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.

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.

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!

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!

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:

  • 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!

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%