Andy Meisner is on TV
TV spot from 21st Century Democrats’ endorsed candidate Andy Meisner:
Want to help Andy? Donate to the Meisner Campaign today!
The Truth About ACORN
This is a must see video from Brave New Films about the Republican’s attempts to hide their voter suppression efforts by scapegoating ACORN:
Related: ACORN to McCain: Not This Time
Socialism in America?
An interesting look federal spending per dollar of federal taxes:
Source: The Democratic Action Team
ACORN to McCain: Not This Time
We can’t let John McCain and his Republican allies continue to misrepresent ACORN’s efforts to register poor and minority voters as some kind of massive voter fraud campaign. Voter suppression has been a hallmark of the GOP’s electoral strategy for decades and now they’re trying to manufacture outrage against ACORN and other progressive organizations that work to bring more Americans into the electoral process. Check out this new ACORN ad fighting back:
21st Century Democrats is proud to support ACORN as they work to prevent voter suppression, promote civil rights and fight for economic justice. We we’re honored to present Katy Gall, of Ohio ACORN, with our 2008 Paul and Sheila Wellstone Award.
Update: Great information about the GOP’s attacks on voters in A Myth of Voter Fraud by Daphne Eviatar at the Washington Independent.
A day to remember
This report comes from one of our field staffers, Kayle, in Pennsylvania
Outside of the Mellon arena in the cold Pittsburgh afternoon, a twelve year old and his mother waited in line with growing anticipation. They were joined by two 21st Century staffers and thousands of other people, many who had driven great lengths to be there and now stood, snaking down a city block. All of them, waiting to see Barack Obama speak at this rally in a battleground state. Anthony had insisted on taking the afternoon off school and his mother relented because "she had never seen him this excited about anything but video games". Beside us was a group of students down from Slippery Rock University who had registered to vote only weeks before. "This is history" one of them said, "like meeting Martin Luther King, Jr. or John Kennedy." A senior standing nearby, with what looked like his grandson at his side, mentioned that he had seen JFK as a child and for years had told the story.
We had arrived early and wanted for hours to get in – arriving early meant we got a premium spot in front of the stage about fifteen from where Obama spoke. It's hard to describe the event – we had heard the speech, or at least parts of it, before on CNN – but being there, seeing him was emotional.
It is definitely a story we will tell our grandchildren.
Republican Turnout Down in Oregon
Nate Silver at fivethirtyeight.com has a great post about the low turnout numbers in Oregon. Oregonians, who vote entirely by mail, are sending in their ballots at a much slower rate than in 2004, especially in counties carried by George W. Bush:Surprisingly, perhaps, turnout is down this year in Oregon. According to statistics compiled by the state’s Elections Division, the state has received 522,188 ballots through the first seven days of its early voting window. This compares with 645,473 ballots received during the first seven days of 2004—a 19 percent decline.This is great news for 21st Century Democrats’ endorsed candidate Jeff Merkley who is trying to unseat Republican roadblock Senator Gordon Smith. You can read Nate Silver’s full post here.
There are many possible reasons why turnout has been sluggish in Oregon. The state, a hotly-contested battleground in 2004, has been largely ignored by the presidential candidates this year. But also, Oregon has been subject to a relatively nasty and senate race, and there is some feeling among voting officials that Oregonians are turning in their ballots later and later each year as they familiarize themselves with the early voting process (in which case, turnout should eventually catch up to its norms).
More importantly, however, the counties most culpable for the depressed turnout appear to be those that voted substantially for George W. Bush in 2004. For example, in Multnomah County, which is largely coincident with the reliably liberal Portland, turnout is down 16 percent as compared with the comparable period in 2004. Downstate in more rural Douglas County, meanwhile, where Bush received two-thirds of the vote in 2004, turnout is 27 percent off-pace.
State Report: Pennsylvania
This is the fourth in the series of Grassroots Reports we are providing over the final few weeks of the campaign to let you know what 21st Century Democrats is doing in several key battleground states. This week's report focuses on Pennsylvania which has become the epicenter of the race for the White House and the state where Republicans have chosen to make their last stand. They’ve redirected resources from all over the country to the Keystone State. Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin held a joint rally in Hershey, PA this morning reiterating their empty message. 21st Century Democrats is working day and night to ensure there is nothing sweet about McCain's plans for Pennsylvania.
21st Century Democrats' Pennsylvania plan is focused on increasing the democratic turnout in 11 key State House districts. Democrats currently hold a 1-seat majority in the State House, but are forced to work under a Republican Speaker. This divided government has meant that Democrats in Harrisburg have not been able to pursue the positive agenda of reform that voters are demanding. 21st Century Democrats' challenge is to speak directly with voters and explain how progressive candidates will enact policies that will strengthen our faltering economy and restore the promise of America.
In southeast Pennsylvania, we endorsed Rick Taylor and have had an organizer on his campaign since June. The campaign has put together an outstanding field program and have knocked on 16,543 doors, made thousands of calls and has identified 3,864 "yes" votes for Rick in his first bid for re-election. We are also providing resources and our political expertise to Democratic field operations in the Philadelphia suburbs.
