely anxious because, "a female lobbyist had been turning up with him at fund-raisers, visiting his offices and accompanying him on a client's corporate jet. Convinced the relationship had become romantic, some of his top advisers intervened to protect the candidate from himself - instructing staff members to block the woman's access, privately warning her away and repeatedly confronting him, several people involved in the campaign said on the condition of anonymity."
McCain denies all allegations of a romantic relationship, “but to his advisers, even the appearance of a close bond with a lobbyist whose clients often had business before the Senate committee Mr. McCain led threatened the story of redemption and rectitude that defined his political identity."
The McCain campaign is fighting these allegations, calling the New York Times article a “smear campaign.” They are attacking the New York Times as a “thinly sourced piece of innuendo journalism,” and arguing that the Times' is a liberal publication. Expect far more on this developing story in the coming weeks.
Congress Allowed Expanded Wiretapping Law to Expire
Congress chose not to renew an eavesdropping law that many felt encroached too far on citizens' civil liberties. President Bush expressed his disappointment by saying that letting the law expire, “will make it more difficult to track terrorists and 'we may lose a vital lead that could prevent an attack on America."
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, responded by saying, "We know this president dislikes compromise, but this time he has taken his stubborn approach too far. He is whipping up false fears, and creating artificial confrontation." Clearly, Congress did the right thing in allowing this legislation to expire. The only way that this was accomplished was by having a Democratically controlled Congress. Help ensure that Congress becomes even more progressive with the upcomingA elections by donating to DAPAC today.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Weekly Update (2/15/08)
US House Holds White House Staff in Contempt
Yesterday, the House voted to hold White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet Miers in contempt for their refusal to testify about the White House's involvement in the firing of US Attorneys. The vote total was 223-32 and the citations charge Miers with failing to testify and both her and Bolten of refusing Congress' demands for documents, including emails related to the firings.
The Washington Post notes that Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey "has told Congress that current and former White House officials who have refused to testify in a congressional inquiry probably did so based on the Justice Department's ruling that Bush's assertion of executive privilege was proper. That means that the Justice Department cannot now criminally charge someone for defying Congress based on its own previous legal advice, he said."
The New York Times says the vote "moved House Democrats closer to a constitutional showdown with President Bush." This is an important step for the Democratically controlled Congress to make. It demonstrates that Democrats can stand up to Bush and his administration in certain areas. If there were a greater number of progressive Democrats in the House then they could stand up to Bush in more areas as well. Help make this a possibility by donating to DAPAC today.
Democratic Presidential Campaign News
Two new polls out yesterday from Quinnipiac University show Hillary Clinton to be the early front runner in both Ohio and Pennsylvania—two of the three most important upcoming races. In Ohio, Clinton leads Barack Obama 55%-34%, while in Pennsylvania, Clinton leads Obama 52%-36%. Ohio women back Clinton by 56 to 30 percent, while men back her 52 to 42.
According to these polls, in general election trial heats Clinton also out-performs Obama against John McCain. In Pennsylvania, Clinton leads McCain 46%-40%, and Obama leads McCain 42%-41%. In Florida trial heats McCain tops Clinton 44%-42% and he tops Obama 41%-39%. Quinnipiac surveyed 1,009 likely Florida voters; 1,748 likely Ohio voters; and 1,419 likely Pennsylvania voters from February 6-12.
Obama does appear to have the momentum though, winning eight straight primaries and caucuses. In addition, he also just picked up the endorsement of the United Food and Commercial Workers, which should help him in the upcoming primaries as well. The UFCW has 1.3-million members nationally, and for the March 4th Primaries it has 69,000 members in Ohio and 26,000 in Texas. We, at DAPAC, are eagerly anticipating the results of the Democratic primaries, but remember, no matter who the Democratic nominee is, it is crucial that we get a greater number of progressive Democrats into Congress in order for the next President to be able to sign progressive legislation into law.
Yesterday, the House voted to hold White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former White House counsel Harriet Miers in contempt for their refusal to testify about the White House's involvement in the firing of US Attorneys. The vote total was 223-32 and the citations charge Miers with failing to testify and both her and Bolten of refusing Congress' demands for documents, including emails related to the firings.
The Washington Post notes that Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey "has told Congress that current and former White House officials who have refused to testify in a congressional inquiry probably did so based on the Justice Department's ruling that Bush's assertion of executive privilege was proper. That means that the Justice Department cannot now criminally charge someone for defying Congress based on its own previous legal advice, he said."
The New York Times says the vote "moved House Democrats closer to a constitutional showdown with President Bush." This is an important step for the Democratically controlled Congress to make. It demonstrates that Democrats can stand up to Bush and his administration in certain areas. If there were a greater number of progressive Democrats in the House then they could stand up to Bush in more areas as well. Help make this a possibility by donating to DAPAC today.
Democratic Presidential Campaign News
Two new polls out yesterday from Quinnipiac University show Hillary Clinton to be the early front runner in both Ohio and Pennsylvania—two of the three most important upcoming races. In Ohio, Clinton leads Barack Obama 55%-34%, while in Pennsylvania, Clinton leads Obama 52%-36%. Ohio women back Clinton by 56 to 30 percent, while men back her 52 to 42.
According to these polls, in general election trial heats Clinton also out-performs Obama against John McCain. In Pennsylvania, Clinton leads McCain 46%-40%, and Obama leads McCain 42%-41%. In Florida trial heats McCain tops Clinton 44%-42% and he tops Obama 41%-39%. Quinnipiac surveyed 1,009 likely Florida voters; 1,748 likely Ohio voters; and 1,419 likely Pennsylvania voters from February 6-12.
