The Stakeholder

VIDEO: Special Message

Chairman Van Hollen sent the following message to DCCC Supporters:

Dear Friend,

Watch the video and share your ideas with us!

Thanks to you, 2008 will forever be known as the year when America's grassroots movement transformed our politics and set our country in a profound New Direction.

As we close out this groundbreaking year, I just wanted to say thank you. It is because of you, that President-elect Obama will soon take the oath of office and 24 more Democrats will soon take their place beside him as the newest Members of Congress.

Just as our victories would not have happened without your incredible support, America's challenges will not be met without your continued grassroots participation. That's why I'm asking for your feedback about the issues that are most important to you and how we can best use this mandate for change that you helped to create.

Watch my special video message about what we accomplished together and then tell me your ideas on how to best bring the change we need.

I cannot possibly thank you enough for all that you accomplished over these past two years. You changed the game on how political campaigns are run and your continued support will usher in dramatic change for America.

Now, let's go help President-elect Obama and our stronger Democratic Congress change America and make history again in 2010.

Thanks again,

Chris Van Hollen

 

Rep. Chris Van Hollen
DCCC Chairman

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VA-05: Recount Maintains Perriello as Victor

Perriello (still) wins:

Virginia election officials ruled Wednesday that Rep.-elect Tom Perriello (D) will keep that title following a recount that did little to change the results of the 5th district race.

Democrats in Congress pulled off an amazing feat this year -- winning more than 20 seats for the second straight election.  This is the first time in history a party has won the Majority in one election and gone on to win a second wave election.

Meet our newly-elected Members >>

Democrats have picked up a net 24 seats this cycle and will hold 257 seats in the 111th Congress.

Read the rest of this story ...

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Dems Take Majority of Congressional Delegations in 33 States

More evidence of the history Democrats made in 2008  -- thanks to unprecedented support from the DCCC's grassroots network:
Before the election, per NBC's Abby Livingston, Democrats held a majority of the congressional delegations in 27 states; they now have majorities in 33 states. The changes: Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, and Virginia went from GOP to Dem; Arizona went from even to Dem; Idaho went from GOP to even; and Kansas went from even to GOP.
(h/t MyDD)

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Paul Begala: Enter to Win a Trip to D.C. during Inauguration Week

Paul Begala sent the following message to DCCC supporters:

Dear Friend,

Enter the Witness History Contest and you could travel to Washington, D.C. for Inauguration Week!

If you’re anything like me, you’ve imagined the scene playing out many times.

President-elect Obama takes the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol. Millions of proud Americans cheer him on. Minutes later, perhaps the best scene of all, George W. Bush boards his one-way flight back to Texas. The only thing missing from the celebration is you.

But my good friends at the DCCC want to remedy that. They’re giving one lucky grassroots supporter the chance of a lifetime to win a trip to Washington, D.C. for this historic inauguration. They’ll provide the flight and the hotel accommodations.

Although they can’t provide tickets to the actual swearing-in (tickets are only available for free to the public through your member of Congress), they’ll make sure you are in Washington D.C. near all of the festivities, and receive an invitation to a special DCCC pre-Inauguration luncheon.

Enter the DCCC’s Witness History Contest. Contribute before December 20th to be automatically entered for a chance to win flight and hotel accommodations to be in Washington, D.C. for the Obama Inauguration.

Our 2008 success could not have happened without you standing with us every step of the way. But in the process of electing at least 24 Obama-Democrats to replace Bush-Republicans in Congress, the DCCC severely depleted their resources.

Since the work ahead in 2009 will make 2008 feel like one long vacation, we need to replenish these resources as quickly as possible. The DCCC has to help these new Democrats get off to fast starts and help President-elect Obama repair the damage that eight long years of Bush incompetence did to America.

Enter the DCCC’s Witness History Contest. Contribute before December 20th to be automatically entered for a chance to win flight and hotel accommodations to be in Washington, D.C. for the Obama Inauguration.

Since you were the ones who helped us make history in 2008, it’s only fitting that you get the chance to travel to D.C. and witness history on January 20, 2009.

