Democratic Blogs

President Obama: “We cannot allow a corporate takeover of our democracy”

News from the DNC blog - Mon, 08/23/2010 - 14:18

In the weekly address, President Obama urged Republicans to stop obstructing a bill that would rein in corporate influence over elections and require corporations to disclose what ads they’re funding. The President called on elected officials to either denounce these corporate and foreign-funded ads, or join the bipartisan effort to pass legislation in response to the Supreme Court’s harmful Citizens United decision.

We cannot allow the corporate takeover of our democracy.  So we’re going to continue to fight for reform and transparency.  And I urge all of you to take up the same fight.  Let’s challenge every elected official who benefits from these ads to defend this practice or join us in stopping it.

At a time of such challenge for America, we can’t afford these political games.  Millions of Americans are struggling to get by, and their voices shouldn’t be drowned out by millions of dollars in secret, special interest advertising.  Their voices should be heard.

Let’s not forget that a century ago, it was a Republican President – Teddy Roosevelt – who first tried to tackle the issue of corporate influence on our elections.  He actually called it “one of the principal sources of corruption in our political affairs.”  And he proposed strict limits on corporate influence in elections.  “Every special interest is entitled to justice,” he said.  “but not one is entitled to a vote in Congress, to a voice on the bench, or to representation in any public office.”

We now face a similar challenge, and a similar opportunity to prevent special interests from gaining even more clout in Washington.  This shouldn’t be a Democratic issue or a Republican issue.  This is an issue that goes to whether or not we will have a democracy that works for ordinary Americans – a government of, by, and for the people.  Let’s show the cynics and the special interests that we still can.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Big Choices

News from the DNC blog - Mon, 08/23/2010 - 12:37

Democrats launched a new ad on national cable last week to highlight the stark choice voters are going to face at the polls this November. It’s a choice between Bush-era policies that drove our country into a ditch or Democrats who are continuing to move America forward on education, clean energy, and putting Main Street first.

Check it out and get involved with our Vote 2010 efforts leading up to this year’s midterm elections:

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Thousands of Volunteers Come Out for DCCC’s Fall Kickoff Campaign

DCCC Blog - Mon, 08/23/2010 - 12:19

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's (DCCC) Fall Kickoff began this week with hundreds of house meetings across the country, where volunteers and neighbors will come together for discussions about what is at stake this November and to build an energized base of volunteers from the ground up. 

The house meetings are leading up to the DCCC's National Day of Action this Saturday, August 28th where our volunteers, in conjunction with Organizing for America (OFA) volunteers, will knock on more than 200,000 doors in some of the most competitive districts across the country to remind voters of the choice in this election between moving America forward or letting the Republicans bring back the exact same agenda of former President Bush. 

The battle tested DCCC voter contact program has started earlier this cycle than ever before and is using new technologies and data-driven analysis to support our Frontline members and candidates.  The DCCC tested the effectiveness and improved its enhanced voter contact programs with each of the special election victories in NY-20, NY-23, and our eight-point victory in PA-12.  Working with State Parties across the country, field staff have been recruiting and training volunteers for the fall elections.  In turn, those volunteers are knocking on doors and making phone calls, talking to their friends and families about the importance of continuing to move the country forward.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Biden: “A choice between Democrats and the the party of repeal and repeat”

News from the DNC blog - Fri, 08/20/2010 - 15:53

When voters go to to the polls this November, they’ll have a clear choice—a choice between the Republican Party focused on Tea Party extremes or Democrats working to continue the progress we’ve made. Vice President Joe Biden laid out this choice in his speech earlier today at the Democratic Party’s summer meeting in St. Louis.

“When people start to look at the alternative, they’ll find this ain’t your father’s Republican Party. This is the Republican Tea Party. And what they’re going to find out is the choices are pretty stark. They’re going to see a Republican Party that is a combination of the old failed Bush policies and a new set of Draconian rules. They’re offering more of the past but on steroids. They have some new ideas, but the new ideas are taking the old ones and even further squeezing the life out of them....”

To determine what happens in November, it’ll take some serious work between now and Election Day. Here are two great ways you can help:

Commit to vote. Make sure your voice is heard in the important races in your area.

Host a door-to-door canvass next weekend to make sure your neighbors know about the upcoming elections. Our goal is to knock on 200,000 doors that weekend—it’s an ambitious one, but you can help us reach it by hosting an event.

As the Vice President said today, this election is about a choice “between Democrats and the Republican Tea Party, between Democrats and the party of repeal and repeat.” The President is moving the country forward, but we all need to get involved to make sure we keep making progress.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

President Obama “On a genuine winning streak”

News from the DNC blog - Fri, 08/20/2010 - 14:08

In less than two years in office, the Obama Administration has made some incredible progress, from passing historic health reform to reining in Wall Street and fighting to create new jobs.

Even so, sometimes it can feel like all of the day-to-day news is focused on the negative, without much emphasis on the real changes the President has made with the help of supporters around the country.

