There are still a large number of smear/hate emails circulating about Barack Obama, and with the rising anti-Obama fervor stoked by the McCain/Palin campaign at their rallies, it means that it's time to repost some links to information that debunk many of the common smears about Senator Obama.
This was originally posted on March 14, 2008 -
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.
I didn't check all of the links to see if they are still good; if you find one that's broken, let me know in a comment, and I'll try to fix it.
Later!
Showing posts with label 2008 campaign. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008 campaign. Show all posts
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Arpaio Ad Watch
Many of you who live in the Phoenix area and have a TV hooked up to Cox Cable are certain to have seen Joe Arpaio's latest TV spot in his quest to fend of challenger Dan Saban.
The ad gives him a grade of "A" or "A+" in many areas; let's look a little more closely at those -
Crime Clearance - The ad states that the MCSO's clearance rate is 75%; it's actually almost 20 points lower.
Response Times - The ad states that the MCSO's response times are lower. That may or may not be true (I really don't know), but response times are still 40% higher than what they should be (7 minutes instead of 5 minutes, according to the same story linked above).
Jail Management - The ad states that the Maricopa County jails are a "model of excellence" but ignores the fact that those same jails have lost their accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care because of the inadequate health care provided to detainees. In a flip-flop that deserves an award of the stinkiest Crappie sort, Arpaio is now blaming Correctional Health Services for the revokation of the accreditation; in 2004, he wrote that " 'delivery of health care services" is "the constitutional mandate of the sheriff'."
Deporting Illegal Immigrants - The ad claims that he has "deported nearly 20,000 illegals." No word about the 70000 outstanding warrants that his office is ignoring in order to carry out his anti-immigrant jihad.
Saving Taxpayers Money - The ad generically claims that Arpaio "saves taxpayers millions." Imagine how well he'd do in this area if he wasn't the "most sued sheriff in America," costing County taxpayers more than $40 million (and counting). Or if he didn't spend MCSO funds on junkets to Honduras for some of his favorite deputies.
Staying Within His Budget - Only when he's forced to do so, and even then, he tries to sacrifice detainee rights on the altar of his nativism (like trying to limit attorney access to detainees in Maricopa County jail.)
Another interesting aspect to Arpaio's spot is that he didn't actually campaign against his opponent Dan Saban. Didn't even acknowledge his existence (sort of like John McCain's demeanor toward Barack Obama during their televised debates).
Instead, he campaigned against the EV Tribune and the AZ Republic, urging people to throw their editions of those papers into the trash.
Guess he's still ticked off over their being ticked off that he went after journalists (the New Times' arrests) whose only crime was to report stories that were critical of Arpaio and his saddle partner, Andy Thomas.
Later!
The ad can be found here, courtesy ABC15.com or here, courtesy YouTube.
The ad gives him a grade of "A" or "A+" in many areas; let's look a little more closely at those -
Crime Clearance - The ad states that the MCSO's clearance rate is 75%; it's actually almost 20 points lower.
Response Times - The ad states that the MCSO's response times are lower. That may or may not be true (I really don't know), but response times are still 40% higher than what they should be (7 minutes instead of 5 minutes, according to the same story linked above).
Jail Management - The ad states that the Maricopa County jails are a "model of excellence" but ignores the fact that those same jails have lost their accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care because of the inadequate health care provided to detainees. In a flip-flop that deserves an award of the stinkiest Crappie sort, Arpaio is now blaming Correctional Health Services for the revokation of the accreditation; in 2004, he wrote that " 'delivery of health care services" is "the constitutional mandate of the sheriff'."
Deporting Illegal Immigrants - The ad claims that he has "deported nearly 20,000 illegals." No word about the 70000 outstanding warrants that his office is ignoring in order to carry out his anti-immigrant jihad.
Saving Taxpayers Money - The ad generically claims that Arpaio "saves taxpayers millions." Imagine how well he'd do in this area if he wasn't the "most sued sheriff in America," costing County taxpayers more than $40 million (and counting). Or if he didn't spend MCSO funds on junkets to Honduras for some of his favorite deputies.
Staying Within His Budget - Only when he's forced to do so, and even then, he tries to sacrifice detainee rights on the altar of his nativism (like trying to limit attorney access to detainees in Maricopa County jail.)
Another interesting aspect to Arpaio's spot is that he didn't actually campaign against his opponent Dan Saban. Didn't even acknowledge his existence (sort of like John McCain's demeanor toward Barack Obama during their televised debates).
Instead, he campaigned against the EV Tribune and the AZ Republic, urging people to throw their editions of those papers into the trash.
Guess he's still ticked off over their being ticked off that he went after journalists (the New Times' arrests) whose only crime was to report stories that were critical of Arpaio and his saddle partner, Andy Thomas.
Later!
The ad can be found here, courtesy ABC15.com or here, courtesy YouTube.
Magazine covers?!? They're complaining about a magazine cover now??
The McCain/Palin campaign is crying "foul!" over the cover of the new issue of Newsweek. The issue features a story about Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin (hence the cover pic of her).
The photo is an unretouched close up of Alaska's governor that shows some of the "flaws" that anyone in their mid-40s has, and the handlers of the Rep candidates find that objectionable.
Apparently, they believe it's part of a scheme by Newsweek to influence the election. (It's all over Fox News, but I refuse to link to them. Use Google if you don't already have FoxNews.com bookmarked.)
Wonder what they'll have to say about Equire Magazine's endorsement of Barack Obama, the first time in its history that the magazine has endorsed a presidential candidate? And how, on the cover of the issue proclaiming this momentous announcement, instead of a pic of Obama, they have a pic of Halle Berry, the subject of the issue's cover story - "The Sexiest Woman Alive"?
Note: The current cover (right) is a tribute to a classic cover with Bill Clinton from December 2000 (left).
Note2: While I always like an opportunity to poke a little fun at the Reps, this post is mostly just an excuse to put up a pic of Halle Berry. :)
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
"That one."????
First, the evaluation of Tuesday's debate - Obama won the debate because he didn't lose it. He came across as intelligent and presidential. McCain didn't do badly at all, but as my sister Patti observed, "there was no game changer."
His campaign has been stumbling since the economy imploded and the "Town Hall" format of Tuesday's debate (supposed to be a McCain strength) gave him the best opportunity to turn around or at least slow the decline of his campaign. While he did reasonably well with some of his foreign policy answers, he didn't do well at all with his answers on the economy and other domestic issues.
In short, the end result of the debate looks to be status quo (pending the results of the inevitable polls certain to be all the rage on the cable news channels on Wednesday).
A transcript of the debate from CNN here.
Where McCain bombed completely was his demeanor toward Obama (again!!).
From the transcript (emphasis mine) -
Whether it's his refusal during the first debate to acknowledge or even look at Obama or the using the disdainful "that one" to refer to Senator Obama during the second debate, McCain's open contempt for his opponent is becoming as much of a story as the rest of the debate.
I don't know if the whole "don't acknowledge Obama" schtick is something from McCain directly or he's just following some consultant's advice. Either way, though, he needs to show a little respect for Obama.
Candidates facing off for the same office don't have to like each other (and it's pretty clear that these two don't like each other), but they have to show each other a little courtesy and respect.
Let's be clear - it's ok to criticize your opponent's words, positions, and votes. "This is why my opponent is worse than me" is the flip side of the same campaign coin that "This is why I I'm the best candidate." It's a legitimate part of campaigning.
However, people in this country are sick and tired of the politics of derision, and right now, John McCain is a leading practitioner of it.
BTW - In the quoted section of the debate, John McCain talked about a bill that was supposedly sponsored Bush and Cheney.
Ummm....they may have *pushed* such a bill, but they couldn't have *sponsored* one under Congressional rules. Only a member of the House or Senate can do so. (Yes, I'm a geek. :)) )
Later!
His campaign has been stumbling since the economy imploded and the "Town Hall" format of Tuesday's debate (supposed to be a McCain strength) gave him the best opportunity to turn around or at least slow the decline of his campaign. While he did reasonably well with some of his foreign policy answers, he didn't do well at all with his answers on the economy and other domestic issues.
In short, the end result of the debate looks to be status quo (pending the results of the inevitable polls certain to be all the rage on the cable news channels on Wednesday).
A transcript of the debate from CNN here.
Where McCain bombed completely was his demeanor toward Obama (again!!).
From the transcript (emphasis mine) -
"By the way, my friends, I know you grow a little weary with this back-and-forth. It was an energy bill on the floor of the Senate loaded down with goodies, billions for the oil companies, and it was sponsored by Bush and Cheney.
You know who voted for it? You might never know. That one. You know who voted against it? Me. "
Whether it's his refusal during the first debate to acknowledge or even look at Obama or the using the disdainful "that one" to refer to Senator Obama during the second debate, McCain's open contempt for his opponent is becoming as much of a story as the rest of the debate.
I don't know if the whole "don't acknowledge Obama" schtick is something from McCain directly or he's just following some consultant's advice. Either way, though, he needs to show a little respect for Obama.
Candidates facing off for the same office don't have to like each other (and it's pretty clear that these two don't like each other), but they have to show each other a little courtesy and respect.
Let's be clear - it's ok to criticize your opponent's words, positions, and votes. "This is why my opponent is worse than me" is the flip side of the same campaign coin that "This is why I I'm the best candidate." It's a legitimate part of campaigning.
However, people in this country are sick and tired of the politics of derision, and right now, John McCain is a leading practitioner of it.
BTW - In the quoted section of the debate, John McCain talked about a bill that was supposedly sponsored Bush and Cheney.
Ummm....they may have *pushed* such a bill, but they couldn't have *sponsored* one under Congressional rules. Only a member of the House or Senate can do so. (Yes, I'm a geek. :)) )
Later!