Obama does appear to have the momentum though, winning eight straight primaries and caucuses. In addition, he also just picked up the endorsement of the United Food and Commercial Workers, which should help him in the upcoming primaries as well. The UFCW has 1.3-million members nationally, and for the March 4th Primaries it has 69,000 members in Ohio and 26,000 in Texas. We, at DAPAC, are eagerly anticipating the results of the Democratic primaries, but remember, no matter who the Democratic nominee is, it is crucial that we get a greater number of progressive Democrats into Congress in order for the next President to be able to sign progressive legislation into law.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Weekly Update (2/8/08)
DAPAC Endorses Jared Polis
DAPAC is proud to announce its fifth endorsement for the 2008 Congressional election: Jared Polis. He joins Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin as DAPAC's endorsed candidates running for the US House of Representatives in 2008. Next year he will be fighting for an open seat in Colorado's 2nd Congressional district. He will need your help to push him through the competitive Democratic primary.
The seat is currently held by Mark Udall, who is relinquishing the seat to run for senate. Udall has held the seat for ten years and it will almost definitely remain in Democratic hands, but it is questionable how progressive that Democrat will be. By securing the primary election for Jared Polis we will ensure that the Democrat who takes over for Udall will be a progressive one; someone who we can be proud of.
Polis is a truly progressive candidate, supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, such as being 100% pro-choice, supporting same-sex marriage, taking immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supporting publicly funded, single payer, universal healthcare, and many others. He has pledged to vote for these issues once in Congress. DAPAC is proud to add him as a newly endorsed candidate.
Jared Polis was born to parents who were active in the anti-war movements in the 60's. They instilled in Jared the ideal that one should try to make the world a better place. He has worked in both the private and public sectors and in both has fought hard to ensure that all have access to education and healthcare.
In the private sector, Polis founded several high tech companies that created hundreds of high-paying jobs and always included strong healthcare benefits for employees. He also founded the Jared Polis Foundation in 2000 which improves and expands access to education.
He has been a strong advocate for public education for many years. He served on the Colorado State Board of Education for six years, and was the first Democratic Chairman in over 40. He co-chaired a successful $300 million bond initiative to make repairs and upgrades to learning environments, and to improve energy efficiency. He also co-founded the Academy of Urban Learning to provide homeless youth an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, co-chaired the Colorado Commission on High School Improvement, and Chaired a National Association of State Boards of Education study group.
Polis also has significant political experience. He served as a member of both the Colorado and Boulder County Democratic Party Executive Committees from 2000-2007, volunteered for many campaigns, including the Clinton, Gore, and Kerry presidential races, and he spearheaded a coalition of major donors in 2004 to win control of the state legislature for the Democratic party.
Polis takes a progressive stance on political action committees as well, stating that, “there is a place for political action committees in the democratic process, but I believe that we can demonstrate the power of the electorate by answering to no one but the people. Our campaign is not accepting donations from political action committees and is relying on the support of individual donors. I encourage all individuals, whether you’re associated with a PAC or not, to support my campaign and message focused on bold, progressive change.” We, at DAPAC, respect this stance and will support Polis in other ways, such as free advice on running more effective campaigns, how to respond to attacks, running successful Get-Out-the-Vote operations, giving him lists of potential progressive donors, and much, much more. It is therefore crucial that he receives his contributions from individuals such as yourself.
Please help support Jared Polis in his campaign by sending a donation made payable to “Jared Polis for Congress” to us at DAPAC where we can forward it along to him.
You can find more information about our endorsed candidates for the 2008 cycle, targeted districts, links to candidates' web pages, the latest news, and more on DAPAC's new website: www.dapac.org. Please take the time to visit, where you can find additional information about Jared Polis, as well as all of our other endorsed candidates.
DAPAC is proud to announce its fifth endorsement for the 2008 Congressional election: Jared Polis. He joins Sam Bennett, Jim Himes, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Victoria Wulsin as DAPAC's endorsed candidates running for the US House of Representatives in 2008. Next year he will be fighting for an open seat in Colorado's 2nd Congressional district. He will need your help to push him through the competitive Democratic primary.
The seat is currently held by Mark Udall, who is relinquishing the seat to run for senate. Udall has held the seat for ten years and it will almost definitely remain in Democratic hands, but it is questionable how progressive that Democrat will be. By securing the primary election for Jared Polis we will ensure that the Democrat who takes over for Udall will be a progressive one; someone who we can be proud of.
Polis is a truly progressive candidate, supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, such as being 100% pro-choice, supporting same-sex marriage, taking immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supporting publicly funded, single payer, universal healthcare, and many others. He has pledged to vote for these issues once in Congress. DAPAC is proud to add him as a newly endorsed candidate.
Jared Polis was born to parents who were active in the anti-war movements in the 60's. They instilled in Jared the ideal that one should try to make the world a better place. He has worked in both the private and public sectors and in both has fought hard to ensure that all have access to education and healthcare.
In the private sector, Polis founded several high tech companies that created hundreds of high-paying jobs and always included strong healthcare benefits for employees. He also founded the Jared Polis Foundation in 2000 which improves and expands access to education.
He has been a strong advocate for public education for many years. He served on the Colorado State Board of Education for six years, and was the first Democratic Chairman in over 40. He co-chaired a successful $300 million bond initiative to make repairs and upgrades to learning environments, and to improve energy efficiency. He also co-founded the Academy of Urban Learning to provide homeless youth an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, co-chaired the Colorado Commission on High School Improvement, and Chaired a National Association of State Boards of Education study group.
Polis also has significant political experience. He served as a member of both the Colorado and Boulder County Democratic Party Executive Committees from 2000-2007, volunteered for many campaigns, including the Clinton, Gore, and Kerry presidential races, and he spearheaded a coalition of major donors in 2004 to win control of the state legislature for the Democratic party.
