Tony Cani over at Wactivist has a post about an EV Tribune article on the latest voter registration numbers in AZ. He observes that while many in the D.C. power structure of the Democratic Party are writing off AZ this fall because John McCain (R-Truant) will be at the top of the ballot, the voter reg trends indicate that Arizona will be a battleground state, both for the Presidency and in many of the Congressional races.
From the AZ Secretary of State's latest report on voter reg figures -
CD5 (compared to January 2008)
Democrats 92,595 - up 394 (.43%)
Republicans 136,430 - down 2835 (-2.04%)
Libertarians 2,058 - down 164 (-7.38%)
Independents 88,539 - down 5918 (-6.27%)
Total 318,691 - down 9454 (-2.88%)
LD17
Democrats 25,249 - down 281 (-1.1%)
Republicans 24,478 - down 905 (-3.57%)
Libertarians 650 - down 70 (-9.72%)
Independents 19,868 - down 1955 (-8..96%)
Total 70,245 - down 3211 (-4.37%)
LD8
Democrats 25,555 - up 189 (+ 0.75%)
Republicans 52,654 - down 1016 (-1.89%)
Libertarians 490 - down 42 (-7.89%)
Independents 29,386 - 1849 (-5.92%)
Totals 108,085 - down 2718 (-2.45%)
Brief analysis -
In LD17, the Democrats extended their newfound registration advantage over the Republicans (whooo hooooo!), something that bodes well for LD17's legislators come November, especially if the trend continues. Right now, while the Dems do have a definite advantage, at 36% to 35%, it's still a virtual dead heat.
In LD8, while the Reps still have a more than 2 - 1 registration advantage, the trend is clear - the hard work of the LD8 Democrats is paying off. Since the 2006 election, the Democrats have closed the registration deficit by almost 3000 voters (+2500 Dems, -500 Reps).
That hard work is a major reason why that, since October 2006 in CD5 as a whole, the Republican registration advantage has been cut by almost 8500 voters.
While Congressman Harry Mitchell still has an uphill battle in his re-election fight, that hill is a little less steep, whether or not John McCain is at the top of the ballot in the fall.
Later!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Breaking - Richardson Endorses Obama
From an email to his supporters (apparently, Governor Richardson was as impressed by Senator Obama's speech on race in America as I, and millions of others, was) -
AP coverage of the endorsement here.
CNN coverage here.
During the last year, I have shared with you my vision and hopes for this nation as we look to repair the damage of the last seven years. And you have shared your support, your ideas and your encouragement to my campaign. We have been through a lot together and that is why I wanted to tell you that, after careful and thoughtful deliberation, I have made a decision to endorse Barack Obama for President.
We are blessed to have two great American leaders and great Democrats running for President. My affection and admiration for Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton will never waver. It is time, however, for Democrats to stop fighting amongst ourselves and to prepare for the tough fight we will face against John McCain in the fall. The 1990's were a decade of peace and prosperity because of the competent and enlightened leadership of the Clinton administration, but it is now time for a new generation of leadership to lead America forward. Barack Obama will be a historic and a great President, who can bring us the change we so desperately need by bringing us together as a nation here at home and with our allies abroad.
Earlier this week, Senator Barack Obama gave an historic speech. that addressed the issue of race with the eloquence, sincerity, and optimism we have come to expect of him. He inspired us by reminding us of the awesome potential residing in our own responsibility. He asked us to rise above our racially divided past, and to seize the opportunity to carry forward the work of many patriots of all races, who struggled and died to bring us together.
As a Hispanic, I was particularly touched by his words. I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants--specifically Hispanics-- by too many in this country. Hate crimes against Hispanics are rising as a direct result and now, in tough economic times, people look for scapegoats and I fear that people will continue to exploit our racial differences--and place blame on others not like them. We all know the real culprit -- the disastrous economic policies of the Bush Administration!
Senator Obama has started a discussion in this country long overdue and rejects the politics of pitting race against race. He understands clearly that only by bringing people together, only by bridging our differences can we all succeed together as Americans.
His words are those of a courageous, thoughtful and inspiring leader, who understands that a house divided against itself cannot stand. And, after nearly eight years of George W. Bush, we desperately need such a leader.
To reverse the disastrous policies of the last seven years, rebuild our economy, address the housing and mortgage crisis, bring our troops home from Iraq and restore America's international standing, we need a President who can bring us together as a nation so we can confront our urgent challenges at home and abroad.
During the past year, I got to know Senator Obama as we campaigned against each other for the Presidency, and I felt a kinship with him because we both grew up between words, in a sense, living both abroad and here in America. In part because of these experiences, Barack and I share a deep sense of our nation's special responsibilities in the world.
So, once again, thank you for all you have done for me and my campaign. I wanted to make sure you understood my reasons for my endorsement of Senator Obama. I know that you, no matter what your choice, will do so with the best interests of this nation, in your heart.
Sincerely,
Bill Richardson
AP coverage of the endorsement here.
CNN coverage here.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Brief Scottsdale Update, including TCE/Arizona American Water
...Congratulations on the group Height and Density (HAD) on gathering over 3000 signatures to force a referendum on the City Council's decision to approve the Hanover Scottsdale project. Assuming that the petition signatures survive the inevitable legal challenge (Hanover's lawyers - Shughart, Thomson and Kilroy in Phoenix), the election will probably be held in September or November.
On a related note, the rather illuminating HAD video of the harassment by thugs contracted to intimidate them was presented at Tuesday's meeting of the City Council by John Washington of COGS; the streaming video of the meeting can be viewed here. The HAD video presentation begins at approximately the 9:30 mark.
Note: The next meeting of COGS will be held on April 10 at 6:30 p.m., 8507 East Highland Avenue (north of Camelback Rd and south of Chaparral Rd--east off Granite Reef. 0
...In what had to be the quietest controversial moment in Council history, they approved the separation agreement with outgoing City Manager Jan Dolan without any discussion or debate. It was slipped into the consent agenda portion of the meeting, and few of the 100 or so people in the City Hall Kiva (and fewer still of those watching the meeting on TV) had any real clue about what they were witnessing.
Given Ms. Dolan's status as a lightning rod for the ire of certain members of the Council, I'm guessing that if Tuesday's public meeting was so peaceful, it was because last Thursday's special executive session of the council was so 'colorful.'
Oh, to be a bloggin' fly on the wall at *that* meeting. :)
...According to David Ellison, acting City Manager, speaking at Wednesday night's session of City Government 101, no timetable as yet been established for the search for and hiring of a new city manager. At this point, it isn't even known if the new manager will be hired before or after the elections in the fall.
