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Foster Wins!
Linked to groups: Northside DFA
We did it!
On Saturday, March 8th Democrat Bill Foster became our newest member of congress, beating Jim Oberweis to win the seat that had been occupied by Republican Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert for the last 20+ years. Turnout was absolutly key in this race, so kudos to all of our Northside DFA members who made phone calls and walked precincts to Get Out The Vote for this election -- ya' done good!
The bonus? Not only do we get a new Congressman who ran on a solid platform of getting out of Iraq, health care, and opposition to FISA immunity, but this makes things look even better for our other Illinois congressional races, like our adopted candidate Democrat Dan Seals, who is running against Republican Mark Kirk in the 10th Congressional District. Some points from an analysis in the Baltimore Sun (bolding is mine):
(Click Read More for the rest of this post)* Oberweis' loss will fan fears that Illinois demographics are trending away from Republicans. [...] Other Republicans in similar seats outside of Chicago - including Reps. Mark Kirk and Peter Roskam - are surely taking notice of that trend.
* [...] Several reports estimated the National Republican Congressional Committee dumped at least a sixth of its available funds into the Illinois special election - and it still lost. The question now: Will the NRCC have enough money come fall to help Kirk and other incumbents targeted by the Democrats? Will it have any left over to play heavily in open seats such as the 11th CD of Illinois, which is being vacated by GOP Rep. Jerry Weller, or the 18th CD being vacated by GOP Rep. Ray LaHood? [...]
* [...] At least one leading Democrat thought that [...] despite polls showing a dead heat, the GOP would turn out its base and Oberweis would win comfortably. The opposite happened, which only adds to the growing body of evidence from the presidential primaries that Democrats are the more energized party this year.
Speaking from my own experience walking precincts in Elgin on Saturday, I saw numerous doors with Foster door hangers on them, but did not see one piece of literature from the Oberweis campaign or from the Republican party. We were out there getting out the vote and they were not.
A huge congratulations to Congressman Bill Foster and the great campaign he ran. And again, thanks to everyone who helped out. We did it!
Peace,
Sandra Verthein
P.S. Don't forget that this Thursday night the there will be a presentation on "The Truth about TIFs." Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley will be the speaker at this event which is being sponsored by the Greater Lincoln Park DFA group.
- Thursday, March 13 , 7:00 p.m.
- DePaul Lincoln Park Campus Monroe Hall, 2312 N. Clifton, Room 114, Chicago
- RSVP at: http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=27993
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Barack = Unifier.
Please read this diary from a Mormon man who grew up conservative but is firmly a Democrat with Barack Obama. Great story.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/3...
The root cause of our current economic problems is loosing out to the free traders instead of fair traders. Tariffs are needed to offset the unfair advantage of countries who sacrifice their populace for market share. If we slapped a tariff on Chinese-made consumer goods that raised the price of those toasters 10 %, we would start to see manufacturing return to this country. It isn’t the manufacture of low-end consumer goods that hurts us. It is the off-shore sales of tool and die machines, injection molders, etc. that hurt us. It is the march toward more energy-saving and more precise cutting, grinding, milling, and extruding machines that limit the improvements in manufacturing processes. Having been in and out of the high-end machine-tool business, the future for high-end manufacturing looks bleak unless we can remove the chokehold free traders have on international commerce. We have labor arbitrage where jobs are traded for goods. The usual response is the workers in these countries will revolt and demand change. Before we expect foreign workers to do that, perhaps we would like to see a stronger labor movement in this country.
The trouble with a military-based economy is most products don’t benefit the consumer. Seen many stealth airliners lately? Improvements in brakes and safety systems are useful. How about the need for that high-powered sniper rifle? Deer hunters of the world want that bad boy. There used to be a lot of technology spin-offs (see NASA Tech Briefs), but fewer and fewer programs generate useful commercial applications. Maybe we can put M1A1 armor (stell cased depleted uranium) on the family auto. That’ll stop the guy with the high-powered scope.
12:25 PM EST
the war that two presidential candidates, still in the running, helped authorize with their votes:

BAGHDAD, March 10, 2008
...
