The Stakeholder

Cook Report Upgrades 27 Democratic Races

Today's Update from the Cook Political Report:

Ratings Changes in Nearly 30 Districts

House Editor David Wasserman releases the latest batch of race rating changes. While it's not likely that a majority of the races moved from "Solid" to "Likely" Republican will become competitive by November, the poor national climate for the GOP and the DCCC's unprecedented financial edge makes even very difficult districts for Democrats worth keeping tabs on. And be sure to look for district-by-district updates in this month's competitive race rundowns.

AL-03    Mike Rogers    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
CA-46    Dana Rohrabacher    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
FL-08    Ric Keller    Likely Republican to Lean Republican
FL-09    Gus Bilirakis    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
FL-18    Ileana Ros-Lehtinen    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
FL-21    Lincoln Diaz-Balart    Likely Republican to Lean Republican
ID-01    Bill Sali    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
IN-03    Mark Souder    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
IA-04    Tom Latham    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
KY-02    OPEN (Lewis)    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
MN-02    John Kline    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
NE-02    Lee Terry    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
NV-02    Dean Heller    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
NJ-05    Scott Garrett    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
NY-13    OPEN (Fossella)    Toss Up to Lean Democratic
NY-25    OPEN (Walsh)    Toss Up to Lean Democratic
NC-10    Patrick McHenry    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
OH-07    OPEN (Hobson)    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
PA-03    Phil English    Likely Republican to Lean Republican
PA-05    OPEN (Peterson)    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
PA-11    Paul Kanjorksi    Likely Democratic to Lean Democratic
PA-15    Charlie Dent    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
TX-07    John Culberson    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
TX-10    Michael McCaul    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
VA-05    Virgil Goode    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
VA-10    Frank Wolf    Solid Republican to Likely Republican
WV-02    Shelley Moore Capito    Likely Republican to Lean Republican
WY-AL    OPEN (Cubin)    Solid Republican to Likely Republican

2 comments | Permalink

Begala: “Cry Babies”

Paul Begala sent the following message to DCCC supporters.

Dear Friend,

Bush Phone Call: Thanks For Supporting the Grand Oil Party
Apparently, it didn't take long for the "Grand Oil Party" to come unglued. After I called their fat-cat funders a bunch of dirtbags in my email to you on Sunday, they started squealing like a pig stuck under a gate.

House Republicans are crying so hard over my "dirtbag" comment, you'd think they just found out they were forced to spend the Fourth of July quail-hunting with Dick Cheney.

So I want to take a minute to do something I don't do often enough: apologize. I am very sorry for calling those fat-cat plutocrat Republicans "dirtbags." Doing so was grossly unfair. To bags of dirt. After all, dirt is good. Things grow from the dirt. I myself raise tomatoes and corn and pumpkins, jalapenos and cucumbers and lettuce - all from the good earth.

No, it was too kind, too generous to call them dirtbags. Probably better to call them oilbags or toxic-waste-bags or chemical-pollutant-bags. So I'm sorry.

Still, even though I used such a comparatively flattering term, the Republican whine machine was in full whimper. Yesterday, before their alligator tears even dried from crying about me calling them out, they mobilized their favorite shadowy attack squad, the Karl Rove-backed Freedom's Watch.

They are launching vicious attack ads against 16 Democrats starting today.  We can't thank you enough for generously standing with us before and we wouldn't ask if it weren't so critical we fight back - but we need your help again.

Contribute $35, $50, or more to our EXTENDED DEADLINE Matching Campaign before July 4th to fight back against the Rove-Freedom's Watch attacks - Democrats will still MATCH and TRIPLE your gift.

Of course the Republican hypocrites are launching their attacks today. Between my comment about their 'dirtbag' funders and my good friends at the DCCC hiring a 'W' impersonator to record radio ads that exposed their friends' support for Big Oil in Congress, we've clearly gotten under their skin. As we say back home in Texas, "a hit dog barks."

They don't know how to handle a Democratic Party that is ready, willing, and able to hit back when the right-wing slime machine kicks into gear. This is exactly how we're going to win this year - but we need your help to keep it up.

Contribute $35, $50, or more to our EXTENDED DEADLINE Matching Campaign before July 4th to fight back against the Rove-Freedom's Watch attacks - Democrats will still MATCH and TRIPLE your gift.