Personally, I think that in the interests of fairness to the candidates for the job, the final interviews and selection of the manager should wait until the reconstituted Council is seated in January.
...On the TCE/Arizona American Water front, the council heard a staff presentation on some of the options available to the council to ensure a safe drinking water supply for all Scottsdale residents.
During the presentation and consideration of the matter, Paul Townsley, president of Arizona American Water announced that one well, SRP PCX1 has been permanently disconnected from AAWC's water distibution system. The water in the well is the source of TCE in AAWC's water supply and will continue to be remediated; the treated water will probably be discharged into the Arizona Canal.
He went on to announce that of the three options that staff presented to the Council (do nothing, buy the Scottsdale portion of AAWC's system, or join Paradise Valley in obtaining the entire system), he and AAWC (and AAWC's parent company) support the 'do nothing' option and that AAWC isn't for sale, in whole or in part.
I'm not sure if that stance is real or just a negotiating position, because as Councilman Bob Littlefield pointed out, American Water is preparing for an IPO, so in essence, it will *all* be for sale soon.
Mr. Townsley's presentation started at around the 3 hour, 48 minute part of the video.
In the end, the Council voted to expand the study to gather more detailed information about the actual costs and benefits of acquisition.
Later!
On a related note, the rather illuminating HAD video of the harassment by thugs contracted to intimidate them was presented at Tuesday's meeting of the City Council by John Washington of COGS; the streaming video of the meeting can be viewed here. The HAD video presentation begins at approximately the 9:30 mark.
Note: The next meeting of COGS will be held on April 10 at 6:30 p.m., 8507 East Highland Avenue (north of Camelback Rd and south of Chaparral Rd--east off Granite Reef. 0
...In what had to be the quietest controversial moment in Council history, they approved the separation agreement with outgoing City Manager Jan Dolan without any discussion or debate. It was slipped into the consent agenda portion of the meeting, and few of the 100 or so people in the City Hall Kiva (and fewer still of those watching the meeting on TV) had any real clue about what they were witnessing.
Given Ms. Dolan's status as a lightning rod for the ire of certain members of the Council, I'm guessing that if Tuesday's public meeting was so peaceful, it was because last Thursday's special executive session of the council was so 'colorful.'
Oh, to be a bloggin' fly on the wall at *that* meeting. :)
...According to David Ellison, acting City Manager, speaking at Wednesday night's session of City Government 101, no timetable as yet been established for the search for and hiring of a new city manager. At this point, it isn't even known if the new manager will be hired before or after the elections in the fall.
Personally, I think that in the interests of fairness to the candidates for the job, the final interviews and selection of the manager should wait until the reconstituted Council is seated in January.
...On the TCE/Arizona American Water front, the council heard a staff presentation on some of the options available to the council to ensure a safe drinking water supply for all Scottsdale residents.
During the presentation and consideration of the matter, Paul Townsley, president of Arizona American Water announced that one well, SRP PCX1 has been permanently disconnected from AAWC's water distibution system. The water in the well is the source of TCE in AAWC's water supply and will continue to be remediated; the treated water will probably be discharged into the Arizona Canal.
He went on to announce that of the three options that staff presented to the Council (do nothing, buy the Scottsdale portion of AAWC's system, or join Paradise Valley in obtaining the entire system), he and AAWC (and AAWC's parent company) support the 'do nothing' option and that AAWC isn't for sale, in whole or in part.
I'm not sure if that stance is real or just a negotiating position, because as Councilman Bob Littlefield pointed out, American Water is preparing for an IPO, so in essence, it will *all* be for sale soon.
Mr. Townsley's presentation started at around the 3 hour, 48 minute part of the video.
In the end, the Council voted to expand the study to gather more detailed information about the actual costs and benefits of acquisition.
Later!
Does this mean that it will take another 30+ years before we call it 'torture'?
From the Navy Times -
A January story with more details, courtesy the Mobile (AL) Press-Register, here.
VA grants disability to waterboarded Navy vet
The Department of Veterans Affairs has reversed its earlier rulings and granted a rare disability claim by an Alabama veteran who said he suffered long-term emotional problems after being waterboarded at a Navy survival training school in 1975.
A January story with more details, courtesy the Mobile (AL) Press-Register, here.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Events Calendar
Saturday, March 22 - Maricopa Democrat Night With The Phoenix Coyotes
Time - 7:00 p.m.
Location - Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland, Glendale.
Join fellow Democrats (and puckheads!) as the Coyotes take on the defending champs from Anaheim, the Mighty Ducks.
To order tickets by the deadline (5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21) -
1. Click here to order tickets;
2. Call Steve Pomerantz at the Coyotes' Box Office at (623) 772-3287
Thursday, March 27 - Meeting of the Arizona Chapter of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC)
Time - 7:00 p.m,
Location - Country Inn and Suites, 108-1 N. 89th Place, Scottsdale.
Scottsdale's Mayor, Mary Manross, will be the featured speaker this month.
Saturday, March 29 - Chili Cook Off with Governor Napolitano, a D17 Dems Fundraiser
Time - 4:00 p.m.
Location - 5901 E. Vernon in Scottsdale
Come celebrate the fact that LD17 now has more Democrats than Republicans at the Chili Cook-Off. Enjoy chili varieties, cornbread, slaw, flan, and fun beverages! Also enjoy the friendly competition as a number of elected officials and activists create culinary masterpieces to help D17 stay blue.
For more information or to reserve a ticket, call 480-730-8457 or charge your ticket online and donate the amount ($25 or $15 for Young Dems): http://d17dems.org/donate.asp
Later!
Time - 7:00 p.m.
Location - Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland, Glendale.
Join fellow Democrats (and puckheads!) as the Coyotes take on the defending champs from Anaheim, the Mighty Ducks.
To order tickets by the deadline (5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21) -
1. Click here to order tickets;
2. Call Steve Pomerantz at the Coyotes' Box Office at (623) 772-3287
Thursday, March 27 - Meeting of the Arizona Chapter of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC)
Time - 7:00 p.m,
Location - Country Inn and Suites, 108-1 N. 89th Place, Scottsdale.
Scottsdale's Mayor, Mary Manross, will be the featured speaker this month.
Saturday, March 29 - Chili Cook Off with Governor Napolitano, a D17 Dems Fundraiser
Time - 4:00 p.m.
Location - 5901 E. Vernon in Scottsdale
Come celebrate the fact that LD17 now has more Democrats than Republicans at the Chili Cook-Off. Enjoy chili varieties, cornbread, slaw, flan, and fun beverages! Also enjoy the friendly competition as a number of elected officials and activists create culinary masterpieces to help D17 stay blue.