Paul Begala

P.S. The DCCC wants to give you the chance of a lifetime to travel to D.C. for President-elect Obama’s inauguration. Enter the DCCC’s Witness History Contest. Contribute to be automatically entered for a chance to win flight and hotel accommodations to be in Washington, D.C. for the Obama Inauguration.

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DCCC Chair Van Hollen’s Statement on Mary Jo Kilroy’s Victory in OH-15

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen released the following statement on Mary Jo Kilroy's victory in Ohio's 15th Congressional District.  Kilroy will succeed retiring Congresswoman Deborah Pryce.  Kilroy's victory marks a historic 24 seat pick up for House Democrats this cycle.

"Congratulations to Congresswoman-elect Mary Jo Kilroy on her hard fought victory in a seat held by Republicans for 42 years.

"Mary Jo has the experience, judgment, and dedication to change that her constituents and all of the American people expect from their leaders in Congress.  She will bring the strong, bipartisan leadership necessary to address the challenges our nation faces.

"I look forward to welcoming Mary Jo Kilroy to our Caucus and working with her and with President-elect Obama to rebuild our economy, create millions of new jobs, and ease the squeeze on America's struggling middle class families."

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Help Win the Last Race of the Year: Call Supporters from Home

The last race of the year -- the hurricane-delayed election in Louisiana's 4th District -- is this Saturday.  The AP calls the race "up-for-grabs" and says it'll be about who can get more of their voters to the polls.

That's where you come in.

Help us win this last race of the year: remind supporters to vote through our virtual phonebank.

It's simple: we'll give you a short list of voters to call and some points to mention as you remind voters about the upcoming election.  These calls will make a huge difference in this neck-and-neck race.

AP:

Analysts said the winner in western Louisiana's 4th District will be the candidate who can boost turnout.

 [...]

 "Winning is going to require identifying voters, mobilizing them and getting them to think about something other than Christmas shopping," Smith said.

Our opponents have pulled out all the stops to hold on to this seat.  They even sent Dick Cheney to the district for a last-minute fundraiser.

Let's send Cheney packing from the White House with one last loss. Let's get out the vote!

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Obama’s Message about Louisiana

DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen sent the following message to DCCC supporters:

Dear Friend,

I wanted to make sure you saw this urgent message from President-elect Obama's team about the critical special election in Louisiana that is taking place this coming Saturday. It is not too late to have an impact. With your urgent support, we will send Paul Carmouche to Congress to help President Obama rebuild our economy.

As President-elect Obama said recently in a radio ad for Paul Carmouche, "Paul will work with me to create jobs and get Louisiana's economy moving. Please support Paul Carmouche."

We're just $50,000 short of our goal for tomorrow's wire to Louisiana. Please contribute before midnight tonight to help win this final House race of 2008.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen
Chairman, DCCC



From: David Plouffe, BarackObama.com
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2008 at 1:52 PM
To: Chris Van Hollen, DCCC
Subject: Louisiana needs your help

Chris --

Paul Carmouche is fighting to bring change to Louisiana and to Washington.

But he can't do it without you.

The special election for Louisiana's 4th Congressional District is coming up on Saturday, December 6th. There's not a lot of time left, but you can still have an important impact on this race.

Will you make a donation of $25 or more to support Paul Carmouche, Louisiana's candidate for change?

Paul Carmouche has been a respected District Attorney in Caddo Parish for 30 years. He's taken thousands of criminals off the streets and earned a reputation as a strong bipartisan leader.

Paul is committed to rebuilding our economy with millions of new jobs, providing tax relief for middle-class families, and making America energy independent.

This movement was built by grassroots supporters like you working together in your own communities.

It's crucial that we seize this opportunity for change here in Louisiana.

Please make a donation of $25 or more right now.

We need leaders like Paul Carmouche in Congress to help us end the failed policies and broken politics of Washington.

Thank you for your support,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America


Contribute

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Millionaire Fleming Forces Subway Employees to Campaign - What Other Ethical Lines Did He Cross?

DCCC Press:

It seems that pouring money from his own pockets into his campaign wasn't enough for millionaire Republican candidate John Fleming (LA-04) - he also decided to unethically force low-paid employees to campaign for him and used corporate footage in his campaign commercials, according to a new article in today's Hill newspaper. The new report brings up serious ethical questions, including if Fleming may have illegally pressured employees to campaign for him either during or outside of work hours, and if Flemings' actions break Subway corporate policy.