12:27 PM EST
I was so upset about hearing of 5 GIs killed by suicide bomber in Baghdad, I forgot the link:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/10/iraq/main3921125.shtml
12:34 PM EST
After MS votes tomorrow, Hillary hopes to be sitting on a PA poll lead up until Aprit 22, coasting in an air of coming corination, joining her already-siting pretty fellow signatory John McCain.
Well, during the six weeks, all won't be quiet on the Iraq war front and I hope that the PA voters (many who's sons from rural areas have a high number of soldiers in Iraq) realize just who sent them there, and realize that experience isn't all what it's cracked up to be.
The discussion going around in my neck of the woods is whether or not Obama is being realistic about his chances to lead this country without a lot of foreign policy experience. That one is on a tee for me.
We can all answer this question very well, but the fact that a lot of folks are asking the question bodes well for Hillary.
The Obama camp must counter the myth of Hillary’s experience. A lot of folks near me still think the way out of Iraq is more killing. Obama must drum into everyone’s heads that the way out of Iraq is ramp down the violence. What Bush is doing now is ensuring the next POTUS can’t leave. The fallacy of this logic must not only come from the Obama camp. I talk to church and community organizers about this every chance I get. I unabashedly use my own considerable time in combat as a reference for what works and what doesn’t. The only thing killing does is lead to more dead people. McCain and Hillary are weak and weaker on this. Obama has about as good a position as possible on this matter.
OK this does it. NO WAY I would ever vote for Hillary. EVER.
Clinton Surrogate: Obama Can't Milk The Iraq War CowMarch 10, 2008 11:58 AM
Read More: Ballard Cow, Ballard Iraq Cow, Lt Gen Joe Ballard Cow, Obama And Clinton Iraq War, Obama Cow, Obama Iraq Cow, Obama Iraq War Cow, Obama Milking, Breaking Politics News Politics
Buzz up!on Yahoo!
The Clinton camp's attempts to call into question both the sincerity of Barack Obama's call for an Iraq troop withdrawal and his ability to serve as commander-in-chief took a bizarre turn on Monday, when farming metaphors were deployed for the first time in the campaign.
Speaking on a conference call with reporters, Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard, a Clinton supporter, compared Obama's stance on Iraq to a person who could "recognize a cow" (ostensibly, the perils of the war) but not milk it (get the troops out? has conflict-management experience?).
"Just because you recognize the cow doesn't mean you know how to milk it," said Ballard, who was playing off his time among cows in Louisiana. "I think body of experience, learning what you have to do and how to do it, is very important... No one can tell you how to milk a cow; you have to do that yourself."
That wasn't all.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/10/clinton-surrogate-obama-_n_90741.html
time to turn the lights out hillary. by Pennsylvania, you are toast.
I guess you should just insert blood for milk in the clinton analogy.
The blood of the 5 soldiers killed in Iraq are on Hillary's hands. Guess she would just call them fodder.
She is dispicable.
Michelle Obama will be on Larry King at 9pm EDT
Video - Wind Power Project; California and the American Dream; Hotel San Diego Demolitio
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=...
Well, I don't think our economic problems originated overseas. Chinese products do not swim across the Pacific ocean and land at Walmarts on their own. Jobs do not grow legs and walk on water. Americans are responsible. Why do we blame the workers for "losing" jobs instead of the financiers who drive manufacturers into bankruptcy and then send investments to Thailand and South Korea?
Why do we keep promoting the notion that our workers need more training? Whatever happened to learning by doing?
When did we become a society in which giving orders is more important than actually getting things done?
Watch for this development by the desperate Clinton supporters. Will the DNC step in to stop this "cross-over" of state funding if he can? Is it playing by the rules?
From WNBC's Brian Thompson
NBC News has learned that New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine is willing to raise money to pay for a "redo" of both the Florida and Michigan primaries.
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/03/09/748066.aspx
Obama on tv now in mississippi.
"Never thought that people would be looking through my kindergarten papers".
Things are going to get nasty. Hill has surrogates and plants giving out trash talk.
Gov. Rendell (PA) is also in on the deal if it happens. I wouldn't want to be governor in those two states when the taxpayers find out what they are up to.