The LD18 Republicans are starting to get scared
On Tuesday, the chair of the LD18 Republicans, Matt Tolman, took a swipe at Democratic candidates Tammie Pursley and Judah Nativio. He claimed that the likes of Republicans Russell Pearce, Cecil Ash, and Steve Court are the "fiscally responsible" candidates in the race.
Apparently, Tolman thinks that things like Pearce's attempt to destroy public school funding (and with it, finish off the already ailing public education system in AZ) is "fiscally responsible."
The entire text is available at Mesa Issues.
Judah Nativio's campaign has released the following response -
I'm sure the press releases and campaign tactics will get nastier as more and more East Valley Republicans realize that they're going to lose their stranglehold on EV elected offices, whether in the state legislature or on the county board of supervisors (and the attacks on County Supervisor candidate Ed Hermes are already pretty rancid).
Stay tuned.
Apparently, Tolman thinks that things like Pearce's attempt to destroy public school funding (and with it, finish off the already ailing public education system in AZ) is "fiscally responsible."
The entire text is available at Mesa Issues.
Judah Nativio's campaign has released the following response -
"There he goes again," Judah said, "Matt Tollman is out telling more half truths and protecting his friend, Russell Pearce, who is chairman of the approproations committee and is one we can point fingers at for allowing this budget crisis to spiral out of control,"
Judah continues, "They did it to his primary opponent and now to his general opponent, they must be scared that their bad fiscal policy has finally caught up with them. Character bashing instead of solution providing, politics as usual.
Matt's remark's did not mention that I am in favor of lowering the sales tax and the corporate tax. The TIME initiative or Mr. Pearce's 1/2 cent increase would have provided much needed infrastructure, jobs and would have helped attract more business to Arizona. It is time we wake up and realize what direction we want to head in and stop voting purely on party affiliation. Do not fall for their tactics."
I'm sure the press releases and campaign tactics will get nastier as more and more East Valley Republicans realize that they're going to lose their stranglehold on EV elected offices, whether in the state legislature or on the county board of supervisors (and the attacks on County Supervisor candidate Ed Hermes are already pretty rancid).
Stay tuned.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Hermes responds to a desperate Fulton's anonymous attacks
Over the past few weeks, a number of Republican blogs in AZ have anonymously posted some allegations about Democrat Ed Hermes. He is challenging entrenched incumbent Fulton Brock for the District 1 seat on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Some of the allegations have not-so-anonymously made it into some of Fulton's mailers.
Each of the litany of allegations - he lives with his parents, he has received speeding tickets, he has ignored court appearances for the citations, he's appeared on MTV, he supports the DREAM Act, etc. - falls into one of three categories:
1. Untrue. Ed doesn't live with his parents. The truth is that particular allegation is designed to highlight Ed's relative youth. What Brock's disparagement of Hermes' age ignores is his experience as a member of the Board of Regents, as Director of External Affairs for the Arizona Department of Agriculture, and as a member of Governor Napolitano's Smart Growth Cabinet.
2. Twisted. Yes, he did receive a couple of speeding tickets, but they were photo radar tickets that were sent to an incorrect address. All of Hermes' tickets have been paid or dismissed, and he is in good standing with the court.
3. True but irrelevant. Yup, Ed supported the DREAM Act. So? What does the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors have to do with that? Nothing, unless you are a scared incumbent Republican who has decided to campaign on base bigotry.
As for the MTV appearance, yes, he appeared on an episode of "Room Raiders," but Fulton has ignored the fact that instead of engaging in the wretched excesses that MTV's reality shows are known for (and that Brock presumably hopes that voters remember), Hermes was ridiculed on the show for studying.
Wow! A college student studying! What'll they accuse Hermes of next? Attending some classes? What a rebel!
In a press release, Hermes' campaign manager Devin Mauney said, "Fulton Brock continues to try to tear down his opponent's character with misleading attacks and faulty sources rather than focusing on the issues facing the county."
"Continue" is the key work there, because smear and fear isn't a new tactic for Brock. He had to settle a defamation lawsuit (CV1996-092729) brought by his 1996 opponent, Bob Edens.
Of course, this could just be a case of Fulton Brock following John McCain's lead - when you are losing on the issues (McCain is getting beat on the economy, Brock on job performance), attack your opponent with innuendo and insinuation and hope the voters ignore the utter lack of substance in your attacks and your campaign platform.
Brock's open contempt for honesty, truth, and even common courtesy only add to the reasons that a change is needed in the District 1 seat of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Vote for Ed Hermes on November 4.
Some of the allegations have not-so-anonymously made it into some of Fulton's mailers.
Each of the litany of allegations - he lives with his parents, he has received speeding tickets, he has ignored court appearances for the citations, he's appeared on MTV, he supports the DREAM Act, etc. - falls into one of three categories:
1. Untrue. Ed doesn't live with his parents. The truth is that particular allegation is designed to highlight Ed's relative youth. What Brock's disparagement of Hermes' age ignores is his experience as a member of the Board of Regents, as Director of External Affairs for the Arizona Department of Agriculture, and as a member of Governor Napolitano's Smart Growth Cabinet.
2. Twisted. Yes, he did receive a couple of speeding tickets, but they were photo radar tickets that were sent to an incorrect address. All of Hermes' tickets have been paid or dismissed, and he is in good standing with the court.
3. True but irrelevant. Yup, Ed supported the DREAM Act. So? What does the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors have to do with that? Nothing, unless you are a scared incumbent Republican who has decided to campaign on base bigotry.
As for the MTV appearance, yes, he appeared on an episode of "Room Raiders," but Fulton has ignored the fact that instead of engaging in the wretched excesses that MTV's reality shows are known for (and that Brock presumably hopes that voters remember), Hermes was ridiculed on the show for studying.
Wow! A college student studying! What'll they accuse Hermes of next? Attending some classes? What a rebel!
In a press release, Hermes' campaign manager Devin Mauney said, "Fulton Brock continues to try to tear down his opponent's character with misleading attacks and faulty sources rather than focusing on the issues facing the county."
"Continue" is the key work there, because smear and fear isn't a new tactic for Brock. He had to settle a defamation lawsuit (CV1996-092729) brought by his 1996 opponent, Bob Edens.
Of course, this could just be a case of Fulton Brock following John McCain's lead - when you are losing on the issues (McCain is getting beat on the economy, Brock on job performance), attack your opponent with innuendo and insinuation and hope the voters ignore the utter lack of substance in your attacks and your campaign platform.
Brock's open contempt for honesty, truth, and even common courtesy only add to the reasons that a change is needed in the District 1 seat of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Vote for Ed Hermes on November 4.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Mail Call - Early Ballot Time
The early ballot for November's election arrived in Saturday's mail.
Most readers of the blog are already aware of how I feel about most of the races. If not, just check out the 'Candidates for 2008' section in the right column.
Congressman Harry Mitchell, State Senator Meg Burton Cahill, and State Representatives David Schapira and Ed Ableser all deserve reelection, and candidates Tim Nelson (Maricopa County Attorney), Dan Saban (County Sheriff), Ed Hermes (County Supervisor, SD1), and Sandra Kennedy, Sam George, and Paul Newman (Arizona Corporation Commission) each merit support in their quests.
There are a few races that I haven't addressed earlier, mostly because no Democrat is running for the office. All of those races are for Maricopa County offices.
In those races - County Assessor, County Recorder, and County School Superintendent - I'll be voting for the Libertarian candidates. Not because I think that they have a snowball's chance in Phoenix of winning, or are even particularly well-qualified for the jobs (most of them *aren't* qualified), but because a strong showing by the Libertarians this year could encourage qualified Democrats to pursue the offices in four years.
Note: Some of these folks are so unqualified that if they had a chance of winning, I'd vote for a Republican first. However, that's not an issue this year.
I don't think that it's any coincidence that a longtime Tempe (and Arizona!) icon, Democrat Harry Mitchell, ran against entrenched (and embarrassing!) Republican Congressman JD Hayworth in 2006 *after* the 2004 showing of virtual unknown Elizabeth Rogers.
She garnered 38% of the CD5 vote on a $5000 budget, presaging Mitchell's upset of Hayworth two years later. A similar performance (>25%) by the Libertarian candidates will illustrate the changing electoral demographics in Maricopa County and possibly enourage other, more serious, candidates to throw their hats in the ring next time around.
As such, I will be voting for Rachel Kielsky for County Assessor, Ernest Hancock for County Recorder, and David Hodges for County School Superintendent. In the race for County Treasurer, I won't be casting a vote as no one, not even a Libertarian, is running against the embattled Charles Hoskins. Potential Democratic candidates will have to be encouraged by the undervotes in the race.
- For the non-partisan Maricopa County Special Health Care District District 1, I'll be voting for incumbent William 'Bil' Bruno. He's a loyal Republican, but so is his opponent, Rex Altree. Altree's qualifications see to be that he is a lobbyist (AZ Auto Glass Association) and that the Maricopa County GOP thinks that he is more conservative than Bruno.
A vote for Bruno is a vote for the "least bad" candidate, but that will have to do here.
- For the non-partisan Scottsdale Unified School District No. 48 race, there are four candidates for three seats. Incumbents Jennifer Petersen and Eric Meyer (also a candidate for an LD11 House seat) are running for reelection; ballot newcomers Bonnie Sneed and Paige Frenkel fill out the list of candidates (That isn't meant to imply that they are newcomers to SUSD. Both have been very much involved in the community and in the school district.)
As I am totally unfamiliar with SUSD and its schools, I have no recommendations here.
- In the City of Scottsdale run-off election, incumbent Mary Manross and challenger Jim Lane are facing off for mayor, and Lisa Borowsky, Betty Drake, Tom Giller, Suzanne Klapp, Ron McCullagh, and Nan Nesvig are squaring off for three seats. Drake and McCullagh are incumbents.
As with the election in September, while I will be voting, I'm not satisfied enough with any of the candidates to actually endorse them. These are 'pick your poison' races.
