Progressive Democrat Issue 89: THOUGHTS

This week's newsletter is going to focus more on issues than elections. I want to remind myself and readers of some of the issues I included in my original statements of why I was writing this newsletter almost 2 years ago. But first, some elction news with reminders that we have to be donating and working very hard right now if we want any chance of winning big in November.

This last week has seen Republicans playing catchup. Polls around the nation are showing that the great chance that Democrats can pick up both houses of Congress are slipping. Our chances of picking up Senate seats in Tennessee, Missouri and Virginia are slipping thanks to HUGE efforts by Republicans to hold onto those seats. I should note that things have looked up for Democratic incumbents as well. New Jersey, for example, is now a dead heat rather than a possible Republican pick up. I think in terms of the Senate, we are seeing a gradual trend towards keeping seats with whichever party holds them now. That is worrisome. I predicted that would happen. By seeing it happen, we can do something about it. It all comes down to donations, volunteer hours and letters to the media.

PLEASE help win the Senate in these states:

Virginia (my Virginia readers are not donating the way my New York readers have!)

New Jersey (same as Virginia...New York readers are quicker with the money)

Tennessee (this race is complicated by the issue of a woman's choice)

Missouri (the best and most likely pick up that is still in question)

Things are more mixed in the House. We have a better than expected chance to take the NY-26 Conrgessional seat, and are slipping in the PA-6 race.

Remember that NY State is one of the areas where the most upsets in our favor are likely to occur due to a Republican state party in complete disarray and Eliot Spitzer's coattails. I think we will pick up some seats in NY State that aren't clearly on the radar. NY-20, -24 and now -26 are the most likely pick ups. NY-29 is a more distant possibility, though actually my Republican source give us a better shot than we think we have, so maybe they know something we don't! And from some inside info I have gotten, NY-13 is starting to look very competitive. This last goes against common wisdom, but fundraising is up (thanks in part to help from Chuck Schumer and Anthony Weiner) and the DCCC is starting to take notice. A poll that was leaked to me suggests a statistical dead heat...but because it was leaked I can't judge the methodology. So we have a good chance at having three pick ups and I think a better than expected shot at at least two more seats. But it won't be easy to win ANY of these. The Republicans think we won't win any of them...I think we can if we work hard at it.

Pennsylvania is hotly contested both in terms of three or four House seats, and also in terms of Senate. We have to win pretty big in Pennsylvania to win both houses of Congress. There are four House races in PA that we have a shot at picking up: PA-6, -7, -8, and -10. If we win PA's Senate and three or four House seats, we will be doing very well. Republicans think Dems will win Senate and MAYBE one House seat. If we work hard, we can beat their expectations.

Let's do our best to sweep New York State (my second most successful fundraising page) and to win big in Pennsylvania.

Now, on to more issue oriented actions.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: THREE STEPS TO PROTECTING OUR ELECTIONS

I keep talking about this because this issue remains largely below people's radars, yet is possibly one of the top threats to America today: the integrity of our elections. Since 2000, two presidential elections, at least one state-wide election (Georgia in 2002) and several more local races (e.g. the CA-50 Congressional race in San Diego County) have been questionable due to voting irregularities related to one or more of three reasons: new voting machine technology that is unreliable and wide open to fraud, partisan election boards, and biased, corrupt Secretaries of State like Katherine Harris whose interests lie in furthering the Republican Party by all means necessary rather than keeping elections fair and accurate.

What is needed is reform that includes:

1. ACCOUNTABILITY: a legally recountable paper trail for all elections: without the possibility of documenting and recounting each and every vote cast, our elections are not democratic. Touchscreen/DRE machines do not have a legally recountable paper ballot even when they have a "receipt" for the voter. PB/OS and older technologies do have paper ballots that serve as a permanent record of a person's vote;

2. SECURITY AND TRANSPARANCY: voting machine technology where the process is transparent and open to public scrutriny and where the methods of storage and tabulation are accurate and not hackable: many of the voting machines being proposed (particularly the touchscreen/DRE machines) are easily hacked, have software that is not open to public scrutiny and so allows fraud by the companies that make the machines, and break down at an alarming rate. Recently it was even found that the locks on these machines can be opened by standard keys that come with hotel minibars and many pieces of standard office furniture. PB/OS machines also have problems with accuracy and security, but less so than DRE machines and at least with PB/OS there ultimately is a paper trail that is legally recountable. There is no such legally binding paper trail with DRE machines;

3. FAIRNESS: bi-partisan or even multi-partisan election boards in all states: the Carter Center, which monitors elections all over the world for fairness, refused to monitor Florida in 2004 because Florida's elections did not meet minimum standards. Partisan election boards are considered a sign of an undemocratic system by most independent agencies, but many states, like Florida and Ohio, have partisan boards that prevent recounts and investigations even when paper trails are possible. As long as an election board is allowed to be dominated by a single party, our elections are not fair.

These are the most basic minimum requirements for a fair and democratic election. Without these, America is not a democracy.

We need to continue to hammer away at this issue, stressing the three points made above. This is not a minor issue. It goes to the heart of what it means to be a democracy. Please do the following:

Contact your state and local elected officials;

Contact your Federal elected officials;

Contact the media;

and in each case tell them your opinion on the three issues I outline above. Demand a legally binding, recountable paper trail, machines that are tested for accuracy and security before being approved, and the elimination of partisan election boards in all states.

Also, please visit Vote Trust USA and get both informed and involved.

Also, join Vote Trust USA, Working Assets and Mainstreet Moms in a national effort to PERSONALLY make sure elections are fair. As our friend Marjorie points out:

Voter suppression is "one of the cornerstones of the Republican Party's strategy for winning elections these days," and the GOP intentionally puts up barriers "between eligible voters and the ballot box." Think Ohio '04. Caging lists, purging of rolls, improper allocation of machines, discarding Dem registrations, and now the House ID law.

When is a glitch not a glitch? Vote shifting occurred in 13 states, election 2004, on machines by all the major manufacturers, with 90% of those votes moved from Kerry to Bush. Those states produced the biggest differences in exit polling.

A new Diebold whistleblower states Georgia in 2002 was compromised. Who would choose Chambliss over Max Cleland in such a massive shift of opinion from the day before?

More and more states are experiencing problem elections due to machines, and yet the blame continues to be placed on poll worker training and error, instead of the machines.

We are raising awareness, but we are a long way from shutting down black box voting.

Vote Trust USA, Working Assets and Maintream Moms are working together on the Poll Watch for Democracy project where YOU can be a poll worker, get PAID for it and be on the look out for fraud, voter suppression and other "glitches". It also will help you understand how the election process works on the inside in YOUR neighborhood. You will learn, get paid and be part of the process of keeping our elections fair.

Finally, we will not get reform as long as corrupt Republicans control the Secretary of State positions in numerous states. It is the Secretaries of State in Florida (Katherine Harris) and Ohio (Ken Blackwell) who prevented fairness in the 2000 and 2004 elections. Those single corrupt individuals are largely responsible for the uncertainties surrounding those Presidential elections. Only by electing fair minded, Democratic Secretaries of State can we have any shot at reform in this climate of Republican corruption. That is why some of us have Act Blue Pages featuring Secretary of State races. You can find my election protection page (which also includes Attorney General and other oversight positions), the Democracy for America Secretary of State Act Blue Page, and the SOS (Secretary of State) Project. All of these cover similar ground but your donations through any of them could help keep our elections fair. Please give! These could be, in the long run, among the most important races in the nation.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: FAIRNESS IN MEDIA

This is another issue that I have hammered away at, though it is often so overwhelming that I feel our efforts are kind of scattershot.

