FlaDems outraise RPOF

FlaDems outraise RPOF Here's a switch: The Florida Democratic party outraised the state GOP in the three months that ended June 30, $1.19-million to $1.16. That's the first time that's happened in a second quarter since 1996, when the Division of Elections started putting the records online. Both parties still spent more than they took in (including $250,000 in American Express charges the RPOF), though the GOP's numbers included $400,000 transferred to its federal account. Democrats counted 1,740 donations and Republicans 224. The Democrats' biggest single donor was Charles Brink of Tampa, co-founder of the Mona Vie drink company who gave $100,000, and the DNC gave the state party $76,000. The Republicans' biggest single donor was TECO, which gave $70,000. On3PR has again put together a handy spread sheet of all the state candidates' campaign finance numbers. -- Adam Smith Listen to my news Podcast http://ronmills.us/news Visit My Social Media Blog http://ronmills.us%20/ Visit me on twitter http://Twitter.com/RainbowUSA Visit Me On Face Book http://RonMills.us/facebook My Biz on Twitter http://Twitter.com/theRbuzz

Sink leads in latest poll

According to a new Quinnipiac poll, Democrat Alex Sink holds a slight lead over Republican Bill McCollum in the race for governor. The poll, which was released this morning, shows that Sink holds a 38 to 34 percent lead over McCollum. 25 percent were undecided. "Ms. Sink's gender and the fact that she would be the state's first woman governor are working to her benefit," Peter Brown, assistant director of Quinnipiac's Polling Institute said in a statement. The poll shows McCollum being slightly favored by male- 39 to 37 percent- but Sink is leading 39 to 30 percent among female voters. Brown also said McCollum's Republican label may be hurting him. "In Florida, as in much of the nation these days the GOP label is no necessarily a plus," he said. Sink as governor would provide much needed balance in Florida state government. Right now both chambers of the legislature, the Governor and a majority of the cabinet are controlled by the Republican party. As our current CFO, Ms. Sink is the only statewide elected Democrat. The poll of 1,245 FLorida voters was conducted from June 2-7 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percentage points. Visit My Social Media Blog http://ronmills.us/ Visit me on twitter http://Twitter.com/RainbowUSA Visit Me On Face Book http://RonMills.us/facebook

Hillary Clinton Recognizes Stonewall, Gay and Lesbian Pride Month

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has released a statement recognizing June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. It reads: "Forty years ago this month, the gay rights movement began with the Stonewall riots in New York City, as gays and lesbians demanded an end to the persecution they had long endured. Now, after decades of hard work, the fight has grown into a global movement to achieve a world in which all people live free from violence and fear, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. "In honor of Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and on behalf of the State Department, I extend our appreciation to the global LGBT community for its courage and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer our support for the significant work that still lies ahead. "At the State Department and throughout the Administration, we are grateful for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in Washington and around the world. They and their families make many sacrifices to serve our nation. Their contributions are vital to our efforts to establish stability, prosperity and peace worldwide. "Human rights are at the heart of those efforts. Gays and lesbians in many parts of the world live under constant threat of arrest, violence, even torture. The persecution of gays and lesbians is a violation of human rights and an affront to human decency, and it must end. As Secretary of State, I will advance a comprehensive human rights agenda that includes the elimination of violence and discrimination against people based on sexual orientation or gender identity. "Though the road to full equality for LGBT Americans is long, the example set by those fighting for equal rights in the United States gives hope to men and women around the world who yearn for a better future for themselves and their loved ones. "This June, let us recommit ourselves to achieving a world in which all people can live in safety and freedom, no matter who they are or whom they love."

Reception Honoring Florida’s Democratic Congressional Delegation

Please Join Your Hosts   U. S. CONGRESSMAN ALLEN BOYD and U. S. CONGRESSWOMAN DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ   For a Reception Honoring Florida's Democratic Congressional Delegation   U.S. Senator Bill Nelson U.S. Congressman Alcee L. Hastings U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown U.S. Congressman Robert Wexler U.S. Congressman Kendrick Meek U.S. Congressman Kathy Castor U.S. Congressman Ron Klein U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas   Saturday, May 30th, 2009 4:00pm – 5:30pm Sorrento Tower Fontainebleau Miami Resort   See Concierge for Suite Number   *Please RSVP to Melanie Morris in Congressman Boyd's office at melanierose. morris@gmail. com.   This event is not a fundraiser for any candidate or committee.

Democratic strategist James Carville explains why he thinks the Democrats will hold power for the next 50 years.

