The Stakeholder
Posted by Greg Berlin
Nov 06, 2009
Zachary Roth of Talking Points Memo reports:
When it's a choice between strengthening the Patriot Act, or showing up for the Tea Party Patriots, what's a GOP lawmaker to do? We'll give you one guess...
Several Republican members of Congress yesterday blew off votes on the signature anti-terror legislation of the post 9/11 era to attend Michele Bachmann's Tea Party rally against health-care reform.
Reps. Steve King of Iowa, Trent Franks of Arizona, Randy Forbes of Virginia, Jim Jordan of Ohio, and Louie Gohmert and Ted Poe of Texas all took time out yesterday for the "Super Bowl of Freedom," as Bachmann has called it. And all missed votes in the House Judiciary committee on Republican-sponsored amendments to the reauthorization of the Patriot Act -- measures that would have toughened the Act, but narrowly failed. Those votes took place, a committee staffer confirmed, between noon and two -- the very time when Republican lawmakers were rallying the Tea Party troops on the Capitol steps.
Read more.
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Posted by Brandon English
Nov 05, 2009
THIS is the
type of extreme right wing Republicans that Republican leaders rushed to
rally today.
"Woah" [POLITICO]:
There has been plenty of hyperbolic rhetoric on both sides of the health care
debate, but this sign at today's GOP protest blows right past hyperbole and head
first into incendiary. The sign reads "National Socialist Health Care Dachau,
Germany - 1945" and shows a large pile of naked, dead bodies.
It's one
thing to argue that reform will hurt Americans' health care, it's a whole other
to suggest that reform will lead to systemic, mass genocide on par with one of
the greatest atrocities in human history.
(Photo: ThinkProgress)
Among the leaders that addressed the crowd were: Republican Leader
John Boehner, Republican Whip Eric Cantor, Republican Conference Chair Mike
Pence, and Republican Representative Michele Bachmann.
THIS is the type of extreme right wing
Republicans that RNC Chairman Michael Steele says they "will come after"
moderates for.
Jennifer Crider,
DCCC spokesperson said: "This is exactly the kind of outrageous extreme right
wing hatred that House Republican leaders should condemn, not encourage and
rally. What the heck is wrong with John Boehner, Eric Cantor, and their
Republican colleagues that this is the extreme right wing face that put on the
Republican Party? It's no wonder the number of people who identify themselves
as Republicans is an anemic 20 percent."
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Posted by DCCC Press
Nov 05, 2009
In the
competition for the truth, Michele Bachmann is
0-5
In honor of Representative Michele Bachmann's "Super
Bowl of Freedom," the DCCC wants to
bring your attention to BachmannWatch.com to expose the Congresswoman's extreme rhetoric and false
claims on the serious matter of
health insurance reform.
"Michele Bachmann may be hosting her
extreme right-wing rally but when it comes to telling the truth, she is on the
losing team," said Gabby Adler, the
Midwestern Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign
Committee. "Whether trying to scare people with outrageous claims or mislead
with outright lies on an issue as important as health insurance reform, Michele
Bachmann simply can't be trusted."
Michele Bachmann will say anything to gain support for
her extreme agenda, even if it means lying and twisting the truth. The website,
www.BachmannWatch.com, features
"Michele Bachmann vs. the Truth" where Bachmann's lies and misstatements on
health insurance reform
are rounded up and exposed.
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Posted by DCCC Press
Nov 04, 2009
Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy
Pelosi issued the following statement on Congressman-elect Bill Owens' victory
in the Special Election in New York's 23rd Congressional District,
and Congressman-elect John Garamendi's victory in the Special Election in
California's 10th Congressional District:
"Congratulations to
Congressmen-elect Bill Owens and John Garamendi on winning great victories
tonight.
"Their elections are tributes
to their running strong campaigns and to the hard work and strategic thinking of
the outstanding Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee,
Chris Van Hollen.
"Bill Owens is a great American
success story. A veteran who served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air
Force, following the closure of his old Air Force base in Plattsburgh, NY, he led the effort to redevelop it,
bringing jobs and opportunity to his community.
"John Garamendi has had a long
and distinguished career in public service, most recently as lieutenant governor
of California,
where he has been a powerful advocate for families and hard-working
Californians, improving higher education, health care, and the
environment.
"In Congress, Bill Owens and John Garamendi will be
champions for the middle class, strong advocates for our troops and veterans,
and committed fighters for building a clean energy future.
"I
look forward to welcoming Congressmen-elect Owens and Garamendi to the Congress
this week and working with them and my colleagues to reform health insurance and
continue America's economic
recovery."
