Swing State Project

I know many people haven’t heard of Ed Whitfield, Congressman from Kentucky’s First Congressional District. He has kept a low-profile and has few accomplishments to show for it. Despite this, Ed Whitfield has quietly amassed a record of rubber-stamping President Bush and the Republican leadership in all their failed glory.

Don’t just take my word for it, the record is there for all to see. Ed Whitfield has constantly voted against the interests of Progress in this country.

On fair trade, there can be none worse. Yes, there seems to never be a trade deal Exxon Eddie didn’t like. Check it out:

Voted YES on promoting free trade with Peru.

Approves the Agreement entered into with the government of Peru. Provides for the Agreement’s entry into force upon certain conditions being met on or after January 1, 2008. Prescribes requirements for:

1. Enforcement of textile and apparel rules of origin;

2. Certain textile and apparel safeguard measures; and

3. enforcement of export laws governing trade of timber products from Peru.

Reference: Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act; Bill H.R. 3688 ; vote number 2007-1060 on Nov 8, 2007

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hou…

Voted YES on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade.

To implement the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement. A vote of YES would:

Progressively eliminate customs duties on all originating goods traded among the participating nations

Preserve U.S. duties on imports of sugar goods over a certain quota

Remove duties on textile and apparel goods traded among participating nations

Prohibit export subsidies for agricultural goods traded among participating nations

Provide for cooperation among participating nations on customs laws and import licensing procedures

Encourage each participating nation to adopt and enforce laws ensuring high levels of sanitation and environmental protection

Recommend that each participating nation uphold the International Labor Organization Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work

Urge each participating nation to obey various international agreements regarding intellectual property rights

Reference: CAFTA Implementation Bill; Bill HR 3045 ; vote number 2005-443 on Jul 28, 2005

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hou…

Voted YES on implementing US-Singapore free trade agreement.

Vote to pass a bill that would put into effect a trade agreement between the United States and Singapore. The trade agreement would reduce tariffs and trade barriers between the United States and Singapore. The agreement would remove tariffs on goods and duties on textiles, and open markets for services The agreement would also establish intellectual property, environmental and labor standards.

Reference: US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement; Bill HR 2739 ; vote number 2003-432 on Jul 24, 2003

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hou…

Even worse still, Exxon Eddie votes against the very workers his policies on trade leave in the cold:

Voted NO on assisting workers who lose jobs due to globalization.

H.R.3920: Trade and Globalization Act of 2007: Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to allow the filing for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by adversely affected workers. Revises group eligibility requirements for TAA to cover: (1) a shift of production or services to abroad; or (2) imports of articles or services from abroad.

Reference: Trade and Globalization Assistance Act; Bill HR3920 ; vote number 2007-1025 on Oct 31, 2007

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hou…

Yes, Exxon Eddie is more than willing to ship our jobs overseas. Why should we help displaced workers? They are building a new Taco Bell down the street, on of those 19,000 jobs Whitfield created in 13 yrs!!

Let us not forget too that Whitfield has been a constant enabler for every failed policy of George W. Bush in the Congress. He has rubber-stamped every failed policy they sent his way:

Voted NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq starting in 90 days.

To provide for the redeployment of US Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq. Requires within 90 days to commence the redeployment; and to complete such redeployment within 180 days after its commencement. Prohibits the use of DOD funds to increase the number of US forces serving in Iraq in excess of the number serving in Iraq as of January 1, 2007, unless specifically authorized by Congress. Authorizes retaining in Iraq US forces for providing security for diplomatic missions; for targeting al-Qaeda; and for training Iraqi Security Forces. Requires the President to transfer to the government of Iraq all interest held by the US in any military facility in Iraq.

Reference: Out of Iraq Caucus bill; Bill H R 2237 ; vote number 2007-330 on May 10, 2007

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hou…

Voted YES on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date.

Voting YES would support the following resolution (excerpted):

Whereas the United States and its allies are engaged in a Global War on Terror, a long and demanding struggle against an adversary that is driven by hatred of American values and that is committed to imposing, by the use of terror, its repressive ideology throughout the world;

Whereas the terrorists have declared Iraq to be the central front in their war against all who oppose their ideology;

Whereas the United States and its Coalition partners will continue to support Iraq as part of the Global War on Terror:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives–

Honors all those Americans who have taken an active part in the Global War on Terror;

Declares that it is not in the national security interest of the United States to set an arbitrary date for the withdrawal or redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq;

Declares that the United States is committed to the completion of the mission to create a sovereign, free, secure, and united Iraq;

Declares that the United States will prevail in the Global War on Terror, the noble struggle to protect freedom from the terrorist adversary.

Reference: Resolution on Prevailing in the Global War on Terror; Bill HRES 861 ; vote number 2006-288 on Jun 12, 2006

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hou…

Voted YES on authorizing military force in Iraq.

Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against Iraq: Passage of the joint resolution that would authorize President Bush to use the US military as he deems necessary and appropriate to defend U.S. national security against Iraq and enforce UN Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq. It would be required that the president report to Congress, no later than 48 hours after using force, his determination that diplomatic options or other peaceful means would not guarantee US national security against Iraq or allow enforcement of UN resolutions and that using force is consistent with anti-terrorism efforts. The resolution would also give specific statutory authorization under the War Powers Resolution. Every 60 days the president would also be required to report to Congress on actions related to the resolution.

Reference: Bill sponsored by Hastert,R-IL; Bill HJRes114 ; vote number 2002-455 on Oct 10, 2002

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hou…

Worse even that all of this is that Ed Whitfield enabled George W. Bush in stealing the Constitutional rights of every American citizen:

Voted YES on allowing electronic surveillance without a warrant.

Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to allow the President & Attorney General to authorize electronic surveillance without a court order to acquire foreign intelligence information, after certifying that the surveillance is directed at the acquisition of communications of foreign agents.

Reference: Update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978; Bill H.R.5825 ; vote number 2006-502 on Sep 28, 2006

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hou…

Voted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight.

A resolution providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5020) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2007 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities. Voting YES indicates support of the current methods for intelligence-gathering used by the CIA and other agencies.

Reference: Intelligence Authorization Act; Bill HR 5020 resolution H RES 774 ; vote number 2006-108 on Apr 26, 2006

http://www.ontheissues.org/Hou…

Voted YES on making the PATRIOT Act permanent.

To extend and modify authorities needed to combat terrorism, and for other purposes, including:

Assigning three judges to hear individuals’ petitions concerning improper requests by the FBI for library circulation records, library patron lists, book sales records, book customer lists, and other records

Reporting every year the number of library records orders that are granted, modified, or denied

Allows Internet service providers to disclose their subscribers information and the contents of their communications to a government entity, if they believe there is “immediate danger of death or serious physical injury”

Requires that any court that allows a “roving wiretap” under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) must describe in great detail the intended target whose identity is not known

Allows individuals and businesses to seek legal counsel if they have received a National Security Letter from the FBI requiring them to disclose financial information and records

Reference: USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act; Bill HR 3199 ; vote number 2005-627 on Dec 14, 2005

Ed Whitfield will constantly fight against any real Progress in this country. His votes along the line bear it out. He does not share the values of Kentucky’s First Congressional District, and does not live among us.

Luckily, we have an awosome candidate in Heather Ryan, we just need the resources to get our message, and Whitfield’s record out to the voters. Visit Heather’s site here:

Please consider supporting our drive to oust Exxon Eddie, who as you can see clearly needs to be sent packing.

Please join our campaign for change in Western Kentucky here:

http://www.ryanforkentucky.com/

Please help bring that change about here:

http://www.actblue.com/page/am…

Anyone contributing on the Americans for Ryan page by May 20 will be entered in a drawing to win two pinback buttons from the 1960 campaign of JFK.

Best wishes everyone!!

 

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee threw another $58,671 on the fire in Mississippi tonight.  Here’s the damage:

• $49,000 on media buys
  

• $1500 on phonebanking
  

• $8000 on field organizing

Nothing from the NRCC.

Total spent:

NRCC: $1,273,145 &nbsp|&nbsp DCCC: $1,803,087

Special election: 5/13.

With apologies in advance to David Letterman,

From the home office in Paw Paw, West Virginia, here’s the Top 10 reasons on why you should support Anne Barth.

No. 10 – Anne’s been “Getting the Job Done” for West Virginia for the past 21 years working for Senator Byrd unlike Shelley Moore Capito, who after 8 years in Congress can’t list a single accomplishment.

No. 9 – Nick Rahall and Alan Mollohan endorsed Anne because they want someone who is hard working and effective to serve with them because whenever they call Shelley she’s busy serving as president of the George W. Bush Fan Club.

No. 8 – Anne is for “pay-as-you-go” balanced budgets while Shelley helped George W. Bush run up record federal deficits, blowing through money faster than Powerball winners on a road trip to casinos and strip clubs.

No. 7 – Anne wants our veterans to be able to go to high quality VA hospitals for their healthcare needs. Shelley wants them to go deploy on yet another tour of duty in Iraq.

No. 6 – Anne wants tax breaks for working families of West Virginia so they can take care of their children and send them to college. Shelley looks out for a special class of minorities, the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans who are millionaires. Hey, someone’s got to look after their interests so they can buy all the caviar, yachts and multiple vacation homes they want.

No. 5 – Anne believes in improving West Virginia’s highways and bridges so they don’t fall down like in Minnesota. Shelley’s for spending money for new roads and bridges too – in Iraq.

No. 4 – Anne graduated from West Virginia University and her daughters are now Mountaineers too. Shelley attended Duke University just like her daughter now. Duke, possibly the most evil school in the NCAA during basketball season, appropriately is represented by a Satanic symbol*.

No. 3 – West Virginia currently ranks 46** out of 50 in the Cutest Congressional Caucus Category. Anne’s election would singlehandledly put West Virginia in 1st Place.

No. 2 – Anne is for healthcare access for all. Shelley’s healthcare policy is healthcare for the rich, aspirins for everyone else.

No. 1 – Iraq.

