Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Big Oil Loves Chabot
Where is Republican Rep. Steve Chabot? Looks like someone was trying to deliver a check for $110,850 to Steve Chabot to reflect the amount of money he has accepted from oil/gas concerns. Over the years, Chabot has voted to help and protect oil/gas.
News Round up
* Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy is speaking out for "Employee Free Choice."
* CQ Politics has written about Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy's congressional campaign in the 15th district today:
Kilroy has $1.16 million campaign cash-on-hand.
* Our current energy policy was worked out behind closed doors when Vice President Cheney met with oil executives to create an energy policy. I wonder if that energy policy included the $4/gallon we have now. McCain is currently listening to oil executives again with his own, "Drill! Drill! Drill!" According to Raw Story, McCain is getting advice from oil executives. As a result of his pro-drilling energy policy, oil companies are contributing big money to McCain in hopes of getting $6/gal.
Barack Obama's energy plan includes strategies to break our dependence on foreign oil. Read it here.
* Did you know that Barack Obama is a Constitutional lawyer? No wonder the Republicans are afraid of him!
* Another Republican has been indicted. The New York Times has the story about Republican Sen. Ted Stevens and his seven felony counts. Ouch!
* Here is an interesting statistic from The Philadelphia Inquirer:
In Pennsylvania, Democrat Barack Obama has opened up a big, early lead over Republican John McCain - in the number of local offices.
* Votevets.org has written a letter to McCain. Here is an excerpt:
Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, representing 18 states, wrote a letter to Senator John McCain today, regarding his recent comments that it may be time to ration Department of Veterans Affairs medical and mental care for veterans. Senator McCain made the comments at a town hall meeting in Dover, NH, detailed here: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_mccain_healthcare_072208/
...It was with great disappointment that we read this week that at a town hall meeting in Dover, N.H. you declared that it is time to “concentrate” Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care on those who suffered injuries that “are a direct result of combat.”
While it is true that the ability for the Department to serve the booming number of veterans seeking care has been hurt by consistent underfunding by the Bush Administration (with your support), we would strenuously disagree that the answer is to create a caste system among veterans, and ration care.
Those who served our nation do not always have injuries that are a direct result of combat, but that does not mean that their injuries are less severe, or that they are less worthy of care. It is fundamentally unfair to those who served our nation in uniform – indeed an insult – to deem some worthy of this nation’s honor and care, and others not.....
Why does McCain continue to vote against veterans' benefits?
* CQ Politics has written about Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy's congressional campaign in the 15th district today:
Kilroy has $1.16 million campaign cash-on-hand.
* Our current energy policy was worked out behind closed doors when Vice President Cheney met with oil executives to create an energy policy. I wonder if that energy policy included the $4/gallon we have now. McCain is currently listening to oil executives again with his own, "Drill! Drill! Drill!" According to Raw Story, McCain is getting advice from oil executives. As a result of his pro-drilling energy policy, oil companies are contributing big money to McCain in hopes of getting $6/gal.
Barack Obama's energy plan includes strategies to break our dependence on foreign oil. Read it here.
* Did you know that Barack Obama is a Constitutional lawyer? No wonder the Republicans are afraid of him!
* Another Republican has been indicted. The New York Times has the story about Republican Sen. Ted Stevens and his seven felony counts. Ouch!
* Here is an interesting statistic from The Philadelphia Inquirer:
In Pennsylvania, Democrat Barack Obama has opened up a big, early lead over Republican John McCain - in the number of local offices.
Obama has 24, McCain has three, not counting an additional seven that serve all Republican candidates....
You read it right. Obama has 24 local campaign offices in Pennsylvania.* Votevets.org has written a letter to McCain. Here is an excerpt:
Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, representing 18 states, wrote a letter to Senator John McCain today, regarding his recent comments that it may be time to ration Department of Veterans Affairs medical and mental care for veterans. Senator McCain made the comments at a town hall meeting in Dover, NH, detailed here: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/07/military_mccain_healthcare_072208/
...It was with great disappointment that we read this week that at a town hall meeting in Dover, N.H. you declared that it is time to “concentrate” Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care on those who suffered injuries that “are a direct result of combat.”
While it is true that the ability for the Department to serve the booming number of veterans seeking care has been hurt by consistent underfunding by the Bush Administration (with your support), we would strenuously disagree that the answer is to create a caste system among veterans, and ration care.
Those who served our nation do not always have injuries that are a direct result of combat, but that does not mean that their injuries are less severe, or that they are less worthy of care. It is fundamentally unfair to those who served our nation in uniform – indeed an insult – to deem some worthy of this nation’s honor and care, and others not.....
Why does McCain continue to vote against veterans' benefits?
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
News from Central Ohio
* Republican congressional candidate, Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, is still being criticized because of his failure to fix the camp background check legislation. According to the Dispatch, Stivers plans to add enforcement to the camp bill this fall, if and when the Ohio Legislature comes back into session. In the meantime, because Stivers failed to write a comprehensive, effective camp bill, children in summer camps are at risk.
* People in central Ohio are wondering why Steve Stivers rushes off to meet Grover Norquist and his banker buddies, instead of talking to the real people in the 15th district.
> How many times has McCain been diagnosed with cancer? Is he healthy enough to run a country?
* People in central Ohio are wondering why Steve Stivers rushes off to meet Grover Norquist and his banker buddies, instead of talking to the real people in the 15th district.
> How many times has McCain been diagnosed with cancer? Is he healthy enough to run a country?
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Found
Republican candidate for Congress, Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, has had a long relationship with bank PACs. Stivers was a bank lobbyist and even as a state senator, he received contributions from bank PACs for his campaign.
According to a search at the Ohio Secretary of State contributions to candidate page, Stivers' campaign committee received money from Bank One Corp. PAC in 2003 ($2500) and 2004 ($2500). Also, Stivers received contributions from Bank One employees (2004= $1100, 2003=$2,225).
I have also been exploring the 2006 election results for Ohio's 15th congressional district. Here is information from the Ohio Secretary of State's page on 2006:
Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy actually won Franklin County in 2006. I don't think Stivers will even get close to Pryce's total votes. With job losses, foreclosures, and banks under scrutiny by the FDIC, why would anyone vote for a candidate like Stivers who is in thick with banks and oil companies? Kilroy cares about people. Stivers loves banks and oil.
According to a search at the Ohio Secretary of State contributions to candidate page, Stivers' campaign committee received money from Bank One Corp. PAC in 2003 ($2500) and 2004 ($2500). Also, Stivers received contributions from Bank One employees (2004= $1100, 2003=$2,225).
I have also been exploring the 2006 election results for Ohio's 15th congressional district. Here is information from the Ohio Secretary of State's page on 2006:
| DISTRICT NUMBER: 15 | ||||
| COUNTY | Bill Buckel (WI) | Mary Jo Kilroy | *Deborah Pryce | |
| Non-Partisan | Democratic | Republican | ||
| Franklin ** | 173 | 98,978 | 91,432 | |
| Madison | 0 | 5,075 | 8,337 | |
| Union | 21 | 5,620 | 10,966 | |
| Total | 194 | 109,673 | 110,735 | |
| Percentage of Votes | 0.09% | 49.72% | 50.20% | |
Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy actually won Franklin County in 2006. I don't think Stivers will even get close to Pryce's total votes. With job losses, foreclosures, and banks under scrutiny by the FDIC, why would anyone vote for a candidate like Stivers who is in thick with banks and oil companies? Kilroy cares about people. Stivers loves banks and oil.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Who wrote the legislation?
Did Republican Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist and current candidate for Congress, allow representatives of the insurance industry to write insurance legislation for the state of Ohio? You decide. LifeSettlements Wire (5/6/08):
I'm sorry if I've omitted any insurance contributor to the Stivers campaign.
Meanwhile, Stivers is still whining about how he could not get the camp background check loophole fixed. If he really wanted to fix the loophole, he would have gotten it done. He pushed teacher background checks and legislation was passed at the speed of light. The camp background checks are even more important because children often spend the entire summer in sleepover camps.
Stivers seems to have his priorities mixed up. Does he care more for insurance/oil/bank PACs than the little campers?
Ohio state Sen. Steve Stivers told about 25 representatives of the life insurance and life settlements industries to reach a compromise on life settlement legislation or risk that neither group may like what legislators come up with.
The gathering in Columbus, Ohio, occurred on May 6, according to Shawn Busken, legislative aide for the senator. Stivers is chairman of the state Senate's Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee.
"He put them together and said, 'It's in your best interest to negotiate this. Otherwise you'll be stuck with the decisions of the committee and the will of the committee, and it might not be in your favor,'" Busken said.....
Aren't these legislative committees obligated to write bills to protect citizens? Why did Stivers allow these insurance people to have this much input for insurance legislation? Did these insurance executives write the insurance legislation to fit their needs and then hand it to Stivers? What do you think?
In case you are interested, the insurance PACs have been very, very good to Steve Stivers.
