Encouraging

Senator Shaheen (0.00 / 0)

Since her swearing in, Senator Shaheen has compiled a sterling record.

I will await Lymie's praise of our Senator!

By the way, where's Senator Feingold? His name doesn't appear on this list.  

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 07:20:47 AM CDT

Senator Feingold (0.00 / 0)

I noticed that as well, but I would be shocked if he didn't support a public option. In his 2004 re-election campaign, he actually advocated making the congressional healthcare plan available to all American citizens.

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by: Scoonie @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 08:54:24 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Senator Feingold (0.00 / 0)

is where he's always been - supporting single-payer health care.  

---

by: susanthe @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 09:54:34 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Insurance Companies At Work In NH & DC (4.00 / 1)

Something I missed writing much about these past couple of months was health care reform, because I was otherwise distracted at the moment that it came up.  House Concurrent Resolution 2 http://www.gencourt.state.nh.u... which was sponsored by Rep. Paul McEachern and me, hit the topic home, but didn't get far enough.

The resolution endorsed the concept of a single-payer cover-all health care program in Congress, specifically Rep. John Conyer's HB 676, which has been the core of "everyone-is-covered" health care reform that is part of several other plans.  

The NH House resolution was backed by a group of doctors from throughout the state who are conscious of their obligation to provide health care, and upset with their continuing battle with HMOs, hospitals, and insurance companies which want to spend more time on billing, collecting, and denial of care.

The bill had a great public hearing on February 10th in front of the House Commerce Committee.  It was approved by the Committee with a vote of 11-6, then went to the House floor where it received support in a 192-150 vote on March 24th.

It went to the State Senate, having another excellent public hearing with support from a number of doctors, and NO opposition on May 12 in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, then was killed by the Senate on May 27th.  

Paul and I sponsored a similar resolution two years ago that met similar acceptange in the House, but defeat in the Senate.  

The insurance lobby doesn't want this approach.  They don't want any option that includes other than their continued opportunity to make megabucks as the middle guy, where they can absorb dollars which otherwise could go directly into health care for Americans.  

THAT is the big battle of the next few months.  Let's hope President Obama can win.  He's up against a lot, and they'll get away with it if they can get our focus off the goal.

They stopped a resolution for health care reform in New Hampshire.  They'll try to stop it in DC.

---

by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 07:32:39 AM CDT

You are totally wrong Jim. (0.00 / 0)

Passing a resolution declaring that single payer was the ONLY acceptable reform undermines and discredits the historic efforts led by President Obama, Senator Kennedy and all those who want to see national movement on this issue. The senate wisely chose not to be on record attacking President Obama and Senator Kennedy's efforts for healthcare reform.

The insurance lobby had absolutely nothing to do with the senate vote on your resolution and inferring they have any influence over the senate Democrats is flat out wrong and terribly insulting to them.


Doing my best to elect NH Democrats since 1968 and getting better at it every year!

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by: Ray Buckley @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 08:09:34 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Totally Wrong, Ray? (0.00 / 0)

The Senate could have easily amended the Resolution if the insurance companies would have let them.  I don't think all the House members were wrong or confused when they supported HCR 2, this year and last.

I think you're terribly wrong, Ray.  And don't try to intimidate me.  It never works.  Reserve your fire for the Republicans.  You're just being silly trying to use your bat on me. Take a deep breath and repeat "calm down" ten times.

The insurance lobby IS strong and powerful in Concord.  Just take a look at the bill that they got to allow insurance companies to contribute to political campaigns out of their treasuries., for the first time since 1907.  That came in from the Senate, and while I've fought such efforts before I let it go this time because I was involved in another important cause.  

I think Rep. John Conyers is working very well with Senator Kennedy and the Obama Administration on this, and HCR 2 was a cause by Paul McEachern to move support along.

---

by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 08:45:20 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Its getting old Jim... (0.00 / 0)

First, having someone correct you when you are wrong is not "initimidating" it is calling you out on spreading falsehoods, which you continiued in your emotional response.

