United for Progress - Candidates' Forum

Written by: Erin Carlin on Feb 17, 2006 3:35 PM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 17, 2006
Contact: United for Progress
Link

This week on WHYL AM960 United for Progress talk radio airing Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m. Rick Smith and Erin Carlin have a wonderful show lined up. Local Chairperson of the Cumberland County Democratic Committee, Gail McDermot, will talk about what is going on with Cumberland County Democrats. William Cobb of the 199th and Joe Lombardi of the 87th district will join us on our Candidates Forum to discuss their races for State Representative. Mike Lyon from Band of Brothers will speak on a gathering of democratic veterans running for office in 2006. Todd Tucker, author of the CAFTA report from Public Citizen will speak on the explosion of cash given to pro-CAFTA representatives by corporate PACs.

The 2006 elections are not as far off as you might think. Take time to get informed on candidates ideas and, for the incumbents, voting record so that when decision time rolls around voters will be prepared.

"The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men." Lyndon Baines Johnson

United for Progress is sponsored by: Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; Pennsylvania State Education Association(PSEA); American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 13; Teamsters Local 776; National Education Association (NEA); Service Employees International Unions PA State Council (SEIU); and American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Message from Gail McDermott (CCDC Chair) on Gov. Rendell

Written by: Erin Carlin on Feb 17, 2006 9:28 AM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

Dear Democratic Friends:

We would like to give Governor 100 signatures on petitions by Tuesday morning.

If you have petitions with signatures for Governor Rendell, please bring them to the Full County Committee meaning on Saturday morning at 10:00 am.

Our goal is to deliver 1000 signatures total - but 100 by Tuesday morning.

If you are not able to circulate a petition, you can stop in our headquarters, 46 W. Louther Street, Carlisle and sign a petition.

Thank you all for your efforts on behalf of our Democratic candidates.

Gail McDermott, Chair

Message from Joe Hoeffel and Friends

Written by: Erin Carlin on Feb 16, 2006 1:29 PM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

Dear Friends,

Those of us here at Joe Hoeffel and Friends have been paying attention to the recent news about our boss and his potential run for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania. In fact, polling conducted a few weeks ago suggests that Joe would win the primary .

We all think it would be a great idea if he ran and want to encourage him in any way we can. One of the most important ways to support him is to circulate petitions to help place Joe on the ballot. If we all pitch in and get involved, we have a good shot of electing a true progressive for Lt. Governor and building a strong team to lead the Commonwealth.

If you live in any of Pennsylvania's sixty-seven counties and are a registered Democrat, you are qualified to be an official Hoeffel Petition Circulator. It is that easy.

Please send us an email to petitions@joehoeffelandfriends.com and we will place petitions with instructions in the mail ASAP.

Don't forget to include:

Full Name
Mailing Address
Phone Number
Number of petitions sheets you would like (There are 50 spaces on each sheet).

We can get Joe Hoeffel on the ballot and then there is no stopping what we can accomplish together.

Thanks for all your support.

Hilary

It's Time for a Vote on the Minimum Wage Bill

Written by: Erin Carlin on Feb 16, 2006 10:36 AM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

The minimum wage has fallen far behind inflation yet for the third week in a row Republican have leaders directed their members to vote against making this worker protection a viable tool in the fight against poverty and stimulating the economy.

Some are resisting for all the wrong, if not unethical reasons. Free Market Guru Adam Smith said, “Ethics must precede economics.� Therefore, I write this letter to encourage you to consider whether the decision to resist efforts to improve the quality of life for hard working, low-income families is ethical.

Two Republicans have sought to bring up the legislation for an up-or-down vote, and many Republican legislators have told workers in their districts that they are open to at least considering a higher minimum wage. However, until they vote that way in Harrisburg, it is merely lip service.

I strongly support a higher minimum wage and that it is time for action, not words. It is time for a vote on the minimum wage bill. How much longer will we let some people work for inadequate pay? Enough is enough.

Joe Hoeffel Coming to UFP

Written by: Erin Carlin on Feb 10, 2006 5:04 PM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2006
Contact: United for Progress
Link

This Saturday February 11th on United for Progress talk radio show, Rick Smith and Erin Carlin of United for Progress talk to Joe Hoeffel in his bid to become the next Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. Steve Herzenberg the Executive Director of the Keystone Research Center will also be on hand to bring us up to date on economic and labor market issues, along with other guests local Walt Lyon will be speaking as well.

Economic justice has, so far, been absent from this current republican administration. As Americans who are all in this together, we owe it to ourselves to learn as much as we can about labor and justice in the workplace.

"Of course I believe in free enterprise, but in my system of free enterprise, the democratic principle is that there never was, never has been, never will be, room for the ruthless exploitation of the many to the benefit of the few." Harry Truman

United for Progress is sponsored by: Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; Pennsylvania State Education Association(PSEA); American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 13; Teamsters Local 776; National Education Association (NEA); Service Employees International Unions (SEIU); United Steel Workers of America Local 1688; and American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Veterans’ Alliance - Gathering of Congressional Candidates

Written by: Erin Carlin on Feb 3, 2006 5:40 PM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 2, 2006

CONTACT: Mike Lyon
(804) 263-0717
mike@bandofbrothers2006.org
Link

Phil Avillo Will Attend Washington Event; Veterans' Alliance Announces Gathering of Congressional Candidates

Washington DC - Today the Veterans' Alliance for Security and Democracy and the Band of Brothers 2006, announced a large gathering of Democratic military veteran congressional candidates in Washington DC on February 8. Phil Avillo, currently running in the 19th district of Pennsylvania against Congressman Todd Platts, is excited to come and meet his fellow soldiers next week. More than fifty men and women who have served our country with honor and courage are fighting once again to bring those values to Congress. A full day of events is scheduled for these patriots, including a 10 am press conference at the Capitol West Lawn, featuring the candidates and former U.S. Senator Max Cleland, sessions on campaign tactics, and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. In case of inclement weather, the press conference will be held at the States Services Organization, 444 North Capitol Street, NW.

