I've been watching the House debate on SCHIP, and have come to the following conclusion -
The following phrase should be added to the oath of office sworn by every member of Congress:
"I swear that all statements that I make during debate shall be relevant to the issue under consideration, and shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
The Democratic side would have to quiet down considerably (hey - they *are* politicians after all :) ), but the Republican side would have to be all but silent.
After all of their dilatory tactics (irrelevant debate, motions to adjourn, approve the journal, etc.) have failed, they have no substantive grounds to oppose the bill, so they resort to BS...
...More than one Republican has said that renewing the program that provides health coverage for poor children in America would encourage illegal immigration.
HUH?!?
...Others talk about how the bill attacks senior citizens by cutting Medicare, but they ignore the fact that the AARP wholeheartedly supports passage of the bill.
Agree with them or not, no one can argue the AARP's zeal in advocating for the interests of senior citizens.
...Anyway, my favorite line during the debate wouldn't be affected by my proposed change to the oath of office - Phil Gingrey, Republican from Georgia, objected to an increase in the tobacco tax to help pay for the expansion of the program, instead preferring that we borrow the money from China.
Good God, that's so ludicrous, I actually wish I was making it up, but I'm not.
More later...
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Today, the Repubs showed their true colors yet again...
i.e. - They're opposed to breaking laws, unless it's Big Business breaking laws for profit...
Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed HR2831, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007 ("To amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice that is unlawful under such Acts occurs each time compensation is paid pursuant to the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice..."), by a vote of 228 - 197.
The vote was almost a straight line party vote, with every Republican opposed to the bill, and all but one Democrat in favor (John Barrow of Georgia joined the Republicans in favoring corporate discriminators).
Edit on 8/2, to correct an error noted by a commenter -
The actual vote on the underlying bill was 215 - 187, and it was a straight party line vote.
Mr. Barrow of Georgia actually voted for the bill.
I apologize for the error.
End edit.
This bill was rooted in a 5 - 4 decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, throwing out a discrimination lawsuit by a retired supervisor at their Gadsden, AL plant.
The Court ruled that even though the discrimination went on for years, she had only 180 days from the company's initial decision to discriminate against her to file suit.
The legislation that passed the House today would allow a lawsuit within 180 days of the last affected paycheck.
Of course, the Republicans opposing the bill did not come out and say that they favor employment discrimination; they were concerned that the bill "would allow employees to bring a claim of pay or other employment-related discrimination years or even decades after the alleged discrimination occurred." (White House, quoted in an AP article)
I particularly liked the breathless headline from a press release put out by the Republican caucus of the House Education and Labor Committee -
Anyway, the cost estimate put together by the Congressional Budget Office is here. Hint: $0.
The June 27, 2007 Education and Labor Committee meeting on the bill can be found here, along with the statements of Ms. Ledbetter and Neal Mollen, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce lawyer who attended the hearing and argued against the bill. The Republican talking points echoed his testimony.
BTW - adding insult to Ms. Ledbetter's injury, Goodyear is now trying to collect $3,200 in lawsuit-related expenses from her. (AP via Daily Comet of LA)
I can't think of a better reason to never buy another Goodyear product. Can you?
Note: I missed most of the floor debate in the House; I'll update this post once the debate is entered into the Congressional Record.
Later!
Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed HR2831, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007 ("To amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to clarify that a discriminatory compensation decision or other practice that is unlawful under such Acts occurs each time compensation is paid pursuant to the discriminatory compensation decision or other practice..."), by a vote of 228 - 197.
The vote was almost a straight line party vote, with every Republican opposed to the bill, and all but one Democrat in favor (John Barrow of Georgia joined the Republicans in favoring corporate discriminators).
Edit on 8/2, to correct an error noted by a commenter -
The actual vote on the underlying bill was 215 - 187, and it was a straight party line vote.
Mr. Barrow of Georgia actually voted for the bill.
I apologize for the error.
End edit.
This bill was rooted in a 5 - 4 decision handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, throwing out a discrimination lawsuit by a retired supervisor at their Gadsden, AL plant.
The Court ruled that even though the discrimination went on for years, she had only 180 days from the company's initial decision to discriminate against her to file suit.
The legislation that passed the House today would allow a lawsuit within 180 days of the last affected paycheck.
Of course, the Republicans opposing the bill did not come out and say that they favor employment discrimination; they were concerned that the bill "would allow employees to bring a claim of pay or other employment-related discrimination years or even decades after the alleged discrimination occurred." (White House, quoted in an AP article)
I particularly liked the breathless headline from a press release put out by the Republican caucus of the House Education and Labor Committee -
House Democrats Undermine 40 Years of Civil Rights Law, Open the Door for Unbridled LitigationUmmm, when have Republicans cared about civil rights laws, other than to oppose them with every fiber of their beings?
Anyway, the cost estimate put together by the Congressional Budget Office is here. Hint: $0.
The June 27, 2007 Education and Labor Committee meeting on the bill can be found here, along with the statements of Ms. Ledbetter and Neal Mollen, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce lawyer who attended the hearing and argued against the bill. The Republican talking points echoed his testimony.
BTW - adding insult to Ms. Ledbetter's injury, Goodyear is now trying to collect $3,200 in lawsuit-related expenses from her. (AP via Daily Comet of LA)
I can't think of a better reason to never buy another Goodyear product. Can you?
Note: I missed most of the floor debate in the House; I'll update this post once the debate is entered into the Congressional Record.
Later!
Upcoming Events - CD5 Edition
Tuesday, August 14 - Harry Mitchell campaign reception with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Ed Pastor.
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact Herschel[at]Harry2006.com for info
Wednesday, August 15 - Democrats and Donuts
Featured speaker: Representative Harry Mitchell, CD 5
Location: Ahwatukee Fire Station - 4110 E Chandler Blvd.