* * *
New York's
23rd Congressional District was left vacant when former Congressman
John McHugh resigned his seat after being confirmed as Secretary of the Army for
President Obama. California's 10th Congressional
District became vacant when former Congresswoman Ellen Tauscher resigned her
seat after being confirmed as the State Department's Undersecretary for Arms
Control and International Security Affairs.
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Posted by DCCC Press
Nov 04, 2009
DCCC
Chairman Chris Van Hollen released
the following statement, congratulating Congressman-elect John Garamendi, who
won the special election in California's 10th Congressional
District:
"Congratulations to Congressman-elect John Garamendi on
his victory today.
"With his commitment to strengthening public education,
protecting Social Security and Medicare, defending the environment, and
providing economic opportunities for middle class Californians, John Garamendi
will be a great asset to our Democratic Caucus.
"I look forward to welcoming Congressman-elect John
Garamendi to Congress and working with him to help President Obama achieve
comprehensive health insurance reform and keep America
on the path towards economic recovery."
California's
10th Congressional District was left vacant when former Congresswoman
Ellen Tauscher resigned her seat after being confirmed as Undersecretary of
State for Arms Control and International Security.
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Posted by DCCC Press
Nov 04, 2009
DCCC Chairman Chris
Van Hollen released the following statement on
Congressman-elect Bill Owens' victory in the Special Election in
NY-23:
"Congratulations to Congressman-elect Bill
Owens on his remarkable victory. Voters in New York's 23rd District responded
to Bill Owens' message and track record of creating jobs and attracting economic
development to Upstate New York.
"This election represents a double-blow
for National Republicans and their hopes of translating this summer's ‘tea
party' energy into victories at the ballot box. Not only did eight extreme
right-wing groups spend more than $1 million to drive the moderate Republican -
and the NRCC's chosen candidate - out of the race. Now, after losing a seat that
was held by Republicans for nearly 120 years, they have to deal with an
emboldened and well-funded far right-wing that refuses to tolerate moderate
Republicans with differing opinions.
"I am grateful to President
Obama, Vice President Biden, House Democratic Leaders, Senators Schumer and
Gillibrand, Congressman Steve Israel and the entire New York Congressional
Delegation for their tireless work on behalf of and support of Bill Owens.
"With his commitment to reaching across
the aisle to help President Obama enact his agenda for creating jobs and getting
our economy moving again, Congressman-elect Bill Owens will be a tremendous
asset to our Democratic Caucus."
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Posted by Greg Berlin
Nov 03, 2009
Speaker Pelosi just sent this urgent message to DCCC supporters:
Dear Friend,
Midnight tonight marks a critical milestone for President Obama and an equally vital test of the strength of our Democratic agenda for moving America forward.
One year ago, President Obama was elected as our 44th Commander in Chief.
The media will use the amount of money that we have in the bank tonight one year later as an indication of how strongly grassroots Democrats support the President's agenda, including health care reform.
We must not stand idly by; it's time to stand united before our deadline tonight.
Please help us exceed our grassroots goal of $500,000 before Midnight tonight. If you generously contribute before Midnight Tonight, a group of Democrats will match every dollar you give with two dollars of their own.
We have never needed your help more.
As I write to you, a special election in upstate New York will be a preview of what we will see in November with a well-funded, extreme conservative candidate being pioneered by special interest friends spending more than a million dollars in the race.
Congress is also preparing to vote soon on health insurance reform legislation, which includes a public option to make health care affordable for the middle class and hold insurance companies accountable. Your support tonight will show our united dedication and widespread support for health insurance reform.
Contribute $5, $10 or more before MIDNIGHT TONIGHT and your gift will be triple matched 2-to-1.
Sincerely,
Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
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Posted by Brandon English
Nov 02, 2009
From Media Matters:
Limbaugh: We can say Scozzafava is "guilty of widespread
bestiality; she has screwed every RINO in the
country"
LIMBAUGH:
Scozzafava has screwed every RINO in the coun -- we can say that she's guilty of
widespread bestiality. She has screwed every RINO in the country. Everyone can
see just see how phony and dangerous they are ... The American people have had
enough.
Jennifer Crider, DCCC spokesperson, released the following statement:
"With his latest hate-filled rant Rush Limbaugh - the
self-appointed leader of the Republican Party's extreme right wing - shows that
the Republicans' tent only covers the likes of himself, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin,
and his latest recruit Doug Hoffman. This is exactly the kind of extreme right
wing rhetoric that is driving people out of the Republican Party. Republicans
should finally stand up to these right wing zealots and say 'enough is enough.'"
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Posted by DCCC Press
Nov 02, 2009
Today on the House floor, Representative Virginia Foxx claimed that Americans have "more to fear from the potential" of a health insurance reform bill passing "than we do from any terrorist right now in any country."
