Thursday, August 31, 2006

Week in Review

This is a little late but I'm still working through that backlog. I just felt that there were some intereting facts and figures that could be used as fuel for the November elections................PEACE................Scott



Women's Week in Review


THE GOP PLAYBOOK: FEAR-MONGERING AND DESPERATE TACTICS

In the wake of an unfolding terror plot and their own plummeting poll numbers, Republicans in Washington have once again dusted off their tired campaign playbook in a desperate attempt to stay alive politically. Party leaders and even White House officials have again begun engaging in fear-mongering to distract from their failed record and salvage their dwindling campaign prospects in November.

With no record to run on, the President's poll numbers in the tank and polls showing Americans' willingness to put their trust in Democrats to keep them safe, Republicans are resorting to smear tactics and fear-mongering in their efforts to win votes in November.

The American people want real leadership, not more mean-spirited, partisan propaganda. Democrats have a new direction for securing America that includes protecting our airports, ports and borders, implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 commission, and a real plan for success in Iraq.

The GOP's Real Record Of Failure To Keep America Safe

  • 9/11 Commission Gave Bush Administration An "F" On Improving Airline Passenger Pre-screening.
  • 9/11 Commission Gave Bush Administration A "C" On Improving Airline Screening Checkpoints To Detect Explosives.
  • Republicans Voted Against $1.1 Billion for Aviation Security and $720 Million for Airport Security.
  • Bush Administration and Republican Congress Underfunded Border Security Called For By 9/11 Act.

SPECIAL INTEREST ANNIVERSARY - BUSH STYLE

One year ago this month, President Bush signed the Republican energy bill, giving $8 billion in tax breaks to energy companies. Since then, the American people continue to struggle just to fill up their gas tanks (Yikes! gas prices are up 65% since Bush's second inauguration.) One year after passing the Republican energy plan, America is no closer to becoming energy independent. Adding insult to injury, now we hear about British Petroleum's (BP) closure of a key Alaskan oilfield due to infrastructure problems. Seems Republican oversight of our critical resources is severely lacking. Once again, Republicans in Washington are favoring their special interest friends over the American consumer. It's a kick to the gut just as millions of American families are hoping to take a summer's vacation before the kids return to school.

Energy companies, which have given generously to the Bush White House and rubber stamp Republican Congress, have raked in record profits. In fact, this year, three of the largest oil companies reported nearly $30 billion in income, and their CEOs made millions. And don't forget that the oil industry helped write the Republican energy bill. The White House still refuses to reveal who was part of the Bush-Cheney Energy Task Force - doesn't that say it all?

Who is standing up for the American consumer? Democrats have a plan to make America energy independent by 2020 that includes investment in alternative fuels and energy conservation.

Record Prices...
Since Bush's 2nd Inauguration, Gas Prices Have Risen $1.20, a 65 % Increase. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the price of regular, unleaded, gasoline has risen by $1.20, or 65%, since Bush's 2nd inauguration. On January 17, 2005, just before Bush's second inauguration, the average price of gasoline was $1.84 a gallon. As of August 7, 2006, the average price of gasoline is $3.04 per gallon. And Since Bush's 1st Inauguration, Gas Prices Have Doubled. [Energy Information Administration, www.eia.doe.gov]

...And Record Profits
ExxonMobil, ChevronTexaco and ConocoPhillips Reported Net Income of $27 Billion for First Half of 2006. ExxonMobil reported net income of $18.76 billion for the first half of 2006, with second quarter earnings of $10.36 billion. ConocoPhillips reported second-quarter net income of $5.186 billion, bringing its net income for the first six months to $8.48 billion. ChevronTexaco reported second quarter net income of $4.35 billion, bringing its six month total to $8.35 billion. [ConocoPhillips Press Release, 7/26/06; ExxonMobil Press Release, 7/27/06; Chevron Texaco Press Release, 7/28/06]

...And Record CEO Salaries
ConocoPhillips CEO Received Nearly $31 Million in Bonuses and Stock Options. ChevronTexaco CEO Received Nearly $9 Million in Bonuses and Stock Options. ExxonMobil CEO Received Nearly $4 Million in Bonuses and Stock Options. [Forbes, accessed 8/8/06]

...And Bush Is in the Oil Companies' Pockets
Energy Bill Rewards Bush Fundraisers. According to the Washington Post, the 2004 Republican energy bill, nearly identical to the current one, provided billions of dollars in benefits to companies run by at least 22 executives and their spouses who were either "Pioneers" or "Rangers," as well as to the clients of at least 15 lobbyists and their spouses who have achieved similar status as fundraisers. The energy bill provides industry tax breaks worth $23.5 billion over 10 years aimed at increasing domestic oil and gas production, and $5.4 billion in subsidies and loan guarantees. [Washington Post, 11/24/05]

BUSH BLOCKS LIFE-SAVING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

This month marks the fifth anniversary of President Bush's decision to ignore sound science, play partisan political games and deny hope to millions of Americans. Five years ago, President Bush declared that his Administration would ban federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Bush used his first prime time address, and five years later, exercised his first veto to stop expansion of life-saving research. Democrats strongly support increasing federal funding for stem cell research.