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Event is Free (donations accepted)
For more information call 480-706-3741
Courtesy MCDP
Friday, August 17 - The Young Democrats of Arizona are holding a happy hour/fundraiser featuring guest speaker Congressman Harry Mitchell at Mondrian in Scottsdale.
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Click here for tickets/info.
...On a YDA note, congrats to Alexis Tameron for winning the "Francis Perkins Young Democrat of the Year" award at this year's YDA convention in Dallas. While she was part of the leadership of YDA during the 2006 election cycle, the organization was a significant part of the Blue Wave that returned a Democratic majority to both Congress and the state governor's offices around the country.
The Young Democrats of Atlanta have a blog recap of the convention here; approximately 1/3 of the way down is a picture of Alexis in a [ahem] "high-level consultation and networking" meeting with members of the Georgia delegation. The blurb is labeled as 6:25 p.m. on Saturday, July 21.
Later!
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Contact Herschel[at]Harry2006.com for info
Wednesday, August 15 - Democrats and Donuts
Featured speaker: Representative Harry Mitchell, CD 5
Location: Ahwatukee Fire Station - 4110 E Chandler Blvd.
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Event is Free (donations accepted)
For more information call 480-706-3741
Courtesy MCDP
Friday, August 17 - The Young Democrats of Arizona are holding a happy hour/fundraiser featuring guest speaker Congressman Harry Mitchell at Mondrian in Scottsdale.
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Click here for tickets/info.
...On a YDA note, congrats to Alexis Tameron for winning the "Francis Perkins Young Democrat of the Year" award at this year's YDA convention in Dallas. While she was part of the leadership of YDA during the 2006 election cycle, the organization was a significant part of the Blue Wave that returned a Democratic majority to both Congress and the state governor's offices around the country.
The Young Democrats of Atlanta have a blog recap of the convention here; approximately 1/3 of the way down is a picture of Alexis in a [ahem] "high-level consultation and networking" meeting with members of the Georgia delegation. The blurb is labeled as 6:25 p.m. on Saturday, July 21.
Later!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Short Attention Span Musing
Tonight's theme: fragrances...
...You know that pungently cloying scent filling the air between the Republican caucus rooms in the U.S. Capitol and the White House?
It's a sign that the plastic wrap has come off that overripe (by nearly seven years - PEW!) contrivance, "compassionate conservatism."
From Medical News Today -
Damn, they teed this one up for every progressive blogger in the country.
...You know that briny mixture of the odors of sea salt and rotting meat overwhelming your olfactory sense when Alberto Gonzales walks by?
That's chum in the water.
From the Seattle Times -
Of course, even if Gonzales is impeached (and that would be great!), it's just a distraction from the real task at hand - undoing some of the damage that 6+ years of the Bush/Cheney administration has wrought upon America.
...You know the rather "diapery" fumes that have enveloped a certain senior Senator from Alaska?
That's the distinct odor of chickens coming home to roost as Sen. Ted Stevens (of the internet is a 'series of tubes' fame) joined Rick Renzi in the "Oh s**t! The FBI is here with a warrant" club.
From the Boston Globe -
Wonder if he keeps a change of pants in his office in the Capitol?
...And you know that stench of burning rubber in the air?
That's the smell of Republican presidential campaign buses spinning out as they haul ass away from their scheduled YouTube debate, out of fear of facing real questions from real people.
From The Washington Post -
Guess the days of the 'populist' Republican, of the 'man (or woman) of the people' are over...
...You know that pungently cloying scent filling the air between the Republican caucus rooms in the U.S. Capitol and the White House?
It's a sign that the plastic wrap has come off that overripe (by nearly seven years - PEW!) contrivance, "compassionate conservatism."
From Medical News Today -
President Bush Threatens Veto Of SCHIP Legislation, Saying It Would Lead To People Dropping Private Health CoverageApparently, conservatives feel "compassion" for only for Big Business, not sick kids.
President Bush on Wednesday said he will veto Senate legislation that would increase funding for SCHIP by $35 billion over five years because expanding the program would lead to more people dropping private health coverage, the Baltimore Sun reports (West, Baltimore Sun, 7/19).
Damn, they teed this one up for every progressive blogger in the country.
...You know that briny mixture of the odors of sea salt and rotting meat overwhelming your olfactory sense when Alberto Gonzales walks by?
That's chum in the water.
From the Seattle Times -
WASHINGTON — Rep. Jay Inslee will introduce a resolution today directing the House Judiciary Committee to investigate whether Attorney General Alberto Gonzales should be impeached.
{snip}
A simple majority vote of the full House would be required to impeach Gonzales. A conviction, which would remove him from office, would take a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
Lawmakers from both parties have questioned Gonzales' truthfulness.
FBI Director Robert Mueller suggested last week that Gonzales misled the Senate in his testimony about government approval of wiretapping in investigations of suspected terrorists.
Of course, even if Gonzales is impeached (and that would be great!), it's just a distraction from the real task at hand - undoing some of the damage that 6+ years of the Bush/Cheney administration has wrought upon America.
...You know the rather "diapery" fumes that have enveloped a certain senior Senator from Alaska?
That's the distinct odor of chickens coming home to roost as Sen. Ted Stevens (of the internet is a 'series of tubes' fame) joined Rick Renzi in the "Oh s**t! The FBI is here with a warrant" club.
From the Boston Globe -
Federal agents raid Alaska home of Senator Stevens
Under scrutiny for ties to energy firm
Agents from the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service raided the Alaska home of Republican Senator Ted Stevens yesterday as part of a broad federal investigation of political corruption in the state that has also swept up his son and one of his closest financial backers, officials said.
Wonder if he keeps a change of pants in his office in the Capitol?
...And you know that stench of burning rubber in the air?
