Democratic Blogs

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Applauds Senate Judiciary Committee Approval of Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan

News from the DNC blog - Tue, 07/20/2010 - 13:46

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Now her nomination goes to the full Senate for confirmation. In response, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:

“Solicitor General Kagan is an incredible legal mind and an unwavering public servant who will faithfully uphold the Constitution on the Supreme Court. I applaud the Senate Judiciary Committee on its approval of her nomination and I hope that the full Senate will soon join the Committee in confirming her nomination.

“Throughout her career, Elena Kagan has been an advocate for all Americans and equal justice under the law. She is known for her ability to bring people of diverse beliefs together and for insisting that all sides be given a fair hearing under the law. As a result of her work, her brilliance, and her fair-minded approach to the law, she has earned the support of Democrats and Republicans alike, including the support of every Solicitor General for the past 25 years. Given her broad support among the legal community, I hope that Senators of both parties will consider Elena Kagan’s nomination quickly and without regard to partisan politics, and that they will move swiftly to ensure that Elena Kagan is seated on the Supreme Court as quickly as possible.”

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Senate Judiciary Committee Voting on Kagan Nomination Now

News from the DNC blog - Tue, 07/20/2010 - 11:40

Update: The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13–6 in favor of Elena Kagan’s nomination. The full Senate will soon vote to confirm the fourth woman to the Supreme Court.

Following four days of hearings that began in late June, the Senate Judiciary Committee is voting on Elena Kagan’s Supreme Court nomination today. A favorable vote would advance the nomination to the full Senate for final confirmation.

If she is confirmed, Kagan would be the fourth woman to join the nation’s highest court.

Watch the vote and show your support for her historic nomination.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Palin’s $800,000 Haul

DCCC Blog - Tue, 07/20/2010 - 11:04

James Carville just sent this message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

You hear what the Republicans are saying now?

They're out there bragging that they'll actually win back the House this year. But if the thought of John Boehner holding the gavel doesn't run a cold chill up your spine, how about this: Sarah Palin raised over $800,000 last quarter for tea party candidates so vile, they make her look like the model of moderation.

This Sunday marks 100-days until Election Day, signaling the real kick-off of the 2010 campaign season.

With the Republicans' chest-pounding over their chances to win the House, the media is watching our 100-day out fundraising more than ever. To beat the GOP, House Democrats need to raise $548,971 by Sunday at Midnight.

With the world watching, contribute $5, $10 or more today and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar. If we can out-raise the Republicans on this big 100-day-out deadline, it'll send a powerful message that grassroots Democrats will do whatever it takes to protect our House Majority.

If you listen to the Republicans, you'd think this thing is already over. They're running around like they already won back the House and they're on the way to making Sarah Palin President. The media is ready to agree with them unless we can make a huge showing on Sunday's 100-day-out deadline.

I've been in the political strategy business for a long time and I can tell you that Democrats have the right plan of attack this year against the Republicans. But we won't be able to do it without strong fundraising in the final 100 days.

With the world watching, contribute today and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar. If we can out-raise the Republicans on this big 100-day-out deadline, it'll send a powerful message that grassroots Democrats will do whatever it takes to protect our House Majority.

Sarah Palin and Karl Rove's shadow groups are planning to spend the next 100 days working overtime to put Republicans back in control of Congress.

We can stop 'em in their tracks, but only if we have the resources, starting right now.

It's go time.

Thanks,


James Carville

P.S. Republicans are running around like they already won back the House and they're on the way to making Sarah Palin President. The media is ready to agree with them unless we can make a huge showing on Sunday's 100-day-out deadline. With the world watching, help Democrats raise $548,971 before Midnight Sunday. Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Morning Open Thread

News from the DNC blog - Tue, 07/20/2010 - 09:00

Good morning.

President Barack Obama talks with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the opening Plenary Session of the G20 Summit in Toronto, Canada, Sunday, June 27, 2010. Photo by Pete Souza.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Chairman Kaine Calls on GOP to End Obstruction of Unemployment Insurance

News from the DNC blog - Mon, 07/19/2010 - 17:48

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued a statement in response to the continued refusal by Republican lawmakers to extend unemployment insurance for millions of Americans—calling on them to vote tomorrow to extend this critical aid:

“President Obama and Congressional Democrats have been working hard to turn our economy around, and we have begun to get our economy back on track. But this process will take time, and there are still millions of Americans-- due to no fault of their own-- out of work and in need of help to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. Unfortunately, Republicans have chosen to fight the President and Congressional Democrats every step of the way and to oppose support for out-of-work Americans. No fewer than three times, Republicans have used parliamentary maneuvers to block extending emergency unemployment insurance assistance to those Americans who need it most.