FEC (Federal Elections Commission):
| AETNA INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 02/08/2008 | 1000.00 | 28930797613 |
| AFLAC INCORPORATED POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE AFLACPAC | 12/13/2007 | 1000.00 | 28990042902 |
| AFLAC INCORPORATED POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE AFLACPAC | 02/14/2008 | 2000.00 | 28990549876 |
| ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 12/12/2007 | 1000.00 | 28930088906 |
| AMERICAN COUNCIL OF LIFE INSURERS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 11/15/2007 | 1000.00 | 27931662857 |
| AMERICAN COUNCIL OF LIFE INSURERS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 12/10/2007 | 750.00 | 28990073460 |
| AMERICAN COUNCIL OF LIFE INSURERS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 05/16/2008 | 1000.00 | 28931879358 |
| GRANGE MUTUAL CASUALTY COMPANY PAC | 01/23/2008 | 2500.00 | 28039703455 |
| GRANGE MUTUAL CASUALTY COMPANY PAC | 02/11/2008 | 2500.00 | 28039703455 |
| GROWTH AND PROSPERITY POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 03/07/2008 | 2500.00 | 2 |
| INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS & BROKERS OF AMERICA, INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (INSURP | 03/03/2008 | 2500.00 | 28990884991 |
| LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY - PAC | 02/16/2008 | 5000.00 | 28930822603 |
| METLIFE INC. EMPLOYEES' POLITICAL PARTICIPATION FUND A | 03/03/2008 | 2000.00 | 28931175352 |
| MOTORISTS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY CIVIC FUND | 11/14/2007 | 500.00 | 28990046408 |
| MOTORISTS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY CIVIC FUND | 11/30/2007 | 250.00 | 28990046408 |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL ADVISORS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 12/02/2007 | 5000.00 | 28930313952 |
| NATIONWIDE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION COMMITTEE | 12/06/2007 | 5000.00 | 28930736480 |
| NATIONWIDE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION COMMITTEE | 03/05/2008 | 1000.00 | 28931025254 |
| NATIONWIDE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION COMMITTEE | 03/13/2008 | 4000.00 | 28931025254 |
| NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY FEDERAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE, THE | 03/05/2008 | 1000.00 | 28990802373 |
| PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE AGENTS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 04/29/2008 | 500.00 | 28931584599 |
| WELLPOINT INC. WELLPAC | 11/27/2007 | 2500.00 | 27991033656 |
| WESTFIELD EMPLOYEE FEDERAL POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE OF OHIO FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANY | 11/27/2007 | 5000.00 | 28930021451 |
I'm sorry if I've omitted any insurance contributor to the Stivers campaign.
Meanwhile, Stivers is still whining about how he could not get the camp background check loophole fixed. If he really wanted to fix the loophole, he would have gotten it done. He pushed teacher background checks and legislation was passed at the speed of light. The camp background checks are even more important because children often spend the entire summer in sleepover camps.
Stivers seems to have his priorities mixed up. Does he care more for insurance/oil/bank PACs than the little campers?
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ohio GOP: Up To Their Old Tricks
Apparently some members of the Republican Party are trying to embarrass the Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, Mary Jo Kilroy. Here is something from PolitickerOH:
The campaign of U.S. House candidate Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Columbus) is asking the Ohio Republican Party to apologize for accusing the campaign of sending an impostor to a parade last weekend....
Needless to say, Kilroy has asked for an apology. Read the rest of the article at PolitickerOH and you'll agree with me---the Ohio Republican Party and their operatives are acting like immature people.
The campaign of U.S. House candidate Mary Jo Kilroy (D-Columbus) is asking the Ohio Republican Party to apologize for accusing the campaign of sending an impostor to a parade last weekend....
Needless to say, Kilroy has asked for an apology. Read the rest of the article at PolitickerOH and you'll agree with me---the Ohio Republican Party and their operatives are acting like immature people.
The Ohio Republican Party has candidates taking money from big oil while, they claim they want to lower gas prices.
The Ohio Republican Party has had a string of scandals and people going to jail (you know the names) and yet they stoop to pranks. Is this how they regain the public trust? I guess this is what you do when you are desperate like the Republicans.
Stivers Fails
Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, was supposedly working to close a loophole on the camp counselor background check bill he wrote in 2005. Stivers, a Republican candidate for Ohio's 15th district, failed to complete the job. Even though Ohio Senate Bill 321 was passed in 2005, Stivers had plenty of time to get the job done. Here is what 13abc.com reported about Stivers' work on this bill:
Another camp season is passing by, and there's no authority for the state to enforce background checks on employees at residential camps across Ohio.
A bill to fix the problem is stalled after the state Legislature broke for the summer in June without passing it.
Bill sponsor State Sen. Steve Stivers, a Republican who is running for Congress, said in late April he hoped he could pass the bill before the start of summer camp season. Democrats have accused him of not following through on a commitment....
..... Stivers says he hopes it will pass in November or December.
The bill was passed in 2005! If Stivers really wanted to close this loophole, he would have completed the task. In the past, Stivers has successfully written and passed legislation that helped protect his banking and insurance buddies and campaign contributors. And he did it in record time. This spring Stivers pushed through a bill which helped protect insurance companies (see Ohio15th 4/30/08).
In the end, it appears that Stivers has great enthusiasm to pass laws that protect banks and insurance companies. When it comes to protecting our children at camp, well.......not so much.
Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, Mary Jo Kilroy, is motivated to work for the citizens of the district. Stivers is beholden to his oil/bank/insurance/tobacco PAC contributors.
Another camp season is passing by, and there's no authority for the state to enforce background checks on employees at residential camps across Ohio.
A bill to fix the problem is stalled after the state Legislature broke for the summer in June without passing it.
Bill sponsor State Sen. Steve Stivers, a Republican who is running for Congress, said in late April he hoped he could pass the bill before the start of summer camp season. Democrats have accused him of not following through on a commitment....
..... Stivers says he hopes it will pass in November or December.
The bill was passed in 2005! If Stivers really wanted to close this loophole, he would have completed the task. In the past, Stivers has successfully written and passed legislation that helped protect his banking and insurance buddies and campaign contributors. And he did it in record time. This spring Stivers pushed through a bill which helped protect insurance companies (see Ohio15th 4/30/08).
In the end, it appears that Stivers has great enthusiasm to pass laws that protect banks and insurance companies. When it comes to protecting our children at camp, well.......not so much.
Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, Mary Jo Kilroy, is motivated to work for the citizens of the district. Stivers is beholden to his oil/bank/insurance/tobacco PAC contributors.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Stivers Voted Against It?
The Sharp Network has this about Republican candidate, Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist:
Project Vote Smart reported that Stivers voted against the Disability Scholarship fund (SB 57).[2] This bill would provide "scholarships for disabled children in grades pre-kindergarten through 12 to attend alternative public or private special education programs."[3] The bill ended up passing 17-15.[4]
****Stivers voted against a Mortgage Lending Bill, according to Vote Smart, which would.....
....generally prohibit the appraisal of real estate for a mortgage loan without state certification or licensure; to require that a national criminal background check be conducted on all applicants for a mortgage broker certificate of registration, loan officer license, or real estate appraiser certificate or license; to modify the Mortgage Broker/Loan Officer Law with respect to disclosure of information, duties and standards of care, prohibited acts, record keeping, educational requirements, and pre-licensure examination; to modify the Title Insurance Agent Law; to establish the Consumer Education Finance Board; and to make other changes relative to mortgage lending.....
...Expands the application of the Consumer Sales Practices Act to include certain consumer transactions in connection with a residential mortgage. Generally prohibits the appraisal of real estate for a mortgage loan without state certification or licensure. Prohibits any person from corrupting or improperly influencing the independent judgment of a real estate appraiser with respect to the value of the dwelling offered as security for a mortgage loan...
Essentially, this bill would protect consumers, and yet Stivers voted against it. Did Stivers vote against it because he likes/supports/sympathizes with banks and financial/lending institutions over the rights of consumers? Once a bank lobbyist, always a bank lobbyist????? Just asking.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Consumers Would Lose With Stivers
Republican candidate for Congress, Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, has received thousands of dollars of campaign contributions from banks and financial institutions.
Open Secrets (The Center for Responsive Politics) has this information on Stivers:
Look at the contributions from the American Bankers Association ($8,000). What is the purpose of these contributions? According to the summary page for the American Bankers Association, Open Secrets has the following statement:
The American Bankers Association represents banks of all types and sizes, including regional banks, holding companies and savings associations. One of the most powerful lobbying groups on Capitol Hill, the association regularly presses Congress for regulatory relief and industry tax breaks. But its main interest lately has been bankruptcy reform. The association is part of a special coalition of credit card companies, banks and credit unions pushing for a bankruptcy bill that would force consumers to repay at least some of their debts.
It would be fair to say that the American Bankers Association is supporting Stivers because it believes that he will support them "...for regulatory relief and industry tax breaks..." Apparently, because Stivers has been a bank lobbyist, these bankers think they have the perfect candidate.
Unfortunately, consumers would lose out if Stivers was elected. Stivers is a pro-business, pro-bank, pro-oil company candidate. (See Buckeye State Blog for details on the oil contributions.) In these tough economic times, our district doesn't need a member of Congress who intends to work for businesses/banks/oil instead of us.
Open Secrets (The Center for Responsive Politics) has this information on Stivers:
| Contributor | Total |
|---|---|
| American Electric Power | $36,100 |
| Limited Brands | $23,000 |
| Every Republican is Crucial PAC | $10,000 |
| Freedom Project | $10,000 |
| International Franchise Assn | $10,000 |
| National Auto Dealers Assn | $10,000 |
| Nationwide | $10,000 |
| Huntington Bancshares | $9,600 |
| Worthington Industries | $9,600 |
| Vorys, Sater et al | $9,250 |
| Boich Companies | $9,200 |
| Crown Equipment | $9,200 |
| American Dental Assn | $9,000 |
| American Bankers Assn | $8,000 |
| Nationwide Childrens Hospital | $7,800 |
| Buckeye PAC | $7,500 |
| Wendy's | $7,300 |
| National Rifle Assn | $6,950 |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co | $6,500 |
| Ashland Inc | $6,250 |
Look at the contributions from the American Bankers Association ($8,000). What is the purpose of these contributions? According to the summary page for the American Bankers Association, Open Secrets has the following statement:
The American Bankers Association represents banks of all types and sizes, including regional banks, holding companies and savings associations. One of the most powerful lobbying groups on Capitol Hill, the association regularly presses Congress for regulatory relief and industry tax breaks. But its main interest lately has been bankruptcy reform. The association is part of a special coalition of credit card companies, banks and credit unions pushing for a bankruptcy bill that would force consumers to repay at least some of their debts.