The days of Democrats quietly enduring Republican smears are over - as are the days of Republicans living by a double standard. The Bush Republicans questioned the courage of a war hero like former Senator Max Cleland. They besmirched the war heroism of John Kerry. They spend years smearing Bill Clinton, savaging Hillary Rodham Clinton, and viciously attacking Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Harry Reid. Now they're attacking Barack and Michelle Obama. But the second I call their fat-cat funders "dirtbags," they turn into a bunch of blubbering cry babies.

This year, let's dry the crybabies' tears and celebrate Independence Day by giving Barack Obama the bigger, stronger Democratic Majority he'll need to declare our independence once and for all from the failed Bush-Cheney-Grand Oil Party policies for America.

Contribute $35, $50, or more to our EXTENDED DEADLINE Matching Campaign before July 4th to fight back against the Rove-Freedom's Watch attacks - Democrats will still MATCH and TRIPLE your gift.

Sincerely,

Paul Begala
Paul Begala

P.S. Let's show the "Grand Oil Party" that their fat-cats are no match for tens of thousands of grassroots supporters. Help us raise $8 million before July 4th to Fight the Rove-Freedom's Watch attacks that are starting today - Democrats have EXTENDED THE DEADLINE and will still Match and Triple your gift.

8 comments | Permalink

Republicans’ New Favorite Urban Legend

It's not just Sam Graves.

The Myth That Keeps Giving [Wash Post's Capitol Briefing]:

Amid the heated debate over whether to open more U .S. territory for energy exploration, a handful of congressional Republicans continue to repeat a "fact" that was disproven weeks ago -- that China is drilling for oil just off the coast of Florida.

The urban legend has been touted by at least 10 congressional Republicans including Republican Leader John Boehner, Republican Whip Roy Blunt, Michele Bachmann, Virgil Goode, Sam Graves, Mark Kirk, Marilyn Musgrave, George Radanovich, Jean Schmidt, and Tim Walberg.  Congressional challengers Brian Davis (MN-01), John Gard (WI-08), Melissa Hart (PA-04), Kieran Michael Lalor (NY-19), and Luke Puckett (IN-02) have also made the same false claim.

Not surprisingly, these Republicans have taken their cue on this urban legend from none other than Dick Cheney:

The idea that such drilling was occurring gained big media attention when Vice President Cheney said in a speech to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that "oil is being drilled right now 60 miles off the coast of Florida. But we're not doing it, the Chinese are, in cooperation with the Cuban government. Even the communists have figured out that a good answer to high prices is more supply."

Cheney cited as a source a June 5 column by George F. Will, and several other Republicans had repeated the charge by the time Cheney said it. But Will has since corrected his original assertion, saying: "While Cuba has partnered with Chinese companies to drill in the Florida Straits, no Chinese company has been involved in Cuba's oil exploration that close to the United States." Cheney's office has also acknowledged it wasn't true.

But the idea that communist China and Cuba have teamed up to drill oil just off Florida while the U.S. sits out the game has proven to be just too juicy not to repeat.

1 comments | Permalink

MO-06: China’s drilling for oil near Cuba… not

Today's Kansas City Star editorial takes on Rep. Sam Graves and other congressional Republicans spreading this "urban legend":

Wednesday's editorial: China's drilling for oil near Cuba ... not
The Kansas City Star
July 2, 2008

It's an urban legend that's easy to believe for some Americans.

In early June, Vice President Dick Cheney told the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that China was pumping oil from the Gulf of Mexico.

"...George Will pointed out in his column the other day that oil is being drilled right now 60 miles off the coast of Florida," Cheney said. "But we're not doing it, the Chinese are, in cooperation with the Cuban government. Even the communists have figured out that a good answer to high prices is more supply."

Similar assertions have been made by other elected officials who, like Cheney, support more offshore drilling. They include U.S. representatives Sam Graves and Roy Blunt of Missouri, George Radanovich of California, and John Boehner of Ohio. All are Republicans.

Here's the problem with their claims: China is not drilling for oil off Cuba, according to independent energy experts. Cheney's office has since acknowledged this.

U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez, a Florida Republican, recently refuted Cheney and other drilling proponents.