I think you're terribly wrong, Jim.  And don't try to intimidate me.  It never works.  Reserve your fire for the Republicans.  You're just being silly trying to use your bat on me and the Democratiic senators. Take a deep breath and repeat "calm down" ten times.

You really should end your uncalled for fatwah against the senators. Taking the time to get the facts would be a good start.

Doing my best to elect NH Democrats since 1968 and getting better at it every year!

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by: Ray Buckley @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 10:20:53 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Glad to see... (4.00 / 4)

Everything is back to normal. I'll be arguing with Burt over secession before the end of the day!  :)  

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 10:23:39 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thanks (4.00 / 2)

and leave me out of it...

www.KusterforCongress.com

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by: JonnyBBad @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 10:49:22 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

very subtle humor n/t (4.00 / 1)

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 11:30:39 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

you are too kind (0.00 / 0)

I Go Pogo

maybe we could keep peace in the valley by sticking with certain areas or channels of interest rather than politics.
:-)

www.KusterforCongress.com

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by: JonnyBBad @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 12:07:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

900 years old these arguments seem. (4.00 / 1)

The insurance lobby had absolutely nothing to do with the senate vote on your resolution and inferring they have any influence over the senate Democrats is flat out wrong and terribly insulting to them.

The insurance industry, whatever it may be, is intelligent enough not to have created the insurance lobby for the sheer pleasure of hearing itself speak.  Insurance companies do not exert energy and treasure to lobby legislators because they have concluded that doing so does not influence them at all.  You're just being silly trying to argue otherwise.

And you didn't mean "inferring," you meant "implying."  There is a difference, and, contrary to apparent popular opinion, the difference is not that "inferring" implies a higher degree of literacy, or that one should infer an advanced edumacation on the part of one who casually drops it into conversation.

You really should end your uncalled for fatwah against Democratic dissenters and the English language. Taking a deep breath and repeating "calm down" and "I will not use words I don't understand" ten times would be a good start.

---

by: Tim C. @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 12:41:42 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wow...it took you a good hour to insult me! (0.00 / 0)

What happened? This is a new record! Usually is it within mere minutes of my correcting someone.

I appreciate Tim that you don't accept that my position requires me to respond when a Democratic elected official is smeared or attacked with out a factual basis. Just as you seem to believe that it is your position to insult me any time you disagree with me.

Neither you or Jim were there to hear the discussion on his resolution. I was. It was exactly as I describe and you can ask any of the state senators if you don't believe me.

Doing my best to elect NH Democrats since 1968 and getting better at it every year!

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by: Ray Buckley @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 13:03:33 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Overreaction Again, Ray... (0.00 / 0)

...I never insulted a Democratic Senator.  I didn't say anything about Democrats.  I said the Senate killed HCR 2, and I said the insurance lobby is strong in Concord and in Washington -- and that President Obama is up against a lot in his fight for health care reform.  Republicans are in the Senate too.

If I can't say anything about the Senate I'm kind of disarmed as a House member.  Sometimes, you know, we disagree.  On this issue of health care, some 191 other House members were on my side -- and mostly, by the way, Democrats.

Raymond -- IF you really want all of us to clear our commentary through your office, do let us know that up front and clearly.  Just so we'll know where you're coming from.  "Leadership" means more than just telling others what to think and what to say, but if that's what you want let us know now so we can be prepared to take the blow from your bat during unexpected times.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 13:28:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

No Jim I did not. (0.00 / 0)

Read what you wrote. Any reader would easily think that the insurance lobbyists control the Democratic State Senators and that the insurance lobby killed your resolution. That is untrue.

Making a point is one thing but your attacks on the character of the state senators not appropriate for another elected official.

And your attempt to portray yourself as the victim rather then the aggressor is laughable.

Doing my best to elect NH Democrats since 1968 and getting better at it every year!

---

by: Ray Buckley @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 15:07:10 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Dwight D. Eilsenhower On Leadership (0.00 / 0)

"You do not lead by hitting people over the head -- that's assault, not leadership" -Dwight D. Eisenhower

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 15:35:04 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Then why do you do it so often? n/t (0.00 / 0)

Doing my best to elect NH Democrats since 1968 and getting better at it every year!