For a look at some of the great accomplishments in just the past few weeks—including troops leaving Iraq, bringing the auto industry back from the brink of collapse, and containing the oil spill in the Gulf—check out Eugene Robinson’s column in today’s Washington Post.

This is a radical break from journalistic convention, I realize, but today I'd like to give credit where it's due -- specifically, to President Obama. Quiet as it's kept, he's on a genuine winning streak.

It's hard to remember that the inauguration was just 19 months ago. Expectations of the new president were absurdly high. If Obama had done back flips across the Potomac River, when he reached the other side he'd have faced probing questions about why it was taking him so long to cure cancer, solve the Arab-Israeli conflict and usher in an age of universal peace and prosperity.

But look at what he's accomplished in just the past few weeks. Let me highlight four recent headlines.

"Last U.S. combat troops leave Iraq": Obama campaigned as an early and vocal opponent of the Iraq war, calling it a distraction from the more important conflict in Afghanistan. When he took office, there were about 160,000 U.S. troops in Iraq on the heels of George W. Bush's combat surge. Obama said he would bring our combat forces home and he did -- ahead of schedule....

"General Motors to launch stock offering": One of the many crises Obama faced when he took office was the imminent collapse of an iconic industrial giant....

Obama ended up pouring $50 billion into the company, acquiring a 61 percent ownership stake. Critics complained about the advent of "Government Motors" and raised the specter of bureaucrats in Washington holding public hearings to redesign the Corvette. But now, after making more than $2 billion in profits so far this year, the restructured company is confident enough to sell stock on Wall Street -- and begin repaying the government's investment.

The company was saved, workers kept their jobs, and taxpayers are going to get their money back. That's nice work.

"Gulf oil spill contained": When BP's Deepwater Horizon well went rogue, the Obama administration was criticized for being slow off the mark. Some of the criticism was justified -- the initial response did seem unfocused. But the administration managed to turn things around and quiet any talk of "Obama's Katrina."

Obama persuaded BP to put up $20 billion as a guarantee that the Gulf Coast residents whose livelihoods were damaged or destroyed by the spill would be compensated....

And finally, "President wades into mosque controversy": Yes, I'm serious. Supporting the mosque in Lower Manhattan didn't score any political points. But Obama saw his duty to uphold the values of our Constitution and make clear that our fight is against the terrorists, not against Islam itself. Instead of doing what was popular, he did what was right.

He still hasn't walked on water, though. What's wrong with the man?

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Group Supporting Shipping U.S. Jobs Overseas Invests Over $300,000 to Elect Dan Benishek

DCCC Blog - Fri, 08/20/2010 - 13:41

Americans for Prosperity, a shady right-wing Republican front group, is running an ad campaign in Michigan’s 1st congressional district to help elect Republican candidate Dan Benishek.  Voters deserve to know that the group spending more than $300,000 to elect Republican candidate Dan Benishek has an agenda: supporting the tax breaks to big corporations that ship American jobs overseas and privatizing Social Security.

Americans for Prosperity backs the privatization of Social Security, backs Republican tax breaks to ship American jobs overseas, and opposes bringing accountability to Wall Street. Americans for Prosperity was founded by billionaire David Koch and continues to be run and funded by Koch Industries, its executives and lobbyists. Koch Industries has a history of shipping American jobs overseas.

“Americans for Prosperity is backed by a New York City billionaire with a history of outsourcing. Voters deserve to know that ads helping Dan Benishek are being run by a shady outside group that wants to privatize Social Security and supports giving big companies tax breaks to ship American jobs overseas,” said DCCC spokesperson Jennifer Crider.  “Privatizing Social Security and sending American jobs to China and India may be Dan Benishek and Americans for Prosperity’s agenda, but it doesn’t reflect the values of the hardworking folks here in Michigan.”

In contrast to what’s best for the district, Dan Benishek has pledged to protect tax breaks for big companies that ship American jobs overseas.  

BACKGROUND 

• Benishek Signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. Dan Benishek signed the Americans for Tax Reform pledge to protect tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs overseas. [ATR.org, accessed 8/20/10]
  
  • 1.      Signers of ATR’s Pledge are Committed to Supporting Tax Breaks for Companies Outsourcing American Jobs.  Americans for Tax Reform has stated that it is a violation of their pledge to support ending tax breaks for companies who ship jobs overseas. [Americans for Tax Reform, 8/9/10; Washington Post, 8/5/10; Washington Post, 6/9/10]
    