I want to remind people about a few key points that we can be focused on in our effort to restore fairness in reporting.

First, I recommend reading and supporting the watchdog groups that catch the right wing propoganda machine's lies and publicizes them. Here are a few such watchdog groups that need your participation and support:

FAIRNESS AND ACCURACY IN REPORTING (FAIR), a national media watch group, has been offering well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship since 1986. We work to invigorate the First Amendment by advocating for greater diversity in the press and by scrutinizing media practices that marginalize public interest, minority and dissenting viewpoints. As an anti-censorship organization, we expose neglected news stories and defend working journalists when they are muzzled. As a progressive group, FAIR believes that structural reform is ultimately needed to break up the dominant media conglomerates, establish independent public broadcasting and promote strong non-profit sources of information.

Uniquely, FAIR works with both activists and journalists. We maintain a regular dialogue with reporters at news outlets across the country, providing constructive critiques when called for and applauding exceptional, hard-hitting journalism. We also encourage the public to contact media with their concerns, to become media activists rather than passive consumers of news.

FAIR publishes Extra!, the award-winning magazine of media criticism, and produces the weekly radio program CounterSpin, the show that brings you the news behind the headlines. In addition, we have a thriving listserv through which we distribute regular Action Alerts to our international network of activists-- as of September 2004, the FAIR list has over 55,000 recipients, with more signing on every day.

MEDIA MATTERS:

Media Matters for America is a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.

Launched in May 2004, Media Matters for America put in place, for the first time, the means to systematically monitor a cross section of print, broadcast, cable, radio, and Internet media outlets for conservative misinformation — news or commentary that is not accurate, reliable, or credible and that forwards the conservative agenda — every day, in real time.

Using the website www.mediamatters.org as the principal vehicle for disseminating research and information, Media Matters posts rapid-response items as well as longer research and analytic reports documenting conservative misinformation throughout the media. Additionally, Media Matters works daily to notify activists, journalists, pundits, and the general public about instances of misinformation, providing them with the resources to rebut false claims and to take direct action against offending media institutions.

CENTER FOR MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY: The nonprofit Center for Media and Democracy strengthens participatory democracy by investigating and exposing public relations spin and propaganda, and by promoting media literacy and citizen journalism, media "of, by and for the people." Our programs include PR Watch, a quarterly investigative journal; six books by CMD staff; Spin of the Day; the Weekly Spin listserv; and, Congresspedia and SourceWatch, part of our wiki-based investigative journalism collaborative to which anyone, including you, can contribute.

These three groups are YOUR resources for fighting against the right wing propoganda machine. They give you the information to understand when you are being lied to, the tools and action alerts to fight back, and a sense that you are not alone in your recognition that American news media sucks.

Next I want to remind you of the alternatives to the mainstream American media. There are many such alternatives, but I can't keep track of all of them. These are the ones I am most familiar with and which seem to give the best coverage.

AIR AMERICA RADIO: this is the unabashedly liberal radio network that right wingers predicted wouldn't last a year. Well, they got a rough start, but they are successful now. With XM Satellite Radio ch. 167, and with podcasts, ANYONE can listen to Air America, but their list of local stations is also growing. Find a station near you and start listening. You can see what Air America's line up is here. Also contact advertisers you hear and thank them for advertising on Air America Radio.

Current TV: This was Al Gore's baby. Yes, he really did help start the internet by sponsoring legislation that got it started. But Current TV is his real invention. Though aimed at younger audiences, Joy and I still like watching it. It is a new, viewer-driven network where viewers submit content and even make advertisements. It seems like a wonderful way for budding film makers to get started. Its content is all over the place, from fashion and extreme sports (not interesting to me!) to some of the best coverage of the war, the Hatian coup, the anti-war movement, and Middle East issues that I have seen. Actual soldiers film their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. People interview both Israelis and Hamas members. You see things reported on that I see NO WHERE ELSE. Each segment is short, so what they cover changes rapidly, but at least half of it is worth watching, and sometimes more. I have found out about issues right in my own city on Current TV. People caught on film police instigating violence at a peaceful rally here in NYC and showed it on Current TV. This allows ANYONE to be a reporter and allows you to see a wider variety of opinions and topics than are covered anywhere else. It's also good to put on when nothing else is on TV! You can find your local cable listing on the Current TV website.

SALON.COM is my default source of news on the internet. They carry standard AP headlines accompanied by excellent, intelligent analysis and opinions. If you subscribe, you can skip the ads. I have subscribed for years and gave away some gift subscriptions because I liked it so much. Or you can not subscribe and have to watch an ad or two when you access their site. Their columnists include Garrison Keillor, Joe Conason, and Sidney Blumenthal.

For more local newspapers and other media, you can click on your state on the Irregular States website and look under "Progressive Sources of News and Information."

Finally, the last thing I want to cover is the reinstatement of the "Fairness Doctrine." This is what USED to require broadcast licensees to present controversial issues of public importance, and to present such issues in an honest, equal and balanced manner. The Fairness Doctrine was in effect until 1987, when the FCC repealed it. The Republican-controlled commission claimed the doctrine inhibited rather than enhanced debate, using the same kind of twisted logic that we have come to expect from the Republican party. Very soon after its repeal we got the rise of right-wing radio hosts like Rush Limbaugh. It seems quite likely that its repeal was due to the right wing desire to turn the mainstream media into a propoganda machine for the Republican Party and the Fairness Doctrine got in their way.

I think it is time to get it back. If you look at all the people who oppose the reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine, you will find groups like the CATO society and "Renew America" and other right wing nut cases. You can read an in depth article from 2005 on the Fairness Doctrine on the FAIR website.

Then it is time to do what I so often ask you to do: Sound off. Please write the media and write your Congress critters to call for the reinstatement of the Fairness Doctrine.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: PROTECTING SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

These days Republican attacks on the environment and on science go together. Even as the threat from global warming increases, potentially nearing a point of no return, Republican denial and attacks on science increases as well.

Our democracy depends on fighting for fair elections and media. Our lives and the lives our our children may depend on fighting for the environment and our scientific understanding of that environment.

I want to highlight just a few of the many groups that are worth your attention and support.

I want to start with the Union of Concerned Scientits, one of my favorite groups. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. Their website is a goldmine of information and action alerts. Included are a hybrid car comparison page, a series of articles on global warming solutions, and an effort to fight Republican attacks on science.