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by: Ray Buckley @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 21:59:15 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I Don't Claim To Be The Leader... (0.00 / 0)

...you do.  If you'd only try to find a way to work with those of us who you seem to like to demean so often, you might find that we can actually help you.  But, Ray, I won't kiss your butt, nor bow to you.  Sorry.  That ain't me.  Give up trying to get me to.  It doesn't work.

---

by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 22:21:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Jim... (0.00 / 0)

What don't you understand?

YOU attacked the character of 14 Democratic State Senators by claiming they voted against your resolution because they were in the pocket of the insurance industry.

YOU provided no evidence to this attack, you did not hear, first or second hand, nor did you read any account of any discussion by or with the senators reason to make your claim.

This is not the first or even tenth time YOU have attacked the character of the state senators without any evidence or provocation.

YOU are the one using a bat against fellow Democrats.

I, on the other hand, simply corrected your incorrect attack.

YOU continue to twist and spin as if you are being unfairly attacked instead of admitting you are the one that did the unfair attacking.

YOU continue to claim being told your character assassination on the senators is inaccurate is some how me trying to insist you kiss my butt. How extraordinarily odd.

Jim, why can't you admit that you did not actually know why the senators voted against your resolution? Why can't you admit that in your anger of hearing it was killed you jumped to an incorrect conclusion?

You are dragging this out to the absurd.

You were wrong. Why can't you admit it?

Trying to flip this around and attack me for calling you out on your unfair attack on the Democratic senators is simply outrageous.

Doing my best to elect NH Democrats since 1968 and getting better at it every year!

---

by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 03:41:38 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Wow Ray, Maybe People Can't Work With You... (4.00 / 1)

...unless we kiss your feet.  You can't accept dissent.  You MUST be King.  You should reassess your "role" as Democratic Party Leader.  You are not a dictator.  Chris Spirou did the job with class, and a bit of calm.  

There are those of us who would like to work with you, but don't want to be treated like this.  You have put way too many people who have helped you through the years on your "s .. t list."  And what you get out of it except some weird personal feeling that you "told 'em off" is beyond me.

I am one of many who is willing to work with you, but just won't allow myself to be bashed -- publicly or privately.  When I offer a viewpoint -- most people agree with me, disagree with me, and move on.  But you feel that you must smash, hit, bat me into submission.  You do that with too many other people too.

"I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people."    Mohandas K. Gandhi

---

by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 07:21:07 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Again, I repeat (0.00 / 0)

I am not batting you into anything. I am just astonished that you refuse to admit that you were wrong.

I find it terribly sad that you prefer to cast yourself as some imaginary victim when you are called out for attacking 14 peoples' character with a lie.

Doing my best to elect NH Democrats since 1968 and getting better at it every year!

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 07:52:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Here's An Idea To Help... (4.00 / 2)

I didn't attack 14 peoples' character.  I observed the Senate killed a health care resolution that 192 House members voted for.  And I pointed out that the insurance lobby has great influence in Concord and Washington, and that President Obama has his work cut out for him.  All true facts.

I also pointed out that the Republicans voted against the health care resolution too.  

And I also pointed out that a bill was passed, initiated in the Senate, to eliminate the prohibition against insurance company political contributions that had been in law since 1907.

To help take the "possible" influence of contributions out of the discussion, why don't you just challenge John Sununu that both parties, and all of our candidates, should reject ANY contributions from insurance industry lobbyists while the health care debate goes on in Washington?  That's a positive win-win for you.  See, I'm helping you.  You're welcome.

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 08:01:48 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes you did Jim... (0.00 / 0)

The title of your post:

Insurance Companies At Work In NH & DC

Another line:

The insurance lobby doesn't want this approach.  They don't want any option that includes other than their continued opportunity to make megabucks as the middle guy, where they can absorb dollars which otherwise could go directly into health care for Americans.  

You then give the insurance lobby full credit for killing your resolution:

They stopped a resolution for health care reform in New Hampshire.

So in your first post you made the claim that the insurance lobby was the not only a reason but the only reason your resolution was tossed.