OFA Listening Tour with Governor Tim Kaine

OFA Listening Tour with Governor Tim Kaine Friday, May 8th 10:30AM-11:30AM The South Florida Gay & Lesbian Community Center 1717 N Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 RSVP to A'shanti at GholarA@dnc.orgon If you plan to attend please send an email stating how many people you will be bring to the event. at Ron@BrowardForChange.com

Budget victory! Here's what's next

Last week, Congress passed President Obama's budget. It's a budget that works for ordinary Americans, and it's all thanks to people like you. Members of Organizing for America spoke up and asked Congress to lay a new foundation for American growth by passing a budget that invests in energy, health care, and education -- and that's exactly what they did. But as the President said on his hundredth day in office, we should be pleased with our progress so far, but not satisfied. There's so much more work to do, and to get it done we need to keep growing this movement. Please take the next step by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper -- share your story about how you helped pass this budget, and invite folks in your community to join in. Write and submit your letter online by clicking here.

The 10 Hottest Campaigns

March for Immigration Reform on May 1st Posted  by http://www.anewdayforimmigration.org/. This May 1st, thousands of people will take to the streets to support immigrant rights across the country. From Miami to Chicago to Los Angeles (and everywhere in  between), folks will be showing their support for President Obama's plan for immigration reform in 2009. Will join the movement and help our country work towards a fair and just immigration policy? Find the rally nearest you here or at http://www.anewdayforimmigration.org/ Taxpayers nationwide are organizing to demand Bank of America reform its ways. Led by SEIU, MoveOn.org, and other community groups, people from all over the U.S. are demanding that Bank of America fire CEO Ken Lewis and change the way they do business. We bailed them out, now they need to listen to us.Will you stand up and demand Bank of America change its way? To learn more click here: http://takebacktheeconomy.org/ Update: BoA has ousted Ken Lewis as chairman, but he is unfortunately still CEO of the company. Visit My Social Media Blog http://ronmills.us/ Visit me on twitter http://Twitter.com/RainbowUSA Visit Me On Face Book Profile

Conservatives’ 100 Days Of no NO

Conservatives are desperate to see President Obama fail. Seems to me to be quite unpatriotic to put their political preferences above the safety, security, and well being of the American people and the nation. If you like it, click through to YouTube after you watch the whole thing, watch it again, and rate it! Don't forget to share this with your friends on Facebook (via msgs, walls and your status), Twitter and wherever else you can! http://budurl.com/bl6c http://budurl.com/bl6c Visit My Social Media Blog http://ronmills.us/ Visit me on twitter http://Twitter.com/RainbowUSA Visit Me On Face Book Profile

A Real Taxpayer Revolt

On Tuesday, April 28th, taxpayers will stand up against corporate greed, rallying at 100s of Bank of America branches across the nation. Led by SEIU, CCC, Unions, US Action, MoveOn.org, and more, protesters are calling for the firing of CEO Ken Lewis, the end to consumer and predatory lending practices, and a commitment to real financial reform. Click here to learn how to participate and why Bank of America needs reform. Visit My Social Media Blog http://ronmills.us/ Visit me on twitter http://Twitter.com/RainbowUSA Visit Me On Face Book Profile

