Progressive Democrat Issue 188

This is it folks. Last few days of what I consider the third most important election of my lifetime. I put 2000 first because in many ways (terrorism and global warming in particular) the Supreme Court's seating Bush as President instead of Gore was a pivotal moment in world history...and a disastrous one for all of us. I'd say 2004 was second because then we had a shot at minimizing the damage from a Bush presidency. Now we need someone who can fix the mess and a strong majority of Americans believe Barack Obama is the person to do it.

Things look good. But take no chances. Once again I am posting the actions I have been asking people to do. I know lots of you have put time and money into this year's races. Just a few more days. Here, once again, is what you can do right now from your own home to boost our chances of winning.

I have been pushing phone banking efforts that anyone can do from their home. In some cases I am pushing efforts for key House or Senate races because getting the vote out there will also help Obama. Let me reiterate some of these.

NORTH CAROLINA:

First off, on Daily Kos there is an effort to do virtual phone banks to voters in North Carolina on behalf of the Obama campaign. Virtual phone banking can be done by anyone in any place from their own home and was an extremely successful strategy in winning Congressional races in 2006. This strategy basically brings Americans together one-on-one by phone. To join in, please email kim (dot) yaman (at) gmail (dot) com and ask how. You can also read about it here. North Carolina could well be the decisive state this year.

Next, I want to urge my readers to take some time and help our friends in North Carolina elect Kay Hagen to the US Senate right from your home. This is the kind of project that won big in 2006. Let's repeat the same success in 2008. Winning North Carolina is important in four ways. There is a close House race (Larry Kissell), a close and ever-tightening Senate race (Kay Hagen), a close governor's race (Bev Perdue), and there is a shot at Obama winning the state. Some effort now could have huge results in November. This race is now officially a toss up. You can read more about Kay Hagen here.

VIRGINIA:

This is another state that could decide the whole thing this year. There is an important Congressional race in Virginia that I have been watching for some time where there is a virtual phone bank to help the Democrat, Tom Perriello:

http://www.perrielloforcongress.com/...

Tom Perriello is running for Congress in the VA-5 district against Republican Virgil Goode. Tom may be a particularly important person for us to get into Congress because of his excellent diplomatic record. Perriello has a record of diplomatic success in difficult regions. Back when Sierra Leone was one of the world’s most violent hot spots, Tom worked with child soldiers, amputees, and local pro-democracy groups, and played a significant role in the peace and reconciliation process that ended twelve years of violence there. He then became Special Advisor and spokesperson for the International Prosecutor during the showdown that forced Liberian dictator Charles Taylor (who was also responsible for the violence in Sierra Leone) from power without firing a shot. THAT is the kind of diplomatic skill America needs after years of Bush/McCain blunders. After this success, Tom served as a national security analyst for the Century Foundation. He has worked inside Darfur and twice in Afghanistan, so he knows
about the hot spots of today. This is the kind of leadership we need in Congress! He is raising record amounts of money to defeat the incumbent Republican. For me, this is a critical pick up opportunity.

Perriello is an impressive guy running against a Republican sleaze and getting out the Dem vote in this district will help Obama win. So if you can help with some virtual phone banking, please do!

NEVADA

Nevada is another swing state, though it is less likely to decide the whole shebang. But another way you can help is virtual phone banking for Jill Derby for Congress in Nevada:

You call the voter and read the easy-to-follow phone script, record the responses of the voter and click ENTER. The information is automatically recorded in the
campaign’s database. If you reach an answering machine or voice mail, you can leave a short message for the voter. Make as many calls as you can and if you finish them all, you can sign up for more.

Questions? Want to organize your friends as a team to call for Jill? Call Derby for Congress Field Director Julie Wedge at 775-770-2008.


Do whatever you can, even if it's just for a day or only a couple of hours of phone banking. As Howard Dean says, "You have the power." As Jim Dean says, "We must take ownership of the process."

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

VIEW OF A CONSERVATIVE: Obama by a Landslide

A REVIEW OF REPUBLICAN FAILURE

FIREFIGHTERS ENDORSE OBAMA

BARACK OBAMA EN ESPANOL

BUSH...McCAIN...KATRINA

20 STATE ENDORSEMENT LIST

IOWA EVENT: Town Hall Meeting on Climate Change

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS

OHIO FOCUS

VIRGINIA FOCUS

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS

COLORADO FOCUS

MINNESOTA FOCUS

OREGON FOCUS

NEVADA FOCUS

GEORGIA FOCUS

FLORIDA FOCUS

CALIFORNIA FOCUS

WASHINGTON STATE FOCUS

IOWA FOCUS

NEW JERSEY FOCUS

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS

MICHIGAN FOCUS

WISCONSIN FOCUS

ARIZONA FOCUS

ILLINOIS FOCUS

ALASKA FOCUS

TEXAS FOCUS

The View from a Conservative: Obama by a Landslide

Generally I fight right wingers to be delusional, nasty and, quite honestly, pathetically whiny whether they are winning or losing, though particularly when they are losing.

I took notice of one right wing website that was an exception: Election Projection. Now I often disagree with the guy who runs this site, but he is clearly smarter, more reasonable, more reality based and far less pathetically whiny than his compatriots. I read him in 2004 when his side was still on top. I read him (and I think quoted him) in 2006 when he was one of the few conservatives who saw the Blue Wave coming and recognized honestly the flaws within his own party that were contributing to it. This year I continue to read him. Here is what he wrote about the 2008 election on Tuesday, Oct. 28th:

President: Eight days from Election Day, here is this blogger's conclusion: Barack Obama will win this election in a landslide. He will capture at least 350 electoral votes and win the popular vote by 7% or more. McCain may benefit from some measure of the Bradley Effect, but that advantage will be overwhelmed by African-American turnout, Palin-induced defections by moderates, and under-funded, unenthusiastic GOP get-out-the-vote efforts. This week's update shows Obama with a 375-163 electoral vote edge. The actual result may be a tad closer, but I'd be less surprised if his victory surpassed even that landslide tally.

My comment: I STILL see possible ways McCain could eke out a win, particularly given the election fraud the Republicans have already been engaged in, leading even to arrests. The basic scenario is this: EVERY state that is in the "weak Obama" or "tossup" category would have to, by hook or by crook, go for McCain (I tend to use Electoral-Vote.com for my main source of predictions, though Election Projection and Pollster.com are two other sources I use). Obama can get just shy of winning through all the "strong Obama" states, but he needs one "weak Obama" or "tossup" to tie or win. McCain has to pretty much sweep these (possible New Hampshire aside) to win. Unlikely. But not impossible. That said, I am basically in agreement with Election Projection. I think it is also worth noting that even this conservative recognizes that the only thing in McCain's favor this time around is the thinly veiled racism of the Bradley effect.

Senate: Three weeks in a row now the projected make-up of the Senate has stood at 57 Democrats, 41 Republicans and 2 Independents. All eight of the projected Democratic takeovers in the Senate remain probable as of this update. Alaska Senator Ted Stevens' conviction undermines his re-election bid - but, ironically, does not completely derail it. Even as a convicted felon, Stevens can continue his campaign and be elected, should Alaskans choose to send him back to Washington. Let me add parenthetically that I could not vote for Stevens and, frankly, I hope he loses.

Here is an example of why I like this guy: unlike the vast majority of Republicans, he rejects corrupt and hypocritical Republicans, at least when that is accompanied by a conviction. I opposed some corrupt Democrats in my day and once all but endorsed a Republican in a local judicial race. I also have publicly said Mahoney in Florida is on his own and deserves to lose to his Republican opponent. And I agree, Stevens deserves to lose, but I said that BEFORE he was convicted.

Governors: GOPer Pat McCrory's bid to succeed outgoing North Carolina Democratic Governor Mike Easley is looking stronger as we near Election Day. He has moved back in the lead over Democrat Beverly Perdue. I believe he will win. It also looks as though he will be the only Republican to take a Democrat-held office in a statewide race this year.

There are two Democratic seats that are threatened: Washington State and North Carolina governors. I think the Obama wave will carry both to victory, but it will be close and we could lose both.