Fleming's own Subway employees spoke out today, noting that they were uncomfortable with the pressure to perform campaign activities while working at Fleming's Subway restaurants.  Also, in the Hill article Fleming's "compliance expert" claimed that his campaign pulled an ad that used corporate footage.  Yet at least three ads during Fleming's primary campaign used the illegal footage mentioned in the story.

"Millionaire John Fleming obviously has no concern for the rules or his own employees, as he forces them to do political work and disregards the line between corporations and campaigns," said Kyra Jennings, Southern Regional Press Secretary for the DCCC.  "Millionaire John Fleming's use of his corporate franchise for political purposes certainly brings up significant questions about Fleming's character and what else he may have unethically pressured his employees to do for his political campaign."

Background

  • The Hill reported today that "two former employees of Fleming's Subways complained to The Hill that his workers were required to stuff the restaurant's sandwich bags with literature for Fleming's campaign... employees were unhappy but they were told it was part of their job." [The Hill, 11/24/08]
  • While Fleming's "compliance expert" Paul Kilgore said that "when opponents began raising questions about the ad, his campaign pulled it," [The Hill, 11/24/08] records show that Fleming ran at least three ads with Subway corporate footage in them.  In an earlier interview with the Shreveport Times, Fleming admitted that the footage used in multiple ads was not paid for by his campaign: "The Subway commercials were paid for by my Subway company and the campaign commercials, of course, were paying -- paid for my campaign." [Shreveport Times, 8/17/08] 
  • Under U.S.C.A. § 441b it is against FEC regulations "for any corporation whatever... to make a contribution or expenditure in connection with any election", including the use of corporate TV footage. [FEC.gov]

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VA-05: Virginia board certifies Perriello win

AP:

RICHMOND, Va. - The State Board of Elections has certified challenger Tom Perriello as the winner over Republican Congressman Virgil Goode.

The board on Monday certified Perriello as the winner by 745 votes in the 5th District congressional race. Goode is entitled to a recount if he chooses.

Perriello's apparent victory gives Democrats a 6-5 majority in Virginia's congressional delegation.

The board also certified the rest of the election results, including victories by Democrats Barack Obama for president and Mark Warner for U.S. Senate.

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LA-04: Cheney’s Last Stand

UPDATE: Help us get out the vote for this Saturday's election -- call supporters and remind them to vote using our virtual phonebanking tool >>

Cheney's not done yet:

Dick Cheney

Shreveport Times:

"Vice President Dick Cheney will be guest of honor Friday at a fundraiser for Dr. John Fleming, Republican hopeful for the 4th Congressional District seat [...]"

Why is Cheney spending one of his final days as Vice President with John Fleming and his wealthy friends?  Well it turns out Cheney and Fleming have a lot in common:
  • Both support tax cuts for millionaires like themselves.
  • Both have opposed increases in the minimum wage.

Looks like Cheney wants Fleming to take his place on the way out.  You can help Democrat Paul Carmouche fight back against Cheney, Fleming and their big-dollar buddies in the upcoming run-off election by contributing here.

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SCHIP vote haunts Republican losers

Politico:

When Republicans whipped their House members into line to oppose a major expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program last spring, Democratic Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel, the Illinois lawmaker who will now be Barack Obama's chief of staff, made no bones about it: It would be used against vulnerable Republicans in the election.

Emanuel now has his casualty list, and he'll likely help engineer the SCHIP expansion as the first order of business when the 111th Congress convenes in January.

With your support, we ran several campaigns of radio and TV ads to hold these Republicans accountable. Visit our Children's Health Action Center to see how you helped us defeat these Republican obstructionists.

Read the rest of this story ...

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LA-04: Fleming Caught Lying in New TV Ad

In the upcoming run-off election for Louisiana's 4th district, Republican John Fleming is trying to fool voters into believing he'll protect social security from Wall Street. Unfortunately for him, he's caught on tape saying otherwise.

Just one month ago, Fleming bragged about how mavericky he was for supporting a risky plan to privatize social security:

"...yes, I do think we need to look at private solutions"

Apparently, he thinks everyone forgot. In this new TV ad, Fleming claims he wants to "keep Social Security out of the stock market."