For more information or to reserve a ticket, call 480-730-8457 or charge your ticket online and donate the amount ($25 or $15 for Young Dems): http://d17dems.org/donate.asp
Later!
Arizona's district level delegates
...Edit to add a candidate that I had forgotten. Thanks to commenter Tim for the reminder...
...Edited on 23 March to correct some mistakes I made in the bio of Dritan Zela, a candidate for delegate. My sincerest apologies to Mr. Zela for the errors. No disrespect was intended; I just took poor notes at the meeting.
End edit...
Thanks are due to everyone who ran for a delegate spot, and congratulations to everyone who won -
CD1
Clinton - Jack Jackson Jr., Greg Kaighn, Dawn Knight, Nikki Basque (Alt)
Obama - Christopher Clark-Dechene, Angela LaFevre
CD 2
Clinton - Bree Boehlke, Debra Boehlke, Robert Boehlke, Matthew Miller (Alt)
Obama - Shirley McAllister, Eddie Smith
CD 3
Clinton - Jim Pederson, Lois Pfau, Howard Bell, Lisa White (alt)
Obama - Mark Manoil, Genevieve Vega
CD 4
Clinton - Dana Kennedy, Jose Rivas
Obama - David Gass, Kate Widland
CD 5
Clinton - Angie Crouse (LD17 Vice-Chair - whoooo hoooo!!!), George Paterakis
Obama - Sean Bowie, Donna Gratehouse, Laren Kuby (LD17 Vice-Chair - whoooo hoooo!!!) , Jim Brodie (alt)
CD 6
Clinton - Beverly Fox-Miller, Roman Ulman, Elizabeth Brown (alt)
Obama - John Chiazza, Kit Filbey
CD 7
Clinton - David Martinez, Gail Beeler
Obama - Paul Eckerstrom, Lisa Fernandez
CD 8
Clinton - Chris Campas, Elly Anderson, JoJene Mills, Bruce Heurlin (alt)
Obama - John C. Adams, Patricia Canady
I attended the CD5 Obama caucus where we had a diverse slate of enthusiastic candidates to choose from. The candidates ranged from an Albanian immigrant/Fulbright Scholar in Mathematics (who gave a moving speech on what America, democracy, and Obama means to someone who was born in and lived under one of the world's most repressive regimes - Dritan Zela) to a lifelong Democratic activist ("I campaigned for FDR as a fetus" - Jerry Gettinger).
When the balloting was complete, the winning candidates were people who were both dedicated volunteers for Senator Obama and long-time Democratic activists who were exhilarated over their selections.
Other notes from the caucus -
...Under caucus rules, candidates did not have to be present to win, which is a great ideal. However, future delegate candidates should learn from the results in CD5 - "no show" meant "no votes."
...A number of candidates for office showed up to work the rooms for supporters.
- Joel Sinclaire, candidate for District 2 Maricopa County Supervisor, was there, speaking passionately about the need for fiscal responsibility and accountability on the part of the County and all of its agencies (yes, he was definitely referring to a certain Honduras-junketing sheriff's office and a certain no-bid-contracts-to-favored-outside-law-firms-issuing county attorney's office.) His campaign website is still under construction, but the email works. Contact him at Joel[at]electsinclaire.com if you want to help out.
- Stephanie Rimmer, candidate for LD8 House, also was there. She's a small business owner and longtime community activist who's making a second run in LD8. She's running as a Clean Elections candidate, so she needs $5s and signatures. Her website is here, and she can be contacted at stephanie[at]stephanierimmer.com.
- Ed Hermes, candidate for District 1 Maricopa County Supervisor was present, bringing his energetic campaign to unseat Fulton Brock. He needs help with contributions, both financial (no Clean Elections at the county level yet) and time. Contact him at ed[at]edhermes.com if you want to help.
- LD17 state representatives (and candidates for reelection!) David Schapira and Ed Ableser were also candidates for district level delgates for Obama, but they graciously withdrew because they have the opportunity to gain delegate slots as party leader/elected official (PLEO) delegates. That selection process is upcoming. They're still collecting Clean Elections 5s and signatures.
Later!
...Edited on 23 March to correct some mistakes I made in the bio of Dritan Zela, a candidate for delegate. My sincerest apologies to Mr. Zela for the errors. No disrespect was intended; I just took poor notes at the meeting.
End edit...
Thanks are due to everyone who ran for a delegate spot, and congratulations to everyone who won -
CD1
Clinton - Jack Jackson Jr., Greg Kaighn, Dawn Knight, Nikki Basque (Alt)
Obama - Christopher Clark-Dechene, Angela LaFevre
CD 2
Clinton - Bree Boehlke, Debra Boehlke, Robert Boehlke, Matthew Miller (Alt)
Obama - Shirley McAllister, Eddie Smith
CD 3
Clinton - Jim Pederson, Lois Pfau, Howard Bell, Lisa White (alt)
Obama - Mark Manoil, Genevieve Vega
CD 4
Clinton - Dana Kennedy, Jose Rivas
Obama - David Gass, Kate Widland
CD 5
Clinton - Angie Crouse (LD17 Vice-Chair - whoooo hoooo!!!), George Paterakis
Obama - Sean Bowie, Donna Gratehouse, Laren Kuby (LD17 Vice-Chair - whoooo hoooo!!!) , Jim Brodie (alt)
CD 6
Clinton - Beverly Fox-Miller, Roman Ulman, Elizabeth Brown (alt)
Obama - John Chiazza, Kit Filbey
CD 7
Clinton - David Martinez, Gail Beeler
Obama - Paul Eckerstrom, Lisa Fernandez
CD 8
Clinton - Chris Campas, Elly Anderson, JoJene Mills, Bruce Heurlin (alt)
Obama - John C. Adams, Patricia Canady
I attended the CD5 Obama caucus where we had a diverse slate of enthusiastic candidates to choose from. The candidates ranged from an Albanian immigrant/Fulbright Scholar in Mathematics (who gave a moving speech on what America, democracy, and Obama means to someone who was born in and lived under one of the world's most repressive regimes - Dritan Zela) to a lifelong Democratic activist ("I campaigned for FDR as a fetus" - Jerry Gettinger).
When the balloting was complete, the winning candidates were people who were both dedicated volunteers for Senator Obama and long-time Democratic activists who were exhilarated over their selections.