    
• Americans for Prosperity Funded, Run by Koch Industries Executives. Americans for Prosperity was founded by David H. Koch, one of the wealthiest men in America and the executive vice president and board member of Koch Industries, which was founded by his father. Recently, Koch gave $5 million to Americans for Prosperity. The recent President of Americans for Prosperity is a former lobbyist for Koch Industries.   In 2009, AFP President Tim Phillips said Koch “launched our organization.”  The executive Vice President of Koch Industries said, “What we have done is support the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which has been active in various forms for nearly 30 years.”  [New York Times, 7/10/08; MSNBC, 3/31/10; Politico, 10/14/08, Washington Examiner, 7/18/10; Washington Independent, 10/5/09]
• Described as “Wealthiest Resident of New York City,” Billionaire Socialite and AFP Founder David Koch Gave $100 Million to Have Manhattan Ballet Named After Him. In 2008, the New York Times reported that Manhattan billionaire and ‘fixture of the New York social circuit’ David Koch gave $100 million to the New York State Theater, home of the ballet, where he has been going for 40 years. Koch’s estimated net worth is $17 billion and he has used his wealth to fund Americans for Prosperity and have wings and buildings named after him. Among his collection of homes, Koch has decorated his Aspen ski home with a pair of 130-pound Ugandan elephant tusks. [New York Times, 7/10/08]
• Key Kotch Industies Subsidiary Received an Award for Shipping American Jobs to China. In 2006, Invista, a key subsidiary of Koch Industries, received the “Outsourcing Excellence Award” for their work shipping American jobs to China. [Freeborders Release, 6/1/06]
• Major Kotch Industries Subsidiary is On List of Companies “Exporting America.” Koch Industries is the owner of Georgia Pacific, a company on Lou Dobbs’ list of “companies either sending American jobs overseas, or choosing to employ cheap overseas labor, instead of American workers.” [CNN; Koch Industries]
• Americans for Prosperity Advocates for Privatization of Social Security. Americans for Prosperity has long advocated privatization of Social Security. According to Americans for Prosperity, "Personal accounts would allow millions of younger workers to have part of their Social Security taxes automatically invested in secure, diversified bond funds and stock funds, similar to what many workers already do with 401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)." [Americans for Prosperity, 6/6/05]
• Americans for Prosperity Called Effort to End Tax Breaks for Outsourcing a “Bailout” and Opposed Previous Efforts to End Tax Breaks for Outsourcing. Americans for Prosperity called an effort to fund kids education by ending tax breaks for companies who ship Americans jobs overseas. AFP also opposed an effort to close tax loopholes that encourage outsourcing of Americans jobs. [AFP, 8/4/10; AFP, 6/24/10]
• Americans for Prosperity Ads in June 2010 Were Taken Down From TV Stations.  Americans for Prosperity ran ads in June 2010 attacking Representatives Earl Pomeroy (ND) and Dina Titus (NV). The AFP ads were removed and were refused to continue to run because AFP made false statements.  AFP ran an earlier ad that was widely described as false by independent fact check groups. [Inforum, 6/15/10; AFP, 3/12/10; Factcheck.org, 3/12/10; Ralston Flash (NV), 6/15/10]
• Americans for Prosperity Opposes Wall Street Reform. Americans for Prosperity has organized protests opposing Wall Street reform and opposed holding hearing and have an entire website designed to attempting to kill Wall Street reform. [Americans for Prosperity, 4/20/10; Americans for Prosperity’s CFPA Exposed]

Categories: Democratic Blogs

The NRCC’s Idea of Strong Leadership? Scandal Plagued David Rivera

DCCC Blog - Fri, 08/20/2010 - 12:40

Republicans are shockingly standing by a scandal plagued candidate in Florida’s 25th district, State Representative David Rivera, despite new reports on his alleged history of domestic violence and reckless behavior.  The revelations not only prove that Rivera is unfit to represent South Florida in any capacity, but they also paint a disturbing picture about national Republicans, their priorities, and the kind of leadership they’re offering Americans this November.

Republican leaders John Boehner, Pete Sessions, and Eric Cantor have all touted NRCC Young Gun David Rivera.  This week, however, Rivera has come under fire for his alleged history of domestic violence, running a delivery truck off the road to prevent a rival candidate’s campaign literature from being mailed, and for lying about foreclosure proceedings on a home he and Marco Rubio co-own.  The allegations were exposed in investigative reports by the Miami Herald and CBS 4 Miami.

"The Republican Leader John Boehner and NRCC Chairman Pete Session’s decision to promote the candidacy and character of David Rivera is disturbing for anyone, especially for women,” said spokesperson Jennifer Crider for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “Domestic violence and running trucks off the road aren’t new allegations, but that hasn’t stopped David Rivera from lying about them and Washington Republicans from ignoring them in hopes of winning an election.  Republican Leader John Boehner, Whip Eric Cantor, and NRCC Chairmen Pete Sessions are sending a clear message to women: dangerous, scandal plagued candidates like David Rivera represent the kind of leadership Republicans are offering voters this November."

