Vote For Change, Vote Coleen Rowley

Thank you Coleen!

2006-11-08T06:16:00.000-08:00

The result in District 2 wasn't what we had hoped for, but the numbers were good, and thanks to Coleen, more people learned about the truth behind the votes, and gained an insight into the true character of the right wing. I take comfort in the fact that John Kline and the remaining Republicans will have a strong leader in Nancy Pelosi, and bi-partisanship will be a fact, and no longer a hollow talking point.

It is also comforting to know that leadership will shift on two of the committees John Kline is a member of... the House Armed Services Committee, and the Education and the Workforce Committee. Perhaps now our troops and veterans will get what they need, and we can get real pension and other reform that benefits the workers of Minnesota, rather than the corporations that take advantage of them.

I am overjoyed that once again, we will have oversight, accountability, and integrity in our government. Perhaps with transparency and a greater expectation for results, Kline will drop the arrogant and condescending attitude he exhibited during the campaign. Humility is a good thing. Americans sent a clear message to Washington; we will be watching Kline's votes to see if he heard it.

I can confidently say Coleen is more in touch with Minnesota and our nation, shown clearly by the overwhelming shift in favor of the Democrats at both the national and state levels. I am also confident District 2 will continue to grow and diversify over the next couple of years, and we can look forward to 2008.

I want to thank Coleen for her efforts, dedication, honesty, and determination to talk about the issues that matter to us. Coleen showed what a genuine grass-roots effort could do, she is a valuable asset to Minnesota, and we would benefit greatly by her continued involvement in public service.

Thank you Coleen!

Vote For Coleen Rowley

2006-11-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

It's time to vote for change!
Vote for Coleen Rowley!
Just this morning there were more complaints about Kline signs being placed illegally in public right of ways in front of churchs and down busy streets and hwys.

This wasn't the act of a confused lone sign locator. This illigal activity was being coordinated across CD2 in Burnsville, Lakeville, Shakopee, Eagan, and Apple Valley.

Kline's campaign is willing to break the law, smear the good name and reputation of a 24 year FBI agent, distort records and hide from open debate. Kline's immature and corrupted values must go.

Today we have the honor of voting for real change by voting for Coleen Rowley.

Happy Democratic Halloween!

2006-10-31T16:52:00.000-08:00

Smell my feet,
but if you really want to give me a treat:
1) Make a donation of $25, $50, $100 or more to Coleen Rowley's campaign today!
2) Plan to spend one hour, two hours, or even a full day doorknocking and phonebanking for Coleen before Election Day!

2006-10-31T10:26:00.000-08:00

John Kline snubs local Veterans

This event was a candidates forum at the Goodhue County VFW Monday night filmed by a Lakeville Dad. Filling in for Kline was his District Director Mike Osskopp, who was last seen yelling racial slurs at cars driven by Veterans at a Rowley event at the Rosemount VFW last month.

Halloween scare

2006-10-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

Not feeling too afraid this Halloween? How about a scare like these headlines from:

The Indianapolis Star (indystar.com), Oct. 29, 2006: Expert: U.S. debt a ticking bomb
NewsMax.com, August 3, 2006: U.S. Comptroller General Warns the Nation of Economic Calamity
The Christian Science Monitor, Jan. 5, 2006: The comptroller: Washington's prophet of fiscal doom
Pensito Review, Dec. 26, 2005: GAO Wants Bush Administration to Wake Up to Economic Problems
USAToday.com, Nov. 11, 2005: A 'fiscal hurricane' on the horizon
The Heritage Foundation Web Memo of Dec. 21, 2004: Walker's Warning: Nation's Top Accountant Worried About Financial Future

Yet George W. Bush, in spite of the recent report that the U.S. economy is the weakest it has been in 3 years, is out on the stump telling us the economy is "robust" and "vibrant". They point to the stock market as the key indicator of this great boom, though the majority of Americans do not earn their bread and butter in the stock market. We are in the slowest economic recovery in history, and the top bean counter in the country is warning of impending doom. Whom are you going to believe?

John Kline has voted for the Bush policies over 90 percent of the time, and if you are lucky enough to get to know his views, he will probably mimic the president's claims. He has served two terms in the House, and like the rest of the Republicans, has performed no oversight whatsoever. Along with digging us a hole in Iraq, they have dug us a financial hole we will be lucky to get out of, and will be our shameful legacy to the next generation. This GOP Congress has been borrowing like there is no tomorrow, and spending like there is a money tree in the back yard of the White House.

Afraid now?

Vote for change. Vote for Coleen Rowley for U.S. Congress.

Coleen Rowley Right Choice In MN 2nd District

2006-10-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

Coleen Rowley received the endorsement of the ECM editorial board. For those who don't recognize the name, they run the 'This Week' newspapers in Eagan, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Farmington, Rosemount, Savage, and Prior Lake. Because these are the local 'neighborhood' newspapers, this endorsement has a lot of standing within the communities of CD2 particularly in the South Metro.

The endorsement cited Coleen Rowley's thrift common sense when it comes to the economy:

"A self-proclaimed former Republican voter, Rowley can’t be dismissed as a liberal tax-and-spender. Her call for repeal of Bush tax cuts to the top 1 to 2 percent of income earners comes at a time when economic forces are conspiring to fatten corporate profits and further enrich the wealthy while leaving the middle class in its place. Rowley says revenue from repealing the tax cuts should be applied only to reduction of the $300 billion national deficit, not new spending."

They continue with why Rowley is a stronger voice than Kline, because Coleen Rowley will speak out, did speak out, even when unpopular:

"The recent National Intelligence Estimate confirms Rowley’s pre-war assessment, as terrorism worldwide increased more than three times from 2003 to 2005.Of course, Rowley is best known for her post-Sept. 11 documentation of how FBI headquarters personnel in Washington, D.C., mishandled information provided by the Minnesota field office on now-convicted terrorist plotter Zacarias Moussaoui. Timid, she is not. A nation thirsting for change will be better served with Coleen Rowley in Congress than with John Kline. "

Also citing "The nation’s growing polarization and disenchantment" being mirrored in CD2's campaign, they stated: "Kline offers stubborn support for a status quo that produced the deadly quagmire in Iraq and tax cuts that ballooned the federal deficit as war costs mounted."

They go on to say "His [Kine's] uncritical embrace of the Bush team’s Iraqi campaign is troubling, especially for a Marine veteran." I would assume they are referring to Kline's blind support to Bush over veterans, military personnel and common sense as well as his judgement and assessment being impaired and incorrect when it comes to both the war and it's 'stay the course' continuance with it's negative burdens regarding national security and the budget.

Be afraid... be very afraid!

2006-10-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

The GOP is desperately trying to convince us we should keep them in power for safety's sake. They say we are living in dangerous times, and that we should be very afraid. In spite of their record of being the least productive congress in American history, they insist we are safer under their leadership, yet urge us to continue to be fearful, because they admit that after five years of getting safer, we are still not safe.

It's like the current denial of the catchphrase "Stay the course", a stance John Kline continues to support, in spite of recent comments from Republicans informing us we need to change the course, and U.S. generals calling for a complete change in leadership to do so.

After denying that "Stay the course" was even mentioned, White House shill, Tony Snow, admitted on FOX to "finding" eight instances where the phrase came out of the president's mouth. Keith Olbermann on MSNBC found 29 quotes, and let's not forget the times Condi, Don, and Dick used it as well. The defense of this one is that he may have said it, but we were getting the wrong idea, so it wasn't really what he meant.

So, now not only do we, the voters, have to figure out if we really are safer, but also if those in the GOP mean what they say and say what they mean, or mean what they say but don't say what they mean, or maybe don't mean what they say, but say what they mean. Yikes. Who's on first, What's on second, and I Dunno – third base!

Okay, we're no longer "staying the course", but we will continue to stay in Iraq until the job is finished, whatever that is, and victory is achieved, whatever that means. Apparently the American public can't be trusted to know these things, because we are either too stupid, don't understand, or the GOP fears we'll give the secret away to the enemy, probably while talking to Aunt Martha in Des Moines, who is definitely part of a secret terrorist cell. I suppose that's why they decided to give the president the ability to label any one of us legal American citizens as enemy combatants, and put us in the new system of U.S. gulags.

Well, I have to admit that I am afraid, but not of external terrorists bent on destroying American democracy, after all, we've managed to survive revolution, civil war, world war, cold war, threats of war, and a myriad of armed and unarmed conflicts to become the most powerful nation on the planet. My fear is that those who swore to protect, defend, and uphold the Constitution are doing a better job of destroying American democracy than any outside threat we could have imagined.

Coleen Really Is The Only Choice

2006-10-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

Rep. John 'stay the course' Kline or Agent for Change Coleen Rowley.
This week the Star Tribune made their choice for Coleen Rowley.

"...the big coup of today's endorsements was the thumbs up the paper gave to Blue America heroine Coleen Rowley over right-wing extremist and fanatic John Kline, by far the worst member of the Minnesota congressional delegation.

The Star Tribune doesn't savage Kline the way he deserves to be. Instead, their endorsement of Rowley is all about why she would make a better representative for MN-02. "we cannot endorse [Kline's] steadfast, increasingly strained, defense of the Bush administration over policies that have produced destructive budget deficits, mired the nation in a disastrous war and tarnished the nation's image as a defender of human rights and the rule of law.

Republicans have tried to paint Rowley as some sort of loose-cannon liberal. We don't see it: She was a career FBI agent, including a stint in New York investigating drug dealers and mobsters, and voted for George W. Bush in 2000 on the belief that he would govern as his father had. She would balance the federal budget by letting the Bush tax cuts expire exactly the way a GOP Congress wrote them and would reform immigration law by following the Senate Republican blueprint. She would move toward universal health insurance though a cautious strategy of state experimentation, and she would wind down the war in Iraq by following the sensible outline of Rep. John Murtha, the Pennsylvania veteran who has endorsed her. While Rowley is short on political experience, she has proved herself a quick study and avid learner. Washington needs a change in course, and the Second District is a good place to start."