But the key to winning Pennsylvania up and down the ballot is playing strong in the western third of the state. Democrats in this region tend to be "Bob Casey" Democrats, more socially conservative than their progressive eastern brethren. That’s why we’ve dispatched 17 organizers to critical Western Pennsylvania districts to persuade swing voters in order to increase the turnout for Democrats up and down the ticket.
In Allegheny County eight of 21st Century Democrats’ trained organizers are working to elect Ayanna Lee, who would be the first African-American woman elected to the State House outside of Philly. In Beaver County we are supporting Representatives Jaret Gibbons and Vince Biancucci with four field operatives to hold these important Democratic seats. Finally, in Cambria and Westmoreland County we are supporting three additional challengers with five field organizers, who are making phone calls, knocking on doors and organizing volunteers to build a working majority for Democrats in the State House.
John McCain believes that Pennsylvania will be the keystone to a Republican victory. Just as we did in Michigan and Maine, we refuse to cede the Republicans any territory. Our ground forces are out engaging voters each day, explaining why it is important to elect progressives and put America on the right track. We are confident that on Election Day, Barack Obama will win Pennsylvania, and Democrats will increase their majority in the State House in Harrisburg.
p.s. Want to know why the RNC is running ads for McCain in Montana? Then check out our State Report: Montana.
"Elitism" in politics
This post was written by 21st Century Fellow Ellen AustinThe theme of elitism has been contested throughout the presidential campaign, most notably with allegations by the McCain-Palin campaign that Senator Obama is an elitist who can’t relate to the American people, and thus, won’t be able to address their problems. While the term elitist does suggest a disconnect with the average person, Senator McCain is in no position to accuse Senator Obama of economic elitism, as his seven houses demonstrate.
Intellectual elitism, however, is another matter. Senator Obama is an intellectual elite, with a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School magna cum laude, and having been the first African-American editor of the Harvard Law Review. His resume is impressive. I’m just not sure when or how this became a liability rather than an advantage in the political arena.
In contrast, Senator McCain graduated very close to the bottom of his class at the Naval Academy. Governor Palin attended five different institutions before receiving her bachelor’s degree. For the past eight years, we have had a president that many Americans would like to have a beer with, but surely did not sit in the front row of his classes. Clearly, if they are able to frame academic achievement as a negative, the intellectual elitist argument works to the Republican’s advantage. However, the nation certainly has not benefited from the lack of intellectual prowess in the White House, and it is difficult to see how that would be any different under a McCain-Palin administration.
The next president will need to confront a myriad challenges that demand a nuanced understanding of a large number of issues and the ability to thoughtfully consider options and ideas. Governor Palin has come under attack from the “liberal elite” for a general lack of understanding of any of the issues that our nation is currently facing, but many people have been quoted as saying they are enthusiastic supporters because they can closely relate to her, because they believe “she is just like me.”
I think we all want to feel as though our elected officials have an understanding of our concerns and the issues that are important in the lives of ordinary Americans, but I do not want an ordinary American in the White House. The office of the president is not designed to be occupied by someone who has no more than a superficial understanding of the issues and ideas that our nation faces. I want a president that knows more than I do, and possesses the greatest possible qualifications for the most difficult job in the country, even if that does mean being an elitist.
Sarah Palin Doesn't Know If Abortion Clinic Bombers Are Terrorists
Simply stunning. Someone needs to tell Governor Palin that they’ve already locked up the crazy right wingers who believe bombing abortion clinic’s and women’s health centers is acceptable (or laudable). Although, John McCain isn’t really concerned about the “mother’s health” either.
GOP Voter Suppression Efforts
The Republican Party's effort to suppress votes, especially in predominantly Democratic areas, is nationwide and on-going. Below are some of the lowlights of their efforts.In Ohio, where 800,000 new voters have registered this year, the Republican Party is filing lawsuit after lawsuit to purge from the rolls people whose information doesn’t match other public records-records that are widely acknowledged to be flawed.
In September, Florida’s Republican Secretary of State told election officials to reject registrations that do not pass a computer match process that is foiled by typos and other minor errors. In just three weeks, 75 percent of matching problems were found to be the result of administrative errors; others are still being checked.
Also in September, Wisconsin’s Attorney General, who co-chairs the state McCain campaign, filed suit against the state election board, seeking to challenge the registration, by his count, of tens of thousands of voters.
Just last week, the Pennsylvania Republican Party filed a lawsuit to force newly registered voters in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas to vote under challenge and cast provisional ballots that would not be on counted Election Day.
Registrars in several states have been denying registration to students who give dorm room addresses. In Virginia, a registrar circulated a memo saying students registering to vote could lose financial aid and tax dependent status.
And in at least one state, the GOP stated it would challenge mortgage foreclosure victims’ right to vote when they appeared at the polls on Election Day.