With the clock ticking in Mississippi, the Trent Thompson 72-Hour Program is now in full effect.  I spoke with Trent earlier this afternoon, and he gave me the following updates:

• Trent’s been cris-crossing the district, from Tupelo to Booneville to the Southaven area delivering literature for canvassers, and he’s seen all of five Greg Davis signs — compared to “literally hundreds” for Travis Childers.  Childers is winning the sign wars even in areas closer to Davis’ home turf.
• Trent describes the atmosphere in Booneville, where the Childers campaign HQ is located, as a total “lovefest for Travis”.  Not surprising, given that Childers won 85% of the vote in the area (Prentiss County) on April 22nd.
• Dick Cheney’s comments on visiting south Memphis have rankled people in the Tupelo area.  Childers has been working that story into his recent stump speeches, saying that Memphis doesn’t need another congressman — Mississippi does.
• Childers is up with an ad on African-American radio hitting Davis on his campaign event with Cheney.  Childers will need strong turnout from the black community on Tuesday.

In keeping with the populist tone of his campaign, Childers recently wrapped up his “Fed Up While You Fill Up Tour” in Tupelo, where he sold gas for $1.25 a gallon with Rep. Gene Taylor.

The Davis campaign’s response was hilariously absurd:

Davis’ campaign manager Ted Prill denounced the statements as hypocrisy, saying Childers “has been supported almost solely by liberal Democrats in Washington who would allow Fidel Castro to (drill for oil) closer to our shorelines than we can.”

Special election: 5/13.

Rasmussen (5/7, likely voters, 3/25 in parens):

Jeff Merkley (D): 42 (34)

Gordon Smith (R-inc): 45 (47)

Steve Novick (D): 41 (35)

Gordon Smith (R-inc): 47 (46)

(MoE: ±4%)

Smith is surprisingly weak, even against a pair of challengers who would not be called A-list.  It’s no wonder that Smith would hit the airwaves early saying that he’s the “change that Oregon needs”.

Wow.  From a Rasmussen Reports poll (5/8, 500 likely voters, 4/10 in parens):

Kay Hagan (D): 48 (39)

Elizabeth Dole (R-inc): 47 (52)

(MoE: ±4.5%)

A very nice primary bump for Kay Hagan.  Looks like this race is shifting fast — and in the right direction.

(H/T: AndTun1)

The party needs unity and money, so I am trying to organize a fundraising effort – a moneybomb – for June 3rd.

June 3rd is, as most readers here will know, is the day that Montana and South Dakota will hold the final elections for the Democratic presidential nomination.  When the nomination campaign come to a close, many people will be focusing on who's winning and who's losing, but I thought that date would be a good day to focus instead on party unity.  No matter who we supported for the nomination it would be a perfect time to come together and show support for the party.

And because this race has been so long and so expensive, it has diverted a lot of money that would have otherwise found  it's way to the national party.  And right now, the DNC is badly trailing the RNC in cash.  The party will need money to support the eventual nominee and to continue it's fifty state strategy.

I've created a website to promote this effort:

  http://www.dncmoneybomb.com

I'm just getting this effort started, but I'm hoping this is something the netroots can get behind.  (I figure if the Ron Paul people can pull it off, surely dems can too!)

SSP is moving NC-Sen from “Safe Republican” to “Likely Republican.” Several factors contribute to this change:

1) Democrat Kay Hagan (who convincingly won her primary earlier this week) has done a good job raking in cash so far, raising $1.5 million since she got into the race, including $900K in the first quarter. She had to spend a lot of her warchest in her race against Jim Neal, but it looks like her fundraising will continue to be strong.

2) Democratic turnout rocked the house on Tuesday. In the most directly comparable races, the parallel gubernatorial primaries, the number of votes cast on the Dem side was almost three-and-a-half times greater than in the GOP contest. Of course, Dem turnout was likely to be greater given the presidential battle atop the ticket, but new Democratic voter registrations are far outstripping Republican registrations. There has also been a huge flux of new independent registrations, and early voting patterns show that indies overwhelmingly prefer Team Blue.

3) The Obama factor: Barack Obama almost certainly makes this state far more competitive than Hillary Clinton would have. We’re not saying Obama’s going to win NC, but it will be in play. And while Obama’s nomination has been inevitable for months, his grudging coronation by the tradmed finally allows him to focus on the general election. This is good news in the Tarheel State.

4) Finally, Liddy Dole’s polling is less than stellar. A Rasmussen poll a month ago put the race at 52-39, while a more recent Research 2000/DailyKos poll showed a tight 48-41 margin. Now that Hagan is past the primary, much like Obama, she can turn her attention to her Republican opponent.

SSP’s complete Senate race ratings are available here.

Safe D:

     VA (Open)

Races to Watch:  

     NE (Open)

     NJ (Lautenberg)

     OK (Inhofe)

     SC (Graham)

     TX (Cornyn)

Last Updated: November 3, 2008 at 2:00 AM

Previous Ratings

Safe D:

     NY-13 (Open)

Races to Watch:

Last Updated: November 2, 2008 at 11:30 PM

Previous Ratings