BACKGROUND:

• In an investigative report, the Miami Herald discredited Rivera story surrounding past domestic violence allegations.  The paper discovered that David Rivera did in fact had ties the victim in question despite his denials. [Miami Herald, 8/19/10]

• CBS 4 Miami discredited David Rivera’s account of what took place in a traffic accident where a truck carrying literature from a rival campaign was driven off the road.  The station reported that police reports contradicted Rivera’s story about his role in the 2002 accident.  In the incident, a truck carrying flyers from a rival campaign, detailing the alleged domestic violence charges, en route to a post office was driven off the road by David Rivera.   [CBS 4 Miami, 8/17/10]

• Rivera previously lied about foreclosure proceedings on a home he co-owns with Marco Rubio.  Rivera “denied that a bank began foreclosure proceedings on a house he owned with former House Speaker Marco Rubio even though property and foreclosure records clearly showed he did co-own the home.” [CBS 4 Miami, 8/17/10]

• Rivera also lied about his personal ties to a controversial businessman.  As CBS 4 Miami reported, Rivera “denied to the Miami Herald being friends with a principal of a group that advises companies on how to trade with Cuba despite several prominent witnesses who said the two men were close.” [CBS 4 Miami, 8/17/10]

• Throughout the course of his campaign, Republican leaders in Washington have gone out of their way to tout Rivera’s candidacy.  Not only is Rivera a member of the NRCC’s “Young Guns” program, but NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions went out of his way to highlight Rivera’s candidacy on NBC’s Meet the Press just one month ago. Both Republican Minority Leader John Boehner and Republican Whip Eric Cantor have supported Rivera’s campaign with fundraisers. In total the three have given $25,000 to Rivera’s campaign. [Meet the Press, 7/18/10; NRCC Press Releases, 4/6/10 and 4/13/10; St. Petersburg Times, 4/27/10;  Miami Herald, 4/14/10; FEC.gov, accessed 8/20/10]

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Watch Vice President Biden Speak to Democrats this Morning

News from the DNC blog - Fri, 08/20/2010 - 11:02

Tune in this morning to hear Vice President Joe Biden speak to the Democratic National Committee’s summer meeting in St. Louis.

The morning session will begin streaming live online at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and the Vice President’s keynote speech will start at 10:50 a.m. ET—watch here.

With just 74 days until the midterm elections, the Vice President will get everyone fired up for the days ahead and lay out the plan leading up to November.

You’ll also get to hear from other great speakers like DNC Chairman Tim Kaine, the Honorable Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Vice President Biden Speaks to Democrats—Watch Live Tomorrow Morning

News from the DNC blog - Thu, 08/19/2010 - 16:07

Right now in St. Louis, Missouri, Democrats are gathering for the 2-day summer meeting of the Democratic National Committee.

You can join in tomorrow by watching the morning session live—with a keynote address from Vice President Joe Biden. At 10:50 a.m. Eastern Time, see the Vice President discuss what’s at stake in November and lay out a path to Election Day.

RSVP here to watch the Vice President’s speech, and you’ll get an email reminder right before he begins.

When you watch tomorrow’s webcast, you’ll also get to hear from DNC Chairman Kaine, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill.

Over the past few months, the Democratic Party has achieved some victories that make real change in the lives of Americans—from a sweeping overhaul of the financial system to health insurance reform that was 100 years in the making—but there’s much to do, especially in the coming weeks. At this week’s meeting, Democrats will come together to plan for the next 75 days—building support for November’s elections so that we can keep making progress in the months and years ahead.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

It’s A Secret

DCCC Blog - Thu, 08/19/2010 - 11:25

Chairman Chris Van Hollen just sent this message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

They think they can end this campaign before it even begins.

A secretive Republican front group is running a massive $4.1 million worth of swift-boat style attack ads to try and bury our Democratic candidates under a tidal wave of Karl Rove-style distortions.

House Democrats are fighting back with everything we've got but we simply can't keep pace without your help. We must raise $183,402 more by tomorrow's midnight media buy deadline to counter these dishonest ads and set the record straight.

Contribute $5, $10 or more by tomorrow at midnight so we can fight back instantly against this special interest-funded barrage of swift-boat style attack ads.

This is without a doubt the largest media buy of the summer. And, it's funded by Republican special interest groups fiercely determined to bring back the failed Bush economic agenda.

But, it's just the beginning. The ads -- part of a midterm election likely to be the most expensive on record -- will run in 27 media markets through August. Democrats hold all but one of the 24 House seats in question, including 17 incumbents seeking reelection. According to news reports, our Republican counterparts have already reserved air time as well in more than 40 districts.

We can't afford to let this blitz of dishonest and misleading swift-boat style attack ads go unanswered.

Contribute by tomorrow at midnight so we can fight back instantly against this special interest-funded barrage of swift-boat style attack ads.

This November's election is shaping up into the most expensive midterm election in history. The financial firepower of our Republican opponents and the special interests supporting their agenda is absolutely staggering.

Republicans may have the backing of special interests that are looking out for Wall Street, Big Oil and health insurance companies, but we have you.