Polis takes a progressive stance on political action committees as well, stating that, “there is a place for political action committees in the democratic process, but I believe that we can demonstrate the power of the electorate by answering to no one but the people. Our campaign is not accepting donations from political action committees and is relying on the support of individual donors. I encourage all individuals, whether you’re associated with a PAC or not, to support my campaign and message focused on bold, progressive change.” We, at DAPAC, respect this stance and will support Polis in other ways, such as free advice on running more effective campaigns, how to respond to attacks, running successful Get-Out-the-Vote operations, giving him lists of potential progressive donors, and much, much more. It is therefore crucial that he receives his contributions from individuals such as yourself.
Please help support Jared Polis in his campaign by sending a donation made payable to “Jared Polis for Congress” to us at DAPAC where we can forward it along to him.
You can find more information about our endorsed candidates for the 2008 cycle, targeted districts, links to candidates' web pages, the latest news, and more on DAPAC's new website: www.dapac.org. Please take the time to visit, where you can find additional information about Jared Polis, as well as all of our other endorsed candidates.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Weekly Update (2/1/08)
Democratic Primaries in Illinois Tuesday; Last Chance to Help
In a few short days voters in Illinois will be going to the polls, not just to vote in the presidential primary, but in the Congressional primary as well. DAPAC has endorsed two candidates who will be facing tough opposition in these extremely early Congressional primaries.
The first is John Laesch, running for Dennis Hastert's former seat. Laesch was a 2006 DAPAC candidate running in Illinois' 14th district. He had a tough race, as he was running against former Speaker Dennis Hastert, but still made an impressive showing, winning 40% of the vote. Hastert recently retired, and Laesch is running an aggressive campaign for this open seat. Laesch is facing a wealthy Democratic opponent who has poured tons of his own money into the campaign. In 2006, 28 candidates put over one million dollars of their own money into their campaigns; of those only four went on to win the election. Help support Laesch in his proven grassroots efforts and as the candidate who truly speaks for the people. In addition, Laesch's opponent supports a preemptive war with Iran and national ID cards, both of which Laesch is strongly against. In addition, remember that for every dollar you contribute directly to us, we will help candidates raise 12 dollars more. Therefore, It is best to contribute both directly to us and to the candidate, please visit our website at www.dapac.org. For more information about Laesch, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.john08.com.
The second candidate is Jay Footlik, running in Illinois' 10th Congressional district. Footlik will be facing tough opposition in his Democratic primary from a more conservative candidate. It is crucial that Footlik wins his primary, so he will be the Democratic challenger in the general election. The seat is currently held by Mark Kirk, a Republican who has tried to portray himself as a moderate, while really rubber stamping Bush's policies. In the last two presidential elections, the 10th district voted Democratic, and this cycle a Democrat should take Kirk's place and bring progressive leadership to the district. For more information about Footlik, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.jayfootlik.com.
Both Footlik and Laesch are truly progressive candidates, supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, such as being 100% pro-choice, supporting same-sex marriage, taking immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, and many others. They have pledged to vote for these issues once in Congress. Both of these candidates are facing tough opposition and need your help today!
In a few short days voters in Illinois will be going to the polls, not just to vote in the presidential primary, but in the Congressional primary as well. DAPAC has endorsed two candidates who will be facing tough opposition in these extremely early Congressional primaries.
The first is John Laesch, running for Dennis Hastert's former seat. Laesch was a 2006 DAPAC candidate running in Illinois' 14th district. He had a tough race, as he was running against former Speaker Dennis Hastert, but still made an impressive showing, winning 40% of the vote. Hastert recently retired, and Laesch is running an aggressive campaign for this open seat. Laesch is facing a wealthy Democratic opponent who has poured tons of his own money into the campaign. In 2006, 28 candidates put over one million dollars of their own money into their campaigns; of those only four went on to win the election. Help support Laesch in his proven grassroots efforts and as the candidate who truly speaks for the people. In addition, Laesch's opponent supports a preemptive war with Iran and national ID cards, both of which Laesch is strongly against. In addition, remember that for every dollar you contribute directly to us, we will help candidates raise 12 dollars more. Therefore, It is best to contribute both directly to us and to the candidate, please visit our website at www.dapac.org. For more information about Laesch, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.john08.com.
The second candidate is Jay Footlik, running in Illinois' 10th Congressional district. Footlik will be facing tough opposition in his Democratic primary from a more conservative candidate. It is crucial that Footlik wins his primary, so he will be the Democratic challenger in the general election. The seat is currently held by Mark Kirk, a Republican who has tried to portray himself as a moderate, while really rubber stamping Bush's policies. In the last two presidential elections, the 10th district voted Democratic, and this cycle a Democrat should take Kirk's place and bring progressive leadership to the district. For more information about Footlik, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.jayfootlik.com.
Both Footlik and Laesch are truly progressive candidates, supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, such as being 100% pro-choice, supporting same-sex marriage, taking immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, and many others. They have pledged to vote for these issues once in Congress. Both of these candidates are facing tough opposition and need your help today!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Weekly Update (1/25/08)
Economic Stimulus Package; Who Really Gains?
This week the White House and Congress reached a deal on an economic stimulus package totaling $150 billion in relief. While the package does have admirable goals it will not go far enough in assisting those who truly need the help, and will not stimulate the economy anywhere near enough to keep out of recession.
The main thrust of the package will give most individual tax filers refunds of up to $600, married couples up to $1,200, and an additional $300 for each child. The package also allows businesses to immediately write off 50% of purchases, and permits small businesses to write off additional purchases of equipment. The other main target of the bill concerns the housing market, and raises the limits on loans and mortgages the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchases from $362,000 and $417,000, respectively, to $725,000.
The main problems with what the bill addresses is that the economic stimulus provided for will not come for many months, and that it targets people who are not in as desperate need and will not boost the economy. The tax refunds will take many months to actually reach the hands of consumers, especially considering that the IRS is about to start gearing up for the tax season, this additional responsibility will only slow them down. It is unlikely that the rebate checks will be mailed out before late spring or early summer, which is an extremely long time to wait considering the dire state of today's stock and housing markets.