When I corrected you, informing you of the real reason the Democratic senators voted against your resolution, you then posted:

The Senate could have easily amended the Resolution if the insurance companies would have let them.  

and...

The insurance lobby IS strong and powerful in Concord.  Just take a look at the bill that they got to allow insurance companies to contribute to political campaigns out of their treasuries., for the first time since 1907.  That came in from the Senate,...

So you in your second post you made the accusation that the senate is controlled by the insurance lobby by writing the "if they let them" line  AND you went on to connect another bill as a way of further sullying their reputation.

Making such allegations are serious charges Jim but it is clear that you refuse to take responsibility for that, so I am done here.

Doing my best to elect NH Democrats since 1968 and getting better at it every year!

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 10:51:15 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oh, Now It's "Allegations?" (0.00 / 0)

You like throwing bombs and making it personal.  I like to talk issues.  Again, how about asking all our candidates to refuse to accept dollars from the insurance lobby?  Why should that money possibly taint any of our elected officials during the current and upcoming discussion about health care reform?

And by the way, I'm far and away from the only one who observes about the influence of money in our political system.  

---

by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 17:30:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Ad hominem red herring much? (4.00 / 2)

I certainly do accept that there is a level of intra-Democratic criticism beyond which it is appropriate for, and indeed incumbent on, you to respond.  Precisely what that level is is a matter on which reasonable people may, and do, disagree.

It seems rather implausible to me, though, to argue that Jim exceeded that level, or that he "smeared or attacked" anyone.  Nor would a reasonable person consider my post to be designed as an insult to you.  A gentle (and well-deserved) chiding, perhaps, humorously turning your own language against you, but scarcely an insult.  Certainly nothing to compare to your level of vituperation when you rebut what you believe to be ridiculous arguments from your good friend Burt Cohen.  Or is what is unfit for the gander somehow fit for the goose?

Also, I regret that you decided to reply to my post without actually responding to any point that I actually made.  I in no way question your recollection of the words spoken in the Senate discussion (at least, as far as I understand it, given how indirectly you characterized it).  I do question your apparent assertion that any and all insurance lobbying on HCR 2, or on any of the Senate Democrats ever, was an utterly ineffectual waste of time.

You state that the lobby has no "influence over" Senate Democrats.  Those words are badly chosen, I think, as they combine two very distinct concepts -- "power over" and "influence on."  Does the insurance lobby have "power over," as in the ability to control or coerce, any Senate Democrats?  I certainly hope not!  Nor do I believe it does.  Does it have "influence on" any Senate Democrats?  Of course it does.  It is silly to argue otherwise.

One would hope that the lobby for any legitimate industry would have influence on lawmakers on legislation vitally affecting it.  This does not in any way imply that the position of that lobby would be determinative of any Senator's final position, merely that it would inform and expand his or her understanding of the issues -- toward, as far as the lobby can manage, the lobby's perspective.  One hopes that other (e.g. consumer) groups, and the Senators themselves, would also inform and expand their understanding, with the end result being the casting of a thoroughly-informed vote.  The fact that a lobby may not have any interest in thoroughly informing legislators does not mean that any influence it has on them is inappropriate.

Oh, and it should have been "Neither you nor Jim..." not "Neither you or Jim..."

I remain,

Your most humble nonservant,

Tim C.

---

by: Tim C. @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 15:03:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Petty is as petty does (0.00 / 0)

Do you think correcting someone's English makes your arguments more persuasive? No, it makes you look elitist, annoying, and Margaret-lite.* It does not make you look smarter, if that is what you are trying to do.  

*Margaret Wade - a red-haired, glasses-wearing know-it-all whose cloying and self-important demeanor is always getting on Dennis' nerves.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D...

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 16:18:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Petty Is As Petty Is (0.00 / 0)

Now now, calling someone who offers language adjustment (and I often need some too!) "elitist, annoying, and Margaret-lite" isn't anything but, well -- not nice.  Let's reserve such name-calling for a former Governor who heads up an opposing party.  