"China is not drilling off the coast of Cuba," Martinez said on the Senate floor. "So any talk of using some fabricated China/Cuba connection as an argument to change U.S. policy, in my view, has no merit."

Although Cheney's office eventually acknowledged that he had erred, others have continued to repeat the incorrect claim.

This flap has undermined the credibility of those who are calling for additional offshore drilling by the U.S. That's no panacea for the nation's energy problems anyway. Better solutions include conservation, more fuel-efficient vehicles, and increased research into hydrogen- and electric-powered vehicles.

Urban legends won't help build a more secure energy future for America.

0 comments | Permalink

VA-02: The More Thelma Drake Fills Up From Big Oil, the More Virginians Pay at the Pump

DCCC Press:

As gas prices continue to break records this year, Representative Thelma Drake (VA-02) has watched her campaign cash from Big Oil steadily grow, as can be seen in a chart released today by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Thelma Drake Gets More From the Oil and Gas Industry, The More You Pay at the Pump

"Thelma Drake's connection to Big Oil is clear - as she gets more money for her campaign from her Big Oil friends, Virginians pay more at the pump," said Kyra Jennings, Southern Regional Press Secretary for the DCCC.  "Thelma Drake is beholden to President Bush and Big Oil, continuing to vote for billions of dollars in subsidies for oil companies.  The people of Virginia's 2nd District deserve an independent leader like Glenn Nye who will work to lower gas prices and end the Big Oil connection in Congress."

The DCCC is running radio ads in Drake's district this week highlighting her votes for George Bush and Big Oil, read by a Bush impersonator.  The ad can be heard at www.dccc.org/independence.

0 comments | Permalink

Republican Crybabies

From today's The Hill newspaper:

Begala calls Republican donors 'dirtbags'

Republicans are saying Democratic strategist Paul Begala went "over the line" when, in a fundraising appeal, he called the attendees of a GOP fundraiser "dirtbags."

Begala, who worked for Bill Clinton in the White House, discussed the annual Republican President's Dinner in an e-mail to supporters that seeks to raise funds for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).

 "You should have seen the joint: wall to wall fat-cats. The limos were lined up around the block. If you'd stood in the middle of the ballroom and yelled, ‘Hey dirtbag!' a thousand necks would have snapped around," Begala wrote.

The strategist also referred to the GOP as the "Grand Oil Party."

Republicans cried foul over the e-mail, saying it was "over the line," and hit back at Begala and the Democrats.

"You would think that, after years of loyally serving Bill Clinton, that Paul Begala would be able to identify a real dirtbag when he saw one," said National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesman Ken Spain. The group co-sponsored the dinner with its Senate counterpart.

"One day Democrats are bashing special interest money on the campaign trail in the name of ‘change' and the next day they are lining their pockets with it," Spain added. "No wonder they have resorted to using old-style Clintonian political attacks to drive this hypocritical message." When contacted by The Hill, Begala did not mince words in defense of his rhetoric, calling the GOP "wimpy, whiny wussies."

"The Bush Republicans questioned the courage of a hero like Max Cleland. They besmirched the war heroism of John Kerry. They smeared Bill Clinton, savaged Hillary, attacked Sen. Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid and Howard Dean," he said. "But when I call their fat-cat funders 'dirtbags,' they cry like babies. They are wimpy, whiny wussies."

He added, "They are going to take their beating and like it, because this Democrat believes in fighting back."

Doug Thornell, a spokesman for the DCCC, said, "It is understandable that House Republicans would be embarrassed about their lavish celebration of George Bush's record of high gas prices and their coziness to Big Oil special interests, but facts are facts. Clearly, the truth hurts."

0 comments | Permalink

Jon Powers (NY-26) Named to DCCC’s Red to Blue Program for Open Seats

DCCC Press:

The DCCC announced today that Jon Powers (NY-26) will immediately be added to the Red to Blue program for open seats. Democratic congressional candidates running in open seats earned a spot in the competitive program by establishing significant local support, surpassing demanding fundraising goals and by skillfully showing voters that they stand for change and will represent new priorities.  Powers is one of only 18 candidates in the Red to Blue program for open seats.