“And while Republicans say we can’t afford to help these working families, they passionately argue that we should add to the deficit by handing out more of the tax breaks for the wealthy that were the hallmark of the Bush administration. Such failed policies that favored special and moneyed interests over American families don’t make sense and are the wrong moves for our nation. Democrats understand the difficulties faced by working Americans who have lost their jobs and will continue to fight on behalf of those who need help while they get back on their feet and into the workforce again.

"Make no mistake, there are millions of Americans who are diligently applying for jobs and grappling with the uncertainty that comes with being unemployed. Meanwhile, Republicans are playing political games at the expense of American families in need. The time for political games has ended. This week Republicans in the Senate will have another chance to pass an unemployment extension for hard-pressed families looking for a job. For the sake of those Americans, I encourage Republicans finally stop their obstruction and, instead, join with Democrats to provide this needed help.”

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Tell the GOP to Stop Obstructing Unemployment Benefits

News from the DNC blog - Mon, 07/19/2010 - 16:35

DNC Vice Chair Donna Brazile just sent a message asking supporters to urge Republicans to stop obstructing unemployment benefits.

We're about to see benefits for the jobless expire in a period of high unemployment -- for the first time in 50 years. And Republicans are the only ones to blame.

It isn't just wrong -- it's wrong-headed.

Conservatives in the Senate have been at this for weeks -- abusing the rules to block Democrats from passing legislation. Their filibuster means millions of people lose their unemployment checks, and the entire economy suffers because of it.

All the polling suggests that the American people overwhelmingly support extending benefits and doing it now. But the conservatives aren't getting the message. So I've written a letter that calls for them to stop their obstruction and let the Senate vote on benefits for the jobless -- will you sign with me?

If thousands of us stand together and issue the same call, we'll focus attention on this issue -- in DC and across the country. Reporters will take notice, and more voters will rightly point to the GOP as the cause for this nightmare. In other words, we'll send a message that can't be ignored.

And movement on these benefits can't come a moment too soon. Almost half of our jobless have been out of work for more than 26 weeks -- that's the highest level we've seen for long-term unemployment since the Great Depression. And because of the Republicans, about 33 people lose their benefits every minute.

Just about every expert will tell you the same thing: Unemployment benefits help the entire economy. In order to collect benefits, you have to demonstrate that you have been looking for work. While you look, they keep bills paid, put fuel in the car, and ensure that families don't suffer when there aren't enough jobs to go around -- things that keep the economy from shrinking even more. And at a time when there are are five unemployed workers for every job opening, that's something we just can't afford.

So let's all stand together to send a very loud and pointed message to Republicans. Sign this open letter and help us create the kind of national outcry it will take to shame the GOP into letting us vote on unemployment benefits:

http://my.democrats.org/unemployment

Thank you,

Donna

Donna Brazile
Vice Chair for Voter Registration and Participation
Democratic National Committee

Categories: Democratic Blogs

President Obama to the GOP: Stop Blocking Relief for “Middle-Class Americans…Who Really Need Help”

News from the DNC blog - Mon, 07/19/2010 - 16:03

This morning, President Obama was joined at the White House by Jim Chukalas of Fredon Township, New Jersey; Leslie Macko of Charlottesville, Virginia; and Denise Gibson from Queens, New York. Jim, Leslie, and Denise have something in common – like millions of Americans across the country, they’re unemployed. They’ve worked hard all their lives and they’re searching for new work every day, but they have simply been unable to find a job in this difficult economy.

While they struggle to keep their spirits up and make ends meet, Republicans have made their hardship even more acute. Two weeks ago, Jim’s unemployment benefits ran out. Leslie has little more than a month of remaining benefits. And Denise’s benefits will expire in August. All because Republicans in the Senate have prevented Democrats from moving forward with legislation to extend unemployment benefits to Americans in this time of need.