A brand new group with some real promise is Scientists and Engineers for America. Furious at Republican attacks on science, a group of scientists and engineers formed this group specifically to elect public officials who respect evidence and understand the importance of using scientific and engineering advice in making public policy. The founding members are: Peter Agre, Ph.D., Brian Athey, Ph.D., John H. Gibbons, Ph.D., Alfred Gilman, M.D., Ph.D., Daniel L. Goroff, Ph.D., Henry Kelly, Ph.D., Neal Lane, Ph.D., Michael MacCracken, Ph.D., Burton Richter, Ph.D., Michael Stebbins, Ph.D., and Susan F. Wood, Ph.D. They are non-partisan, but their discussion of issues sounds a lot like the Democratic Party platform: great minds think alike. They also sponsor events, including ones in Washington, D.C. and New York City. This is a chance to get in at the beginning of a group's efforts and help them shape their path.

Conservation International is quite possibly THE international environmental group there is. With what I consider to be the broadest and smartest agenda, they are top of my list for support. Conservation International applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity in the biodiversity hotspots, high-biodiversity wilderness areas as well as important marine regions around the globe. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents. If you only support one environmental group, I would suggest that this should be that one group.

One of my personal favorites is the international conservations efforts of the Wildlife Conservation Society of NY. This organization (which also runs the zoos and aquaria in NYC, including the world famous Bronx zoo and my local Prospect Park zoo) phrases their mission very simply: "Our mission at the Wildlife Conservation Society is to save wildlife and wild places." They cover a large amoung of territory on four continents and in the oceans between continents. Next to Conservation International, WCS is one of the organizations I have been most impressed with.

Please consider supporting one or more of these groups and at least signing up for their newsletters/action alerts.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: QUEENS ACTION

I want to repeat this from last week because THIS is the kind of thing that we really need to be doing in order to win. PLEASE put in an hour or more phonebanking.

Democracy for NYC Phonebanking Thursdays in Queens:

Thu, 09/28/2006 - 7:00pm

DFNYC will be doing phonebanking Thursday evenings in Sunnyside, Queens, at the office of Marc Crawford Leavitt, 45-29 47th St. helping various Democrats to win in November.

It's a short ride on the #7 train -- take the local to 46th St., walk up one block to 47th St., turn right, and it's 1+ block down on the left side.

This week's beneficiaries: TBA

Call Dan Jacoby at 917-667-2756 if you can come or need more info.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: BROOKLYN AND STATEN ISLAND ACTION

The one Congressional race in NYC where we have a chance to defeat a Republican is the NY-13 race covering Staten Island and a part of Brooklyn. Corruption is slowly chipping away at the Republican incumbent, Vito Fossella's already low popularity. The Daily News ran a whole series on Fossella's corruption. The Democratic candidate, Steve Harrison, got a late start but is slowly catching up. A fundraiser this last week netted some $10,000, a much needed boost and one that should help attract the help of unions. And an internal poll indicated the race may well be a dead heat.

What is most needed is volunteers. Please give Steve some of your time. I have met him and found him an excellent candidate who is attracting some big gun support, including Chuck Schumer, the Sierra Club, SEIU 1199, and many others. Please contact Steve Harrison's campaign and let them know you want to help and what you can do.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND MEETINGS

BROOKLYN EVENTS:

JOIN MOVEON.ORG's BROOKLYN PHONEBANK: targeting the 30 top House races in the nation, this phone bank is working hard. The organizer we are hosting works from 8 AM to 10 or 11 PM every day! They need your help. They are located in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn and will be operating every day from now until the election. If you can put in some time, please contact me at mole333_at_gmail_dot_com

Brooklyn Critical Mass:
Critical Mass is a monthly celebration of bicycles and other nonpolluting means of transportation, exercising our right to the road. Critical Mass is a movement, not an organization; no two riders participate for exactly the same reason. Brooklyn Critical Mass started rolling in 2004.

Brooklyn rides are the Second Friday of every month, 7:00 p.m., meeting at Grand Army Plaza. Come out and join Critical Mass in Brooklyn. Celebrate cycling, and assert your right to the road -- Brooklyn style!

For more events and bike workshops, check out their calendar.


Develop, Don't Destroy Brooklyn's Second Annual Walkathon:
Saturday, October 21, 2006 starting at the Prospect Park Bandshell

Join DDDB and other Brooklyn activists (including my wife and myself) in a walkathon to protect Brooklyn from Ratner's corrupt and excessive development plan. DDDB opposes Ratner's massive development project and favors more community-based development for Brooklyn.

Please join or help sponsor Joy and my team, the "Progressive Cabal." Last year's walkathon was great fun with music and great speakers.


Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) (mostly covers Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington). http://www.cbidems.org/ My wife, Joy, is now on the executive board of this club. This club is very grassroots and worked very hard for progressive candidates in the recent primary. They need more people if we want to strengthen the grassroots. If you are not yet a member, please come to the next meeting and join. Membership is cheap! Next meeting is 7 PM on Thursday, October 19th, at the Park Slope United Methodist Church, 6th Ave. & 8th Street in the basement (enter through the garden gate on 6th Ave).


New Democratic Majority in Brooklyn:
I will be a co-host of this meeting. We meet the 4th Thursday of every month at the 5th Ave. Ozzie’s in Park Slope, 249 5th Ave (intersection of 5th and Garfield) at 7 PM. You can contact me (mole333@gmail.com) for more info. The next couple of meetings will focus on the November elections around the nation and how those of us in NYC can help out.


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE! Next Linkup: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 7PM

Williamsburg/Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Boulevard Tavern, 579 Meeker Ave. (btwn. N. Henry and Monitor St.), with host Ben Morrison.

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Wycoff-Bennette Homestead, 1669 East 22nd. St. (between Quentin & Kings Highway), with hosts Annette Mott and Estelle Glasser


Lambda Independent Democrats (Brooklyn’s gay and lesbian organization) for meeting info contact LID@LIDBrooklyn.org.

DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Here are our local Brooklyn groups:

Park Slope: First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward, Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street). Hosted by Emily Farris and Peter Wohlsen, parkslope (at) drinkingliberally.org

Williamsburg: Every Tuesday, 8:00 pm onward the Levee, 212 Berry St. (corner of N. 3rd). Hosted by Elana Levin and Michael Freedman-Schnapp, williamsburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

To find your nearest Brooklyn Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.

QUEENS:

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE! Next Linkup: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 7PM

Sunnyside, Queens, The Grind, 39-24 Queens Blvd., with host Dan Jacoby

Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics

Queens Jefferson Democratic Club: Our meetings are normally held the first Thursday of every month, @ 8:00 p.m. (the doors open @ 7:30 P.M.) except for July, August, and months in which a holiday falls on the First Thursday. Meetings are held at the Auburndale American Legion Hall, 198-09 33rd Ave Flushing, New York 11358 (just off Francis Lewis Blvd. near 33rd Avenue).

Queens County Young Democrats: for information CLICK HERE.

DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Here are our local Queens groups:

ASTORIA: Third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward. Cassidy's, 34-16 Broadway (at 35th Street). Hosted by Bob Chamerda, astoria (at) drinkingliberally.org

To find your nearest Queens Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: MANHATTAN ACTION

Since Democrats are slipping in the polls, if you can't donate, PLEASE volunteer. Here are some ways you can help right here in our area. All actions are from Democracy for NYC and ACT NOW:

Take Back Congress - Landline Phone Banking Every Tuesday and Thursday:

ACT NOW is hosting regular Tuesday and Thursday evening landline phone banking from Chelsea. This is traditional phone banking - no predictive dialing, no computer skills needed.