Crooks and Liars is focusing on Coleen, trying to get the Blue America ActBlue total for her up from $15,000 to something her ace ground operation can deploy in two weeks to balance out the gigantic corporate warchest Kline has amassed by voting 100% of the time for Big Business interests over the interests of his constituents. He's, by far, the most out-of-touch member of the Minnesota delegation and the one who has most richly earned defeat.

John Kline = Schoolyard Bully

2006-10-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

John Kline-Schoolyard Bully

Bush's administration has a SOP of fear, coverup, intimitation, and personal attacks. They've become the school yard bullies and every child knows it. It's time to throw John Kline out and vote for change. Vote Coleen Rowley.

2006-10-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

September Fund: Bush ad

Vote Change! Remember the Kline votes lockstep with the Bush Administration. Vote for Coleen Rowley.

Kline Rev's Up His Lie Machine

2006-10-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

(Sigh).

Well, folks, here we go again. John Kline's campaign must be worried about the latest polls, because he's spun up to full speed again with his inaccurate and irrelevant smears.

First, two mailers were sent out stating that Rowley "wants to give Social Security benefits to illegal aliens." This is just another instance (I've lost count now) of Kline setting up straw men to knock over. Obviously, Coleen Rowley has no desire or intention to grant Social Security money to illegal aliens.

Nobody on either side of the aisle has ever proposed any such thing. How could we even accomplish that if we did want to? Illegals don't exactly register their identities with the federal government, which is sort of what makes them illegal.

What Kline seems to be basing his accuasation on is the mere fact that most Democrats (and many Republicans including the President) support the McCain/Kennedy immigration bill, and that most Democrats voted to table an amendment that would strip naturalized citizens of some of their benefits.

Did you follow that? Let me lay out the Kline logic for you once more. See if you can spot the numerous problems with the math.

1. An amendment is offered to the immigration bill. That amendment, if passed, would deny citizens of this country credit for the taxes they paid into Social Security during their naturalization process.

2. A solid bi-partisan majority votes against that amendment.

3. The Democrats were part of that bi-partisan majority voting against the amendment!

4. Rowley is a Democrat!

5. Therefore, Rowley wants to give Social Security to illegal aliens.

Since I don't accept that Kline or his campaign are stupid enough to actually believe that ridiculous conclusion, I can only characterize it as an outright lie, which he hopes the voters are stupid enough to believe. Please get to the polls on Nov. 7th and prove him wrong.

If you want to read more, here is a link to FactCheck.org debunking this meme, and one to the Rowley Campaign's response.

Secondly! I've just learned that Kline appeared on Fox 9 News this morning, and once again put forth the assertion that the Communications Director for Rowley's campaign, an unpaid volunteer staff member, wants to legalize meth-labs. I've addressed this idiotic statement once already, but let's look at the Kline-logic again. Again, see if you can spot the problems with his argument.

1. Bailey (the staffer in question) writes on a personal blog in 2003 that he favors decriminalization of recreational drugs, which would allow them to be regulated and taxed, and make the trafficking of drugs by bad men with guns unprofitable. He is not the only one who thinks so.

2. Therefore, Bailey wants to see a meth-lab on every block.

3. Therefore, Rowley must want to see a meth-lab on every-block! Even though she is on record as being adamantly opposed to legalizing drugs in any way, and even though a 5th grader could understand that the opinion of one unpaid staffer, expressed years before the Rowley campaign existed, does not reflect the policy of the candidate!

Does John Kline really think so little of his constituents as to believe they will fall for this crap? Well, maybe he's on to something. I could play this little game too.

John Kline wants to blow up your children with an I.E.D! Outrageous I say!

Things Are Looking Up

2006-10-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

According to the latest SurveyUSA polling Coleen Rowley has gone up several points against John Kline.

Today SurveyUSA released a poll showing John Kline with 50% support, Coleen with 42% support, Independence Party candidate Doug Williams with 5% support, and 2% undecided. The poll's margin of error is 4.4%.

Let's keep door knocking, talking with family members, friends and neighbors about Coleen and her stand on issues. With a few weeks left to go, Coleen can win! All we have to do to win this one is work hard every day. And maybe throw a few more dollars in the pot.

Murtha puts the lie to G.O.P's "Defeatocrats" remarks

2006-10-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share this op-ed piece by Rep. Murtha, who has endorsed Rowley and holds similar views on the administrations mishandling of Iraq. It's a worthwhile read.

2006-10-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

Coleen's first Ad

There's a lot of power in the truth!

WHERE IS JOHN KLINE ON THIS?

2006-10-03T19:32:00.000-07:00

You know him. That brave marine who stands up for the American Way?

That guy who expects everyone else to be squeaky clean?

Well, when it's his campaign contributors who are in trouble, maybe the rules are different....

When someone finally got mad enough to out Foley for hitting on underage kids, suddenly a lot of Righteous Republicans are kinda quiet....

Seems that the 'Publican leadership knew 'bout Foley 'way back in 2001. "Matthew Loraditch, a page in the 2001-2002 class, told ABC News he and other pages were warned about Foley by a supervisor."
(http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=2514259&page=1)

It's difficult to tell, at present, whether there was an active coverup, or "merely" an acute case of "see-no-evil" going on. By last fall, however, hard evidence had surfaced that Foley was behaving badly.

That's when Rodney Alexander (R-FL), learned from a staffer that a page he had sponsored was the recipient of some "overly friendly" emails from Foley.

Alexander contacted "House Leadership" -- that would be Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House, and either Tom Delay or Roy Blunt (D-MO). He also talked with Thomas Reynolds (R-NY), chairman of the House Republican campaign organization, and John Shimkus(R-IL), chair of the Republican Page Board. Majority Leader John Boehner(R-OH) has admitted publically that he knew by the spring of 2006.

Yet none of these men contacted law enforcement or child protective services. In fact, "[d]espite all of this, Boehner allowed Foley to remain chair of the House caucus devoted to protecting children from sexual predators. Not only is this disturbing, it doesn't make any sense."
(http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2006/9/30/122426/005/215#c215)

Or does it?

Over the last 9 years, Foley has given the National Republican Congressional Committee, chaired by Reynolds, at least $525,000. Interestingly, the $100,000 donated this last July is the ONLY contribution Foley's committee has made this year.

And, this year, Foley's normally safe 'Publican seat was being challenged by a Dem who could afford to bankroll his own campaign. In other words, without Foley, that nice safe seat might flip. Much more sensible to hush things up until after the elections, and then replace Foley with a safe team player.

So those who knew decided to keep quiet for the Good of the Party. (Party being more important than country or pages--or even the law of the land, of course.)

And the Foley cover-up began....

Who broke the news?

Although many would like to point to the Democrats, there is considerable evidence that this sexual predator scandal, like most others, was uncovered not by the responsible adults, but by the victims themselves.

workingmansblues calls it "Revenge of the Interns", and builds a strong case. (http://mrdtalk.com/story/2006/10/1/215628/679)

Congressman or priest, the storyline doesn't change.

The whole sordid tale matches, main point by main point, a tale told at Daily Kos by another victim in a different time and place. "Bob Johnson" offers "The Foley case: I've seen this before...personally"
(http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/10/2/1486/24115)

In the beginning was
1) the incident. Then came
2) the sympathetic but unhelpful parents/authorities. Next,
3) the early whispers and
4) the minimizing non-response by authorities. Eventually comes
5) the mainstream publicity and
6) still nothing being done by the authorities until
7) the victim gets fed up. The victim
8) contacts a hungry reporter with lots of juicy details and
9) the perp is finally outed, and
10) forced to resign in disgrace, while
11) still not facing much of anything for legal consequences.

Always, in the final chorus, there are two voices. One speaks for the victim and calls for justice. The other demurs, minimizes, and enables the next round of abuse.

Today, Coleen Rowley spoke for the victims, joining members of Congress from both parties in a call for the resignation of the officials who allowed the abuse to continue for months after learning of it.

John Kline spoke for the enablers, telling Talking Points Memo yesterday that he stood 100% with Hastert; he doesn't believe that Hastert knew. (http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/010121.php)

For what it is worth, Kline's record shows that has received the following campaign contributions since 1999: $164,576 from Tom Reynolds, $36,574 from John Boehner, $36,000 from Dennis Hastert, $22,686 from Roy Blunt, and $500 from John Shimkus.

I am a Veteran

2006-10-03T06:02:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Both my grandfathers were veterans – Grandpa Nels was in Europe the day the Armistice was signed ending WWI. My father-in-law served on the sub USS Grenadier in WWII. My brother and I served peacetime.

I am writing this to you on behalf of Coleen Rowley – who was born on an Army base at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Her father and father-in-law both served in the military; her brother retired a year ago from the Air Force; her brother-in-law, a West-Point Graduate, is retired from the Army; and her daughter is in her senior year of Naval ROTC.

Like you, like me, Coleen Rowley is intimately familiar with the military, with veterans, and how veterans issues affect veterans families.

This is why I am writing you this letter. There are only 36 days left until the election – and I am asking for your support and help.

I am especially asking for your help in door knocking for Coleen Rowley; to let voters see that veterans and family members of veterans support Coleen Rowley – because Coleen Rowley supports veterans and veteran’s families.

I’m Tommy Johnson, and I’m a Veteran For Rowley

Kline Declines Debate

2006-10-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

Coward.

St. Paul Pioneer Press | 10/02/2006 | Kline declines League debate with Rowley

The Kline campaign informed the League of Women Voters last week that the congressman is declining its invitation to participate in a three-way debate Oct. 14, in the thick of the election season.

No, I am not surprised. Kline here shows just how enmeshed he is with the Corruptican..., err, Republican party. This local display of cowardice is simply a reflection of that which is wrong at the national level.

In an early evening e-mail to reporters Friday, the Rowley campaign knocked Kline for "making little visible effort to make his positions known."

"Either John Kline does not have the courage of his convictions or he's very afraid of the voters in the 2nd District," Rowley said in the statement.

In a quick rebuttal, Kline spokesman Troy Young said Rowley was trailing in the polls and called her news release "the act of a desperate campaign on life-support."