The actions by the Bush Administration haves a clear impact on Americans: Patients and families with loved ones who suffer from diabetes, spinal cord injuries and Alzheimer's cannot trust Republicans to put their health and well being ahead of partisan politics and ideology. Democrats support investments in life-saving research like stem cells and the hope of new cures and treatments that it offers.

ACTION OF THE WEEK: TAKE A VACATION DAY :

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2006.

Start planning for Election Day by taking November 7th off work. You can't help get out the vote if you have other obligations, so take a minute to clear your schedule early.

We are less than 90 days away. It's a Tuesday. If you have the time and can manage it, plan to take off Monday, November 6th too. Check your schedule for medical appointments or commitments with your parents or children (?-xism:-) and then, reschedule now!

Election Day needs are many and are varied, beginning as early as 5 a.m. with a morning literature drop (leaving a reminder to vote on the doorknob so voters see it as they leave for work in the morning) to a late night stint at the Board of Elections while the votes are counted. In between, volunteers are needed on the phones, at the doors, at the polls, at busy intersections with signs and smiles, on the road driving voters to and from the polls, running between precincts delivering "care packages" to fellow volunteers, etc...

If you are able to work on Election Day there is a job that will need to be done. If you have vacation time available as an employee, be thankful as many women around the country do not have paid vacation or sick leave. Remember them as you submit your time-off request. We are fighting for candidates with a platform of issues that includes ensuring all workers have the benefit of a vacation or sick day when needed!

Learn more about the 100 Actions! Project and get ready for Election Day. In an effort to support Democrats up and down the ballot, the website provides a new daily action through Election Day and provides resources focused on empowering every American with the tools he or she needs to become involved with the Democratic Party. The site also connects people wanting to volunteer with local campaigns through their state parties or coordinated campaigns as a way to provide the people-power that's vital to effective get-out-the-vote efforts in November.

DEMOCRATS TAKING THE LEAD

MORE WOMEN SECURE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATIONS!

Each week, we are adding more women candidates to the list of Federal and Statewide Democratic nominees. This week we feature winners in Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan and Missouri from our August 8th primaries and runoffs. Look for a complete list of women Democratic nominees running for Federal and Statewide office in late-September, following the September 28th primaries. * indicates candidate is an incumbent.

Federal Office

CT - Rosa DeLauro (C-3)*
CT - Diane Farrell (C-4)
CO - Diana Degette (C-1) *
CO - Angie Paccione (C-4)
MI - Debbie Stabenow (Senate) *
MI - Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (C-13) *
MI - Sharon Renier (C-7)
MI - Nancy Skinner (C-9)
MO - Claire McCaskill (Senate)
MO - Sara Jo Shettles (C-6)
MO - Veronica Hambacker (C-8)

Statewide Office

CT - Mary Glassman, Lt. Governor
CT - Susan Bysiewicz, Secretary of State *
CT - Denise Nappier, Treasurer *
CT - Nancy Wyman, Comptroller *
CO - Barbara O'Brien, Lt. Governor
CO - Fern O'Brien, Attorney General
CO - Cary Kennedy, Treasurer
GA - Gail Buckner, Secretary of State
MI - Jennifer Granholm, Governor *
MO - Susan Montree, Auditor

Visit their websites, support their candidacies, and share their stories with your friends and family! And get ready to vote in these upcoming primaries: Nevada - August 15, Alaska and Wyoming - August 22.

WOMEN'S VOICES: WELCOME IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Another woman has joined the Democratic Party - after realizing the Republican Party has no room for her and her moderate views. As a State Senator in Oklahoma, Sen. Nancy Riley's focus in the State Legislature has been on "families, children and the average Oklahoman."

A former teacher and now a former Republican, Riley joined the Democratic Party Aug. 7th, surrounded by half a dozen Democratic Senators who believe that Democrats have a positive vision for the state of Oklahoma and our country. State Democratic Party Chair, Lisa Pryor, said Riley's defection indicates growing dissatisfaction with Republican leadership.

Riley recently ran for statewide office in the Republican primary, garnering nearly a quarter of the primary vote - which proves that other Oklahomans are dissatisfied with the special-interest governing of the Republican Party. We are thrilled to have Sen. Nancy Riley, her ideas and her vision in the Democratic Party!

JANET NAPOLITANO - TAKING THE REINS

Kudos to Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano! Governor Janet Napolitano was recently named as the chairwoman of the National Governor's Association (NGA), where she will serve as the organization's first female chair. The NGA is a policy and lobbying organization that has represented the interests of the states' chief executives for 98 years. Napolitano is also seeking reelection as Governor of Arizona this November.

UPCOMING EVENTS: MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

August 17-19: DNC Summer Meeting; Chicago, Illinois

August 26: Women's Equality Day

September 4: Labor Day

September 22-24: DNC African American Leadership Summit; Detroit, MI

September 28-29: DNC Women's Leadership Forum 13th Annual Issues Conference; Washington, DC

September 30 - Oct. 1: DNC Hispanic Leadership Summit; Washington, DC

October 7: State Partnership Program National Organizing Effort: Election Day Team Training

November 7: Election Day







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