That's the smell of Republican presidential campaign buses spinning out as they haul ass away from their scheduled YouTube debate, out of fear of facing real questions from real people.
From The Washington Post -
Will the GOP YouTube Debate Be Postponed?
The GOP version of the CNN/YouTube debate is still scheduled for Sept. 17, but may be moved to a later date.
{snip}
The possible postponement follows an announcement from Mitt Romney this past week that he planned to skip the debate. The former Massachusetts governor told C-SPAN on Friday that he would not attend the debate because the Democratic version did not show proper respect to the presidential selection process.
Guess the days of the 'populist' Republican, of the 'man (or woman) of the people' are over...
Flashing Red Means Four-Way Stop
A brief, totally non-political post...
Some monsoonal thunder showers rolled through the Valley this afternoon, causing reduced visibility and street flooding. Also contributing to the resultant traffic chaos: inoperative traffic signals.
Just a reminder - a flashing red signal at an intersection means it's a four-way stop.
The inspiration for this post is that during a walk (what can I say? Living in AZ has really helped my appreciation of rainy days :) ), I noticed the signal at 82nd Pl. and McDowell Rd. was inoperative and flashing red in all four directions.
The other thing I noticed? The large number of drivers blowing through the intersection without even slowing down.
Page 33 of ADOT's Drivers License Manual (page 35 of the .pdf file) says:
'Nuff said.
Some monsoonal thunder showers rolled through the Valley this afternoon, causing reduced visibility and street flooding. Also contributing to the resultant traffic chaos: inoperative traffic signals.
Just a reminder - a flashing red signal at an intersection means it's a four-way stop.
The inspiration for this post is that during a walk (what can I say? Living in AZ has really helped my appreciation of rainy days :) ), I noticed the signal at 82nd Pl. and McDowell Rd. was inoperative and flashing red in all four directions.
The other thing I noticed? The large number of drivers blowing through the intersection without even slowing down.
Page 33 of ADOT's Drivers License Manual (page 35 of the .pdf file) says:
When approaching an intersection with an inoperative traffic control signal or no traffic lights, stop signs or yield signs, treat it as you would a 4-way stop. Come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and then proceed when the roadway is clear.
'Nuff said.
OK, gradual decline of perceptive MSM political analysis is no more...
because now it's in total free fall...
From TimesOnline (UK):
[Shakes head in befuddled wonderment]
Hmmm...a short list of the exciting yet utterly irrelevant topics covered by the MSM, instead of boring things like candidates' positions, background, and ideas, during this presidential campaign season includes (but certainly isn't limited to) -
Hillary Clinton's cleavage (She has some! OMG!)
John Edwards' haircuts ($400! Scandalous!)
Barack Obama's middle name (Hussein! Horrors!)
What's next? Dennis Kucinich's height (or lack thereof) or Bill Richardson's bolo ties?
Maybe we should start a whispering campaign about John McCain, Fred Thompson, and Rudy Giuliani.
What could those three have in common (besides running for President)? Hmmm....let me think about that...
:))
Enough already. With its persistent focus on image over substance, the MSM is only hastening its descent into the dustbin of cultural history.
It shouldn't matter whether a candidate is a woman (with all that entails), has a unique middle name, is short or tall, or is bald or well-coiffed -
These people are candidates for the highest office in the country - image doesn't matter as much as substance*.
* - Except if Salma Hayek runs for office. Then all bets are off.
What can I say? I'm a guy. :))
From TimesOnline (UK):
The US debates Hillary's cleavage
[Shakes head in befuddled wonderment]
Hmmm...a short list of the exciting yet utterly irrelevant topics covered by the MSM, instead of boring things like candidates' positions, background, and ideas, during this presidential campaign season includes (but certainly isn't limited to) -
Hillary Clinton's cleavage (She has some! OMG!)
John Edwards' haircuts ($400! Scandalous!)
Barack Obama's middle name (Hussein! Horrors!)
What's next? Dennis Kucinich's height (or lack thereof) or Bill Richardson's bolo ties?
Maybe we should start a whispering campaign about John McCain, Fred Thompson, and Rudy Giuliani.
What could those three have in common (besides running for President)? Hmmm....let me think about that...
:))
Enough already. With its persistent focus on image over substance, the MSM is only hastening its descent into the dustbin of cultural history.
It shouldn't matter whether a candidate is a woman (with all that entails), has a unique middle name, is short or tall, or is bald or well-coiffed -
These people are candidates for the highest office in the country - image doesn't matter as much as substance*.
* - Except if Salma Hayek runs for office. Then all bets are off.
What can I say? I'm a guy. :))
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Just follow the oil and blood-soaked money trail...
Edit on July 30, to add update at the end of the post...
Talk about counterintuitive moves by the Bushies - they're selling $20 BILLION worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia. Including "satellite-guided munitions"! (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Why is this counterintuitive?
Then - 15 of the 19 hijackers responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001 were Saudis. (USA Today, 2002)
Now - Nearly half of all foreign (i.e. non-Iraqi) insurgents in Iraq are Saudi, and estimates are that half of those are suicide bombers. (LA Times, 2007)
All too soon - U.S. servicemen and women will be dying at the hands of insurgents armed with U.S.-made and -marketed weapons.
Oh, and the mastermind of the attacks on 9/11? Saudi-born Osama bin Laden. The one that the Bushies all-but-abandoned the search for because of nonexistent 'weapons of mass destruction' in Iraq.
I'm not advocating starting a war with Saudi Arabia, but enough is enough; it's time to stop treating Saudi Arabia like an ally, because it sure as hell isn't acting like one.
And hasn't for years.
Why would the Bushies do something that seems so illogical? The Reuters article talks about how this is one of a series of moves designed to encourage support for the current U.S.-supported government in Iraq, and to discourage Saudi support, financial and physical, for the Sunni militants in Iraq.