It would be fair to say that the American Bankers Association is supporting Stivers because it believes that he will support them "...for regulatory relief and industry tax breaks..." Apparently, because Stivers has been a bank lobbyist, these bankers think they have the perfect candidate.
Unfortunately, consumers would lose out if Stivers was elected. Stivers is a pro-business, pro-bank, pro-oil company candidate. (See Buckeye State Blog for details on the oil contributions.) In these tough economic times, our district doesn't need a member of Congress who intends to work for businesses/banks/oil instead of us.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Conditions on the Ground in Ohio's 15th District
I don't have to do a door-to-door survey to know how people feel in Ohio's 15th district. I've heard many people make comments about gas and food prices in my travels in the area. You know when you see more people searching for change in their pockets or in the bottom of their purses, that people are hurting. The Bush White House doesn't call it a "recession" because that would mean they are failures.
The only people/groups who have done well under the Bush administration are oil companies and Halliburton. Since Bush and Cheney have had long standing relationships with oil and Halliburton, we should not be surprised.
Currently, Ohio's 15th district has two notable candidates running for office: Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy and Republican Steve Stivers. Kilroy is widely known and very popular, especially because of her years of service as a Franklin County Commissioner. Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, is a right winger through and through. He has sided with banks and payday lenders time and time again. Stivers has even gained support from extreme right winger, Grover Norquist (Politicker).
Voters in the 15th have a clear choice---- real change with Kilroy or the same old Republican economics with Stivers.
The only people/groups who have done well under the Bush administration are oil companies and Halliburton. Since Bush and Cheney have had long standing relationships with oil and Halliburton, we should not be surprised.
Currently, Ohio's 15th district has two notable candidates running for office: Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy and Republican Steve Stivers. Kilroy is widely known and very popular, especially because of her years of service as a Franklin County Commissioner. Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, is a right winger through and through. He has sided with banks and payday lenders time and time again. Stivers has even gained support from extreme right winger, Grover Norquist (Politicker).
Voters in the 15th have a clear choice---- real change with Kilroy or the same old Republican economics with Stivers.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Ohio, not New Mexico!
The Wall Street Journal has gotten it wrong about the race in Ohio's 15th district. Wall Street Journal:
....In other open seats, Republicans have found success distancing themselves from President George W. Bush and his record-low approval ratings. In New Mexico, state senator and Iraq War veteran Steve Stivers is running well against County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, who came within 1,062 votes of knocking off retiring Rep. Deborah Pryce in 2006.....
(Eventually the WSJ will find the errors.)
I think there are many things wrong with this paragraph:
(1) Kilroy and Stivers are from OHIO, not New Mexico.
(2) Stivers has not distanced himself from President Bush.
a. Stivers supports Bush's Iraq policies (war without end).
b. Stivers, like Bush and other Republicans, has taken money from oil/energy PACs.
(3) Stivers is not running well. The latest polls show Kilroy with a double digit lead over Stivers.
Voters are not interested in Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, who is a pro-oil, pro-Bush, pro-bank Republican. In these difficult economic times, it is hard to support Stivers who has been a cheerleader for banks/bankers.
Visit the FEC (Federal Elections Commission) to view the oil, insurance, financial/bank, pharmaceutical, pro-business PACs that have contributed thousands and thousands of dollars to Stivers, a former bank lobbyist.
(Link = http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/2007_H8OH15076)
....In other open seats, Republicans have found success distancing themselves from President George W. Bush and his record-low approval ratings. In New Mexico, state senator and Iraq War veteran Steve Stivers is running well against County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, who came within 1,062 votes of knocking off retiring Rep. Deborah Pryce in 2006.....
(Eventually the WSJ will find the errors.)
I think there are many things wrong with this paragraph:
(1) Kilroy and Stivers are from OHIO, not New Mexico.
(2) Stivers has not distanced himself from President Bush.
a. Stivers supports Bush's Iraq policies (war without end).
b. Stivers, like Bush and other Republicans, has taken money from oil/energy PACs.
(3) Stivers is not running well. The latest polls show Kilroy with a double digit lead over Stivers.
Voters are not interested in Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, who is a pro-oil, pro-Bush, pro-bank Republican. In these difficult economic times, it is hard to support Stivers who has been a cheerleader for banks/bankers.
Visit the FEC (Federal Elections Commission) to view the oil, insurance, financial/bank, pharmaceutical, pro-business PACs that have contributed thousands and thousands of dollars to Stivers, a former bank lobbyist.
(Link = http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/2007_H8OH15076)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Ohio GOP Candidates Getting Big Money from Oil and Bank PACs
Here are some selected contributions made to Ohio Republican congressional candidates by bank and oil PACs.
Steve Austria, the GOP candidate for OH-7th has some interesting contributions to his campaign. Austria's bio page doesn't even mention that he is a member of the Republican Party!!!!See the (Federal Elections Commission) FEC This is only a small sampling!
There are many other listings that you might be interested in checking out at the FEC link for Steve Austria (http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/2007_H8OH07065).
* Steve Chabot has been getting big money from insurance, bank, and oil PACs. Take a look below or at the FEC ( http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/2007_H8OH01043 ). Note: This is only a very teeny, weeny sampling of the PAC contributions that Chabot has received.
Steve Chabot has received over $690,000 from PACs (see this FEC link).
How can these candidates be against high gas prices and yet take money from oil companies? Just asking.
Want to find out more? Visit the FEC Summary Reports Search page to see what candidates are collecting for their campaigns.
Steve Austria, the GOP candidate for OH-7th has some interesting contributions to his campaign. Austria's bio page doesn't even mention that he is a member of the Republican Party!!!!See the (Federal Elections Commission) FEC This is only a small sampling!
| AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION PAC (BANKPAC) | 11/19/2007 | 2500.00 | 27931669454 |
| AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION PAC (BANKPAC) | 02/26/2008 | 2500.00 | 28930817669 |
| HUNTINGTON BANCSHARES INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (HBI-PAC) | 11/20/2007 | 5000.00 | 27991005282 |
| KEYCORP ADVOCATES FUND | 12/07/2007 | 1000.00 | 28990036815 |
| KEYCORP ADVOCATES FUND | 01/17/2008 | 1000.00 | 28990466553 |
| KEYCORP ADVOCATES FUND | 01/25/2008 | 500.00 | 28990466553 |
| MARATHON OIL COMPANY EMPLOYEES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (MEPAC) | 02/04/2008 | 2500.00 | 28990585154 |
| NATIONAL CITY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 12/04/2007 | 1000.00 | 28930025521 |
| NATIONAL CITY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 01/22/2008 | 500.00 | 28990726690 |
| NATIONAL CITY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 01/24/2008 | 1000.00 | 28990726690 |
| OHIO NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 04/02/2008 | 500.00 | 28991364812 |
| SALLIE MAE INC POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (SALLIE MAE PAC) | 12/04/2007 | 5000.00 | 28930265407 |
| ASHLAND INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE FOR EMPLOYEES (PACE) | 02/29/2008 | 2000.00 | 28930789949 |
There are many other listings that you might be interested in checking out at the FEC link for Steve Austria (http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/2007_H8OH07065).
* Steve Chabot has been getting big money from insurance, bank, and oil PACs. Take a look below or at the FEC ( http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/can_give/2007_H8OH01043 ). Note: This is only a very teeny, weeny sampling of the PAC contributions that Chabot has received.
| MARATHON OIL COMPANY EMPLOYEES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (MEPAC) | 03/29/2007 | 1000.00 | 27980054207 |
| MARATHON OIL COMPANY EMPLOYEES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (MEPAC) | 02/29/2008 | 1500.00 | 28990585154 |
| OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 06/27/2007 | 1000.00 | 27931013949 |
| OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 11/07/2007 | 1000.00 | 28990063949 |
| OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 05/20/2008 | 1000.00 | 28931878335 |
| VISA, INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 07/24/2007 | 1000.00 | 28990268473 |
| VISA, INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 10/23/2007 | 1000.00 | 28990268473 |
| VISA, INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 03/13/2008 | 1000.00 | 28931084642 |
| VISA, INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 03/13/2008 | 1000.00 | 28931084642 |
Steve Chabot has received over $690,000 from PACs (see this FEC link).
How can these candidates be against high gas prices and yet take money from oil companies? Just asking.
Want to find out more? Visit the FEC Summary Reports Search page to see what candidates are collecting for their campaigns.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Has Stivers Lost Credibility?
The good people at Buckeye State Blog have some additional info on Steve Stivers, former bank lobbyist and current GOP congressional candidate. Here are some excerpts from the Buckeye State Blog:
....Steve Stivers took $5,000 from the Independent Petroleum Association of America, $2,500 from Dubai-based Halliburton, you know, Dick Cheney's old employer and the King of No-Bid Contracts, and $2,000 from ExxonMobil, one of the only oil companies to have yet to invest significantly in alternative energy. How can Stivers claim to have any credibility regarding gas prices while taking money from these clowns?....
Politicker has even more about that Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA):
...The IPAA said on its website that the fund "enables independent oil and gas producers to play a vital role in achieving and maintaining a pro-business, pro-oil and gas Congress."