Secondly, raising the FHA limits will only help people who are looking to buy more expensive homes, namely the upper-middle class. Those who need the economic stimulus, the lower and middle classes, will not receive much, if any, benefit from this provision.
Thirdly, while the package will be putting money into the hands of most Americans, many of us will chose to pay down old debt or put the money into savings, which does not help boost a sagging economy. Paying down debt and putting money into savings are wonderful ideas, and the smart financial decision to make, but if the economy needs help the best way to do this is by getting the money to people who will spend it immediately, such as those who will use the money to buy groceries or other necessary items. The people most likely to do this are lower income individuals and families, which brings up where the economic package falls far too short.
Democrats wanted to include provisions that would extend unemployment benefits past the 26 week limit and boost food stamp benefits. These provisions would address all of the current problems with the bill: it would get money into peoples hands immediately, it would go to the people who need it the most, and it would be put into the hands of those who would boost the economy best. Unfortunately, Republicans and conservative Democrats cut these provisions from the bill, leaving many top Democratic leaders upset.
In order for a more progressive, more common-sense, bill to make it through Congress we would have needed a greater number of progressive Democrats in Congress. If we had the numbers to override a veto than there would have been no reason to compromise these important provisions. Help elect progressive Democrats to the US House of Representatives by donating to DAPAC today!
This week the White House and Congress reached a deal on an economic stimulus package totaling $150 billion in relief. While the package does have admirable goals it will not go far enough in assisting those who truly need the help, and will not stimulate the economy anywhere near enough to keep out of recession.
The main thrust of the package will give most individual tax filers refunds of up to $600, married couples up to $1,200, and an additional $300 for each child. The package also allows businesses to immediately write off 50% of purchases, and permits small businesses to write off additional purchases of equipment. The other main target of the bill concerns the housing market, and raises the limits on loans and mortgages the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can purchases from $362,000 and $417,000, respectively, to $725,000.
The main problems with what the bill addresses is that the economic stimulus provided for will not come for many months, and that it targets people who are not in as desperate need and will not boost the economy. The tax refunds will take many months to actually reach the hands of consumers, especially considering that the IRS is about to start gearing up for the tax season, this additional responsibility will only slow them down. It is unlikely that the rebate checks will be mailed out before late spring or early summer, which is an extremely long time to wait considering the dire state of today's stock and housing markets.
Secondly, raising the FHA limits will only help people who are looking to buy more expensive homes, namely the upper-middle class. Those who need the economic stimulus, the lower and middle classes, will not receive much, if any, benefit from this provision.
Thirdly, while the package will be putting money into the hands of most Americans, many of us will chose to pay down old debt or put the money into savings, which does not help boost a sagging economy. Paying down debt and putting money into savings are wonderful ideas, and the smart financial decision to make, but if the economy needs help the best way to do this is by getting the money to people who will spend it immediately, such as those who will use the money to buy groceries or other necessary items. The people most likely to do this are lower income individuals and families, which brings up where the economic package falls far too short.
Democrats wanted to include provisions that would extend unemployment benefits past the 26 week limit and boost food stamp benefits. These provisions would address all of the current problems with the bill: it would get money into peoples hands immediately, it would go to the people who need it the most, and it would be put into the hands of those who would boost the economy best. Unfortunately, Republicans and conservative Democrats cut these provisions from the bill, leaving many top Democratic leaders upset.
In order for a more progressive, more common-sense, bill to make it through Congress we would have needed a greater number of progressive Democrats in Congress. If we had the numbers to override a veto than there would have been no reason to compromise these important provisions. Help elect progressive Democrats to the US House of Representatives by donating to DAPAC today!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Weekly Update (1/18/08)
Early Democratic Primaries in Illinois in Two Weeks; DAPAC Candidates Need Your Help
In just over two weeks the first Congressional Primaries take place in Illinois. DAPAC has endorsed two candidates who will be facing tough opposition in their primaries. The first is John Laesch, running for Dennis Hastert's former seat. Laesch was a 2006 DAPAC candidate, running in Illinois' 14th district. He had a tough race, as he was running against former Speaker Dennis Hastert, but still made an impressive showing, winning 40% of the vote. Hastert recently retired, and Laesch is running an aggressive campaign for this open seat. For more information about Laesch, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.john08.com. In addition, remember that for every dollar you contribute directly to us, we will help candidates raise 12 dollars more. Therefore, It is best to contribute both directly to us and to the candidate.
The second candidate is Jay Footlik, running in Illinois' 10th Congressional district. Footlik will be facing tough opposition in his Democratic primary from a more conservative candidate. It is crucial that Footlik wins his primary, so he will be the Democratic challenger in the general election. The seat is currently held by Mark Kirk, a Republican who has tried to portray himself as a moderate, while really rubber stamping Bush's policies. In the last two presidential elections, the 10th district voted Democratic, and this cycle a Democrat should take Kirk's place and bring progressive leadership to the district. For more information about Footlik, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.jayfootlik.com.
Both Footlik and Laesch are truly progressive candidates, supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, such as being 100% pro-choice, supporting same-sex marriage, taking immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, and many others. They have pledged to vote for these issues once in Congress. Both of these candidates are facing tough opposition and need your help today!
More Early Democratic Primaries: Ohio
The Ohio primaries follow Illinois shortly after on March 4th. The first DAPAC-endorsed candidate in Ohio is Victoria Wulsin. She is facing some primary competition and needs your help. Please visit her website at www.wulsinforcongress.com. Recently she has announced multiple labor endorsements for the 2008 Democratic primary. A public health doctor board certified in occupational medicine, Vic has long worked with organized labor on workplace health and safety issues. Her background includes work at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and as a uniformed officer in the US Public Health Service. She announced support from some of the largest and most active labor unions in the region and the nation, including:
"Dr. Wulsin has demonstrated her commitment to working Americans," said Jerry Giesting, President of the NALC Branch 43. "We know that when she goes to Washington, her priorities will be in the right place."