- On the judge retention section of the ballot...no comment. I have no direct knowledge of any of the judges, which is a good thing because it means that I've successfully avoided court. However, that leaves me singularly unqualified to weigh in on this part of the ballot other than to say that this is a really lousy way to hold judges responsible to the voters of the county and state.
And before some wiseass brings it up, this method ("retain - yes or no") is still better than direct election. That would lead to judicial decisions based less on legal merit and more on political calculation.
The Judicial Performance Review is available from the AZ Secretary of State's office here.
- As for the propositions, I'll be voting...
Prop 100 - No. Banning a real estate transfer/sales tax. I don't like the idea of raising taxes, but part of the state's budget crisis is rooted in Republican efforts to strangle public services by cutting off revenue. Plus, I don't like the fact that the proposal is retroactive to December 31, 2007.
Prop 101 - No. Called a 'medical choice' act. It would have the effect of shutting down AHCCCS and other public health plans. It would require Arizonans to send their health care dollars to private (and frequently, out-of-state) health insurance companies, instead of spending their money where it is needed, on the care of their families and themselves.
Prop 102 - No. The anti-same sex marriage amendment to the AZ Constitution. This exercise in right-wing bullying was beaten back two years ago, and deserves to be soundly trounced this time.
Prop 105 - No. Called "Majority Rules", it would require that ballot measures that impose any taxes or fees to gain the votes of a majority of registered voters, not just a majority of votes cast. In short, not casting a vote for a proposition would be the equivalent of voting no. This one may be worse than Prop 102 as it seeks to disenfranchise all voters, not just one particular demographic group. The measure is funded by folks who oppose ballot initiatives that mandate things like children's health care and Clean Elections. It's irresponsible governing, and should be defeated.
Prop 200 - No. Billed as a "Payday Loan Reform" measure when in fact it is funded by the payday loan industry. Instead of reforming the business, it would permanently authorize its existence (set to expire in 2010) and institutionalize some of the nastier aspects of the operations (i.e - 391% APR).
Prop 201 - Yes. Homeowners' Bill of Rights. Would give homeowners prospective buyers the right to sue under certain circumstances, as well as other rights mostly related to warranties. Given the Phoenix-area trend of shoddy workmanship performed by fly-by-night or out of state developers, this is direly needed.
Prop 202 - a hesitant Yes. Called the "Stop Illegal Hiring" initiative, it makes changes to Arizona's employer sanctions law. While that is a good thing, this initiative focuses only on helping businesses, not individuals. Not surprisingly, it is supported most strongly by the AZ Growers Association and other groups that profit from cheap immigrant labor. Also not surprisingly, it is opposed by Russell Pearce and the rest of the state's nativists.
Can we vote in a way such that both sides lose?? :)
To be workable and truly effective, any measures that really address immigration and border issues should be written by real people, not hate-focused nativists or money-focused profiteers.
Prop 300 - Yes. This measure would raise legislative salaries from $24,000 per year to $30,000. It's long overdue - it's been a decade since the last legislative raise. The rationale for the low legislative pay has always been "it's a part time job." I don't know how part time - it's a 60 - 70 hour per week job during the typical six month session, and maybe 25 - 30 hours per week during the off season, with even that cycling up in November and December as the next session of the lege looms on the horizon. Over a full year, it works out to being a full-time, 40-hour per week job, and $30K isn't too much to pay.
Later!
Most readers of the blog are already aware of how I feel about most of the races. If not, just check out the 'Candidates for 2008' section in the right column.
Congressman Harry Mitchell, State Senator Meg Burton Cahill, and State Representatives David Schapira and Ed Ableser all deserve reelection, and candidates Tim Nelson (Maricopa County Attorney), Dan Saban (County Sheriff), Ed Hermes (County Supervisor, SD1), and Sandra Kennedy, Sam George, and Paul Newman (Arizona Corporation Commission) each merit support in their quests.
There are a few races that I haven't addressed earlier, mostly because no Democrat is running for the office. All of those races are for Maricopa County offices.
In those races - County Assessor, County Recorder, and County School Superintendent - I'll be voting for the Libertarian candidates. Not because I think that they have a snowball's chance in Phoenix of winning, or are even particularly well-qualified for the jobs (most of them *aren't* qualified), but because a strong showing by the Libertarians this year could encourage qualified Democrats to pursue the offices in four years.
Note: Some of these folks are so unqualified that if they had a chance of winning, I'd vote for a Republican first. However, that's not an issue this year.
I don't think that it's any coincidence that a longtime Tempe (and Arizona!) icon, Democrat Harry Mitchell, ran against entrenched (and embarrassing!) Republican Congressman JD Hayworth in 2006 *after* the 2004 showing of virtual unknown Elizabeth Rogers.
She garnered 38% of the CD5 vote on a $5000 budget, presaging Mitchell's upset of Hayworth two years later. A similar performance (>25%) by the Libertarian candidates will illustrate the changing electoral demographics in Maricopa County and possibly enourage other, more serious, candidates to throw their hats in the ring next time around.
As such, I will be voting for Rachel Kielsky for County Assessor, Ernest Hancock for County Recorder, and David Hodges for County School Superintendent. In the race for County Treasurer, I won't be casting a vote as no one, not even a Libertarian, is running against the embattled Charles Hoskins. Potential Democratic candidates will have to be encouraged by the undervotes in the race.
- For the non-partisan Maricopa County Special Health Care District District 1, I'll be voting for incumbent William 'Bil' Bruno. He's a loyal Republican, but so is his opponent, Rex Altree. Altree's qualifications see to be that he is a lobbyist (AZ Auto Glass Association) and that the Maricopa County GOP thinks that he is more conservative than Bruno.
A vote for Bruno is a vote for the "least bad" candidate, but that will have to do here.
- For the non-partisan Scottsdale Unified School District No. 48 race, there are four candidates for three seats. Incumbents Jennifer Petersen and Eric Meyer (also a candidate for an LD11 House seat) are running for reelection; ballot newcomers Bonnie Sneed and Paige Frenkel fill out the list of candidates (That isn't meant to imply that they are newcomers to SUSD. Both have been very much involved in the community and in the school district.)
As I am totally unfamiliar with SUSD and its schools, I have no recommendations here.
- In the City of Scottsdale run-off election, incumbent Mary Manross and challenger Jim Lane are facing off for mayor, and Lisa Borowsky, Betty Drake, Tom Giller, Suzanne Klapp, Ron McCullagh, and Nan Nesvig are squaring off for three seats. Drake and McCullagh are incumbents.
As with the election in September, while I will be voting, I'm not satisfied enough with any of the candidates to actually endorse them. These are 'pick your poison' races.
- On the judge retention section of the ballot...no comment. I have no direct knowledge of any of the judges, which is a good thing because it means that I've successfully avoided court. However, that leaves me singularly unqualified to weigh in on this part of the ballot other than to say that this is a really lousy way to hold judges responsible to the voters of the county and state.
And before some wiseass brings it up, this method ("retain - yes or no") is still better than direct election. That would lead to judicial decisions based less on legal merit and more on political calculation.
The Judicial Performance Review is available from the AZ Secretary of State's office here.
- As for the propositions, I'll be voting...
Prop 100 - No. Banning a real estate transfer/sales tax. I don't like the idea of raising taxes, but part of the state's budget crisis is rooted in Republican efforts to strangle public services by cutting off revenue. Plus, I don't like the fact that the proposal is retroactive to December 31, 2007.
Prop 101 - No. Called a 'medical choice' act. It would have the effect of shutting down AHCCCS and other public health plans. It would require Arizonans to send their health care dollars to private (and frequently, out-of-state) health insurance companies, instead of spending their money where it is needed, on the care of their families and themselves.
Prop 102 - No. The anti-same sex marriage amendment to the AZ Constitution. This exercise in right-wing bullying was beaten back two years ago, and deserves to be soundly trounced this time.
Prop 105 - No. Called "Majority Rules", it would require that ballot measures that impose any taxes or fees to gain the votes of a majority of registered voters, not just a majority of votes cast. In short, not casting a vote for a proposition would be the equivalent of voting no. This one may be worse than Prop 102 as it seeks to disenfranchise all voters, not just one particular demographic group. The measure is funded by folks who oppose ballot initiatives that mandate things like children's health care and Clean Elections. It's irresponsible governing, and should be defeated.
Prop 200 - No. Billed as a "Payday Loan Reform" measure when in fact it is funded by the payday loan industry. Instead of reforming the business, it would permanently authorize its existence (set to expire in 2010) and institutionalize some of the nastier aspects of the operations (i.e - 391% APR).
Prop 201 - Yes. Homeowners' Bill of Rights. Would give homeowners prospective buyers the right to sue under certain circumstances, as well as other rights mostly related to warranties. Given the Phoenix-area trend of shoddy workmanship performed by fly-by-night or out of state developers, this is direly needed.
Prop 202 - a hesitant Yes. Called the "Stop Illegal Hiring" initiative, it makes changes to Arizona's employer sanctions law. While that is a good thing, this initiative focuses only on helping businesses, not individuals. Not surprisingly, it is supported most strongly by the AZ Growers Association and other groups that profit from cheap immigrant labor. Also not surprisingly, it is opposed by Russell Pearce and the rest of the state's nativists.
Can we vote in a way such that both sides lose?? :)
To be workable and truly effective, any measures that really address immigration and border issues should be written by real people, not hate-focused nativists or money-focused profiteers.
Prop 300 - Yes. This measure would raise legislative salaries from $24,000 per year to $30,000. It's long overdue - it's been a decade since the last legislative raise. The rationale for the low legislative pay has always been "it's a part time job." I don't know how part time - it's a 60 - 70 hour per week job during the typical six month session, and maybe 25 - 30 hours per week during the off season, with even that cycling up in November and December as the next session of the lege looms on the horizon. Over a full year, it works out to being a full-time, 40-hour per week job, and $30K isn't too much to pay.
