MSNBC ran a snippet of a report claiming that Sen. Barack Obama "fears for his life" should he make a run for the White House. While this sounds dramatic, it shows that he is seriously considering all of the possible ramifications of his candidacy for President and could be a sign that he is close to making a decision.
Read the rest on my recent post on www.MyDD.com in the Breaking Blue Section!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Happy Holidays!
As we head into the Holiday Season, I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone on the Left a happy and joyous season. The new year will bring us a brand new Congress that will be more fair, ethical, and responsible. Yay!
A friend send me this link and I wanted to pass it on to you as a way to wish you a Happy Holiday. Please check it out, it's so cute and funny. You may want to use it yourself to pass around to friends and family.
A friend send me this link and I wanted to pass it on to you as a way to wish you a Happy Holiday. Please check it out, it's so cute and funny. You may want to use it yourself to pass around to friends and family.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Fair and Balanced....
Yeah right!
One need look no further than Fox News Channel for the Republican National Committee's daily talking points. Think Progress has a video clip showing the Fox News Anchors doing their best to make a case for removing Sen. Tim Johnson from office. Heck, they've even talked to the South Dakota Secretary of State!
While the Republicans gaveled the 109th Congress to a close without accomplished, well, anything really.....they still have the time to try and steal a Senate seat from a duly elected Democrat during a time of medical crisis. That's pathetic.
One need look no further than Fox News Channel for the Republican National Committee's daily talking points. Think Progress has a video clip showing the Fox News Anchors doing their best to make a case for removing Sen. Tim Johnson from office. Heck, they've even talked to the South Dakota Secretary of State!
While the Republicans gaveled the 109th Congress to a close without accomplished, well, anything really.....they still have the time to try and steal a Senate seat from a duly elected Democrat during a time of medical crisis. That's pathetic.
DEMS WILL RETAIN SENATE
Democrats will maintain their newly earned Majority in the United States Senate. Initial reports by the media that South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds could choose to replace Senator Johnson prior to the new session of Congress on January 4 is incorrect. According to Senate Historian Donald Ritchie, there is no precedent for a Governor replacing a Senator unless he has received a "letter of resignation or a death certificate."
Aside from the Main Stream Media needing to keep us glued to our televisions, no one is discussing the possibility of Sen. Johnson's death.
Additionally, I'm hearing further reports that Sen. Elizabeth Dole will not be present for the opening session of the Senate. Either way, the Democrats will still have more votes than the Republicans, therefore maintaining the majority.
Aside from the Main Stream Media needing to keep us glued to our televisions, no one is discussing the possibility of Sen. Johnson's death.
Additionally, I'm hearing further reports that Sen. Elizabeth Dole will not be present for the opening session of the Senate. Either way, the Democrats will still have more votes than the Republicans, therefore maintaining the majority.
SEN. TIM JOHNSON
I just wanted to give folks an update on Sen. Johnson and some insight into the situation.
CNN has just reported the following things:
Upon returning to the Capitol, incoming Majority Leader, Harry Reid, said that Sen. Johnson "looked very good."
Dr. Sanjay Gupta gave some medical insight on his condition. The surgery that Sen. Johnson underwent has two major goals. First is to remove the blood from the hemorrhage that occurred. The second is to remove the tangled mass of veins that caused the hemorrhage. He says that if the surgery is successful, then a recurrence is not likely.
Andrea Mitchell spoke to the Senate Historian. When the new Congress comes into session on January 4, it is up to Republican S.D. Governor, Mike Rounds to determine if Sen. Johnson is fit to serve. If he is able to take his position in the new Congress, there is no precedent for his removal from office. She even referenced another S.D. Senator who took two full years of medical leave.
Given all this information, I feel more confident that the Democrats will maintain the slim majority in the Senate. George Washington Hospital is known as one of the best hospitals in the future. Since Sen. Johnson was not just re-elected, he will not be required to take an oath of office for the new session of Congress. Further, even if he is not able to be in attendance the first day of Congress, the Democrats can reorganize with a 50-49 majority. This is sufficient to take majority status and appoint Committees and Committee Chairs. All indications are that Sen. Johnson can recover from this, thought it may take as many as a few months.
*****UPDATE: I hear that Sen. Elizabeth Dole will not be in the Senate Chamber on January 4, as she finishes her recovery from hip replacement surgery. If that is the case, and I'm waiting to hear back from her office, then the actual vote to reorganize the Senate will be 50-48, still giving the Democrats the authority to claim Majority status.
Rather than seeking a cheap political opportunity, let's hope the Republicans will allow Senator Johnson, his family and his staff the chance to help him throughout his recovery so he cal return to his full duties in the U.S. Senate.
CNN has just reported the following things:
Upon returning to the Capitol, incoming Majority Leader, Harry Reid, said that Sen. Johnson "looked very good."
Dr. Sanjay Gupta gave some medical insight on his condition. The surgery that Sen. Johnson underwent has two major goals. First is to remove the blood from the hemorrhage that occurred. The second is to remove the tangled mass of veins that caused the hemorrhage. He says that if the surgery is successful, then a recurrence is not likely.