....Steve Stivers took $5,000 from the Independent Petroleum Association of America, $2,500 from Dubai-based Halliburton, you know, Dick Cheney's old employer and the King of No-Bid Contracts, and $2,000 from ExxonMobil, one of the only oil companies to have yet to invest significantly in alternative energy. How can Stivers claim to have any credibility regarding gas prices while taking money from these clowns?....
Politicker has even more about that Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA):
...The IPAA said on its website that the fund "enables independent oil and gas producers to play a vital role in achieving and maintaining a pro-business, pro-oil and gas Congress."
Kilroy communications director Brad Bauman said Stivers is in the pocket of oil companies and as a result Stivers' energy plan to reduce gasoline prices won't help consumers....
Ouch! This could really hurt Stivers. Not only is Stivers BFF (Best Friends Forever) with the bankers, now he "...is in the pocket of oil companies..." With banks failing and gas prices over $4/gallon, the last thing we need is another pro-oil, pro-bank person in Congress.Kilroy vs. Stivers
Mary Jo Kilroy, Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, has had more people contribute to her campaign. Steve Stivers, the Republican candidate and former bank lobbyist, has received more money from PACs and special interest groups. The last I checked, the election was for a congressional seat to represent people-------not special interest groups/businesses/banks.
According to the Federal Election Commission, Mary Jo Kilroy has received the following:
* Mary Jo Kilroy (H6OH15104)
Latest Cash On Hand: $1,163,267
Total number of Individuals contributing: 1233
The following information is gathered from the Federal Elections Commission:
* Steve Stivers (H8OH15076)
Latest Cash On Hand: $879,753
Total number of Individuals contributing: 385
Committees (PACs) contributing to Stivers (too numerous to list). Here are some highlights:
Check the link to see all the PACs that are boosting Stivers funds.
It appears that real people are supporting Mary Jo Kilroy for Congress. On the other hand, bank PACs, big oil/energy, life and health insurance companies, and right wing PACs like what they see in former bank lobbyist Stivers.
According to the Federal Election Commission, Mary Jo Kilroy has received the following:
* Mary Jo Kilroy (H6OH15104)
| Total Receipts: | $1,578,597 |
| Transfers From Authorized Committees: | $0 |
| Individual Contributions: | $1,052,814 |
| Non-Party (e.g. PACs) or Other Committees: | $476,392 |
Total number of Individuals contributing: 1233
The following information is gathered from the Federal Elections Commission:
* Steve Stivers (H8OH15076)
| Total Receipts: | $1,219,293 |
| Transfers From Authorized Committees: | $0 |
| Individual Contributions: | $580,819 |
| Non-Party (e.g. PACs) or Other Committees: | $630,836 |
Total number of Individuals contributing: 385
Committees (PACs) contributing to Stivers (too numerous to list). Here are some highlights:
| HUNTINGTON BANCSHARES INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (HBI-PAC) | 11/20/2007 | 5000.00 | 27991005283 |
| HUNTINGTON BANCSHARES INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (HBI-PAC) | 05/28/2008 | 1000.00 | 28931935290 |
| AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION PAC (BANKPAC) | 11/19/2007 | 1000.00 | 27931669453 |
| AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION PAC (BANKPAC) | 11/19/2007 | 4000.00 | 27931669453 |
| AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION PAC (BANKPAC) | 05/30/2008 | 3000.00 | 28991270830 |
| JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. PAC | 02/13/2008 | 5000.00 | 28990608237 |
| KEYCORP ADVOCATES FUND | 11/29/2007 | 2500.00 | 27931645076 |
| KEYCORP ADVOCATES FUND | 01/25/2008 | 500.00 | 28990466553 |
| NATIONAL CITY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 12/04/2007 | 1000.00 | 28930025522 |
| NATIONAL CITY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 12/19/2007 | 2000.00 | 28930025522 |
| NATIONAL CITY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 01/24/2008 | 1000.00 | 28990726691 |
| NATIONAL CITY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 02/26/2008 | 1000.00 | 28990726692 |
| NATIONAL CITY CORPORATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 03/31/2008 | 500.00 | 28990726694 |
| OHIO NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 04/02/2008 | 1000.00 | 28991364813 |
| OHIO NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE | 06/30/2008 | 1000.00 | 28991364813 |
| U.S. BANCORP POLITICAL PARTICIPATION PROGRAM | 04/07/2008 | 1000.00 | 28931584658 |
| U.S. BANCORP POLITICAL PARTICIPATION PROGRAM | 05/14/2008 | 1500.00 | 28991313239 |
Check the link to see all the PACs that are boosting Stivers funds.
It appears that real people are supporting Mary Jo Kilroy for Congress. On the other hand, bank PACs, big oil/energy, life and health insurance companies, and right wing PACs like what they see in former bank lobbyist Stivers.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Kilroy Will Need Your Help Against Career Lobbyist
Mary Jo Kilroy, Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, has released her new fundraising numbers. Kilroy website announcement:
Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 15th District, will report $369,739.34 in receipts during the second quarter of 2008. This brings the Kilroy for Congress campaign to $1,163,267.44 cash on hand as the campaign moves into the third quarter....
Steve Stivers, career lobbyist and the Republican candidate, did raise a little more this quarter but that is because of contributions from bank PACs and large pro-business PACs.
If we want to change how Ohio's 15th district does in the future, we must change the type of candidate we send to Washington. We don't need another Republican like Stivers who has dedicated his life to promoting and protecting bank executives. Our district needs Kilroy to bring the concerns of the people before Congress.
If you'd like to help Kilroy defeat the bank lobbyist, visit Kilroy for Congress, and see how how you can help.
Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 15th District, will report $369,739.34 in receipts during the second quarter of 2008. This brings the Kilroy for Congress campaign to $1,163,267.44 cash on hand as the campaign moves into the third quarter....
Steve Stivers, career lobbyist and the Republican candidate, did raise a little more this quarter but that is because of contributions from bank PACs and large pro-business PACs.
If we want to change how Ohio's 15th district does in the future, we must change the type of candidate we send to Washington. We don't need another Republican like Stivers who has dedicated his life to promoting and protecting bank executives. Our district needs Kilroy to bring the concerns of the people before Congress.
If you'd like to help Kilroy defeat the bank lobbyist, visit Kilroy for Congress, and see how how you can help.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Marysville Ohio
Marysville, Ohio, is part of Ohio's 15th congressional district. The Marysville Journal-Tribune has a section of their website that allows posting of comments by readers. Unfortunately, the web page (MarysvilleJT) is filled with racist and vile comments. I wonder if the people of Marysville want their community to be judged by the hateful words that have been posted on the website of their local paper.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Keeping Tabs
***Updates!!!!!*******
> It appears that the Republicans are doing some "push polling" in Ohio's 15th district. They are trying to smear Kilroy while they promote Stivers, a former bank lobbyist. (Flaggerx) Why am I not surprised that the Republicans are resorting to their dirty tricks campaign?
> Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist and current GOP candidate, is being called to task. Here is what Jeff at the Ohio Daily Blog has on the latest Stivers controversy:
Today the Women's Caucus of the Ohio Democratic Party released a letter from more than 20 Columbus-area mothers to State Sen. Steve Stivers (R-Upper Arlington), chastising him for failing to follow-up on his promise last year to fix a law requiring background checks on camp counselors. Stivers co-wrote the law, passed in 2005, but it proved to have inadequate enforcement mechanisms and gaping loopholes that exempted volunteer counselors and overnight camps. Stivers vowed to correct the law after a media investigation revealed the flaws, but did nothing for nearly a year, and the legislation he finally introduced recently won't receive a hearing until next year. "Nothing is more important than our children's safety," the mothers wrote. "Two summers have come and gone and this dangerous loophole remains. Because of your failure to act, Columbus kids are still at risk."
We'll watch and see if Stivers does anything to fix this "dangerous loophole."
>>> Stivers is getting support from a pro-business, anti-worker PAC, according to Down With Tyranny:
The Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) started in 1963 and has the slogan "Electing Business to Congress." It is funded by executives of special interest corporations like Exxon Mobil, Caterpillar, Halliburton, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Verizon, W.R. Grace, the National Beer Wholesalers Association, Goodyear Tire, Southern Co, Rolls Royce, Occidental, Data Recognition Corp., HSBC, Kinsey, Intel, Weyerhaeuser, Boeing, General Motors, Devon Energy, Blessing Petroleum, Sun Microsystems, etc. In 2006 85% of their donations went to Republicans....
Guess which right wing Republican from central Ohio is getting their support? I'll give you a hint.....
He is a former bank lobbyist!!!! Right--- Steve Stivers!!!! If Stivers receives support from this anti-labor PAC, does that mean he is anti-labor? Just asking.
*** Here is a little known fact about Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th district, Mary Jo Kilroy: (Politickeroh)
....Kilroy has worked to expand health care as commissioner by funding Access HealthColumbus, a county program that provides health care to low-income residents. As commissioner Kilroy also worked to implement a prescription drug benefit for county residents.
** Residents in Ohio's 15th district might be upset to find out that current (but retiring) Republican
Rep. Deborah Pryce is breaking records. According to the Washington Post, Pryce has missed 320 votes (19.5%) since January 2006.
*** Did you know that John McCain has voted with Bush 95% of the time?
** Ohio citizens are still talking about Steve Stivers and his weak camp screening bill. Stivers, a former bank lobbyist and current Republican candidate, supported and pushed a bill that would make Ohio camps do background checks on employees. However, Stivers did not add any penalties/enforcement guidelines to the bill. Is this an example of the kind of legislation Stivers would sponsor if elected to the U.S. Congress---worthless? Just asking.