House: The blue wave of 2006 may be matched by the blue wave of 2008...As a result of over seventy pundit rating changes which I incorporated into the House projections over the weekend, the size of the blue wave this year has grown considerably. No less than seven additional GOP seats find themselves in the Democratic column in this week's House update. They are Florida CD-8, Michigan CD-9, Minnesota CD-6, New Jersey CD-3, New Mexico CD-2, Ohio CD-1 and Washington CD-8. These seven newcomers push the projected Democratic haul in the House to 25 seats. Three GOP takeovers reduce the net gain to 22. Overall, the Democrats are projected this week to enjoy an amazing 81-seat advantage (257-176) in the House come January.

The list of hotly-contested House races here at Election Projection has also swelled by one this week. Six additional districts have moved into the competitive category, replacing five previously competitive seats which are no longer deemed at risk. The new vulnerable districts - all Republican - are Arizona CD-3, California CD-50, Indiana CD-3, Minnesota CD-6, Nebraska CD-2 and South Carolina CD-1. Races dropping off this week are Indiana CD-9, Kansas CD-3, Minnesota CD-1, Oregon CD-5 and Pennsylvania CD-6 (the lone Republican seat in the list).

Landslide. I been hearing it from some liberals for awhile and expressed caution. We need to do the work to get the job done. I will repeat for about the 1000th time: Never underestimate the ability of Democrats to fumble an election, and never underestimate the ability of the Republicans to lie, steal and cheat their way to a win. Anything can happen. BUT, a landslide seems just about inevitable at this point. Now we hear it from one of the most reality based conservative websites there is.

A Review of Republican Failure

From the moment I realized that the Supreme Court was going to decide the election for Bush in 2000 and that Florida's elections were fraudulent, to the moment I realized Bush was warned about 9/11 before it happened but ignored it, to the moment I realized Bush also ignored the approach of Hurricane Katrina, despite warnings, to the fact that Osama bin Laden is still free and Bush honestly doesn't care about capturing him, my main emotion regarding how our country is being run has been anger. I am mad as hell at how Republicans have deliberately mismanaged this country, more interested in their own greed and self-interest than in actually governing.

As the nightmare of the Bush years nears an end, it might be worth reviewing the magnitude of the disaster his administration has been on America. This is not an all-inclusive list. There are just too many Republican failures for one person to cover.

As a New Yorker I feel I should begin with 9/11. In many ways I considered myself a transplanted Californian, until that day when the planes hit. It may sound trite, but that day was such a personal as well as national turning point. For me the most vivid memory was from that evening as the ashes of the World Trade Center, and nearly 3000 New Yorkers, fell like a soft snow over my Brooklyn neighborhood. We can never forget that Bush was WARNED about 9/11. The Clinton Administration desperately tried to tell the Bush Administration that it was going to happen. America's intelligence agencies tried to tell Bush it was going to happen. He even had a memo on his desk SAYING "Osama bin Laden determined to attack America," and we even had the whole plan. But he ignored ALL of it. This is in contrast to Bill Clinton actually going after bin Laden before 9/11. This led the Republicans to whine about "wagging the dog" and accusing Clinton of being "obsessed with al-Qaeda." Well, I just wish Bush had been just as obsessed with al-Qaeda because maybe then he would have stopped them. As it is, America was attacked and yet Osama bin Laden is as free as ever and al-Qaeda stronger and larger than ever.

Then there were the deliberate, cynical Republican lies that got us into the Iraq Quagmire. Plus they bungled the invasion! Our troops were ill equipped, poorly treated by the Republican administration, and there was, and still isn't, any exit strategy. (You can read just a tiny sampling of examples of this bungling here). Let's face facts. The Democrats were weak and too easily collaborated with the invasion. But let's never forget that it was Bush, Cheney, Colin Powell (and, THEN Democrat Joe Lieberman, though we finally kicked him out of the party) who concocted and told the actual lies that got us into the quagmire. Democrats, just like the American people, may have been foold, but it was engineered by the Republicans. And in engineering this invasion based on lies, Bush and the Republicans made a conscious decision to virtually abandon the war against al-Qaeda, allowing bin Laden to continue to operate 7 years after the attacks. Seven years after Pearl Harbor we had won WW II, become the dominant force in the world and helped Europe and Asia rebuild.

But perhaps worse than the bungling of Iraq is the gross war profiteering that Republicans have indulged in, including deliberate neglect of problems that have led to soldiers needlessly dying. AND they lied to cover it up. A lot of this is only coming out because since the Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives, investigations by Democratic Congressmen have been initiated and allowed to go forward. A little late for some soldiers, but better than the cover ups, lies and war profiteering of the Republicans.

Then there was Hurricane Katrina, where Americans died because of Republican racism, callousness and incompetence. For many Americas, THIS was the turning point, the moment when the true incompetence of the Bush Administration was revealed in a very graphic way. But even worse was the fact that this, and many other incidents like the Minnesota bridge collapse, the failed levees in the Midwest, etc. really was a direct result of the Republican "Drown America in a Bathtub" policy which was enunciated by Grover Norquist. In fact, more often than not, the most incompetent Republicans have been REWARDED by the Bush Administration for their incompetence. Going along with this is my focus on the Katrina 11, the 11 Republicans who supported no-bid contracts for Halliburton but voted against aid to Katrina victims.

Then there is a level of corruption that this nation may never have seen before...at least not since the Harding Administration. Yes, there is occasional Democratic corruption, but a simple breakdown of indictments, convictions and investigations shows clearly that Republican corruption is far, far, far greater, more damaging, and more widespread. And while many Democrats fight corruption within their own party, Republicans have consistently circled the wagons and stood by even their most corrupt members, leaving it to voters to oust them. In fact, John McCain actually CHOSE Sarah Palin for VP even though she is part of the extremely corrupt Alaska Republican Party and is herself actively under investigation. McCain embraces the Republican Culture of Corruption that most Americans find disgusting. I will give some credit, though. SOME prominent Republicans have switched parties because of Republican corruption. This includes people like Pete McCloskey and Clint Curtis.

Worse perhaps than the run of the mill Republican corruption is a highly disturbing trend where far right wing Republican extremists who always go on and on about other people's morality turn out to be pedophiles themselves. There also is even some blatent Republican treason out there.

I can go on. But I am finding this depressing and infuriating enough. If others want to add their own personal contributions to the long list of Republican failures and misdeeds, please add them in the comments.

And remember: McCain has across the board vowed to continue Bush policies. Are these failures really what America wants??? Ask yourself one question: Are you better off than you were 8 years ago? For the vast majority of us the answer is a definitive "NO!"

Firefighters Endorse Obama

Personally I still hold firefighters in quite high esteem since 9/11...my neighborhood fire station lost half its people that day.

Of course with a four year old boy in the house firefighters are going to be idolized anyway.

This is a great ad for healthcare and for Obama.

Barack Obama en Espanol

Did you know Obama speaks excellent Spanish?



The Latino vote was already breaking 2/3 for Obama. This ad, soon to come out in the US, could push that to 3/4...which would probably lock up Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico and lock up the election.

And you want a President who is a uniter, not a divider, with Obama polling about 66% of the Hispanic vote, 44% of the white vote (more than any Democrat since Carter...yes he is getting more of the white vote than Clinton!) and nearly 100% of the black vote, Obama comes closer to uniting America than pretty much any Presidential candidate I know of.

Bush...McCain...Katrina

I want to remind people of the McCain/Bush callous lack of concern when Hurricane Katrina hit. This is what happened Monday, Aug. 29, 2005...the day Katrina hit, John McCain's 69th birthday...the day America realized that Republicans don't give a shit about Americas.

Hurricane Katrina:



I remember the radar images from the weather channel the night before landfall. I remember distincly watching it and thinking, "My god...that's going to be bad." I also remember thinking that the government had better be ready to get people out and to deal with the situation.

I was right...it was going to be really, really bad. I mean THIS bad:



While Mississippi and Louisiana were getting slammed by Hurricane Katrina and Americans were dying, THIS is what Bush and McCain were doing:



From CurrentTV comes this amazing footage from WITHIN Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans:



And what were George Bush and John McCain doing while New Orleans was being destroyed and Americans were dying:



Meanwhile, New Orleans was underwater:







And my friend from Mississippi tells me that Mississippi was hit even worse. Years later she was telling me her mother was still in shock from what happened in Mississippi...probably full blown post-traumatic stress syndrome, with minimal help from either insurance companies or the government.