On Tuesdays, the calls are to targeted voters in Pennsylvania's 6th District, to help DFA-endorsed Lois Murphy dislodge Bush Rubberstamp House incumbent Jim Gerlach.

On Thursdays, we're targeting voters in Connecticut's 4th District, to help top-notch Democratic challenger Diane Farrell defeat long-time Republican D.C.-insider and Iraq War apologist Chris Shays. (And, boost turnout for Ned Lamont at the same time.)

More info and RSVP at: www.actnowny.org


Seize our State Senate - Landline Phone Banking Every Monday and Wednesday:

ACT NOW continues weekly phone banks from Midtown East to take back our State Senate!

What will we be doing? We're going to be using landlines to do low-pressure Voter ID and/or Volunteer Recruitment calling -- not undecided voter persuasion -- to dramatically increase Democratic voter turnout in the most competitive State Senate races. This is a great way for first-time callers to get started.

Why care about the State Senate? If you care about fair elections, education, transportation, the environment, healthcare, security, and other major issues in New York, you should care a lot about winning back the New York State Senate. Now that reformer Eliot Spitzer is likely to be New York's next governor, it's even more important to have a Democratic legislature in place.

Please note: There will be no phone bank on Monday, October 2nd.

More info and RSVP at: www.actnowny.org


Democrats for New Politics Campaign Car Pool to Eric Massa Campaign:
PLEASE JOIN DEMOCRATS FOR NEW POLITICS and New Democratic Majority, Democracy for New York City, and Cardozo Law School Democrats as we

TRAVEL TO CAMPAIGN FOR ERIC MASSA
Democratic Candidate for U.S House of Representatives
29th District – Western New York

SATURDAY OCTOBER 7TH thru MONDAY OCTOBER 9TH (Columbus Day)

LEAVING SATURDAY AT 9 A.M.

THE BAYSIDE LIRR STATION at 41ST AVENUE

Return Monday Evening

WE WILL ARRANGE FOR ACCOMMODATIONS!

RSVP to Steve -at- DemocratsForNewPolitics.com (replace -at- with @)

Please indicate if you can drive!


Whatever you can do, phonebanking or traveling, PLEASE do. If you can't PLEASE donate to help us win in NY State.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

DFA-Endorsed Candidate Jerry Mcnerney in NYC - Oct. 19-20:
Jerry McNerney, a Democrat running for Congress in California's 11th CD, just outside the San Francisco Bay area, is coming to New York City on Thursday, October 19th. Jerry has been endorsed by Democracy for America and all the local DFA coalition groups in California.

Jerry McNerney is a renewable energy expert, having spent over two decades developing clean wind power across California. He is running against incumbent Republican Richard Pombo, a friend of big oil who has been listed as one of the 13 most corrupt members of Congress. (Click here for the list.)

For more on Jerry, visit www.jerrymcnerney.org.

For more info on these events, check back here soon. To be on the host committee for one of the Jerry McNerney events in NYC and/or to help us plan these events, contact Tracey Denton at tdenton -at- dfnyc.org or 646 257-4180.


NYC Critical Mass The last Friday of the month, every month, 7:00 p.m., starting at Union Square Park North. Come along for the ride! Critical Mass is a monthly celebration of bicycles and other nonpolluting means of transportation, exercising our right to the road. Critical Mass is a movement, not an organization; no two riders participate for exactly the same reason. New York City's first Critical Mass was in 1993.


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE! WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 7PM

Upper West Side, Cosi (downstairs) 2160 Broadway @76th Street, with hosts Merle McEldowney & Tracey Denton

Upper East Side, Manhattan Lounge, 1720 2nd Ave. (btwn. 89th & 90th), with host Lewis Cohen and David Kogelman

West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7th Ave.), with hosts Dana Northcraft and Judith Ren-Lay

East Village, Cinema Classics/Rafiffi 332 East 11th Street (btwn. 1st & 2nd), with host Abhishek Mistry


DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Here are our local Manhattan groups:

Upper East Side Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward, Doc Watson's, 1490 2nd Avenue (at 77th). In the backyard, weather permitting. Hosted by Matthew Bachiochi, ues (at) drinkingliberally.org

In Manhattan: Thursday, 7:30 pm onward, Rudy's, 627 9th Avenue (between 44th & 45th Streets). Hosted by Justin Krebs and Matthew O'Neill, nyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Bar Hopping Manhattan: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:00-9:00 pm
A monthly Democratic drinking club at different gay bars around Manhattan. Join the mailing list to receive updates of future venues. Hosted by Dirk McCall, outnyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

East Village: Last Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward, Grassroots Tavern, 20 Saint Mark's Place (between 2nd and 3rd). Hosted by Quinn Raymond, Elena Morin and Abby Cook-Mack, eastvillage (at) drinkingliberally.org

For those who prefer running to drinking, you can join RUNNING FOR CHANGE: Building a progressive America through organized runs and other grassroots activities.

To find your nearest Manhattan Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: MIDWEST FOCUS: Iowa and Indiana

I am getting more readers in the Midwest, though not yet enough to match my NY, NJ and VA readership. Please try to spread the word about this newsletter to your friends to help me expand my Midwestern readership. For now my focus on the Midwest will be only occasional, but if readership increases, I will try to make it more regular.

IOWA: Iowa is where I have roots going back to my great-grandfather. It is where my father was born, though he died in Korea. For that reason I have long been interested in reaching out to progressives in Iowa. To that end, I have also contributed to the Iowa Democratic Party for a couple of years now. This action comes from their newsletetr:

Make Your Voice Heard: Become a Member of the Iowa Democratic Party Alert the Media Team!

Alert the Media!

The Iowa Democratic Party needs your help writing letters to the editor and calling into talk radio programs to spread the Democratic message and help ensure victory in 2006.

Being a member of the Alert the Media team is easy. You will receive email updates from the IDP on the hot topics of the day. The emails will include message notes and background information to help you write your letter to the editor and prepare your question for a radio program. All you have to do is Alert the Media! Finally, your printed letters and call-in questions will be featured below!

If you would like to join the IDP Alert the Media team, email Erin Seidler at eseidler@iowademocrats.org.

I think this is a brilliant idea and I wish more Democratic parties would do this. I strongly urge all Iowa readers to join up and to get progressive friends to join up.

I also want to call your attention to some Act Blue pages focusing on Iowa. My New York readers have donated almost $1000 to winning New York state races. My Virginia and New Jersey readers have donated far less to the efforts in their states. Maybe my Iowa readers can out do Virginia and New Jersey readers...or even beat NY readers!

First I want to mention my own Iowa Act Blue page. This was one of my first Act Blue pages for 2006 and already has $275 donated. In particular I want to call your attention to the IA-1 congressional race which is a dead heat and a possible pick up for Democrats. Also, Elesha Gayman is running for HD-84. She is endorsed by Democracy for America and is very deserving of support. She represents a new generation of progressive Democratic leaders. Finally, I draw particular attention to Mike Mauro's run for Secretary of State. This position is so critical for keeping our elections fair. All of my Iowa candidates are deserving of support, but those three are particularly worth it.