"We're debating at least five times," Young said. "We debated twice before Labor Day."

The Kline campaign, however, was unable to explain why the candidate was refusing to participate in the most visible televised forum of the election season. The League, a nonpartisan political group that does not endorse candidates, has a 28-year tradition of sponsoring high-profile debates and political talks.

And Kline is not the only local Republican to channel the national shortcoming:

Hoyt, of the League of Women Voters, said U.S. Rep. Gil Gutknecht, a Republican who represents southern Minnesota, had also declined an invitation to debate DFL challenger Tim Walz.

The MN GOP is stuck with having to live down their support of a president that is unpopular, dishonest, and clearly incompetent.

<snark>Awwwww, breaks my heart.</snark>

Cross posted at Rook's Rant.

Kline Is "Especially Contemptible"!

2006-09-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

The recent report releasing an assessment of terrorism trends by American intelligence agencies has found that the American invasion and occupation of Iraq has helped spawn a new generation of Islamic radicalism and that the overall terrorist threat has grown since the Sept. 11 attacks.

Coleen Rowley has maintained this position from the very beginning. The War in Iraq has destablized the area and fueled more terrorists.

From the Strib Editorial page:

"Defeat this November is the deserved consequence for every incumbent member of Congress who has sung with gusto the bunting-draped "We'll fight them over there" chorus that was written and produced for them by the White House. Two especially deserving of that consequence in Minnesota are Rep. Mark Kennedy, who is running for the Senate, and Rep. John Kline, who is running for reelection.

"Kline's behavior has been especially contemptible because he is a retired Marine officer. It's difficult to comprehend that someone of that background would demonstrate so little regard for the troops that he would vigorously support sending them to fight and die in a war that puts their nation at risk."

"The new National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq makes quite clear that Iraq is not the central front in the war on terrorism. It is, rather, the central recruiting office and training ground for new terrorists. The United States needs to find a way out of there. To get out, it needs a transformed Congress capable of forcing a new course on the White House. President Bush refuses to acknowledge the bloody reality he has wrought. The only way he will ever confront that reality is if he is forced, by a Congress stripped of its fall-in-line supporters of the war."

Will YOU be able to vote Nov. 7th?

2006-09-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

While the news media and the blogosphere have been busy discussing the senate actions on the Geneva Convention and torture, Congressional Republicans have quietly gutted provisions of the Help America Vote Act and thrown up major roadblocks to voting and voter registration under the guise of "preventing voter fraud". THIS is the "October Surprise"!! Unless the Senate votes it down, we can expect major chaos during next month's elections.

The 'Federal Election Integrity Act of 2006' requires proof of citizenship when registering (or re-registering) to vote, and a photo ID at the voting booth. And, it is to take effect this November!

In case you wonder how this will affect you.... Does your driver's license state that you are a US citizen? If you have recently moved, or if your name has been struck from the voter rolls by mistake, you will need to re-register. If your wallet was stolen last week, and you only have a printed receipt for a replacement license--you will be barred from voting.

Even if your records are fine, what about your neighbors? Just think of the chaos and confusion this will cause on Election Day. Long lines. Voters angry about being turned away. Election officials unsure about how to handle particular situations. Do we really need this mess NOW?

Key features of the bill (my emphasis):
To register (or re-register):
"...the applicant [must] provide a photographic copy of any document which provides proof that the applicant is a citizen of the United States, in accordance with guidelines established by the Election Administration Commission in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State." This applies in all situations, including drivers' license and mail-in registrations, registration at the polls, and casting provisional ballots. Note that the guidelines have not yet been written!
To vote:
"...[the] election official may not provide a ballot for an election for Federal office (including a provisional ballot under section 302(a)) to an individual who desires to vote in person unless the individual presents to the official a current and valid photo identification." A photocopy of such identification is required when voting by mail.
AND:
"This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to the regularly scheduled general election for Federal office held in November 2006 and each succeeding election for Federal office."

You can find the complete text of the bill here.

Finally, in addition to the above:
Paragraphs 1-3 in Section 303(b) of the Help America Vote act of 2002 have been removed; these included specific permissions for a voter to use "a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter" to supplement a photo ID with an outdated or missing address. You can find the full text of that law here.

Non-partisan opinions

Here's what the League of Women Voters had to say about it:

Photo ID requirements disproportionately impact those who are least likely to have current photo ID: the elderly, young people, people of color, rural voters, individuals with disabilities and frequent movers. At the polls, acceptance of the ID would be determined by poll workers and election officials. Such tests and devices have historically resulted in discrimination and disenfranchisement of eligible voters....
The proof of citizenship required by H.R. 4844 in 2010 is like a 21st Century poll tax. Obtaining proof of citizenship can be difficult and imposes real costs in both time and money. If H.R. 4844 were enacted, many Americans would have to pay to obtain proof of their citizenship.

Other organizations that oppose the bill include AARP, the NAACP, Common Cause, and Veterans for America.

To find out how your congressman voted, you can start here,or you can go here and select your state for a more limited list of names.

Once you find your congressperson, scroll down the page and look for these two votes on 9/20/06: Vote 459: H R 4844 and Vote 458: H R 4844. Vote 458 was to send the bill back to committee with instructions to make changes; vote 459 was to accept the bill as written.

Take action now!
We're OK if the Senate rejects this. But if it passes, we've got a mess on our hands in November.

Yes, courts have overturned state laws like this. But do we really trust this US Supreme Court? Do we want our local election officials to be unsure of what they should do on November 7th?

Folks, this is the October Surprise. We've got to get busy!

Murtha campaigns for Rowley

2006-09-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Constitution Day Rally
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9433
Rosemount, MN 55068

With Congressman John Murtha, Congressman Jim Oberstar, and Candidate Coleen Rowley

I was late getting there. I'd stayed after church to attend an adult class, and cut my travel time a bit close.

It wasn't hard to find the right place. The protesters were all over the place, as were the Rowley campaign signs. At least one protester waved a sign that said "Support the troops". I grinned, and called out to her, "Support the troops---and bring them home!" She tossed me a sour look.

As I walked in the door of the VFW, a lady in flag-decorated shirt, jacket, and hat(!) took one look at my Rowley T-shirt, scowled, and sent me upstairs.

Jim Oberstar had been talking; but the room was pretty full, and I couldn't see who was at the podium. It was pretty clear that John Murtha would be up next, so I sat down to wait and got out my knitting.

In retrospect, I probably should have gotten out a notebook. Because I wish I could remember more details for this story.

John Murtha shouldn't need much introduction. He served in the US Marines for 37 years, and has a reputation for fighting in congress to get our troops the best support and supplies possible.

So the VFW was a poetically appropriate location.

Murtha began by describing his introduction to Coleen. She had asked him not to call her a hero, he said, but she is one. Then he moved on to discuss his real passion--our troops. His frustration with the level of REAL support for the troops by the Bush administration and its Republican congress hovered in the air with the pungency of gunsmoke.

The troops needed body armor. They needed helmets. They needed armor for their Humvees. Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld sat around on their "backsides" while the troops hauled 90 pound packs around the desert in hundred-degree heat.

These days, Murtha spends much of his spare time at VA hospitals, talking with the recovering soldiers. At first, he told us, most of the vets would tell him how they wanted to go back to Iraq and help their friends. Now they tell him, "Bring my buddies home!"

The speech was short--definitely shorter than the morning's sermon. But it was heartfelt and clear. America needs new leadership in Congress--and Coleen Rowley should be part of it.

The Kline Record: National Association of Manufacturers gives him 100%

2006-09-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

I first learned about the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) from a diary at Daily Kos last week.

The author was sufficiently incensed at his congressperson that I thought it might be interesting to look for a relationship between NAM and John Kline.

NAM likes Kline a lot. I'm not so sure that I like NAM.

NAM describes itself this way:

The NAM’s mission is to enhance the competitiveness of manufacturers by shaping a legislative and regulatory environment conducive to U.S. economic growth and to increase understanding among policymakers, the media and the general public about the vital role of manufacturing to America’s economic future and living standards.
The NAM is the nation’s largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 10 additional offices across the country.

Sourcewatch adds this: "The group has a long roster of lobbyists in Washington lobbying on dozens of issues. They also have a special lobby called National Association of Manufacturers - Asbestos Alliance, working on tort reform concerning asbestos exposure." [In other words, they want to get manufacturers of products which contained asbestos off the legal liability hook.]

NAM doesn't have a PAC that donates money in the usual way, directly to congressional campaigns or leadership PACs. Here's how it donates cash:

Total Contributions: $46,207
hard money contributions to Bush since 2000: $3,000
soft money contributions to RNC since 2000: $43,207
PAC contributions to Republicans since 2000: $0

Looks pretty clean, doesn't it?

But NAM has found a way to donate lots of money directly to candidates--and to keep itself entirely off the FEC radar. It offers its members a set of special tools that effectively coordinates the PACs of all of the NAM member organizations. If you go to the NAM website, and choose Take Action> Prosperity Project, you can see how they do this with BIPAC.

Online PAC Services
BIPAC doesn’t just provide grassroots tools for all your employees or members; we can also develop a PAC section for your Prosperity Project website that is password protected (either by traditional means or through Federated Identity Management – linked). Our members use their PAC websites in a variety of ways, but they are best used in tandem with a dynamic Prosperity Project site that provides information about issues that affect the organization, tools to write to elected officials, and voting information.
What can I do on the PAC portion of the website that I can’t do on my regular Prosperity Project website?
Communicate frequently and specifically about the PAC to set it context. The Prosperity Project tools provide flexibility in message delivery, from email messages to PAC newsletters and streaming video featuring an appeal by your CEO.
Tell managers, executives and shareholders who you support and why. Encourage personal contributions to candidates. Recruit volunteers.
Use secure online PAC contribution modules that protect all personally identifiable information and make online PAC solicitation easy.
In addition, the BIPAC Member Portal is your one stop shop for Political Analysis, PAC and Grassroots Resources, where you can access primers, research, candidate information, political analysis, PAC assessment, benchmark surveys and more with the click of a mouse.