“These unions are focused on finding solutions, from providing a safe work environment and respect on the job to ensuring a good education for every child and the basic services the public expects," said Wulsin. "When I’m elected to Congress, I’ll work with them and with everyone in my district to create good jobs and support our families.”
In just over two weeks the first Congressional Primaries take place in Illinois. DAPAC has endorsed two candidates who will be facing tough opposition in their primaries. The first is John Laesch, running for Dennis Hastert's former seat. Laesch was a 2006 DAPAC candidate, running in Illinois' 14th district. He had a tough race, as he was running against former Speaker Dennis Hastert, but still made an impressive showing, winning 40% of the vote. Hastert recently retired, and Laesch is running an aggressive campaign for this open seat. For more information about Laesch, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.john08.com. In addition, remember that for every dollar you contribute directly to us, we will help candidates raise 12 dollars more. Therefore, It is best to contribute both directly to us and to the candidate.
The second candidate is Jay Footlik, running in Illinois' 10th Congressional district. Footlik will be facing tough opposition in his Democratic primary from a more conservative candidate. It is crucial that Footlik wins his primary, so he will be the Democratic challenger in the general election. The seat is currently held by Mark Kirk, a Republican who has tried to portray himself as a moderate, while really rubber stamping Bush's policies. In the last two presidential elections, the 10th district voted Democratic, and this cycle a Democrat should take Kirk's place and bring progressive leadership to the district. For more information about Footlik, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.jayfootlik.com.
Both Footlik and Laesch are truly progressive candidates, supporting all of the issues we at DAPAC champion, such as being 100% pro-choice, supporting same-sex marriage, taking immediate steps to end the war in Iraq, supporting publicly funded universal healthcare, and many others. They have pledged to vote for these issues once in Congress. Both of these candidates are facing tough opposition and need your help today!
More Early Democratic Primaries: Ohio
The Ohio primaries follow Illinois shortly after on March 4th. The first DAPAC-endorsed candidate in Ohio is Victoria Wulsin. She is facing some primary competition and needs your help. Please visit her website at www.wulsinforcongress.com. Recently she has announced multiple labor endorsements for the 2008 Democratic primary. A public health doctor board certified in occupational medicine, Vic has long worked with organized labor on workplace health and safety issues. Her background includes work at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and as a uniformed officer in the US Public Health Service. She announced support from some of the largest and most active labor unions in the region and the nation, including:
- the American and Ohio Federation of Teachers,
- the Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
- the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
- the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
- the United Auto Workers (UAW)
- the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
"Dr. Wulsin has demonstrated her commitment to working Americans," said Jerry Giesting, President of the NALC Branch 43. "We know that when she goes to Washington, her priorities will be in the right place."
“These unions are focused on finding solutions, from providing a safe work environment and respect on the job to ensuring a good education for every child and the basic services the public expects," said Wulsin. "When I’m elected to Congress, I’ll work with them and with everyone in my district to create good jobs and support our families.”
Friday, January 11, 2008
Weekly Update (1/11/08)
More Good News for Progressive Democrats in New Hampshire Primary
The results for New Hampshire are final, and in both Iowa and New Hampshire Democrats turned out in record numbers, eclipsing the Republican turnout in these states! This is extremely encouraging for the general election where Democratic candidates should receive more votes than Republicans, dragging in more progressive Democrats to Congress.
Democrat Hilary Clinton and Republican John McCain upset their rivals for comeback wins in the New Hampshire primary. Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee were unable to capitalize on their momentum coming out of Iowa, leading to these upset victories. The fact that both Clinton and Obama have each won is extremely significant for progressive politics.
Obama has been running his campaign as the progressive alternative to politics as usual in Washington, and Clinton's recent victory is a triumph for women. Clinton trailed Obama by as many as 10 percentage points in the polling that took place between Iowa and New Hampshire. The fact that record numbers of Democrats, women in particular, voted is testament to the power of progressive voters. This is extremely encouraging for the results of the Presidential election in November. No matter who wins the Democratic nomination, it is increasingly likely that he or she will become President. These statistics backup DAPAC's research that America is experiencing a progressive upswing.
DAPAC needs to capitalize on this opportunity by getting a greater number of progressive Democrats elected to the US House of Representatives. This is the only way to affect policy, no matter who wins the Democratic presidential nomination. The next president will need plenty of progressive legislation to sign into law once in office. The only way to make this happen is to make Congress more progressive.
We are eagerly awaiting the next primaries in Michigan and Nevada.
Results of New Hampshire Primary
Here are the results in terms of percentages for all the major candidates in the New Hampshire primary. On the Democratic side:
Clinton: 39%
Obama: 37%
Edwards: 17%
Richardson: 5%
Kucinich: 1%
On the Republican side:
McCain: 37%
Romney: 32%
Huckabee: 11%
Giuliani: 9%
Paul: 8%
Thompson: 1%
Hunter: 0%
Early Democratic Primaries in February; DAPAC Candidates Need Your Help
In just over three weeks the first Congressional Primaries take place in Illinois. DAPAC has endorsed two candidates who will be facing tough opposition in their primaries. The first is John Laesch, running for Dennis Hastert's former seat. For more information about Laesch, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.john08.com. The second candidate is Jay Footlik, running in Illinois' 10th Congressional district. For more information about Footlik, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.jayfootlik.com. Both of these candidates are facing tough opposition and need your help today!
The results for New Hampshire are final, and in both Iowa and New Hampshire Democrats turned out in record numbers, eclipsing the Republican turnout in these states! This is extremely encouraging for the general election where Democratic candidates should receive more votes than Republicans, dragging in more progressive Democrats to Congress.