"Representative Foxx believes that reducing health care costs for consumers is a greater danger to Americans than terrorists?," Jesse Ferguson, Southern Regional Press Secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said. "It is outrageous that a representative of our nation that was hit by terrorists would have the gall to claim that Americans reducing their health care costs is a greater threat. The question is: Does Virginia Foxx's leadership agree with this Republican extreme right wing ideology?"
Background:
"Rep. Foxx: Health care reform is a bigger threat than ‘any terrorist right now in any country.'" [Think Progress, 11/02/09]
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Posted by Greg Berlin
Nov 02, 2009
Patrick Kennedy just sent this message to DCCC supporters:
Friend --
"I got mine, you get yours" seems to be the creed by which today's Republican Party operates. And, it is this Republican Party that has opposed every initiative, every policy and every program President Obama has proposed since assuming office in January.
Your immediate support is urgently needed today because we are rapidly approaching our one-year-out fundraising deadline tomorrow.
And to stay competitive with the Republican fundraising machine, Democrats must raise just $89,353 more before midnight Tuesday.
Furthermore, the DCCC's totals during this one-year-out fundraising period will be viewed by media pundits, political analysts and our Republican opponents as an indicator of the strength of grassroots support for Democrats in Congress, President Obama and our agenda for change.
Contribute $5, $10 or more before our deadline MIDNIGHT TOMORROW and your gift will be matched 2-to-1.
From day one, Democrats acted boldly and forcefully to restore confidence in our economy and protect the interests of all Americans, especially the most vulnerable.
We fought for and won an extension of health care benefits for children. We enacted legislation to close the wage gap for women. We passed the historic American Clean Energy and Security Act. We protected hard working middle class families by reforming the credit card business. And, we worked with President Obama to stimulate the economy, create new jobs, address the credit crisis, and protect families from foreclosure. We've done all this and more almost solely on the strength of our Democratic Majority.
And, we still have much work to do in the fight for meaningful health insurance reform. But, thanks to the support and commitment of Democrats like you, I am confident America will emerge from this challenging time stronger and more united than ever before.
Contribute $5, $10 or more before our deadline MIDNIGHT TOMORROW and your gift will be matched 2-to-1.
We cannot win the 2010 election today, but we can lose it if we fail to maintain our fundraising strength against Republicans. And not only are we fighting a tidal wave of special interest money. We're up against history as well. On average, the party in the White House loses 30 seats in the midterm election.
But, I know that I can count on your continuing support. Please stand with President Obama and other progressive Democrats by rushing a generous contribution to the DCCC today.
Thank you,
Rep. Patrick Kennedy
P.S. I believe there's no quit in America. Please join me and support President Obama and Congressional Democrats with a generous contribution before MIDNIGHT TOMORROW. Your gift will be matched 2-to-1 and help the DCCC exceed their $500,000 fundraising goal.
Discuss | Permalink
Posted by Brandon English
Nov 01, 2009
DCCC Executive Director Jon Vogel sent the following Rapid Response Alert to DCCC supporters:
Friend--
Late yesterday news broke that the moderate Republican
Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, candidate in the hard-fought special election in
New York's 23rd Congressional district, had been driven out and the Republican
party was throwing their weight behind the Palin/Limbaugh/Glen Beck endorsed
radical tea party candidate instead.
Today, the moderate Republican
threw her support behind our proud Democratic candidate Bill Owens.
It has never been clearer that the Republican Party has been
hijacked by extreme right wing ideologues with a radical agenda that would
effectively dismantle Social Security and Medicare, and are out of step with a
vast majority of Americans.
Eight extreme right wing groups spent
more than $1 million on this campaign including the Minute Men, Club for Growth
and the Family Research Council.
This means your work and your continued
support and dedication have never been more critical as we face our one-year-out
reporting deadline and this election on Tuesday.
We are up against a
well-funded extremist GOP who will stop at nothing to win and whose agenda could
quite literally take us backwards to the days of Bush-Cheney.
But,
you and I can't let that happen. I will continue to keep you posted on news of
this race continues and thank you again for standing with us. We will need you
now more than ever.
Thanks,
Jon Vogel
DCCC Executive Director
Discuss | Permalink
Posted by DCCC Press
Oct 31, 2009
TO: Interested
Parties
FROM: DCCC
Communications
DATE: October 31,
2009
RE: What Does
the NY-23 GOP Civil War Mean for House Republicans?
The news that the NRCC's
candidate, moderate Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, was driven out
of the NY-23 Special Election to replace former Republican Congressman John
McHugh raises questions
about the lessons the Republican Party may learn.
DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen
said:
Today's developments in
NY-23 should send a chilling message to the few remaining moderate
Republicans. The extreme right wing of
the Republican Party is in control and will not tolerate differing
opinions.