Republicans’ refusal to allow an up-or-down vote on unemployment legislation has already caused 2.5 million Americans to lose their benefits – and every week Republicans continue their obstruction, thousands more Americans will be affected. So with Jim, Leslie, and Denise at his side, the President today called on Republicans to end their campaign against aid for hard-working Americans and extend their support to the Americans who most need their help. Said President Obama:

“We've got a lot of work to do to make sure that we are digging ourselves out of this tough economic hole that we've been in. But even as we work to jumpstart job growth in the private sector, even as we work to get businesses hiring again, we also have another responsibility: to offer emergency assistance to people who desperately need it -- to Americans who’ve been laid off in this recession. We've got a responsibility to help them make ends meet and support their families even as they’re looking for another job…

“We need to pass [the unemployment insurance extension] for all the Americans who haven’t been able to find work in an economy where there are five applicants for every opening; who need emergency relief to help them pay the rent and cover their utilities and put food on the table while they’re looking for another job.”

In so doing, we can not only help more Americans to get back on their feet as quickly as possible, we can also help to support a faster economic recovery for all Americans. In a survey of CFOs conducted by Duke University and CFO magazine, weak consumer demand was considered by far the biggest challenge to companies’ success and growth. By extending unemployment insurance, we can guarantee that millions of Americans will have more money in their pockets not only to pay their bills, but also to support local businesses and keep commerce flowing.

Unfortunately, Republicans are as unyielding in the face of economic arguments as they have been in personal appeals from out-of-work Americans – they are opposing unemployment insurance extension for purely political reasons. As the President noted today, it’s high time Republicans abandoned their partisan politics and start acting in the best interests of the American people and our nation as a whole. Said the President:

“After years of championing policies that turned a record surplus into a massive deficit, the same [Republicans] who didn’t have any problem spending hundreds of billions of dollars on tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans are now saying we shouldn’t offer relief to middle-class Americans like Jim or Leslie or Denise, who really need help.”

This week, the Senate will once again take up unemployment insurance extension legislation. Republicans have already blocked it three times. It’s time they stopped obstructing aid to hard-working Americans and voted to approve this critical legislation.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Monday Open Thread

News from the DNC blog - Mon, 07/19/2010 - 09:00

Good morning.

President Barack Obama meets with a bipartisan group of Senators in the Cabinet Room of the White House, to discuss passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation, June 29, 2010. Photo by Pete Souza.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

NRCC Chair Pete Sessions: “We need to go back to the exact same agenda” (VIDEO)

DCCC Blog - Sun, 07/18/2010 - 11:55

Given chance after chance to explain to the American people how the Republican agenda was any different from what Bush offered, today on Meet the Press, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions could not name one policy difference. In fact, NRCC Chairman Sessions could not have been clearer in wanting to return to the exact same agenda as President Bush’s. Watch the video:

Update from DCCC Press:

Republicans Agenda for the Future, Same as the George Bush’s Past Agenda

On Meet the Press this morning, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions and NRSC John Cornyn were repeated asked to outline the positive Republican agenda.  Sessions and Cornyn could not name one policy difference between what Republicans’ future agenda is and President George W. Bush’s agenda that drove the American economy into a ditch.

The Republican agenda is crystal clear: unpaid tax cuts for the wealthiest that add billions to the deficit, taxpayer funded tax breaks for Big Oil, removing the new checks on Wall Street, and taxpayer funded tax breaks for companies that ship American jobs overseas.

"On Meet the Press this morning, the Republican campaign hammered home that the Republican plan for the future is exactly the same Bush Administration plan that got us into the economic mess in the first place," said DCCC spokesperson Jennifer Crider.  "Americans can’t afford a return to the George W. Bush era policies of an unchecked Wall Street, taxpayer funded giveaways to Big Oil and corporations shipping jobs overseas, and tax breaks for the wealthiest paid for by the middle class.  These are the Republican policies that drove the American economy into a ditch that we’re just beginning to dig out of."

Background

On Meet the Press, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions and National Republican Senatorial Committee John Cornyn consistently defended Bush policies and promised to return to them if Republicans won the House.  When asked to name a difference between what Republicans would do in the future and what President George W. Bush did, Representative Pete Sessions said:

• "We need to go back to the exact same agenda that is empowering the free enterprise system rather than diminishing it."