*** WXIX in Cincinnati is reporting that Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland had some strong comments about John McCain's energy policy/proposals. WXIX:
> It appears that the Republicans are doing some "push polling" in Ohio's 15th district. They are trying to smear Kilroy while they promote Stivers, a former bank lobbyist. (Flaggerx) Why am I not surprised that the Republicans are resorting to their dirty tricks campaign?
> Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist and current GOP candidate, is being called to task. Here is what Jeff at the Ohio Daily Blog has on the latest Stivers controversy:
Today the Women's Caucus of the Ohio Democratic Party released a letter from more than 20 Columbus-area mothers to State Sen. Steve Stivers (R-Upper Arlington), chastising him for failing to follow-up on his promise last year to fix a law requiring background checks on camp counselors. Stivers co-wrote the law, passed in 2005, but it proved to have inadequate enforcement mechanisms and gaping loopholes that exempted volunteer counselors and overnight camps. Stivers vowed to correct the law after a media investigation revealed the flaws, but did nothing for nearly a year, and the legislation he finally introduced recently won't receive a hearing until next year. "Nothing is more important than our children's safety," the mothers wrote. "Two summers have come and gone and this dangerous loophole remains. Because of your failure to act, Columbus kids are still at risk."
We'll watch and see if Stivers does anything to fix this "dangerous loophole."
>>> Stivers is getting support from a pro-business, anti-worker PAC, according to Down With Tyranny:
The Business Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) started in 1963 and has the slogan "Electing Business to Congress." It is funded by executives of special interest corporations like Exxon Mobil, Caterpillar, Halliburton, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Verizon, W.R. Grace, the National Beer Wholesalers Association, Goodyear Tire, Southern Co, Rolls Royce, Occidental, Data Recognition Corp., HSBC, Kinsey, Intel, Weyerhaeuser, Boeing, General Motors, Devon Energy, Blessing Petroleum, Sun Microsystems, etc. In 2006 85% of their donations went to Republicans....
Guess which right wing Republican from central Ohio is getting their support? I'll give you a hint.....
He is a former bank lobbyist!!!! Right--- Steve Stivers!!!! If Stivers receives support from this anti-labor PAC, does that mean he is anti-labor? Just asking.
*** Here is a little known fact about Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th district, Mary Jo Kilroy: (Politickeroh)
....Kilroy has worked to expand health care as commissioner by funding Access HealthColumbus, a county program that provides health care to low-income residents. As commissioner Kilroy also worked to implement a prescription drug benefit for county residents.
** Residents in Ohio's 15th district might be upset to find out that current (but retiring) Republican
Rep. Deborah Pryce is breaking records. According to the Washington Post, Pryce has missed 320 votes (19.5%) since January 2006.
*** Did you know that John McCain has voted with Bush 95% of the time?
** Ohio citizens are still talking about Steve Stivers and his weak camp screening bill. Stivers, a former bank lobbyist and current Republican candidate, supported and pushed a bill that would make Ohio camps do background checks on employees. However, Stivers did not add any penalties/enforcement guidelines to the bill. Is this an example of the kind of legislation Stivers would sponsor if elected to the U.S. Congress---worthless? Just asking.
*** WXIX in Cincinnati is reporting that Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland had some strong comments about John McCain's energy policy/proposals. WXIX:
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland says Republican presidential candidate John McCain doesn't understand the problem the energy crisis is causing ordinary Americans.
Strickland said at a town hall meeting in Portsmouth Wednesday that McCain is too closely tied to President Bush and the oil industry to help fix the crisis.
Strickland, a Democrat, says Bush didn't do anything to address the problem in his eight years in office....
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Have you noticed....
* Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th district, Mary Jo Kilroy, is helping citizens in the district find the lowest gas prices. Simply click here
----> Kilroy for Congress to check out gas prices in Ohio's 15th district (price chart located on the lower right of the page).
* The consequences of not talking to our enemies has become evident today with the new Iran missile test. While Bush has only concentrated on creating an unnecessary war in Iraq, the rest of the world has been ignored. McCain fully subscribes to this Bush plan of not talking with enemies. Apparently, they never heard of the quote, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." If you loved Bush's foreign policy, you'll love McCain's. McCain=Bush
CNN International:
Iran has test-fired nine missiles in response to what it says are threats from Israel and the United States, state-run Iranian media says.
The Islamic Republic News Agency and Press TV reported that the naval forces of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Wednesday test-fired a Shahab-3 missile during war games in the Persian Gulf....
* It appears that John McCain has difficulty with the teleprompter. I was reminded of a State of the Union speech that President Clinton gave many years ago when his teleprompter broke down in the middle of his speech. Since Clinton had written most of the speech himself, he was able to continue speaking without any problems. I don't think that McCain would be able to do as well.
* Did you happen to catch the video of the war vet who called into question McCain's voting record? The Democratic Underground found the video. View it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzr3pdXqZ98
----> Kilroy for Congress to check out gas prices in Ohio's 15th district (price chart located on the lower right of the page).
* The consequences of not talking to our enemies has become evident today with the new Iran missile test. While Bush has only concentrated on creating an unnecessary war in Iraq, the rest of the world has been ignored. McCain fully subscribes to this Bush plan of not talking with enemies. Apparently, they never heard of the quote, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer." If you loved Bush's foreign policy, you'll love McCain's. McCain=Bush
CNN International:
Iran has test-fired nine missiles in response to what it says are threats from Israel and the United States, state-run Iranian media says.
The Islamic Republic News Agency and Press TV reported that the naval forces of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Wednesday test-fired a Shahab-3 missile during war games in the Persian Gulf....
* It appears that John McCain has difficulty with the teleprompter. I was reminded of a State of the Union speech that President Clinton gave many years ago when his teleprompter broke down in the middle of his speech. Since Clinton had written most of the speech himself, he was able to continue speaking without any problems. I don't think that McCain would be able to do as well.
* Did you happen to catch the video of the war vet who called into question McCain's voting record? The Democratic Underground found the video. View it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzr3pdXqZ98
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
I've Got Questions!!!
Now that the government of Iraq has asked the U.S. to set a timetable for the withdrawal of troops, what does that do for pro-war candidates like John McCain, Steve Stivers, and pro-war group Vets for Freedom? Do McCain, Stivers, and Vets for Freedom want to go against the democratically elected government of Iraq?
Speaking of right wing political groups.....
Vets for Freedom, a Republican group that was hatched out of the Bush White House, is sponsoring ads for former bank lobbyist and current Republican congressional candidate, Stivers. Vets for Freedom promotes fighting in Iraq f-o-r-e-v-e-r, just like Bush, McCain and Stivers. Isn't that just what we need? Should our country give up building our own bridges, roads, and schools so that we can send billions and billions of dollars to Iraq?
> Have you seen the new McCain "biographical" tv ad? Did you notice that 99% of the people pictured in the ad are white people? Does McCain know that there are other races/ethnic groups in this country?
*** Right wing newspaper, The Columbus Dispatch, provides an analysis of the latest Republican National Committee ad that is currently running in Ohio. Here is the analysis of the ad from The Dispatch (I've highlighted some important points):
Speaking of right wing political groups.....
Vets for Freedom, a Republican group that was hatched out of the Bush White House, is sponsoring ads for former bank lobbyist and current Republican congressional candidate, Stivers. Vets for Freedom promotes fighting in Iraq f-o-r-e-v-e-r, just like Bush, McCain and Stivers. Isn't that just what we need? Should our country give up building our own bridges, roads, and schools so that we can send billions and billions of dollars to Iraq?
> Have you seen the new McCain "biographical" tv ad? Did you notice that 99% of the people pictured in the ad are white people? Does McCain know that there are other races/ethnic groups in this country?
*** Right wing newspaper, The Columbus Dispatch, provides an analysis of the latest Republican National Committee ad that is currently running in Ohio. Here is the analysis of the ad from The Dispatch (I've highlighted some important points):
The ad: "Balance," a 30-second television commercial
Producer: Republican National Committee.....
...The commercial accurately points out that McCain favors temporarily lifting the federal gasoline tax, which Obama opposes. Nearly every reputable economist says lifting the gas tax would save motorists nickels and dimes and not produce one new gallon of gasoline.
The commercial also accurately points out that McCain favors drilling off the coasts of California and Florida, while Obama does not. But many economists are not convinced that oil exploration off the coasts would dramatically reduce gasoline prices any time soon. Instead, oil prices have risen because demand has outpaced production worldwide. The commercial does not mention that McCain once opposed offshore exploration. And it probably is no accident that the commercial is being aired in Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin rather than Florida and California.
No Teeth
When Republican congressional candidate Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, sponsored a bill to provide background checks for employees at kids' camps, he forgot to provide something--------enforcement. Despite the fact that Stivers has bragged about this sponsored bill, he did not complete the job.
Dispatch:
For the second year in a row, at least a third of day camps whose records were inspected by the state had not completed mandatory background checks of employees, despite increased enforcement.
Those camps, whose records were inspected June 26, are described in a database as being out of compliance on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Web site and have 30 days to run the checks.
But if they don't, there's not much the department can do because there's no provision in the law for further punishing camps, department spokesman Dennis Evans said......
Stivers was patting himself on the back, but he had not completed the job. There was no enforcement provided in the bill.
Just a reminder:
Bush=McCain=Stivers
Offering the same failed policies
Dispatch:
For the second year in a row, at least a third of day camps whose records were inspected by the state had not completed mandatory background checks of employees, despite increased enforcement.
Those camps, whose records were inspected June 26, are described in a database as being out of compliance on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Web site and have 30 days to run the checks.
But if they don't, there's not much the department can do because there's no provision in the law for further punishing camps, department spokesman Dennis Evans said......
Stivers was patting himself on the back, but he had not completed the job. There was no enforcement provided in the bill.