Thank you,


Chris Van Hollen
DCCC Chairman

P.S. The fall campaign is underway. Contribute by tomorrow night so we can fight back instantly against this special interest-funded barrage of swift-boat style attack ads.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Democrats Stand Up to GOP’s Plans to Privatize Social Security

DCCC Blog - Wed, 08/18/2010 - 16:01

Over the last week, Democrats have been celebrating the 75th anniversary of Social Security by standing up to the GOP's privatization schemes:

• In Alabama’s 2nd District, Representative Bobby Bright took a strong stand against plans to privitize Social Security. Bright noted that 133,945 people in the Second District received Social Security benefits in 2007.

  "It is hard to imagine what would have happened if plans to privatize Social Security had already been in place during the financial crisis of 2008. In addition to the countless friends and family who saw their retirements and pensions drastically reduced, millions of seniors could have lost the safety net Americans have enjoyed over the last 75 years.  An already terrible economy would have reached depression-levels.  I am not willing to let this happen in the future and that's why I will oppose plans to turn over seniors guaranteed benefits to the same people on Wall Street who got us into the crisis in the first place."

  Bright made clear that he and his opponent have different values on this issue.

  "My opponent and I have a distinct policy difference on this matter.  I believe that we must do everything in our power to make sure that Social Security is solvent and available to all Americans.  My opponent supports a budget which would privatize Social Security [1].

  His opponent, Martha Roby, has endorsed a budget proposal that privitizes Social Security.

• In Northern Virginia, Representative Gerry Connolly made clear that he won’t allow his opponent -- Ketih Fimian -- to privitize Social security. The campaign “launched an automated call reminding thousands of Northern Virginia seniors about Keith Fimian’s refusal to defend their Social Security benefits against his Tea Party allies and their privatization plans.  Fimian and his right-wing allies want to privatize Social Security, risking the retirement security of millions of seniors and rewarding his friends on Wall St."

  "Social Security is a sacred compact between generations and Keith Fimian's refusal to stand up for Northern Virginia seniors is troubling," said James Walkinshaw, Connolly's campaign manager.  "In this challenging economy seniors need retirement security more than ever and Fimian's radical views represent a real threat to that security."

  Learn more at GerryConnolly.com.

• And our Democratic nominiee in Arkansas, Chad Causey, took the strongest of stands by saying no to privitizing Social Security. His opponent, Rick Crawford, supprots plans to privitize Social Security.

  “Today, I pledge my unwavering commitment to protecting Social Security and standing up for hard-working Arkansans who deserve the benefits they have been promised,” Causey said. “For 75 years now, Social Security has been a bedrock promise. Arkansans have earned it with a lifetime of hard work, and it should be there for them and future generations.”

  […]

  “I’m here to make clear that I will stand up against the plans of some to privatize Social Security and turn this program over to Wall Street,” Causey said “We saw what happened to people’s retirement accounts as the stock market collapsed, and we won’t let them do that to your Social Security.”

  Crawford said Social Security was at a “tipping point” and he signed a pledge to divert Social Security taxes into private retirement accounts.  [LauranIngram.com, accessed 5/16/10; Rick Crawford for Congress, 3/26/10]

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Chairman Kaine and DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Voting Rights for Women

News from the DNC blog - Wed, 08/18/2010 - 15:33

On August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing the Amendment’s place in the U.S. Constitution and securing women’s right to vote. In recognition of that occasion, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:

“The struggle to gain equal voting rights for women was not easy. As they worked to open the voting booth to women, suffragists were verbally abused, arrested, and beaten. They faced stiff odds not only against the approval by Congress of an Amendment guaranteeing women’s suffrage, but also against the ratification of such an Amendment by the states. But they succeeded against those odds. And ninety years ago today, a Tennessee legislator acting on the advice of his suffragist mother cast the decisive vote in favor of ratification – tipping the balance in the Tennessee legislature and giving suffragists the final state needed to certify the 19th Amendment.

“In the nine decades since, women have made incredible strides toward equality. Today, women play leading roles in the American government and they are a fixture of the American workforce, but unfortunately, inequality among the genders persists. That is why it is more important today than ever that women – and all Americans – exercise their hard-won right to vote.

“President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress have fought to level the playing field for women by enacting new laws upholding the principle of equal pay for equal work, by fighting for policies that make it easier for parents to balance work and family, by combating gender-based inequalities in our health system, and by making government more responsive to women’s concerns. But Republicans have opposed the progress enacted by Democrats, and they have pledged to defeat Democratic Congressional leaders who have been advocates for women’s equality in this fall’s elections. We cannot allow that to happen.

“On this 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, I urge women – and all Americans –not only to celebrate the history of women’s suffrage and the progress our country has made since its founding in extending civil and voting rights to all eligible Americans without regard for race or gender, but also to get out there and make use of their vote to ensure that women’s progress continues unabated.”

DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Mame Reiley also issued a statement in honor of the occasion:

“The 19th Amendment was born out of a near century-long struggle by American women to earn the right to make their voices heard alongside those of their fathers, sons, and husbands in the democratic process. Few of the courageous women who began the fight to earn the right to vote lived to cast a ballot, but their daughters and granddaughters – and millions of women across the country today – benefitted from their steadfast dedication to the cause of suffrage.