• "We did things that would empower the free enterprise system" [Meet the Press, 7/18/10]

 The effect of the George Bush policies that Republicans want to bring back:

• Under Bush policies, private sector jobs lost . Over his eight year presidency, the Bush Administration lost 663,000 private sector jobs.  In the last year alone, the Bush Administration lost 4,516,000 private sector jobs.  [BLS]
• Under Bush policies, government spending and deficits skyrocketed. According to a report from the non-partisan Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, "The events and policies that have pushed deficits to these high levels in the near term, however, were largely outside the new Administration's control. If not for the tax cuts enacted during the presidency of George W. Bush that Congress did not pay for, the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that were initiated during that period, and the effects of the worst economic slump since the Great Depression (including the cost of steps necessary to combat it), we would not be facing these huge deficits in the near term." [CBPP, 6/28/10]
• Under Bush policies, families work harder and their wages continue to decline.  Middle-class families are working harder and earning less at the end of the Bush Administration than they were at the start of the Bush Administration.  Median household income, adjusted for inflation, has declined $333 from $50,566 in 2000 to $50,233 in 2007.  [U.S. Census Bureau, Income 2000, Income, Poverty, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States:  2007 (August 2008), Figure 1 (in 2007 dollars)]
• Under Bush policies, employment compensation has lagged behind productivity gains.  While the productivity of the American worker (output per hour) rose by 20.7 percent between the fourth quarter of 2000 and the second quarter of 2008, average hourly compensation (wages plus benefits, adjusted for inflation) increased by only 7.7 percent during this period. [Peter Goodman, Workers Get Fewer Hours, Deepening the Downturn, New York Times (April 18, 2008).]

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Fact Check: Republican Record of Deficits and Wasteful Spending Undermines Rhetoric of Fiscal Respon

DCCC Blog - Sun, 07/18/2010 - 11:26

On Meet the Press today, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions tried to claim that Republicans are the party of fiscal responsibility. Sessions memory must be short. Just a few years ago, Republicans in Congress and the Bush Administration created record deficits and pursued policies that drove our economy into the ditch, including tax cuts for Wall Street and other special interests.  Representative Sessions made his own personal contribution towards fiscal irresponsibility when he sponsored an earmark for blimp building for the company of a former aide with no experience in government contracts, much less building blimps.

Sessions Rhetoric: "I think the public sees this as a long term debt issue of big government, more spending"

Reality: Under Republican Control, Government Spending and Deficits Skyrocketed and Are Largely to Blame for Current Fiscal Situation. According to a report from the non-partisan Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, “The events and policies that have pushed deficits to these high levels in the near term, however, were largely outside the new Administration’s control. If not for the tax cuts enacted during the presidency of George W. Bush that Congress did not pay for, the cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that were initiated during that period, and the effects of the worst economic slump since the Great Depression (including the cost of steps necessary to combat it), we would not be facing these huge deficits in the near term.” [CBPP, 6/28/10]

Reality: Sponsored Unjustified Blimp Earmark for Company of Former Aide. In 2009, Politico ran a story detailing an earmark Sessions sponsored for blimp research for a company with no experience in making blimps or even government contracting. What the company did have was Adrian Plesha, a former Sessions aide with a lengthy criminal record serving as its lobbyist. Sessions attempted to defend the earmark as focused on job creation in his district when the company was based in Illinois. [Politico, 7/30/09]

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Which Republican ‘Young Gun’ Candidate Will Be the First Abandoned?

DCCC Blog - Fri, 07/16/2010 - 18:38

Yesterday’s release of campaign finance reports for the second quarter of 2010 made clear that Republicans are going to have to begin abandoning 'Young Gun' candidates who are unable to build the necessary support. The reports reaffirmed that many Democratic Congressmen have strong bases of support and are in incredibly strong financial positions to win re-election despite bluster and claims from Republicans and across the nation. Republican candidates seriously and significantly lag their opponents in each race at the critical point where campaigns begin communicating to voters.

"Republicans talk a big game about the strength of their candidates but these finance reports show a surge in support for Democrats who are standing up for the middle class," said Ryan Rudominer, National Press Secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "With all the bluster and all the promises Republicans have made, they’re now faced with some tough decisions about which of these candidates can’t cut it and have to be dropped. Who will be the first one they abandon to the sidelines?"

