Michele Bachmann Trailing Challenger In Congressional Race! FBI Is Investigating Congresswoman!

 

 

Democrat Jim Graves and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann

Minnesota's Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, a long time foe of LGBT equality, is currently trailing in her bid to be re-elected in 2014. Hotel Executive Jim Graves is now leading her in the new Public Policy poll. The results are:

Jim Graves: 47%

Michele Bachmann: 45%

In addition, the Minneapolis Star is reporting that the FBI has joined the investigation into of her presidential campaign in Iowa. The paper reported:

The FBI is investigating complaints of alleged campaign finance violations in Rep. Michele Bachmann's presidential campaign.

The FBI joins the Office of Congressional Ethics, the Federal Elections Commission and an Iowa state Senate ethics committee in probing whether Bachmann's presidential campaign paid an Iowa state senator from her MichelePAC, a fund that should not have been used for campaign expenses, and whether the state senator stole the email list of an Iowa home-school group from another Bachmann staffer, Barbara Hekki, prior to the Iowa caucuses in January, 2012.

Andy Parrish, former Bachmann chief of staff and one of the directors of Bachmann's Iowa GOP presidential campaign, will be interviewed by the FBI, according to his attorney, John Gilmore.

"I can confirm that Andy Parrish has been contacted by the FBI for a scheduled interview next week," Gilmore said. "He will cooperate fully."

Parrish has filed an affidavit with the Iowa ethics committee stating that state Sen. Kent Sorenson was paid for his work on the Bachmann presidential campaign through a fundraising firm that had ties to MichelePAC.

The entry of the FBI into the investigation raises the possibility that there were potential criminal violations. In addition to the alleged theft of the home-school list, the FBI is said to be looking into the campaign's demand that certain former employees, whose pay was withheld at the end of the campaign, sign non-disclosure agreements before receiving their compensation.

YOU CAN DONATE TO DEMOCRAT JIM GRAVES TO DEFEAT MICHELE BACHMANN HERE>>>>>

Robert Shrum: Nancy Pelosi Would Be The Perfect Speaker of the House!

 

 

Commentator and author Robert Shrum writing for The Daily Beast says if the Democrats take back the House that Nancy Pelosi would be one of the best Speakers of the House ever. He writes that, despite her unfavorable ratings from relentless attacks from Republicans, she has the politics to gather the Democratic Party and push through progressive legislation for the President to sign. No wonder the Republicans are so worried about her.

Shrum writes:

Even before she was elected Democratic leader in 2003, she was a pioneering architect of legislation to combat HIV/AIDS. She voted against the Defense of Marriage Act—and against the resolution authorizing George W. Bush to go to war in Iraq. And after she became leader, she marshaled near unanimous Democratic opposition to Bush’s scheme to privatize Social Security, and the intimidated the GOP majority didn’t even dare bring it to a vote.

As speaker in 2007, she pushed through an increase in the minimum wage—and a once resistant Bush signed it as part of the bill for Hurricane Katrina relief and supplemental funding for U.S. military forces in Iraq. A year later, she pungently described Bush as “a total failure, losing all credibility…on the economy, on the war, on energy, you name the subject”—an assessment that’s worth remembering during this week’s exquisitely polite rituals at the dedication of the Bush presidential library.

A masterful inside politician, a Democrat’s Democrat, she nonetheless transcended partisanship when the economic crisis hit during the twilight of the Bush administration. After Republicans first defeated the bank bailout bill in the House—and the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 777 points in one day—she persuaded 33 Democrats to switch their votes, and the bill passed despite the opposition of a majority of GOP members. The bailout wasn’t popular, but it was an essential first step back from the brink of a second Great Depression, and then, as now, Pelosi knew that popularity counts in politics, but it isn’t the only standard of public service.

Her chance to change America as well as his came with Barack Obama’s inauguration. The following two years saw what the political scientist Norman Ornstein called “the best Congress you’ll ever hate.” The unrelenting GOP opposition, the distortions and the demagoguery, would cost House Democrats their majority in 2010, but in the meantime they did what had to be done and wrote a new chapter in our national life.