“Today, women not only have equal voting rights, they are a critical force in the democratic and electoral process. But despite women’s equality in the voting booth, they have not yet achieved full equality outside of it. So, President Obama has made it a priority to pursue greater equality for American women. To that end, he signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law, giving women in factories and office buildings across the country new tools to fight against unequal pay for equal work. He established the White House Council on Women and Girls, creating a new body tasked with helping American women to overcome challenges to equality of all kinds. And he has focused the resources of this White House to ensure that every piece of legislation he has enacted has opened doors of opportunity for women as well as men – through Recovery Act funding for quality child care and Affordable Care Act provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender, among other things.

“On this 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, I join Democrats across the country in celebrating the tremendous strides made by women since our country’s founding, and we pledge to support the President as he continues to do the hard work necessary to ensure equality and opportunity for women and for all Americans.”

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Must See News Report: Questions Remain Of David Rivera’s (FL-25) Crash

DCCC Blog - Wed, 08/18/2010 - 13:25

Watch this CBS4 video that raises disturbing questions about David Rivera (FL-25):

1)      What about the campaign flier was so damaging to David Rivera that he ran a delivery truck off the road to stop the flier from getting to voters?

2)      The attorney in the story claims he cannot discuss his actions on Rivera’s behalf due to attorney client privilege.  If he has nothing to hide or the attorney didn’t work for him, why isn’t Rivera releasing the attorney from his attorney client privilege to set the record straight?

3)      If Rivera didn’t tell the truth about his friendship with the principal of a group that advises companies on how to trade with Cuba, didn’t tell the truth about his and Marco Rubio’s home foreclosure, and didn’t tell the truth about running a delivery truck off the road to win a State Senate race – what else is David Rivera lying about?

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Recognizing the 90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

News from the DNC blog - Wed, 08/18/2010 - 11:36

To commemorate today’s 90th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, DNC Secretary Alice Germond published an op-ed in Politico celebrating women’s suffrage and recognizing how far we as a country have come in the struggle for gender equality. She writes:

“And so, on Aug. 18, 1920 — 90 years ago today — women won the right to vote and make our voices heard in government. In the nine decades since, women have made great strides in America. A higher percentage of us vote than men and a majority of us vote Democratic. Approximately three-fourths of the women in the U.S. Senate, House, and state legislatures are Democrats, as well. And, as we all know, the speaker of the House, third in line to the presidency, is Nancy Pelosi. Our college attendance is equal to men and we are now presidents of great universities, we have joined the work force in record numbers, and we work as doctors, soldiers, and plumbers as well as teachers, nurses and owners of our own small businesses — and so do our husbands and brothers. We have closed many of the gaps between women and men.” Germond goes on to note that the work continues, and that President Obama and the Democratic Party are continuing to fight to level the playing field for women:

“Although women continue to earn less than men — just 78 cents on the dollar, on average — President Barack Obama took immediate action to close that gap. The very first bill the president signed after taking office was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which protects women against pay discrimination and helps to ensure women receive equal pay for equal work. In addition, President Obama has championed flexible work policies like paid sick leave, because he believes women should not have to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for loved ones…. At the same time, the president and his Democratic partners in the Congress have enacted broad-based legislation that is not only helping America overall, but is also giving particular benefits to women. The Recovery Act, which has saved or created more than 2.5 million jobs across America, also contains provisions that are specifically targeted to help working women and families. For example, the act authorizes billions of dollars in new funding for Head Start and other child care programs and calls for unemployment insurance reforms that encourage states to cover part-time workers and individuals who have recently reentered the work force, categories which include millions of women. Similarly, the Affordable Care Act is an historic leap forward — for every American, but particularly for women. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies will be prevented from imposing lifetime limits on coverage for women. They will no longer be able to drop coverage for women when they get sick, or pregnant. They will no longer be able to charge women exorbitant out-of-pocket deductibles or co-payments. And they will no longer be able to charge women more simply because of their gender.” Germond concludes by reminding us of the historic significance of this day, and urging us to continue to support leaders and policies that advance the rights of all people:

“On this 90th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, it is important to give thanks for how far we have come, and to continue to move forward together. So I hope you’ll join me in offering your support for the president and Democrats in Congress as they to work to open new doors of opportunity for women and men alike. And, I hope you will open your hearts to the plight of so many of our sisters around the world who do not share the freedoms we enjoy because of the hard work of our foremothers, those heroic suffragists, almost a century ago.” Read DNC Secretary Alice Germond's entire Politico op-ed here.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

"Suffrage"

News from the DNC blog - Tue, 08/17/2010 - 18:42

From DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon:

For the first 144 years of this country's existence, women were not guaranteed the right to vote -- and winning that right did not come easily.