VA-05: 8-1 Advantage
Representative Tom Perriello has $1.72 million COH, Young Gun Robert Hurt has $216,000 COH

VA-09: Nearly 7-1 Advantage
Representative Rick Boucher has $2 million COH, Young Gun Morgan Griffith has $297,000 COH

IL-14: Over 6-1 Advantage
Representative Bill Foster has $1.55 million COH, Young Gun Randy Hultgren has $245,00 COH

AL-02: 6-1 Advantage
Representative Bobby Bright has $734,000 COH, Young Gun Martha Roby has $122,000 COH

VA-02: 5.5-1 Advantage
Representative Glenn Nye has $1.27 million COH, Young Gun Scott Rigell has $227,000 COH

TX-17: 5-1 Advantage
Representative Chet Edwards has $2.14 million COH, Young Gun Bill Flores has $415,000 COH

KY-06: Nearly 5-1 Advantage
Representative Ben Chandler has $1.75 million COH, Young Gun Andy Barr has $361,000 COH

VA-11: Nearly 5-1 Advantage
Representative Gerry Connolly has $1.27 million COH, Young Gun Keith Fimian has $269,000 COH

PA-11: 4.5-1 Advantage
Representative Paul Kanjorski has $1.06 million COH, Young Gun Lou Barletta has $237,000 COH

IN-09: 4-1 Advantage
Representative Baron Hill has $1.11 million COH, Young Gun Todd Young has $259,000 COH

MS-01: Nearly 4-1 Advantage
Representative Travis Childers has $903,000 COH, Young Gun Alan Nunnelee has $233,000 COH

NV-03: Nearly 3.5-1 Advantage
Representative Dina Titus has $1.2 million COH, Young Gun Joe Heck has $362,000 COH

IL-11 : 3-1 Advantage
Representative Debbie Halvorson has $1.44 million COH, Young Gun Adam Kinzinger $480,000 COH

IN-02: 3-1 Advantage
Representative Joe Donnelly has $989,000 COH, Young Gun Jackie Walorski has $303,000 COH

PA-08: 2.5-1 Advantage
Representative Patrick Murphy has $1.78 million COH, Young Gun Mike Fitzpatrick has $664,063 COH

NM-01:Nearly 2.5-1 Advantage
Representative Martin Heinrich has $1.3 million COH, Young Gun Jon Barela has $537,000 COH

SC-05: 2.5-1 Advantage
Representative John Spratt has $1.2 million COH, Young Gun Mick Mulvaney has $473,000 COH

SD-AL: Nearly 2.5-1 Advantage
Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has $707,000 COH, Young Gun Kristi Noem has $292,000 COH

ND-AL: 2-1 Advantage
Representative Earl Pomeroy has $1.67 million COH, Young Gun Rick Berg has $752,000 COH

CO-04: 2-1 Advantage
Representative Betsy Markey has $1.54 million COH, Young Gun Cory Gardner has $763,000 COH

OH-16: 1.5-1 Advantage
Representative John Boccieri has $1.06 million COH, Young Gun James Renacci has $663,000 COH

IN-08: Over 1.5-1 Advantage
Trent Van Haaften has $360,000, Young Gun Larry Bucshon has $207,000 COH

NM-02: $146,000 Advantage
Representative Harry Teague has $1.17 million COH, Young Gun Steve Pearce has $1.02 million COH

IL-10: $66,550 COH Advantage
Dan Seals has $792,000 COH, Young Gun Bob Dold has $725,000 COH

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Tim Kaine on the Michael Baisden Show

News from the DNC blog - Fri, 07/16/2010 - 18:09

This Tuesday, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine spoke with Michael Baisden- one of America’s top-rated radio personalities.

On the air, Chairman Kaine talked about the importance of registering to vote and voting this fall. He pointed listeners to the DNC website www.raiseyourvote.com, where they can find all the information they need to register and make their voice heard this year, and he made it clear that this year’s elections are too important for anyone to stay home. It is critical that we elect and reelect strong Democrats who will stand with the President to help him continue to move America forward. Said Chairman Kaine:

“We have [Republicans] running to be elected who are saying that the Civil Rights Acts are things that they may not agree with, who are talking about privatizing Social Security, who have stood against the President as he tried to turn the economy around. There is a sharp choice in these November elections between the President and Members of Congress who are doing the heavy lifting to get the economy climbing again and the Party that wants to take us back to the same policies that put us in the ditch to begin with…

We were in a ditch; the President and Congress have had to build a ladder and start climbing…the clear choice this November [is] do you want to keep climbing or do you want to go back in the other direction?”