Later!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Damn the facts! Full smear ahead!
The last question from Thursday's debate (transcript courtesy CNN) -
Let's see...
...She talks about "working together" but she's never had to "compromise."
...She talks about she's "quasi-caved in" but how it was the legislature's fault, not hers.
...She talks on Thursday about "bringing both sides together" while on Saturday she accuses Barack Obama of "palling around with terrorists." (AP via the AZ Republic)
Can you say "Damn the facts! Full smear ahead!"??
Most of her answers on Thursday were crap (being a Republican will do that :) ), she did OK in "didn't step on her tongue" sort of way.
However, that last answer is reason #1 why Sarah Palin is the scariest major party candidate for a national office...EVER. Like George W. Bush before her, she is pathologically incapable of ever admitting to making a mistake but masks that fact with a sort of smarmy folksiness that even Bush at his worst couldn't achieve.
I know the old truism, that no one votes for the Vice President, but undecided voters need to stop and consider whether Palin is tempermentally and intellectually suited to live life 'one heartbeat away' from the highest office in the land.
IFILL: Final question tonight, before your closing statements, starting with you, Sen. Biden. Can you think of a single issue -- and this is to cast light for people who are just trying to get to know you in your final debate, your only debate of this year -- can you think of a single issue, policy issue, in which you were forced to change a long-held view in order to accommodate changed circumstances?
BIDEN: Yes, I can. When I got to the United States Senate and went on the Judiciary Committee as a young lawyer, I was of the view and had been trained in the view that the only thing that mattered was whether or not a nominee appointed, suggested by the president had a judicial temperament, had not committed a crime of moral turpitude, and was -- had been a good student.
And it didn't take me long -- it was hard to change, but it didn't take me long, but it took about five years for me to realize that the ideology of that judge makes a big difference.
That's why I led the fight against Judge Bork. Had he been on the court, I suspect there would be a lot of changes that I don't like and the American people wouldn't like, including everything from Roe v. Wade to issues relating to civil rights and civil liberties.
And so that -- that -- that was one of the intellectual changes that took place in my career as I got a close look at it. And that's why I was the first chairman of the Judiciary Committee to forthrightly state that it matters what your judicial philosophy is. The American people have a right to understand it and to know it.
But I did change on that, and -- and I'm glad I did.
IFILL: Governor?
PALIN: There have been times where, as mayor and governor, we have passed budgets that I did not veto and that I think could be considered as something that I quasi-caved in, if you will, but knowing that it was the right thing to do in order to progress the agenda for that year and to work with the legislative body, that body that actually holds the purse strings.
So there were times when I wanted to zero-base budget, and to cut taxes even more, and I didn't have enough support in order to accomplish that.
But on the major principle things, no, there hasn't been something that I've had to compromise on, because we've always seemed to find a way to work together. Up there in Alaska, what we have done is, with bipartisan efforts, is work together and, again, not caring who gets the credit for what, as we accomplish things up there.
And that's been just a part of the operation that I wanted to participate in. And that's what we're going to do in Washington, D.C., also, bringing both sides together. John McCain is known for doing that, also, in order to get the work done for the American people.
Let's see...
...She talks about "working together" but she's never had to "compromise."
...She talks about she's "quasi-caved in" but how it was the legislature's fault, not hers.
...She talks on Thursday about "bringing both sides together" while on Saturday she accuses Barack Obama of "palling around with terrorists." (AP via the AZ Republic)
Can you say "Damn the facts! Full smear ahead!"??
Most of her answers on Thursday were crap (being a Republican will do that :) ), she did OK in "didn't step on her tongue" sort of way.
However, that last answer is reason #1 why Sarah Palin is the scariest major party candidate for a national office...EVER. Like George W. Bush before her, she is pathologically incapable of ever admitting to making a mistake but masks that fact with a sort of smarmy folksiness that even Bush at his worst couldn't achieve.
I know the old truism, that no one votes for the Vice President, but undecided voters need to stop and consider whether Palin is tempermentally and intellectually suited to live life 'one heartbeat away' from the highest office in the land.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Endorsements and canvasses
Ahhh....Autumn in an even-numbered year...
...Leaves turning, filling our vision with a palette of colors (OK, in non-AZ parts of the country :) )...
...The Cardinals finding ever-more painful ways to lose football games, filling our living rooms and sports bars with cries of anguish and derision...
...People walking and knocking, filling our hearing with words of this candidate or that ballot question...
...Newspapers and mailers covering our fingers with ink. crowing about endorsements...
Either temps are dropping, or early ballots are hitting mailboxes this week.
Whatever the cause, the lists of both endorsements and scheduled canvasses this week are getting longer by the minute.
The AZ Republic released its endorsements in LDs 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 (aka - the East Valley). That list looks less like they seriously considered the merits of each candidate and more like they wanted only to hedge their bets.
In all of the districts except for LD19, they split their support, selecting one member of one party and two of the other party.
Now, personally, I think that if the Rep actually cared about the interests of the districts and the state, they should have endorsed all Democrats...but I'm a self-admitted partisan hack. :)
In other words, I may not agree with all of their endorsements, but they have the right to endorse any candidate they choose, and for any reason.
However, partisan hack or not, I have to take exception to two of their snubs - Tammie Pursley in LD18 and Ed Ableser in LD17.
Apparently, they preferred Cecil Ash over Pursley because of his moderate (by LD18 standards, anyway), pro-business position on illegal immigration. Apparently, they ignored the fact that is the only issue on which Ash is remotely 'moderate.' He is active with United Families International, a far-right AZ-based organization that works to "support traditional families" by things like opposing radical UN initiatives such as the UN Conventions on Women's Rights and Children's Rights (the conventions oppose hallmarks of the traditional family structure like forced marriage of children and gender-selective infanticide.)
Tammie Pursley may be focused on education, but she has the intelligence and the work ethic to learn, contribute and lead on other issues as AZ moves into into the 21st century.
Ash will just serve as a chain dragging Arizona back to the 19th century.
As for Ed Ableser, the Rep's editors criticized him for being too partisan in supporting efforts to assist Corona del Sol High School with its air quality issues.
Huh??
In a session that saw some of the most underhanded tactics from the Republican caucus in the lege *against* ideas and people they don't like, (such as Sen. Jack Harper's work to kill a texting-while-driving ban and to railroad the anti-same sex marriage constitutional amendment on to November's ballot) they're criticizing a Democrat for fighting *for* his constituents?
Bit of a credibility gap there.
In other endorsement news,
...Congressman Harry Mitchell has endorsed Bob Lord, the candidate whose challenge in CD3 has incumbent Republican John Shadegg running scared (witness his vote in favor of the bailout bill)
...The AZ Rep has endorsed Democrat Tim Nelson for Maricopa County Attorney. Supporters of Andrew Thomas will undoubtedly point out the fact that Thomas didn't seek the Rep's endorsement. They will also undoubtedly ignore the fact that even Thomas knew better than to even bother after his abortive attempt to intimidate critics in the press into silence. The editors of the Rep don't seem to have forgotten the harassment, investigation and arrests of journalists from the Phoenix New Times.
...The endorsements issued by the Maricopa County GOP in the nonpartisan race for the Maricopa Integrated Health System board seems to have upset some of the snubbed candidates, most of whom are long-time Republicans. It seems that most of them didn't even *know* that endorsements were even being considered.
Should make for a fun time at the MCGOP's next organizing meeting after the election (probably sometime in January.)
As for canvasses this weekend...
...Governor Janet Napolitano will be in the East Valley on Saturday, walking and knocking with dozens (hundreds?? hint, hint :)) ) of enthusiastic volunteers.
First, at 8:30 a.m. join the Governor and State Senator Meg Burton-Cahill, State Representative Ed Ableser, and State Representative David Schapira at the Tempe coordinated campaign headquarters at 123 E. Baseline in Tempe. The office phone number is 480-820-2298.
After that at 9:30 a.m., the Governor will be making a stop in LD21 in Chandler to help Phil Hettmansperger. Meet up at Pima Park, 625 N. McQueen Dr. Chandler (East side of McQueen Rd, between Ray Rd. and Chandler Blvd.) Contact Darcy at the Tempe office at 480-820-2298.
...Ed Hermes, candidate for County Supervisor in District 1, will be holding a canvass in LD20 with Tim Nelson, Ted Maish (candidate for State Senate), and Rae Waters (State House) on Sunday, October 5. The walk is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Contact the campaign at ed[at]edhermes.com or 480-234-1753.
...In LD18, Judah Nativio and Tammie Pursley will be busy this weekend. Contact them at http://www.electnativio.com/homepage.php or http://www.pursleyforchange.com/08/.
...In LD8 and LD7, contact the Scottsdale coordinated campaign office located at 7950 E Acoma Dr. at 480-607-4435. Candidates Stephanie Rimmer (LD8), Jeanne Lunn (LD7), Joel Sinclaire (County Supervisor SD2) and Marilyn Fox (SD3) as well as Congressman Harry Mitchell all need your help.
Later!
...Leaves turning, filling our vision with a palette of colors (OK, in non-AZ parts of the country :) )...
...The Cardinals finding ever-more painful ways to lose football games, filling our living rooms and sports bars with cries of anguish and derision...
...People walking and knocking, filling our hearing with words of this candidate or that ballot question...
...Newspapers and mailers covering our fingers with ink. crowing about endorsements...
Either temps are dropping, or early ballots are hitting mailboxes this week.
Whatever the cause, the lists of both endorsements and scheduled canvasses this week are getting longer by the minute.
The AZ Republic released its endorsements in LDs 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 (aka - the East Valley). That list looks less like they seriously considered the merits of each candidate and more like they wanted only to hedge their bets.
In all of the districts except for LD19, they split their support, selecting one member of one party and two of the other party.