Personally, I think the title of this post sums up a much simpler yet far more accurate likelihood.
Update as of July 30 -
Turns out that I'm not the only one who thinks that selling advanced weapon systems to the Saudis is a particularly bad idea - some members of Congress plan to introduce a resolution blocking the sale.
From the New York Sun -
More updates as they become available.
End edit.
Later!
Talk about counterintuitive moves by the Bushies - they're selling $20 BILLION worth of weapons to Saudi Arabia. Including "satellite-guided munitions"! (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Why is this counterintuitive?
Then - 15 of the 19 hijackers responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001 were Saudis. (USA Today, 2002)
Now - Nearly half of all foreign (i.e. non-Iraqi) insurgents in Iraq are Saudi, and estimates are that half of those are suicide bombers. (LA Times, 2007)
All too soon - U.S. servicemen and women will be dying at the hands of insurgents armed with U.S.-made and -marketed weapons.
Oh, and the mastermind of the attacks on 9/11? Saudi-born Osama bin Laden. The one that the Bushies all-but-abandoned the search for because of nonexistent 'weapons of mass destruction' in Iraq.
I'm not advocating starting a war with Saudi Arabia, but enough is enough; it's time to stop treating Saudi Arabia like an ally, because it sure as hell isn't acting like one.
And hasn't for years.
Why would the Bushies do something that seems so illogical? The Reuters article talks about how this is one of a series of moves designed to encourage support for the current U.S.-supported government in Iraq, and to discourage Saudi support, financial and physical, for the Sunni militants in Iraq.
Personally, I think the title of this post sums up a much simpler yet far more accurate likelihood.
Update as of July 30 -
Turns out that I'm not the only one who thinks that selling advanced weapon systems to the Saudis is a particularly bad idea - some members of Congress plan to introduce a resolution blocking the sale.
From the New York Sun -
Two New York congressmen say they plan to introduce legislation to stop the Bush administration's proposed $20 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia.
Standing in front of the Saudi Consulate, Reps. Anthony Weiner, a Democrat of Brooklyn and Queens, and Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat of Manhattan and Brooklyn, yesterday condemned Saudi Arabia as a sponsor of terrorism unworthy of American military support.
More updates as they become available.
End edit.
Later!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Are Republicans chronically incapable of putting blame where it belongs?
...Thanks to the AZ Rep's Plugged In for the heads-up on this...
You know, I try not to make a habit of giving Republican press releases any publicity, but this one from Randy Pullen was too good to pass up.
He was referring to reports of security lapses at Sky Harbor International Airport, and was trying to shift responsibility for those lapses to Phil Gordon.
And while I'm sure that the attempt has nothing to do with the fact that it's an election year in Phoenix or that Gordon is considered a potential candidate for Governor in 2010 [yeah, right :)], he conveniently ignores the fact that the federal Transportation Security Administration is the organization in charge of security at Sky Harbor, not the City of Phoenix.
Minor detail that, really, but Pullen's low regard for facts shouldn't surprise anyone; it seems to be a common habit among AZ's Republicans to put the responsibility for the failings of the Bush-led federal government on Democrats or local governments (see: immigration or Jack Harper's attempt in March to blame U.S. Congressman Harry Mitchell for the problems at the Arizona State Veterans Home.)
Pullen is doing a fine job running the AZ Republican Party; his leadership will lead the party to its rightful place in Arizona government - a minority in the legislature and among the Constitutional officers (they can keep State Mine Inspector; no Democrat seems to want it anyway :) ).
Wow! I went the whole post without trying to make the case that "the greatest security threat to western civilization was not Osama bin-Laden" (to use Pullen's phrasing) but instead is George Bush or Dick Cheney.
I must be slipping or something. :))
Later!
You know, I try not to make a habit of giving Republican press releases any publicity, but this one from Randy Pullen was too good to pass up.
“Who knew the greatest security threat to western civilization was not Osama bin-Laden, but Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon?” asked Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party."
He was referring to reports of security lapses at Sky Harbor International Airport, and was trying to shift responsibility for those lapses to Phil Gordon.
And while I'm sure that the attempt has nothing to do with the fact that it's an election year in Phoenix or that Gordon is considered a potential candidate for Governor in 2010 [yeah, right :)], he conveniently ignores the fact that the federal Transportation Security Administration is the organization in charge of security at Sky Harbor, not the City of Phoenix.
Minor detail that, really, but Pullen's low regard for facts shouldn't surprise anyone; it seems to be a common habit among AZ's Republicans to put the responsibility for the failings of the Bush-led federal government on Democrats or local governments (see: immigration or Jack Harper's attempt in March to blame U.S. Congressman Harry Mitchell for the problems at the Arizona State Veterans Home.)
Pullen is doing a fine job running the AZ Republican Party; his leadership will lead the party to its rightful place in Arizona government - a minority in the legislature and among the Constitutional officers (they can keep State Mine Inspector; no Democrat seems to want it anyway :) ).
Wow! I went the whole post without trying to make the case that "the greatest security threat to western civilization was not Osama bin-Laden" (to use Pullen's phrasing) but instead is George Bush or Dick Cheney.
I must be slipping or something. :))
Later!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Oops, and it's my oops this time...
but I'm not the only one who made the same oops.
A couple of weeks ago, I (and a few other AZ bloggers) did a post about the Congressional quarterly fundraising reports filed with the FEC.
One of the things that we all concluded, based on the reports that we examined, was that while Rick Renzi, the ethically-challenged Republican in CD1 was down to approximately $20,000 cash on hand and wasn't fundraising, he was still way ahead of any Democratic challengers.
Turns out that was an error.
While most of us just use the "View / Download Electronic Filings: " link to find AZ candidates' financial reports, not all of them are actually listed there.