You can listen to the entire interview here.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Tax Cuts for the Wealthy or Help for the Unemployed?

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

For months now, Republicans in Congress have been objecting to—and often obstructing—the extension of unemployment benefits to help out-of-work Americans, on the grounds that these benefits add too much to the national deficit. But at the same time, they’re pushing to renew the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy—tax cuts that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates could increase the national debt by an incredible $3.4 trillion dollars over the next 10 years.

Jay Bookman at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a great blog post putting these conflicting positions into perspective.

In “No help for the jobless, but $3.4 trillion for tax cuts,” Bookman writes:

“The $35 billion needed to help the jobless through the worst economic crisis in 80 years amounts to barely 1 percent of the $3.4 trillion cost of extending the [Bush] tax cuts.”

President Obama is urging Congress to extend unemployment benefits, saying:

“We’re fighting to speed up this recovery and keep the economy growing by all means possible. That means extending unemployment insurance for workers who lost their jobs. ...

Still, at a time when millions of Americans feel a deep sense of urgency in their own lives, Republican leaders in Washington just don’t get it. While a majority of senators support taking these steps to help the American people, some are playing the same old Washington games and using their power to hold this relief hostage—a move that only ends up holding back our recovery. It doesn’t make sense.”

Next week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will once again try to move forward with a bill to provide relief for the unemployed.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Morning Open Thread

News from the DNC blog - Fri, 07/16/2010 - 09:00

Good morning.

President Barack Obama talks with Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Cecilia Munoz, and Alejandro Perez, in the Blue Room of the White House, prior to his meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, June 29, 2010. Photo by Pete Souza.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Chairman Kaine Celebrates Historic Passage of Wall Street Reform Legislation

News from the DNC blog - Thu, 07/15/2010 - 16:27

Today, Congressional Democrats overcame the final hurdle to Wall Street reform legislation with Senate passage of the conference report on Wall Street reform. In response, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:

“Today, Democrats in Congress overcame the final barrier to implementing historic Wall Street reform, securing a major victory for American families and small businesses who paid a heavy price for risky bets and greed that was all too common on Wall Street. Whether they’re saving for retirement or purchasing a home, Americans will finally be able to get key information they need to make the right financial choices for their families and their futures. Wall Street reform will end 'too big to fail,’ put an end to bailouts, and ensure that big banks safeguard -- and not gamble with -- the futures and fortunes of the American people. Most importantly, Wall Street reform will help prevent future economic disasters and ensure that American taxpayers are never again left holding the bag for excesses in the financial markets.

“We can be proud that Democrats acted to secure essential protections for American consumers and lay the foundations for stable economic growth. Unfortunately, nearly every Republican in Congress voted to oppose Wall Street reform – and some are already calling for its repeal before it’s even gone to the President’s desk for his signature. Once again, we can see that if Republicans were in charge, they would do everything in their power to protect special interests to the detriment of the American people. We cannot allow that to happen. That is why President Obama and Democrats in Congress will continue to work to enact common sense legislation to move the country forward.

“We now have added Wall Street reform to health care, credit card and student loan reform -- all to benefit hard working Americans who want more control over their own lives without suffering from those corporate special interests who have engaged in abusive practices."

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Chairman Kaine on President Obama's Job Creation Efforts

News from the DNC blog - Thu, 07/15/2010 - 15:27

Today, President Obama traveled to Holland, Michigan for the groundbreaking of the new Compact Power plant, the ninth new advanced battery factory to be built as a result of the $2.4 billion in Recovery Act advanced battery and electric vehicle awards. In remarks at the groundbreaking, the President highlighted the importance of such investments in creating jobs for American workers today as well as supporting American competitiveness and jobs into the future.

In places like Holland, Michigan and other communities across the country, Recovery Act-supported projects have opened the door to new possibilities for workers, businesses and entrepreneurs by offering dollar for dollar support of projects that will enhance America’s advanced battery industry and help to make America a leader in the alternative energy industry. Already, those investments are yielding results. In just five years it is estimated that the United States will become an industry leader in the advanced battery field–a large leap considering there were no high-volume United States manufacturing facilities prior to passage of the Recovery Act.

Following the President’s remarks, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement:

“As the President noted today, Recovery Act projects are not only creating or supporting millions of jobs across the country, they are also helping to lay the foundation for a new century of American growth and prosperity. Through the Recovery Act and other efforts, President Obama and Democrats in Congress are working to create new good-paying, 21st century jobs that can sustain American families and communities, as well as striving to bring back the jobs lost in the economic crisis and during the last decade of failed Republican leadership.