OUR leaders should be above the display we are seeing in this thread.  Tomorrow's another day.  Blessfully it comes in just 6 1/2 hours.  Maybe the rain of the day brought some moods down.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 16:31:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

But Jim... (0.00 / 0)

The truth isn't always nice!  :)
But I admit having the flaw of reacting badly when someone acts in a condescending, elitist, look down their nose manner.  I am not sure if it comes from being of Irish ancestry, or growing up in what is now the '09 zip cope in Manchester, or being a Democrat, or a combination all three.    

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 17:04:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

LOL Kathy (0.00 / 0)

Well, I've got two of those -- Half Irish, and a Democrat.  Zip Code 03801, quite different perhaps from 03101.  But we should be feeling the love, not all this little stuff.  I'm not feeling the love this week.  Hope it wasn't all used up last week!  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 17:10:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Life is like a box of chakras. (4.00 / 2)

You chose not to address the point of the vast majority of the post, which is A: a pity, and B: your prerogative, especially if what you do address is what you find most (or, I dare hope, solely) objectionable.

But no, I'm not trying to make myself look clever in general, though that's an absolutely reasonable inference.  I believe it's fine for Ray to say that others are in error in a given disagreement with him; it is not fine for him to routinely imply that they are absurd, dishonest or deranged to have those differences.  I am trying to point out to Ray that where he was blatantly grammatically wrong, someone else -- in this case, me -- was absolutely correct, and, as a supplement to more on-topic arguments, needle him on this black-and-white plain-as-day failing of his to a sufficient extent that he might have second thoughts about the appropriateness of the air of ultimate and unchallengeable authority that he so readily and reflexively assumes.  Yeah, you're right, though; it's probably about as efficacious as aromatherapy for a sucking chest wound.

Also, I want the NHDP chair to possess and exhibit a flawless command of the English language. Like in the old days.

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by: Tim C. @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 17:27:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Actually, Republicans Take The Contributions... (4.00 / 3)

...from the insurance lobby too, and they opposed HCR 2 last year and this, so it's an equal-opportunity observation on my part.  

Wouldn't it be nice if all the New Hampshire political candidates of both parties were to refuse to accept insurance company money during the next two years, while the "negotiations" for health care go on in Washington?  

Maybe Ray Buckley and John Sununu can challenge each other to do that for their Party treasuries as well?  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 12:59:17 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Thoughts on money in politics in NH (4.00 / 3)

1. Industries such as insurance spend a lot of money on lobbyists and make lots of donations because they think it benefits them. If they didnt get value for their money, they would use the money to get their executives even more money. They send it to Concord because they know they will get something for it.

2. Two numbers explain why the influence of corporations is greater in the Senate than in the House. Those numbers are: '24' (as in Senators) and '400' (as in members of the House). It is far more cost effective to attempt to influence 24 people than it is to influence 400.

3. The astonishing cost of running for Senate or governor limits who can realistically run for those offices. People who cannot self fund have had to look to big donors, and this means they have to at a  minimum provide enhanced  access to the wealthy. Either way, we  move closer and closer to government of the wealthy, by the wealthy and for the wealthy.

4. The NH House of Representatives is to a great extent immunized from this tendency due to size. It is not an accident that much of the progressive legislation in economic issues comes from the House.

5. Serious campaign funding reform including at a minimum a public funding option and limitations on corporate political donations is essential to preserve and reclaim true democracy.

6. The only healthy counter trend is the emergence of net based mass fund raising. While this is encouraging, it is far from clear that it is sufficiently robust to overcome the power of the wealthy on a sustained basis.

"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  

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by: Paul Twomey @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 19:38:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

3 & 5 not 6, at least for Congress (0.00 / 0)

Net based mass funding is not enough in a small state. Where kathy's analyses shows that 7-8,000 votes may be enough to win in a 5 way primary...you just can't raise the 2 million it might take...here is what Paul Hodes raised and spent last cycle...a lot of his money came fromgroups affiliated with labor. Got this from opensecrets.org

Cycle Fundraising, 2007 - 2008, Campaign Cmte
Raised: $2,026,760
Spent:        $1,827,250
Cash on Hand: $21,703
Debts:       $0
Last Report: Wednesday, December 31, 2008

People who cannot self fund have had to look to big donors, and this means they have to at a minimum provide enhanced  access to the wealthy

and do you wish to extrapolate on that statement to what happens beyond ?


www.KusterforCongress.com

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by: JonnyBBad @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 20:19:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Plus... (4.00 / 1)

You need a chunk of change to win the primary, and then another chunk of change to win a general just about eight weeks later, so you are fundraising for two races not knowing if you will be running in the latter.