Now, personally, I think that if the Rep actually cared about the interests of the districts and the state, they should have endorsed all Democrats...but I'm a self-admitted partisan hack. :)
In other words, I may not agree with all of their endorsements, but they have the right to endorse any candidate they choose, and for any reason.
However, partisan hack or not, I have to take exception to two of their snubs - Tammie Pursley in LD18 and Ed Ableser in LD17.
Apparently, they preferred Cecil Ash over Pursley because of his moderate (by LD18 standards, anyway), pro-business position on illegal immigration. Apparently, they ignored the fact that is the only issue on which Ash is remotely 'moderate.' He is active with United Families International, a far-right AZ-based organization that works to "support traditional families" by things like opposing radical UN initiatives such as the UN Conventions on Women's Rights and Children's Rights (the conventions oppose hallmarks of the traditional family structure like forced marriage of children and gender-selective infanticide.)
Tammie Pursley may be focused on education, but she has the intelligence and the work ethic to learn, contribute and lead on other issues as AZ moves into into the 21st century.
Ash will just serve as a chain dragging Arizona back to the 19th century.
As for Ed Ableser, the Rep's editors criticized him for being too partisan in supporting efforts to assist Corona del Sol High School with its air quality issues.
Huh??
In a session that saw some of the most underhanded tactics from the Republican caucus in the lege *against* ideas and people they don't like, (such as Sen. Jack Harper's work to kill a texting-while-driving ban and to railroad the anti-same sex marriage constitutional amendment on to November's ballot) they're criticizing a Democrat for fighting *for* his constituents?
Bit of a credibility gap there.
In other endorsement news,
...Congressman Harry Mitchell has endorsed Bob Lord, the candidate whose challenge in CD3 has incumbent Republican John Shadegg running scared (witness his vote in favor of the bailout bill)
...The AZ Rep has endorsed Democrat Tim Nelson for Maricopa County Attorney. Supporters of Andrew Thomas will undoubtedly point out the fact that Thomas didn't seek the Rep's endorsement. They will also undoubtedly ignore the fact that even Thomas knew better than to even bother after his abortive attempt to intimidate critics in the press into silence. The editors of the Rep don't seem to have forgotten the harassment, investigation and arrests of journalists from the Phoenix New Times.
...The endorsements issued by the Maricopa County GOP in the nonpartisan race for the Maricopa Integrated Health System board seems to have upset some of the snubbed candidates, most of whom are long-time Republicans. It seems that most of them didn't even *know* that endorsements were even being considered.
Should make for a fun time at the MCGOP's next organizing meeting after the election (probably sometime in January.)
As for canvasses this weekend...
...Governor Janet Napolitano will be in the East Valley on Saturday, walking and knocking with dozens (hundreds?? hint, hint :)) ) of enthusiastic volunteers.
First, at 8:30 a.m. join the Governor and State Senator Meg Burton-Cahill, State Representative Ed Ableser, and State Representative David Schapira at the Tempe coordinated campaign headquarters at 123 E. Baseline in Tempe. The office phone number is 480-820-2298.
After that at 9:30 a.m., the Governor will be making a stop in LD21 in Chandler to help Phil Hettmansperger. Meet up at Pima Park, 625 N. McQueen Dr. Chandler (East side of McQueen Rd, between Ray Rd. and Chandler Blvd.) Contact Darcy at the Tempe office at 480-820-2298.
...Ed Hermes, candidate for County Supervisor in District 1, will be holding a canvass in LD20 with Tim Nelson, Ted Maish (candidate for State Senate), and Rae Waters (State House) on Sunday, October 5. The walk is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. Contact the campaign at ed[at]edhermes.com or 480-234-1753.
...In LD18, Judah Nativio and Tammie Pursley will be busy this weekend. Contact them at http://www.electnativio.com/homepage.php or http://www.pursleyforchange.com/08/.
...In LD8 and LD7, contact the Scottsdale coordinated campaign office located at 7950 E Acoma Dr. at 480-607-4435. Candidates Stephanie Rimmer (LD8), Jeanne Lunn (LD7), Joel Sinclaire (County Supervisor SD2) and Marilyn Fox (SD3) as well as Congressman Harry Mitchell all need your help.
Later!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
McCain campaign: Plan A isn't working, so it's time for Plan B
Based on today's news, traipsing around the country letting voters get to know him isn't working for McCain, so the Senator with the worst attendance record is heading back to work, hoping that *not* letting voters see him will help his candidacy.
The McCain campaign, which for the last couple of weeks has all but ignored the crisis in the financial services sector (hereafter referred to as "Wall Street"), other than to say that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong."
Today, though, a new Washington Post/ABC News poll of Americans (hereafter referred to as "Main Street") shows Barack Obama is widening his lead over McCain in their quests for the presidency.
The McCain response? To "suspend" his campaign and request (beg!) that the Obama campaign cooperates with his Hail Mary pass attempt and do the same. (BTW - I'm not the first to use the "Hail Mary" allusion - Rep. Barney Frank called McCain's ploy "the longest Hail Mary pass in the history of either footballs or Marys.")
Breaking: Obama has declined to suspend the campaign or to postpone Friday's first presidential debate, scheduled to take place in Oxford, Mississippi.
I do have one question (of the semi-rhetorical variety) - Has anyone with the McCain campaign researched the success rate of Hail Mary passes in the NFL?
I don't know the actual stats on that, but in all the games that I've watched, out of dozens of attempts, I can't recall more than three or four that worked.
Bottom line: while the election is less than a month and a half away, it's still too early to go to "gadget" plays born of desperation (as much as it disappoints me as a Democrat and an Obama supporter, he's just the stronger candidate right now. He's *not* walking away with the election. Yet. :) )
Later!
The McCain campaign, which for the last couple of weeks has all but ignored the crisis in the financial services sector (hereafter referred to as "Wall Street"), other than to say that "the fundamentals of the economy are strong."
Today, though, a new Washington Post/ABC News poll of Americans (hereafter referred to as "Main Street") shows Barack Obama is widening his lead over McCain in their quests for the presidency.
The McCain response? To "suspend" his campaign and request (beg!) that the Obama campaign cooperates with his Hail Mary pass attempt and do the same. (BTW - I'm not the first to use the "Hail Mary" allusion - Rep. Barney Frank called McCain's ploy "the longest Hail Mary pass in the history of either footballs or Marys.")
Breaking: Obama has declined to suspend the campaign or to postpone Friday's first presidential debate, scheduled to take place in Oxford, Mississippi.
I do have one question (of the semi-rhetorical variety) - Has anyone with the McCain campaign researched the success rate of Hail Mary passes in the NFL?
I don't know the actual stats on that, but in all the games that I've watched, out of dozens of attempts, I can't recall more than three or four that worked.
Bottom line: while the election is less than a month and a half away, it's still too early to go to "gadget" plays born of desperation (as much as it disappoints me as a Democrat and an Obama supporter, he's just the stronger candidate right now. He's *not* walking away with the election. Yet. :) )
Later!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Proof that there is a God in Heaven...
If the rumor is true, anyway...
From PolitickerAZ -
Ya know, Harry Mitchell's opponent in 2006, JD Hayworth, was hardly a choir boy, but compared to Dick "Go F*ck Yourself" Cheney (R - Halliburton), he was a paragon of virtue.
And if the Schweikert campaign wants to bring Cheney in, I'm sure as hell not going to try to talk them out of the notion.
It'll be an early Christmas gift for Democratic bloggers everywhere, though especially in CD5. :)
From PolitickerAZ -
Rumor on the streets is Vice-President Dick Cheney is coming to Arizona for a fund raising event with AZ-5 Republican David Schweikert. Evidence points to a fund raising event by either Cheney or George Bush in the near future.
Ya know, Harry Mitchell's opponent in 2006, JD Hayworth, was hardly a choir boy, but compared to Dick "Go F*ck Yourself" Cheney (R - Halliburton), he was a paragon of virtue.
And if the Schweikert campaign wants to bring Cheney in, I'm sure as hell not going to try to talk them out of the notion.
It'll be an early Christmas gift for Democratic bloggers everywhere, though especially in CD5. :)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Presidential debate schedule
Since I've been getting a lot of traffic recently from people Googling "general election debate schedule" or something similar who are finding my post on the *Clean Elections* general election debate schedule, here is what those people are likely looking for - the schedule of debates for the Presidential election.
Courtesy the Commission on Presidential Debates -
While each debate will be moderated by someone from an MSM organization, the debates will be broadcast on multiple cable and broadcast networks. I recommend C-SPAN.
According to the Navy, daylight saving time doesn't end until November 2 this year, so all of the debates should begin at 6:00 p.m. AZ time, though you should check your local listings to be sure.
Later!
Courtesy the Commission on Presidential Debates -
First presidential debate
Friday, September 26
The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
Jim Lehrer Executive Editor and Anchor, The NewsHour, PBS
Vice presidential debate
Thursday, October 2
Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Gwen Ifill Senior Correspondent, The NewsHour, and Moderator and Managing
Editor, Washington Week, PBS
Second presidential debate (town meeting)
Tuesday, October 7
Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn.
Tom Brokaw Special Correspondent, NBC News
Third presidential debate
Wednesday, October 15
Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y. Bob Schieffer
CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, and Host, Face the Nation
Each debate will begin at 9:00 p.m. EST.
While each debate will be moderated by someone from an MSM organization, the debates will be broadcast on multiple cable and broadcast networks. I recommend C-SPAN.
According to the Navy, daylight saving time doesn't end until November 2 this year, so all of the debates should begin at 6:00 p.m. AZ time, though you should check your local listings to be sure.
Later!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
I guess loan sharking pays well...
I may be going out on a limb here, but it seems that the payday loan industry is a *highly* profitable one. They certainly have an awful lot of available cash to throw around.