NAM is pretty upfront about its agenda. A couple of clicks in from its main website, I found this: "The NAM’s 2006 Pro-Growth, Pro-Manufacturing Agenda"

Reduce Production Costs in the United States:
Immediately address the critical shortage of reliable domestic oil and natural gas supply to include legislation permitting deep water exploration.
Build a plentiful, flexible, diverse and affordable energy supply through a broad range of options to address our nation’s energy supply crisis, including policies that open the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for development of natural resources.
End lawsuit abuses including asbestos and medical litigation.
Reduce health care costs by focusing on chronic disease prevention and management, transforming health care from paper records to electronic medical records and encouraging the growth of consumer-oriented options such as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Health Reimbursement
Arrangements (HRAs).
Reduce excessive regulatory costs by ensuring that scientific and economic analysis is applied to regulations.
Enact sensible, cost-effective multiple emissions policy, such as the President’s Clear Skies initiative, and avoid inefficient and anti-growth command and control mandates on emissions such as carbon dioxide (CO2).
Level the International [corporate!] Playing Field:
Successfully conclude the Doha Round of World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations by the end of 2006.
Secure open access to foreign markets by approving the recently-concluded free trade agreement (FTA) with Peru, concluding negotiations underway with others, and initiating negotiations with additional countries.
Approve legislation to address nuisance tariffs that burden U.S. manufacturing.
Ensure compliance with existing trade and economic agreements, including enforcement of all provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), as well as WTO and International Monetary Fund (IMF) commitments. Also seek congressional support for eliminating technical barriers arising from conflicting U.S. and foreign standards and regulatory practices.
Make improvements in trade with China by addressing China’s undervalued currency, counterfeiting of products, subsidized production and exports, and extensive market access barriers.
Develop the 21st Century Workforce:
Continue to implement No Child Left Behind with its emphasis on standards and accountability.
Reform the current visa system to allow for greater global mobility of skilled employees, with special consideration for foreign-born graduate students who come to U.S. universities for study.
Insist on a national emphasis on math, science and engineering in secondary and post-secondary education.
Promote Innovation, Investment and Productivity:
Make permanent the tax relief enacted since 2001 including marginal rate cuts and reduced rates for dividends and capital gains, death tax repeal and depreciation reforms.
Enact a permanent and strengthened R&D tax credit and repeal the corporate alternative minimum tax.
Provide increased funding for federal science programs and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.
Accelerate technology and innovation by encouraging more rapid domestic deployment of broadband by deregulatory policies.
Make the exercise of patent rights more effective worldwide with a better integrated international system and reverse the global rise in trade of illicit goods that has marked a decline in exercise of trademark rights.
Enact rational legislation that replaces the interest rate used to determine current funding liabilities for defined benefit plans. Build on and make permanent provisions that encourage participation in defined contribution plans.
[Emphasis mine.]

NAM has a long history.

The first president of NAM was Samuel Bush, father of Prescott and grandfather of George H. W. Bush [great grandfather of George W. Bush] (link). Robert Welch was on the NAM board of directors for seven years before founding the John Birch Society in 1958 (link).

From "NAM Historical Highlights":

NAM lobbying achievements in the 1990s included:
Passage of NAFTA and MFN for China.
Successful lawsuits reining in rulemaking abuses at OSHA and EPA.
A five-year extension of the essential R&D tax credit.
Defeat of President Clinton's job-crushing BTU tax and nationalized health care schemes.
Reform of the misnamed alternative minimum tax and reduction in capital gains and estate taxes.
Moratorium on Internet taxation.
Major improvements in food and drug laws, reducing approval times for life-enhancing pharmaceuticals.
Crackdown on meritless securities suits, which averaged $692,000 in legal fees and 1,055 hours of management time apiece and discouraged entrepreneurial activity.
Passed the Y2K liability law, allowing companies to focus on preventing Y2K problems.
National leadership in encouraging low interest rates and stronger growth.
Truck back-billing relief and an integral role in passing the bill to improve highways, 60 percent of which were in need of repair.
Greater access to highly skilled H-1B workers.
Preventing terrorist access to sensitive risk assessment data via the Internet.
[And later, under GW Bush:]
Repeal of Ergonomics Rule. The NAM was the first business group to file suit challenging OSHA's ergonomics rule and helped led the successful effort to overturn the rule through the Congressional Review Act.

Many people consider NAM to be a right wing organization with a history of anti-labor and anti-union activism. Some even link it to fascism.

Here is the NAM profile for John Kline:

Biography:
Born in Allentown, Pa., on September 6, 1947; BA., Rice University, Houston, Tex., 1969; M.P.A., Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, Shippensburg, Pa., 1988; United States Marine Corps, 1969-1994; leadership consultant; unsuccessful candidate for the One Hundred Fifth Congress in 1998; unsuccessful candidate for the One Hundred Seventh Congress in 2000; elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Eighth Congress (January 3, 2003-present).

109th Congress AF&PA Voting Record
Class Action Fairness Act. On S.5. RC 38. AF&PA supported. Passed: 279-149. Legislation aimed at curbing the explosion of frivolous class-action lawsuits, which would curb trial lawyer "forum shopping" by shifting most major class actions to federal courts, without altering plaintiffs' right to sue. 2/17/05 Y
Comprehensive Energy Bill. H.R. 6. RC 132. AF&PA supported. Passed: 249-183. Legislation aimed at creating a comprehensive, balanced, long-term energy policy that provides adequate energy supplies at affordable prices. Enacting this bill will also stimulate additional supplies of both conventional and alternative renewable fuels, while strengthening natural gas and electricity infrastructure to incentivize conservation. 4/21/05 Y
Postal Reform Legisltation. On H.R. 22. RC 430. AF&PA supported. Passed: 410-20. The purpose of this bill is to modernize the U.S. Postal Service to reduce internal costs, improve service, and make future postal rate increases more predictable and affordable. U.S. mail-related businesses comprise a $900 billion industry that employs more than nine million people and is inextricably linked to the paper industry. Paper industry products make up more than 70 percent of mail volume. 7/26/05 Y
U.S. Trade Rights Enforcement Act. On H.R. 3283. RC 437. AF&PA supported. Passed: 255-168. Provides U.S. companies with additional trade remedies to use against unfair Chinese trade practices and establishes monitoring of China’s recent trade commitment on intellectual property rights and providing greater market access for U.S. goods and services. In addition, the bill requires the Treasury Department to report to Congress every six months on China’s new exchange rate mechanism, which de-links the yuan and the dollar. 7/27/05. Y
U.S. Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) On H.R. 3045. RC 443. AF&PA supported. Passed 217-215. This bill liberalizes trade between the U.S. and Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. The trade pact immediately eliminates tariffs and duties on 80 percent of our exports to those countries, and phases out tariffs on the remaining 20 percent over the next ten years. The U.S. exported approximately $600 million worth of paper, paperboard and wood products to the CAFTA/DR nations in 2004 and the National Association of Manufacturers estimates that another $141 million could be added with the implementation of the agreement. 7/28/05. Y
Interior Appropriations. On H.R.2361. RC 450. AF&PA Supported. Passed 410-10. On Agreeing to the Conference Report. AF&PA has succeeded in getting increased spending for the timber sales program, hazardous fuels reduction and forest inventory assessment. 7/28/05. Y
Substitute Amdmt. on the Threatened and Endangered Species Reform Act by Rep. Miller (CA-07). On H.R.3824. RC 505. 206-216. An attempt to derail the effort to improve the Endangered Species Act. 9/29/05 N
Threatened and Endangered Species Reform Act. On H.R. 3824. RC 506. AF&PA supported. Passed: 229-193. Would amend the Endangered Species Act in a variety of ways. It would 1) incorporate the No Surprises rule into the statute, 2) eliminates all critical habitat provisions from the ESA and puts increased focus on the recovery process, and directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish criteria to identify the "best available scientific data" and requires that data be consistent with government-wide guidlines [sic], etc. 9/29/05 Y
Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act. H.R.4200. RC 151. AF&PA supported. Passed: 243-181. FERRA would provide federal forestland managers the tools and expedited processes to conduct a timely and thorough evaluation of forest conditions following a catastrophic event – such as wildfire, hurricane, ice storm insect infestation, or disease outbreak – and allow for prompt recovery of those lands where appropriate. 5/17/06 Y
Putnam-Capps Amdmt. on Interior Approps bill (H.R.5386) R.C. 170. AF&PA opposed. Passed: 217-203. This amendment would would reinstate the 25 year old restriction on DOI's ability to spend money on pre-leasing or leasing activities for energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf. 5/18/06 N
This official's percentage on this voting record: 100%
108th Congress AF&PA Voting Record
Comprehensive Energy Bill. H.R. 6. RC 145. AF&PA supported. Passed: 247-175. Legislation aimed at creating a comprehensive, balanced, long-term energy policy that provides adequate energy supplies at affordable prices. Enacting this bill will also stimulate additional supplies of both conventional and alternative renewable fuels, while strengthening natural gas and electricity infrastructure to incentivize conservation. 4/11/04 Y
Healthy Forests Restoration Act. H.R. 1904. RC 200. AF&PA supported. Passed: 256-170. To improve the capacity of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to plan and conduct hazardous fuels reduction projects on National Forest System lands and Bureau of Land Management lands aimed at protecting communities, watersheds, and certain other at-risk lands from catastrophic wildfire, to enhance efforts to protect watersheds and address threats to forest and rangeland health, including catastrophic wildfire, across the landscape, and for other purposes. 5/20/03 Y
Jobs & Growth Reconcilitation Act. H.R. 2. RC 225. AF&PA supported. Passed: 231-200. Approved 51-50 on May 23, 2003. AF&PA supported the pro-growth package, which reduces taxes on dividends and capital gains, expands expensing and increased bonus depreciation for businesses and reduces taxes for individuals and many small businesses. 5/23/03 Y
Class Action Reform. H.R. 1115. RC 272. AF&PA supported. Passed: 253-170. Legislation aimed at curbing the explosion of frivolous class-action lawsuits. AF&PA supported the bill, which would curb trial lawyer "forum shopping" by shifting most major class actions to federal courts, without altering plaintiffs' right to sue. 6/12/03 Y
Udall (NM-03) Amendment on Interior Approps. H.R. 2691. RC 384. AF&PA opposed. Failed: 198-222. Attempt to derail practical forest planning rules, preventing much needed on the ground work from being accomplished. 7/17/03 N
Inslee (WA-01) Amendment on Interior Approps. H.R. 2691. RC 386. AF&PA opposed. Failed: 185-234. Misguided attempt to codify the misguided Clinton rule. 7/17/03 N US-Chile Free Trade Agreement. H.R. 2738. RC 436. AF&PA supported. Passed: 270-146. Eliminates nearly all tariffs on U.S. manufactured exports upon implementation and provides the framework for a successful FTAA accord. 7/24/03 Y
Pension Funding Equity Act of 2003. H.R.3108. RC 535. AF&PA supported. Passed: 397-2. 30-year Treasury Bonds. Failure to enact a workable alternative to the 30-yr Treasury Bond Rate would force forest products companies with defined benefit plans to contribute unnecessarily large amounts to those plans, diverting capital from other productive uses, risking the continuation of the voluntary plans these companies currently have. 10/08/03 Y
Chabot Amendment on Interior Appropriations.(Tongass) H.R. 4568. RC 253. AF&PA opposed. Passed: 222-205 Eliminates funds for forest management road building in the Tongass National Forest. 6/16/04 N
Udall Amendment on Interior Appropriations. H.R. 4568. RC 254. AF&PA opposed. Failed: 195-230. De-funds the application of the newly revised forest planning regulations on National Forests. 6/16/04 N
Australia Free Trade Agreement. H.R.4759. RC 375. AF&PA supported. Passed: 314-109. To eliminate tariffs on U.S. exports to Australia, making U.S. suppliers more competitive against domestic producers. 7/14/04 Y
JOBS Bill. H.R.4520. RC 509. On Agreeging to [sic] the Conference Report. AF&PA Supported. Passed: 280-141. The bill repeals the WTO-illegal FSC/ETI export tax incentive regime and replaces it with, among other things, an effective 3 percentage point corporate rate reduction for manufacturing income, including timber. Repeal of FSC/ETI must occur before the EU will remove tariffs on US products including $200 million worth of wood/paper products. 10/7/04. Y
This official's percentage on this voting record: 100%
Cosponsorship of Key Legislation
109 H.R.3883 AF&PA supports the Timber Tax Act of 2005 to improve competitiveness of U.S. corporate timber and forest products industry. Related Senate bill: S. 1791 Support
109 H.R.4318 H.R. 4318: To terminate the effect of all provisions of Federal law that prohibit the expenditure of appropriated funds to conduct natural gas leasing and preleasing activities for any area of the Outer Continental Shelf, to terminate all withdrawals of Federal submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf from leasing for exploration for, and development and production of, natural gas, and for other purposes. Introduced 11/15/05. This legislator cosponsored this legislation on 12/16/2005 Support
108 H.R.1310 H.R. 1310 "Reforestation Tax Act": AF&PA-supported. The Reforestation Tax Act provides an incentive for landowners of all sizes to continue to hold and manage their forests in a manner that will maintain a long-term sustainable supply of fiber for future economic needs. Related Senate bill: S. 1381. Support
108 H.R.3716 H.R. 3716, Provisions related to Countervailing Duties applied to nonmarket economy countries. AF&PA Supports. The Chinese government currently uses subsidies and other economic incentives to give their forest products producers an unfair trade advantage over American-made products in the industry. AF&PA supports legislation both chambers that would amend U.S. anti-subsidy law to apply the same countervailing duty measures to imports from non-market economies, such as China, that are applied to products from all other trading nations. Please contact your Representative to have them cosponsor H.R. 3716. (related Senate bill: S.2212) Support