Other Act Blue pages I will mention include:

Heartland Iowa's Statewide race page which covers all the statewide Iowa races.

Heartland Iowa's State Senate Page aims to win big in Iowa's State Senate.

Finally, Heartland PAC's Iowa House Challenger's page focuses on the state house races where a Democrat is challenging a Republican, including Elesha Gayman's HD-84 challenge.

Please donate if you possibly can towards winning big in Iowa...and showing my readers in other states what Iowa is all about.


INDIANA: I want to focus on Indiana as well because even the Republicans are admitting that Democrats may pick up as many as three House seats in Indiana. Indiana may be for 2006 what Montana was in 2005: a state most people think of as red giving big gains to Democrats. If you want to help win Indiana House seats as well as the Sec of State position in Indiana, please donate through my Indiana Act Blue Page.

But winning just one year won't make a difference. The exciting thing about Montana is that Democrats seem to be following up with their 2005 win statewide with what looks to be a strong showing in this year's Senate race. Whatever happens in Indiana this year, our strength there in the future will depend on establishing a more progressive Democratic infrastructure. To this end I want to draw your attention to an organization called Indiana Progressives PAC. Indiana Progressives believe to win nationally we must first win locally. Their message is positive, practical and progressive! Please give them your support!

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: MIDWEST GROUPS

I don't yet have enough Midwest readers to do an extensive Groups and Meetings page like I do for NYC, Virginia and New Jersey. But I can at least highlight a few groups and encourage readers to set up their own local groups.

IOWA GROUPS:

First I naturally will highlight Iowa's local Democracy for America group, Blog for Iowa. Joining this blog will help you connect with fellow progressives in Iowa and help establish a progressive infrastructure in Iowa.

Drinking Liberally in Iowa: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are four Iowa Drinking Liberally groups (see below). If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Iowa groups:

Davenport:
* Meets second and fourth Friday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* Pat McQuire's Bar & Grill, 3333 N Harrison St (Set back form Harrison - Next door to the Citgo on the corner of 32nd and Harrison)
* We will also drink liberally in the AM on the 1st Saturday at 9:30am at Mojo's (corner of Main and 2nd St - downtown Davenport)
* Hosted by Alta Price and Caroline Vernon, quadcities (at) drinkingliberally.org

Ames:
* Every Friday, 5:00 pm onward
* Legends American Grill, 200 Stanton Ave, 7th Floor (in Campustown) (map)
* The group will meet in the large accessible party room left of the elevators unless it is booked by a larger group. We will then be in the Sky Box. Ask a waiter for our location.
* Hosted by Jan Bauer and Brent Wynja, ames (at) drinkingliberally.org

Des Moines:
* Every Thursday, 8:00 p.m. onward
* The Lift, 222 4th St (between Court Ave and Walnut) (map)
* Hosted by Amanda Mittlestadt, Tricia Kell, Dan Chibnall, Cassie Samspon and Matt Jesson, desmoines (at) drinkingliberally.org

Iowa City:
* Every Thursday, 8:00 pm onward
* The Mill Restaurant, 120 E Burlington St (map)
* Hosted by Nicholas Bergin, iowacity (at) drinkingliberally.org


WISCONSIN GROUPS:

First I naturally will highlight Winsconsin's local Democracy for America group, Democracy for Wisconsin. Democracy for Wisconsin grew from the seeds planted by Howard Dean's presidential campaign. We believe that strong values and grassroots participation are the key to successfully promoting progressive policies and rebuilding the Democratic Party. Please help us take our country back! Local chapters are listed on their website.

Drinking Liberally in Wisconsin: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are surprisingly few Wisconsin drinking liberally groups! There are currently only two Wisconsin Drinking Liberally groups (see below). If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Wisconsin groups:

Madison, Wisconsin
* First and third Tuesday of each month (next meeting October 3), 7:00 pm onward
* Genna's, 105 W Main St
* Hosted by Brian Cadwell, madison (at) drinkingliberally.org

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month (next meeting October 11), 7:00 pm onward
* Club Garibaldi, 2501 S Superior St
* Hosted by Stacie Rosenzweig, Scott Feldstein and Jason Haas, milwaukee (at) drinkingliberally.org


INDIANA GROUPS:

First, I will highlight the very important Indiana Progressives PAC. Indiana Progressives believe to win nationally we must first win locally. Their message is positive, practical and progressive! And hopefully will be popular as well! Be a part of Indiana Progressives by registering with their site today.

Drinking Liberally in Indiana: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are six Indiana Drinking Liberally groups (see below). If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Indiana groups:

Bloomington
* Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Upland Brewery, 350 W 11th St (map)
* Hosted by Eric Foster and Chris Herlihy, bloomington (at) drinkingliberally.org

Indianapolis
* Every Thursday, 7:00-10:00 pm
* Spencer's Stadium Tavern, 802 S West St (SW corner of West & McCarty streets)
* map: http://tinyurl.com/ann6t
* Hosted by Jason Borneman, indianapolis (at) drinkingliberally.org

Noblesville
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Ram Brewery, 12750 Parkside Dr (near the corner of 126th St and Hwy 37)
* Hosted by Keith Clock and Molly Martin, noblesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lafayette
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Lafayette Brewing Company - UPSTAIRS, 622 Main St
* Hosted by Amy Clinton-Corbett, Mary Nauman, Curtis Parker, Jon Neal, Susan Schechter and Gavin Steiger, lafayette (at) drinkingliberally.org

New Albany:
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* "The Red Room" of Rich-O's Public House, 3312 Plaza Dr (Near the Kroger on Grant Line Rd; and next to Sportstime Pizza)
* Rich-Os is 21+ and "The Red Room" is in the smoking section, though we are able to meet in alternative areas of the Rich-O's/Sportstime Pizza complex to accomodate under-age attendants and those who are sensitive to cigarette smoke.
* We will now be meeting on THURSDAYS instead of Wednesdays to accomodate the academic work week.
* Hosted by Lacy Davis, newalbany (at) drinkingliberally.org

South Bend
* First and third Thursday of each month (next meeting October 5), 7:00 pm onward
* Oaken Bucket, 1212 S Ironwood Dr (map)
* Hosted by Chris Wilson, Thomas Winegar and Ben Runkle, southbend (at) drinkingliberally.org

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Menendez is moving back up in the polls, bringing the NJ Senate race to a dead heat. This is still the Democratic seat we have the most to worry about. Here is an article from Blue Jersey about fighting the swiftboating of Menendez:

Fighting a Swift Boat with Truth
by: Xpatriated Texan

I have a question for you. What were you doing in February of 1996?

...Kirsten Danis was writing an article for the Jersey Journal revealing that then-Congressman Bob Menendez had approval from a House Ethics lawyer to rent his former business office to the North Hudson Community Action Corporation.

This is only significant because Tom Kean, Jr.'s desperation has led him to base his entire campaign on one single false issue - the supposed corruption he's been trying to pin on Bob Menendez from the day he decided he'd actually try to get a new position by winning an election (that would be a first for Junior, because he was appointed to the State Assembly AND the State Senate). The problem is that he's shooting with a gun filled with blanks.