According to the AZ Secretary of State's website, the Arizona Community Financial Services Association (ACFSA) contributed $2,395,063.31 to their political committee in support of Prop 200.
Just on September 15.
And that's on top of the $4.9 million on July 16, the $927K on July 21, and the hundreds of thousands every couple of weeks since the beginning of the year.
According to the committee's latest financial report of activity through August 13 (dated August 21, 2008), they've spent more than $6.8 million in support of their ballot measure to permanently allow payday loan schemes in Arizona with $8.9 million in contributions from ACFSA.
Folks, I may not know what any of you are doing for a living, but I can state unequivocally that we are all in the wrong lines of work.
Well...wrong lines of work if base avarice is our primary motivation for doing what we do.
Later!
According to the AZ Secretary of State's website, the Arizona Community Financial Services Association (ACFSA) contributed $2,395,063.31 to their political committee in support of Prop 200.
Just on September 15.
And that's on top of the $4.9 million on July 16, the $927K on July 21, and the hundreds of thousands every couple of weeks since the beginning of the year.
According to the committee's latest financial report of activity through August 13 (dated August 21, 2008), they've spent more than $6.8 million in support of their ballot measure to permanently allow payday loan schemes in Arizona with $8.9 million in contributions from ACFSA.
Folks, I may not know what any of you are doing for a living, but I can state unequivocally that we are all in the wrong lines of work.
Well...wrong lines of work if base avarice is our primary motivation for doing what we do.
Later!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Gotta love those campaign websites and their creative 'facts'
Yesterday, the Republican blog IC Arizona posted a notice about a campaign fundraiser for a candidate for the Governing Board of the Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS). The board oversees the operations of the county hospital and other facilities, and their $1.3 billion budget.
The candidate involved is the infamous former LD8 State Representative Colette Rosati (R-Scottsdale).
A little background -
Mrs. Rosati is famous for her scorched-earth campaign tactics, highlighted by her emails in 2004 insinuating that two of her opponents (one mail, one female) were closeted homosexuals because one was single and the other was married with no children.
The targets of her wrath? Fellow Republicans Michelle Reagan and Royce Flora.
Rep. Reagan responded to the attack by laughing it off, saying that her being gay would be news to her boyfriend. As for Mr. Flora, the future chair of the LD8 Republicans, it turns out that his wife, Ann, is a cancer survivor and because of medical issues, was unable to have children.
In other words, Mrs. Rosati stepped in it.
*Deep* in it.
With that as background, let's get on to the "creative facts" part of the post.
In the 'Biography' section of her campaign website, she has this line -
As far as it goes, that statement is an accurate one.
However, it *is* a little less than complete.
That "short break from politics" wasn't exactly a voluntary one.
After her 2004 exercise in "winning friends and influencing people", she was so confident in her electoral prowess, she decided to take on Republican State Senator Carolyn Allen, a fixture in LD8 politics, for Allen's seat in the State Senate.
Rosati got spanked in the primary by more than 10 percentage points.
In another example of creative use of the facts, her campaign website touts her "R.N" credentials, a label that might convince the casual voter that she would bring experience as a health care professional to the Board. That glosses over the fact that her career experience is less that of a 'health care' professional and more as a *sales* professional.
From her ZoomInfo profile (emphasis mine) -
I have to admit, my first instinct when I read about Rosati's candidacy was to sarcastically wonder why a career pharmaceutical sales rep would want to sit on the board of an organization that spends millions of dollars per year on pharmaceuticals. However, knowing what I do of Mrs. Rosati, that aspect may just be icing on the cake.
She and another candidate, Harlan Stratton (running in district 2), are campaigning together as pro-life candidates, and MIHS has been subjected to a long-running campaign to force it to end training on abortions as part of its medical education program.
Training that it is required to provide in order to mainain its ACGME accreditation as a teaching hospital.
Note1: I've got a call out to the Maricopa Integrated Health System for a specific number on the amount it spends on pharmaceuticals; no call back as yet.
Note2: Rosatti's opponent for the district 3 seat on the MIHS board is Sue Gerard, formerly director of the Arizona Department of Health Services (and former Republican state representative from Phoenix).
Note3: The candidates in the other districts are -
District 1 - Bil Bruno, currently a member of the Board; Rex Altree, chair of the Arizona Auto Glass Association.
District 2 - Robert B. Carey (a lousy name for a Google search), Greg Patterson (someone many readers may be familiar with :) ), and Harlan Stratton (Rosatti's ideological saddle partner).
District 4 - LD4 Republican Elbert Bicknell (a gun owner and former NH state legislator) and Gerald Cuendet, chairman of the current board.
District 5 - Todd Hansen (another lousy name for a Google search; his organizational paperwork states that he is a Republican and an investment representative), Alice Lara (a Republican lobbyist), Joan Kelchner (an ER doctor in Yuma), James Marovich (lawyer), Jonathan Weisbuch (former Maricopa County Health Officer).
AZ Rep coverage of the race here.
The candidacies of Rosati and some of the others are the reason why voters need to pay attention to even the most obscure offices - even one like this has a great impact on many people. And in one like this, that impact falls disproportionately on poor and working families.
I'm not endorsing any of the candidates as yet (need to do more research), but some of these candidates seem less interested in doing the work of the board than in foisting off their ideology on unsuspecting patients, many of whom have no other health care resource.
Later!
The candidate involved is the infamous former LD8 State Representative Colette Rosati (R-Scottsdale).
A little background -
Mrs. Rosati is famous for her scorched-earth campaign tactics, highlighted by her emails in 2004 insinuating that two of her opponents (one mail, one female) were closeted homosexuals because one was single and the other was married with no children.
The targets of her wrath? Fellow Republicans Michelle Reagan and Royce Flora.
Rep. Reagan responded to the attack by laughing it off, saying that her being gay would be news to her boyfriend. As for Mr. Flora, the future chair of the LD8 Republicans, it turns out that his wife, Ann, is a cancer survivor and because of medical issues, was unable to have children.
In other words, Mrs. Rosati stepped in it.
*Deep* in it.
With that as background, let's get on to the "creative facts" part of the post.
In the 'Biography' section of her campaign website, she has this line -
"After a short break from politics Rep. Rosati is now running for the Board of Directors of the Maricopa County Special Health Care District in district 3."
As far as it goes, that statement is an accurate one.
However, it *is* a little less than complete.
That "short break from politics" wasn't exactly a voluntary one.
After her 2004 exercise in "winning friends and influencing people", she was so confident in her electoral prowess, she decided to take on Republican State Senator Carolyn Allen, a fixture in LD8 politics, for Allen's seat in the State Senate.
Rosati got spanked in the primary by more than 10 percentage points.
In another example of creative use of the facts, her campaign website touts her "R.N" credentials, a label that might convince the casual voter that she would bring experience as a health care professional to the Board. That glosses over the fact that her career experience is less that of a 'health care' professional and more as a *sales* professional.
From her ZoomInfo profile (emphasis mine) -
"An R.N. since 1979, Rosati has a B.A. degree in health services administration and also have a master's in business administration. Between 1980 and 1995, she was a pharmaceutical/medical sales representative, first for Abbott Laboratories; then for a division of C.R. Bard, Inc.; then for Ciba,Geigy. She obtained a realtor's license 15 years ago..."
I have to admit, my first instinct when I read about Rosati's candidacy was to sarcastically wonder why a career pharmaceutical sales rep would want to sit on the board of an organization that spends millions of dollars per year on pharmaceuticals. However, knowing what I do of Mrs. Rosati, that aspect may just be icing on the cake.
She and another candidate, Harlan Stratton (running in district 2), are campaigning together as pro-life candidates, and MIHS has been subjected to a long-running campaign to force it to end training on abortions as part of its medical education program.
Training that it is required to provide in order to mainain its ACGME accreditation as a teaching hospital.
Note1: I've got a call out to the Maricopa Integrated Health System for a specific number on the amount it spends on pharmaceuticals; no call back as yet.
Note2: Rosatti's opponent for the district 3 seat on the MIHS board is Sue Gerard, formerly director of the Arizona Department of Health Services (and former Republican state representative from Phoenix).
Note3: The candidates in the other districts are -
District 1 - Bil Bruno, currently a member of the Board; Rex Altree, chair of the Arizona Auto Glass Association.
District 2 - Robert B. Carey (a lousy name for a Google search), Greg Patterson (someone many readers may be familiar with :) ), and Harlan Stratton (Rosatti's ideological saddle partner).
District 4 - LD4 Republican Elbert Bicknell (a gun owner and former NH state legislator) and Gerald Cuendet, chairman of the current board.
District 5 - Todd Hansen (another lousy name for a Google search; his organizational paperwork states that he is a Republican and an investment representative), Alice Lara (a Republican lobbyist), Joan Kelchner (an ER doctor in Yuma), James Marovich (lawyer), Jonathan Weisbuch (former Maricopa County Health Officer).
AZ Rep coverage of the race here.
The candidacies of Rosati and some of the others are the reason why voters need to pay attention to even the most obscure offices - even one like this has a great impact on many people. And in one like this, that impact falls disproportionately on poor and working families.
I'm not endorsing any of the candidates as yet (need to do more research), but some of these candidates seem less interested in doing the work of the board than in foisting off their ideology on unsuspecting patients, many of whom have no other health care resource.
Later!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Events Calendar
Wednesday, September 10 - The Grand Opening of the Arizona office of the Obama/Biden campaign.
Join Kelly Paisley, the Arizona State Director for the Obama campaign, at the newly-opened office at 922 N. 6th St. (corner of Roosevelt and 6th Street) in Phoenix. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. RSVP here.
Saturday, September 13 - Turning the County Blue!, a candidate meet-and-greet/fundraiser for candidates Dan Saban (for Sheriff), Tim Nelson (for County Attorney) and Ed Hermes (for County Supervisor).
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: The home of Alison Shannon in Tempe.