"Jon Powers has assembled a strong and dynamic campaign with strong grassroots support, local labor leaders, and all seven Democratic committees," said Chairman Chris Van Hollen.  "Jon Powers will bring the leadership skills he used in Iraq to the issues facing western New York - bringing good paying jobs to the district and fighting to reduce gas prices for middle class families.  The Red to Blue Program will give Jon the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive."

The Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, and strategic support.  The program introduces Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns. 

Red to Blue was a proven success in the 2006 cycle. In 2006, the Red to Blue program raised nearly $22.6 million for 56 campaigns averaging $404,000 per campaign.  Red to Blue was also responsible for solidifying the structure of dozens of campaigns and making a real difference for Democrats across America.

1 comments | Permalink

DCCC Launches Independence Day Radio Ad Campaign

Chairman Chris Van Hollen announced today that the DCCC is launching the "Independence from Big Oil" campaign and will run radio ads against 13 House Republicans who stand with George Bush and Big Oil while America's middle class families are being squeezed by the highest gas prices in history.  The radio ads were recorded by a comedian impersonating President Bush.

"We will be going district-by-district to hold House Republicans accountable for helping President Bush give tax breaks to profitable Big Oil companies and doing nothing to help hardworking middle class Americans who are paying more than $4.00 per gallon at the pump," said Chairman Chris Van Hollen.  "This Independence Day, the American people deserve to be liberated from the Big Oil policies of President Bush and the rubber stamp House Republicans."

Van Hollen highlighted that the radio ads were recorded by a Bush impersonator, "President Bush's Big Oil energy policies delivered high gas prices to the American people, so who better to deliver our message than someone who sounds just like him? 

In addition to the "Independence from Big Oil" radio ads, the DCCC will be doing web videos and e-mails in targeted districts.  The radio ads will begin airing during drive time the week of June 30th. The initial ad buy is for one week. The ads will run in the following 13 districts:

  • Brian Bilbray (CA-50)
  • Charlie Dent (PA-15)
  • Thelma Drake (VA-02)
  • Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02)
  • Steve Chabot (OH-01)
  • Phil English (PA-03)
  • Scott Garrett (NJ-05)
  • Jim Gerlach (PA-06)
  • Virgil Goode (VA-05)
  • Robin Hayes (NC-08)
  • Patrick McHenry (NC-10)
  • Peter Roskam (IL-06)
  • Jean Schmidt (OH-02)  

"Phone Call" - 60 seconds

(Sound of phone ringing.  After rings, ANSWERING MACHINE picks up): 

"Hi. You've reached the office of Congressman Patrick McHenry.  Please leave a message at the sound of the beep and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

("PRESIDENT BUSH" leaves message):

"Pattie... W" here. 

"Wanted to thank you for continuing to support the Big Oil Energy Agenda. 

"‘Preciate you voting to keep giving billions in tax breaks to the big oil companies. 

"Sure, gasoline is over four bucks a gallon and the oil companies are making record profits, but what's good for Big Oil is good for America, right?

"I guess that's why they call us the Grand OIL Party.  Heh, heh, heh.

"Seriously, Patrick, I know I can always count on you.

"Gotta go. Bye now.

(Sound of the phone hanging up. A new announcer speaks.)

 

ANNOUNCER:

"Call Patrick McHenry at 828-327-6100 and tell him to stop rewarding the oil companies and start standing up for hard working Americans. 

"The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising. Paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, DCCC.org. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee."

0 comments | Permalink

Begala: “Whopping”

Dear Friend,

24 Hours to Go

Contribute Now

If there's one thing the Republican Party can still do well, it's collect big fat checks from big fat special interests, who are desperate to help John McCain live out George Bush and Dick Cheney's dreams for a third term.

Last week, our Republican counterparts held their annual posh fundraising dinner and raised a whopping $8 million in one night to fund their smear-and-fear attacks.

You should have seen the joint: wall to wall fat-cats. The limos were lined up around the block. If you'd stood in the middle of the ballroom and yelled, "Hey dirtbag!" a thousand necks would have snapped around.  

With the "Grand Oil Party" working double-time to get their checks in before the critical June 30th FEC deadline, we must respond in kind. House Democrats are so committed to helping my friends at the  Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee reach its $5 million dollar grassroots goal before June 30th- that they are MATCHING all gifts 2-to-1.   