These were the scenes in New Orleans for days after the hurricane: (graphic)







And Bush and McCain were doing this when Louisiana and Mississippi were struggling:



Meanwhile Al Gore, on his own initiative and at his own expense, was helping airlift some 270 Katrina evacuees:



And Barack Obama was equally active as a Senator trying to get aid to the victims and support the recover.

And Jimmy Carter has been a leader in rebuilding housing for low income residents of New Orleans through Habitat for Humanity:



Why do Republicans hate America? Oh yeah...it is part of their philosophy to drown America in a bathtub. This is how Republican guru Grover Norquist put it:

"Cutting the government in half in one generation is both an ambitious and reasonable goal," Norquist stated in May 2000. "If we work hard we will accomplish this and more by 2025. Then the conservative movement can set a new goal. I have a recommendation: To cut government in half again by 2050"

The death toll of Hurricane Katrina is a direct result of this Republican philosophy of drowning America in a bathtub. Many Americans drowned that day...and George Bush and John McCain at cake while those Americans died.

And the neglect by Republicans continued. Eleven Repbublicans in the House of Representatives, the Katrina 11, who had no problem giving Halliburton no bid contracts despite incompetence and corruption, voted against aid to Katrina victims. I have been fighting to defeat the Katrina 11 and turn their districts blue ever since. Joe Barton in particular is a nasty, anti-science scrooge of a Republican.

And the neglect by Republicans continued. Even two years after Katrina, my friend from Mississippi wrote this about the situation victims found themselves in:

Most of the people who DID receive money from the insurance companies received only a fraction of what it would cost to replace what they lost. There was the on going battle of wind vs water issue. That even Trent Lott had to deal with. He sued state farm and they settle out of court kind of quietly... However, when Bush visited the coast he promised Trent that he would rebuild his waterfront house. I think it would be interesting to look into what really happened in that case. No one I talked to was happy with the insurance settlements that they received. Now premiums are so high that many people can only afford the basic coverage. Insurance companies were boasting at how much money they gained last year, mainly because they didn't pay the proper amount of money to the people who lost their homes in the disaster. Also, many people have not had the money to fix or rebuild their house and today is the 2 year anniversary.

And George Bush and John McCain did nothing...except eat cake:

20 State Endorsement List

Below are links to my state by state pages of endorsements and info for election day. I will be updating as often as I can up until election day. So keep checking.

NORTH CAROLINA ENDORSEMENTS

MINNESOTA ENDORSEMENTS

ALASKA ENDORSEMENTS

MONTANA ENDORSEMENTS

OREGON ENDORSEMENTS

COLORADO ENDORSEMENTS

WYOMING ENDORSEMENTS

VIRGINIA ENDORSEMENTS

NEVADA ENDORSEMENTS

OHIO ENDORSEMENTS

IOWA ENDORSEMENTS

PENNSYLVANIA ENDORSEMENTS

WISCONSIN ENDORSEMENTS

MICHIGAN ENDORSEMENTS

WASHINGTON STATE ENDORSEMENTS

NEW JERSEY ENDORSEMENTS

CALIFORNIA ENDORSEMENTS

ILLINOIS ENDORSEMENTS

ARIZONA ENDORSEMENTS

TEXAS ENDORSEMENTS

Please forgive me if I skipped your state or skipped candidates in your state. I am just one person!

For our Iowa readers: Town Hall Meeting to Confront Climate Change

This was sent to me by a reader and I want to highlight it since it is coming up soon.

ADVISORY: Ames, IA - Oxfam America, 1Sky and O.A.R. Host Town Hall Meeting to Confront Climate Change

WHAT: The band, O.A.R. (Of a Revolution), will host a town hall meeting with Oxfam America and 1Sky, to discuss climate change with young people on Iowa State's campus right before their concert and the general election

WHEN: Monday, November 3 from 12:30-2:00pm

WHO: Iowa Oxfam Action Corps organizer Ellen Walsh, 1Sky Field Organizer, Anjuli Kronheim, band members of O.A.R., and the Ames and Iowa State Community discussing climate change

WHERE: MShop in basement of Memorial Union on Iowa State's campus

VISUALS: Citizens working with O.A.R. to discuss issues of climate change that affect the most vulnerable populations in the world, banners, green hard hats and campaign t-shirts

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS: Blogs, Kay Hagan, Larry Kissell, Alternative Energy, Veterans for Peace, Groups and Events

OBAMA'S NORTH CAROLINA NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS: (as of Oct. 31st, according to Editor and Publisher):

Asheville Citizen-Times
Durham Herald-Sun
News & Observer (Raleigh)
Wilmington Star-News
Independent Weekly
The Daily Reflector (Greenville)


North Carolina is a Senate battleground this year and we have a pretty good shot at winning. Dole has shown a pretty dismal record if you look carefully, as this person does.

Kay Hagen has recently been running consistently ahead of Dole, even if it just by a few points. I think we can win this one!

Kay Hagen is being endorsed from ALL around the state:

Charlotte Observer: Hagan better choice for U.S. Senate seat

Asheville Citizen-Times Editorial Endorsement: Hagan will give N.C. a better voice in the Senate

North Carolina Association of Educators Endorses Kay Hagen

Greensboro News and Record Editorial: Hagan’s track record recommends election

You can read about Kay Hagen's farm policy here.

I notice Hagan's campaign seems extremely well organized, which will really increase her chances of winning. You can help in many ways by signing up here. Even if you aren't in North Carolina you can help by phone banking from home (a strategy that worked extremely well in a NY State Congressional race in 2006!)


Next let me highlight Larry Kissell, running for Congress. Larry almost certainly won in 2006, but voter fraud that lost thousands of votes lost him the election. What is most disturbing is that most of those votes that were "lost" were military voters! Kissell is runnig again and is very likely to win. He was a Textile Worker for 27 years and is now a teacher at East Montgomery High School. Sounds like an ideal Democrat!

You can find out more about Larry Kissell and help out here.


Now let me highlight Roy Carter, running for the NC-5 Congressional seat. Here is an ad from Roy Carter's campaign:



And here is his latest ad, "It's the Economy, Stupid":



From Roy's website:

Roy Carter has dedicated his life thus far to educating young people, motivating them to achieve their goals and being a positive, affirming influence in their lives. Throughout his career as Educator, Football Coach and Athletic Director, Roy has always considered community involvement crucial to student success. Leading by example, he has consistently volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, working to build homes for hard working families. Through his leadership and innovation several student and community programs were created to combat drop-out rates, drug and alcohol abuse, and illiteracy. In 1997, one such program was instrumental in Andrews High School naming Roy as its Teacher of the Year. Roy has been a member of the North Carolina Coaches Association for over thirty years, being chosen as Conference Coach of the Year in 1993 and Coach for the annual East / West All-Star game in 1998. Additionally, Roy has been actively involved in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, and was elected to the North Carolina High School Association Re-Alignment Committee in 1999, receiving the Merit Award and receiving the Award of Achievement in 1995.

After many years as a science teacher, Roy transitioned into teaching agricultural science and woodworking. In-between the various family, religious, and community activities, Carter maintains a crop of 4,000 Fraser Firs.

Carter's opponent, Virginia Foxx, is one of the infamous Katrina 11, Republicans who vote for no-bid contracts for the corrupt Halliburtion but opposed aid to the victims of Katrina. I have been targeting the Katrina 11 ever since their infamous opposition to helping Katrina victims. Not only is Foxx one of only 11 Republicans who opposed helping Katrina victims, she also is one of only 33 Republicans who opposed extension of the Voting Rights Act in July 2006. He biggest contribution to American law making was to introduce an act to praise the Christmas Tree industry. So she loves Christmas trees but hates black people and refuses to help Americans in need.

If you live in the district, please volunteer to help Roy Carter for Congress. And if you don't live in the district, please help out with a contribution through my Katrina 11 Act Blue Site.


NORTH CAROLINA BLOGGING: BlueNC is a community-driven website that promotes progressive values and policies in North Carolina.

Some Stories of Interest:

Obama in North Carolina: "we all need to come together as one nation."

Kay Hagan Sweeps NP Endorsements and is Featured on CNN

Powell Endorses Obama also...News & Observer Endorses Obama

John McCain Asked if Bin Laden is "really the bad guy that's depicted?"