Here's a quote from the above mentioned article:

"Since the lease is with the nonprofit agency and not directly with the government, it does not violate conflict-of-interest laws, Menendez said he was told by Democratic counsel Ellen Weintraub."

And, lest we forget what the Junior Kean Kretins have been smearing around:

"Kean spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said the questions [about Tom Kean,Jr's ethics] amount to minutiae next to Menendez's role as a federally funded landlord. "There's absolutely no comparison," Hazelbaker said. "This is a clear example of Menendez using his office for personal gain. ""

Ah - that would be wrong. False. Incorrect. But we have the word of Jill Hazelbaker versus the word of Ellen Weintraub. Who in the world is Ellen Weintraub?

"Before joining Perkins Coie, Ms. Weintraub was Counsel to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct for the U.S. House of Representatives (the House Ethics Committee). Like the Commission, the Committee on Standards is a bipartisan body, evenly divided between Democratic and Republican members. There, Ms. Weintraub focused on implementing the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 and subsequent changes to the House Code of Official Conduct. She also served as editor in chief of the House Ethics Manual and as a principal contributor to the Senate Ethics Manual. While at the Committee, Ms. Weintraub counseled Members on investigations and often had lead responsibility for the Committee’s public education and compliance initiatives."

And apparently she's someone who has respect from both Democrats and Republicans.

"Back in July, the White House cut a deal with McCain: The president would appoint ethics lawyer and reform advocate Ellen Weintraub to one of the three Democratic positions on the six-member Federal Election Commission; in exchange, McCain would stop holding up a slew of Bush judicial and administrative nominations he had been blocking for leverage. Reformers saw the Weintraub appointment as crucial since the FEC was in the process of deciding the specifics of how McCain-Feingold – reluctantly signed into law by the president last spring – would be implemented."

Yes, that's right. The lawyer that gave approval to Bob Menendez is the one and same lawyer that John McCain insisted be appointed to the FEC because she is tough on election campaign laws. She is the lawyer that George W. Bush drug his heels on appointing until campaign finance laws had already been marked up - because she was too tough on them. She's a Democrat, by the way. That's called "bipartisan respect and approval".

And Jill Hazelbaker? Well, she works for a guy who is trying to secretly fund a Swift Boat style movie. Hazelbaker defended that decision by saying:

"'The corruption is so deep and so extensive it requires a film to capture all of it.'"

Interesting. Hazelbaker's "clear example" of corruption turns out to not be an example of corruption at all, but rather an example of how a Congressman actually followed the rules of behavior he was supposed to follow. No wonder it is "so extensive" that it "requires a film to capture all of it".

There is more. But the point is that we are seeing a smear campaign going on and we have to fight it. Please write the media to discuss the Republican lies and help fight this Swift Boat attack.

Also, please remember I have a New Jersey Act Blue page to help win in November. It only has $75 donated so far...less than Virginia, New York or even Iowa where I have a much smaller readership than in New Jersey. So please donate!

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Middle Twp. Democratic Club General Meeting
October 04, 2006
Sam DiVivo Senior Center, 23 Romney Pl.
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
For more information please call mary Durkin at 609-465-4170


Lake Como Democrats Campaign Fundraiser
October 04, 2006
Bar Anticipation, 703 16th Ave
Lake Como, NJ 07719
Call 732-610-3638 for information


Wall Dem Campaign Fundraiser
October 06, 2006
1541 Laurel Court
Manasquan, NJ 08736
Fundraiser for Eric Brophy of Wall Township. Held at the home of Annette and Mark Kitick. Call 732-922-2700 for more info.


Vernon Democratic Committee Dinner Dance
October 07, 2006
Hidden Valley Ski Resort
Vernon, NJ 07462
Contact Laura Blank at 973-764-1231 for information


Ocean Twp Brunch
October 08, 2006
Ocean, NJ
For Info, contact 732-922-2700.


Keeping Your Watershed Healthy
October 12, 2006
1 Winthrop Drive
Colts Neck, NJ 07722
A Community Information Session sponsored by Colts Neck Democrats. Speakers will include Jason Shea, Watershed Planner, US Army Corps of Engineers. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Anne Shoemaker (732) 946-8327 or ashoe@optonline.net.


Fire LoBiondo Rally for Viola Thomas Hughes - FREE
October 15, 2006
Cape May County Park - East side of Route 9 across from Zoo
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Cape May County Democrats and other like minded people to rally to change Congress. FREE!!!!
Hot dogs, cold drinks and entertainment.
Meet Viola Thomas-Hughes and local candidates.
Welcome by County Chair, Jim Pickering. Contact Eileen Fausey, (609)465-9061


Monmouth County Dems Campaign Fundraiser
October 19, 2006
Lincroft Inn, 700 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738


Brick Democratic Club Annual Breakfast
October 29, 2006
Crystal Point Yacht Club
Point Pleasant, NJ 08742
For more information, please contact Mike Blandina at 732-477-6507


Democracy for America Meetups: DFA is one of the best hopes we have of retaking America. I strongly urge you to get involved with your local group. New Jersey for Democracy Meetups take place on the first Wednesday of every month @ 7pm. There are many meetups around the state: North, Central and South Jersey.


Common Cause: Common Cause is a major force in Progressive Politics. It was founded in 1970 (by a Republican, mind you!) to counter the influence of special interests in Washington. Today they work on many of the same issues I am trying to highlight. Check out the NJ Common Cause website.

Here is how you can find your local Dem clubs. Go to HERE and click on your county.

Drinking Liberally: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Find your local drinking liberally group or start your own with a few buddies: (and thanks to the people in NJ who keep me updated on the changes...I appreciate it!)

New Brunswick, 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of every month, 7:00 PM @ Doll's Place, 101 Paterson St. New Brunswick, NJ

Hoboken, New Jersey, Fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00-10:00 pm, Mulligan's, 159 1st Street (between Bloomfield and Garden), Hosted by Leigh Wolinsky, David Alpert and Morgan Baden, hoboken (at) drinkingliberally.org

Princeton, Princeton, First Thursday Each Month 7:00 PM @ Sotto Ristorante and Lounge (formerly the Annex) 128 1/2 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ. princeton@drinkingliberally.org or http://princeton.drinkingliberally.org/

Montclair Every other Wednesday, 6:30 pm onward, Egan & Sons, 118 Walnut St. Hosted by Jon Hershberg, montclair (at) drinkingliberally.org

Morristown, Third Thursday of each month (next meeting April 20), 7:00 pm onward; The Famished Frog, 18 Washington St. Hosted by Jim Long, Tracy Kurland, Rob Gregory and Dave Cochran, morristown (at) drinkingliberally.org

Toms River, New Jersey
* First Tuesday of each month (next meeting October 3), 8:00 pm onward
* Joshua Huddy Brew Pub, 1250 Hooper Ave (across from Ocean County Mall) (map)
* Hosted by Robin Kinlin and Ian Valentine, tomsriver (at) drinkingliberally.org


RUNNING FOR CHANGE: For those who prefer running to biking, you can join RUNNING FOR CHANGE: Building a progressive America through organized runs and other grassroots activities.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: VIRGINIA FOCUS

This comes from Documenting Democracy giving you another view of how we can win this year:

We know that 2006 could be a historic year - Democrats could take back either or both chambers of the U.S. Congress - and wouldn't that be a blessing! Across the state, Democrats are working hard to push the party's candidates. Here's what you can do to help....(By Rick Howell)

....call your local Democratic committee or the campaign representative in your area to get involved. Don't know those numbers? Get on Yahoo or Google and use the search engine to find what you need. If you're on this site, then you most likely accessed it from the Virginia Democratic Party Web site.