Today, I went through the "View Images of All Financial Reports: " link, and actually found some reports that weren't covered in the earlier post. And they still aren't available at the other link.
From CD1, as of June 30th -
Howard Shanker, Democrat - $47,251 raised, $26141.04 on hand. (PDF)
Mary Kim Titla, Democrat - $4,606.01 raised, $2,575 on hand. (PDF)
Allen Affeldt, Democrat - Terminated committee
Nothing else that I could find in this district, here in CD5, or in CD8, though I easily could have missed some since users can only search by name, not district or even state. I know that Ann Kirkpatrick has announced in CD1, but there's nothing on the FEC's website as yet.
It's still early, and we should expect many more names from both parties to float out of CD1, as well as seeing Republican names mentioned in CD5 and CD8.
Later!
A couple of weeks ago, I (and a few other AZ bloggers) did a post about the Congressional quarterly fundraising reports filed with the FEC.
One of the things that we all concluded, based on the reports that we examined, was that while Rick Renzi, the ethically-challenged Republican in CD1 was down to approximately $20,000 cash on hand and wasn't fundraising, he was still way ahead of any Democratic challengers.
Turns out that was an error.
While most of us just use the "View / Download Electronic Filings: " link to find AZ candidates' financial reports, not all of them are actually listed there.
Today, I went through the "View Images of All Financial Reports: " link, and actually found some reports that weren't covered in the earlier post. And they still aren't available at the other link.
From CD1, as of June 30th -
Howard Shanker, Democrat - $47,251 raised, $26141.04 on hand. (PDF)
Mary Kim Titla, Democrat - $4,606.01 raised, $2,575 on hand. (PDF)
Allen Affeldt, Democrat - Terminated committee
Nothing else that I could find in this district, here in CD5, or in CD8, though I easily could have missed some since users can only search by name, not district or even state. I know that Ann Kirkpatrick has announced in CD1, but there's nothing on the FEC's website as yet.
It's still early, and we should expect many more names from both parties to float out of CD1, as well as seeing Republican names mentioned in CD5 and CD8.
Later!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Oops. Nothing like handing the Adminstration's critics a ready-made indictment
...on a silver platter...
From an AP story, via Yahoo! News -
From an AP story, via Yahoo! News -
Documents indicate eight congressional leaders were briefed about the Bush administration's terrorist surveillance program on the eve of its expiration in 2004, contradicting sworn Senate testimony this week by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.
Jeff Flake, Porkbuster Extraordinaire - Myth or Reality?
Congressman Jeff Flake (R-AZ6) is a study in contrasts -
He's a hardcore social conservative who's earned the emnity of the far-right wing of the Republican Party for his failure to immigrant-bash.
He's a hardcore social conservative who's earned some respect from Democrats for his lack of demagoguery and his professionalism (i.e. - solid constituent services.)
And he's a hardcore social conservative who's earned respect from across the political spectrum for his rep as a fiscally-responsible 'porkbuster,' earned for his crusade against 'wasteful' spending, especially earmarks.
Is that last truly deserved?
Let's take a quick look at what he considers to be 'wasteful (from amendments to bills that he has proposed just this year)...
...funds for Missions Hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina, for the Physician Order Entry Initiative.
...the military construction project at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California.
...the Advanced Technology Program and the Technology and Innovation Program. [HR1868]
...a new Homeland Security grant program, "Over-The-Road Bus Security Assistance."
...use of funds for nongovernmental organizations.
...funds to be used for the Columbus Fire Fighters Union in Columbus, Ohio.
...funds to be used for the Philadelphia Art Museum Exterior Facade in Philadephia, PA.
...funds for the Grace Johnstown Area Regional Industries Incubator and Workforce Development program.
...the use of funds for the West Virginia University Research Corporation for renovations of a small business incubator.
... the use of funds for the Achieving a College Education Program at Maricopa Community College. [Note: this one really ticked off Congressman Ed Pastor from AZ4.]
...the use of funds to be used for the Exploratorium, San Francisco, California, for its Bay Area Science Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Improvement Initiative.
...the use of funds for the Burpee Museum, Rockford, Illinois, for educational programming and exhibits.
...the use of funds for the South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston, South Carolina, for exhibits and curriculum.
...and so on.
He has proposed all sorts of amendments to address 'wasteful' spending, and I'm sure that at least a couple of the earmark/programs he has targeted *are* wasteful, but there is a curious pattern to the targets of his fiscal contempt -
Almost all are small community and/or regionally-based programs.
In fact, of the 53 Flake amendments from this session of Congress that I could find (search of The Congressional Record, House Rules Committee reports, and Tuesday's floor activity in the House), 37 targeted such programs. That's a 70% rate, and 70% is not a random coincidence, it's a definite pattern.
What you don't find among his proposals is anything that addresses truly significant waste, such as no-bid defense contracts or earmarks targeted at large campaign contributors or anything similar.
He seems to have a pronounced preference for protecting the taxpayers' treasury from the taxpayers themselves; corporations instead are given the keys to that very treasury.
Even his non-porkfighting amendments illustrate this tendency.
For example, two of his proposed amendments to H.R. 2316, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007, addressed the 'scourge' of government entities lobbying for earmarks, including a prohibition on the use of federal funds to pay for lobbying for federal earmarks.
Something which sounds like a great idea in a press release, until you think about it - it reduces the competition for earmarks faced by corporate lobbyists.
He proposed no prohibitions for corporate lobbyists.
Now, in the interests of full disclosure, I have to admit that I'm one of the Democrats that has a bit of respect for him - he isn't a blowhard in the JD Hayworth mold, and he truly does work hard to represent his district.
Plus anyone who's ticked off Russell 'National Alliance' Pearce can't be *all* bad. :)
However, the posts that I wrote last week about Republican hypocrisy on fiscal responsibility started me to wonder about Flake's image in that area, and whether or not there was any substance behind the image.