Just a reminder:
Bush=McCain=Stivers
Offering the same failed policies
Monday, July 07, 2008
The Cold Hard Reality
The Republicans are having a very difficult time gaining support from Ohio voters. Everyone is disgusted with the recession that has hit the country. High gas prices, increasing food prices, and the past Republican scandals have made people steer clear of the GOP candidates.
Here in Ohio's 15th district, people are losing homes and jobs. The last person voters want to support for Congress is Republican Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist. With these difficult economic times, why would voters support a candidate that has sympathy for banks, bankers, and lobbyists? Haven't Republicans forgotten they represent people? Why elect a person like Stivers who is steeped in the culture of lobbying for banks and large financial institutions?
The Republican Party is trying to draw attention to their candidates. However, voters do not seem to be interested in supporting these candidates. I also find it interesting that many of the Republican candidates do not have their views available on their websites. For example, Stivers has his agenda/views only available if you download it through a pdf file. Is he trying to make it difficult for citizens to find out his views? Also, there are no public announcements listed of when and where the candidate will appear. I guess his campaign events are not open to the public.
The cold hard reality is that Republicans have moved away from caring about real people. As a result, real people have lost interest in the Republican brand.
Here in Ohio's 15th district, people are losing homes and jobs. The last person voters want to support for Congress is Republican Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist. With these difficult economic times, why would voters support a candidate that has sympathy for banks, bankers, and lobbyists? Haven't Republicans forgotten they represent people? Why elect a person like Stivers who is steeped in the culture of lobbying for banks and large financial institutions?
The Republican Party is trying to draw attention to their candidates. However, voters do not seem to be interested in supporting these candidates. I also find it interesting that many of the Republican candidates do not have their views available on their websites. For example, Stivers has his agenda/views only available if you download it through a pdf file. Is he trying to make it difficult for citizens to find out his views? Also, there are no public announcements listed of when and where the candidate will appear. I guess his campaign events are not open to the public.
The cold hard reality is that Republicans have moved away from caring about real people. As a result, real people have lost interest in the Republican brand.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Bad Climate for Ohio GOP
There is a very interesting article about Ohio politics in The American Spectator. The title of the piece, "What's the Matter With Ohio?" explains why the Ohio GOP is experiencing the "doldrums" this year. Here are a few excerpts from the article by W. James Antle III:
....Republicans lost Ohio for the same reasons they lost the country: corruption, inability to cope with voter anxiety about the war or the economy, and reluctance to embrace a reform agenda.....
....Now Buckeye State political conditions favor the Democrats. The state Democratic Party under Chris Redfern is growing and innovative like the GOP in the '90s. Candidates are winning who would have been too liberal for statewide office ten years ago, like Sen. Sherrod Brown. Brown's 12-point victory over incumbent Mike DeWine proved even Taft-Voinovich Republicans are vulnerable.....
....Then again, maybe that is the moral of the story: Once a party loses its credibility, it takes more than one election to gain it back.
To add more evidence to this point of view, check out the article in the Columbus Dispatch, "GOP Candidates Must Refund Donations":
David Brennan, one of the state's biggest Republican donors, used two political-action committees to funnel nearly $30,000 to state Auditor Mary Taylor and three other GOP candidates -- and now they must give it back.
....Republicans lost Ohio for the same reasons they lost the country: corruption, inability to cope with voter anxiety about the war or the economy, and reluctance to embrace a reform agenda.....
....Now Buckeye State political conditions favor the Democrats. The state Democratic Party under Chris Redfern is growing and innovative like the GOP in the '90s. Candidates are winning who would have been too liberal for statewide office ten years ago, like Sen. Sherrod Brown. Brown's 12-point victory over incumbent Mike DeWine proved even Taft-Voinovich Republicans are vulnerable.....
....Then again, maybe that is the moral of the story: Once a party loses its credibility, it takes more than one election to gain it back.
To add more evidence to this point of view, check out the article in the Columbus Dispatch, "GOP Candidates Must Refund Donations":
David Brennan, one of the state's biggest Republican donors, used two political-action committees to funnel nearly $30,000 to state Auditor Mary Taylor and three other GOP candidates -- and now they must give it back.
In a deal with Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, the candidates have 30 days to return the money to prevent the filing of a complaint against Brennan with the Ohio Elections Commission. Brunner's office told Brennan in April that he likely ran afoul of campaign finance law.....
Ouch!
Here is another tidbit on the GOP in the Dispatch:
A lawyer who just moved back to Franklin County was announced yesterday as the Republican candidate for clerk of courts.
Clarence Mingo II will run against Democrat Maryellen O'Shaughnessy for the office, which is considered a political prize for its more than 200 patronage jobs....
....O'Shaughnessy, a member of Columbus City Council and of a prominent political family, has the advantage, said William A. Anthony Jr., chairman of the Franklin County Democratic Party....
Is Mingo another Republican sacrificial lamb put up against a powerhouse Democratic candidate? We'll see what happens.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
What? Citizens don't want to elect a former bank lobbyist to Congress?
The Republicans are hurting financially this election cycle. Even so, they are putting their efforts and some money into the campaign of Republican congressional candidate, Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist. According to Real Clear Politics, Ohio's 15th district is getting a lot of attention from the Democrats and the Republicans. Stivers appears to be falling behind Democrat, Mary Jo Kilroy, in both support and money.
Mary Jo Kilroy, a Democrat and a Franklin County Commissioner, is a hard worker and very popular in central Ohio. Kilroy has raised a lot of money and has a huge amount of volunteers working for her. These volunteers worked for her in 2006 and they are back again for her in 2008. Kilroy almost beat Deborah Pryce. This time, Kilroy will turn the Ohio's 15th congressional district blue.
I heard on the radio today that 8,000 Americans per day are losing their homes in bank foreclosures. Why would those of us in Ohio's 15th district send someone cozy with banks and lobbyists to work on legislation in Congress? We want someone like Mary Jo Kilroy who will work for the people, not banks.
>>> Republican Sen. Norm Coleman might be investigated for ethics violations.
West Central Tribune:
A Washington watchdog group has asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate whether Senator Norm Coleman's Capitol Hill living arrangement violates the Senate gifts rule...
...Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington wants the Ethics Committee to determine whether the $600 monthly rent Coleman pays is fair market value. The group is also asking the committee to determine whether Coleman would have paid the missing rent checks had the magazine not flagged them....
And there is more......
MNpublius:
Ethics have never been a barrier for Norm Coleman’s unbound ambition, but I have to admit that the National Journal’s article (seriously, read the whole thing, it’s stunning) about Norm Coleman’s extremely close ties to GOP operative Jeff Larson surprised even me. Jeff Larson is a behind the scenes political strategist who runs a political telemarketing group that has “profited handsomely” (according to the article) from his close relationship with Coleman....
...Coleman now lives in Larson’s townhouse when in DC… for free by all accounts. His previous apartment cost him over $1700 a month. Now why would Larson be so generous, well maybe some of these explain the situation:
Here is even more stuff on the cramped basement that Norm Coleman lives in while he is in DC.
The Rochester Democrat has the goods: (this is an excerpt from the posting)
....Real Estate Website Listed “Simply Divine” 140 North Carolina Ave. S.E. as Having “Huge English Basement.” In February 2007, 140 North Carolina Ave. S.E. was placed on the market and listed on the website of Phyllis Jane Young Realty. Included in the listing is “a huge English basement with a media center, office space, gorgeous custom marble and oak bar plus an airy guest bedroom and bath…Simply Divine!” [Phyllis Jane Young Realty]
... Larson Purchased Property in March 2007 for Slightly Less Than $1 Million....
Sounds like Coleman was really roughing it in the "Huge English Basement" in Larson's house.
Mary Jo Kilroy, a Democrat and a Franklin County Commissioner, is a hard worker and very popular in central Ohio. Kilroy has raised a lot of money and has a huge amount of volunteers working for her. These volunteers worked for her in 2006 and they are back again for her in 2008. Kilroy almost beat Deborah Pryce. This time, Kilroy will turn the Ohio's 15th congressional district blue.
I heard on the radio today that 8,000 Americans per day are losing their homes in bank foreclosures. Why would those of us in Ohio's 15th district send someone cozy with banks and lobbyists to work on legislation in Congress? We want someone like Mary Jo Kilroy who will work for the people, not banks.
>>> Republican Sen. Norm Coleman might be investigated for ethics violations.
West Central Tribune:
A Washington watchdog group has asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate whether Senator Norm Coleman's Capitol Hill living arrangement violates the Senate gifts rule...
...Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington wants the Ethics Committee to determine whether the $600 monthly rent Coleman pays is fair market value. The group is also asking the committee to determine whether Coleman would have paid the missing rent checks had the magazine not flagged them....
And there is more......
MNpublius:
Ethics have never been a barrier for Norm Coleman’s unbound ambition, but I have to admit that the National Journal’s article (seriously, read the whole thing, it’s stunning) about Norm Coleman’s extremely close ties to GOP operative Jeff Larson surprised even me. Jeff Larson is a behind the scenes political strategist who runs a political telemarketing group that has “profited handsomely” (according to the article) from his close relationship with Coleman....
...Coleman now lives in Larson’s townhouse when in DC… for free by all accounts. His previous apartment cost him over $1700 a month. Now why would Larson be so generous, well maybe some of these explain the situation:
- The above mentioned $1.6 million since 2001 that Coleman’s PAC and campaigns have given Larson’s company
- Larson’s wife being on Coleman’s payroll (under her maiden name…)
- The $50 million Coleman helped procure for the RNC convention in St. Paul; which Larson is the CEO and chief fundraiser for the local host committee....