Andrea Mitchell spoke to the Senate Historian. When the new Congress comes into session on January 4, it is up to Republican S.D. Governor, Mike Rounds to determine if Sen. Johnson is fit to serve. If he is able to take his position in the new Congress, there is no precedent for his removal from office. She even referenced another S.D. Senator who took two full years of medical leave.
Given all this information, I feel more confident that the Democrats will maintain the slim majority in the Senate. George Washington Hospital is known as one of the best hospitals in the future. Since Sen. Johnson was not just re-elected, he will not be required to take an oath of office for the new session of Congress. Further, even if he is not able to be in attendance the first day of Congress, the Democrats can reorganize with a 50-49 majority. This is sufficient to take majority status and appoint Committees and Committee Chairs. All indications are that Sen. Johnson can recover from this, thought it may take as many as a few months.
*****UPDATE: I hear that Sen. Elizabeth Dole will not be in the Senate Chamber on January 4, as she finishes her recovery from hip replacement surgery. If that is the case, and I'm waiting to hear back from her office, then the actual vote to reorganize the Senate will be 50-48, still giving the Democrats the authority to claim Majority status.
Rather than seeking a cheap political opportunity, let's hope the Republicans will allow Senator Johnson, his family and his staff the chance to help him throughout his recovery so he cal return to his full duties in the U.S. Senate.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
DOLE HAS HIP REPLACED
The Raleigh News and Observer reports on Sen. Elizabeth Dole's hip replacement surgery. This is yet another sign that Dole will not seek re-election.
I continue to stand by my assertion that she will not be a candidate for re-election in 2008. You read it here first.
I continue to stand by my assertion that she will not be a candidate for re-election in 2008. You read it here first.
BUSH "Won't be rushed...."
Our not so esteemed Commander in Chief, in the midst of consultations on Iraq, valiantly declared that he won't be rushed to a decision regarding Iraq. He began the press conference nearly twenty minutes late, seeming to underscore that point.
But, then he revealed during the question and answer period that he changed his speech at the last minute. He even declared something along the lines of "I didn't know what I wanted to say." So, he reverted to the same overused message that has driven his approval rating to a permanent home in the 30's.
We've now been in Iraq for nearly half a decade. "Mission Accomplished" was declared by Bush so long ago that I barely remember it. Nearly 3,000 American soldiers have paid the ultimate price for Bush's Iraq policy. Tens of thousands of others are injured, some permanently disabled.
This President was sent a very loud message by Americans on November 7. Instead of insisting he won't be rushed, he needs to be asking "how quickly can I rush?" Instead, the arrogance and short-sightedness of Bush and his Administration still dominate his public comments.
How many more lives will we lose and how many more billions will we spend before the Commander in Chief loses his political tone deafness? Bush doesn't seem to care how long it takes. Not a good sign.
But, then he revealed during the question and answer period that he changed his speech at the last minute. He even declared something along the lines of "I didn't know what I wanted to say." So, he reverted to the same overused message that has driven his approval rating to a permanent home in the 30's.
We've now been in Iraq for nearly half a decade. "Mission Accomplished" was declared by Bush so long ago that I barely remember it. Nearly 3,000 American soldiers have paid the ultimate price for Bush's Iraq policy. Tens of thousands of others are injured, some permanently disabled.
This President was sent a very loud message by Americans on November 7. Instead of insisting he won't be rushed, he needs to be asking "how quickly can I rush?" Instead, the arrogance and short-sightedness of Bush and his Administration still dominate his public comments.
How many more lives will we lose and how many more billions will we spend before the Commander in Chief loses his political tone deafness? Bush doesn't seem to care how long it takes. Not a good sign.
Monday, December 11, 2006
SIGN MOVEON'S PETITION
This petition , which is being circulated by MoveOn.org relates to the 13th Congressional District in Florida, which I posted about last night. Please take a moment to urge Congress to call for a "re-vote" in that badly botched Congressional election.
Please also take a moment to visit Democrat Christine Jennings' website. I had the opportunity to meet her a few weeks ago. She's charming, intelligent, sharp, compassionate, hard working, successful.....I could go on and on. Christine is exactly the kind of representative the folks of Florida's 13th District need after right wing nut-turned Senate candidate Katharine Harris.
Please also take a moment to visit Democrat Christine Jennings' website. I had the opportunity to meet her a few weeks ago. She's charming, intelligent, sharp, compassionate, hard working, successful.....I could go on and on. Christine is exactly the kind of representative the folks of Florida's 13th District need after right wing nut-turned Senate candidate Katharine Harris.
SHOULD WE FEEL BAD?
The Albany Times-Union has an article that details the mental state of Congressman John Sweeney following his defeat by Democrat Kirstin Gillibrand. It sounds like he's gone off the deep end.
It almost makes me feel sorry for him. ALMOST. Let's not forget that Sweeney, along with other Republicans, have run the government and their campaigns with hate, fear, and lies. Their defeat in the midterm election was a victory for hope, fairness, and truth.