There is *some* substance, but as with the other Republicans, it seems that the more an earmark helps communities or average citizens, the more he considers it to be 'wasteful.'
While I have heard some Democrats say that they would support him if Russell Pearce actually goes through with his threat to mount a primary challenge against Flake next year, I won't be one of them.
While he still has my respect for the professional and reasonable way that he conducts himself in office, his glaringly preferential treatment for corporations over real people precludes him from getting anything stronger than a little respect from me.
Later!
He's a hardcore social conservative who's earned the emnity of the far-right wing of the Republican Party for his failure to immigrant-bash.
He's a hardcore social conservative who's earned some respect from Democrats for his lack of demagoguery and his professionalism (i.e. - solid constituent services.)
And he's a hardcore social conservative who's earned respect from across the political spectrum for his rep as a fiscally-responsible 'porkbuster,' earned for his crusade against 'wasteful' spending, especially earmarks.
Is that last truly deserved?
Let's take a quick look at what he considers to be 'wasteful (from amendments to bills that he has proposed just this year)...
...funds for Missions Hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina, for the Physician Order Entry Initiative.
...the military construction project at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, San Francisco, California.
...the Advanced Technology Program and the Technology and Innovation Program. [HR1868]
...a new Homeland Security grant program, "Over-The-Road Bus Security Assistance."
...use of funds for nongovernmental organizations.
...funds to be used for the Columbus Fire Fighters Union in Columbus, Ohio.
...funds to be used for the Philadelphia Art Museum Exterior Facade in Philadephia, PA.
...funds for the Grace Johnstown Area Regional Industries Incubator and Workforce Development program.
...the use of funds for the West Virginia University Research Corporation for renovations of a small business incubator.
... the use of funds for the Achieving a College Education Program at Maricopa Community College. [Note: this one really ticked off Congressman Ed Pastor from AZ4.]
...the use of funds to be used for the Exploratorium, San Francisco, California, for its Bay Area Science Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Improvement Initiative.
...the use of funds for the Burpee Museum, Rockford, Illinois, for educational programming and exhibits.
...the use of funds for the South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston, South Carolina, for exhibits and curriculum.
...and so on.
He has proposed all sorts of amendments to address 'wasteful' spending, and I'm sure that at least a couple of the earmark/programs he has targeted *are* wasteful, but there is a curious pattern to the targets of his fiscal contempt -
Almost all are small community and/or regionally-based programs.
In fact, of the 53 Flake amendments from this session of Congress that I could find (search of The Congressional Record, House Rules Committee reports, and Tuesday's floor activity in the House), 37 targeted such programs. That's a 70% rate, and 70% is not a random coincidence, it's a definite pattern.
What you don't find among his proposals is anything that addresses truly significant waste, such as no-bid defense contracts or earmarks targeted at large campaign contributors or anything similar.
He seems to have a pronounced preference for protecting the taxpayers' treasury from the taxpayers themselves; corporations instead are given the keys to that very treasury.
Even his non-porkfighting amendments illustrate this tendency.
For example, two of his proposed amendments to H.R. 2316, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007, addressed the 'scourge' of government entities lobbying for earmarks, including a prohibition on the use of federal funds to pay for lobbying for federal earmarks.
Something which sounds like a great idea in a press release, until you think about it - it reduces the competition for earmarks faced by corporate lobbyists.
He proposed no prohibitions for corporate lobbyists.
Now, in the interests of full disclosure, I have to admit that I'm one of the Democrats that has a bit of respect for him - he isn't a blowhard in the JD Hayworth mold, and he truly does work hard to represent his district.
Plus anyone who's ticked off Russell 'National Alliance' Pearce can't be *all* bad. :)
However, the posts that I wrote last week about Republican hypocrisy on fiscal responsibility started me to wonder about Flake's image in that area, and whether or not there was any substance behind the image.
There is *some* substance, but as with the other Republicans, it seems that the more an earmark helps communities or average citizens, the more he considers it to be 'wasteful.'
While I have heard some Democrats say that they would support him if Russell Pearce actually goes through with his threat to mount a primary challenge against Flake next year, I won't be one of them.
While he still has my respect for the professional and reasonable way that he conducts himself in office, his glaringly preferential treatment for corporations over real people precludes him from getting anything stronger than a little respect from me.
Later!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
It's nice to see the gloves coming off a bit...
Obama just move up a little in my estimation of him and Clinton just moved down (McCain weighed in on the same issue, but didn't lose ground - it's hard to go lower than 'bottomed out.' :) )
From an AP story, via Yahoo! News -
Obama debate comments set off firestorm
The Obama camp responded by equating Clinton's position to that of George W. Bush's foreign policy (such as it is.)
I have to ask -
How can she say that meeting with the leaders of countries that we don't like is 'irresponsible'?
We are in the 7th year of an administration that refuses to interact with 'unfriendly' governments.
That attitude hasn't worked with Bush in office - America's influence and respect in the world is at perhaps at its lowest level in generations. If anything, *we* are viewed as something of a 'renegade nation.'
There's no reason to think that same attitude will work with somebody beside him in the office.
Quad City Times article, including audio links to interviews with both Obama and Clinton, here.
From an AP story, via Yahoo! News -
Obama debate comments set off firestorm
WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's offer to meet without precondition with leaders of renegade nations such as Cuba, North Korea and Iran touched off a war of words, with rival Hillary Rodham Clinton calling him naive and Obama linking her to President Bush's diplomacy.
{snip}
"I thought that was irresponsible and frankly naive," Clinton was quoted in an interview with the Quad-City Times that was posted on the Iowa newspaper's Web site on Tuesday.
The Obama camp responded by equating Clinton's position to that of George W. Bush's foreign policy (such as it is.)