Women's suffrage took a movement. It took organizers who worked tirelessly and allies who fought for the cause in the halls of power. On August 18th, 1920, when the legislature of the state of Tennessee voted to ratify the 19th Amendment and affirm its place in the Constitution, it passed by a single vote.

Because of the work of those who came before me, my right to cast a ballot was never in question. From the first time that I stepped into a voting booth to the day when I became the executive director of the Democratic Party, I've been deeply mindful of that fact.

Last week, President Obama asked us all to make a commitment to vote this fall. To me, that promise isn't just about choosing the direction I hope to see this country take -- it's an opportunity to honor those who didn't have the right to vote but fought so that their daughters and granddaughters would not be denied the full measure of citizenship.

Will you join me and commit to vote in this year's election?

The movement for suffrage began before the Civil War. Women faced prison sentences -- even beatings -- to cast ballots as a gesture of protest. Even before the right to vote was won, women like Victoria Woodhull and Belva Lockwood ran for office. States across the country began to grant suffrage, and on the eve of the First World War, Woodrow Wilson -- a Democrat -- became the first president to take up the call.

Susan B. Anthony devoted her life to the cause of equality, and in 1897, decades before her fight was won, she wrote "Suffrage is the pivotal right." In the 90 years since the 19th Amendment became law, that statement has borne out.

Today, in the United States, there are more women registered to vote than men, and the gap stands at nearly 10 million. From House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, women hold office at every level of government.

But the fight for full equality is not finished. In 2008, a woman in the United States earned only 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. For women of color, the disparity is even greater.

We have a choice with this election about whether we want to continue the fight to bring down barriers -- whether we want to move forward or backward. We'll decide whether we want to honor the legacy of those who couldn't vote but reached for that right. But all those decisions begin with the promise that you will participate in the fall elections.

Commit to vote:

http://my.democrats.org/Suffrage

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Why You Vote

News from the DNC blog - Tue, 08/17/2010 - 17:00

Last week, President Obama asked supporters to commit to vote in the 2010 elections. As the President mentioned, committing to vote now is one of the most powerful ways of making sure folks get out and vote when the time comes. As part of making that pledge, many of you shared the reasons you’ll be voting this year. Here are a few of our favorites so far:

I not only pledge to vote in the midterm elections this November, I pledge to remain active, register other voters, knock on doors, call friends, neighbors, and family, and get as many others to the polls in November as possible. — Sheryl N., Bakersfield, CA

The job has just begun. We've got a lot of work to do and voting is a key part of it. — John H., Lopez Island, WA

I believe that President Obama is taking one step at a time in the right direction for the well-being of this country and for all the people who live here. — Nancy N., Chico, CA

I was a part of turning out voters for the first time in 2008. I want to be a part of something that great again. — Benjamin R-S., Sacramento, CA

Nothing will keep me from the polls in November. I won't allow special interests to force our country to take one step back for every two steps forward. — Shannon S., Billings, MT

Why are you voting? Share your own reason here.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

This is unheard of…

DCCC Blog - Tue, 08/17/2010 - 11:56

Executive Director Jon Vogel just sent this message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

I just got out of an emergency meeting about what's clearly one of the largest attack ad buys of the summer. According to news reports, an outside shadowy group backed by corporate sponsors high on the hog have purchased $4.5 million in advertising starting this week against Democrats in targeted races nationwide.

We have already seen some of the ads and they are just what we could expect -- dishonest negative Karl Rove style attack ads. Elections are not won in August but they can be lost if we let swift-boat groups like this define the debate.

Here's the situation: We need to immediately raise $600,000 more before Friday's media buy deadline to ensure that we have a large enough Rapid Response to set the record straight on Republican mistruths.

Contribute $5, $10 or more today and your gift will be put to work immediately to help us fight back.

The pundits are now rating 30 Democratic seats as pure toss-ups. The Republicans are hoping their barrage of negative campaign attacks will tilt even more races in their favor. Our candidates being targeted are in strong positions but this kind of advertising barrage can be a devastating blow if they don't have the resources to go toe-to-toe.

We have a Rapid Response plan to set the record straight on the airwaves and on the ground but we must raise $600,000 by this Friday to launch into action. Please help provide our Democrats under attack with the resources they need to fight back fast and forcefully. Contribute today.


Jon Vogel
DCCC Executive Director

P.S. The start of the fall campaign is now just weeks away. Your urgent support will help us make a down payment on TV ads for the fall and fund the massive grassroots response we need. Contribute today and your gift will be put to work immediately to help us fight back.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Chairman Kaine Condemns Republican Obstructionism, Calls McConnell’s Remarks in Favor of “More” Obstructionism Cynical, Partisan

News from the DNC blog - Mon, 08/16/2010 - 13:45

In a recent interview, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell told the New York Times that he wished Republicans “had been able to obstruct more” of the legislation put forward by Democrats over the past year and a half, including legislation critical to preventing a second Great Depression, saving jobs, and reviving the American economy. In response, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:

“Over the past year and a half, President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress have taken the bold steps necessary to pull America back from the brink of a second Great Depression and to repair the damage caused by nearly a decade of failed economic policies that Republicans put in place during the Bush Administration. Now, Republicans have not only failed to join Democrats as they worked to pass job-saving legislation; they have actively opposed initiatives that are beginning to move American forward -- from the Recovery Act to Wall Street reform; from jobs bills to small business tax credits to promote private sector hiring.