Democrat Hilary Clinton and Republican John McCain upset their rivals for comeback wins in the New Hampshire primary. Barack Obama and Mike Huckabee were unable to capitalize on their momentum coming out of Iowa, leading to these upset victories. The fact that both Clinton and Obama have each won is extremely significant for progressive politics.
Obama has been running his campaign as the progressive alternative to politics as usual in Washington, and Clinton's recent victory is a triumph for women. Clinton trailed Obama by as many as 10 percentage points in the polling that took place between Iowa and New Hampshire. The fact that record numbers of Democrats, women in particular, voted is testament to the power of progressive voters. This is extremely encouraging for the results of the Presidential election in November. No matter who wins the Democratic nomination, it is increasingly likely that he or she will become President. These statistics backup DAPAC's research that America is experiencing a progressive upswing.
DAPAC needs to capitalize on this opportunity by getting a greater number of progressive Democrats elected to the US House of Representatives. This is the only way to affect policy, no matter who wins the Democratic presidential nomination. The next president will need plenty of progressive legislation to sign into law once in office. The only way to make this happen is to make Congress more progressive.
We are eagerly awaiting the next primaries in Michigan and Nevada.
Results of New Hampshire Primary
Here are the results in terms of percentages for all the major candidates in the New Hampshire primary. On the Democratic side:
Clinton: 39%
Obama: 37%
Edwards: 17%
Richardson: 5%
Kucinich: 1%
On the Republican side:
McCain: 37%
Romney: 32%
Huckabee: 11%
Giuliani: 9%
Paul: 8%
Thompson: 1%
Hunter: 0%
Early Democratic Primaries in February; DAPAC Candidates Need Your Help
In just over three weeks the first Congressional Primaries take place in Illinois. DAPAC has endorsed two candidates who will be facing tough opposition in their primaries. The first is John Laesch, running for Dennis Hastert's former seat. For more information about Laesch, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.john08.com. The second candidate is Jay Footlik, running in Illinois' 10th Congressional district. For more information about Footlik, and a quick and easy way to contribute to his campaign, please visit his website at www.jayfootlik.com. Both of these candidates are facing tough opposition and need your help today!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Weekly Update (1/4/08)
Iowa Caucus is a Referendum on Progressive Politics
The results are in! Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mike Huckabee won the Iowa caucus, both upsetting the favored candidates. For months polls have leaned towards a Clinton victory on the Democratic side and a Romney victory on the Republican.
The fact that the top two candidates on the Democratic side were Obama and Edwards is extremely significant for progressive politics. Obama has been running his campaign as the progressive alternative to politics as usual in Washington, and Edwards has been running on a strong economically progressive platform. Clinton trailed Edwards by just one percentage point to come in third. Some significant statistics to consider are that Obama took an overwhelming 57% of the under 30 vote, a larger percentage of women's votes than any other Democratic candidate, and received far more votes than any other candidate, Democrat or Republican. These statistics backup DAPAC's research that the country is experiencing an increasingly progressive trend, especially with young voters.
DAPAC needs to capitalize on this opportunity by getting a greater number of progressive Democrats elected to the House. This is the only way to affect policy. No matter who wins the Democratic presidential nomination, it is increasingly likely that that person will become president. He or she will need plenty of progressive legislation to sign into law once in office. The only way to make this happen is to make Congress more progressive.
With the New Hampshire primary only a few days away it is important to build off this progressive momentum. This success should translate to the Congressional primaries where DAPAC has endorsed progressive candidates, some of which are only a month away. These candidates need your support now more than ever, so donate today.
Results of Iowa Caucus
Here are the results in terms of percentages for all the major candidates in the Iowa caucus. On the Democratic side:
Obama: 38%
Edwards: 30%
Clinton: 29%
Richardson: 2%
Biden: 1%
Uncommitted: 0%
Dodd: 0%
Gravel: 0%
Kucinich: 0%
On the Republican side:
Huckabee: 34%
Romney: 25%
Thompson: 13%
McCain: 13%
Paul: 10%
Giuliani: 4%
Hunter: 1%
The results are in! Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mike Huckabee won the Iowa caucus, both upsetting the favored candidates. For months polls have leaned towards a Clinton victory on the Democratic side and a Romney victory on the Republican.
The fact that the top two candidates on the Democratic side were Obama and Edwards is extremely significant for progressive politics. Obama has been running his campaign as the progressive alternative to politics as usual in Washington, and Edwards has been running on a strong economically progressive platform. Clinton trailed Edwards by just one percentage point to come in third. Some significant statistics to consider are that Obama took an overwhelming 57% of the under 30 vote, a larger percentage of women's votes than any other Democratic candidate, and received far more votes than any other candidate, Democrat or Republican. These statistics backup DAPAC's research that the country is experiencing an increasingly progressive trend, especially with young voters.
DAPAC needs to capitalize on this opportunity by getting a greater number of progressive Democrats elected to the House. This is the only way to affect policy. No matter who wins the Democratic presidential nomination, it is increasingly likely that that person will become president. He or she will need plenty of progressive legislation to sign into law once in office. The only way to make this happen is to make Congress more progressive.
With the New Hampshire primary only a few days away it is important to build off this progressive momentum. This success should translate to the Congressional primaries where DAPAC has endorsed progressive candidates, some of which are only a month away. These candidates need your support now more than ever, so donate today.
Results of Iowa Caucus
Here are the results in terms of percentages for all the major candidates in the Iowa caucus. On the Democratic side:
Obama: 38%
Edwards: 30%
Clinton: 29%
Richardson: 2%
Biden: 1%
Uncommitted: 0%
Dodd: 0%
Gravel: 0%
Kucinich: 0%
On the Republican side:
Huckabee: 34%
Romney: 25%
Thompson: 13%
McCain: 13%
Paul: 10%
Giuliani: 4%
Hunter: 1%
Friday, December 21, 2007
Congress Ends Year By Approving Disappointing Budget
As the year comes to a close, Congress has been working to approve a budget for the 2008 fiscal year, and the final result was a disappointment for Democrats. On Wednesday, the House made its final vote to approve the budget as many Democrats voted against the bill, with a vote of 272-142. Earlier in the week, the House approved a budget that did not include funding for the war in Iraq, but these funds were added when the bill went to the Senate. The end result is a budget that provides an unrestricted $70 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through next spring.