Other notes from the caucus -
...Under caucus rules, candidates did not have to be present to win, which is a great ideal. However, future delegate candidates should learn from the results in CD5 - "no show" meant "no votes."
...A number of candidates for office showed up to work the rooms for supporters.
- Joel Sinclaire, candidate for District 2 Maricopa County Supervisor, was there, speaking passionately about the need for fiscal responsibility and accountability on the part of the County and all of its agencies (yes, he was definitely referring to a certain Honduras-junketing sheriff's office and a certain no-bid-contracts-to-favored-outside-law-firms-issuing county attorney's office.) His campaign website is still under construction, but the email works. Contact him at Joel[at]electsinclaire.com if you want to help out.
- Stephanie Rimmer, candidate for LD8 House, also was there. She's a small business owner and longtime community activist who's making a second run in LD8. She's running as a Clean Elections candidate, so she needs $5s and signatures. Her website is here, and she can be contacted at stephanie[at]stephanierimmer.com.
- Ed Hermes, candidate for District 1 Maricopa County Supervisor was present, bringing his energetic campaign to unseat Fulton Brock. He needs help with contributions, both financial (no Clean Elections at the county level yet) and time. Contact him at ed[at]edhermes.com if you want to help.
- LD17 state representatives (and candidates for reelection!) David Schapira and Ed Ableser were also candidates for district level delgates for Obama, but they graciously withdrew because they have the opportunity to gain delegate slots as party leader/elected official (PLEO) delegates. That selection process is upcoming. They're still collecting Clean Elections 5s and signatures.
Later!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Sen. Barack Obama won the nomination Tuesday
Sen. Barack Obama gave a speech Tuesday that did something no other major political figure has ever done.
In the words of The Daily Show's Jon Stewart, he spoke to America on the subject of race, and he spoke to Americans "like they were adults."
I won't attempt to recap the entire speech here. I'm just not that skilled a writer.
After viewing the speech and reading the text (both available here), I was left with many thoughts -
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
OK, so it was one thought expressed many times. :))
Personally, I think that this speech just sewed up the nomination - every voter in the remaining primaries, as well as every super-delegate, will see the speech and see Barack Obama as the one candidate with both the ability to win election as President and the clarity of vision, emotional depth, and intellectual honesty to actually do some good once he has the job.
To be sure, there are those who will see that but still not vote for Obama, if only because they are totally wedded to insider politics.
Fortunately, they don't constitute a majority of the Democratic Party, or of the country as a whole.
BTW - While watching the speech, I *did* have one or two thoughts besides "wow"...
"Good God, I wish I wrote as well as his speechwriter," followed by "betcha Hillary Clinton wishes her campaign had a speechwriter that good."
Washington Post coverage (columnist Courtland Malloy) here.
To those readers of the Republican persuasion - It should be noted that while Sen. Obama presumably spent Monday polishing his speech, the Republican nominee spent the day polishing up the picks in his NCAA brackets.
Later!
In the words of The Daily Show's Jon Stewart, he spoke to America on the subject of race, and he spoke to Americans "like they were adults."
I won't attempt to recap the entire speech here. I'm just not that skilled a writer.
After viewing the speech and reading the text (both available here), I was left with many thoughts -
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
"Wow."
OK, so it was one thought expressed many times. :))
Personally, I think that this speech just sewed up the nomination - every voter in the remaining primaries, as well as every super-delegate, will see the speech and see Barack Obama as the one candidate with both the ability to win election as President and the clarity of vision, emotional depth, and intellectual honesty to actually do some good once he has the job.
To be sure, there are those who will see that but still not vote for Obama, if only because they are totally wedded to insider politics.
Fortunately, they don't constitute a majority of the Democratic Party, or of the country as a whole.
BTW - While watching the speech, I *did* have one or two thoughts besides "wow"...
"Good God, I wish I wrote as well as his speechwriter," followed by "betcha Hillary Clinton wishes her campaign had a speechwriter that good."
Washington Post coverage (columnist Courtland Malloy) here.
To those readers of the Republican persuasion - It should be noted that while Sen. Obama presumably spent Monday polishing his speech, the Republican nominee spent the day polishing up the picks in his NCAA brackets.
Later!
It's petition time, so the dirty tricks brigades are out
Today, there were a number of petition circulators outside the Civic Center branch of the Scottsdale Library (aka - the main branch). The sign they stood in front of said something to the effect of "sign a petition to help keep dogs and cats from being killed."
The actual petitions were for state Rep. Russell Pearce's (R-National Alliance) initiative to harshen up his anti-immigrant employer sanctions law and for Ward Connerly's anti-affirmative action initiative.
Read before you sign, and read every single petition, not just the top one...
Later!
The actual petitions were for state Rep. Russell Pearce's (R-National Alliance) initiative to harshen up his anti-immigrant employer sanctions law and for Ward Connerly's anti-affirmative action initiative.
Read before you sign, and read every single petition, not just the top one...
Later!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday Morning Crappie (belated)
My apologies to DB and other faithful readers for the even-more-infrequent-than-I-expected awarding of this dubious (and rather malodorous) honor. Between my work schedule and other demands (the presidential delegate selection caucus - more on that on Tuesday), it's been tough to stay on schedule with these posts.
The first nominee for this week's award has already been mentioned in an earlier post. George W. Bush didn't even wait to be hooked and reeled in - he flip-flopped his way into the boat with his cautions against helping out struggling homeowners at the same time the government was bailing out an investment bank. The only question is was the bailout to help Bear Stearns or was it intended to subsidize JP Morgan's bargain-basement purchase of the now-stabilized Bear Stearns.
The second nominee is...the ever-conscientious George W. Bush, who, after saying that he doesn't think that measures to help those affected by the looming recession and the mortgage crisis should be too strong, turned around and urged Congress to do something about the economy.
Of course, what he wants Congress to do is make his tax cuts for the wealthy permanent, enacting 'free-trade' deals to ease the offshoring of American jobs, cutting pork spending (leaving more money in the budget for Halliburton and other beneficiaries of no-bid contracts.
I suppose it could be argued that there's no flip-flop here - he doesn't want anything done to help the average American, whether by him or by Congress.
However, as strong a case as Bush has presented this week (OK, presents *every* week :) ), the third nominee and winner is Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.
On the flip side in his blog, he criticized AZ Governor Janet Napolitano by associating her with the travails of soon-to-be-former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer. He excoriated Spitzer for cheating on his wife with a prostitute.
However, on the flop side, he has yet to call for the resignation of indicted Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi, saying only that he thinks that Renzi "will do what is best for his family, constituents and party."