Remember, 1/2 are Republicans, 1/4 Obama supporters = 75% who may not support their taxes being spent on Florida and Michigan. It is their money.
This is from a diary at Kos:
Glad he's not on my side.
-------
Like when Rendell was asked recently what the Democratic National Committee should do about the valuable Michigan and Florida delegates it rejected as a penalty for those states' moving up their primaries.
"Shoot Howard Dean," Rendell, who once occupied Dean's seat as committee chairman, was quoted as saying in the Los Angeles Times.
------
Rendell is a smarmy slime ball.
from True Majority:
Dear Jo,
Need some Monday morning encouragement that things can get better? This video from TrueMajority member Gus Melita did it for me.
Gus is just 19 years old, and along with two other University of Vermont students he volunteered to drive TrueMajority's newest mobile political message vehicle to 1,500 miles of demonstrations and rallies last week. The vehicle is a 14-foot missile ridden by George Bush (or John McCain, depending on the day); the message is "Don't start a war with Iran!", and the response has been terrific.
Michelle Obama will be on Larry King at 9pm EDT
Iowa is next after Mississippi and Clinton is calling all the delegates right now to get them to switch to her. Obama beat her to it. but we sure don't want the truth of Obama won Texas to be followed by Clinton won Iowa. The Obama volunteers are up to the task of calling here without out of state help I believe, but it has to be done. every state has a next level of voting and I hope DFA members in all fifty are plugged into the process as it advances to the actual selection of individuals going to Denver. Clinton has finally figured out what the game is and this is absolutely not a time to wait for Pennsylvania.
dog soldier
Mon, 03/10/08
Reply to this
The discussion going around in my neck of the woods is whether or not Obama is being realistic about his chances to lead this country without a lot of foreign policy experience. That one is on a tee for me.
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We are a country that believes war is the answer to all problems. We have war on drugs, war on cancer, war on terrorism. It would be so much more economical, and efficient to eliminate the root causes of these maladies instead of simply trying to fight them. It is a losing battle. It seems the more we "fight" the more they fight back.
the double-talk of the Clinton campaign continues....
Clinton aide: Obama unqualified for VPby Mike Dorning
After several days of Bill and Hillary Clinton floating the idea of a joint ticket with rival Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton chief spokesman Howard Wolfson declared Monday that Clinton does not consider Obama qualified to be vice president.
http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/03/clinton_spokesman_declares_oba.html
MIchelle Obama on Larry King tonite.
Just checked out MYDD cause I see it mentioned here. Ya thing they are for Hillary?
The answer to the Dream Ticket (nightmare)
Obama today in Miss. I won twice as many states, more popular votes, more delegates, but I can't understand why someone in second place would ask someone in first place to be their VP.
especially when they think that person can't answer the phone at 3 AM. (paraphrased
linda b
Mon, 03/10/08
Reply to this
OK this does it. NO WAY I would ever vote for Hillary. EVER.
Clinton Surrogate: Obama Can't Milk The Iraq War Cow=============================================Obama has enough brains to let the experts like Biden set the agenda for the drawdown.So let me see if I get this.
There were lots of votes to determine who we want to be the Dem nominee. These votes meants something (unless you live in Mich ot Fla.).
Now Hillary is saying none of them matter?
Then why have a nominating system in the first place?
Hillary shows herself to be more evil every day.
dog soldier
Mon, 03/10/08
Reply to this
The root cause of our current economic problems is loosing out to the free traders instead of fair traders.
================
The best thing we could do for trade (aside from changing the nature of tax breaks) would be to have universal coverage for all Americans, provided by Uncle Sam, Medicare for all. It would give American-based countries a great advantage, and would also set the example we need for demanding other countries cover their workers.
FRED from Ashland OR
Mon, 03/10/08
Reply to this
12.
linda b
Mon, 03/10/08
Reply to this
OK this does it. NO WAY I would ever vote for Hillary. EVER.