Bi-Partisan or Bully Politics

2006-09-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

On John Kline's official website (still unchanged since July), he likes to tout his so-called "bi-partisanship" in getting his handful of bills passed. Was it really?

The Republican version of being bi-partisan has included an outright rejection of anything offered by Democrats. This includes multiple votes against properly funding our most vulnerable areas - more security on our borders, our ports, our railways, our airways, our nuclear facilities, our factories, etc. Yet they have the audacity to say it is the Democrats who don't want to protect America. They lied.

Their tactics have also included literally shutting out Democratic members from their own committees, meeting in secret, and going against the rules of the House by holding votes open until they forced even their own side to vote the way they wanted them to. They have refused to allow Democrats to offer amendments to bills, or even have the chance for debate. Not one Republican stood up to say this practice was wrong, including John Kline. They bullied.

If that isn't bad enough, they've also forced votes on bills without giving lawmakers on both sides enough time to actually read the text they would be voting on. At times they've literally changed the wording in the middle of the night, so what our legislators thought they were voting on, could actually be something completely different.

Their non bi-partisanship has resulted in a lawsuit filed against legislation the President signed into law that was a version not agreed to by both the House and Senate, as is required. As it is, Bush has written 800 signing statements anyway, essentially putting in writing his self-appointed "right" to interpret or ignore these laws as he sees fit - at least while we are in this endless "War on Terror". It's no wonder his mantra on Iraq is to stay the course. Without this "war on terra" Bush becomes just a mere mortal. They cheated.

The rampant use of earmarks and special interest legislation has also run amok with this Republican ruled Congress. The Party who used to be able to claim fiscal responsibility has been the most successful in pork production, resulting in huge deficits. They've also voted repeatedly to raise the debt ceiling, now quickly approaching $9 TRILLION. They talk of a the estate tax as a "death" tax for the most wealthy, yet have no problems putting an instant $30,000 on the heads of every child born in America today.

Under the guise of helping their constituents, they have personally benefitted from their unethical acts, literally lining their own pockets. While they help themselves to riches out of our reach, the dollar earned from most working Americans continues to shrink in the slowest recovery we've seen in American history. They are greedy.

They've hired relatives as campaign workers - a common practice, but the salaries paid are much greater than any paid before. They have personal ties to lobbyists, and let's not forget the K-Street Project, allowing only former Republican staff and legislators to become lobbyists in the most powerful firms in Washington. They are self-serving.

They sit on corporate boards they also draft legislation for, essentially shielding them from wrongdoing, and allowing loopholes so taxes owed do not get paid. They turn a blind eye to companies with P.O. box addresses in other countries as another way to avoid tax liability, and they offer incentives to companies to move factories and American jobs overseas. They do not legislate fairly.

Fighting until the other side gives in to your demands is NOT being bi-partisan, it is unethical, unfair, and lying bully politics.

When the Republicans took control of both the House and the Senate, they swore in front of our nation and every person in it to be different - they would clean up Congress, but have done nothing but corrupt it even further than it was before. They lied to us. The Contract For America in reality became the Contract On America.

Kline has voted with this group of neo-cons under the Republican banner. They already went back on one promise to be ethical in government, why should we trust them now?

John Kline's health care

2006-09-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

John Kline has done so much to help seniors pay for their medications, right? And he's so concerned about keeping down the deficit that he voted to hold down some badly-needed funding for the VA.

Well, had he taken the time to look a bit further into the consequences of his votes, he could have predicted stories like this:

"workingmom OH" writes about her father:

My father has been taken to the E.R.... [he] takes no fewer than sixteen medications each day in an attempt to regulate his high blood pressure and to manage his Type II diabetes.

He is overweight and, for some reason, his blood pressure has been very difficult to get under control despite an aggressive drug regimen and his dedication to an exercise program. He underwent major surgery in July... for the placement of a stent to bypass a very large aortic aneurysm.

...[W]hile Medicare Part D did help with his drug expenses earlier in the year he hit the "donut hole" in June....
I have, of course, offered financial assistance. It's that pride thing, though. ...Dad elected to muddle along on his own... and save some money buying most of his medications from Canada. This worked pretty well until a few weeks ago.

He received a letter from US Customs stating that his medications had been seized. He would not be receiving his drugs and he is certainly out the money spent purchasing them in the first place.

So now taxpayers via Medicare can pay his ER expenses instead. What a great plan, Mr. Bush, senators and congressman. Is this what you intended to happen?

workingmom OH's complete diary is here: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/9/2/111448/7376

BTW, here's a good link about how to get through the donut hole: http://web.mac.com/leslieturek/iWeb/Site/Medicare%20Part%20D%20Information_files/Donut%20Hole.pdf

You just can't lie to Mother Jones

2006-08-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

We have a clear choice this election year. The best choice is Coleen Rowley... someone who has proven she knows right from wrong, and has the guts to stand up for her beliefs, no matter what. She has devoted her life to the safety of Americans, is strong, intelligent, diligent, ethical, honest, decent, and a true Patriot.

On the flipside, Rep. Kline will try to tout his years in the military as "proof" that he is somehow a more qualified protector, but he is not a leader; he is a follower. It only takes a look at his record to make you wonder if he took the time to even read the bills he voted on, since they are so in lock-step with the Bush administration's failing policies. There just isn't any way to separate Bush from any of the Republicans currently in office... "Birds of a feather, flock together."

Mother Jones recently released an article in the lastest edition (now online) showing a timeline of the lies told not only to us, but to the world. It is a clear, blatant, and irrefutible fact that the invasion of Iraq and subsequent occupation that has resulted in over 2,600 dead soldiers was done just because they wanted to. Thousands of innocent lives have been forever lost and devastated over the personal desires of a handful of liars.

It is indeed damning, and I urge everyone to check it out. For those of you who will try to cushion the blow by stating Democrats also supported the war, you are flat out wrong. There were diplomatic strings attached that Bush chose to ignore. The proof had to be there, but we now know it was all made up. We all were lied to. That is not the kind of leadership we need to keep our country strong.