This bill concludes a difficult year for Democrats in Congress. Consistently falling short of a two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto, Congress has failed to reach many of the goals set after Democrats' electoral victory in 2006. In addition, some Democrats have sided with Republicans on difficult issues, like the war in Iraq. Russ Feingold, the Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, put it well when he said, “Until Democrats stand together, it's going to be difficult to draw Republicans to our side.”
Democratic leaders continue to offer a hopeful perspective for next year, but it is clear that we need to demand change with the 2008 election. With the current trends in presidential preference (see the newest polling data below), we are hopeful that a Democrat will be in the White House. Even so, it remains essential that progressive Democrats be elected to the House and Senate, so that the legislation that reaches the next president's desk reflects real Democratic values. The only way to do this is to support candidates like those that DAPAC endorses.
Latest Presidential and Congressional Polls Show Continuing Democratic Strength
In polling data released by Gallup on Wednesday, Democrats remain in the lead in head-to-head presidential match-ups. This national poll pitted frontrunners against each other, and the results were:
Clinton 49%
Giuliani 48%
Obama 51%
Giuliani 45%
Clinton 53%
Huckabee 44%
Obama 53%
Huckabee 42%
Clinton 52%
Romney 46%
Obama 57%
Romney 39%
The poll also explored respondents' Congressional preferences. It asked: If the elections for Congress were being held today, which party's candidate would you vote for in your congressional district? Nationally, 53% of registered voters chose the Democratic candidate, and 40% chose the Republican.
As the year comes to a close, Congress has been working to approve a budget for the 2008 fiscal year, and the final result was a disappointment for Democrats. On Wednesday, the House made its final vote to approve the budget as many Democrats voted against the bill, with a vote of 272-142. Earlier in the week, the House approved a budget that did not include funding for the war in Iraq, but these funds were added when the bill went to the Senate. The end result is a budget that provides an unrestricted $70 billion for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through next spring.
This bill concludes a difficult year for Democrats in Congress. Consistently falling short of a two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto, Congress has failed to reach many of the goals set after Democrats' electoral victory in 2006. In addition, some Democrats have sided with Republicans on difficult issues, like the war in Iraq. Russ Feingold, the Democratic Senator from Wisconsin, put it well when he said, “Until Democrats stand together, it's going to be difficult to draw Republicans to our side.”
Democratic leaders continue to offer a hopeful perspective for next year, but it is clear that we need to demand change with the 2008 election. With the current trends in presidential preference (see the newest polling data below), we are hopeful that a Democrat will be in the White House. Even so, it remains essential that progressive Democrats be elected to the House and Senate, so that the legislation that reaches the next president's desk reflects real Democratic values. The only way to do this is to support candidates like those that DAPAC endorses.
Latest Presidential and Congressional Polls Show Continuing Democratic Strength
In polling data released by Gallup on Wednesday, Democrats remain in the lead in head-to-head presidential match-ups. This national poll pitted frontrunners against each other, and the results were:
Clinton 49%
Giuliani 48%
Obama 51%
Giuliani 45%
Clinton 53%
Huckabee 44%
Obama 53%
Huckabee 42%
Clinton 52%
Romney 46%
Obama 57%
Romney 39%
The poll also explored respondents' Congressional preferences. It asked: If the elections for Congress were being held today, which party's candidate would you vote for in your congressional district? Nationally, 53% of registered voters chose the Democratic candidate, and 40% chose the Republican.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Weekly Update (12/14/07)
Destroyed CIA Interrogation Tapes Raise Questions about Agency and Bush Administration
This week, the House Intelligence Committee began what will most likely be a long-term investigation of the CIA., looking into the destruction of tapes showing the interrogation of suspected Al Queda operatives. These tapes are said to have shown the controversial waterboarding interrogation technique, which is widely regarded as torture. The interrogations took place in 2002, and the tapes were destroyed in 2005, after a court order mandated that the CIA retain and identify all materials related to the treatment of detainees in the agency's custody. These same detainees have been refused many legal rights, and now the Bush administration will also be questioned regarding what it knew about the CIA tapes and their destruction.
This issue illustrates the need for change in the government, starting with the election of progressive Democrats. The country cannot continue down this path – only more obstructions of justice will occur, as we lose the most basic and central American rights and values. DAPAC's Congress members and candidates will work to ensure that we have a lawful government and a just society.
SCHIP Vetoed Again By Bush, Killing the Expansion of Popular Children's Healthcare Program
President Bush has again vetoed a bill expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and this move will make it impossible to cover all the children in need of health insurance. Democrats fought to get the bill passed, but were unable to override the first veto in October. For now, Congress will likely extend the current program, and will possibly bring the expansion up again prior to the 2008 elections, when Republicans will face extra pressure from their districts to vote for this popular bill.
Updates From Our Endorsed Candidates
John Laesch, DAPAC's endorsed candidate running in Illinois' 14th district, is officially on the ballot for the special primary to fill Dennis Hastert's seat. John's campaign has successfully collected the needed signatures, and now his name will appear on the February 5th ballot.
Jay Footlik, our endorsed candidate running in Illinois 10th, recently earned the endorsement of the Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 504, which is the largest union in the district. The union met with both Democratic candidates, and made their choice based on the quality and electability of each.
