The Blog needs to see Jim's e-mail. Reinstate the 50 State Strategy

Written by: Phil Specht on Jan 8, 2009 1:27 PM EST

The Washington Post reports that Barack has chosen Tim Kaine, Governor of Virginia, to succeed Gov. Howard Dean as chair of the Democratic National Committee. The official announcement is expected soon.

But at least one question still remains when it comes to the future of the DNC: When will they reinstate the 50 State Strategy?

The 50 State Strategy will go down as one of the most successful long-term programs the Democratic National Committee has ever implemented. Not just for Barack but for candidates up and down the ballot all across the country. But while there has been a lot of talk about keeping it alive, all of the original DNC 50 State Strategy organizers have been let go.

With special elections, local mayor and city council races all coming up soon, this is one decision that can't wait any longer. Call on Tim Kaine to immediately renew the 50 State Strategy and we'll make sure he gets the message.

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR NAME

The 50 State Strategy delivers proven results.

For example, only three years ago, Gov. Dean was mocked by party insiders and Washington Democrats for spending DNC resources in Alaska. This week, Alaskans watched Mark Begich swear in as their newly elected Democratic Senator.

We have a lot of work ahead to get America back on track. Our new Congress is sworn in and we're only a few days from Barack's historic inauguration. We risk everything we've gained if we return to a shallow strategy of only fighting for votes in a few swing states. We need to continue to think long-term and make sure our national party can compete for votes nationwide.

Let's make sure Gov. Kaine continues to build a people-powered party in all 50 states. Let's get it started right now.

SEND GOV. KAINE A MESSAGE: RENEW THE 50 STATE STRATEGY NOW

Thank you for everything you do,

-Jim

Jim Dean, Chair
Democracy for America

We need to win this one. Support Darcy Burner.

Written by: Phil Specht on Jul 29, 2008 5:41 PM EDT

Here in Washington State, Election Day is only 3 weeks away. I know that may sound confusing, but because of the new way primaries are run in my state, the first real head-to-head contest against my Republican opponent is just around the corner. That's because the Washington State primary on August 19th gives voters a chance to vote for any candidate, regardless of party affiliation. In just three weeks, we'll have the opportunity to show America how progressive Democrats can succeed when they run against Bush Republicans. Pundits, opinion-leaders and voters alike will look to our success in Washington's 8th District as a barometer for people powered politics across the U.S. DFA members in my community and nationwide have been some of my most active supporters. We will succeed together, but I need your support right now! Please step up once again and contribute so my campaign can run a ramped-up Get Out The Vote field operation and final ad blitz for this August election. TIME IS RUNNING OUT! CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE $25 RIGHT NOW. With the help of Democracy for America's early endorsement and the support of DFA members nationwide my campaign has become one of the most watched races in the country. Now, this is crunch time. We will show the pundits that my traditionally Republican represented district is demanding change. We will prove that progressive Democrats can win anywhere -- if we stand up for what we believe. Our moment is here. Our moment is now. Thank you. - Darcy

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Conveyor belt to the shredder.

Written by: Phil Specht on Jul 23, 2008 5:13 PM EDT

Linked to groups: blog for America Test and Poll Group, Blog For America

Now that the gestapo has decided who is worthy and who must disappear for the good of the fatherland, I have two words, seig heil.

Whoever it is never listened to Lakoff talk about the father party, because they somehow got themselves in the wrong one.

The other guys are the top down authoritarians.

Iowa's needs.

Written by: Phil Specht on Jun 16, 2008 1:11 PM EDT

If you are able to assist in flood relief efforts, there are many ways to help your neighbors in Iowa. Here are some resources to get involved:

• Call 2-1-1:
  When you call 2-1-1, you can receive information on flood-related assistance, including road closings, evacuation and shelter information. Opportunities to help are available by zip code, so anyone can find out where to help near their home.

  • Iowa Concern Hotline:
    Volunteer hotline for people who wish to help in recovery efforts.
    1-800-447-1985

  • Iowa City Flood Hotline:
    319-887-6202

  • Johnson County Emergency Management:
    319-356-6028

  • Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Service Program -- Cedar Rapids:
    319-378-0337

If you are not able to assist in one of these areas but would still like to help, visit the American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org) to donate to their relief efforts or find out how to get involved.

Thanks,

Obama for America

Thank you to all who serve.

Written by: Phil Specht on Jun 12, 2008 2:57 PM EDT

I'm thinking now of two groups in particular as we face our crisis situation in Iowa with the storms and flooding and loss of crops here in Iowa which will spread pain across our nation. The first are the emergency personel, the police, firemen, EMTs, volunteers, and our National Guard. and I'm thinking also of the Guard and Reserve units who would be on the front line here if they were not over there.

But behind them are America, the clergy with words of comfort, the families,the schools that take that special time with the child missing a parent, or now a home, the food pantry donors, and volunteers, and cooks at the shelter, someone bring blankets, another down at the humane society taking in displaced pets, the Red Cross.

America runs on people who step up to the plate.

Maybe as a little league coach or soccer mom, a volunteer at the library.