Racist Rant by McCain Campaign Chair in Virginia. What is particularly stupid was the guy put it in writing!

Kay Hagen endorsed by Ashville Citizen Times...and Kay Hagen endorsed by Winston-Salem Journal.

John McCain: "The fundamentals of our economy are strong" [Dow drops 500 points]. How many Americans believe that the fundamentals of the economy are strong? How many care what the fundamentals are like if they can't pay for food, healthcare, day care, gas and heat?

Meanwhile, Job losses mount

Which is why It's All About the Economy, Period.

Fourteen North Carolina Mayors Endorse Democrat Beverly Perdue for Governor

NASCAR LEGEND JUNIOR JOHNSON PRAISES ROY CARTER, SLAMS FOXX: A big endorsement for Democrat Roy Carter running for the NC-5 seat.

Republican Inaction Leads to Crisis in North Carolina. Once again, the lessons of Katrina were not learned. Even as natural disasters are predicted and tracked with greater accuracy than ever, the Bush administration refuses to prevent these crises.

Become a virtual North Carolina phone banker for Obama/Biden


Here are Obama Groups in North Carolina:

NC for Obama: Statewide efforts for Obama and Hagan

North Carolina Students for Barack Obama: Statewide

Triangle for Obama: Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill

Charlotte for Barack: Charlotte

Western NC For Obama: Asheville and Western North Carolina

Tarheels for Obama: UNC and Chapel Hill

Triad For Obama: Piedmont Triad

Winston-Salem area is voting for Obama!: Winston-Salem


Alternative Energy and Sustainable Agriculture in North Carolina:

Here are a couple of biodiesel cooperatives in North Carolina. If you drive a diesel car or truck, please check them out.

Burlington Biodiesel Coop
Burlington, NC
Check out their website

Piedmont Biofuels
The most successful biodiesel cooperative in America
Pittsboro, NC
Check out their website


Here is a mini-documentary on Wind Power in Appalachia:



Here are some other alternative energy groups in North Carolina:

Greensboro Sustainable Living Meetup Group:
Meet others in your town interested in various Environmental issues on global and/or a local level.

This is a forum for people to get together and discuss issues and share ideas on sustainable living. Let's share ideas about organic and locally grown food, reducing toxins in our environment, reducing our use of resources, the carbon issue, raising healthy children, etc.

People who should join include those with expertise to share, those wanting to learn more, and anyone interested in building community through environmental initiatives. For more info, go here.

Governors Debate Biofuels (and a reminder of my own view on biofuels). Seems to me oil and coal producing states are pushing to stop biofuels, corn and soy producing states want biofuels based on corn and soy, and wood producing states want biofuels based on wood. No surprise there. But we really do need a smart policy here.

Alternative Energy Resources in North Carolina: a short summary of alternative energy resources for North Carolina. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

North Carolina Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Publications: Whether you're a beginning farmer, or an experienced agricultural producer interested in transitioning to more sustainable practices, you may want to start by learning more about the principles of sustainable agriculture and some of the "systems" approaches associated with it.


Here are events and groups in North Carolina:

Weekly Veterans for Peace Vigil in Asheville
Every Tuesday 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
At the Vance Memorial
Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801

Weekly Women in Black Anti-War Vigil in Asheville
Every Friday 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Vance Monument - Pack Square
Asheville, NC

The Women In Black stand in silence against war, each Friday from 5 to 6 PM. All others are welcome to stand with them.

Democratic Women of Union County hold their monthly meeting the second Monday of every month at the Hilltop Restaurant Hwy 74 and 601 South. Seating for "Dutch Dinner" at 5:30PM, Program & Business at 6:00PM

Cabarrus County Senior Democrats have their monthly meeting the second Tuesday of every month at Troutman's BBQ restaurant, 1388 US-601-BYP S, Concord, NC. They start at 6.30 pm and for $7 you can enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet.

Mecklenburg County Democratic Women meet on the second Wednesday of each month, usually at a local library. Meet and greet from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00. Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Joan Belk, 704-578-4227

Mecklenburg County Senior Democrats
meet on the second Friday of each month at Walls AME Zion Church, 2722 Bancroft St. Bring a bag lunch if desired. Meeting time is Noon.
Contact Sam Brown, 704-553-9061 or sambev_at_bellsouth.net

The Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County meet on the second Sunday of each month at 7:00 pm. Locations will vary and will be announced in advance of each meeting. Contact Becky Gomer, 704-200-8801 or president_at_meckyoungdems.org

The Hillsborough Democracy for America Meetup
Progressive meetup, meeting others to learn more about local strategies and Democracy For America. This Meetup is officially brought to you by Democracy for America. I am Paul Aaron and have volunteered to lead. In 2005, I became the MoveOn local coordinator. After the 2006 election, the chairmanship of a local Democratic precinct became available. Should a Progressive be with MoveOn or inside the Democratic Party? This is the question I asked. My friend, Jo-Anne, a national Progressive worker, said we could use a Progressive inside the Party. For more info, go here.

"Third Thursday Group", a North Carolina Democratic "think tank", meets every third Thursday at Restaurant Costello's from 6.30 to 8.30 pm. 970 Branchview Dr NE, Concord, NC. Join us again to express your views and help to shape the party's agenda as we move into the future!

African-American Caucus of Mecklenburg County
Takes place the third Thursday of each Month, at 7:00 pm, at the Texas Land & Cattle Co., 517 University Center Blvd. Contact Michael Lawson 704-458-8150 or mamlawson_at_carolina.rr.com

Cabarrus County Democratic Women will have their monthly meeting the fourth Thursday of every month at the Stowe A-Way fish restaurant, starting at 6.30 pm. 455 Corban Ave Se, Concord, NC. All Democrats are encouraged to attend.


And for those who want to combine social events with politics, here are the Drinking Liberally Groups in North Carolina:

Asheville, North Carolina
* Every Thursday, 7:00-10:00 pm
* Asheville Brewing Company, 77 Coxe Ave (Downtown, 1/2 block north of Hilliard Ave.)
* Hosted by Aric Vance and Susan Lee, asheville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Charlotte, North Carolina
* First Monday and Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* First Monday of the month Location: Brixx Uptown, 225 E 6th St (we usually gather at the bar, on the LEFT side)
* Be sure to bring in your parking pass for validation, and to tell the parking attendant you are going to Brixx so they don't charge you $5!
* Third Wednesday of the month Location: Dolce Vita, 3205 N Davidson St 1/2 priced wines by the glass on Wednesday
* Hosted by Marcus Williams, Andy Graves and Mark Campbell, charlotte (at) drinkingliberally.org

Charlotte Eating Liberally
* Second Saturday of each month, 10:00 am
* Matthews Community Farmers' Market, 105 N Trade St, Matthews (We meet at the tables just outside of the Community House Coffee Shop)
* Come by after collecting your week's bounty & join us for a cup of coffee from the community house and a freshly baked pastery from one of the vendors!
* Bring your favorite organic/local/sustainable related books or recipes.
* Hosted by Laura Paynter and Heather Taylor, charlotte (at) eatingliberally.org

Concord, North Carolina
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Sweet Pea Cafe, 16 Union St S (1/2 block south of Cabarrus & Union)
* Hosted by Mark Ortiz, concordnc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Greensboro, North Carolina
* Every Thursday, 7:00-9:00 pm
* The Green Bean, 341 S Elm St
* Hosted by Richard Rozzelle, greensboro (at) drinkingliberally.org

Raleigh, North Carolina
* Every Tuesday, 6:00-9:00 pm
* Players Retreat, 105 Oberlin Rd (right near Hillsborough Street)
* Look for us in the room across from the bar, thru the doorway.
* Hosted by Wallace Pankow and Dave Carden, raleigh (at) drinkingliberally.org

Wilmington, North Carolina
* First and third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Orton's, 131 N Front St
* Hosted by Tom Schutte and Jimmy Cartrette, wilmingtonnc (at) drinkingliberally.org

OHIO FOCUS: Blogs, Progressive Candidates, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

OBAMA'S OHIO NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS: (as of Oct. 31st, according to Editor and Publisher):