Here is even more stuff on the cramped basement that Norm Coleman lives in while he is in DC.
The Rochester Democrat has the goods: (this is an excerpt from the posting)
....Real Estate Website Listed “Simply Divine” 140 North Carolina Ave. S.E. as Having “Huge English Basement.” In February 2007, 140 North Carolina Ave. S.E. was placed on the market and listed on the website of Phyllis Jane Young Realty. Included in the listing is “a huge English basement with a media center, office space, gorgeous custom marble and oak bar plus an airy guest bedroom and bath…Simply Divine!” [Phyllis Jane Young Realty]
... Larson Purchased Property in March 2007 for Slightly Less Than $1 Million....
Sounds like Coleman was really roughing it in the "Huge English Basement" in Larson's house.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Show Me the Money!
Update: Ohio Republicans' favorite coin dealer, Tom Noe, is in the news again. With just a couple of months before the November election, this is just perfect timing to remind Ohioans of the Ohio GOP/Taft/Coingate scandals! Thank you, Tom Noe, for reminding us of the Republican "Culture of Corruption" of the last GOP administration.
Dispatch:
...The coin dealer convicted of stealing state money in a scandal that helped Democrats recapture most statewide offices in 2006 has appealed, arguing in part that he didn't get a fair trial....
......Noe, 53, managed a $50 million investment in rare coins and other items for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. The investment was shut down in May 2005, and Noe was found guilty of stealing $13.7 million for personal use....
Toledo Blade:
Attorneys for Tom Noe believe the Republican operative and rare-coin dealer was deprived a fair trial in Lucas County two years ago because of an onslaught of negative publicity surrounding his trial.....
....In November, 2006, a jury convicted Noe of 29 charges stemming from his theft of millions of dollars from a rare-coin fund he managed for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Judge Osowik then sentenced Noe to 18 years in state prison and ordered him to pay restitution to the state....
It looks like those BankPAC people love former bank lobbyist and current Republican congressional candidate, Steve Stivers. According to FEC.gov, American Bankers Association PAC (BANKPAC) has contributed $8,000 to candidate Steve Stivers. National City Corporation PAC has contributed $5500 to Stivers. Key Corp Advocates Fund added $3000 to his campaign fund. JPMorgan Chase PAC added $5000 to the Stivers campaign. The list goes on and on. The truth of the matter is that bank PACs, insurance PACs, health insurance PACS, and others have contributed large sums of money to Stivers so that he'll keep them in mind if he goes to Washington, DC.
Dispatch:
...The coin dealer convicted of stealing state money in a scandal that helped Democrats recapture most statewide offices in 2006 has appealed, arguing in part that he didn't get a fair trial....
......Noe, 53, managed a $50 million investment in rare coins and other items for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. The investment was shut down in May 2005, and Noe was found guilty of stealing $13.7 million for personal use....
Toledo Blade:
Attorneys for Tom Noe believe the Republican operative and rare-coin dealer was deprived a fair trial in Lucas County two years ago because of an onslaught of negative publicity surrounding his trial.....
....In November, 2006, a jury convicted Noe of 29 charges stemming from his theft of millions of dollars from a rare-coin fund he managed for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Judge Osowik then sentenced Noe to 18 years in state prison and ordered him to pay restitution to the state....
-----------------------------------
It looks like those BankPAC people love former bank lobbyist and current Republican congressional candidate, Steve Stivers. According to FEC.gov, American Bankers Association PAC (BANKPAC) has contributed $8,000 to candidate Steve Stivers. National City Corporation PAC has contributed $5500 to Stivers. Key Corp Advocates Fund added $3000 to his campaign fund. JPMorgan Chase PAC added $5000 to the Stivers campaign. The list goes on and on. The truth of the matter is that bank PACs, insurance PACs, health insurance PACS, and others have contributed large sums of money to Stivers so that he'll keep them in mind if he goes to Washington, DC.
Looking for a Scapegoat
Despite the fact that Ohio is suffering, Ohio Republicans want to put the blame on Gov. Ted Strickland a Democrat. However, Ohioans are not totally blaming Strickland, according to a poll posted at CoshoctonTribune.com. Here is how pollster, Peter Brown, summed up the results:
....The Connecticut-based university asked 1,738 Ohio voters between May 29 and June 2 to pick from a list of culprits, including Strickland, who might be to blame for Ohio’s abysmal economy. Only 4 percent blamed Strickland....
“But they don’t blame him,” he said. “They blame President Bush, Congress and ‘economic forces beyond their control.’”
While the Ohio GOP looks for someone to blame, they should only look to themselves. Through the years, instead of trying to bring in new companies to Ohio, the Republicans have worked to fatten their own election coffers. While they've worked on meaningless legislation like DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act), businesses relocated to other states. The school funding issue has still not made the agenda of the Republican controlled Ohio Legislature. The problem with the elected members of the Ohio Republican Party is that they are self-absorbed. They have put their party before the needs of Ohioans.
....The Connecticut-based university asked 1,738 Ohio voters between May 29 and June 2 to pick from a list of culprits, including Strickland, who might be to blame for Ohio’s abysmal economy. Only 4 percent blamed Strickland....
“But they don’t blame him,” he said. “They blame President Bush, Congress and ‘economic forces beyond their control.’”
While the Ohio GOP looks for someone to blame, they should only look to themselves. Through the years, instead of trying to bring in new companies to Ohio, the Republicans have worked to fatten their own election coffers. While they've worked on meaningless legislation like DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act), businesses relocated to other states. The school funding issue has still not made the agenda of the Republican controlled Ohio Legislature. The problem with the elected members of the Ohio Republican Party is that they are self-absorbed. They have put their party before the needs of Ohioans.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Seen and Heard in Central Ohio
> There are plenty of Obama bumper stickers on cars in central Ohio.
> Yesterday I saw a Stivers bumper sticker on the back of a very expensive Lexus. Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, seems to fit in perfectly with Lexus drivers and country club members. The rest of us will proudly show off our Kilroy support!
> We will soon get to see the newly updated quarterly statements of all the candidates at the Federal Elections Commission web site.
> Have you passed a car dealership recently? All those SUVs on those lots look like dinosaurs.
> Some restaurants put feta cheese in their red sauce and call it Italian. Let me make one thing perfectly clear---- real Italian sauce does NOT have feta cheese in it. Next time you are in a restaurant, ask them what is in their sauce.
> With the recent E-coli findings in Ohio, it might be time to start becoming a vegetarian. Oh, how I long for the days when a restaurant called SEVA was located near the Ohio State campus. (Actually, there were two SEVA restaurants--one north of Lane on High Street and the other on High Street near the Agora.)
> Comfest is this weekend.
> We've had a lot of rain here in Columbus. There is even some flooding. I think we've had enough rain for now.
> Can't wait to watch some Ohio State football!!!!!!!
> Yesterday I saw a Stivers bumper sticker on the back of a very expensive Lexus. Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, seems to fit in perfectly with Lexus drivers and country club members. The rest of us will proudly show off our Kilroy support!
> We will soon get to see the newly updated quarterly statements of all the candidates at the Federal Elections Commission web site.
> Have you passed a car dealership recently? All those SUVs on those lots look like dinosaurs.
> Some restaurants put feta cheese in their red sauce and call it Italian. Let me make one thing perfectly clear---- real Italian sauce does NOT have feta cheese in it. Next time you are in a restaurant, ask them what is in their sauce.
> With the recent E-coli findings in Ohio, it might be time to start becoming a vegetarian. Oh, how I long for the days when a restaurant called SEVA was located near the Ohio State campus. (Actually, there were two SEVA restaurants--one north of Lane on High Street and the other on High Street near the Agora.)
> Comfest is this weekend.
> We've had a lot of rain here in Columbus. There is even some flooding. I think we've had enough rain for now.
> Can't wait to watch some Ohio State football!!!!!!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
A Key Race
Time Magazine called Ohio's 15th district as one of the top 15 "Key House Battles" in a recent issue:
After a very competitive re-election campaign, Representative Deborah Pryce decided to retire in August of 2007, opening up another House seat in closely contested central Ohio. Pryce's 2006 opponent, Mary Jo Kilroy, is running again for the seat, but is being challenged by state senator Steve Stivers. Kilroy, already familiar to many voters in the district, has shown herself slightly stronger in fundraising than Stivers, and her campaign released an internal poll showing her up ten points. But Stivers' campaign believes those numbers only reflect Kilroy's currently higher name recognition, and that the final tally in November will be far different....
Another factor that benefits Kilroy is that a larger number of real voters have donated to her campaign. Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, has more donations from special interest groups, PACs, and lobbyists than voters.
>>>Do you remember that poll that the Kilroy campaign had done that showed her with a 10 point lead over former bank lobbyist, Steve Stivers? Here are some tidbits from the KilroyforCongress website:
...The poll shows Kilroy leading Stivers, 47 percent to 37 percent. Kilroy is benefiting from fairly high name identification (78 percent), largely from her closely contested campaign against Pryce last election cycle. She had a net favorability rating of 10 percent — 44 percent of respondents held a favorably opinion of her, while 34 percent viewed her unfavorably.....
...Kilroy came within a percentage point of defeating Pryce in 2006, with the advantage of running in a highly favorable Democratic statewide and national environment. She has been a strong fundraiser, banking nearly
$1 million in her campaign account at the end of March....
By the way, in that poll, when the pollsters mentioned that Stivers was a former bank lobbyist ".....and the fact that he often prioritized the banking industry above the interests of Ohio consumers....", his favorable rating dropped almost another 10 points.