Whether red or blue, we are all Americans, and must stand up for our nation. Rep. Kline continues to support the occupation of Iraq, even though the majority of Americans want us out. Does he then support the careless and clueless comments by Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, who insists on insulting us all? According to Don, if you are critical of the war policies of this administration, you - yes YOU - lack the courage to fight terror, and are suffering from "moral and intellectual confusion" about national security threats. Huh? I guess we all just fell off the turnip truck, right Don? At least Keith Olbermann had the cajones to give Rumsfeld the talking to he deserves.

The choice is clear... either you want the same talk-down leadership who rule by intimidation, secrecy, deception, and greed; or you want real change, peace, integrity, oversight, accountability, and respect.

Dude, Where's My Representative??

2006-08-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

Well, either John Kline is involved in nothing, or just doesn't want us to know what he is up to since his "official" web site hasn't changed in a month. Honestly, I thought maybe he was pushing up daisies, until I heard he actually showed his mug at the State Fair to debate Coleen (though only did so with an extremely partisan mouthpiece such as Jason Lewis). How about having someone from Air America run the show, John? Nope. And they say liberals are cowards… or does that just apply to decorated war veterans?

Back to the web… peruse Coleen Rowley's site, and you get a veritable smorgasbord of information; a hot dish in the middle of the political pot luck of MN; the solid milk chocolate bunny, versus the hollow shell. It's great – even won an award. In fact, I think Kline's techies should take a lesson from the Rowley folks. Before Bush took office, I was a web developer myself, so I'm just sayin'.

So… where is Kline? His web site is void of anything relevant or timely. Is he speaking anywhere? Does he have an opinion, or should we just keep re-reading the same ol' blurbs? I don't get his mailings, so I assume I'm on his "do not send" list, but hey, I AM a constituent of the 2nd District, and will be voting in November. Do I need a personal invitation to be able to talk to my own elected official? Oh, duh, I know… just a NICE BIG FAT CHECK. Well okay then, the check's in the mail.

Rowly vs Kline Debate at the State Fair

2006-08-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

Just thought I ought to mention this, as it hasn't been pointed out on this blog yet -- Colleen Rowley and John Kline will take part in a panel discussion at the WCCO booth tomorrow at the Minnesota State Fair at about 1:45 pm. (An interview with Rowley immediately precedes this at 1:00. Later, at the KTLK booth at 5:00, they will hold a debate moderated by Jason Lewis.

If you are going to be at the fair, or can make it there, I suspect it will be a beautiful thing to see.

2006-08-23T04:34:00.000-07:00

Have You Had Enough?

Follow the bouncing ball and spread the word.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X33KOkLRNA4

Brain Injury Funding Cut

2006-08-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

John Kline is quick to point out his military service, and claims to be a friend to veterans. Okay John, tell us what you are going to do about today's news. While recent reports tell us there has been a sharp rise in the number of bombs planted and aimed at our soldiers, and daily attacks have doubled since January, a piece in USA Today informs us that funding for the research and treatment of TBI (traumatic brain injury) caused by these types of explosions has been cut in half.

John wants to stick with the president's plan to "stay the course" (or the new version, "adapt to win"). At what cost, John? The Defense Authorization bill will be outlaying around $400 billion taxpayer dollars. Well, in the grand scheme of things, since you are bound and determined, John, to keep our troops in the middle of a civil war, what's another $7 million to take care of them when they get back, after their brains have literally been slammed around inside their skulls? It's the least you could do.

You all worked real hard to draft an extra special bill for brain-damaged Terri Schiavo. We now know all your hard work was to try to save a brain that was liquefying, but we still have to assume you have a special affection for the little gray cells, eh? I know Terri was just one person, and the guys at IAVA (the real Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) reports that at least 100,000 troops have been affected by TBI, so it is expensive. But, after all these years of borrowing and spending, and more borrowing and spending, well, it's just funny what this Republican ruled Congress decides to get stingy on. I know the pork and earmarks are more important than our soldiers, but it is an election year... c'mon.

Was stem cell research part of the Brain Injury Center's budget, and that's why you won't fully fund it? No matter, other countries will pass us by, so we will be able to have state-of-the-art, life-saving treatment like this at Wal-Mart rates in India or China… well, if you can afford to fly there, but that's pretty tough on minimum wage.

Senate Appropriations Committee spokeswoman, Jenny Manley says, "Honestly, they would have loved to have funded it, but there were just so many priorities." Well, golly gee and jeepers. Almost $9 trillion in debt, and another $7 million will just break the bank.

Never fear, there is a group out there doing what the federal government will not. The great volunteers at Operation Helmet will send our troops upgrade kits for their helmets. These upgrade kits provide our soldiers with the extra protection, comfort, and stability they deserve.

Oh, and John, if you're such a pal to vets, why does the Disabled American Veterans rate you so poorly? I did, however, notice an increase for '06… wow, it's amazing what an election year will do.
John Kline 2006 rating: 66%
John Kline 2005 rating: 0%
John Kline 2004 rating: 0%
John Kline 2003 rating: 50%

Kline = Bush

2006-08-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

"I don't make any apologies for what I do on the campaign trail." ~ George W. Bush

We shall see just how much Kline is not like Bush, as he claims.

"Trickery and treachery are the practices of fools that have not the wits enough to be honest." ~Abraham Lincoln

Coleen Rowley On Kline Attack Ad #2

2006-08-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Coleen is needed in congress because she doesn't rush to judgement, she's fair, she's willing to hear all views. She's open and honest and wants to help her community...in other words she's the polar opposite of Kline! Read her reply to Kline's latest dirty smear campaign:

Coleen Rowley for Congress
For Immediate Release
Contact: Terry Rogers
Phone: 507-664-3850
August 18, 2006
Rowley Responds to Kline Attack Ad #2, David Bailey to Remain with Campaign
On the controversy surrounding John Kline's recent mailer and David Bailey's role with Rowley for Congress, Coleen Rowley, DFL candidate for U.S. Congress (MN-02), issued this statement:

"John Kline may want to run against David Bailey, but he's not. He's running against Coleen Rowley, and if his attack mailers are any indication, he's running scared right now. He's also running away from his record of support for the disastrous debacle in Iraq, for the Medicare Part D program which is dropping at-risk seniors down the 'donut hole', and for privatizing Social Security," said Rowley.

"David Bailey has made valuable contributions to the campaign, and he will continue to do so. I welcome input and advice from people with a variety of views. This necessarily means I will disagree with both my supporters and staff on certain issues at certain times. But at the end of the day, Coleen Rowley decides what Coleen Rowley stands for, period. And as a 24-year FBI agent who fought organized crime, I emphatically and unequivocally oppose legalization of all drugs, especially methamphetamine, heroin, and crack cocaine," said Rowley

"Now that I have had to answer the ridiculous, scurrilous charge that John Kline indirectly leveled against me, I would like some answers from him. Does he agree with yesterday's ruling that Bush's surveillance of innocent Americans without oversight is unconstitutional? If he is in Congress in 2007, will he push as hard for Social Security privatization as he did in 2005? What does he say to seniors who are falling into the Medicare Part D 'donut hole' and are now responsible for 100% of their prescription drug costs? And finally, what is his plan for bringing the American occupation of Iraq to a successful conclusion? Please be specific," said Rowley.

"When I'm in Congress, I won't hide from questions, even hard questions from my opponents. My track record shows I stand up for what I believe is right, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. And one thing I pledge right now and for as long as I'm in politics: I will never stoop to smearing an unpaid staffer on my opponent's campaign --- or anyone else --- for political gain," said Rowley.

Kline Releases Another Foul-Smelling Cloud From His Ink-Sac

2006-08-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

What a dick. That's about the only thing I can think to say about John Kline, anymore. Recently, the focus of his campaign has shifted from avoiding his record and handing out fried chicken recipes to avoiding his record and handing out blatant lies about one of Rowley's unpaid campaign staffers, David Bailey.

Not only is Congressdick Kline lying willfully and with malice, but he's lying off-topic. Even if he wasn't twisting Bailey's personal musings from a 2003 blog entry into something they're not (Bailey wrote that he favors legalizing drugs, a not uncommon position based on the idea that legalization would reduce drug use and drug crime by removing the profitability -- Kline has tried to portray this as a desire to put a methlab on every block), it would still be a complete non-sequitur, as Rowley herself opposes drug legalization.

Kline thinks he can win votes by tricking his constituants. He wants you to believe that Rowley supports a platform that in fact she opposes, because of some words written 3 years ago by one of her staffers. Here's a clue, John -- just because you hold all the same positions as George W. and the rest of the GOP, doesn't mean everyone on the Rowley campaign holds the same positions as one staff member. Guess what -- Bailey's name isn't on the ballot.

The sliminess and illogic of Kline's tactics are so revolting that as much as they deserve a fuller debunking, I don't think I can go on writing about them. Instead, I suggest you read this: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/8/17/115145/874

Ghosts From The Past

2006-08-14T10:57:00.000-07:00

Just a little reminder of one of Congressman Kline's past statements:

Shortcuts

Eat those words

"If you're talking to me in eight or 10 months, and we're not starting to see ... actual troop withdrawals, I'll be shocked."

-- Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., after visiting Iraq in November 2005. Two top Army officers testified in Congress this month that they cannot reduce troop levels at this time.

Gee, has Congressman Kline released a press statement stating he is "shocked?"

Ya, right.

Coleen On Our Safety

2006-08-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

Coleen has a short summary on why under Kline's leadership, Americans aren't safer. Given Kline's voting record while in office he can't very well run on the enviroment, education, healthcare, or transportation. So he runs on his previous history of being an old soldier and keeping us safe. But that fails when you look at the facts:

"...Taking all of this into consideration, together with Republican Senator Chuck Hagel's recent statement that continued U.S. involvement in Iraq is "ruining our United States Army," I would like to ask John Kline exactly how keeping our soldiers in Iraq is making Americans safer. How is it making anyone safer?"

John Kline Avoids The Issues

2006-08-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

I said I would try to sort out this brouhaha, and so now I shall. Well, try that is. I make no promises. Just let me say that I have no intentions of staying the course. Whatever the hell that is suppose to mean. I wonder if it is along the same vein as "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I guess failure is also in the eye of the beholder. And Bush, Kline, Lieberman and company just are not beholding any failure.