“Time and again, Republicans in Congress have sided with big businesses, big banks, and other special interests over the needs of American workers and families. While Republicans are entitled to oppose legislation because they have better solutions for the American people -- that is not what has happened during this Congress. Instead, Republican leaders made a conscious decision -- before President Obama was even sworn into office -- to oppose every single piece of legislation this Administration put forward regardless of how that obstruction hurt their constituents, hurt the economic recovery, and hurt middle class American families. Republicans in Congress made a cynical political calculation that if they put up roadblocks in front of every major Presidential initiative, no matter its merit, the Republican Party would benefit.

“This is the Republican Party of 2010: obstruction, gridlock and politicizing every issue under the sun. Mitch McConnell and Republican leaders are more concerned about politics and the next election than they are about saving and rebuilding our economy, keeping the middle class strong, providing for our seniors, and ensuring that the next generation will have a bright future. We will make sure voters know these facts well by November.”

Senator McConnell’s full quote was:

“I am amused with their comments about obstructionism. I wish we had been able to obstruct more. They were able to get the health care bill through. They were able to get the stimulus through. They were able to get the financial reform through. These were all major pieces of legislation, and if I would have had enough votes to stop them, I would have.”

Read the New York Times story.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

The Bus?

DCCC Blog - Mon, 08/16/2010 - 12:52

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz just sent this message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

"Fire Pelosi!"

That's the mindless mantra of Republicans and their wild-eyed Tea Party supporters as we begin the final sprint to Election Day. In fact, Republican Chairman Michael Steele just announced a "Fire Pelosi" national bus tour to distract voters and demonize Democrats.

Let's show the Tea Party crowd that they're no match for our grassroots strength. Stand with us against the Right's despicable attacks and their fat cat fundraising by joining Team Pelosi -- an elite group of grassroots Democrats who are leading the fight against radical Republican candidates in races nationwide.

We have set a goal of reaching 10,000 new members for Team Pelosi. House Republicans are claiming to have experienced a five-year high fundraising surge. We can't let up now -- we must keep pace.

Please contribute today to become our newest member of Team Pelosi right now.

As a member of Team Pelosi you will receive the inside scoop on what's happening in our campaign to strengthen and secure our House Majority. You will be invited to attend members-only phone and web-based political briefings by top Democratic experts and receive special Red Alerts about breaking campaign news.

Some members of Team Pelosi take it a step further and sign up for our Rapid Response Network or Fact Check Fox and serve as our "eyes and ears" on the ground to keep track of Republican lies, dirty tricks and distortions.

Contribute today to become our newest member of Team Pelosi right now.

Fear and smear is what Republicans do best. It's what a political party resorts to when it's intellectually bankrupt and has nothing new or of substance to offer the American people.

The Republican leadership's only promise is to bring back the failed policies of George W. Bush. And, if they manage to gain control of Congress this November, you can be sure that's one promise they'll try to keep.

We can make sure that doesn't happen. Together we can move America forward and finish the job we began with President Obama and Speaker Pelosi.

Please contribute today to become our newest member of Team Pelosi right now.

Onward to victory!

Thank you,

Debbie Wasserman Schultz

P.S. Please contribute today to become our newest member of Team Pelosi right now. Thank you.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

75 Years of Social Security

News from the DNC blog - Fri, 08/13/2010 - 16:36

On August 14, 1935—75 years ago tomorrow—President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. At the time, half of all elderly Americans lived in poverty, and the creation of Social Security was intended to “take care of [their] human needs” by guaranteeing reliable income for American seniors. Since then, Social Security has provided income for millions of older Americans during their retirement years—as well as financial support for disabled Americans, widows, widowers, and other eligible families. Seventy-five years later, Social Security, one of the most enduring legacies of the Democratic Party, remains as necessary now as it was then.

This anniversary is also an occasion to highlight the stark differences between Democrats and Republicans on the issue of Social Security. Today half of all working Americans lack access to an employer retirement plan. Yet Republican leaders like Congressman Paul Ryan are vocal supporters of the risky privatization scheme that President Bush proposed five years ago. Others espouse even more extreme ideas: Nevada Republican senatorial candidate Sharron Angle would do away entirely with the program, and Kentucky’s Rand Paul calls it a “Ponzi scheme.”

On this anniversary, Democrats are reaffirming their commitment to preserving Social Security—because all Americans, not just the privileged few, should be able to live and retire with dignity.

Categories: Democratic Blogs