If you want to keep up with a blow-by-blow account of all the Republican suppression efforts, check out these two websites: Brennan Center for Justice (PDF) and Democrats.com
UPDATED: hat tip to reader L for pointing out this good interview by Amy Goodman about voter suppression efforts and how they fit into the larger scheme of Republican campaigning.
Odyssey in Butler County, PA Or How Our Shopping Adventure Netted a Cute Volunteer
Wendy Davis, our National Field and Training Director, is in Western Pennsylvania working to get out the vote for all Democrats from Obama to State House races. This is the first in a series of posts about their experience there up until Election Day.Imagine four recently transplanted staff from 21st Century Dems in Western PA…it's too late to knock on doors, and we don't have phones to call voters so what are we to do . . . Go shopping!
At the top of our list of things we needed were local cell phones, but in Western PA buying a cell phone does not mean running around the corner. After a quick search, we discovered the best place to look was in the neighboring town 15 miles away, so we set out on our voyage in our rented van, dubbed the "Hockey Mom Mobile." Twenty or twenty-five minutes of driving and five minutes of programming the GPS later, we arrived at the outlet of a large cell phone company (who will go nameless but HINT: their colors are red and black). When we went inside the bustling store, instead of being served immediately, our name was added to an electronic queue, and we were told to wait "our turn." The next twenty minutes were so slow we thought we might miss the election. However, there was some excitement when someone discovered that the display Blackberrys actual had internet connection. So we, of course, checked our emails and the latest news updates. When the sales people where actually ready for us, they didn't have the right answers. We explained that we wanted some really cheap phones, which we would be using intensely for two weeks and then never again. The attendant (who I am sure thought we were crazy and couldn’t understand why someone wouldn’t want a two year contract) followed his corporate training and tried to convince us that we needed to spend hundreds of dollars and make a firm commitment to their brand.
So we went to Best Buy, where upon walking into the phone section we not only quickly found an extensive selection of cheap phones but also a cute 'mobile phone specialist' who was eager to help us with our unusual request. In no time we had $20 phones in hand and a plan with unlimited minutes to accommodate phone banking. While taking the time to set up our phones and engaging in small talk, Justin mentioned that he was not only a volunteer firefighter but was not a fan of Sarah Palin who was coming to the area the next day. Identified as a Democrat and a local who knew our state legislator’s cousin, we gave Justin an Obama button from our pocket supply and invited him to help on the legislative campaign. He might have thought that it was just a trick to get his phone number, but he agreed to try to fit some volunteer time into his busy schedule. Before we faded for the night his information was entered into our database!
After grabbing a late supper, we went to a local big box store (sadly the only type that is open at 10:30pm ) to pick up supplies. We got some Diet Coke, some local postcards, some warmer clothes, gloves and even a pumpkin for the campaign office. Unfortunately, the store was out of electric blankets, so our transplant from the sunny southwest will be an ice cube tonight.
State Report: Maine
This is the third in the series of Grassroots Reports we are providing over the final few weeks of the campaign to let you know what 21st Century Democrats is doing in several key battleground states. This week we're focusing on Maine which has suddenly become a targeted state in the Presidential race and has seen a tightening in the Senate and Congressional contests. After 21st Century Democrats helped force John McCain from Michigan, he redirected some of his staff to Maine in the hopes of winning a single electoral vote there.
21st Century Democrats has had 5 field organizers in Maine for five months talking with voters about their concerns over the economy, affordable health care and caring for the environment. Our program is focused primarily on the key counties of York and Cumberland, which will account for over a third of the total statewide vote. Last week, we had almost 500 phone volunteers in those two counties who made over 30,000 calls and talked to over 4,000 voters about the Democratic message of change. Running up big totals in these counties will be vital to Barack Obama and our endorsed candidate for US Senate, Tom Allen, winning their statewide races.
In addition to managing phone banks, our organizers have knocked on more than 5,000 doors with the help of excited Maine volunteers. This face-to-face effort is vital in Maine's First Congressional District where we are working to help elect Chellie Pingree. Independents make up 36% of the voters there, more than either the Democrats (34%) or the Republicans (28%). These independent voters want to talk with the campaigns and be personally courted. This is a time and labor intensive effort, but essential to winning this key seat.
Our organizers are part of the overarching coordinated campaign that has already made over 1.5 million phone calls and knocked on over 150,000 doors across the state. We are taking the fight to John McCain, Susan Collins, and the rest of the Bush-rubber stamp Republicans in every corner of Maine. In the small town of Limerick, one of our organizers is single-handedly running a field office and connecting with voters on a daily basis.
21st Century Democrats is working with the coordinated campaign to talk with voters about the the disastrous effects of the bankrupt Republican economic agenda. When Governor Sarah Palin flew to Bangor, coordinated staff and over 125 Mainers rallied outside the airport to show her that voters care about solutions to America's problems rather than petty mudslinging. We are on the ground every day, addressing the concerns of real Mainers and explaining how Barack Obama and the Democratic ticket will stand up for the middle class and help working families.
p.s. If you missed them the first time, please read our previous Grassroots Reports on Michigan and Montana.