Which reminds me - has the FEC ever resolved the issue of Jennifer Horn using general election money in the primary? That could lead to a pretty hefty fine, if true.    

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 20:58:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

good question n/t (0.00 / 0)

www.KusterforCongress.com

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by: JonnyBBad @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 21:14:24 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

do you think we should move the primary up to june or july? (0.00 / 0)

"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  

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by: Paul Twomey @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 05:53:51 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

yes...June 15th. (0.00 / 0)

allows time for the wounds to heal...

www.KusterforCongress.com

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 06:03:33 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Maybe (4.00 / 1)

Or make Bresler emperor.

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 08:08:30 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Sweat Equity (4.00 / 1)

This Emperor thing is getting legs. I'm glad I'm on his good side?

www.KusterforCongress.com  

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by: Jack Mitchell @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 08:37:57 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

in general you are rightabout #6 and Congress. (4.00 / 1)

But I think the astonishing 2006 victories in primary and general of Carol Shea-Porter show that in the right circumstances a combination of grass roots activism and net based funding can overcome. Cant think of any more examples though.

As for:

do you wish to extrapolate on that statement to what happens beyond ?

Are you trying to egg me on Jonny BB?

Short answer:
The good Burghers of Bedford (and Amherst, Rye, New London, and, yes, Hopkington) get to sleep safely and soundly, secure in the knowledge that income, capital gains and estates will be preserved, as the peasants will again provide with their property, meager though it may be.  

"But, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Si se puede. Yes we can.  

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by: Paul Twomey @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 05:47:42 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Dean - a thousand points for the following descriptive phrase; (4.00 / 3)

murder-by-spreadsheet crowd

There is no better description.

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by: GreyMike @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 09:04:32 AM CDT

I'll take the 1000 (0.00 / 0)

add another grand, and give the 2 Gs to nyceve, who, I believe, is the founder of that meme.

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by: Dean Barker @ Wed Jun 10, 2009 at 17:27:46 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Really happy to see this (4.00 / 3)

I have to admit that I expected Jeanne Shaheen to go with the Third Way/DLC crowd who would support a "trigger plan" or maybe even oppose a public option altogether. This is the most important issue of the Obama's first term, and you can't have real reform without a non-profit, public option.

I feel really proud to say I supported and voted for Jeanne Shaheen.  

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by: Scoonie @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 09:30:52 AM CDT

Dems are not always on the right side of things... (4.00 / 5)

It all comes down to Money... this in email from Change Congress.

This week, Change Congress scored a major victory against U.S. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) after he fell victim to what I call "Good Souls Corruption" -- good people trapped in a broken campaign-finance system they refuse to fix.

Ben Nelson probably hates us right now -- or at least me. But that's OK, it was worth it. Here's what happened.

Nelson has received over $2 million from health and insurance interests who oppose President Obama's public health insurance option. Those companies fear competition. 71% of rural voters support it.  

Who did Nelson side with? You guessed it -- in May, he sided with the insurance interests against the citizens of Nebraska, calling the public option a "deal breaker."

So Change Congress launched $10,000 of online ads, letting Nebraska voters know about Nelson's special-interest money. We also sent 3,000 direct-mail pieces to Democratic donors throughout the state. This generated state and national news stories for over a week (and apparently freaked Nelson out).

After an intense 11-day battle with Nelson, he's now publicly "open" to the public option -- and yesterday, he made more news by saying he won't join a filibuster of Obama's plan. One of our local supporters even got a personal phone call from the Senator yesterday, during which Nelson tried to explain away his special-interest contributions!

Hope > Fear



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by: Mike Hoefer @ Tue Jun 09, 2009 at 14:49:54 PM CDT