Contribute $35, $50 or more to the DCCC's United for Change Matching Fund before June 30th and your gift will be MATCHED and TRIPLED.

Their big fundraising dinner with President Bush was actually billed as a 'celebration' of the Bush record...seriously, now. Mr. Bush looked out at the assembled special interests and declared, "We need to put the Senate and the House back where they belong, in Republican hands."

Can you believe the arrogance, the elitism, the sense of entitlement behind that statement? The People's House "belongs" in Republican hands?

Look at the results of Bush Republicanism, and ask yourself if that's the direction in which you want our country to go: they celebrate the Bush record of gas prices over 4 bucks per gallon, five straight months of job losses in America, and a no-end-in-sight war in Iraq. And yet that celebration, their fundraising dinner, is still serious business. It's going to give them the much needed resources to create as many swiftboat-like ads as they can.

Worse yet, we just learned that none-other-than Karl Rove is now working for their favorite shadow attack machine, the Orwellian-named Freedom's Watch. Karl Rove, Freedom's Watch, and tens of millions of dollars is never a good combination. We have to be prepared with the financial resources to help our candidates fight back every step of the way.

Contribute $35, $50 or more to the DCCC's United for Change Matching Fund before June 30th and your gift will be MATCHED and TRIPLED.

Your help before June 30th is critical for buying airtime to counteract all those Karl Rove slash-and-burn ads that are being made right now.

You, Barack Obama, and more change-minded Democrats in Congress- that's the winning combination for change in America. Help us today before the deadline- it's the difference between winning and losing in November.

Sincerely,


Paul Begala
 
P.S. Barack Obama is ready to turn the page from the Bush-Cheney years of disaster. But he can't do it alone. We need to make sure that Speaker's gavel stays in Nancy Pelosi's hand, and that hand is strengthened by a sizable Democratic majority. Please give a MATCHED 2-1 gift before June 30th.

0 comments | Permalink

John Edwards: “Standing Alone”

John Edwards sent the following message to DCCC supporters:

Dear Friend,

Join Al Gore

Contribute Now

You and I can't leave Barack Obama standing alone as he drives change forward. 

Not for a single day. Not at the most exciting points in his history-making campaign. And certainly not at the more challenging ones. To deliver on the promise of bold change at the heart of these elections, we need to stand together.

That means doing everything in our power to win the White House- and helping to build the foundation for his win by electing strong Democratic candidates in districts nationwide. That's the winning combination that can create the bold, lasting change America needs.

There are only three days left until the last filing deadline before our Democratic Convention and the final leg of the 2008 campaign begins- the world is watching. Please show how committed we are to creating profound change in America by helping us to reach our $5 million dollar goal- we are only $192,348 away. House Democrats are so committed they have decided to match every gift of $35 or more, with 2 gifts of their own- tripling the impact of your contribution. 

Stand up for change. Support the DCCC's United for Change Matching Campaign with a gift of $35, $50 or more.

Imagine a White House led by President Obama- and a strengthened Democratic majority led by Speaker Pelosi. 

That winning combination can deliver on health care, end a senseless war in Iraq, take on global warming, and challenge the deep poverty that rips at the heart and soul of our nation.  

That's the kind of bold change we're fighting for. And, with the critical mid-year financial reporting deadline fast approaching, that's the kind of bold change you can help create.

Stand up for change. Support the DCCC's United for Change Matching Campaign with a gift of $35, $50 or more.

If you act now- in advance of the vitally important June 30th deadline- your donation will be matched 2 to 1, tripling the impact of your generosity as we enter the critical four month period leading up to November 4th.

Let's show our strength. Let's unite behind the winning combination of Barack Obama's presidential candidacy and dozens of change-oriented Democrats running in crucial House races across America.

Let's drive change forward,

John Edwards

0 comments | Permalink

Democrats Continue Outpacing GOP in Pennsylvania

From today's Philadelphia Inquirer:

Democrats Continue Outpacing GOP in Pennsylvania
Derrick Nunnally

In the two months since Pennsylvania's April 22 primary, Democrats have added more voters than Republicans in all but five of the state's 67 counties and increased their statewide lead by 40,566 voters by the end of last week.