Akron Beacon Journal
The Blade (Toledo)
Dayton Daily News
JournalNews (Hamilton)
Middletown Journal
News Journal (Mansfield)
Telegraph-Forum (Bucyrus)
The Repository (Canton)
The Times-Reporter (Dover-New Philadelphia)
Springfield News-Sun
The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)
Vindicator (Youngstown)


Progressive Majority Endorsed Candidates in Ohio:

Jennifer Brady
Candidate for State Representative - District 16 (Incumbent)
Bay Village, Rocky River, North Olmstead, Fairview Park



Jennifer Brady is the Representative from the 16th Ohio House District. Progressive Majority endorsed Jennifer in 2006 because of her commitment to progressive values, activism in the community, strategic mindset and strong work ethic. In 2006, Progressive Majority was one of very few organizations to support Jennifer after the House Democratic Caucus wrote off her race. Since then, we have been working closely with her on strategy, field organization and fundraising. According to the Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett, ''The 16th District is the number-one Republican target for 2008.'' It is a must-keep if democrats are to take over the House. Traditionally, the 16th has been known as the most Republican district in Cuyahoga County, which made Jennifer's 2006 victory the pleasant surprise of the cycle for Progressives. The Republicans have recruited Nan Baker, a conservative member of the Westlake city council colloquially known as the ''Republican Jennifer Brady.'' Jennifer has been a progressive champion in the Assembly who refuses to vote against her values, thus displaying the courage and conviction that helped her win in 2006.

Click here to support and learn more about Jennifer.

Matt Patten
Candidate for State Representative - District 18 (Open Seat)
Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township, Berea, Strongsville, and North Royalton



Matt Patten is the Democratic candidate for the 18th Ohio State House District. Matt has a long history of activism and labor organizing and is currently a Regional Labor-Management Field Coordinator. The performance of the district is expected to improve even further as the popular Republican incumbent is jumping to the state Senate and his successor, Robert Spada, is considered far too conservative for this democratic-trending district. As a professional community organizer, Matt is a fearless champion for improving economic opportunity, education, and universal access to healthcare. He has the endorsements of local and statewide labor. This seat is a top-tier pickup in the quest for the four seats we need for a democratic majority in the Ohio House of Representatives.


BLOGGING OHIO:

Ohio Daily Blog: a community forum for news and commentary about Ohio politics and public affairs.

Progress Ohio is an excellent source of Ohio news and politics

Buckeye State Blog is another source of Ohio news and politics

Stubborn Liberal: These are the rants and raves of a stubborn-headed midwestern liberal. My goals are to speak my mind and educate others about some of the events in our world.

Ohio Clean Energy News: recent stories on alternative energy in Ohio


Some Stories of Interest:

Obama's Economic Recovery Plan for the Middle Class

New Ohio Editorials Slam McCain, Love Obama

GOP Withdraws Lawsuit Against Brunner. Never should have been filed in the first place! Waste of money and time in an effort to disenfranchise voters. Disgusting. So, their frivolous lawsuits failing, they resort to even MORE disgusting tactics: Republicans Deploy Domestic Terrorism Against Ohio Secy of State

OH Attorney General- Cordray rocks

GOP Attempts to Disenfranchise 600,000 Voters In Ohio: Because they can't win on issues, values or character, they have to cheat.

John McCain: "The fundamentals of our economy are strong" [Dow drops 500 points]. How many Americans believe that the fundamentals of the economy are strong? How many care what the fundamentals are like if they can't pay for food, healthcare, day care, gas and heat?

Meanwhile, Job losses mount

Which is why It's All About the Economy, Period.

More Friviolous GOP Lawsuits. You Can't Make This Stuff Up

Ohio Election Issues and Judges? Here's Some Concise Easy Links! For info on some of the too often ignored parts of the ballot.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: GOP Absentee Voting Interpretation Would Disenfranchise Ohio Veterans And Deployed Military Personnel

Oppenheimer Analyst: Obama Energy Plan Could Halve Gas Prices


Here are some Obama Groups in Ohio:

Ohioans For Obama: Wooster

Columbus for Obama: Columbus

Northeast Ohio for Obama: Euclid

Grandview for Obama: Columbus

Mansfield Ohio Area for Obama: Mansfield

Cincinnati Obama 2008: Cincinnati

Southwest Ohio for Obama: Cincinnati, Dayton, Middletown and Hamilton

Central Ohioans for Obama: Columbus and surrounding area

Buckeyes for Obama (SFBO): OSU

Northeast Ohio for Obama: Lake County and surrounding areas


Alternative Energy in Ohio:

Cincinnati Alternative Energy Meetup
Meet other local individuals interested in exploring all forms of Alternative Energy. Discuss ways to preserve the world's resources and protect the environment! Go here for more info.

November 6, Evening Southwest Ohio Clean Energy Network Meeting. Location: Cincinnati State Technical College. 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45223. Contact: James Kinsman solarperiod_at_mac.com


Here are some Drinking Liberally Groups in Ohio:

Cincinnati
* Every Tuesday, 7:30 pm onward
* Odd Tuesdays: Fries Cafe, 3247 Jefferson Ave
* Even Tuesdays: The Pub at Rookwood Mews, 2692 Madison Rd
* Hosted by Adam Bartel and Cheryl Crowe, cincinnati (at) drinkingliberally.org

Cleveland
* Every Sunday, 6:00 pm
* Sullivans Irish Pub, 13368 Madison Ave, Lakewood (Great food and lots of irish brews on tap)
* Visit www.sullivansirishpub.net for more info on the venue
* Hosted by Judy Novak, cleveland (at) drinkingliberally.org

Columbus
* First Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm
* Byrnes Pub, 1248 W 3rd Ave
* Hosted by Jocelyn Krosky and Roger Denick, columbus (at) drinkingliberally.org

Dayton
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm
* The Oregon Express, 336 E 5th St
* Hosted by Cari Kimmel, dayton (at) drinkingliberally.org

Toledo
* Every Wednesday, 7:30 pm
* Manhattan's, 1516 Adams St (Downtown Toledo; on Adams across the street from Adams Laundry)
* Come and drink like a libreral at Manhattan's. We'll be talking politics, drowning our sorrows,
* and making alchohol-fueled plans for America's future.
* Hosted by Rebecca Golden, toledo (at) drinkingliberally.org

Maumee
* Every other Wednesday, 8:00 pm
* The Village Idiot, 309 Conant St
* Hosted by Lori Wampler, Ken Stout and Leanne Kulzac, maumee (at) drinkingliberally.org

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Blogs, Obama, Energy and Agriculture, Groups and Events

Virginia continues to be a key state in setting the political tone in America. I have believed since 2004 that Virginia is a state that can be slowly turned blue. The elections of 2005 and 2006 support my belief. This year the trend continues as we may well easily win the VA Senate race, and Barack Obama is consistently well ahead of McCain in this once safe-red state. But the House races also interest me, both because of our chances of winning a few, but also because the Dem candidates seem to be a particularly good bunch. I think we have a shot at winning VA-11, VA-10 and VA-2, and, with a little more effort, maybe even VA-5. And in each case the Democratic Candidate offers experience that America definitely needs after 8 years of Bush mismanagement. Let me give you a rundown of these four candidates. For all of them you can help by donating through my Virginia Act Blue Site or by volunteering through their websites.

VA-5: Tom Perriello, running for Congress in the VA-5 district against Republican Virgil Goode, may be a particularly important person for us to get into Congress because of his excellent diplomatic record. After 8 years of Bush’s failed foreign policy, we need some people with excellent diplomatic skills in government to help clean up the mess. Goode is stuck in the Bush/McCain thinking. By contrast, Perriello has a record of diplomatic success in difficult regions. Back when Sierra Leone was one of the world’s most violent hot spots, Tom worked with child soldiers, amputees, and local pro-democracy groups, and played a significant role in the peace and reconciliation process that ended twelve years of violence there. He then became Special Advisor and spokesperson for the International Prosecutor during the showdown that forced Liberian dictator Charles Taylor (who was also responsible for the violence in Sierra Leone) from power without firing a shot. THAT is the kind of diplomatic skill America needs after years of Bush/McCain blunders. After this success, Tom served as a national security analyst for the Century Foundation. He has worked inside Darfur and twice in Afghanistan, so he knows about the hot spots of today. This is the kind of leadership we need in Congress! He is raising record amounts of money to defeat the incumbent Republican. For me, this is a critical pick up opportunity. To help out, you can volunteer through Tom's website.