Clinton Surrogate: Obama Can't Milk The Iraq War Cow=============================================Obama has enough brains to let the experts like Biden set the agenda for the drawdown. +++Fred -I respect Biden alot but where is he now ? Why isn't he speaking up to Clinton and McCain and their surrogates, and reminding Americans who it was who was against this war from the start ?The big players amongst the super delegates are just largely holding back, I don't get it ? Are they worried about brushing up against the Clinton machine and against the DLC ?It's like Obama and his wife and a few others (like Kennedy, Kerry and Dodd) are out there taking on the experience(d) establishment by themselves.Where's also Richardson, Edwards, Carter, Gore, etc. ? Do they understand there's possibly a movement underfoot in this year's dem nomination ?5.
Monica Smith
Mon, 03/10/08
...
When did we become a society in which giving orders is more important than actually getting things done?
-------------
Oh, Monica..., we did become such a society actually long, long ago..., lol, since people were separated by “property rights” relationships. In fact, it happened so long ago that you’ve probably forgot about it.
Those who have these rights are “giving orders” to those who don’t have it.
Obama in Columbus MS. Great retort.
The Clintons thought they would use this offer of Obama being on a Clinton ticket as a way of insinuating they were winning the nomination.
It certainly backfired today in Columbus. Obama got to showcase his first place positions in all areas and to a great supportive crowd. Great job by Obama
Now Hillary has to back off the offer by saying she doesn't consider him qualified. Another bad decision for Hillary no matter which way you look at it! First I was, now I'm not for starters.
Fred,
GM lost about 4200 per car last year. If health care costs are about $1k per car, they would still loose over $3k per car. Health care costs are a big deal as well as pension costs but the main reason for the demise of GM, Ford and Chrysler is outmoded manufacturing plants and policies. Beleive or not, Toyota uses almost single flow manufacturing as they make stuff in small losts. If problems occur, they can fix them fast without tearing up a huge line. The big 3 are dinosaurs who exist because they aer too expensive to kill. They cannot survive without a huge change in culture and manufacturing processes
Corzine can pay for the elections with his pocket change.
Why does Harold "Ken Starr" Wolfson still have a job after Power lost hers?
The funnies
http://static.crooksandliars.com/2008/03...
Al Sharpton in Florida threatening to sue if the original delegates chosen after the Jan. 29th straw vote were seated in Denver.
Even if there is a valid election to come or not, the process of picking new delegates to support the outcome will be crucial and necessary and Al Sharpton has a good point there. And it does appear to be a valid claim that many thousands of Dems may not have voted in Jan. because they understood it was not a binding election.
I know my own DEC which consists mostly of Clinton supporters were fast on the subject of getting applications quickly by anyone who wanted to apply to be a delegate. My question of them was why are choosing delegates if they won't be seated?
Those delegates already chosen could not be representative of a new binding election -- that is Sharpton's point and it is a valid one!
don't kid yourself the votes matter and Clinton knows it, that is why they are calling county delegates in Iowa right now.
dog soldier
Mon, 03/10/08
___________________________________________________________________________
We,ve just ordered our brand........new...............Toyota Prius....................
26.
* rdorgan
Mon, 03/10/08
+++Fred -I respect Biden alot but where is he now ? Why isn't he speaking up to Clinton and McCain and their surrogates, and reminding Americans who it was who was against this war from the start ?The big players amongst the super delegates are just largely holding back, I don't get it ?...... Do they understand there's possibly a movement underfoot in this year's dem nomination ?
===========================
Getting out of Iraq boils down to two factors: The political will; The logistics.
I was talking about logistics. The Clintonistas don't really make that distinction. They put both burdens on Obama as if he should have the experience to know the logistics (which she doesnt either) People like Biden, Clark, or even Petraeus would be better than Hillary or Obama for planning an exit, and they know it.
Now Wolfson says that Hillary would not choose smeone for VP if they don't pass the national security threshold.
Backed into a corner and declaring herself the winner.
35.
Michael Ellis
Mon, 03/10/08
We,ve just ordered our brand........new...............Toyota Prius....................
========================
I'll take my 94 Escort thank you, with the toxic vinyl vapors pretty much gassed out, and getting 40 mpg on the Interstate at 65 mph, more than any other gas engine today. It is a collector's item.
Obama has picked up two more superdelegates so far today. One from NC and one from Mississippi.