No, we shouldn't feel bad. Not at all.
It almost makes me feel sorry for him. ALMOST. Let's not forget that Sweeney, along with other Republicans, have run the government and their campaigns with hate, fear, and lies. Their defeat in the midterm election was a victory for hope, fairness, and truth.
No, we shouldn't feel bad. Not at all.
CO '08 SENATE ANALYSIS
In 2002, Sen. Wayne Allard was re-elected with 51% and spent $5.2 million. Tom Strickland, the Democratic nominee spent $5.1 million and garnered 47% of the vote. Also re-elected that year was Republican Governor Bill Owens, earning 63%.
Things have gone downhill BIG TIME for the Republicans since then.
In 2004, Democrat Ken Salazar was elected to the U.S. Senate over Republican Pete Coors 51%-47%, the same margin as Allard's victory two years before. The Dems also picked up a Congressional seat, with John Salazar winning in CO-03. Furthering the Democratic victories, they claimed a majority in both chambers of the State Legislature.
The political landscape improved even more for Colorado Dems in 2006. Ed Perlmutter won the open seat in Colorado's 7th Congressional District, vacated by Congressman Bob Beauprez, who was the Republican candidate for Governor. He lost to Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter 56%-41%. Democrats also added to their majorities in the Legislature.
As Colorado has trended significantly bluer than it was in 2002, Republicans must be about ready to write this Senate race off. Sen. Wayne Allard has a paltry $122,476 cash on hand. The most likely Democratic candidate, Congressman Mark Udall, has TEN TIMES that amount in his campaign account.
This is a prime pick up opportunity for the Democrats. Let the race begin!
Things have gone downhill BIG TIME for the Republicans since then.
In 2004, Democrat Ken Salazar was elected to the U.S. Senate over Republican Pete Coors 51%-47%, the same margin as Allard's victory two years before. The Dems also picked up a Congressional seat, with John Salazar winning in CO-03. Furthering the Democratic victories, they claimed a majority in both chambers of the State Legislature.
The political landscape improved even more for Colorado Dems in 2006. Ed Perlmutter won the open seat in Colorado's 7th Congressional District, vacated by Congressman Bob Beauprez, who was the Republican candidate for Governor. He lost to Denver District Attorney Bill Ritter 56%-41%. Democrats also added to their majorities in the Legislature.
As Colorado has trended significantly bluer than it was in 2002, Republicans must be about ready to write this Senate race off. Sen. Wayne Allard has a paltry $122,476 cash on hand. The most likely Democratic candidate, Congressman Mark Udall, has TEN TIMES that amount in his campaign account.
This is a prime pick up opportunity for the Democrats. Let the race begin!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
FL-13 DEBACLE
The 13th Congressional District of Florida is currently held by outgoing Representative Katharine Harris. Republican Vern Buchanan has been declared the winner over Democrat Christine Jennings by a margin of 369 votes after a mandatory recount. Political Insider has great information and background on this.
This recount consisted of counting the absentee and challenged ballots again as well as adding up the tapes from the electronic voting machines. The real issue at hand in this election is 18,000 "undervotes" in Sarasota County in the Congressional race. This means that 18,000 people cast ballots that did not register a vote for a candidate in the Congressional race. This is far outside of any reasonably expected undervote. But, because of the electronic voting machines, there is no paper trail to properly investigate why this has happened.
There are reports that initial testing on the machines, by conducting a mock election, have shown some of the same problems found in the actual election. This alone should cause enough concern for a re-vote.
Christine Jennings has contested the election in court. Should the courts fail to order a re-vote, which means a new election open only to those who voted on November 7, then Jennings should appeal to the U.S. House of Representatives to decide the election. By any statistical analysis, Jennings should have won the election in FL-13. There is precedent for the House deciding contested races.
Further, this adds to a mounting body of evidence, giving us credible reason to doubt the dependability of electronic voting. Our desire for instant results has replaced the necessity for integrity in the process and is a significant threat to the nature of elections in the United States. This must be addressed. Soon.
This recount consisted of counting the absentee and challenged ballots again as well as adding up the tapes from the electronic voting machines. The real issue at hand in this election is 18,000 "undervotes" in Sarasota County in the Congressional race. This means that 18,000 people cast ballots that did not register a vote for a candidate in the Congressional race. This is far outside of any reasonably expected undervote. But, because of the electronic voting machines, there is no paper trail to properly investigate why this has happened.
There are reports that initial testing on the machines, by conducting a mock election, have shown some of the same problems found in the actual election. This alone should cause enough concern for a re-vote.
Christine Jennings has contested the election in court. Should the courts fail to order a re-vote, which means a new election open only to those who voted on November 7, then Jennings should appeal to the U.S. House of Representatives to decide the election. By any statistical analysis, Jennings should have won the election in FL-13. There is precedent for the House deciding contested races.
Further, this adds to a mounting body of evidence, giving us credible reason to doubt the dependability of electronic voting. Our desire for instant results has replaced the necessity for integrity in the process and is a significant threat to the nature of elections in the United States. This must be addressed. Soon.
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