The president, Pelosi, and her leadership team secured a second economy-saving measure, the $800 billion stimulus package, without a single Republican vote in the House. The legislation not only included one of the biggest middle-class tax cuts in history but also pumped resources into broadband and wireless Internet, clean energy, a modern electricity grid, education, transportation, and infrastructure. It responded to “the fierce urgency” of the moment—and it advanced a futuristic vision of America. The investment could have been greater, but it was the most that could be squeezed through a polarized Congress. Or as Michael Grunwald of Time put it in his book The New New Deal, the stimulus was “stocked” with “game-changers” that will strengthen the economy for decades to come.

READ THE ENTIRE COLUMN BY CLICKING HERE.....

Democrats Could Be Sitting Pretty In 2014 Governor Races!

 

 

Governor Rick Scott of Florida

The Republicans have the advantage in the United States Senate elections in 2014 with a large number of Democratic incumbents or open seats. Many of those seats are in red states or red-leaning states.

However that is not the case in the race for Governorships in 2014!

There is one vulnerable Independent seat with Governor Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island. The weakest Democratic seat is in Illinois with Governor Pat Quinn.

The Republicans have ten seats that are possible with the right money, organization and candidate the Democrats could take them. Especially rewarding is the fact that most of these seats are held by anti-labor, right-wing, anti-LGBT Governors.

Here are the most vulnerable Republican seats who all have high disapproval ratings.

1. Rick Scott (Florida)

2. Sam Brownback (Kansas)

3. Tom Corbett (Pennsylvania)

4. Paul LePage (Maine)

5. Rick Snyder (Michigan)

6. Nathan Deal (Georgia)

7. Nikki Haley (South Carolina)

8. Rick Perry (Texas)

9. Sean Parnell ( Alaska)

10. Scott Walker (Wisconsin)

Chart Prepared by Nate Silver of New York Times

VIDEO: James Carville and Stan Greenberg On How Democrats Can Win Back The House

 

 

 

In their latest installment of The Carville-Greenberg Memo, the dynamic political duo talk about how the Democrats can retake the House of Representatives. They were right on target in the last election. This is an interesting few minutes.

Governor Cuomo Should Follow Colorado's Lead On Voting Rights

 

 

 

Long Lines In NYC At Last Election

Of all the states, New York needs desperately to reform it procedures for voting in the Empire State. Some of the rules and regulations go back to the days of Tammy Hall. The last election saw massive lines in many neighbors and people left in disgust without voting. Obtaining an absentee ballot is a major headache and even then they demand to know why you need it.

If a state makes it difficult for you to vote then it takes away part of your freedom.

Without question, the Western United States have the best voting procedures and access to the ballot.

Colorado is in the process of passing new legislation that will even make access to voting easier for its citizens.

The legislation that is currently moving through the legislature does three things:

-Allow Election Day Registration

-Send ballots by mail to every voter in the state.

-Create Statewide Voter Fraud Database.

The Denver Post reports:

Those promoting the changes said the bill is uniquely Colorado, and the state could take the lead nationally on making elections more convenient to voters. They are confident other states will follow — because voters like mail voting (74 percent in Colorado last November), while preserving in-person voting at a few early voting centers, and, eventually, saving millions of dollars for counties.

“We’ve managed to, I believe, put together a bill that I think is a model for the nation,” Rep. Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, one of the bill’s sponsors, told The Denver Post editorial board before Monday afternoon’s hearing.

Garett Reppenhagen of Colorado Springs, the Rocky Mountain West coordinator for the Vet Voice Foundation, said service members need as many options to register and vote as possible. He said military members fight for the right to vote, and increasing access is an important goal.

“if you vote for this bill you will be honoring the service of those who put on the uniform and made the decision to serve,” he told the committee.

*********************

Other clerks, though, said switching to mail will mean buying less equipment to operate and maintain for a ever-shrinking number of people who still vote in person. That could save millions of dollars in some county over a longer period of time. Denver expects to save a total of about $730,000 in next year’s general election alone, director of elections Amber McReyholds said.