I have to ask -
How can she say that meeting with the leaders of countries that we don't like is 'irresponsible'?
We are in the 7th year of an administration that refuses to interact with 'unfriendly' governments.
That attitude hasn't worked with Bush in office - America's influence and respect in the world is at perhaps at its lowest level in generations. If anything, *we* are viewed as something of a 'renegade nation.'
There's no reason to think that same attitude will work with somebody beside him in the office.
Quad City Times article, including audio links to interviews with both Obama and Clinton, here.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Short Attention Span Musing
Just me being a wisea$$ today... :)
...Apparently, even the venerable Time Magazine, like other members of the MSM, has been cutting back in the wrong places. Today, it's obvious that they aren't paying for top quality headline writers.
From an article concerning diplomatic efforts to secure the release of internation health workers that the Libyan government had blamed for infecting children with HIV.
Ummm....the way that headline is worded, I expected to read about tanks and guns and Muammar Ghaddafi's removal as dictator of Libya, and how new French President Nicolas Sarkozy engineered it.
Instead, the article talks about a Libyan invitation for Sarcozy to visit the country, politicking, and photo ops.
...The media has been completely fooled into thinking that it was about possible cancer.
From the Detroit Free Press -
Of course, that headline was more printable than the truth -
...Newt Gingrich criticizes the Republican presidential field and threatens to run.
From Examiner.com -
Definitely.
...First, Mitt Romney lumps Democratic presidential candidates and U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama with terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden.
Then he tells people who object to it to "lighten up."
The issue is that he posed with and held a sign that said "No to Obama, Osama, and Chelsea's Mama."
He then called it a joke to shirk responsibility for his behavior.
Wonder if he'd think it was a joke if one of his opponents posed with a sign that said "Protect your daughters - say no to Romney and Jeffs."
...And on the same topic, more or less, what is with the Republican obsession with Chelsea Clinton?
W's kids, Jenna and Barbara are busted for underage drinking, but that's OK. (Arrest info here)
One of George H.W.'s sons, Neil Bush, ran a savings and loan into the ground, and was bailed out by taxpayers. But that's OK, too. (Info here)
Other Presidential children and relatives have done embarrassing things; some, like Billy Carter, made themselves fair game by taking on a public role (he became a paid lobbyist for Libya.)
What has Chelsea Clinton done to earn the unceasing emnity of Republicans?
Grown up gracefully in the glare of the public spotlight, graduated from Stanford and later received a masters degree, and gone to work.
No arrests, rehab stints, or pardons necessary.
Maybe that's what ticks them off - she makes their kids look bad.
...On a totally non-wiseass note, my condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mike Coolbaugh. He was the first base coach for the Tulsa Drillers, a AA-level affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, when he was struck and killed by a line drive.
He was married, with two sons and a third child due in October.
An AP article on him is here.
Later!
...Apparently, even the venerable Time Magazine, like other members of the MSM, has been cutting back in the wrong places. Today, it's obvious that they aren't paying for top quality headline writers.
From an article concerning diplomatic efforts to secure the release of internation health workers that the Libyan government had blamed for infecting children with HIV.
Behind Sarkozy's Libya Coup
Ummm....the way that headline is worded, I expected to read about tanks and guns and Muammar Ghaddafi's removal as dictator of Libya, and how new French President Nicolas Sarkozy engineered it.
Instead, the article talks about a Libyan invitation for Sarcozy to visit the country, politicking, and photo ops.
...The media has been completely fooled into thinking that it was about possible cancer.
From the Detroit Free Press -
No cancer found in President Bush's colon
Of course, that headline was more printable than the truth -
Kyl's nose found; amputation considered
...Newt Gingrich criticizes the Republican presidential field and threatens to run.
From Examiner.com -
Dismissing the GOP presidential field as a "pathetic" bunch of "pygmies," Newt Gingrich hinted Monday he might step in to beat Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.I don't know who he's trying to scare, but you know that the Democrats are drooling at the thought of going up against him in the general election.
"If, in mid-October, it's quite clear that one or more of the current candidates is strong enough to be a serious alternative to a Clinton-Obama ticket, you don't need me to run," the former House Speaker said at a breakfast sponsored by the American Spectator. "If it becomes patently obvious, as the morning paper points out, that the Democrats have raised a hundred million more than the Republicans, and at some point people decide we are going to get Hillary unless there's a radical change, then there's space for a candidate," he added. "So you'll know by mid-October one of those two futures is real."
Definitely.
...First, Mitt Romney lumps Democratic presidential candidates and U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama with terrorist mastermind Osama Bin Laden.
Then he tells people who object to it to "lighten up."
The issue is that he posed with and held a sign that said "No to Obama, Osama, and Chelsea's Mama."
He then called it a joke to shirk responsibility for his behavior.
"You know what? Lighten up slightly," Romney said. "There are a lot of jokes out
there. I'm not responsible for all the signs I see."
Wonder if he'd think it was a joke if one of his opponents posed with a sign that said "Protect your daughters - say no to Romney and Jeffs."
...And on the same topic, more or less, what is with the Republican obsession with Chelsea Clinton?
W's kids, Jenna and Barbara are busted for underage drinking, but that's OK. (Arrest info here)
One of George H.W.'s sons, Neil Bush, ran a savings and loan into the ground, and was bailed out by taxpayers. But that's OK, too. (Info here)
Other Presidential children and relatives have done embarrassing things; some, like Billy Carter, made themselves fair game by taking on a public role (he became a paid lobbyist for Libya.)
What has Chelsea Clinton done to earn the unceasing emnity of Republicans?
Grown up gracefully in the glare of the public spotlight, graduated from Stanford and later received a masters degree, and gone to work.
No arrests, rehab stints, or pardons necessary.