Anyway, if I wanted to get myself re-elected, I would certainly not start by getting all shrill over an unpaid campaign blogger's actions before becoming a member of said campaign.

You all go ahead and read the fun and games.

Oh, and sorry David. An unpaid Research and Communications Director. Though, I have to admit, it is a nice title. I guess if you are not going to get paid, best to get a nice, long, fancy title. Gee, do you think maybe had you had that title when you first went into Kline's campaign headquarter, you might have garnered a little more of a response then hearsay? And where can I get a nice, fancy title like that?

But I digress.

Oh, and you all did read the two links above, right? Sure you did. You all being well behaved blog readers and all.

But I still digress.

So, anyway, in an effort to discredit the Coleen Rowely campaign the John Kline campaign make some claim that a future member of her campaign administration attempted to make a donation?

That is it? Some one, not at that time a member of any campaign, who, in an attempt to find an answer for a question, is willing to donate to their campaign but is instead rebuffed and sent out empty handed?!

<snark>Whoa there. That's just so damn vile! I am disgusted. Nay! I am sickened. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are threatening to stain my carpet. By God, take that man behind the woodshed and teach him a lesson he will not soon forget.</snark>

Okay, I am better. It is just so maddening to have to witness blatantly childish school yard tactics from the campaign of a once honorable, and highly decorated, Marine.

Let me explain something; if there is one thing I recognize, it is repeated patterns of behavior. It is my job. Especially those patterns that are destructive. And this particular pattern has been evident in GOP campaigns since 1999. And it coincides with another pattern, a personal pattern of Mr Kline's.

It starts at the tail end of his service, when he had to follow a President around while holding onto a brief case. Then, when elected to State Representative, he again followed in the footsteps of a President, voting almost in lockstep to the administration. Now, we see that, again, he follows blindly in the path of a President, using well known and well established Rovian campaign tactics of shrill accusations as misdirection. All for the express purpose of hiding the truth about his terms in office: that far from furnishing any legitimate leadership, he has been a circus elephant led around by a rope.

What a sad, sad state of affairs. A decorated, once honorable Marine, now nothing more than a pachyderm version of a mule led by the nose.

I guess it would seem that decorated, honorable service does not necessarily carry over into public service.

Cross posted at Rook's Rant.

Memo

2006-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

From: America
To: George W. Bush
Cc: John Kline
Subject: Another Narrowly Averted 9/11 Repeat

Dear George and clone,

How did terrorists get onto planes in the U.K.? I thought they were all stuck in Iraq, since we are fighting them there so we won't have to fight them here. I am worried that I am no safer than I was in 2001. Are we maybe fighting the terrorists in the wrong place? If a war in Iraq hasn't kept them from attacking me, maybe we need to start one in Iran. Or what the heck, maybe New Zealand. Yeah, that sounds right to me. Let's fight the terrorists in New Zealand so we don't have to fight them here.

Please get right on that.

Coleen Rowley Is Right

2006-08-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

From Ag News: Congressional candidates debate the farm bill at Farmfest
Second Congressional District candidate Coleen Rowley was right: The nine congressional candidates at last week's Farmfest forum rarely disagreed.

The group fielded questions on the farm bill, rural roads and emergency haying and grazing on CRP acres.

Second Congressional District Republican Rep. John Kline and James Oberstar, Democrat from the 8th District, didn't attend but their challengers, Democrat Coleen Rowley and Rod Grams, Republican, in the 8th were there.

All agreed the current farm bill is popular among farmers.

No Kline on Ceasefire Resolution - yet?

2006-08-05T04:45:00.000-07:00

Israel / Lebanon Ceasefire Resolution

Thank you Betty McCollum for co-sponsoring peace. Well, Rep. Kline, since you are a member of the "culture of life" party, will you support war or peace?

Medicare Part D Ads - WCCO Reality Check

2006-08-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

Here's what you NEED TO KNOW.

Republican Play Book

2006-08-05T04:11:00.000-07:00

Raw Story has a link to the Senate Republicans play book for the upcoming election. Same old crap. I would bet the House has the same or something similar.

Time to debunk this pack of b.s. again...

Here's That Letter

2006-08-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Good On Ya, Coleen!

Cross Posted at Rook's Rant.

Click here for the full letter.

Rowley challenges Kline to series of debates!

2006-08-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

Cool!

On Tuesday, a letter from Rowley was delivered to Congressman Kline's campaign office, challenging him to a series of debates on the issues, and to judge by the tone of the letter, Rowley is as fed up as I am with John Kline's straw men.

This is a man who has consistently responded to criticism of his voting record by changing the subject and trying to remind everyone what a darned personable fellow he is, gosh-darnit.

To see him participate in a debate addressing his actual performance as a congressman representing the interests of his district. . . well, it would be like watching some wonderful, beatiful dream in which America is still a functioning democracy!

I hope Congressman Kline has the guts to take up the podium and defend his indefensible record, and I hope the local news media steps up to justly excoriate him if he won't. Elections in this country ought to require that the candidates engage in a public discussion of the issues.

And hey, I'm sure Kline will welcome the chance to share his fried chicken recipe with a fresh audience.

[update]

I am trying to get an image of Rowley's letter to Kline uploaded here, but I am having technical difficulties. Hopefully, you'll be able to see it soon.

Democratic candidacy for Congress is complete change of venue for FBI whistle blower Coleen Rowley

2006-07-31T18:50:00.000-07:00

Democratic candidacy for Congress is complete change of venue for FBI whistle blower Coleen Rowley: "Peeking inside Coleen Rowley’s house a person can imagine an F.B.I. field office — office clutter, documents dangling on the wall.

But outside there’s a high-mileage van with a Rowley for Congress sign bolted to the roof and another campaign sign at the base of the steep driveway leading to the Rowley family’s Apple Valley home.

It’s a complete change of venue for the 9/11 whistle blower.

Something wholly new.

Rowley, 51, said the closest she came to elective politics previously was when one of her best friends in the 8th grade ran for school office — Rowley was her speech writer.

“I am really not very political,” said Rowley during a recent interview.

That’s officially changed."

Informational, if not interesting, article.

Kline Staff Anonymously Attack Rowley

2006-07-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

Dump John Kline: "Klinefan" unmasked

"Klinefan" a frequent (and impolite) poster to this blog has been posting his comments from the same ip address that hosts John Kline's re-election website!

Kline campaign spokesperson, Marcus Esmay, who recently sent a letter to the Star-Tribune that uses much of the same arguments in "Klinefan's" postings says he was also the only one who was in Kline's Burnsville campaign headquarters during Klinefan's most recent postings. When I called, Mr. Esmay said he had nothing to do with the postings. Coincidentally, "Klinefan" logged off the site within minutes of Mr. Esmay hanging up the phone. Draw your own conclusions.

Restoring honor and dignity, Republican style.

Quick Update: Here are more links about the story;
Daily Kos
Truth Surfer
Stronger DFL

And here are links to past indiscretions;
Stronger DFL
DFL 38
DFL 38

Cross-posted at Rook's Rant

The Result of Politics as Usual

2006-07-27T11:08:00.000-07:00

As of this writing, the cost of the U.S. occupation of Iraq is over $299 billion and rising. The National Priorities Project keeps a running total, and offers a quick comparison of how this affects each state. For instance, if I compare the cost of staying in Iraq (as of today) to its impact on Minnesota, I find we could have hired over 120,000 additional teachers for a year, and built over 62,000 new public housing units.

A note on the public housing units - according to a study done by the Wilder Research Center, on October 23, 2003 alone, the number of homeless people counted in Minnesota was estimated at 8,800 to 8,900. Having helped three homeless people in a year's time, I would bet this number has increased. I invite Congressman Kline to visit one of the shelters located in downtown St. Paul. It's an interesting experience to say the least, but it's the children that touch your heart.

There are a number of national debt "clocks" on the web. I found zFacts.com not only shows the grand daddy total of close to $9 trillion, but also which administration got us here and how. This one tells us each citizen's share of this gargantuan amount... almost $30,000. Sorry kids.

AmericanEconomicAlert.org keeps us up to date on the current trade deficit with a Trade Ticker. This one is over $433 billion.

Oh, by the way, as we experience an average of $3 a gallon at the pumps, Exxon Mobil reports a $10.36 billion profit in the 2nd quarter of this year. BP also shared in gains with $7.3 billion (+30%), ConocoPhillips $5.18 billion (+65%), and Royal Dutch Shell $7.32 billion (+40%).

Over 2,500 soldiers dead, almost 20,000 wounded.

Wow, you can almost drown in these numbers, and it's just the tip of the iceberg.

I could go into the unemployment rates being false; the budget numbers being fixed; the raiding of the Social Security Trust Fund; cronyism; corporate welfare; budget cuts for the most needy, and for energy, science, and education; the dismantling of our civil liberties; the rollback of workers' rights and safety regulations; destruction of the environment; the condescending manner of our representatives... well, it's a very long list.

I say no more politics as usual! No more borrowing and spending. No more irresponsible leadership, and irresponsible lawmaking. No more corporate give-aways, no more selling votes and favors to the highest campaign contributor. No more injustice, no more lies, no more manipulations, no more spin, and no more self-serving partisanship.

Coleen Rowley is a dedicated and hard-working American with the honesty, integrity, energy and intelligence to get America back on track!

Talk About Changing the Subject . . .

2006-07-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

From the "Huh?" Department:

John Kline's campaign spokesman Marcus Esmay had the following to say about his candidate this week:

"Congressman Kline is a 25-year Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam, was Military Aide to both Presidents Carter and Reagan and received Four Legions of Merit. John Kline doesn't need to talk about having integrity and ethics, he has lived it."

Taken alone, this is just the typical flag-waving and baby-kissing you might expect of a campaign that tries to buy votes with fried chicken. But here's the thing: He was responding to Rowley's criticism of Kline's voting record, in a speech she gave at a fundraiser, in which she pointed out that he has the worst voting record in the state on environment, education, disabled veterans and working family issues. Esmay even went so far as to call discussion of Kline's record a "smear."