Time For Democrats To Find A Great Candidate To Run Against Congressman Peter King (R-NY)

 

 

 

The time has come for New York Democrats to launch a credible and well-financed campaign against Republican Congressman Peter King. In a state where well over 60% of the voters support marriage equality, the Congressman still is opposed to marriage equality and other progressive issues. He is anachronism and it is time for him to go.

King represents Central Long Island and his district includes parts of Suffolk and Nassau counties. There is no question that his constituents now support marriage equality. However, for fear of a primary from his Tea Party compatriots, he is in hiding on the issue.

He has increasingly become an embarrassment to New Yorkers with his anti-marriage equality, anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric.. King was a strong supporter of the Iraq War where near 5,000 American soldiers died. The Congressman has been a huge supporter of diminishing the privacy and civil liberates of Americans in the name of national security.

Let's hope the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and Governor Cuomo get on the case and send this relic into retirement.

Here is the Congressman on "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" from Sunday talking about marriage equality.

Watch More News Videos at ABC | Technology News | Celebrity News

The Battle For The United States Senate In 2014

 

 

 

Lighter shades of blue and red indicate open seats

The Republicans feel that 2014 is there year to pick up control of the United States Senate. Not only are 21 of the seats up are currently held by Democratic but there has been a number of Democratic retirements in difficult states. Distinguished and liberal Senators like Jay Rockefeller (WVA), Carl Levin (MI), Tim Johnson (SD) and Tom Harkin (IA) have hung up their spurs.

Republicans have only two retiring Senators in Saxby Chambliss (GA) and Mike Johanns (NB)

Adding to the Democrats uphill battle to maintain control are Democratic Senators who are running for re-election in traditional strong red states such as Louisiana, Arkansas. Alaska, North Carolina and Montana.

If you look at how bad President Obama lost in Republican states, you understand the difficulty of keeping them in the 'red column' for the U.S. Senate. Here is by how much our President lost each of those states:

Alaska (Begich): -14%

Arkansas (Pryor): -24%

Louisiana (Landrieu): -17%

Montana (Baucus): -13%

North Carolina(Hagan): -2%

South Dakota(Open): -18%

West Virginia (Open): -27%

Democrats do have some hope if they find good candidates in Senate seats held by Republicans in South Carolina (Graham), Kentucky (Mitch McConnell) and Georgia (Open).

Plus the selection of some very poor candidates in such places as Georgia, Iowa and South Dakota should be helpful to the Dems.

Marriage Equality Making Great Progress In Virginia Poll; Warner Leads Governor in U.S. Senate Race!

 

 

 

The old bumper sticker in the Washington, D.C. area was "Virginia is for Lovers" might actually have some real meaning soon. The issue, home to some really rabid right wing Republican lawmakers, is rapidly gaining approval among its voters for marriage equality.

The new University of Mary Washington Center For Leadership and Media Studies poll shows the remarkable momentum toward full equality for LGBT Americans.

The poll shows a virtual tie in public opinion with 46% against marriage equality and 45% for it. In a vote in 2006, Virginians by a margin of 57% to 43% wanted to ban it in their State Constitution!

While 61% of Democrats and 53% of Independents support marriage equality in Virginia, a high 71% of Republicans are opposed to it. In the hills of the western part of the State, 65% oppose it but in the suburbs outside of Washington, D.C. a whopping 56% support it.

That is a drop of 11% among those who opposed full equality.

In the 2014 United States Senate race, Virginians love incumbent Democrat Mark Warner who in the poll easily defeats current Republican Governor Bob McDonnell by 51% to 35%!

In the Governor's race, Democrat Terry McAuliffe is essentially tied with extreme right wingers Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. The Democrat has 38% to the Attorney General's 37%. That leaves a whopping 25% undecided or not thrilled with either candidate!