John Fleming's support for social security privatization is bad enough.  Lying about is worse. (h/t Daily Kingfish)

More Information on This Race:
Latest TV Ads and Headlines

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Democrats Make History With Back-to-Back Waves

Barack Obama wasn't the only Democrat to make history.  Democrats in Congress pulled off an amazing feat this year - winning more than 20 seats for the second straight election.  No party has done that in over 50 years.  By winning 23 new seats this cycle, we broke the historical curse that is typical in most elections where after one party wins a wave election, that party then loses seats in the following Congressional election.

In addition, no party has won the Majority and followed it up with another wave of victories since the early 1930s in the years following the Great Depression.  As of now, Democrats have picked up a net 23 seats this cycle with more close races on Republican turf yet to be called.  Check back to The Stakeholder for more on these too close to call races.

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We Made History—Together

DCCC Executive Director Brian Wolff sent the following message to DCCC supporters:

Dear Friend,

Last night, in record-shattering numbers, Americans made history.

Barack Obama is now President-elect Obama. His election as our 44th President and the first African-American to reach the White House has electrified our country with a new sense of possibility.

President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden aren't the only ones who made history. Thanks to you, our new Democratic White House will be backed by a stronger Democratic Majority in Congress.

As of right now, we gained an astounding 22 seats since last cycle, with many other races still too close to call. Your generous contributions, support and dedication made all of this possible - we could not have done this without you. And, your support ensured we have teams in place already in these races to make sure every vote is counted.

Check out the full list of race results.

On behalf of our candidates, I am writing to just say thanks. None of these new Democrats would be coming to Congress if not for you.

You helped our candidates stay on TV in the final days. You helped them respond to every Karl Rove attack and expose every Republican dirty trick. Most of all, you helped them get every voter to the polls and make sure that every vote was counted. By standing with us every step of the way, you were part of the movement that reclaimed America's future. There are still candidates fighting to win and we have teams in place to help them because of your generous support.

As President-elect Obama said last night, "change has come to America."

Thanks again for being along for this amazing ride.

Brian Wolff

Brian Wolff
DCCC Executive Director

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Speaker Pelosi Statement at Democratic Victory Rally

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Pelosi delivered the following statement at a Democratic victory rally on Election Night:

"Tonight the American people have called for a New Direction.  They have called for a change for America. 

"An important part of that change will be bipartisanship, civility, and fiscal responsibility. 

I extend a hand of friendship to Senator John McCain.  I look forward to working with him in a spirit of bipartisanship and civility. 

"For the past two years, I've had the privilege to work side by side with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.  He is a great leader, a great fighter for America's working families, and a great Senator from Nevada.  He brings independence, a pioneering spirit, and Western values to the Senate.  All America thanks Nevada for sending this great leader to the Senate. 

"As you know, we all have a great deal of work to do.  Some we can do right from the start; the rest of it will take awhile.  We must take a very deliberate, steady course for America.  That is exactly what Barack Obama is prepared to do. 

"How fortunate we are in this moment to have the great leadership of Barack Obama.  He has a great judgment and values about the decisions that need to be made.  He has the strategy to get the job done and the ability to unite the American people. 

"The results are not all in tonight, but it looks like we are going to be increasing our majorities in the House and in the United States Senate.  You'll be hearing from Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Senator Chuck Schumer in a moment. 

"But I want to take a moment to talk about Chris Van Hollen.  He has masterfully orchestrated our campaigns for a better America. He understands politics and policy.  And he has helped to attract the next generation of leaders in the House of Representatives.  Thank you, Chris Van Hollen,

"Working together in a bipartisanship spirit, we will rebuild America by creating many new jobs, many green jobs here in America.  We will make sure all of our children have quality education and expand quality and dependable health care for all Americans.  We will end our dependence on foreign oil, and we will responsibly, honorably, and soon bring an end to the war in Iraq. 

"We must continue the work that we have begun, recognizing that there are some short-term solutions amid long-term solutions.  We look forward to working together again to build a better America for our children. 

"Are you ready to work together?  Are you ready for victory?"

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