Bullock Picks Up First Newspaper Endorsement In Montana AG Race
Yesterday, 21st Century Democrats’ endorsed candidate Steve Bullock received the first significant newspaper endorsement in Montana’s Attorney General race from the Helena Independent Record:Democrat Steve Bullock and Republican Tim Fox both are strong candidates for the office of Montana attorney general, although with different strengths.
Fox has more years of legal experience, but Bullock has experience as an assistant attorney general – the most relevant experience of all.
That’s why we’re endorsing Bullock, a candidate who has represented the people of Montana before the Montana Supreme Court about three times as often as his opponent, has handled a great variety of legal issues for the Justice Department and in private practice, and has prepared attorney general’s opinions that have the force of law unless overturned by the courts.
.....
Bullock spent four years as an assistant attorney general in Montana, and also has worked for large East Coast law firms before leaving them to return to his home state. When he was a private attorney, Bullock’s clients included a group of Montana cities wanting to buy NorthWestern Energy. He also has led a successful campaign to raise the minimum wage in Montana. He has been licensed to practice law for 14 years.
While at the Justice Department, Bullock has been involved in diverse issues, including stream access, antitrust regulation, election laws and telemarketing fraud, and he has represented clients ranging from local governments, individuals and businesses to consumer organizations and labor unions.
We think Bullock has the right background to move up to the job of Montana’s attorney general.
Read the full endorsement here.
Montana is close!
A new Research 2000 poll for Daily Kos taken 10/15-16 among likely voters with a margin of error of 4.5% in Montana: (9/22-24 results)McCain (R) 49 (52)
Obama (D) 45 (39)
That means Obama is within striking distance. How did that happen?
We certainly won't take all the credit, but 21st Century Democrats has been working a field program and (soon to happen) GOTV effort in Montana that should contribute to Democratic victories up and down the ballot.
If Obama does win in Montana, it will be partially because of the effort of our field organizers and their door knocking and phone banking.
Tom Udall's newest ad
If you liked what you saw, please visit Tom's website and help make him the next Senator of New Mexico
Reeping McCain's ACORN slandering
When John McCain decided that rather than give Americans real options for the future, he would attack a non-profit group whose only offense has been to register 1.3 million low-income Americans, one wondered what would come of it.Here's what came of it:
An ACORN community organizer received a death threat and the liberal activist group's Boston and Seattle offices were vandalized Thursday, reflecting mounting tensions over its role in registering 1.3 million mostly poor and minority Americans to vote next month...
Kettenring said that a senior ACORN staffer in Cleveland, after appearing on television this week, got an e-mail that said she "is going to have her life ended."
A female staffer in Providence, R.I., got a threatening call from someone who said words to the effect of "We know you get off work at 9," then uttered racial epithets, he said.
McClatchy is withholding the women's names because of the threats.
Separately, vandals broke into the group's Boston and Seattle offices and stole computers, Kettenring said.
John McCain and Sarah Palin should be ashamed of themselves. They didn't openly call for this, but their rhetoric for the last 5 days has clearly been the spark that started this fire.
Friday Humor
21st Century Democrats supporter, Drew, created this wonderfully funny animation. Go take a look and have a good laugh before the weekend.
SCOTUS sides with Leader-In-Action Sec of State Brunner
EXCELLENT NEWS today from the US Supreme Court:The Supreme Court sided Friday with Ohio's top elections official in a dispute with the state Republican Party over voter registrations. The justices overruled a federal appeals court that had ordered Ohio's top elections official to do more to help counties verify voter eligibility. Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat, faced a deadline of Friday to set up a system to provide local officials with names of newly registered voters whose driver's license numbers or Social Security numbers on voter registration forms don't match records in other government databases.
This means the 200,000 newly registered voters in Ohio whose names don't match because of misspellings or nicknames will be able to vote on November 4th.
Clear victory for democracy today!
Florida list of disenfranchised voters
A big hat tip to davidkc on DailyKos for this:FLORIDA VOTERS - the St. Petersburg Times has a list (PDF) of all voters whose names have been rejected from the voter roll under their new "no match, no vote" law. Please check it for your name if you registered recently and pass this along to anyone else in Florida that might be affected.
Misspelling means you can't vote
So what's the big deal to check voter registration against existing government lists as Secretary of State, Jennifer Brunner, has been court mandated to do? Seems sensible, right?Sure as long as your name is spelled correctly. If you watched the Presidential debate last night, you would have heard about "Joe the Plumber". His real name is Joe Wurzelbacher, but the Ohio voter roles have him as "Joe Worzelbacher". It isn't his fault that someone input his name incorrectly, but under the orders of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, if Joe was a new voter he'd only be able to cast a provisional ballot. In 2004, roughly 20% of provisional ballots were tossed out as compared with virtually none of the regular ballots.
Brunner has appealled that decision to US Supreme Court because, "If the 6th Circuit's decision is allowed to stand, an untold number of legitimate voters in Ohio will be forced to re-establish the bona fides of their vote before the county boards of elections, or they will stay home out of frustration or confusion."