Maybe that's what ticks them off - she makes their kids look bad.
...On a totally non-wiseass note, my condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Mike Coolbaugh. He was the first base coach for the Tulsa Drillers, a AA-level affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, when he was struck and killed by a line drive.
He was married, with two sons and a third child due in October.
An AP article on him is here.
Later!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
And the 'green' grades are in...
Credit for the heads-up on this goes to the AZ Rep's Plugged In...
Congrats to LD17 State Reps. Ed Ableser and David Schapira for making the honor roll of the Arizona League of Conservation Voters and the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club for their work during the 2007 session of the legislature.
Both scored 100% under the LCV's weighted grading guidelines!
Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill slacked off this session, weighing down the overall D17 score by coming in at only 97%.
If only she'd used 'green' crutches while recovering from foot surgery this winter. :))
It was also nice to see that many of the legislators that have received praise here and in other blogs for their fine work in the lege also scored well with the AzCLV (Steve Farley's 100%, for example), while others that have received criticism scored poorly with the AzCLV, too -
Sen. Ron 'Confederate Flag' Gould (R-LD3) .....18%
Rep. Trish 'DUI' Groe (R-LD3).....19%
Maybe it's something in the LD3 water, though if there is, expect Groe and Gould to be OK with that, particularly if some company is making money off of it.
Of course, the same might be said in LD18 -
Rep. Russell 'National Alliance' Pearce (R-LD18).....26%
Sen. Karen 'UFO Sighting' Johnson (R-LD18).....29%
And the district most likely to welcome a toxic waste dump?
LD22, with Sen. Thayer Vershoor (R) scoring 37%, Rep. Andy Biggs (R) scoring 23% and Rep. Eddie Farnsworth scoring 25%.
By comparison, my [least] favorite state senator, Jack Harper (R-Surprise!) did remarkably well, scoring a 48%!
His loyal constituents should take heart though; I have no doubt that Jack will see this score and use it as motivation for next session.
That score will be in single digits faster than you can say 'culture of corruption.'
:))
Note: The AzCLV's legislative scorecard is here; Sierra Club's press release is here.
Congrats to LD17 State Reps. Ed Ableser and David Schapira for making the honor roll of the Arizona League of Conservation Voters and the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club for their work during the 2007 session of the legislature.
Both scored 100% under the LCV's weighted grading guidelines!
Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill slacked off this session, weighing down the overall D17 score by coming in at only 97%.
If only she'd used 'green' crutches while recovering from foot surgery this winter. :))
It was also nice to see that many of the legislators that have received praise here and in other blogs for their fine work in the lege also scored well with the AzCLV (Steve Farley's 100%, for example), while others that have received criticism scored poorly with the AzCLV, too -
Sen. Ron 'Confederate Flag' Gould (R-LD3) .....18%
Rep. Trish 'DUI' Groe (R-LD3).....19%
Maybe it's something in the LD3 water, though if there is, expect Groe and Gould to be OK with that, particularly if some company is making money off of it.
Of course, the same might be said in LD18 -
Rep. Russell 'National Alliance' Pearce (R-LD18).....26%
Sen. Karen 'UFO Sighting' Johnson (R-LD18).....29%
And the district most likely to welcome a toxic waste dump?
LD22, with Sen. Thayer Vershoor (R) scoring 37%, Rep. Andy Biggs (R) scoring 23% and Rep. Eddie Farnsworth scoring 25%.
By comparison, my [least] favorite state senator, Jack Harper (R-Surprise!) did remarkably well, scoring a 48%!
His loyal constituents should take heart though; I have no doubt that Jack will see this score and use it as motivation for next session.
That score will be in single digits faster than you can say 'culture of corruption.'
:))
Note: The AzCLV's legislative scorecard is here; Sierra Club's press release is here.
Movies, barbeques, and libraries - events for Saturday, July 21...
...and a reminder of one other on Tuesday...
First, as mentioned in an earlier post, Harry Mitchell will be holding another Congress On Your Corner listening session at the Ironwood branch library in Ahwatukee from 10:00 a.m. until noon.
Second, the Phoenix chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America and the End The War Coalition present a screening of the film "War Made Easy" at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church Hope Hall, 1124 N. 3rd Street ( 3rd Street just south of the I-10 Freeway ) .
RSVP here.
Third, cap off your day by celebrating Harry Mitchell's birthday at a barbeque at Shalimar Country Club, 2032 E. Golf Ave., Tempe, from 6:00 p.m. until 8 p.m. Contact Herschel at 480.755.3343 for more info.
And as a reminder, on Tuesday, July 24, the Arizona chapter of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) will meet at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Chai, 4645 Marilyn, Phoenix. (between Bell and Thunderbird, just off of Tatum) The featured speaker will be State Rep. David Schapira.
For info or to RSVP, email njdcphx[at]cox.net or call 480.510.1320.
First, as mentioned in an earlier post, Harry Mitchell will be holding another Congress On Your Corner listening session at the Ironwood branch library in Ahwatukee from 10:00 a.m. until noon.
Second, the Phoenix chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America and the End The War Coalition present a screening of the film "War Made Easy" at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church Hope Hall, 1124 N. 3rd Street ( 3rd Street just south of the I-10 Freeway ) .
RSVP here.
Third, cap off your day by celebrating Harry Mitchell's birthday at a barbeque at Shalimar Country Club, 2032 E. Golf Ave., Tempe, from 6:00 p.m. until 8 p.m. Contact Herschel at 480.755.3343 for more info.
And as a reminder, on Tuesday, July 24, the Arizona chapter of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) will meet at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Chai, 4645 Marilyn, Phoenix. (between Bell and Thunderbird, just off of Tatum) The featured speaker will be State Rep. David Schapira.
For info or to RSVP, email njdcphx[at]cox.net or call 480.510.1320.
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