Republicans have lost nearly 1,500 registered voters since the primary.

The trend is especially pronounced in Philadelphia's suburbs, where Democratic leads acquired in Montgomery and Bucks Counties in the primary season have already grown. In Montgomery County, Democratic Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel III reacted with some glee to numbers that showed his party had increased its advantage from 10,001 voters on April 22 to 13,784 as of yesterday.

"It should humble some of the braggarts of the Republican Party," he said, "and confirm that the county is changing."

Read the rest of this story ...

0 comments | Permalink

Wes Clark: “Crossroads”

General Wesley Clark sent the following message to DCCC supporters.

Dear Friend,

Join Al Gore

America is at a critical crossroads. And, your decision to act today will make a difference in which way our country is headed.

I know that you and I want true progress for our country...and together this November we will finally have a chance to drive change forward by putting a Democrat in the White House and a strong Democratic Majority in Congress. But, we must act now.

Elections can't be won today but they can be lost.
  
Democrats are facing a critical June 30th FEC deadline- the first since Barack Obama became the presumptive Democratic nominee. And, all eyes are on Democrats' fundraising totals as a measure of our chances for success in November. My friends at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) have set a goal of raising $5 million dollars before June 30th and House Democrats have agreed to match every gift with TWO of their own. We are so close- you can help put us over the top.

Act before the June 30th deadline. Make a Matching Gift of $35, $50 or more now.

If we stick together over these next four months, we're going to elect Barack Obama president.

Then, we're going to help our new President and strengthened Democratic majorities in Congress make progress on critical issues like Iraq, strengthening the economy and helping to ease pain at the pump.

The winning combination you help elect can end the war in Iraq, get America's economy moving again, solve our health care crisis, and make real progress on energy and global warming.

Act before the June 30th deadline. Make a Matching Gift of $35, $50 or more now.

June 30th is a crucial mid-year reporting deadline. We've got to make a huge showing of support for Democratic candidates locked in tight races. So much of what we care about is on the line.

Support the United for Change matching campaign now.

On to victory,


General Wesley Clark

0 comments | Permalink

Reps. Knollenberg, Walberg Repay Bush & Big Oil—Block Gas Price Gouging Bill

DCCC Press: 

Bush Loyalists Knollenberg, Walberg Serve as Hosts for Wednesday's Bush Fundraiser

On the eve of today's Michigan fundraising visit from President Bush, Representatives Joe Knollenberg and Tim Walberg repaid Bush and Big Oil again by blocking legislation that protects Michigan's consumers at the pump. Bush loyalists Knollenberg and Walberg are both serving as hosts for today's Bush fundraiser.

As gas prices and energy costs skyrocket this summer, the Federal Price Gouging Protection Act sponsored by Michigan Representative Bart Stupak would have provided consumers with immediate protection against price gouging by oil companies.  

"Representatives Knollenberg and Walberg are so out of touch that they chose to repay President Bush and Big Oil for the tens of thousands they received in campaign contributions by blocking commonsense legislation that protects Michigan's consumers from gas price gouging," said Ryan Rudominer, Midwest Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "With gas prices at $4.07, Michigan families cannot afford two more years of Representatives Knollenberg and Walberg's support for President Bush's failed energy policies that protect Big Oil special interests."

Background

  • The measure establishes civil and criminal penalties when retailers engage in price gouging, and permits states to bring lawsuits against those retailers.
  • The Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act would provide consumers with immediate protection against price gouging. It allows the President to declare a state of "energy emergency" and prohibits price gouging in areas where an emergency has been declared.
  • The Federal Price Gouging Protection Act, sponsored by Representative Bart Stupak, was brought up on the Suspension Calendar, which requires a 2/3 majority to pass a bill. 145 Republicans opposed this measure, causing it to fail to achieve this necessary 2/3 majority. [H.R. 6346; roll call vote # 448]
  • Representatives Joe Knolleberg and Tim Walberg receive strong financial support from Big Oil. Representative Knollenberg has received $65,250 from Big Oil contributors. Representative Walberg has received $17,750 from Big Oil contributors. [OpenSecrets.org]
  • Today, drivers in Michigan are paying $4.07 for a gallon of gas. [Fuel Gauge Report]

0 comments | Permalink

Al Gore: “Fear and Failure”

Al Gore sent the following message to DCCC supporters: 

Dear Friend,

Join Al Gore

Contribute Now

The coming elections are shaping up as a historic opportunity to reshape the future of our democracy. Each of us has a personal responsibility to help advance Democratic campaigns that do justice to our exceptional candidates and to the unbelievably high stakes in this election.