Brunner has said mismatches between records can be the product of simple spelling errors or other innocent discrepancies, and that federal law never intended for mismatches to be the only grounds for disqualifying voters.
At least 200,000 newly registered voters have mismatched data, according to an initial review by Brunner's office. About 666,000 Ohioans registered to vote since January, many before the Democratic presidential primary election between Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton in March.
Her appeal brief also argued that the Republicans' fears of voter fraud are unsubstantiated and "hardly warrant such monumental interference with the electoral process."
"The thing that concerns me is that Judge Sutton indicated that these mismatched names could be subjected to provisional voting and nowhere in [Help America Vote Act] is that the case. The Help America Vote Act is really not meant to be used to disenfranchise or to help determine voter eligibility," Brunner said in an interview today.
As Art Levine reports, "only 24 people were convicted of illegal voting in federal elections between 2002 and 2005 -- and nobody was even charged by Justice with impersonating another voter. (The Justice Department declined to answer questions about more recent fraud prosecutions.) And despite the anti-immigrant frenzy fueling photo-ID laws, only 14 noncitizens were convicted of illegally voting in federal elections from 2002 through 2005 -- mostly because of their ignorance of election law."
Again, 21st Century Democrats is pleased that Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is one of our Leaders in Action
The attacks on ACORN keep coming
If you aren't up on the latest crazy claims by Republicans, you can get some background information here.Afraid that they will lose this election, Republicans have turned ACORN into the boogie man. They are making baseless claims that ACORN is perpetuating voter fraud due to its voter registration activities.
In fact, the Republican National Committee's chief lawyer has labeled ACORN a "quasi-criminal organization," and McCain's campaign has launched ads accusing the group of "massive voter fraud" and bullying banks into making risky home loans. McCain's camp is also trying to link Democratic Sen. Barack Obama to ACORN.
This is just another chapter in the long history of conservatives trying to suppress or steal votes. Here is Paul Weyrich, "father" of the right-wing movement and co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, Moral Majority and various other groups telling a gathering of conservatives that he doesn't want people to vote. In fact he says, "Our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down."
Here are some additional facts:
- ACORN has helped 1.3 million citizens from all parties and all walks of life apply for voter registration.
- In most states, ACORN is required by law to turn in every voter registration card - even in cases where the cards are not valid.
- It is ACORN that has reported almost all of the issues regarding voter registration cards.
- Invalid voter registration cards do NOT constitute voter fraud. Even RNC General Counsel Sean Cairncross has recently acknowledged he is not aware of a single improper vote cast as a result of bad cards submitted in the course of an organized voter registration effort.
- A 2005 study by the League of Women Voters and the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio found that only 4 of about 9, 000,000 votes cast in the state from 2002-2004 were fraudulent.
Here are some additional links to the voter suppression efforts in Michigan: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
19 Days to Victory
This post was written by Eli on our Big Sky Big Win program in MontanaJust 19 days before voters make their way to the polls and participate in the democratic process, Democrats here in Billings, Montana had their annual Steak Fry. Each year the Yellowstone County Democratic Party holds this event to bring together elected officials, candidates, supporters and friends to celebrate accomplishments and look towards the upcoming challenges. The evening involved a great dinner, a brand as well as a live auction. Barack Obama’s Chief of Staff and Montana native Jim Messina joined the party via telephone to tell the group that Obama is fighting hard for the West and we will win Montana, bringing the crowd to their feet with applause. However, the highlights of the night were the speeches given by the candidates in very competitive state-wide races. Superintendent of Public Instructions candidate Denise Juneau talked about the how Montana deserves a leader with a clear understanding of all aspects of the educational system. State Auditor candidate Monica Lindeen talked about the importance of having a State Auditor that can hold insurance companies accountable to us, the people they work for.
By far the most passionate speech came from Attorney General candidate Steve Bullock. Speaking to his crowd, his supporters and his friends, Steve urged everybody in the room to go that extra step this year to ensure democratic victories across the board. He said, “If all you can do is put a yard-sign up for one of our candidates, then get a yard sign in your lawn. But if you are able to contribute some time during these last three weeks, make sure you do. This will be a close election and we need everybody to go all in.” Steve’s right, we will not be coasting to victory this year in Montana. The fight is on. We’ve got volunteers coming the office every night to make phone calls, write letters and make sure those supporters with ballots at home, get them in the mail. Last week the absentee ballots were sent to residents who total over 40% of the electorate here in the state. So, from our perspective in Montana, the election started last week and it will be over November 4th. Until then, we’ll be working hard all over the state to help our candidates get the necessary grounding for a big win on election night. We need to ensure that we retain control of the State Senate, increase control of the House with a net-gain, and ensure that state-wide leadership is solid.
Help ensure every vote is counted!