A couple of minor points here - Spitzer's behavior, while utterly deplorable, involved consenting adults; the only betrayal was his betrayal of his wife and marriage; Renzi's behavior, however, has involved betraying his entire Congressional district and his oath of office (as well as assorted fraud, extortion, and money laundering statutes.)
He hurt many thousands of people with his misdeeds; arguably, Spitzer hurt only his family and himself.
For spewing a shameless double standard like Bush, but doing so in a down-home, Arizona-centered way, Randy Pullen is this week's "winner" of the Sunday Morning Crappie.
Thanks to Emily Bittner of the Arizona Democratic Party for noticing Pullen's flip, wiggle and flop. She deserves a raise - anyone who has to read Pullen's tripe as part of their job isn't getting paid enough. :))
The first nominee for this week's award has already been mentioned in an earlier post. George W. Bush didn't even wait to be hooked and reeled in - he flip-flopped his way into the boat with his cautions against helping out struggling homeowners at the same time the government was bailing out an investment bank. The only question is was the bailout to help Bear Stearns or was it intended to subsidize JP Morgan's bargain-basement purchase of the now-stabilized Bear Stearns.
The second nominee is...the ever-conscientious George W. Bush, who, after saying that he doesn't think that measures to help those affected by the looming recession and the mortgage crisis should be too strong, turned around and urged Congress to do something about the economy.
Of course, what he wants Congress to do is make his tax cuts for the wealthy permanent, enacting 'free-trade' deals to ease the offshoring of American jobs, cutting pork spending (leaving more money in the budget for Halliburton and other beneficiaries of no-bid contracts.
I suppose it could be argued that there's no flip-flop here - he doesn't want anything done to help the average American, whether by him or by Congress.
However, as strong a case as Bush has presented this week (OK, presents *every* week :) ), the third nominee and winner is Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.
On the flip side in his blog, he criticized AZ Governor Janet Napolitano by associating her with the travails of soon-to-be-former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer. He excoriated Spitzer for cheating on his wife with a prostitute.
However, on the flop side, he has yet to call for the resignation of indicted Arizona Congressman Rick Renzi, saying only that he thinks that Renzi "will do what is best for his family, constituents and party."
A couple of minor points here - Spitzer's behavior, while utterly deplorable, involved consenting adults; the only betrayal was his betrayal of his wife and marriage; Renzi's behavior, however, has involved betraying his entire Congressional district and his oath of office (as well as assorted fraud, extortion, and money laundering statutes.)
He hurt many thousands of people with his misdeeds; arguably, Spitzer hurt only his family and himself.
For spewing a shameless double standard like Bush, but doing so in a down-home, Arizona-centered way, Randy Pullen is this week's "winner" of the Sunday Morning Crappie.
Thanks to Emily Bittner of the Arizona Democratic Party for noticing Pullen's flip, wiggle and flop. She deserves a raise - anyone who has to read Pullen's tripe as part of their job isn't getting paid enough. :))
Friday, March 14, 2008
Short Attention Span Musing
...Apparently, they've pretty much cleaned out the U.S. Treasury, so now the Republicans are reduced to ripping off themselves...
From The Hill -
From his speech to the Economic Club of New York (speaking on the mortgage foreclosure crisis) -
Median U.S. home price, 2007 - $246,900 (Census Bureau); Median U.S. houshold income, 2006 - $48, 201 (also Census Bureau)
Bear Stearns' stockholder equity as of November 30, 2007 - approximately $11.8 billion (Yahoo! Finance); 2006 compensation of Bear Stearns (then-) CEO James Cayne - $28.4 million (Forbes.com).
...Trent Franks, the cutting edge Republican Congressman - if this was 25 years ago...
I don't have a link yet (it's too soon for today's floor speeches to be in the Congressional Record), but Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ2), threw everybody a curveball today. Instead of his normal 5-minute rant against a woman's right to choose to control her own medical decisions, he stood in the well of the House and expressed support for the President's national defense program.
However, the President in question was Ronald Reagan, and the defense program in question was the ballistic missile shield, the Strategic Defense Initiative, aka - Star Wars.
What's next, Congressman Franks? Criticizing the Mary Tyler Moore for provocatively wearing capri pants on the Dick Van Dyke Show??
End Arizona's embarrassment - Thrasher for Congress.
Hope to see some of you tomorrow at ASU!
From The Hill -
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) said Thursday that former Treasurer Chris Ward apparently funneled several hundred thousand dollars to his personal and business bank accounts from the committee’s funds....Apparently, Bush Administration is making a run at a Sunday Morning Crappie award (or a Sunday Morning Deck Bass, or a Sunday Eel Pout), not even waiting a day between a flip and a flop; at the very least,...
The transfers caused the committee to severely over-report its cash-on-hand totals in recent financial reports.
From his speech to the Economic Club of New York (speaking on the mortgage foreclosure crisis) -
I want to talk to you about a couple of ideas that I strongly reject. First, one bill in Congress would provide $4 billion for state and local governments to buy up abandoned and foreclosed homes. You know, I guess this sounds like a good idea to some, but if your goal is to help Americans keep their homes, it doesn't make any sense to spend billions of dollars buying up homes that are already empty.From Business Week -
Bear's stock was in a free fall Mar. 14—hitting an 11-year low—following the news that JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and the New York Federal Reserve had stepped in with an emergency cash bailout for the New York-based investment firm.For those of you who aren't sure of why Bear Stearns gets a helping hand, and the average American gets a backhand -
Median U.S. home price, 2007 - $246,900 (Census Bureau); Median U.S. houshold income, 2006 - $48, 201 (also Census Bureau)
Bear Stearns' stockholder equity as of November 30, 2007 - approximately $11.8 billion (Yahoo! Finance); 2006 compensation of Bear Stearns (then-) CEO James Cayne - $28.4 million (Forbes.com).
...Trent Franks, the cutting edge Republican Congressman - if this was 25 years ago...
I don't have a link yet (it's too soon for today's floor speeches to be in the Congressional Record), but Congressman Trent Franks (R-AZ2), threw everybody a curveball today. Instead of his normal 5-minute rant against a woman's right to choose to control her own medical decisions, he stood in the well of the House and expressed support for the President's national defense program.
However, the President in question was Ronald Reagan, and the defense program in question was the ballistic missile shield, the Strategic Defense Initiative, aka - Star Wars.
What's next, Congressman Franks? Criticizing the Mary Tyler Moore for provocatively wearing capri pants on the Dick Van Dyke Show??
End Arizona's embarrassment - Thrasher for Congress.
Hope to see some of you tomorrow at ASU!