A smear!

Okay, so, apparantly it's considered hitting below the belt to point out that Kline has been given a 0% score on the environment by the League of Conservation Voters. It is out of bounds to mention that he has been given a 0% score on education by the National Education Association. Announcing the fact that he was given a 0% by the group Disabled American Veterans is a low-down dirty trick. And the way Rowley talks about how the AFL-CIO gives him a mere 2.2%, well that's just plain mean.

Problem is, Marcus, it's all true. And your response is to talk about how Kline was a marine and a military advisor? Who cares!?!? What does that have to do with his voting record in Congress, I mean aside from offering a potential explanation for why Kline seems to always vote the way his Commander-In-Chief orders him to?

Oh, I see. A straw man argument. If you can't dispute the points your opponent is raising, dispute the ones she isn't. I'm sure everyone will be fooled, Marcus.

But then, I guess a straw man argument is strangely appropriate when you are trying to re-elect a puppet.

Kline cares about family farming?

2006-07-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

My husband tells me, and he is right, that to really understand what is going on in politics today I need to check out what's being said on the other side. I look at him like he's crazy, since he's never really checked out the other side himself, but hey, I'm not afraid to call myself a liberal, so what could possibly be scary about taking his advice, right? Bring it on you wack-job right-wingnuts, you never know, I just may learn something.

Is it just a coincidence that every time I turn the dial from Air America and a discussion of, oh... the economy, poverty, the Iraq occupation, etc., to one of the right-wing radio stations I get a diatribe of anti-gay rhetoric followed by a tantrum on how negative and unpatriotic Democrats are? Sorry, honey, I tried. Okay, radio is out. I'd already risked my sanity enough with O'Reilly and the rest, so TV has long been out.

Not to be put off, I check out Congressman John Kline's web site, to see just what he's spewing out to the public. I read his News Center column, "An Agricultural Legislative Update for Farmfest Participants" due to appear in August in the Redwood Falls Gazette's Farmfest 2006 publication for - you guessed it - Farmfest 2006. Hello Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

Point one, Kline touts helping his wife's fourth generation family farm as the basis for how much he appreciates all the challenges farming families face. Well, if that's the case, why did he vote in favor of CAFTA, which can possibly devastate Minnesota's sugar beet industry? Must have been Norm Coleman's justification that the survival of just one industry shouldn't hold back all the supposed good that can come from this so-called "free trade" agreement. Even though CAFTA was based on NAFTA, and the outcome of that one has been the loss of 38,000 family farms in the U.S... sure Norm, I can see your point.

Secondly, his military service. Thank you for serving, John. I would have served as well, but Reagan was in office when I wanted to join up, and they just weren't too keen on letting women in. I just wasn't needed... thanks Ronnie. I don't really care what's on John's military resume, because people change, and I need to know what he believes in now. I, like many Democrats, respect John McCain for his time in Vietnam too, but his politics are still harmful to America. Anyway, I'm sure flying Marine One was a blast.

Moving on to high energy costs, he brings up corn, soybeans, and oh my gosh - sugar - as one of the products that could replace our oil needs. Sugar. Sugar beets. Minnesota sugar beet industry. CAFTA. Alternative fuels. Um, John...

Well, there's always OFTA. After all, why should sweatshop owners in Jordan be exempt from making profits? They are special too.

Let's move on to the capital gains tax. Apparently this continues to "burden more Minnesota farmers and ranchers each year," and threatens their livelihood. I had no idea we had that many ranchers in Minnesota, 96% of our dairy farms have 200 cows or less, and as far as I can tell, family farmers are dwindling in numbers as they are forced to sell out to big agribusiness corporations or land developers, and there's that CAFTA thing again. But hey, what do I know.

Okay, another destroyer of the family farm is the dreaded (and punitive, no less) estate... er, I mean death tax. Never mind the $30,000 birth tax every child inherits when they take their first breath, it's the death tax we have to worry about. Poor, poor Paris Hiltons of the world. Now, as I recall when the Democrats asked the Republicans to find even one family farmer who lost it all due to the estate tax they came up with a glaring zero. I guess they should have asked Kline... apparently he knows. The current exemption for the estate tax is $2 million a year (or $4 million per couple), and is set to go up to $3.5 million (again, double that for couples) in 2009. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the share of estates subject to the tax now is a whopping 0.5%. You do the math.

And finally, the problem of manure. Well, it is definitely overflowing in Washington these days, so I would have to agree manure is a problem. The issue is the classification of manure as a hazardous substance or contaminant that Kline objects to. Apparently this is another growing concern with those darn farmers. Can't they just quit complaining? Which farmers are that, John? Frankly, if I had a farm, and particularly in an area of the state with a high risk of flooding, I would want to have proper storage for my manure. I hear it contains good stuff, like methane gas, ammonia, carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and let's not forget hydrogen sulphide... if not flammable or downright explosive, more than one compound is classified as a chemical asphyxiant. In fact, people have died in Minnesota from it. Yes really, look it up.

More on the manure topic... if you don't want it contained, are you going to give your family contaminated water to drink, John, or don't you have to worry about that in Lakeville? The other part of the manure issue is that it can actually be used as an alternative energy source. They use what is called anaerobic digestion systems. Can you imagine... containing manure so it doesn't poison people and the environment, and using it to power our state? Why not give "family" farmers an incentive to invest in these systems, and help solve the energy problem too? I know, makes too much sense.

Well John, have a nice time at Farmfest.

Kline's Dirty Money

2006-07-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

If you have been following the news, you already know that Tom DeLay's political action committee ARMPAC was fined and shut down by the Federal Election Commission this week. (And if you haven't been, read it at the Associated Press).

John Kline, who recieved $30,000 from ARMPAC, has said that he would return the money if and only if Tom DeLay himself is convicted of money laundering.

At this point, that seems like a pretty unneccessary distinction. The money came from ARMPAC, and ARMPAC has admitted it's guilt. So why would John Kline tie the question of giving back this ARMPAC money to the question of whether DeLay himself is convicted of money laundering? Interesting, isn't it, that DeLay's trial will almost certainly not begin until after the election.

Whether or not DeLay himself is ultimately convicted, one would at this point have to be either incredibly naive or incredibly corrupt to go on insisting that this money is clean.

I wonder which one John Kline is?

Full Disclosure

2006-07-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

For the record, I am not employed by any candidate in any capacity. This blog is done on my time, of my own accord, and without any direction, order or payment from any candidate.

Except, of course, those orders coming from Kos received by microchip implanted there by him years ago.

Hey, we all have our faults.

Tips Wanted

2006-07-19T21:50:00.000-07:00

Here's the deal; we, or more accurately, I could use tips. Any tips at all about John Kline, any past statements upon which he has flip flopped. Any outrageous statements that show an obvious lack of compassion and empathy, or just any incident showing him to be a corporate lackey.

Also, I understand that there is a study somewhere out there in the internets that shows Mr. Kline voting lock-step with the Bush administration. Since I suck at Googling, I could use the help. Thanks!

Act Blue By Giving To Coleen Rowley!

2006-07-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

Down With Tyranny is showing his support of Coleen Rowley by asking the netroots to contribute to her campaign.

On the other extreme, look at a candidate like Coleen Rowley. She's running for a seat against another corporate whore, John Kline, who is being supported by Big Oil and Big Pharma as a reward for selling out his constituents at every turn. He's loaded. She's a retired FBI agent. Of the $4,721 she's raised on Act Blue, almost $4,000 came from the communities who participate in Firedoglake, Crooks and Liars and Down With Tyranny. Coleen's district, like John Laesch's, Rick Penberthy's, Larry Kissell's are areas where radio spots go for "a dollar a holler."
A little bit of money goes a very long way for these candidates. Except for Ned, none of the Blue America candidates live in expensive media markets.It's hard for me to ask people to reach into their pockets and contribute money to political candidates. All I can tell you is that every single candidate on the list got a contribution from me to start the ball rolling. And I'll vouch for each and every one of them being a dependable progressive who will not go to Washington and sell us out the first time a lobbyist mentions a golf trip to Scotland. Please help us create some momentum for our candidates today and give what you can afford.
If every daily reader of the 3 blogs gave $10 today we could probably deliver 10 congressmen and congresswomen that the DCCC isn't even aware of!

Police Chiefs to John Kline: "This is Just Completely Nuts."

2006-07-19T05:41:00.000-07:00

You know, for the last several years I've been appalled and frightened by the slow stripping away of our rights to privacy and due process, and have quietly hoped that some brave members of congress would step in to curtail this expansion of law enforcement's powers.

But geez, this isn't what I had in mind.

John Kline has co-sponsored two bills which, if passed, will restrict police department access to federal gun tracing information, and reduce the penalties imposed on gun dealers who repeatedly violate the laws governing gun sales.

The Minnesota Association of Police Chiefs has already formally come out against this brain-dead proposal -- perhaps the best way we can all do our part is make sure our friends and relatives know who supports it.

Rook Here

2006-07-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Just doing a quick post to show that I have accepted the invitation to be one of the bloggers for this here blog.

My personal blog, Rook's Rant, is where I do a lot of national story blogging, as well as some personal stuff. I also, on very rare occasions, do some writing over at The Practical Press, though not much lately.

To be honest, I have not paid a whole lot of attention to local politics. Part of my reason for accepting this invitation was to start diving more into what our local scene has to offer.

Anyway, I look forward to doing some digging and fact-checking for Coleen Rowley.

Guy Andrew Hall

Had Enough? Vote Coleen Rowley

2006-07-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

I was at Coleen Rowley's announcement to run for the second congressional seat. She made her announcement much of how she lives her live, simple, in the driveway of the home she shares with her husband and their children. She had friends making pancakes for everyone and spoke to anyone who asked a question. Simple, honest, open, friendly. That's why I decided to support her. The families in our area need a representative that will listen to them and their needs. Join us...vote change, vote for Coleen Rowley.