Yesterday, a Republican-nominated judge ordered Ohio Secretary of State, Jennifer Brunner, to set up a system by Friday to verify the eligibility of new voters and make the information available to the state's 88 county election boards. A 21st Century Democrats' Leader in Action, Brunner was already checking voter eligibility, but was against allowing all 88 county election boards access to the information because it allows for easier voter suppression at the local level. Republican-dominated election boards will now decide who gets to vote, rather than the popularly elected Secretary of State. This is just another step in active Republican voter suppression.The Right Wing has been attacking Paul and Sheila Wellstone Award winner, Katy Gall, of Ohio ACORN for their efforts at registering Democratic voters. In fact, we've already heard Obama's campaign manager called Fox News, "the 24-hour ACORN channel" over its unhinged attacks about voter registration. This is just setting the stage for a Florida 2000 or an Ohio 2004 all over again. 21st Century Democrats is proud to announce a partnership with No Voter Left Behind. They promise to make sure that every vote is counted and contest any evidence of theft or other voter suppression. They will be on-site in Ohio and around the country to ensure that every vote is counted.
21st Century Democrats is working hard to get voters to the polls and No Voter Left Behind is working hard to ensure that those votes are counted. It is an excellent partnership and we encourage you to see how you can help.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stands behind this effort because, "the Republican Party mounted a coordinated, criminal campaign to steal the 2004 Presidential election -- and it worked. Now, as another election approaches, you and I need to stand together to make absolutely certain it doesn’t happen again … We need your support to raise the funds now to make sure that ‘no voter is left behind’ on Election Day!”
No Voter Left Behind needs your help exposing voter fraud. Please visit their website and lend them a hand!
Dennis Shulman moved "Red to Blue" - now the highest priority
Exciting news from the Shulman campaign today.National Dem Party Upgrades NJ-5, Now a Top National Priority
With scandals surrounding Garrett, whose legacy on the Banking Committee is an unmitigated disaster for New Jersey and the nation, the Democratic Party sees a great chance to win!
Haworth, NJ -- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee today added Dennis Shulman to its "Red to Blue" program. Shulman earned a spot in the competitive program by establishing significant local support and skillfully showing New Jersey voters that he stands for change and will represent new priorities.
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 their campaigns.
"Our grassroots campaign for change has been growing so rapidly in Northern New Jersey, and we welcome the additional support," said Dennis Shulman, the Democratic nominee for New Jersey's Fifth Congressional District. "Why have people throughout the district, from school teachers and retired truck drivers to hardworking mothers of seven, dedicated their time and their $10 and $15 checks to this campaign? Because we have been speaking the truth about the key issues of the day, and taking the fight to Scott Garrett, who is ridiculously out of touch on the issues and corrupt to boot."
"The hardworking families of New Jersey pay their taxes fully -- shouldn't Scott Garrett pay his too? Voters are sick and tired of having a member of Congress who believes that "representing them" means putting the special interests in charge of his office. After November 4th, we will provide the district and country the change we need to get our economy moving again."
DCCC Chairman Chris Van Hollen said, "Dennis Shulman is running a solid campaign and is committed to making things easier for middle class families in their districts. With less than 21 days to make his case for change to voters, the Red to Blue program will give Shulman the financial and structural edge to be even more competitive in November."
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.
Daily Obama Ad: David Plouffe On The Final 22 Days
David Plouffe knows that this election is going to be won on the ground:The only way we’re going to fight back in the next 22 days against these smears and win this election, is for you, out in the states, to make sure that you’re talking to your neighbors. That you’re sending emails to people. That you’re fighting back with the truth.Amen. Help elect Barack Obama and Democrats down the ticket by participating in the Neighbor to Neighbor Program.
25 Days to Victory
Eli Rosenfeld is a 21st Century Dems Field Organizer working in Montana as part of our Big Sky! Big Win! program.Just 25 days before voters make their way to the polls and participate in the democratic process, Democrats here in Billings, Montana had their annual Steak Fry. Each year the Yellowstone County Democratic Party holds this event to bring together elected officials, candidates, supporters and friends to celebrate accomplishments and look towards the upcoming challenges. The evening involved a great dinner, a brand as well as a live auction. Barack Obama’s Campaign Manager and Montana native Jim Messina joined the party via telephone to tell the group that Obama is fighting hard for the West and we will win Montana, bringing the crowd to their feet with applause. However, the highlights of the night were the speeches given by the candidates in very competitive state-wide races. Superintendent of Public Instructions candidate Denise Juneau talked about the how Montana deserves a leader with a clear understanding of all aspects of the educational system. State Auditor candidate Monica Lindeen talked about the importance of having a State Auditor that can hold insurance companies accountable to us, the people they work for.
By far the most passionate speech came from Attorney General candidate Steve Bullock. Speaking to his crowd, his supporters and his friends, Steve urged everybody in the room to go that extra step this year to ensure democratic victories across the board. He said, “If all you can do is put a yard-sign up for one of our candidates, then get a yard sign in your lawn. But if you are able to contribute some time during these last 25 days, make sure you do. This will be a close election and we need everybody to go all in.” Steve’s right, we will not be coasting to victory this year in Montana. The fight is on. We’ve got volunteers coming the office every night to make phone calls, write letters and make sure those supporters with ballots at home, get them in the mail. Last week the absentee ballots were sent to residents who total over 40% of the electorate here in the state. So, from our perspective in Montana, the election started last week and it will be over November 4th. Until then, we’ll be working hard all over the state to help our candidates get the necessary grounding for a big win on election night. We need to ensure that we retain control of the State Senate, increase control of the House with a net-gain, and ensure that state-wide leadership is solid.