But a special group risk their lives.Some like in our armed forces, sent by a Democratic Congress and a Republican President into war at way too high a rate. Others firemen into a raging river to pull out a victim. to you a salute.

We owe you.

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Obama Won Texas

Written by: Phil Specht on Mar 8, 2008 11:30 AM EST

Why is the press too lazy to correctly report that all state contests are being held within the Delegate Selection Rules? Each state has "unpledged" delegates as part of that plan. (the so called Super Delegates) awarded across the nation by the same rules; and as well each state is conducting contests in all kinds of different but fair ways of allocating "pledged" delegates so that they reflect proportional support of those citizens who align themselves with the Democratic Party for the various candidates for President on the Democratic Party ticket. These slots are pro-rated by National Rules to represent the Democratic voters of past elections. After (rarely before) the allocation process, there is a separate election of the actual individuals who will attend the National (nominating) Convention in Denver in late summer. Bottom line, the candidate that picks up the most pledged delegates from a state won that state. Total popular vote numbers are meaningless since each state varies in how it does the allocation, by caucus or primary, or in the case of Texas both. In all cases they are proportional and fair.

Donna Edwards needs our help.

Written by: Phil Specht on Jan 21, 2008 7:45 PM EST

As the President of SEIU, the nation's fastest-growing union, representing janitors, child care and health care workers, and public employees. I know our families need champions in Congress. Sometimes that means challenging Democrats who are failing to be accountable to the people who put them in office.

That's why SEIU, MoveOn, and other groups are working together to defeat Democratic Representative Al Wynn in Maryland's primary election next month. As progressives, we have the opportunity to elect Donna Edwards, a person who will work for us.

In his 16 years in office, Al Wynn has put the interests of big business and corporate contributors ahead of his constituents. Instead of offering assistance to families feeling the pinch from high gas and heating oil prices, Wynn voted to give big oil and gas companies tax breaks after receiving more than $250,000 from the industry.1

(Click Read More for the rest of this post) 

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Health care for all Americans.

Written by: Phil Specht on Jul 9, 2007 4:32 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America

My name is Ilya Sheyman and I've moved to Burlington as the new Community Organizer at Democracy for America.

Last week DFA members across the country saw SiCKO together and started the conversation about the need for healthcare for all Americans. Now, it's time to take the next step and keep up the momentum for real solutions:

RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=21440

Join me on Friday, July 13th at 12 pm central for a statewide conference call about our summer campaign to provide health care for all Americans. We'll talk about the Health Care for America forums and legislative visits in communities across the country and then answer all of your questions:

RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=21440

Together, we can move healthcare to the forefront of public debate.

Talk to you next week!

Health care for all Americans.

Written by: Phil Specht on Jul 9, 2007 4:30 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Blog For America

My name is Ilya Sheyman and I've moved to Burlington as the new Community Organizer at Democracy for America.

Last week DFA members across the country saw SiCKO together and started the conversation about the need for healthcare for all Americans. Now, it's time to take the next step and keep up the momentum for real solutions:

RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=21440

Join me on Friday, July 13th at 12 pm central for a statewide conference call about our summer campaign to provide health care for all Americans. We'll talk about the Health Care for America forums and legislative visits in communities across the country and then answer all of your questions:

RSVP here: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=21440

Together, we can move healthcare to the forefront of public debate.

Talk to you next week!

Rocky Anderson's Call For Impeachment

Written by: Phil Specht on Mar 1, 2007 9:09 PM EST

Remarks of Ross C. "Rocky" Anderson
Rally in Favor of Impeachment of the
President of the United States

Olympia, Washington
March 1, 2007

Part Two

The people of this great nation deserve a government that promotes our interests and is accountable to our laws. Yet Congress and the Bush administration have consistently evinced a deliberate, flagrant, arrogant disrespect for the law and the common good. Rather than pursuing policies that benefit the American people and further the cause of justice and peace, many of our nation’s political leaders have betrayed a breathtaking dedication to a culture of corruption that encourages blatant dishonesty and willful disregard of US and international law. We are here today to raise our voices out of deep concern for our nation – and for our world.

That’s what true patriots do. Patriots speak up when their nation is suffering tragically from corrupt, incompetent, destructive leadership. Patriots demand that their leaders be held accountable to the law and to the electorate. Patriots call on their elected representatives to impeach their president if he abrogates his responsibilities, violates the law, or evinces a cruel disregard for basic principles of human dignity, in violation of international treaty obligations.

Impeachment of the President of the United States is not to be undertaken, as in the case of Andrew Johnson, simply because of partisan disagreements regarding policies or presidential appointments, or, as in the case of Bill Clinton, because of a partisan desire to exploit a personal violation of the law not involving grave breaches of official responsibilities or serious abuses of power.

However, impeachment and removal from office, a vital protection against evisceration of the balance of power among the three branches of government and against betrayals of trust and abuses of power injurious to our nation, should be pursued when, as in the case of George W. Bush, a president misleads Congress and the American people in taking our nation to war; authorizes and supports the kidnapping, incarceration without charge, and torture of human beings; demonstrates utter contempt for the rule of law; and blatantly violates fundamental constitutional protections intended to safeguard individuals against governmental abuse.

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