The party has a listing of all city and county chairs. Call those numbers and you can find out where your talents are needed.

I'm now a member of the Lynchburg Democratic Committee; I'd previously served as Amherst County chair. In Lynchburg, Democrats have made remarkable strides in recent years, carrying the city both for Mark Warner in 2001, Tim Kaine in 2005, and then electing Shannon Valentine as a new breath of Democratic fresh air to replace Preston Bryant in the legislature.

Most of us are focused on Jim Webb's Senate campaign; and some of us are helping Al Weed's congressional bid in the neighboring Fifth District. Wherever you are, whatever district you're in, you can help us for Jim Webb or perhaps for a local House candidate.

Every day we see the reminders of why this should be a big Democratic year: the Bush presidency is effectively dead; the war has now been judged by most Americans as a mistake; the rising price of gas; an increasingly uncertain economy; new concerns (thanks to Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth") about global warming - these reasons and more give our party a chance to restore common sense, decency, and yes, peace, to our country.

Help us today. Help Jim Webb. Help local Congressional candidates. It's our country, too, and we need to take it back from those who have managed it so irresponsibly.

(Rick Howell is a teacher, writer, and long-time Democratic Party activist who currently belongs to the Lynchburg Democratic Committee. He can be reached at NewCenHowell@aol.com)

And I also want to remind you that my Virginia Act Blue Page so far only has $100 in donations...that's less than on may Iowa page even though I have fewer readers from Iowa.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Peninsula JJ and Democrats of the Year Awards
Starts: 10/7/2006 7:00 PM
Ends: 10/7/2006 12:00 AM
Contact: Charles Stanton
Location: Hampton Roads Convention Center
1610 Coliseum Dr.
Hampton, VA 23666
Phone: 757-877-2553

The Democratic Committees of Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson and York County are hosting the second annual Peninsula Jefferson Jackson (JJ) Celebration and Democrats of the Year Awards.

The Hunter Andrews “Democrat of the Year Award”


Stafford County Dem Committee - Fall Fundraiser
Starts: 10/8/2006 5:30 PM
Ends: 10/8/2006 9:00 PM
Contact: Dan Smolen - Chair Stafford Democratic Committee
Location: Stafford, Virginia (Call 540-657-8885 for details)
Phone: 540-657-8885

The Stafford County Virginia Democratic Committee's Fall 06 fundraiser will help the Committee build precinct operations and support is local candidates. Special guests: State Sen. & 2005 Democratic Atty. Gen. candidate Creigh Deeds, House Minority Caucus Leader Brian Moran, State Sen. Edd Houck, and Democratic Party candidate for Stafford County Treasurer Cindy Sellers. For more information, or to attend, call 540-657-8885.


Alexandria Reception & Fundraiser for Shawn O’Donnell Democrats' Candidate for Congress Virginia's 1st District
Starts: 10/10/2006 5:30 p.m.
Ends: 10/10/2006 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Howard Jennings
Location: Sacred Circle bookstore
Old Town Alexandria
919 King Street
Phone: 703 683-6630

Featured Speaker: Congressman Jim Moran
Hosted by:
Former Congresswoman Leslie Byrne,
Senator Patsy Ticer, Delegate Brian Moran,
Delegate David Englin, Delegate Adam Ebbin
Jim Turpin, Finance Chair DPVA & Susan Prokop
Dorathea Peters, Sarah Stott, Howard Jennings:

$50 per person, $75 per couple and $35 for Young Democrats


Elephant Roast (Va Beach Democratic Committee)
Starts: 10/15/2006 2 pm
Ends: 10/15/2006 5 pm
Contact: Paul Baker
Location: The Historic Kellam Family Home at 2384 Princess Anne Rd., Va Beach, VA 23456
Phone: 757-481-4409

The Va Beach Democratic Committee invites you to a FREE Democratic Party picnic and rally featuring 2nd District Congressional candidate Phil Kellam and a host of other Democratic luminaries that we hope will include Senate nominee Jim Webb.


Fauquier County Monthly Meeting
Starts: 10/17/2006 7:30 PM
Ends: 10/17/2006 9:00 PM
Contact: Barbara Burgess
Location: 10 Hotel Street, Warren Green Building
Warrenton, VA 20188
Phone: 540-364-2199 or 571-213-3678

Please join us for our monthly meeting where, in addition to our regular business, we will be reviewing our Election Day preparations.


Virginia Blue Barbecue & Democratic Rally, Chesapeake Democratic Committee
Starts: 10/22/2006 3:00pm
Ends: 10/22/2006 6:00pm
Contact: Angela Haywood
Location: Deep Creek Ruritan Club
200 Luray Street
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323
Phone: (757)434-3879

The Chesapeake Democratic Committee will host the Virginia Blue Barbecue & Democratic Rally on Sunday, October 22, 2006 from 3:00-6:00pm at the Deep Creek Ruritan Club, 200 Luray St. Chesapeake VA 23323
Invited Guests include
Jim Webb, U.S. Senate Candidate
Bobby Scott, Congressman, 3rd District
Elected State & Local Officials
The cost is $20 per person
$35 per couple
$10 children
And five & under free.
R.S.V.P by October 16th, to dem4life40@aol.com, or by calling (757)436-4623
Checks may be made payable to the Chesapeake Democratic Committee, PO Box 16088 Chesapeake, VA 23328


Friday, October 27, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m The Virginia Organizing Project’s 3rd Annual Social Justice Bowl at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 190 Rugby Road, in Charlottesville. Please join us for a soup and bread supper, a participatory social justice quiz bowl and singing. Then take your bowl, donated by a local potter, home. More information about ticket sales later, but each ticket will cost $25. Please call Sally for more information at 434-984-4655 x229.

Part of the beauty of VOP is that VOP encourages the participation of those who have traditionally had little voice in our society, and builds relationships with diverse individuals and groups. The Social Justice Bowl is a community building event as well as a fundraiser, but many who would like to attend cannot afford the $25. Please consider becoming a SPONSOR by donating an extra $25-200, so one to eight others can attend the Social Justice Bowl.


Democracy for America: One of the best ways to get active! FIND YOUR LOCAL DFA MEETUP AND GET INVOLVED!

The Democratic Party: Here are links to some of your local Dem clubs. This is another very important way to be active.

Albemarle County Democratic Committee, Albemarle County, VA

Arlington County Democrats, Arlington VA. Contact Name: Elizabeth Weitzman mewsician1@msn.com (703) 528-8588

Arlington Young Democrats, Arlington VA. Contact Name: Jaime Mulligan publicity@arlingtonyoungdems.org 571-334-7626

Democratic Party of Fluvanna County, Virginia, Bremo Bluff, Virginia VA

Hanover Democrats, Ashland VA

Loudoun County Democratic Committee, Leesburg, VA. Contact Name: Steve Deak chairman@lcdems.com

Norfolk Democratic Party Meetup, Norfolk VA. Contact Name: Alma D. Kesling akesling@yahoo.com 757 333-8694

Rappahannock County Democrats, Rappahannock VA.