After a very competitive re-election campaign, Representative Deborah Pryce decided to retire in August of 2007, opening up another House seat in closely contested central Ohio. Pryce's 2006 opponent, Mary Jo Kilroy, is running again for the seat, but is being challenged by state senator Steve Stivers. Kilroy, already familiar to many voters in the district, has shown herself slightly stronger in fundraising than Stivers, and her campaign released an internal poll showing her up ten points. But Stivers' campaign believes those numbers only reflect Kilroy's currently higher name recognition, and that the final tally in November will be far different....
Another factor that benefits Kilroy is that a larger number of real voters have donated to her campaign. Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, has more donations from special interest groups, PACs, and lobbyists than voters.
>>>Do you remember that poll that the Kilroy campaign had done that showed her with a 10 point lead over former bank lobbyist, Steve Stivers? Here are some tidbits from the KilroyforCongress website:
...The poll shows Kilroy leading Stivers, 47 percent to 37 percent. Kilroy is benefiting from fairly high name identification (78 percent), largely from her closely contested campaign against Pryce last election cycle. She had a net favorability rating of 10 percent — 44 percent of respondents held a favorably opinion of her, while 34 percent viewed her unfavorably.....
...Kilroy came within a percentage point of defeating Pryce in 2006, with the advantage of running in a highly favorable Democratic statewide and national environment. She has been a strong fundraiser, banking nearly
$1 million in her campaign account at the end of March....
By the way, in that poll, when the pollsters mentioned that Stivers was a former bank lobbyist ".....and the fact that he often prioritized the banking industry above the interests of Ohio consumers....", his favorable rating dropped almost another 10 points.
Reluctantly
Every couple of days, I reluctantly visit iCasualties.org to offer prayers for the latest American deaths in Iraq. I am filled with such sadness as I view that names of the recently killed and injured. There have been so many lives shattered by Bush's Iraq war. As of this minute, according to iCasualties, 4109 Americans have been killed in Iraq.
How can parents, spouses, children, relatives, and friends continue to endure this heartache? Over 30,000 military men and women are injured, and continue to rely on family for support. Everyday they are reminded of their sacrifice.
Even today, there is no exit strategy. President Bush and his best buddy, John McCain, plan to keep this war going forever. Our military, their families and friends, deserve much better than this. We thank them for their service and now we should bring them home.
How can parents, spouses, children, relatives, and friends continue to endure this heartache? Over 30,000 military men and women are injured, and continue to rely on family for support. Everyday they are reminded of their sacrifice.
Even today, there is no exit strategy. President Bush and his best buddy, John McCain, plan to keep this war going forever. Our military, their families and friends, deserve much better than this. We thank them for their service and now we should bring them home.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Kilroy's Energy Plan Makes Sense
Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, Mary Jo Kilroy, has an excellent energy plan. Here is what Kilroy proposes, as stated on her website, Kilroyforcongresscom:
...America needs to break its addiction to foreign oil. When President Bush came into office the price of gas was $1.45 a gallon. It’s now closing in on $4 a gallon.
We are being fleeced by greedy oil companies earning record profits and even greedier oil sheiks who are holding America hostage. We need to invest in new energy technologies, bio fuels, wind and conservation to make America energy independent. It won’t happen overnight, but it is cheaper to invest in tomorrow’s energy than guard oil fields in the Middle East. The road to energy independence starts now and it must be a priority for America to remain strong....
For a more expanded plan, Kilroy has an additional page that covers reducing emissions, efficiency, new sources, the green economy, and the results of these energy plans.
Republican Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, has received political contributions from oil and gas concerns, according to Open Secrets.
The energy plan proposed by Republican candidate Stivers, was published on NBC4i.com:
....Stivers' plan calls for creating a petroleum administration for a security director who reports directly to the president.
...America needs to break its addiction to foreign oil. When President Bush came into office the price of gas was $1.45 a gallon. It’s now closing in on $4 a gallon.
We are being fleeced by greedy oil companies earning record profits and even greedier oil sheiks who are holding America hostage. We need to invest in new energy technologies, bio fuels, wind and conservation to make America energy independent. It won’t happen overnight, but it is cheaper to invest in tomorrow’s energy than guard oil fields in the Middle East. The road to energy independence starts now and it must be a priority for America to remain strong....
For a more expanded plan, Kilroy has an additional page that covers reducing emissions, efficiency, new sources, the green economy, and the results of these energy plans.
Republican Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, has received political contributions from oil and gas concerns, according to Open Secrets.
The energy plan proposed by Republican candidate Stivers, was published on NBC4i.com:
....Stivers' plan calls for creating a petroleum administration for a security director who reports directly to the president.
The director would oversee domestic supply and refining solely for use for the U.S. market to fill the strategic reserve.
Stivers' plan would also implement a $100 billion, 10-year plan, primarily for energy research and development.
**** Stivers supports continuing the endless war in Iraq which is costing us billions and billions of dollars. Where does Stivers think he can get $100 billion? Will he cut it from road construction, law enforcement, or the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)? Stivers has an energy plan that actually expands the government bureaucracy. It just won't work.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Ohio's 15th: Red to Blue?
Republicans are shaking in their boots. There is a distinct possibility that Republicans will lose more seats this November, especially in Ohio.
Dayton Daily News:
Ouch! That information has to hurt the Ohio GOP. Of course, it doesn't help the GOP when their candidates say strange things. Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH-2) said that the Chinese were drilling for oil off the coast of Florida. (Not happening.) With the combination of Schmidt's lack of popularity among her own colleagues and her dismal fundraising, there is a chance that her district could definitely go Democratic.
Stay tuned.
Dayton Daily News:
....Key among Ohio's endangered red seats are two of the state's three open seats: The seats to be vacated by retiring U.S. Reps. Deborah Pryce, R-Upper Arlington, and Ralph Regula, R-Navarre, are shaping up to be heated.
Pryce barely clung to her seat in 2006 thanks to Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, a Democrat who is running again in November. She faces state Sen. Steve Stivers, R-Columbus. That district includes all or parts of Union, Madison and Franklin Counties....
....if apathy toward state Sen. Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, combined with national Democrats' fundraising advantage, could help political novice Sharen Neuhardt of Yellow Springs....Ouch! That information has to hurt the Ohio GOP. Of course, it doesn't help the GOP when their candidates say strange things. Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH-2) said that the Chinese were drilling for oil off the coast of Florida. (Not happening.) With the combination of Schmidt's lack of popularity among her own colleagues and her dismal fundraising, there is a chance that her district could definitely go Democratic.
Stay tuned.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Steve Stivers is a Lot Like McCain?
Cliff Schecter thinks so and he writes it at Firedoglake.com. Here are some tidbits:
Republican state sen. Steve Stivers is an Iraq War vet who touts his "moderate" and "independent" credentials as he campaigns to hold onto a very vulnerable open U.S. House seat left open by retiring Republican Congresswoman Deborah Pryce.
.......Like McCain, he loves lobbyists so much, instead of simply having them run his entire campaign and policy shop, he chose to actuallly become one. But the comparison extends even further.
Like McCain, he has an R-rated history when it comes to behavior towards women, while he seeks to become a congressman representing the "family values" party (try not to laugh as images of David Vitter, Mark Foley and Larry Craig surely occupy your cerebrum). Heck, he has even one-upped McCain on the zealotry front, and voted against stem-cell research.....
You'll have to read the rest of this very interesting post at Firedoglake.com.
Points
The Washington Post's Chris Cillizza has found some new information about November's elections:
And this about Ohio's 15th congressional district----
...Ohio's 15th (Open seat, R): Like Paulsen in Minnesota's 3rd, state Sen. Steve Stivers (R) is one of the few blue chip recruits running on the Republican side this year. And although it's easy to forget in a year like this, candidates still matter. Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, who came within 1,000 or so votes of ousting Rep. Deborah Pryce (R) in 2006, is a solid but from far spectacular candidate for Democrats. Kilroy released polling last month that shows her up 47 percent to 37 percent, and that seems right. But even Democrats worry about Stivers's fundraising ability and popularity within the district. This race will surely tighten....
With thousand of Ohioans dealing with the foreclosure of their homes, the last person on earth that they'd want to vote for is someone who has special allegiance, sympathy for, or former ties to a bank. Stivers is a former bank lobbyist. He continues to defend banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and even payday lenders. He has received thousands of dollars from people and PACs associated with banks, insurance companies, tobacco firms, etc., etc. Do we really need another lobbyist in Washington, DC?
Asked if the election were held today which party's candidate would they vote for in their own congressional district, 53 percent of registered voters said they would back the Democratic candidate, compared with just 38 percent said they would support the Republican candidate.
That 15-point bulge for Democrats on the so-called generic ballot question matches the party's largest margin in more than two years in the Post-ABC poll....And this about Ohio's 15th congressional district----
...Ohio's 15th (Open seat, R): Like Paulsen in Minnesota's 3rd, state Sen. Steve Stivers (R) is one of the few blue chip recruits running on the Republican side this year. And although it's easy to forget in a year like this, candidates still matter. Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, who came within 1,000 or so votes of ousting Rep. Deborah Pryce (R) in 2006, is a solid but from far spectacular candidate for Democrats. Kilroy released polling last month that shows her up 47 percent to 37 percent, and that seems right. But even Democrats worry about Stivers's fundraising ability and popularity within the district. This race will surely tighten....
With thousand of Ohioans dealing with the foreclosure of their homes, the last person on earth that they'd want to vote for is someone who has special allegiance, sympathy for, or former ties to a bank. Stivers is a former bank lobbyist. He continues to defend banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and even payday lenders. He has received thousands of dollars from people and PACs associated with banks, insurance companies, tobacco firms, etc., etc. Do we really need another lobbyist in Washington, DC?
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