This week, the House Intelligence Committee began what will most likely be a long-term investigation of the CIA., looking into the destruction of tapes showing the interrogation of suspected Al Queda operatives. These tapes are said to have shown the controversial waterboarding interrogation technique, which is widely regarded as torture. The interrogations took place in 2002, and the tapes were destroyed in 2005, after a court order mandated that the CIA retain and identify all materials related to the treatment of detainees in the agency's custody. These same detainees have been refused many legal rights, and now the Bush administration will also be questioned regarding what it knew about the CIA tapes and their destruction.
This issue illustrates the need for change in the government, starting with the election of progressive Democrats. The country cannot continue down this path – only more obstructions of justice will occur, as we lose the most basic and central American rights and values. DAPAC's Congress members and candidates will work to ensure that we have a lawful government and a just society.
SCHIP Vetoed Again By Bush, Killing the Expansion of Popular Children's Healthcare Program
President Bush has again vetoed a bill expanding the State Children's Health Insurance Program, and this move will make it impossible to cover all the children in need of health insurance. Democrats fought to get the bill passed, but were unable to override the first veto in October. For now, Congress will likely extend the current program, and will possibly bring the expansion up again prior to the 2008 elections, when Republicans will face extra pressure from their districts to vote for this popular bill.
Updates From Our Endorsed Candidates
John Laesch, DAPAC's endorsed candidate running in Illinois' 14th district, is officially on the ballot for the special primary to fill Dennis Hastert's seat. John's campaign has successfully collected the needed signatures, and now his name will appear on the February 5th ballot.
Jay Footlik, our endorsed candidate running in Illinois 10th, recently earned the endorsement of the Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 504, which is the largest union in the district. The union met with both Democratic candidates, and made their choice based on the quality and electability of each.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Weekly Update (12/7/07)
House Democrats Pass Impressive Energy Bill
On Thursday, Democrats in the House passed an important energy bill that raises fuel economy standards, increases development of clean-energy technology, and reduces the production of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide. All of DAPAC's eight elected members of Congress voted in favor of the bill, and the overall vote in the House was 235-181.
Joe Courtney, a DAPAC-endorsed Congressman from Connecticut's 2nd district, stated, “This one piece of legislation achieves three goals. The bill helps consumers, protects the environment, and reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign oil ... The President must know that we will never be able to drill our way out of the problem of high gas prices and I urge him to immediately sign this bill into law.”
The bill includes a 40% increase in the fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks sold in the US, and by 2022 it would increase the production of ethanol and other biofuels from 5 billion gallons a year today to 36 billion gallons a year. By 2020, Democrats estimate that 1.1 million barrels of oil could be saved every day.
President Bush has already said he will veto the bill if it remains in its current form. Additionally, cattlemen, coal producers, and multinational oil companies will be lobbying against the bill as it heads to the Senate. The bill will most likely undergo changes before it reaches the Senate floor, but Democrats in the Senate remain determined that a substantive energy bill will be passed and sent to Bush.
Access and Cost Top Americans' Health Concerns
A new Gallup Poll released this week asked the open ended question: What would you say is the most urgent health problem facing this country at the present time? Of those polled, 30% answered that access to health care is most urgent, and 26% named cost. After these top two responses, specific diseases were the most common answers, including cancer (14%), obesity (10%), AIDS (2%), and diabetes (2%).
Access and cost are relatively new health concerns among the American public, and as recently as two decades ago, virtually no one mentioned these issues as the most urgent problem. DAPAC's candidates understand the importance of health care reform, and all of our candidates support universal health care.
Congressional Primaries Arriving Soon
We are less than two months away from the start of the Congressional primary season. DAPAC already has two excellent progressive candidates running in the February 5th primary in Illinois, and we are actively screening other candidates for additional Illinois districts now. To help us in our efforts, please consider one last donation for the 2007 year. You can donate online by clicking here.
On Thursday, Democrats in the House passed an important energy bill that raises fuel economy standards, increases development of clean-energy technology, and reduces the production of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide. All of DAPAC's eight elected members of Congress voted in favor of the bill, and the overall vote in the House was 235-181.
Joe Courtney, a DAPAC-endorsed Congressman from Connecticut's 2nd district, stated, “This one piece of legislation achieves three goals. The bill helps consumers, protects the environment, and reduces our dangerous dependence on foreign oil ... The President must know that we will never be able to drill our way out of the problem of high gas prices and I urge him to immediately sign this bill into law.”
The bill includes a 40% increase in the fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks sold in the US, and by 2022 it would increase the production of ethanol and other biofuels from 5 billion gallons a year today to 36 billion gallons a year. By 2020, Democrats estimate that 1.1 million barrels of oil could be saved every day.
President Bush has already said he will veto the bill if it remains in its current form. Additionally, cattlemen, coal producers, and multinational oil companies will be lobbying against the bill as it heads to the Senate. The bill will most likely undergo changes before it reaches the Senate floor, but Democrats in the Senate remain determined that a substantive energy bill will be passed and sent to Bush.
Access and Cost Top Americans' Health Concerns
A new Gallup Poll released this week asked the open ended question: What would you say is the most urgent health problem facing this country at the present time? Of those polled, 30% answered that access to health care is most urgent, and 26% named cost. After these top two responses, specific diseases were the most common answers, including cancer (14%), obesity (10%), AIDS (2%), and diabetes (2%).
Access and cost are relatively new health concerns among the American public, and as recently as two decades ago, virtually no one mentioned these issues as the most urgent problem. DAPAC's candidates understand the importance of health care reform, and all of our candidates support universal health care.
Congressional Primaries Arriving Soon
We are less than two months away from the start of the Congressional primary season. DAPAC already has two excellent progressive candidates running in the February 5th primary in Illinois, and we are actively screening other candidates for additional Illinois districts now. To help us in our efforts, please consider one last donation for the 2007 year. You can donate online by clicking here.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Weekly Update (11/30/07)
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.
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 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.
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