McCain Pullout Benefits Michigan Dems
Earlier today we got some great polling news from Michigan. A couple of minutes ago, Josh Kraushaar posted an interesting story on Politico discussing how the McCain Campaign’s decision to pull out of Michigan has hurt two Republican Congressmen being challenge by 21st Century Democrats’ endorsed candidates Gary Peters and Mark Schauer:
Read the full story here.The decision by John McCain’s campaign to yank field staff out of Michigan could pull the carpet from under the state’s two vulnerable House Republicans and leave them in serious political jeopardy, statewide GOP operatives said.
The move threatens to hurt the prospects of Reps. Joseph Knollenberg and Tim Walberg, both of whom have been targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for well over a year. The absence of an active McCain ground game raises the specter that some Republicans could stay home on Election Day, aiding the pair’s Democratic challengers.
.....
Knollenberg is facing a high-profile challenge from Democrat Gary Peters, a former state lottery commissioner. Peters’ campaign has been touting its aggressive get-out-the-vote operation, in place since January, and has been aided by Barack Obama’s campaign in the state and its focus on economic issues.
.....
To the west, freshman Congressman Walberg is facing a challenge from Democratic state Sen. Mark Schauer. The Battle Creek-based district has leaned Republican, but Walberg was counting on an integrated turnout operation with the McCain campaign.
UPDATED: Daily Kos has the newest poll in the 9th CD. Peters up by 9%!
My time in Nebraska
Sadly my grandmother passed away on Saturday. She lived in St. Paul, Nebraska, which is about 6 1/2 hours travel time from my home in DC and a world away from my daily life. When I arrived on Monday, we mourned Grandma's passing and began dividing her estate. We had a public viewing on Tuesday and then did the funeral and burial on Wednesday. It was a sad time for the family, but an excellent chance to catch up with aunts, uncles, and cousins who I haven't seen in a decade or more.One thing that came up was my involvement in politics and that I was working to get Democrats elected. All of my 5 aunts and uncles plus 7 cousins in the Nebraska area are socially conservative and vote Republican. And I got a lot of grief from some of my family for supporting Senator Obama and other Democrats around the nation. One or two even spouted some false rubbish about Obama's background as reason for not supporting him. Being a family event, I didn't pursue the political talk too much and simply pointed out the Republican control of America over the last 8 years has done nothing to improve their lives.
But even more interesting was that 4 of my family members came up to me privately and "confessed" that they were going to vote for Obama. Here, in agricultural-dominant, 12 people/square mile, 99% white Howard County, Nebraska, they were so fed up with the Republican Party and distressed by John McCain they were going to vote for someone who they really couldn't relate to. I know that isn't an overwhelming endorsement, but it is an honest look at a small snapshot of rural Nebraska.
Barack Obama thinks he can take one electoral vote in Nebraska and being from there, I didn't believe it. Until I was sharing stories and talking with my family members. If my family is any indication of the sentiment of Nebraskans, Obama will win that electoral vote.
I did ask about the important Senate race to replace Senator Chuck Hegel. Only one of the 4 voting for Obama was going to vote for Scott Kleeb. The rest of them were very enthusiastic about Mike Johanns. It is still is a red state after all. :-(
MI-9: Peters Closing In
Mitchell Research & Communications just released this poll conducted last week showing a dead heat in Michigan’s 9th CD:US Congress – Michigan 9th
Gary Peters (DEM): 43
Joe Knollenberg* (R-inc): 43
star = incumbent
Daily Obama Ad: Obama on the Economy
No TV spot today. Here is Senator Obama discussing economic fairness at last night’s debate:
Monday Polls
Some great news for 21st Century Democrats’ endorsed candidates in the SurveyUSA polls released on Monday:
US Senate – New Hampshire
Jeanne Shaheen (DEM): 48
John Sununu* (GOP): 40
Ken Blevens (L): 7US Congress – Illinois 11th
Dan Seals (DEM): 52
Mark Kirk* (GOP): 44
Undecided: 4US Congress – Michigan 7th
Mark Schauer (DEM): 46
Tim Walberg* (GOP): 36US Congress – New Hampshire 1st
Carol Shea-Porter* (DEM): 50
Jeb Bradley (GOP): 41
Bob Kingsbury (LIB): 3
Peter Bearse (I): 3US Congress – North Carolina 8th
Larry Kissell (DEM): 49
Robin Hayes* (GOP): 41
Thomas Hill (LIB): 6
Undecided: 4US Congress – Ohio 1st
Steve Driehaus (DEM): 46
Steve Chabot (GOP): 44
Other: 4US Congress – Ohio 16th
John Boccieri (DEM): 48
Kirk Schuring (GOP): 38
Other: 4star = incumbent
and an amazing bonus poll from R2K/DailyKos:
US Senate – Georgia
Saxby Chambliss* (GOP): 45
Jim Martin (DEM): 44
Other: 4
Undecided: 7
Daily Obama Ad: "The Subject"
The McCain camp is in clear desperation mode. They’ve long since abandoned the “honorable campaign” Senator McCain promised and returned to Karl Rove’s playbook of divisive, fear-based politics. They’re throwing mud at Barack Obama to try and distract voters from the economic crisis that has been facilitated and exacerbated by the disastrous policies of George Bush, John McCain and their Republican backers (see Phil Gramm). Thankfully, it will be tough for McCain to avoid discussing the economy when voters are able to ask the questions at tonight’s town hall style debate.