The Shocking Truth About Barack Obama
Time for the season's first Google Bomb/Viral Email...
Source: Daily Kos; thanks for the heads-up go out to The Richmond Democrat.
Posted in response to the various hate emails circulating on the internet.
Subject: The Real Truth About Barack Obama!
As enthusiastic volunteers in the Barack Obama campaign for the Presidency, we have put together a list of facts about Barack so that you will know the truth about him. Please follow the links we have included for documentation of these facts. If you value the truth as we do, please spread this information via email, blog, or any other means, to everyone you know.
- Did you know that Barack Obama is a devout Christian? He has been a member of the same United Church of Christ congregation for 20 years, and was married there to his wife Michelle in 1992.
- Did you know that Barack Obama often leads the US Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance?
- Did you know that Barack Obama is a strong friend of Israel and has spoken out strongly against anti-Semitism?
- Did you know his grandparents from Kansas were part of the "Greatest Generation?. His grandfather served with Patton's Army during World War II, and his grandmother, a real "Rosie the Riveter", worked in a bomber assembly plant back home.
- Did you know that Barack Obama was opposed to the war in Iraq from day one, before we invaded, even while he was running for the Senate, and knowing his opposition might be politically unpopular?
"I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world and strengthen the recruitment arm of al Qaeda. I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars." --Barack Obama, 2002
- Did you know Obama favors transparency over secrecy in our government? Did you know that Obama worked with Republican Senator Tom Coburn to pass one of the strongest government transparency bills since the freedom of information act? He's calling it Google for Government and you can see the results at www.usaspending.gov. Sen. Obama has also released his own tax returns for public review.
- Did you know that after graduating with honors from Harvard Law School, Barack practiced civil rights law and also taught Constitutional Law for 10 years at the University of Chicago, one of the nation's best law schools, where he was consistentl y rated by his students as one of their best instructors? Did you also know that he was the first African-American elected pres ident of the prestigious Harvard Law Review?
- Did you know that Barack Obama is an outspoken advocate for women's rights and has been a principled defender of the civil rights of women?
- Did you know that despite the grueling schedule of running for President, Senator Obama remains a devoted family man, making time to do things like pick out a Christmas tree with his wife and two young daughters, or hurrying home to spend Valentine's Day with them? Did you know he hasn't missed a single parent-teacher conference while running for President?
- Did you know that Barack Obama has a stellar environmental record, including having the highest rating from the League of Conservation Voters (96%) of any Presidential candidate, Democrat or Republican?
- Did you know that Barack Obama has been an elected legislator longer than Senator Clinton?
- Did you know that Barack is a member of all of these Senate Committees: Foreign Relations; Veteran's Affairs; Health, Education, Labor & Pensions; Homeland Security and Government Affairs?
- Did you know that Senator Obama has sponsored or co-sponsored 15 bills that have become law, and has introduced amendments to 50 bills, of which 16 were adopted since he joined the Senate in 2005?
- Did you know that Senator Obama sponsored legislation working together with Indiana Republican Senator Richard Lugar, to keep Americans safe by keeping dangerous weapons out of terrorist hands? The two senators also visited the former Soviet Union to inspect the decommissioning of nuclear weapons. Sen. Lugar said of Sen. Obama, "He does have a sense of idealism and principled leadership, a vision of the future."
- Did you know that Barack Obama is the only candidate running for president who voted against using cluster bombs in Iraq and the only candidate who supports banning the use of landmines?
- Did you know that, as an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama succeeded in passing legislation requiring the videotaping of police interrogations, gaining the respect and support not only of fellow legislators but that of the police, who had initially opposed the legislation?
- Did you know that Theodore Roosevelt, Grover Cleveland, Ulysses S. Grant, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton were all younger when they took office than Barack Obama will be?
During election season many emails are circulated about the candidates. Some are true, some aren't. It's often difficult to determine the truth. We encourage you to visit the following non-partisan sites that do a good job of fact checking the candidates.
http://www.snopes.com/
http://www.factcheck.org/
Source: Daily Kos; thanks for the heads-up go out to The Richmond Democrat.
Posted in response to the various hate emails circulating on the internet.
Thank you Harry...
Earlier today, in spite of Republican tactics that reeked of hysteria, grandstanding, and attempts to baldly intimidate them, Congressman Harry Mitchell (D-AZ5) and 212 other Democrats approved the House version of H.R. 3773, the FISA Amendments Act of 2008.
The House version did not include the main clause that the President and the other Republicans in D.C. wanted, the one that retroactively granted immunity to telecommunications companies that participated in warrantless wiretapping in the past.
The final vote was 213 - 197, 1 voting 'present.' The voting in the Arizona delegation fell along party lines - Democrats Giffords, Grijalva, Pastor, and Mitchell voting 'yea'; Republicans Flake, Franks, Renzi, and Shadegg voting 'nay.'
Last August, I criticized Harry Mitchell and the Blue Dogs for voting for a very bad bill, one that didn't require judicial oversight of electronic surveillance; it's only fair that I compliment him and them (mostly, anyway - 12 Dems crossed over today) now.
They've earned it.
Washington Post coverage of today's vote here.
WaPo coverage of President Bush's remarks on the topic yesterday here (summary: he says that he will veto any bill without immunity.)
White House statement on today's vote here.
ACLU statement on today's vote here.
Later!
The House version did not include the main clause that the President and the other Republicans in D.C. wanted, the one that retroactively granted immunity to telecommunications companies that participated in warrantless wiretapping in the past.
The final vote was 213 - 197, 1 voting 'present.' The voting in the Arizona delegation fell along party lines - Democrats Giffords, Grijalva, Pastor, and Mitchell voting 'yea'; Republicans Flake, Franks, Renzi, and Shadegg voting 'nay.'
Last August, I criticized Harry Mitchell and the Blue Dogs for voting for a very bad bill, one that didn't require judicial oversight of electronic surveillance; it's only fair that I compliment him and them (mostly, anyway - 12 Dems crossed over today) now.
They've earned it.
Washington Post coverage of today's vote here.
WaPo coverage of President Bush's remarks on the topic yesterday here (summary: he says that he will veto any bill without immunity.)
White House statement on today's vote here.
ACLU statement on today's vote here.
Later!
Scottsdale Update
...On the TCE/Arizona American Water (AAWC) front -
I attended a presentation from the City of Scottsdale put on by Suzanne Grendahl and Art Nunez of the City of Scottsdale (previously mentioned here) regarding the City's operation of the Central Groundwater Treatment Facility (CGTF) on the northwest corner of Pima and Thomas. The impetus for the presentation was concerns about the likelihood of a CGTF-based repeat of the incidents at the Arizona American-operated Miller Road Treatment Facility (MRTF) (background here and here).