“The industrial and manufacturing growth supported by the Recovery Act means new jobs for American workers and more choices for American consumers. Just as important, it is helping to ensure that those jobs and choices continue to exist far into the future. I want to thank President Obama and Democrats in Congress for their leadership on this issue and so many others, and I encourage Republicans to join with them to rebuild our economy for the 21st century.”

Categories: Democratic Blogs

My Prediction

DCCC Blog - Thu, 07/15/2010 - 10:39

Speaker Pelosi just sent this message to DCCC supporters:

Friend --

Here is what will happen in November. Democrats will keep control of the House. Period.

While some Washington pundits are claiming that Republicans have the momentum, I remain more confident in our chances for victory as long as we have our secret weapon -- you.

Next Sunday, July 25th, marks 100 days from the fall elections. I have set a goal of raising $1 Million in grassroots contributions to send a powerful message to the media and to the world that we will keep control of the House and we will continue America's New Direction!

Please stand with me to send an overwhelming message of grassroots strength. If you contribute today, you will receive a special invitation to join me on our National Campaign Kickoff Conference Call.

Your grassroots support has provided our margin of victory in House races since 2006 and continuing through our triumphant special election victories this year.

Ninety percent of your grassroots dollars are sent right back out the door to help our Democratic campaigns (only 10 percent is used for administrative costs). Your dollars help our great Democrats fight back against Republican attacks, place strategic early media buys to get their messages out, and most of all, work to turn out every Democratic voter on Election Day.

Let us take this opportunity to come together for progress.

Thank you,

Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House

P.S. Help us meet our goal before the final 100 days of this election season. Contribute today and receive a special invitation to join me on our National Campaign Kickoff Conference Call.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Morning Open Thread

News from the DNC blog - Thu, 07/15/2010 - 09:00

Good morning.

President Barack Obama and Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., listen during a meeting with a bipartisan group of Senators in the Cabinet Room of the White House, to discuss passing comprehensive energy and climate legislation, June 29, 2010. Photo by Pete Souza.

Categories: Democratic Blogs

'Five things to know about Carly Fiorina'

News from the DNC blog - Wed, 07/14/2010 - 13:14

DNC Communications Director Brad Woodhouse sent the following email to California supporters, highlighting five facts about Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina:

Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina has argued her corporate background shows she has the experience to make important decisions for California -- even though she was fired when she failed to deliver as CEO for Hewlett-Packard. Given the state's tattered economy and 12.5-percent unemployment rate, Californians simply can't afford a far-right candidate with a record of sending jobs overseas.

We've put together five facts to demonstrate that point -- and it's important that every Californian sees them before making their decision this November.

Five facts about Carly Fiorina:

1) Named as one of Conde Nast Portfolio's "20 Worst American CEOs of All Time," she laid off more than 30,000 workers, shipped jobs to China, and was responsible for a 52-percent drop in HP's stock price. Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

2) Endorsed by Sarah Palin, Fiorina is against a woman's right to choose, wants to repeal health care reform, and supports the extremist Arizona immigration law. Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

3) She defended HP's practice of shipping jobs offshore by calling it "right-shoring," and said in a 2004 speech that "there is no job that is America's God-given right anymore." Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

4) She denies that climate change is a serious national issue, referring to it mockingly as "the weather." Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

5) She expects Californians to turn out for her on Election Day, but she hasn't turned out herself: Since 2000, she only voted in just eight out of 23 elections -- skipping the 2000 and 2004 Presidential primaries. Tweet this. Share on Facebook.

We need your help getting the word out. Will you share these facts about Carly Fiorina with five friends?

http://my.democrats.org/FiorinaFacts

Carly Fiorina has been spending millions of her own money to try and obscure her record. By spreading these facts far and wide, you can help make sure Californians know the truth.

Thanks,

Brad

Brad Woodhouse
Communications Director
Democratic National Committee

Categories: Democratic Blogs

Morning Open Thread

News from the DNC blog - Wed, 07/14/2010 - 09:00

Good morning.

Vice President Joe Biden talks with Gen. David Petraeus, before dinner at the General's home at U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Fla., June 29, 2010. Photo by David Lienemann.

Categories: Democratic Blogs