NY TImes reporting that Eliot Spitzer is involved in a prostitution ring. WTF is about all I can muster.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/3...
Toyota may be doing research into non-toxic interiors for their cars in the future. Stay tuned.
Toyota may be doing research into non-toxic interiors for their cars in the future. Stay tuned.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thnaks Fred............now I will definitley not lick the dashboard when we pick it up................
re: Spitzer - there will be a press conference startng soon. he has met with his top advisors to let them know of his involvement in that prostitution ring that mary referred to.
lucky Hillary, there may be life after this election after all - she can run for Gov of NY!
flippin blog...
FRED from Ashland OR
Mon, 03/10/08
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
What would you think about converting Detroit from auto producers to, say light urban rail/trolley for the future?
Personally, looking at the demographics and popluation trends in this country, it looks like the South will soon if not already replace the rust belt in mass production of anything.............
2:22 PM EST
Why are there not more surrogates, more SDs coming out to assist Obama in talking about the costs (human and economic) of the war in Iraq ?
Instead, the CM is talking about how Hillary is on the news offensive about Iraq, with the words of a surrogate cheapening what's going on in Iraq by talking about knowing how to milk cows.
36.
Michael Ellis
We,ve just ordered our brand........new...............Toyota Prius....................
=============================
IMO - the real benefit of Hybrids (which most people overlook) is the benefit to human health to occupants and to others on the road - ESPECIALLY IN URBAN STOP-AND-GO driving.
Acceleration, especially when cold starting releases more toxic pollution than crusing on the highway for a mile. The hybrids usually use the electric motor for stop-and-go.
2:25 PM EST
44.Michael Ellis
Mon, 03/10/08
Reply to this
35.
FRED from Ashland OR
Mon, 03/10/08
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
What would you think about converting Detroit from auto producers to, say light urban rail/trolley for the future?
Personally, looking at the demographics and popluation trends in this country, it looks like the South will soon if not already replace the rust belt in mass production of anything.............
++++
Michael -
Frankly, in this dem election cycle, the so called blue, liberal states in the Northeast and Middle Atlantic are the "rust belt" in ideas too -- that's why states like my home state MA, RI, NY, NJ, OH and possibly PA have supported Hillary over Barack, whereas in the South and the West are looking for new opportunities.
Taking a risk is a way to progress. I'm looking forward to MS's vote tomorrow and to NC's vote on May 6.
re: I'll take my 94 Escort thank you
I'm driving a '96 Saturn SE2 with 86k FLORIDA miles on it, ie: NO RUST! gets about 29 city, 33 hgwy. cost me $1k about a year ago. works for me!
milking cows isn't the hard part of running a dairy, just tell the Pentagon to get it done
I am glad the establishment Dems are staying out of the BO-HC furrball. If they were to take sides, we would counter that the people are not being heard.
If BO can't deal with HC, he won't be able to deal with JM.
Let it play out and try to keep it honest. With HC, that is tuff to do.
re: Why does Harold "Ken Starr" Wolfson still have a job after Power lost hers?
Phil - they asked him that last week. he said his attack wasn't 'personal' and Power's was and no one challenged him, as usual.
45.
Michael Ellis
Mon, 03/10/08
What would you think about converting Detroit from auto producers to, say light urban rail/trolley for the future?
=======================
I love the idea. You want to see me with the n-scale trains at Christmas time, but unfornately our culture is not compatible with mass transit.
A more feasible alternative would be overhead electric lines, provided by taxes, from which people with electric cars or hybrids, could drive onto, and draw power in dedicated street lanes for that purpose. In other words cars that also work as private trolleys that can hook onto/off a publicly-powered electric overhead lines, like some buses in San Francisco.
* rdorgan
Mon, 03/10/08
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hmm,
Wish I could give you a positive on NC for Obama but not sure.....NC is a state in transition, will eventually go blue down the road.....pockets like Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Greensboro and Asheville I would bet will go for Obama plus the fact that many monorities will too IMO.............its kinda gueswork right now, not many bumperstickers out there............

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By Phil Specht on Mar 10, 2008 11:17 AM EDTHoward Dean is first.