I can say that, based on the presentation, while a failure such as that which occurred at MRTF is still possible at CGTF (equipment failures are always possible, no matter how well designed and maintained that equipment), the systems that the City of Scottsdale has in place make it exceedingly unlikely that such a failure would go undetected, such as happened at MRTF for more than 16 hours.
Not only is the site physically staffed 10 - 12 hours per day, seven days a week, the site is subject to ongoing remote computer monitoring (SCADA) during the off-hours and at least one physical walk-through by a city water treatment operator during the night.
Definitely an improvement on AAWC's procedures, which allowed a failure to go undetected from 2:30 p.m. on one day until after 6:30 a.m. the next.
- In addition to this info about the control systems at CGTF, Ms. Grendahl and Mr. Nunez briefly covered a planned improvement project at the facility. It won't affect TCE remediation; it's just intended to reduce the hardness of the water from the facility into alignment with that available in the rest of the city. The City has tentatively scheduled an open house at the site on April 8, 2008 for 6:00 p.m.
For more info, contact Suzanne Grendahl at sgrendahl[at]scottsdaleaz.gov or 480-312-8719.
- Lastly (for now :) ) on the TCE/AAWC issue, on Tuesday night the Scottsdale City Council will hear the results of a study they ordered City Staff to compile on possible options for water service to the 1400+ Arizona American Water customers in Scottsdale.
Those options will include maintaining the current system, with the City working with AzAm Water to improve service to the company's Scottsdale customers, purchasing the Scottsdale part of AAWC's system, or working with the Town of Paradise Valley to purchase the entire AAWC system in the affected area.
Each of those options has its costs and benefits; the "highlight" of those costs is that the estimated value of AAWC's operation is in excess of $50 million.
That could be a tough nut to get past the Scottsdale taxpayers/voters during an election year.
...In other, more election-related Scottsdale news, there is a group called Height and Density, that was formed to fight Council approval of a high-density, high-height development project, the Hanover Project. HAD is working on collecting enough signatures to force the Council's decision to a referendum.
The Hanover Project is helmed by Eric Kenney of Hanover RS Limited Partnership from Texas. They've formed a counter group, Citizens for Smart Growth. That counter group has reported two major expenditures thus far - $10K to retain legal counsel and more than $7700 to hire a signature gathering firm, Derrick C. Lee's Campaign Finance Co. LLC, aka Lee Petitions.
That's where it gets interesting. Turns out that Lee Petitions does more than collect signatures; they try to intimidate and suppress those who dare to oppose their clients.
Lee Petitions has a colorful history, including fraudulent signatures (AZ, CO, and MT) and heavy involvement with Nathan Sproul, the man who would be an Arizona version of Karl Rove.
One of the other organizations involved with the Hanover Project in Scottsdale? Technical Solutions, the lobbying firm owned by erstwhile Republican Congressional candidate in CD5, Susan Bitter Smith.
Guess she has a decision to make, if she really wants to win the Republican nomination in CD5 - respect the voters in the district, or keep her industry clients happy.
If you have time, money, want to sign HAD's petition, or just despise bullies as much as I do, contact Tom Giller at 480-994-1181.
...At last night's meeting of COGS, I heard about another candidate entering the race for City Council, but I haven't been able to confirm it as yet. Another candidate would balance the apparent non-candidacy of Richard Mueller. Mr. Mueller has filed organizational paperwork but has yet to exhibit any real activity, including responding to emails from me and MSM representatives seeking to learn about his candidacy.
Later!
I attended a presentation from the City of Scottsdale put on by Suzanne Grendahl and Art Nunez of the City of Scottsdale (previously mentioned here) regarding the City's operation of the Central Groundwater Treatment Facility (CGTF) on the northwest corner of Pima and Thomas. The impetus for the presentation was concerns about the likelihood of a CGTF-based repeat of the incidents at the Arizona American-operated Miller Road Treatment Facility (MRTF) (background here and here).
I can say that, based on the presentation, while a failure such as that which occurred at MRTF is still possible at CGTF (equipment failures are always possible, no matter how well designed and maintained that equipment), the systems that the City of Scottsdale has in place make it exceedingly unlikely that such a failure would go undetected, such as happened at MRTF for more than 16 hours.
Not only is the site physically staffed 10 - 12 hours per day, seven days a week, the site is subject to ongoing remote computer monitoring (SCADA) during the off-hours and at least one physical walk-through by a city water treatment operator during the night.
Definitely an improvement on AAWC's procedures, which allowed a failure to go undetected from 2:30 p.m. on one day until after 6:30 a.m. the next.
- In addition to this info about the control systems at CGTF, Ms. Grendahl and Mr. Nunez briefly covered a planned improvement project at the facility. It won't affect TCE remediation; it's just intended to reduce the hardness of the water from the facility into alignment with that available in the rest of the city. The City has tentatively scheduled an open house at the site on April 8, 2008 for 6:00 p.m.
For more info, contact Suzanne Grendahl at sgrendahl[at]scottsdaleaz.gov or 480-312-8719.
- Lastly (for now :) ) on the TCE/AAWC issue, on Tuesday night the Scottsdale City Council will hear the results of a study they ordered City Staff to compile on possible options for water service to the 1400+ Arizona American Water customers in Scottsdale.
Those options will include maintaining the current system, with the City working with AzAm Water to improve service to the company's Scottsdale customers, purchasing the Scottsdale part of AAWC's system, or working with the Town of Paradise Valley to purchase the entire AAWC system in the affected area.
Each of those options has its costs and benefits; the "highlight" of those costs is that the estimated value of AAWC's operation is in excess of $50 million.
That could be a tough nut to get past the Scottsdale taxpayers/voters during an election year.
...In other, more election-related Scottsdale news, there is a group called Height and Density, that was formed to fight Council approval of a high-density, high-height development project, the Hanover Project. HAD is working on collecting enough signatures to force the Council's decision to a referendum.
The Hanover Project is helmed by Eric Kenney of Hanover RS Limited Partnership from Texas. They've formed a counter group, Citizens for Smart Growth. That counter group has reported two major expenditures thus far - $10K to retain legal counsel and more than $7700 to hire a signature gathering firm, Derrick C. Lee's Campaign Finance Co. LLC, aka Lee Petitions.
That's where it gets interesting. Turns out that Lee Petitions does more than collect signatures; they try to intimidate and suppress those who dare to oppose their clients.