“We believe this event will strengthen and enhance the spirit of community and synergy that is growing among these unique candidates, and will make a vital contribution to their success at the polls in November,� said COL Richard Klass, USAF (ret), VETPAC's Executive Director.

Fifty-three Democratic veterans are running for a congressional seat this year. They come from 26 states, and represent all branches of the armed services. More than half of the candidates have fought in combat.
"We intend to increase the proportion of veterans in Congress, which has steadily declined since the 1970s," said, Mike Lyon, Band of Brothers Executive Director.

VETPAC and the Band of Brothers 2006 were formed by American Veterans and military family members to promote the principles and values for which members of the armed forces have served our country, fought, and died. Working together with the American People, we are embarked on a "search and rescue" mission to promote national leadership that will help us rescue America's future from policies that threaten our national security, our civil liberties, our country's economy and, indeed, even our Constitution. We intend to help our comrades explain to America why the Democratic Party is more qualified to protect America in a post 9/11 world.

United for Progress - February 4

Written by: Erin Carlin on Feb 3, 2006 5:37 PM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2006
Contact: United for Progress
Link

This on Saturday WHYL's AM960 Talk Radio Show United for Progress, Rick Smith and Erin Carlin will talk with Karen Davenport, Director of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress on why the system needs fixing. Our other guests will be Dr. Karen Bettez Halnon Professor of Sociology, Penn State Abington who will inform us on the badly named "Academic Freedom Bill" and Representative Mike Veon Democratic Whip speaking on saving the prevailing wage.

Huge problems have arisen in the wake of the implementation of the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. Seniors and the poor have been left unable to get the prescriptions they need and states have had to foot the bill. It is time to come up with a solution that everyone can use and use easily.

"How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these." George Washington Carver

United for Progress is sponsored by: Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; Pennsylvania State Education Association(PSEA); American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 13; Teamsters Local 776; National Education Association (NEA); and American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Candidate Forum

Written by: Erin Carlin on Jan 31, 2006 3:01 PM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

Cumberland County Democracy for America and United for Progress will be facilitating a candidate forum with State Legislative Candidates and Congressional Candidates from Dauphin, Perry, Cumberland, York, and Franklin Counties.

Inviting several candidates to discuss their platforms or speak on a specific issue is a great way for your Central Pennsylvania to become familiar with the candidates. It also gives candidates a chance to talk to voters, as well as giving your group a chance to gain exposure in the community.

Initially, this Forum strategy will have two stages. First, United for progress will conduct 10-15 minute interviews with participating State Legislative Candidates and Congressional Candidates and post them on their website (Link), which has received over 1,000-radio segment download requests a week. United for Progress conducts interviews at the station or via the phone. The interviews will begin immediately and will focus on the issues that the candidates identify.

The interviews will be available on the United for Progress website and candidates can download them for their own use. In return, United for Progress asks that candidates link United for Progress to their campaign websites.

The second stage will be a live airing of participating candidates stump speeches on the February 18th United for Progress Show. These stump speeches will be 5-7 minutes and should focus on the candidates' platform.

This Forum will be widely promoted through flyers, press advisories, letters to the editor campaign, and on the United for Progress show.

Please email Erin Carlin at erincarlin@unitedforprogress.com for further information.

United for Progress (January 28) - Jim Dean Returns

Written by: Erin Carlin on Jan 27, 2006 6:33 PM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2006
Contact: United for Progress
Link

Rick Smith and Erin Carlin of United for Progress airing on Saturdays from 2 to 5 p.m. on WHYL AM960 are ready to tackle the issues of the week. Joining United for Progress this week are P.J. Crowley Senior Fellow and Director of National Defense and Homeland Security - Center for American Progress to talk about catastrophic terror and James H. Dean Chairman of Democracy for America who will speak on restoring a sense of community to America. Later in the show guests from the Democratic National Committee, and the Keystone Research Center will also join us.

Terrorism is on the rise despite the Bush administrations attempts to fight this war and they have failed to protect American soldiers and citizens. It is also important for us to restore a sense of community that has been lost over the last 5 years.

"The art of progress is to preserve order amid change, and to preserve change amid order." Alfred North Whitehead

United for Progress is supported by: Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; Pennsylvania State Education Association(PSEA); American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 13; Teamsters Local 776; National Education Association (NEA); and American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).

Fillibuster Alito!

Written by: Erin Carlin on Jan 25, 2006 3:58 PM EST

Linked to groups: Cumberland County Democracy for America

President Bush has nominated Samuel Alito, a judge with a long record of judicial extremism. If Judge Alito were confirmed, his extremism would endanger our basic individual freedoms. This scares me on many fronts.

As a father, I worry about an extremist who justifies strip searching children and loosening public safety protections for my family and my community. As a sport angler, I worry about the effect of an extremist judge who believes that corporate polluters need not be held accountable for polluting the environment nor the consequent health problems they create. As a proud member of working America, I worry about the appointment of an extremist judge who always sides with corporations in discrimination cases and excludes workers from safety laws.

Right now may be our last chance to take action on this Senate decision. Alito's belief in the "Unitary Executive" may be the straw that breaks the back of our already troubled democracy. For our protection, we need to filibuster Alito.