VA-10: Judy Feder is our candidate in the VA-10 district, and she looks to have a good shot at winning. This race is being heavily targeted by the DCCC and the Republicans are running scared. Tom Perriello, running in VA-5, would bring much needed diplomatic experience to Congress. Judy Feder brings much needed experience in health policy and health care, another area where America has been failing under Republican mismanagement.

Judy Feder began her career researching ways to make health care more affordable. Sounds like something we really need right about now!!! She has worked at the Brookings Institution and at the Urban Institute, and is now on the faculty of Georgetown University. From 1999 through 2007 she was Dean of Georgetown University’s Public Policy Institute.

Judy's academic achievments are matched by real life government experience. In 1988 she served as Staff Director of the Congressional Pepper Commission, a bipartisan commission on health care. In 1993, she was appointed to the Department of Health and Human Services, where she worked to expand health insurance coverage, manage Medicare and Medicaid effectively, and assure the safety of food and drugs. All of these areas are things that were mismanaged under Bush and the Republican Congress and need fixing. We need an expert like Judy Feder in Congress to help us fix what the Republicans broke! Go here to volunteer to help Judy Feder bring to Congress the health policy experience we need.

VA-2: Glenn Nye is our candidate in the VA-2 district and, just like Tom Perriello, he brings some excellent diplomatic experience to the table…JUST what America needs right now. As a Foreign Service officer, Nye volunteered to serve in conflict zones in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq. He has never been afraid of taking on tough tasks. He received the State Department’s Superior Honor Award for leading a rescue of 26 American citizens and negotiating the release of an American hostage in Macedonia. In Iraq, Nye led operations to create jobs for Iraqis as part of the counter-insurgency effort. This is precisely the kind of experience America needs in Congress. Intelligent, diplomatic and brave, everything that has been missing during the Bush Administration.

Glenn Nye also recognizes our need to change our energy policy. Here he is outlining his energy policy:



To help bring Glenn Nye's intelligence, diplomacy and bravery to Congress, volunteer through his website.

VA-11: This district is fairly evenly split Dem/Repub, so there is a good shot at flipping this seat. Gerry Connolly is our candidate in the VA-11 district. And once again, Connolly brings years of diplomatic experience to the table. Connolly spent 10 years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. During this time he managed the committee’s oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control, and United Nations and Middle East policies. He wrote numerous key reports on U.S. policy in Central America, Israel, and the Persian Gulf region.

I am also impressed by the overwhelming support Connolly has been getting from police and firefighters. Connolly has been endorsed by: Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics (IAFF Local 2068), Prince William Professional Firefighters (IAFF Local 2598), International Association of Firefighters, Fairfax Coalition of Police (IUPA Local 5000), Fairfax Deputy Sheriffs Coalition (IUPA Local 5016), International Union of Police Associationson, and many others. To help out, you can go here to volunteer.

Each and every one of these candidates is somewhat conservative for my tastes. But they aren’t running to please me, they are running to serve the people of Virginia. But what ever differences I might have with the specifics of their stands, I am extremely impressed with the experience, intelligence, and dedication they would bring to Congress. If these four individuals join Congress this year, it will benefit all Americans. You can help by volunteering through their websites (above) or by donating through my Virginia Act Blue Site.


VIRGINIA ACT BLUE SITE: Help turn Virginia even more blue.

BLOGGING VIRGINIA:

The Virginia Organizing Project is a statewide, multi-issue citizens' organization committed to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives.

Virginia Poverty Law Center (VPLC) is a not-for-profit organization concentrating in the areas of law that affect low-income families.

The Virginia Young Democrats blog has links to local Young Democrat groups and college clubs, and has information of interest to young voters in Virginia. This is Virginia's political future!

Raising Kaine: a community forum to discuss political issues of interest to Virginians.


Some stories of interest:

Falls Church News-Press endorses Barack Obama

The Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg) endorses Barack Obama

Obama's Economic Recovery Plan for the Middle Class

Thelma Drake at Odds with the Majority of Virginians

Thelma Drake and Virgil Goode: Bad for Virginia's Water

McCain "Transition Team" Head Lobbied for Saddam When Iraq Was Considered a State Sponsor of Terror

Wise or unWise Energy for Virginia? Good options exist

Thelma Drake Ducks Debate, Won't Defend Her Record

Obama Leads by Double Digits in Virginia. This could be what decides the election.

Add to that, increasing support for Obama from Virginia's hispanics.

Racist Rant by McCain Campaign Chair in Virginia. What is particularly stupid was the guy put it in writing!

Former Virginia Governor Linwood Holton to endorse Barack Obama! More on that: Virginia GOP ex-Governor to Campaign for Obama. From Lincoln Chafee to Linwood Holton, Republicans are coming out for Obama.


Here are some Obama groups in Virginia:

Virginia for Obama: Richmond

Arlingtonians for Obama: Arlington

Alexandria 4 Obama: Alexandria

Northern Virginia for Obama!: Fairfax

Greater Richmond for Obama: Richmond

Hampton Roads for Obama: Hampton Roads

Loudoun County for Obama: Loudoun

Tidewater Virginia for Obama: peninsula area

Roanokers for Obama: Roanoke

Charlottesville For Obama: Charlottesville


Alternative Energy and Sustainable Agriculture in Virginia:

Algae Key to Greenhouse Gases Solution? This is a topic I have been skeptical of, but have recently read up more on the topic and feel it is well worth looking into. This article comes from the Roanoke Democracy for America website. They also have a good rundown on Palin's problems.

Living Green DC/MD/VA:
LIVING GREEN DC/MD/VA works to send a message to the community and influence small changes in everyday actions that can have a big impact on our world. As a group we look for ways to make small changes in the way we live, enjoying the support and friendship of other like-minded people. This meetup can only grow if lots of members become Assistant Organizers and provide fun and creative ways to socialize, learn, spread the word, volunteer, network, do fun things. Suggestions are seeing films with environmental themes, dining where organic and locally purchased produce is promoted, visiting farmers markets and socializing afterwards, volunteering for Earth Day activities, meeting in cafes to discuss books and articles, etc.. Whether it's a movie screening or eating a meal with freinds at an environmentally friendly restaurant, you are sure to make an impact, so join the group and volunteer. Go here for more information.

Alternative Energy Resources in Virginia: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Virginia. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

Virginia Sustainable Agriculture Organizations and Publications: Whether you're a beginning farmer, or an experienced agricultural producer interested in transitioning to more sustainable practices, you may want to start by learning more about the principles of sustainable agriculture and some of the "systems" approaches associated with it.

Northern Virginia Environment Meetup: Promoting alternative energy: Freedom's Renewable Energy Everyday/where/one. Sign up here to find out when and where they meet.


Now some other groups and events:

Arlington Democrats Meetup Group
Meet other local Dems! Sponsored by the Arlington Democratic Committee, about 60 attendees meet to discuss local/national politics, listen to guest speakers and receive news on getting involved. Email jamesemcb_at_yahoo.com to join the ACDC listserv or sign up at www.arlingtonyoungdems.org.

Monthly Charlottesville Democratic Breakfast
This gathering takes place on the third Saturday of each month at 9:30a.m. and is usually held at the JABA building on Hillsdale Drive. Pay what you can.

Virginia Beach Democratic Committee Monthly Meeting
Held the First Wednesday of every month, 7 PM, at the Virginia Beach Central Library.

Monthly Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering
Final Thursday of evern month, 7:15pm

Location: Sojourners UCC Church, 1017 Elliott Ave, Charlottesville
Sponser: Interfaith Cooperation Circle of Central Virginia-URI; Gesher Center; Unity Church

Description:
On the final Thursday of every month, the Interfaith Pray for Peace Gathering welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs to an inspired and inspiring flow of prayers, meditations and songs for peace.

Contact Name: Heena Reiter
Contact email: gesher_at_mindspring.com
Contact Phone: 434-970-7836

Vienna Hispanic Democrats:
Meet with local Hispanic Democrats. To learn more, join here.