Three Democratic Senators With Simply No Excuse Not Being For Marriage Equality

 

 

Over the last week, the number of Democratic Senators coming out for marriage equality was massive. Senators McCaskill (MO), Tester (MT), Warner (VA) and Hagan (NC) gave us their powerful endorsements. Hagan's endorsement was particularly special since she is a tough race for re-election in North Carolina in the next mid-terms.

This leaves nine Democratic Senators who have not come out for marriage equality and a few of them hanging tough against it.

Six of those nine are in tough states but nevertheless it does not exempt them from taking a stand for full equality and freedom. Strongest against marriage equality are Joe Manchin (WVA), Mark Pryor (AR) and Joe Donnelly (IN). No one should expect these Blue Dog Democrats to move in the near future.

Tim Johnson (SD) is retiring Heidi Heitkamp (ND) is silent. Mary Landrieu (LA) is up for re-election in 2014 and most likely will be with us within a year or two.

However there are three Senators who shockingly have absolutely no excuse politically or personally for not representing their constituencies and supporting marriage equality. It is beyond comprehension why these three Senator are not for marriage equality.

1. Senator Bob Casey (PA):

  Say what? Pennsylvania loves Bob Casey and he has a huge number of LGBT citizens in his state. President Obama endorsed marriage equality and won with a sizable majority. Why in the world is Senator Casey not for full equality and freedom for LGBT Americans?

2. Senator Tom Carper (DE):

The First State Senator not being out for marriage equality is baffling. The citizens of Delaware are a prime target to pass legislation making it legal and overwhelming approve of full equality in the polls. The Governor of the state has endorsed it. What is keeping him silent?

3. Senator Bill Nelson (FL):

Really, Senator Nelson, Really? You state has massive numbers of LGBT citizens who need you to represent them and their quest for full equality and freedom. For the first time a majority of voters in the Sunshine State support the concept and a powerful 75% support some sort of legal recognition of LGBT couples.  Senator Nelson has six years until the next election and now is the time for him to do what is right.

Maybe these Senators are sitting tight hoping the Supreme Court will do their work. However, their endorsements would greatly add to the momentum. If they fail to show the same kind of powerful courage of Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina, then they should be totally ashamed of their lack of guts.

Marriage Equality Update: All The Latest News

 

 

-The events that have unfolded over the last weeks have illustrated that despite the euphoria over our victories last November the battle for marriage equality is still a tough one. All of the current battlegrounds (Illinois, Rhode Island, Minnesota and Delaware) are uphill battles. Hawaii has decided not to have a legislative vote this session and is out of play.

-A huge victory happened in Colorado this past week when the State Legislature passed civil unions (photograph above). The Governor is expected to sign it. Next stop will be full marriage equality in The Rocky Mountain state.

-Attorney General Beau Biden, the son of our Vice-President, has issued a video in support of marriage equality in Delaware.

-One of the most prominent Republicans to say the amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court was President Bush's Secretary of Homeland Security and former Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Ridge. His endorsement of marriage equality had a big impact in The Keystone State.

-A poll taken by Freedom to Marry shows that 51% of Republicans who are under 30 now support marriage equality. These numbers show the continued rapid growth for marriage equality in the Republican Party.

-OutServe and SLDN announced a group of former military leaders who are opposed to DOMA. Among them are former Three Star Admiral Joe Sestak and Iraq War Veteran Patrick Murphy.

-The daughters of former Utah Governor and Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman have joined Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry. The group continues to grow and others who have recently joined include:

S.E. Cupp, conservative author, MSNBC host, columnist at the New York Daily News and contributing editor at Townhall Magazine
Liz Mair, founder and president of Mair Strategies LLC and the online communications director for the 2008 Republican National Committee
Eduardo J. Lopez-Reyes, national vice chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus
Will Cain, a media entrepreneur, small business owner and television commentator
Nathan Parsons, Director of Operations for Allegiance Strategies

-New Zealand is on the verge of passing marriage equality. The legislation has passed the second reading in their national legislature. Just one more vote to go before it becomes law. Their next door neighbor Australia should take note!

-PolicyMic.com has picked twelve states they believe will have marriage equality by 2014! If that happens 45% of the American people will have access to marriage equality in 22 states!