Allen County Democratic Party

Let the Buyer Beware

The Republican plan for health reform - and the use of the terms "plan," "health" and "reform" are probably incorrect in this context - will not extend health coverage.  Check out the Congressional Budget Office report.

And although I didn't mean for the title of this post to be a pun, it does seem appropriate, no?

The difference between New Hampshire and Indiana

How do you know if you have been elected to local government in New Hampshire versus local government in Indiana?

Hint:  It has to do with the area codes of the congratulatory calls you get.

NY-23 shows that, indeed, all politics is local

First of all, the reason TV pundits talk about off-year elections as referenda on the President is that it saves them (the pundits, not the Presidents) from having to actually spend time learning about the local issues that have the real impact on elections.  When Jill Long beat Dan Heath in 1989 (for the Congressional seat formerly held by Dan Coats, when Coats was named Senator to replace Dan Quayle who spent four years a Heartbeat Away), it had to do with Republican dissatisfaction with Paul Helmke's annexation policies (not exactly a national issue) and the fact that Long ran a strong campaign.  Regardless of whether you were disappointed that Bush had won the previous November, it was clear that Long's election was not a repudiation of Bush or Republicanism by the voters of the Indiana 4th Congressional District.

And so on to NY-23, where Democrat Bill Owens became the first non-Republican to be elected to Congress since, more or less, the Civil War.

I guess all it takes is a group of people to become so focused on ideology that they forget the reason we elect Members of Congress:  to represent us in Washington.

Now that the Tea Party people realize that they can knock off a Republican but STILL lose an election, it will be interesting to see what happens next.  (And by the way, Charlie Crist has the best hair in American politics, no question.)

A simple question

Do you think if we all took a solemn oath proclaiming Joe Lieberman to be the most important person alive, and promising that every day each American would spend at least 10 minutes thinking about him, and that all media outlets would give him more coverage than anyone else, that he would just let us get on with health insurance reform?

I'm just asking.

Repower America

From the labor, environmental, business, education and outdoor recreation groups at Repower America, here is a place to listen to people from all walks of life in support of climate protection legislation.  All walks of life, including Fort Wayne City Councilpeople.  You can add your voice, as well.

NY 23: Can't....look....away

Less than 36 hours to go....things are looking promising for the far-right candidate but it all depends on who shows up to vote.

The first step in recovery is to admit one has a problem....

The good news for those of you who don't share your humble correspondent's obsession with the NY 23rd Congressional District race is that the election is Tuesday.  In the meantime, please indulge me.  In the absence of finding a very strong 12-step program soon, it is easier to just give in with the realization that things will be over in 72 hours.  (Unless there's a recount.....in which case I may need to seek professional help.)

So, if you aren't spending all of your free time on TPM, here's the latest:

Today the Republican candidate, Dede Scozzafava, suspended her campaign after publication of a poll showed her falling further and further behind in this three-way race.  The polls shows the Democrat candidate and the third-party Conservative candidate running neck and neck.

Read Scozzafava's statement here.  Interestingly, she does not endorse either candidate, saying "...I hereby release those individuals who have endorsed and supported my campaign to transfer their support as they see fit to do so."

If Council goes late Tuesday night you may see me sneaking away from the table to check the news.  Sorry, it's just too much to pass up for this political junkie.

Happy Birthday, Statue of Liberty!

123 years old today.

"...Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."

Rhodes Scholar jumps into Treasurer's race

Businessman Pete Buttigieg of South Bend has announced his exploratory committee to run for State Treasurer.  His background is most impressive so be sure to check it out.  You can also sign up for e-mail updates from his campaign.

In an e-mail today he said,

I am in this race for a number of reasons.  First, Hoosiers deserve better than the current State Treasurer. Unfortunately, the incumbent has made poor decisions that have jeopardized not only our tax dollars, but Hoosier jobs. The incumbent has invested in junk bonds and other risky financial instruments. He has used this important office to launch needless partisan political attacks against President Obama, against energy reform, and against health care legislation.  And, despite the thousands of Hoosier jobs it would have threatened, he even used our tax dollars to sue the federal government in an effort to stop the rescue of Chrysler.  

Secondly, I think we need an innovative, proactive State Treasurer who will do more to better the lives of all our citizens. As Treasurer I will put in place policies that encourage us to invest our tax dollars in Indiana-based businesses so we can create more jobs right here at home. I will work to protect our families from unscrupulous mortgage lenders and out-of-control credit card companies. And I will work to improve transparency in the office, while aggressively promoting financial awareness and literacy. 

Finally, I am running for this office because I know I am ready to do this job. I used my time at Harvard and as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford to learn the principles of economics. And in my experience as a businessman - advising leading business, nonprofit, and government leaders on major strategic decisions around the world - I have put those principles into practice, gaining insight on how to invest wisely and securely. And my involvement in state and local politics has taught me the real difference that dedicated and responsible leaders can make. 

I know this is a big challenge - but I also know that, with your help, we can win!

 

Young Democrats on Facebook

If you aren't already hooked into the Allen County YD's, check out the group on Facebook.  Their next meeting is coming up this Monday, November 2, 6 p.m. at ACDP Headquarters.  If you want to contact the YD's through e-mail rather than FB, use this address:  AllenCountyYoungDems@gmail.com.