Fauquier Democrats Monthly Meeting
Third Tuesday of Each Month, 7:30 pm
Warren Green Building
10 Hotel Street
Old Town, Warrenton

Blue Mondays With the Stafford County Democrats
Every Monday evening at 5 PM
King Street Blues Restaurant
Casual get-together of like minded Democratic Activist
For more info contact: jac_at_j2power.com

Democracy for Virginia:
Here are the local Democracy for America chapters in Virginia. Click on the link for more info:

* Arlington for Democracy (may be dormant...you can go here to contact the organizers and get more up to date info)

* Roanoke DFA

* Tidewater for Democracy

* Virginia Grassroots Coalition (may be dormant...you can contact them here for more info: info@vagrassroots.org)

Drinking Liberally:
For the more social and fun-oriented (and booze oriented), there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the Virginia Drinking Liberally Chapters:

Alexandria/Springfield, Virginia
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* King Street Blues, 5810 Kingstowne Center Drive, Alexandria (Corner of Kingstowne Blvd and Van Dorn Street)
* Hosted by Brian Murray and Mike Sizemore, alexandria (at) drinkingliberally.org

Arlington, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
* Capitol City Brewing Company, 2700 S Quincy St
* We're usually in the back room at Cap City; check with the host station if you don't see us there!
* "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world" - Margaret Mead
* Hosted by David Swim, Quinn Jones, Michelle Elliott and Bev Wright, arlington (at) drinkingliberally.org

Charlottesville, Virginia
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* South Street Brewery, 106 W South St
* Hosted by Chris Dumler and Clare Wuerker, charlottesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lorton, Virginia
* First and third Friday of each month, 6pm to 8 or 9
* Glory Days Grill, 9459 Lorton Market St
* First hour of the gathering is part of happy hour
* Hosted by Alan Salisbury and Chris Ambrose, lorton (at) drinkingliberally.org

Norfolk, Virginia
* Third Thursday of each month, 5:00-7:00 pm
* The New Belmont, 2117 Colonial Ave (upstairs at the bar)
* Hosted by Tom Mitchell and Vivian Paige, norfolk (at) drinkingliberally.org

Richmond, Virginia
* Every other Wednesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Chiocca's Downstairs, 425 N Belmont Ave (Museum District - corner of Kensington & Belmont)
* Come join us for brews & news!
* Hosted by Morgan Bailey and John Manall, richmond (at) drinkingliberally.org

Virginia Beach, Virginia
* First Friday of each month, 7:00 PM
* Studio For The Healing Arts, 1611 Colley Ave # D, Norfolk, VA, Norfolk (One block from the Naro theater)
* Zeitgeist the Movie, DVD Door Prize
* http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Virginia9-11Truth/ http://vbdems.org
* One block from the Naro theater in Ghent
* Hosted by Chris Jaramillo and Eileen Levandoski, vabeach (at) drinkingliberally.org

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS: Blogs, Progressive Candidates, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

OBAMA'S PENNSYLVANIA NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENTS: (as of Oct. 31st, according to Editor and Publisher):

Beaver County Times (K)
The Daily Item (Sunbury)
The Daily Review (Towanda)
The Delaware County Daily Times (Primos-Upper Darby)
Erie Times-News
The Express-Times (Easton)
Herald-Standard (Uniontown)
Intelligencer Journal (Lancaster)
The Mercury (Pottstown)
Observer-Reporter (Washington)
The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)
The Philadelphia Daily News
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pocono Record (Stroudsburg)
Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre)
The Times-Tribune (Scranton)
York Daily Record


Here is a candidate endorsed by the Indigenous Democratic Network (INDN List):

Representative Barbara McIlvaine Smith
Candidate for Pennsylvania House of Representatives, House District 156
Enrolled Member of the Sac & Fox Nation

Representative Barbara McIlvaine Smith, a 2006 INDN endorsed candidate, is seeking re-election in Pennsylvania’s House District 156. She is an enrolled member of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma.

Representative McIlvaine Smith will continue to fight for accessibility to healthcare and for programs that keep Pennsylvanian citizens healthy: prenatal care, primary care for children, and prescription drugs for all senior citizens. She will work to ensure adequate, affordable healthcare for everyone, which is not only fair, it’s efficient.

As a former schoolteacher and longtime advocate for the environment, Representative McIlvaine Smith values the importance of a secure, prosperous, and responsible future for the people of Pennsylvania. She will work to maintain effective state funding of public education levels and will seek ways to keep Pennsylvania’s best and brightest young people in the state who contribute to its success. Education is essential for an innovative, sustainable economy that preserves the natural beauty of Pennsylvania. As an environmental advocate, Representative McIlvaine Smith understands the importance of smart growth, renewable energies, and untainted resources for the future prosperity of the state.

In her race last cycle, she won by less than thirty votes, and her win flipped the control of the Pennsylvania State House to a Democratic majority.Representative Barbara McIlvaine Smith, a 2006 INDN endorsed candidate, is seeking re-election in Pennsylvania’s House District 156.


Here are some Progressive candidates running in Pennsylvania who deserve your support (all are endorsed by Progressive Majority):

Barbara McIlvaine Smith
Candidate for State Representative - District 156 (Incumbent)
West Chester, East and West Goshen and two southern precincts in East Bradford



Barbara McIlvaine Smith is seeking re-election to the 156th Legislative District, Chester County. Barbara is a lifelong resident of Chester County whose family roots date back to 1683. Barbara is an enrolled member of the federally recognized Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma. In 2001, she was elected to the West Chester Borough Council and served as the vice president from 2004-2006. Barbara is a member of American Association of University Women; Sierra Club; League of Women Voters; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; National Organization for Women; and The National Women's Political Caucus. Barbara is the first Democrat in 30 years to hold the 156th legislative seat, and we know she can build on her historic 2006 win. (Also see above for the INDN List endorsement of Barbara)

Click here to support and learn more about Barbara.

Tom Quinn
Candidate for State Representative - District 165 (Challenger)
The Borough of Morton, almost all of Springfield and 14 of 21 precincts in Marple, 7 of 15 precincts in Radnor



Tom Quinn is running for the 165th Legislative District, Delaware County. The 165th Legislative District in Delaware County includes the municipalities of Springfield, Morton, and parts of Maple and Radnor. Tom was the Pennsylvania State Education Association Representative for Central Bucks East High School from 1998-2002 and currently teaches at Philadelphia University. Tom currently holds a Democratic Committee seat to which he was elected in 2005, and has been extremely active in the party. A playwright, Tom was commissioned by the Walnut Street Theater to research and write three civil rights-themed plays. Tom is determined to beat a conservative incumbent and help change the General Assembly to a more progressive body.

Click here to support and learn more about Tom.

Tony Payton, Jr.
Candidate for State Representative - District 179 (Incumbent)
Philadelphia neighborhoods of Frankford, Hunting Park; Parts of Olney, Feltonville and Oxford Circle



Tony Payton Jr. is running for reelection in the 179th Legislative District, representing Philadelphia County. The 179th District is one of the poorest in the state, and African Americans and Latinos make up a majority population. Since his election to the General Assembly in 2006, Tony has been at the forefront of education reform in Pennsylvania. He introduced legislation to create the Pennsylvania Youth Commission and authored the REACH scholarship initiative. The REACH Scholarship would provide free tuition and fees to students in the State University System who maintain a 3.0 grade point average and a 90 percent attendance record. In 2007, Tony received the Philadelphia Tribune Leadership Award as one of the city's most influential African-Americans. Tony will once again face opposition from the powerful City Democratic Committee, which has been determined to put a party machine-picked person in the seat since the retirement of a long-time incumbent.

Click here to support and learn more about Tony.

Babette Josephs
Candidate for State Representative - District 182 (Incumbent)
Philadelphia neighborhoods of Center City, Logan Square; Parts of Bellavista and Grays Ferry



Babette Josephs is seeking re-election to the 182nd Legislative District, Philadelphia County. She is a senior Democratic legislator and serves as the Chair of the House State Government Committee, which will oversee re-districting in 2010. Babette is dedicated to civil liberties and is responsible for a number of laws and pieces of legislation, including hate crimes protection for against crimes based on sexual orientation. Babette authored the law that guarantees confidentiality of HIV records. She also helped pass a law providing for automatic recounts in close state election races, and has been at the forefront fighting against those who seek to limit first amendment rights. Her current efforts are aimed at increasing state funding for public libraries and the arts. Babette is working to secure adequate and permanent funding for public transit, improved access to health care for low income working adults, increase the minimum wage and to end discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgendered individuals in health care, housing, and employment. Babette's primary opponent is a conservative former Republican who changed his party affiliation to run against one of the few progressive women in the Assembly. In 2006, Babette defeated him by 237 votes.