For info and directions, contact Alison Shannon at 682-554-0726 or allison.shannon[at]@gmail.com.
Suggested contribution: $25/candidate ($75 total) or whatever you can afford; for Young Dems, $10/candidate ($30 total.)
Monday and Tuesday, September 15 and 16 - The Arizona chapter of the National Jewish Democratic Council will be presenting the documentary "Farewell Israel," a highly-regarded study of the relationship between Israel, the West, and Islam. For directions and more info, contact Jerry Gettinger at 480-563-3206 or email at njdcphx[at]cox.net.
Monday, September 15 - The GEMDEMS Victory '08 Dinner, with special guest Governor Janet Napolitano. The dinner will be at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, 5247 E. Brown Rd., in Mesa. Doors open at 5 p.m., VIP reception at 6 p.m., and dinner at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $110 for the VIP reception and $50 for the dinner only. Tickets can be purchased online here or in-person at the GEMDEMS office in Mesa (7141 E. Main St.)
In addition to Governor Napolitano, a number of the candidates from LDs 18 - 22 will be there.
Thursday, September 18 - The District 8 Democrats will be holding a forum on the propositions on November's ballot. The featured speaker will be Eric Ehst of the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission. The forum will take place at the Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. For more info, contact LD8 Chair Margaret Hogan at mhoganaz[at]msn.com, Vice-Chair Laura Copple at lcopple[at]cox.net, or Vice-Chair Jerry Gettinger at jget[at]cox.net.
Note - the LD17 Democrats will be featuring a brief feature on the props at their monthly meeting, Tuesday, September 9 at the Pyle Center in Tempe. Each member of the D17 Issues Committee has selected one or two of the ballot propositions on which to present a short synopsis. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.
Both forums are free of charge and open to the public.
Later!
Join Kelly Paisley, the Arizona State Director for the Obama campaign, at the newly-opened office at 922 N. 6th St. (corner of Roosevelt and 6th Street) in Phoenix. The event starts at 4:00 p.m. RSVP here.
Saturday, September 13 - Turning the County Blue!, a candidate meet-and-greet/fundraiser for candidates Dan Saban (for Sheriff), Tim Nelson (for County Attorney) and Ed Hermes (for County Supervisor).
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Place: The home of Alison Shannon in Tempe.
For info and directions, contact Alison Shannon at 682-554-0726 or allison.shannon[at]@gmail.com.
Suggested contribution: $25/candidate ($75 total) or whatever you can afford; for Young Dems, $10/candidate ($30 total.)
Monday and Tuesday, September 15 and 16 - The Arizona chapter of the National Jewish Democratic Council will be presenting the documentary "Farewell Israel," a highly-regarded study of the relationship between Israel, the West, and Islam. For directions and more info, contact Jerry Gettinger at 480-563-3206 or email at njdcphx[at]cox.net.
Monday, September 15 - The GEMDEMS Victory '08 Dinner, with special guest Governor Janet Napolitano. The dinner will be at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, 5247 E. Brown Rd., in Mesa. Doors open at 5 p.m., VIP reception at 6 p.m., and dinner at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $110 for the VIP reception and $50 for the dinner only. Tickets can be purchased online here or in-person at the GEMDEMS office in Mesa (7141 E. Main St.)
In addition to Governor Napolitano, a number of the candidates from LDs 18 - 22 will be there.
Thursday, September 18 - The District 8 Democrats will be holding a forum on the propositions on November's ballot. The featured speaker will be Eric Ehst of the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission. The forum will take place at the Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale. For more info, contact LD8 Chair Margaret Hogan at mhoganaz[at]msn.com, Vice-Chair Laura Copple at lcopple[at]cox.net, or Vice-Chair Jerry Gettinger at jget[at]cox.net.
Note - the LD17 Democrats will be featuring a brief feature on the props at their monthly meeting, Tuesday, September 9 at the Pyle Center in Tempe. Each member of the D17 Issues Committee has selected one or two of the ballot propositions on which to present a short synopsis. The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.
Both forums are free of charge and open to the public.
Later!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Labor Day and candidates for office: A quick comparison
On one hand, we have Bob Lord, the rising Democratic challenger in CD3, who spent his day walking neighborhoods of the district and talking to voters, and attending the AFL-CIO Labor Day picnic in Phoenix.
On the other hand, we have John Shadegg, the embattled, retiree-wannabe incumbent, who spent the morning dining in a luxury hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota calling the Democratic Presidential ticket of Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden 'a product of the "radical left." '
So now he's calling two sitting U.S. Senators "radicals? Two members of what is perhaps the most exclusive and privileged club in America? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!
They're radicals only by the standards of extremist ideologues, not responsible public servants.
In any event, today, Bob Lord issued a statement of appreciation and commemoration of American workers -
Have a happy and safe Labor Day!
On the other hand, we have John Shadegg, the embattled, retiree-wannabe incumbent, who spent the morning dining in a luxury hotel in St. Paul, Minnesota calling the Democratic Presidential ticket of Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden 'a product of the "radical left." '
So now he's calling two sitting U.S. Senators "radicals? Two members of what is perhaps the most exclusive and privileged club in America? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!
They're radicals only by the standards of extremist ideologues, not responsible public servants.
In any event, today, Bob Lord issued a statement of appreciation and commemoration of American workers -
On Labor Day, Arizonans and Americans observe their hard work, the quest for the American Dream and the importance of preserving the American Dream for our children and grandchildren.
We take time off to appreciate the hard work our parents and grandparents did so that they could make life better for us. We take time to appreciate those of us who have to work today, even though most of us have the day off. And most importantly, we take the time to recognize those of us who can't get by because we lost our jobs to the failed economic policies of the current leadership.
Fortunately, my wife Tammy and I both were lucky enough to live the American Dream. We both were born to modest circumstances, but we were both fortunate enough to attend fantastic public schools. We worked hard, we learned and we built a very good life for ourselves and our seven children.
On this Labor Day we celebrate the contributions workers have made to better our country. We have worked so hard and we have come so far and things will get better, because Arizona deserves better.
We just need leaders who are willing to make that change.
President Bush and John Shadegg's economic policies have resulted in hundreds of thousands of jobs lost, a huge housing and financial crisis, and a middle class that is holding on by a thread.
This is about investing in America's future, and Arizona can lead the way. We have the workers, we have that American drive that says, yes, we can do it and we will succeed.
Thank you for all your hard work.
Have a happy and safe Labor Day!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Hate to say I told you so...
...OK, who am I trying to kid...I *love* being able to say 'I told you so'...
Nearly two and a half months ago, I predicted that the bloodiest race in the September primary wouldn't be a legislative or Congressional race, but would in fact be the race for the Republican PC slots in LD11.
That predictions wasn't quite right, as the race between Russell Pearce (R-National Alliance) and Kevin Gibbons (R-Jeff Flake's brother-in-law) for the Senate seat in LD18 has gotten far nastier than anyone could have expected.
However, this post from Seeing Red AZ proves that the prediction wasn't far off, either.
Apparently, *someone* is spending some big money to finance some robocalls from former RNC Chair Haley Barbour that support the pro-McCain candidates for PC, and the Rep leadership in the district is most assuredly not happy about it as one of the people targeted for defeat is the chair of the Maricopa County Republicans.
One prediction that I made that turned out to be accurate -
:)
Other interesting races (aka - "Republicans eating their own") -
In the Rep race in the LD6 State Representative primary, the various (and competing) supporters of Tony Bouie and Carl Seel have been trading jabs - "Bouie's a RINO!", "Not so!", "So!", and so one. An example of some of the anti-Bouie rhetoric here; an example of the anti-Seel stuff here.
Over in CD5, former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert and former Scottsdale City Councilwoman (and current lobbyist) Susan Bitter Smith have dropped the gloves (that's a hockey reference for you AZ lifers :) ) and are airing attack ads targeting each other. (PolitickerAZ coverage here)
And in a very mild example, three of the Democratic candidates for AZ Corporation Commission, Sandra Kennedy, Paul Newman, and Sam George, are running as a slate and are airing a TV spot that implies that only they support an increased use of solar energy in Arizona. One minor detail - non-slate Democratic candidate Kara Kelty also supports solar and renewable energy (see her AZ Republic candidate questionnaire)
Let's be clear - it's the Republicans who oppose any efforts to change the status quo regarding energy production and consumption in Arizona.
With these races, as well as a couple of others (like the 8-way Rep primary for the 3 open seats on the Corporation Commission and the Scottsdale races for Mayor and City Council), Tuesday's primary election day will be an interesting one.
Later!
Nearly two and a half months ago, I predicted that the bloodiest race in the September primary wouldn't be a legislative or Congressional race, but would in fact be the race for the Republican PC slots in LD11.
That predictions wasn't quite right, as the race between Russell Pearce (R-National Alliance) and Kevin Gibbons (R-Jeff Flake's brother-in-law) for the Senate seat in LD18 has gotten far nastier than anyone could have expected.
However, this post from Seeing Red AZ proves that the prediction wasn't far off, either.
Apparently, *someone* is spending some big money to finance some robocalls from former RNC Chair Haley Barbour that support the pro-McCain candidates for PC, and the Rep leadership in the district is most assuredly not happy about it as one of the people targeted for defeat is the chair of the Maricopa County Republicans.
One prediction that I made that turned out to be accurate -
"Anyway, should be fun to watch...if you're a Democrat."
:)
Other interesting races (aka - "Republicans eating their own") -
In the Rep race in the LD6 State Representative primary, the various (and competing) supporters of Tony Bouie and Carl Seel have been trading jabs - "Bouie's a RINO!", "Not so!", "So!", and so one. An example of some of the anti-Bouie rhetoric here; an example of the anti-Seel stuff here.