Lee Petitions has a colorful history, including fraudulent signatures (AZ, CO, and MT) and heavy involvement with Nathan Sproul, the man who would be an Arizona version of Karl Rove.
One of the other organizations involved with the Hanover Project in Scottsdale? Technical Solutions, the lobbying firm owned by erstwhile Republican Congressional candidate in CD5, Susan Bitter Smith.
Guess she has a decision to make, if she really wants to win the Republican nomination in CD5 - respect the voters in the district, or keep her industry clients happy.
If you have time, money, want to sign HAD's petition, or just despise bullies as much as I do, contact Tom Giller at 480-994-1181.
...At last night's meeting of COGS, I heard about another candidate entering the race for City Council, but I haven't been able to confirm it as yet. Another candidate would balance the apparent non-candidacy of Richard Mueller. Mr. Mueller has filed organizational paperwork but has yet to exhibit any real activity, including responding to emails from me and MSM representatives seeking to learn about his candidacy.
Later!
Democratic Presidential Delegate Selection
Tomorrow, Saturday March 15, Arizona's Democratic PCs will caucus to select their district level delegates to this summer's national convention.
The AZDems' statewide information page on this event is here.
The CD5-specific info:
Caucus location -
CD 5 Arizona State University – Map
Registration: Social Sciences Building – SS (ground floor)
Obama Caucus: SS226
Clinton Caucus: SS229
Directions to Arizona State University, University Drive & Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ
Tempe Campus Map
From the 202, Exit Scottsdale Rd./Rural, Turn right on to Rural, Turn Right on to Rio Salado, Park in Lot 59, just North, Northeast & East of the ASU Sun Devils Stadium.
Drop off location:
CD 4 – 5: From Lot 59, head South to University Dr. Head West to Normal Dr., turn South in the parking lot nest to the Student Health Center. Drop off in parking lot.
All voting PCs must register before the caucus starts; registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Delegates to be selected from CD5 -
2 Delegates for Hillary Clinton (one male, one female); 3 Delegates for Barack Obama (one male, two female, plus one male alternate).
In CD5, there are 11 Clinton delegate candidates; 25 Obama delegate candidates.
A list of all delegate candidates can be found here.
While coffee and water will be provided, and box lunches will be available for purchase, the ADP recommends that caucus-goers bring drinks and snacks, as the caucuses may take several hours.
Note: I've decided to caucus for the Obama delegates. I'll be voting for uber-volunteer (and LD17 PC and vice-chair) Lauren Kuby.
With her activist resume starting with volunteering for the McGovern campaign in '72 and continuing through her dedication to the Obama campaign, she epitomizes the grassroots heart of the Democratic Party.
In addition to her work as vice-chair of the LD17 Dems, including serving as both the Communications and Fundraising chairs, she organized for Obama in AZ even before he had an AZ campaign. She's both opened her home to out-of-state volunteers and volunteer to travel to other states for the campaign (IA, NV, TX) herself.
If there is anyone is the state that can be said to have *earned* a trip to the national convention in Denver, it's Lauren Kuby.
As for my other choices, I've got no bleepin' clue. :)
There are a number of other wholly deserving candidates; I'm going to have to wait until their 3 minute presentations tomorrow to decide.
Later!
The AZDems' statewide information page on this event is here.
The CD5-specific info:
Caucus location -
CD 5 Arizona State University – Map
Registration: Social Sciences Building – SS (ground floor)
Obama Caucus: SS226
Clinton Caucus: SS229
Directions to Arizona State University, University Drive & Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ
Tempe Campus Map
From the 202, Exit Scottsdale Rd./Rural, Turn right on to Rural, Turn Right on to Rio Salado, Park in Lot 59, just North, Northeast & East of the ASU Sun Devils Stadium.
Drop off location:
CD 4 – 5: From Lot 59, head South to University Dr. Head West to Normal Dr., turn South in the parking lot nest to the Student Health Center. Drop off in parking lot.
All voting PCs must register before the caucus starts; registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Delegates to be selected from CD5 -
2 Delegates for Hillary Clinton (one male, one female); 3 Delegates for Barack Obama (one male, two female, plus one male alternate).
In CD5, there are 11 Clinton delegate candidates; 25 Obama delegate candidates.
A list of all delegate candidates can be found here.
While coffee and water will be provided, and box lunches will be available for purchase, the ADP recommends that caucus-goers bring drinks and snacks, as the caucuses may take several hours.
Note: I've decided to caucus for the Obama delegates. I'll be voting for uber-volunteer (and LD17 PC and vice-chair) Lauren Kuby.
With her activist resume starting with volunteering for the McGovern campaign in '72 and continuing through her dedication to the Obama campaign, she epitomizes the grassroots heart of the Democratic Party.
In addition to her work as vice-chair of the LD17 Dems, including serving as both the Communications and Fundraising chairs, she organized for Obama in AZ even before he had an AZ campaign. She's both opened her home to out-of-state volunteers and volunteer to travel to other states for the campaign (IA, NV, TX) herself.
If there is anyone is the state that can be said to have *earned* a trip to the national convention in Denver, it's Lauren Kuby.
As for my other choices, I've got no bleepin' clue. :)
There are a number of other wholly deserving candidates; I'm going to have to wait until their 3 minute presentations tomorrow to decide.
Later!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Secret Session??
Right now, the U.S. House of Representatives is discussing holding a 'secret session' in order that Republican members of the House can present classified information to the rest of the House regarding the pending FISA update.
I've been listening to the discussion of the idea for a little while (I missed the beginning, though), and have to ask a question that I haven't heard any Congressmen or -women ask -
How is it that only Republicans, members of the President's own (minority) party, have access to this information?
Is this another example of the Administration's habit of selectively manipulating intelligence data to serve its own purposes?
Or is this just an attempt by the Republican caucus in the House to intimidate enough House Democrats to ram through retroactive immunity for telecoms?
Note - as I was typing this post, Diane Watson of California asked basically these questions. She didn't get a clear answer.
Stay tuned...
I've been listening to the discussion of the idea for a little while (I missed the beginning, though), and have to ask a question that I haven't heard any Congressmen or -women ask -
How is it that only Republicans, members of the President's own (minority) party, have access to this information?
Is this another example of the Administration's habit of selectively manipulating intelligence data to serve its own purposes?
Or is this just an attempt by the Republican caucus in the House to intimidate enough House Democrats to ram through retroactive immunity for telecoms?
Note - as I was typing this post, Diane Watson of California asked basically these questions. She didn't get a clear answer.
Stay tuned...
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