Kevin Lee
Candidate for State Representative - District 163 (Challenger)



Kevin Lee is running for the State House District 163 seat to represent Delaware County. Kevin has been a member of the Lansdowne Borough Council since 2004. In 2005, he authored and spearheaded passage of a resolution to include employees' domestic partners and domestic partners' children in the borough employee insurance plan (a first in Delaware County). Kevin has worked on environmental issues for the borough including leading a movement to reduce the borough's waste disposal amounts by revamping the town's recycling program (recycling has increased by 50% since introduction of single stream recycling). Kevin is a registered nurse and would bring a much needed healthcare perspective to the General Assembly. If elected, according to the Victory Fund, he will be the first openly-gay legislator to serve in the Pennsylvania State Assembly. Kevin is hard working, has an excellent campaign plan and is a formidable challenger.

Tom Houghton
Candidate for State Representative - District 13 (Open Seat)
Atglen, East and West Nottingham, Elk, Franklin



Tom Houghton is an attorney running for the 13th Legislative District, representing Chester County. Tom was elected to serve on the London Grove Board of Supervisors in 2001 and became chair in 2004. As chair, Tom has lowered property taxes by nearly 9%, preserved farmland, and passed an ordinance to obtain impact fees from developers to fund parkland. He also allowed for the expansion of Yeatman's Mother Earth Organic Mushrooms and Gourmet's Delight, a group that instituted industry best practices and eliminated harmful air byproducts. In 2006, Tom ran against the incumbent, now retiring, and received 47% of the vote. That year, Tom raised $200,000 for the race, which was more than any Democrat had ever raised in the district.

Click here to support and learn more about Tom.


BLOGGING PENNSYLVANIA:

The Pennsylvania Progressive, brining you Pennsylvania News and Politics from a...well, PROGRESSIVE view.

Progress Pittsburgh is building a broad coalition of progressives to transform the governance of our city. Decades of mismanagement by directionless leadership and regressive machine politics have put our city at the brink of collapse. We need a transformation: new vision, new blood, and a new democratic process. We are working to make this transformation happen.

Young Philly Politics: Progressive, Young, Philadelphia Politics, from Small to Big.

Keystone Politics: Politics around Pennsylvania


Some Stories of Interest:

McCain Uses Firm With Long Ties to Voter Registration Fraud

Debunking "Clean Coal"

McCain's PA Co-Chair A Convicted Felon

Rifts in race for attorney general

Altmire, Hart clash on Social Security

Post-Gazette endorses Ayanna Lee, Democratic candidate for the 44th District of the PA House.

The Poverty Disconnect

Shameful Act Passes: the for-profit credit counseling scam

Green Jobs for the Steel City

Renewable Energy is the Only Way Out of this Mess

State Contract Database is Online


Here are some Obama groups in Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania Women For Obama: Statewide

Pennsylvanians for Obama: Statewide

Pittsburgh for Obama: Pittsburgh

Philadelphia for Obama: Philly

Bucks County for Obama: Bucks County area

Lehigh Valley For Barack Obama: Lehigh Valley area

Penn Staters for Obama: Penn State students and alumni

Western Pennsylvania for Obama: Western Pennsylvania

Harrisburg PA for Obama: Harrisburg

To find Obama events in Pennsylvania, click here.


Alternative Energy and Sustainable Agriculture in Pennsylvania:

Alternative Energy Resources in Pennsylvania: a short summary of alternative energy resources for Pennsylvania. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is a nonprofit organization working to improve the economic and social prosperity of Pennsylvania food and agriculture. We work with the farmers that grow our food, the consumers that eat the food, and those concerned with the ecological well-being of our environment and natural resources.


Here are some important progressive events in Pennsylvania:

Critical Mass
Monthly at 5:30 PM on the fourth Friday
Where: Dinosaur, Carnegie Library, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Description: Critical Mass is a celebration of bicycling as a pollution-free mode of transportation. Critical Mass is not an organization nor it is affiliated with any organization, it's an unorganized coincidence. It's a movement ... of bicycles, in the streets.

Pittsburgh Green Drinks
3rd Friday of every month
Check the website for locations & guest speakers:
http://www.biothinking.com/greendrinks/index.php?country=USA&city=Pittsburgh

Steel-City Stonewall Democrats Happy Hour
Monthly at 17:15 on the fourth Tuesday
Where: Images 965 Liberty Avenue downtown

Peace Vigil Every Saturday, 10:30 AM
Intersection of Lincoln Hgwy & Oxford Valley Roads
Business Route 1 & Oxford Valley Road at the Closed Transmission Station
Langhorne, PA
Organized by Lower Bucks for Democracy


Here are a few Democracy for America groups in Pennsylvania:

Gettysburg Area DFA Meetup: will be held at the Lutheran Theological Seminary on Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg the first Wednesday of each month. We gather at 6:30 pm to chat and enjoy refreshments. Our meeting begins at 7:00 PM at the Seminary's Valentine Hall, Room 206 -- across from the Seminary Library. There is parking both in front of Valentine Hall (off Springs Ave) and in the Seminary lot next to the Library. Contact Elaine Jones for more information: elainelynchjones_at_gmail.com

Western PA DFA Monthly Meeting: second Thursday of each month, 6:00 PM, Rudy & Son Restaurant, 1641 Mercer - Grove City Rd

Philly for Change Meeting: first Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Find out more about the group at www.phillyforchange.com


Next, here are some Drinking Liberally chapters in Pennsylvania: second Thursday of each month,

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
* Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Orchards Restaurant, 1580 Orchard Dr
* Ask for the Drinking Liberally group and you'll find us.
* Hosted by Alice Elia, chambersburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
* Second Thursday of each month (next meeting December 13), 6:00 pm onward
* O'Rorke's Eatery & Spirits, 44 Steinwehr Avenue (second floor)
* New Location
* additional parking in National Park Service Visitor Center lot behind restaurant
* Hosted by Eileen H. Potemra, gettysburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lancaster, Pennsylvania
* Every Tuesday, 7:30 pm onward
* Lancaster Brewing Company, 302 N Plum St (corner of Walnut and Plum)
* Hosted by Jeff Fulmer, Monz Wenner and Cher Rineer, lancaster (at) drinkingliberally.org

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Center City
* Every Tuesday, 6:00-9:00 pm
* Tangier, 1801 Lombard St (at 18th St)
* Hosted by Brendan Skwire, philadelphia (at) drinkingliberally.org

Mount Airy
* Every Thursday, 6:30-9:00 pm
* Mermaid Inn, 7673 Germantown Ave
* Hosted by Adam Zion, mtairy (at) drinkingliberally.org

Reading, Pennsylvania
* Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 6pm onward
* Canal Street Restaurant & Pub, 535 Canal St (a few blocks past RACC along the riverfront)
* NEW LOCATION!!! Great local beer from Legacy Brewing Co. & a large selection of wines by the glass.
* NO Thanksgiving meeting, obviously. Enjoy your holiday and all those awkward political conversations with ornery family members!
* Hosted by Kim Stahler and Dan Sauder, reading (at) drinkingliberally.org

State College, Pennsylvania
* First and third Tuesday of each month, 5:30 pm onward
* Hi-Way Pizza, 428 Westerly Pky
* Hosted by Nancy Crane, statecollege (at) drinkingliberally.org

West Chester, Pennsylvania
* First Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Ryan's Pub, 124 W Gay St (On Gay St. between Church & Darlington)
* We are still on the once a month format and we have changed the venue to Ryan's. We'll be meeting up on the 2nd floor near the bar.
* Remember, no need to feed the meters in town after 5pm- save that cash for drinks!
* Hosted by Jonathan Long, Daniel Tyman and Jamie Manos, westchester (at) drinkingliberally.org

York, Pennsylvania
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The First Capital Dispensing Company, 57 N Pershing Ave (We usually secure a large table or two in the back room.)
* Hosted by Phyllis Wise, Roland Rode and Craig Thomas, york (at) drinkingliberally.org