Over in CD5, former Maricopa County Treasurer David Schweikert and former Scottsdale City Councilwoman (and current lobbyist) Susan Bitter Smith have dropped the gloves (that's a hockey reference for you AZ lifers :) ) and are airing attack ads targeting each other. (PolitickerAZ coverage here)
And in a very mild example, three of the Democratic candidates for AZ Corporation Commission, Sandra Kennedy, Paul Newman, and Sam George, are running as a slate and are airing a TV spot that implies that only they support an increased use of solar energy in Arizona. One minor detail - non-slate Democratic candidate Kara Kelty also supports solar and renewable energy (see her AZ Republic candidate questionnaire)
Let's be clear - it's the Republicans who oppose any efforts to change the status quo regarding energy production and consumption in Arizona.
With these races, as well as a couple of others (like the 8-way Rep primary for the 3 open seats on the Corporation Commission and the Scottsdale races for Mayor and City Council), Tuesday's primary election day will be an interesting one.
Later!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Register For Change Bus Tour Reaches Denver
Over 100 enthusiastic supporters greeted Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean when the Register for Change Bus Tour reached Denver on Friday afternoon.
Introduced to a rousing round of applause by Patricia Waak, chair the Colorado Democratic Party, Dean took the opportunity to give a speech that was at once a campaign speech("Vote for Obama") and a motivational speech ("Work to get other people to vote for Obama, too") -
...He blasted John McCain, George Bush, and the Republicans for the damage that they have done to America, its economy, and its standing in the world.
...He cited a laundry list of the differences between Barack Obama and John McCain, including the fact that Obama, like most American homeowners, owns one home while McCain has so many that he can't keep track of them all.
...He talked about how in Bush's hometown of Crawford, Texas, more than 700 people turned out for the kickoff of the bus tour because they knew that a vote for McCain is a vote for four more years of Bush's failed policies.
...He wryly observed that the McCain of 2000 wouldn't vote for the McCain of 2008.
...He challenged Waak, the Colorado Dems, and the Young Dems on the campus to walk and knock on 40 doors 4 times between now and the election, saying that could be done over four weekends during the next 11, and that it wasn't too big a sacrifice to help put Barack Obama into the White House and the country back on the right track.
...He reminded the audience that people have the power, more power than talking heads like Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly.
...And he called on people everywhere to understand that the campaign isn't just about the economy, Iraq, or gas prices; it's about a "new America."
He closed his speech by highlighting the need to restore American moral authority in the world and the fact that Democrats are the ones best suited to do just that, citing the examples of Harry Truman (Marshall Plan), Jimmy Carter (the treaty between Egypt and Israel), and Bill Clinton (his work in the Middle East peace process and also in Northern Ireland.)
He wound up his speech with "You can't preach democracy and human rights unless you practice it at home and abroad."
Other observations from a day spent on Blake Street and the 16th Street Mall (a shopping district built for walking) -
- A number of Convention staffers and volunteers were in the area for lunch. They looked young enough to make the Chinese National Team in gymnastics. :))
- Anyone visiting the convention should be prepared to walk or bike around the convention site and nearby areas. An already congested traffic system will be further tangled with the massive road closings and blockages. A news story on this subject, with links to more info, can be found here.
- Chairman Dean, the spiritual leader of the grassroots elements of the Democratic Party, took a moment to show his appreciation for the grassroots, as can be seen in the pic below.
Ignore the date at the bottom of the pics; we were using my sister's camera. I'll crop later.
Rocky Mountain News coverage from writer Berny Morson can be found here. He's the bearded man in the hat behind Dean. :)
Later!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Short Attention Span Musing
- Challenger Ed Hermes (D-SD1) is doing almost embarrassingly well against long-time (but never-challenged) incumbent Maricopa County Supervisor Fulton Brock (R).
According to their latest campaign finance reports, Hermes raised $27301.65 in the period from July 1 thru August 13.
Brock raised $6910 , or a little more than 1/4 as much.
The situation has gotten so desperate for Brock that some of the Rep bloggers have taken to criticizing Hermes on his age (24) while ignoring Hermes' experience (State Board of Regents, Arizona Department of Agriculture, Governor Napolitano's Smart Growth Cabinet).
The planted stories aren't doing anything to enhance their credibility or their candidate's.
- In a moment that shows just how out of touch he is with the average American, John McCain forgot how many houses he and his wife own (John: Seven.)
Yes, in an era when too many Americans are wondering how they can keep their one home, McCain has so many that he's forgetting them.
- In all of the hubbub over the soon-to-be-announced nominees for VP, the MSM and both campaigns are ignoring the simple fact that unless the VP ascends to the presidency, no one outside of his/her family members will care who the VP was after the term is over.
Most of the hype is due to the fact that it is political silly season - it's after the primaries and before the conventions. There's note a lot going on other than the occasional press release, so there just isn't much for the MSM to cover. Plus, the VP hype gives the campaigns some free publicity. Always a good thing, even when a campaign is operating on a Presidential campaign budget instead of, say, a school board candidate's budget.
...It really has been a long couple of days, so it is time for sleep.
Later!
According to their latest campaign finance reports, Hermes raised $27301.65 in the period from July 1 thru August 13.
Brock raised $6910 , or a little more than 1/4 as much.
The situation has gotten so desperate for Brock that some of the Rep bloggers have taken to criticizing Hermes on his age (24) while ignoring Hermes' experience (State Board of Regents, Arizona Department of Agriculture, Governor Napolitano's Smart Growth Cabinet).
The planted stories aren't doing anything to enhance their credibility or their candidate's.
- In a moment that shows just how out of touch he is with the average American, John McCain forgot how many houses he and his wife own (John: Seven.)
Yes, in an era when too many Americans are wondering how they can keep their one home, McCain has so many that he's forgetting them.
- In all of the hubbub over the soon-to-be-announced nominees for VP, the MSM and both campaigns are ignoring the simple fact that unless the VP ascends to the presidency, no one outside of his/her family members will care who the VP was after the term is over.
Most of the hype is due to the fact that it is political silly season - it's after the primaries and before the conventions. There's note a lot going on other than the occasional press release, so there just isn't much for the MSM to cover. Plus, the VP hype gives the campaigns some free publicity. Always a good thing, even when a campaign is operating on a Presidential campaign budget instead of, say, a school board candidate's budget.
...It really has been a long couple of days, so it is time for sleep.
Later!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Short Attention Span Musing....
...Your humble but ever so wise wiseass blogger is finally moving into the 20th Century. I have acquired that ubiquitous but possibly cancer-causing electronic leash known as a cell phone. For years, I've avoided getting one but since I'm driving to Denver this week across three relatively uninhabited states, it was time.
Of course, when I get the first bill next month, it may be time for screaming... :))
...According to PolitickerAZ, in CD3 the Shadegg campaign is finally talking to the Lord campaign about debates. They're still in the "posturing" phase of the negotiations (the Shadegg campaign wants six debates over the 8 or so weeks between the primary and the general election) so nothing may come of it, but that still puts John Shadegg, someone who's been mailing it in all year, ahead of Joe Arpaio, who still refuses to publicly debate Dan Saban, his challenger for the Maricopa County Sheriff's job.
Somebody needs to let Joe know that it doesn't look good when even a candidate who's tried to retire this year and who thinks his job is "boring" is putting more effort toward his reelection bid than he is.
Not good at all.
...Of course, Shadegg is still doing everything he can to avoid Bob Lord and to minimize his contact with the residents of CD3 (you know - his constituents).
- First, he's been staying in D.C., leading his Republican colleagues in a shameless campaign to befoul America coastlines to benefit Big Oil's profit margins. (The Phoenix Business Journal)
- Next week (August 25 - 28), he's going to Alaska to visit Prudhoe Bay to advocate for the pollution of ANWR, also to benefit Big Oil's profit margins. (PolitickerAZ)
- The week after that (September 1 -4) is the Republican National Convention in Minnesota. The event will be held at the XCEL Energy Center.(GOPConvention2008)
And then on September 8, the week after that, the U.S. House of Representatives is back in session.
In other words, Shadegg is spending his summer district work period doing almost anything but working in his district.
...Posting will be lighter than normal this week, due to the aforementioned trip to Denver (projected high temps for the next week: mid to upper 80s; projected low temps: mid to upper 50s.) :))
Later!
Of course, when I get the first bill next month, it may be time for screaming... :))
...According to PolitickerAZ, in CD3 the Shadegg campaign is finally talking to the Lord campaign about debates. They're still in the "posturing" phase of the negotiations (the Shadegg campaign wants six debates over the 8 or so weeks between the primary and the general election) so nothing may come of it, but that still puts John Shadegg, someone who's been mailing it in all year, ahead of Joe Arpaio, who still refuses to publicly debate Dan Saban, his challenger for the Maricopa County Sheriff's job.
Somebody needs to let Joe know that it doesn't look good when even a candidate who's tried to retire this year and who thinks his job is "boring" is putting more effort toward his reelection bid than he is.
Not good at all.
...Of course, Shadegg is still doing everything he can to avoid Bob Lord and to minimize his contact with the residents of CD3 (you know - his constituents).
- First, he's been staying in D.C., leading his Republican colleagues in a shameless campaign to befoul America coastlines to benefit Big Oil's profit margins. (The Phoenix Business Journal)
- Next week (August 25 - 28), he's going to Alaska to visit Prudhoe Bay to advocate for the pollution of ANWR, also to benefit Big Oil's profit margins. (PolitickerAZ)
- The week after that (September 1 -4) is the Republican National Convention in Minnesota. The event will be held at the XCEL Energy Center.(GOPConvention2008)
And then on September 8, the week after that, the U.S. House of Representatives is back in session.
In other words, Shadegg is spending his summer district work period doing almost anything but working in his district.
...Posting will be lighter than normal this week, due to the aforementioned trip to Denver (projected high temps for the next week: mid to upper 80s; projected low temps: mid to upper 50s.) :))
Later!
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