Stafford County Democrats, Fredericksburg VA:

Virginia Beach Democrats, VA

Virginia Young Democrats, Richmond, VA. Contact Name: Justin Wilson justin@justin.net


Drinking Liberally: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Find your local drinking liberally group or start your own with a few buddies. If there isn't one near you, it is easy to start your own!

Alexandria, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
* Shenandoah Brewing Company, 652 S Pickett St (Look for us upstairs)
* "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world" - Margaret Mead
* Hosted by David Swim and Quinn Jones, alexandria (at) drinkingliberally.org

Danville, Virginia
* Every other Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward
* The Purple Onion, 215 Main St
* Hosted by Meryl Ibis, danville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Charlottesville, Virginia Drinking Liberally: Every Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Mellow Mushroom, 1320 West Main Street, Hosted by Jared Jenkins, charlottesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Richmond, Virginia Drinking Liberally: Every Thursday, 7:30 pm onward Commercial Taphouse, 111 N Robinson St. Hosted by Scott Goode, richmond (at) drinkingliberally.org


RUNNING FOR CHANGE: And if you want a healthier alternative to Drinking Liberally (or want to do some running after your drinking), you can RUN for progressive causes. Building a progressive America through organized runs and other grassroots activities. To find your local Running for Change events, CLICK HERE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: NATIONAL FOCUS ON VERIFIED VOTING

This continues my focus on keeping our elections clean. From Verified Voting:

Verified Voting Offers Tools for Making Democracy Transparent;
Citizens to Monitor Electoral Process

Responding to requests for a user-friendly roadmap to empower everyday citizens to monitor the voting process, Verified Voting today released the first three of six total questionnaires intended to help volunteer observers capture crucial information about the electoral process. The questionnaires, which have been developed as part of Verified Voting's newly launched Election Transparency Project, are available at our website. Visit http://www.verifiedvotingfoundation.org/transparency to learn more about the project and to link to the questionnaires page.

The first three questionnaires deal with "pre-election" matters and will help citizens assess the level of transparency in their state and county's electoral process, observe the pre-election "Logic & Accuracy" testing of voting machines, and witness ballot accounting (reconciling the number of voters signing in with the number of votes actually cast) at the time of poll closing during the early voting process.

"We want to empower everyone to get involved in strengthening our democracy," said Courtenay Strickland Bhatia, President of the Verified Voting Foundation. "Our goal is to provide the tools necessary to truly make a difference, and to remind elections officials across the country that citizen observation is a necessary ingredient for fair elections."

The Election Transparency Project, a multi-year, nonpartisan citizen observation program, welcomes the participation of both individuals and groups. Verified Voting is proud to be partnering with several local groups to make this observation possible. Persons wishing to sign up can do so on Verified Voting's web site at http://www.verifiedvotingfoundation.org/modinput4.php?modin=110.

"Volunteers will be provided with all the tools they need to engage in effective observation, and will be able to submit the data that they gather (with sensitive information redacted) via online forms," said Dr. David Dill, Verified Voting Founder and Stanford University Computer Science Professor. "We intend to make our data public so that any organization that wishes can use it and, in addition, Verified Voting will use the data to make recommendations to improve the transparency and accuracy of future elections."

Explaining the genesis of the project, Dill stated, "Through Verified Voting's work to promote publicly verifiable elections by requiring voter-verified paper records and mandatory manual audits, we have come to recognize that what our electoral process needs is end-to-end transparency." He concluded that, "Voter confidence in our electoral process will only be restored if citizens are able to monitor the process by which the election results were reached."

In addition to the three pre-election questionnaires that are being released today, Verified Voting will soon be releasing questionnaires to help voters observe ballot accounting at the time of poll closing on Election Day, collect information on the audit process in states that already have a voter-verified paper record and mandatory manual audits, and assess the level of access to the electoral process for persons with disabilities. With each election season, Verified Voting will add guidelines and observation tools to build usable models for citizen oversight of the entire process.

Additional information about the project can be found in our recent newsletter located at http://www.verifiedvotingfoundation.org/article.php?id=6386 .
The Verified Voting foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) public education organization dedicated to protecting the right to vote by promoting publicly verifiable elections. Verified Voting seeks to identify reforms that will provide accuracy and transparency, minimize electronic failures and fraud, and preserve all voters' access to the ballot and privacy and independence at the polls. Verified Voting also calls for all aspects of the voting process to be open to and observable by the public, from the testing and certification of machines through the final tabulation and canvass of the ballots.

Progressive Democrat Issue 89: GETTING LOCAL AROUND THE NATION

This is how our coalition will be built: through out local action. Our success depends on you and your activism. There are many ways you can get active. Below I try to provide a good variety of options and urge you all to find a couple that suit you. These groups below are the way we can get our country back. If we don’t get involved we won’t win in 2006 and beyond. Joy and I are currently involved in a few groups plus our own organizing efforts bringing different groups together and we are finding it a good boost to our social life. We are meeting cool people and it makes us get out a couple of times a month more than we would otherwise.

Finding your local groups:

Democracy for America: Founded by Howard Dean, now run by his brother Jim Dean, this group is very effective at the local grass roots. Many think this is the future of the Democratic Party. I think this is partly true, though the neighborhood Dem party clubs will continue to be vital to our efforts as well. This is a group that you really should be active in either by joining a local meetup or starting one of your own.


Drinking Liberally: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Find your local drinking liberally group or start your own with a few buddies.


The Democratic Party: Now that Howard Dean is in the driver’s seat I am hoping the Democrats will become more effective on the local level. One of the main complaints against the DNC in the past couple of elections is that they didn’t help the local parties in most parts of the nation. If you go to the DNC website and find the “Get Local” pull down menu on the left, you can find your local Dem groups. I strongly urge you to get involved with your local Dem club since it is often these groups that actually do much of the footwork to win each district.

Critical Mass: Critical Mass is a bicyclist movement (NOT an organized group!) that holds weekly protests all over the world to protest pollution. Go here to find the closest Critical Mass action in your area (site covers ALL of North America).


Wellstone Action: Paul Wellstone started something in Minnesota and his death hasn’t stopped it. Wellstone’s family is continuing his work and expanding it throughout the nation. Wellstone Action trains activists and grassroots candidates and they did very well in the last election. I urge you to look into any nearby Wellstone Action events.


Common Cause: Common Cause is a major force in Progressive Politics. It was founded in 1970 (by a Republican, mind you!) to counter the influence of special interests in Washington. Today they work on many of the same issues I am trying to highlight. Look for your state’s Common Cause organization.

To find the League of Conservation Voters branch in your state, CLICK HERE. This is the group you should be involved with if the environment is your thing.

To find the NARAL branch in your state, CLICK HERE. This is the group you should be involved with if choice is your thing.

Finally I suggest Americans for Democratic Action. ADA is a progressive branch of the Democratic Party. Email: adaction@ix.netcom.com for info on local groups.