National Republicans hoped
to harness the energy of the tea party movement and translate it into financial
support and voter turnout for their endorsed candidate. Instead, the Republican Party has been
hijacked by extreme right wing ideologues with a radical agenda that would
effectively dismantle Social Security and Medicare, and are out of step with a
vast majority of Americans.
Eight (8) extreme right wing
groups spent more than $1 million to defeat the moderate Republican - and NRCC's
chosen candidate. Those groups include:
Club for Growth, Common Sense in America, Susan B. Anthony, Life and Liberty, Eagle Forum,
Minute Men PAC, National Organization for Marriage, and the Family Research
Council. In the wake of NY-23, House
Republicans now have to contend with an emboldened and well-funded far right
focused on ideological purity.
Additionally, the NRCC and House
Republican leadership made a series of serious miscalculations that played out
during the NY-23 campaign.
- Republican
leaders didn't understand the extreme right wing ideologues of their party.
They thought that the tea party activist
energy of this summer would easily translate into campaign dollars and votes for
the establishment candidate. The NY-23 campaign shows that this is not
true.
- The
Republican Conference is not united. The NRCC could not even lock in the
endorsements of House Republican leaders.
- NRCC
mishandled the race from day one. The NRCC spent nearly $1 million (which is
about a quarter of their current cash on hand) on a race despite not
understanding the district or how the NY State party line ballot worked. They actively criticized the Conservative
Party candidate and failed to lock in the endorsements of party
leaders.
A year ago former NRCC Chairman
Tom Davis said, "If the Republican brand were dog food, they would take it off
the shelf." The Republican brand has
only worsened since then.
The ABC News/Washington Post
poll, released last week, found that only 20 percent of those polled identified
themselves as Republicans. According to
Chris Cillizza, this is "the lowest that number has been in Post polling since
1983." In the NBC-Wall Street Journal
poll, released this week, just 25 percent have a positive opinion of the
Republican Party, which ties the Republican's low in the survey and which is a worse score than it ever had during
the Bush presidency.
The bottom line:
If Republican leaders learn the
wrong lessons from NY-23, and they likely will, independent and moderate
Republican voters will view Republicans as a party of far right ideologues. The few remaining moderate Republican Members
and candidates will hear that moderates are not welcome in the Republican Party
and differing opinions will not be tolerated.
Elections are about choices and
the Republicans have yet to offer Americans, especially independents, a reason
to choose them. In the long term, moving farther to the right will not offer an
alternative that is acceptable to most Americans.
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Posted by DCCC Press
Oct 30, 2009
It's been more than four months since the
House Republican leadership broke their promise to release a health reform
alternative, and they have yet to offer a meaningful
alternative. Acknowledging the fact that House Republicans have no actual
solutions, in what can only be described as a Halloween trick, today the
Republican Party of ‘No Health Reform' circulated a memo on how to kill health
insurance reform without "making the Republican Party look bad."
Background
- On Oct
30: Politico reports, "GOP strategist Frank Luntz briefed Republican lawmakers
this week 'on his new plan for undermining Democrats' health-reform without
making the GOP look bad.'" [Politico, 10/30/2009]
- On Oct
27: The Hill reported, "Some House Republicans are growing frustrated that their
leaders have not yet introduced a healthcare reform alternative. For months, the
message from House GOP leaders on a healthcare bill has been similar to ads for
yet-to-be-released movies: Coming soon." [The Hill, 10/27/2009]
- On July
23: House Minority Leader John Boehner said there is a Republican health care
bill but refused to say whether it will ever be released. [The Washington Post's
Plum Line, 7/23/09]
- On June
17: Congressman Roy Blunt, the man charged by Minority Leader Boehner with
coming up with the Republicans' alternative health care bill, stated, "I
guarantee you we will provide you with a bill." - Congressman Roy Blunt, the man
charged by Minority Leader Boehner with the Republicans' alternative health
reform bill [Politico, 6/17/09]
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Posted by DCCC Press
Oct 30, 2009
Opposes commonsense measures to
protect against sexual assault onboard
In a galling move, Representative John Shadegg last week
voted against a commonsense effort to increase personal safety measures aboard
cruise ships - a bill pressed by Shadegg's own constituent, Ken Carver of
Phoenix, whose
daughter mysteriously disappeared from an Alaskan cruise in
2004.
"In the face of reports of sexual abuse onboard cruise
ships, it's simply inexplicable that Congressman Shadegg would vote against
commonsense protections even endorsed by the industry - and against his own
constituent who pushed for the safeguards," said Andy Stone, Western Regional
Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "By
opposing simple measures such as latches and peep holes for cabin doors and
video surveillance to increase personal safety onboard and a requirement to
report incidents of sexual abuse, Congressman Shadegg proved his Party of No
bona fides."
Read the rest of this story ...
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