Here is a strong new ad from the Obama folks:
Notes from Pennsylvania House District 44
Change is in the air in the far south-west corner of Allegheny County, about an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh. Democrats hold a slight edge in voter registration, and in recent elections the area has delivered majorities to Democratic candidates in state-wide and national races. At the local level, however, such as in Pennsylvania House District 44, Republicans have held sway for several election cycles.This year, in House District 44 Ayanna Lee is out to break the Republican hold. A first-time candidate, Ayanna has pulled together impressive support from the Democratic Party at the state and county levels, labor organizations, women’s and other groups, as well as from 21st Century Dems, who have sent two field organizers to her campaign.
Ayanna is in a challenging campaign, but one that she can win. In 2006, with public anger high and drawn by an exceptionally heated race for the United States Senate in which Bob Casey unseated a leader of the Republican Right, Rick Santorum, a total of just over 25,000 votes were cast in the 44th House District. Over 13,000 of the voters were registered Democrats, and Casey received over 54 percent of the District’s votes. Unfortunately, the Democratic challenger to the Republican incumbent in District 44 received only 10,000 votes.
To win, Ayanna must add several thousand votes to those cast for her Democratic predecessor in 2006. A strong field campaign is central to her victory strategy; her campaign goal is to make personal contact with 10,000 voters, building from her core support by focusing on swing Democratic voters, Independents, and even Republicans identified as persuadable.
Field Organizers Tyler Pryor and Andy Young are working hard to make that goal. Working with area Democratic committees, activists, unions, and Ayanna’s network of personal supporters, they have mobilized to date over twenty volunteers for precinct walks and phone banks that reached over 2000 households in September. As her visibility rises, new volunteers continue to come forward. Setting an example for all, Tyler and Andy have been out every weekend as well as several evenings during to week.
Andy Young with two Quaker Valley Democrats
Democratic organizations are taking the lead in areas within the District. The Quaker Valley Democratic Organization, for example, is active in an area where about one-fourth of the district’s voters live. It has a core of over 50 volunteers who plan to walk precincts and make phone calls in a coordinated effort to support Ayanna as well as Barack Obama and the re-election of Congressman Jason Altmire, who unseated a Republican Representative in the 2006 Democratic sweep. Moon Township, the largest municipality in the District, also has an active Democratic Committee that is supporting canvassing activities. In another municipality, Findlay, the local committee has planned a spaghetti dinner on Ayanna’s behalf that is expected to draw several hundred participants.
Tyler and Andy have made contact with other organizations to support the campaign. A firefighter’s local is committed to a literature drop by more than 20 of its members. The area SEIU council will send ten volunteers for a precinct walk. Planned Parenthood has endorsed Ayanna and will contact 1,000 of its supporters who live within District 44. Tyler and Andy have also sought out numerous public events, including high-school football games, farmer’s markets, charitable events, and street fairs, at which Ayanna has been able to meet and speak with numerous voters. They have also set up a number of house parties which have served not only to have good conversations with District voters, but also to recruit volunteers.
Momentum seems to be on Ayanna’s side. Yard signs have blossomed across the district. Voter recognition during precinct walks has grown consistently, as has the number of favorable responses. The Obama campaign, which has surged ahead in recent Pennsylvania polls, seems to have grown coattails. Indeed, the bad economic news is also bolstering Ayanna’s campaign. She grew up in difficult circumstances herself, and can speak with empathy regarding economic hardship, uncertainty, and the unavailability of medical care. She specializes as an attorney in real estate law, and can also speak convincingly of her ability to promote sustainable development within the District that would support good-paying jobs.
The support building around Ayanna’s campaign is also serving a long-term goal of area Democrats— to develop experience and expertise, as well as a more active organization for future electoral advances.
For Tyler and Andy, long and active days follow one upon another with no break in sight until Election Day, but the work is leavened by festive moments. The Quaker Valley Democrats have sponsored spirited debate watch parties, and in early October will hold an Octoberfest that promises to be the event of the campaign. It may be rivaled, however, by a County Democratic picnic that that will follow.
Both Andy and Tyler are invigorated by the wonderful people they are working with, the wonderful candidate they are supporting, and the sense that they are contributing to the growing spirit of change sweeping through the land during this election.
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