If our candidates are successful, we will have leaders who will no longer trade in fear and failure...who will fight for real action on the climate crisis and achieve progress on health care and jobs.

If we want to deliver on the promise of these elections, we have to not only put a Democrat in the White House but we must also win congressional victories that will strengthen our hand as we unite to drive change forward.

The single best action for you to take today is to give to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's (DCCC) and their United for Change campaign. If you make a gift today,  it will be matched 2-to-1 by House Democrats.

Critical FEC deadline is just days away - Unite for Change now by making a matched gift of $35, $50 or more

The DCCC is working hand-in-hand with candidates and campaign managers in dozens of tough, hard-fought House races in every corner of the nation. The stakes are high.

  • 30 GOP House members have decided to retire rather than try to defend their record of support for failures and incompetence of the Bush administration. Democrats running to convert those open seats are counting on you and the DCCC to pull them through to victory
  • In dozens of other districts, Democrats who won narrow victories in 2006 have been targeted for defeat by the GOP political machine. Those candidates need you and the DCCC to make sure they aren't overwhelmed by the "do anything, say anything" tactics of the Republican operatives.
  • Republican groups and their "independent" supporters are planning to go after our candidates with over $300 million dollars in attack ads. But, with your help, the DCCC won't let a single Democratic candidate stand alone against unscrupulous attacks.
Critical FEC deadline is just days away - Unite for Change by making a matched gift of $35, $50 or more

Don't let anyone weaken your resolve. Don't allow anybody to break your spirit.

Remember: There's a new world waiting at the other side of these elections.

All the best,
Al Gore



Contribute Forward to your friends

3 comments | Permalink

House Republicans Line up to Pay Tribute To President George Bush’s Record, Seriously

NRCC Dinner

DCCC Press:

According to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, 68 percent of Americans disapprove of the job President Bush is doing.  Flying in the face of public opinion, House Republicans are gathering tonight at their President's Dinner to "pay a final tribute to George W. Bush and his presidency."

Senator John McCain won't be at the celebratory dinner and the American people certainly won't be celebrating President's Bush's dismal economic record. That leaves Congressional Republicans as perhaps the only group in America who will enthusiastically celebrate President Bush's record of:

  • Higher Gas Prices - When Bush took office the cost of a gallon of gas was $1.47, today a gallon of gas is $4.08. [Fuel Gauge report.]
  • Higher Unemployment - When Bush took office the unemployment rate was 4.9%, today it is 5.6%. [Department of Labor]
  • More Americans Without Health Insurance - When Bush took office, there were 39.8 million Americans without health insurance. Today, there are more than 47 million Americans without health insurance.  [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities; http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf]

"What exactly are House Republicans celebrating about President Bush's legacy - gas prices reaching record highs, more home foreclosures, higher unemployment, or more Americans with out health insurance?" asked Jennifer Crider, Communications Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.  "Toasting to a weak economy and the status quo shows just how out touch House Republicans are with the economic squeeze facing middle class families.  No wonder House Democrats have a 15 point advantage over Republicans in recent polling."

Background:

  • According to the Washington Post-ABC News poll, release yesterday, if the election for the U.S. House of Representatives were being held today, 52 percent would vote for the Democratic candidate while only 37 percent would vote for the Republican candidate.  According to the same poll, 68 percent disapprove of the job President Bush is doing and 29 percent approve of the job he's doing.
  • This years President's Dinner will be "especially memorable as we pay a final tribute to George W. Bush and his presidency." [Congressman Jeb Hensarling, NRCC.org]
  • "Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) will not attend President Bush's fundraising dinner for congressional candidates... ‘Maybe he found a better dinner?' Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (Texas), chairman of the event for the NRCC, said." [The Hill, 6/5/08]

18 comments | Permalink

Page 1 of 391 pages  1 2 3 >  Last »