End Discrimination at Miami Hospital

Fight OUT Loud ACTION ALERT! End Discrimination at Miami Hospital Fight OUT Loud ACTION ALERT! End Discrimination at Miami Hospital http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.fightoutloud.org%2Factionalerts.html Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami says they don't have to allow their patients visitors Janice Langbehn and Lisa Pond, together 18 years, were about to depart from Miami on a family cruise with their three children, when Lisa suddenly collapsed. From the moment Janice and the children arrived at Jackson Memorial Hospital, they encountered prejudice and apathy. The hospital refused to accept information from Janice regarding Lisa's medical history, informing her that she was in an antigay city and state and that she could expect to receive no information or acknowledgment as family. A doctor finally spoke with Janice, telling her that there was no chance of recovery. Despite the doctor's acknowledgment that no medical reason existed to prevent visitation -- and despite the fact that Janice held a durable healthcare power of attorney for Lisa -- no hospital employee would allow Janice or the couple's children to see Lisa until nearly eight hours after their arrival. Lambda Legal has filed a lawsuit against Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida on behalf of Janice Langbehn and her three children. In its response to the lawsuit, the hospital does not dispute Janice's account of what happened that night. Instead, they claim they did nothing wrong. The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association (GLMA) is appalled by the hospital's positions and, with the support of other gay rights groups, we are establishing the Committee for Fair Visitation at Jackson Memorial Hospital to ensure that what happened to Lisa and her family doesn't continue to happen to other patients at Jackson Memorial. Members of the Committee include Equality Florida, Fight Out Loud, Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida, GLMA, Lambda Legal, Save Dade, and the Fort Lauderdale LGBT Center. The Committee for Fair Visitation at Jackson Memorial Hospital has requested an opportunity to meet with members of the Public Health Trust Board of Trustees in order to discuss these issues. But we also need your help. Our goal is to build a broad coalition of groups and individuals that will help us call on the hospital to change their visitation policies. We want Jackson Memorial to carry out their commitment to quality patient care by adopting a comprehensive visitation policy that: 1. Affirms all patients' rights to have visitors; 2. Includes same sex-partners and their children in its definition of family and does not restrict visitors to biological family members; 3. Outlines a clear process for determining when visitors will be restricted and how that will be communicated; and 4. Includes a grievance procedure that can be acted on quickly in an emergency situation. Here's what you can do: If you live in Miami or anywhere in the state of Florida click here to join the coalition and receive updates about the work of the Committee for Fair Visitation at Jackson Memorial Hospital and learn more about how you can get involved to call on the hospital to change their visitation policies. Also, click here to join the Committee for Fair Visitation at Jackson Memorial Hospital Facebook page. We are also seeking organizations in Florida, as well as nationally, to join the Committee for Fair Visitation at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Click here [PDF] to download a sign-up form to add your organization's name to the Committee for Fair Visitation at Jackson Memorial Hospital. When you complete this form, fax to (415) 255-4784 or email to jbeaudreau@glma.org. Finally, please consider forwarding this message to others who you think would join the Committee for Fair Visitation at Jackson Memorial Hospital. More information about the Committee for Fair Visitation at Jackson Memorial Hospital is available at http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.glma.org%2Fjacksonmemorial. STAND UP. GET INVOLVED. FIGHT OUT LOUD. Waymon Hudson President, Fight OUT Loud -------------------- _ Visit My Social Media Blog http://ronmills.us/ Visit me on twitter http://Twitter.com/RainbowUSA Visit Me On Face Book Profile

One Step Closer To Health Care Reform

It all comes down to this: Because of grassroots pressure, Republicans didn't have the votes to block reconciliation for health care. Republicans are threatening procedural war, but it looks very likely that a minority of Senators will not be able to block health care reform this time. And so the GOP has a choice: They can work with Democrats in good faith (something they have declined to do so far), or they can be ignored as Democrats pass the health reform this country so desperately needs with a simple majority vote in the Senate. Either way, progressives won a victory last night, and we're one step closer to winning quality, affordable health care for all. Thanks To Everyone Who Made Phone Calls Ron Mills Visit My Social Media Blog http://ronmills.us/ Visit me on twitter http://Twitter.com/RainbowUSA Visit Me On Face Book Profile

Randi Rhodes to Return to Talk Radio

San Francisco's Green960 announces 'Goddess of Progressive Talk' to be syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks, home to Limbaugh, Hannity and other rightwing talkers Updated: Premiere announces return date of May 11, show to broadcast live from D.C.... Following a nearly two-month absence from the airwaves, Progressive radio talker Randi Rhodes is set to return, according to an announcement this afternoon from John Scott of San Francisco's Green960 (KKGN). She will be syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks as reported in a video-taped announcement just posted on the Green960 website. Premiere is known for their national syndication of far-right talkers such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Dr. Laura and Glenn Beck. Rhodes, known by fans as the "Goddess of Progressive Talk", had formerly been with NovaM Radio, which folded when she left, and at Air America Radio prior to that... Read More.............. Visit My Social Media Blog http://RonMills.us Visit me on twitter http://Twitter.com/RainbowUSA Visit Me On Face Book Profile

2010 Senate Ratings

2010 Senate Ratings Here are Rothenberg's* (leans Right-Wing) latest Senate ratings. #- Moved benefiting Democrats *- Moved benefiting Republicans Lean Takeover (2 R, 0 D) Bunning (R-KY) # Specter (R-PA) # Toss-Up (3 R, 1 D) MO Open (Bond, R) NH Open (Gregg, R) OH Open (Voinovich, R) Dodd (D-CT) * Narrow Advantage for Incumbent Party (2 R, 1 D) FL Open (Martinez, R) * Burr (R-NC) Reid (D-NV) Clear Advantage for Incumbent Party (1 R, 3 D) Vitter (R-LA) * Bennet (D-CO) # Burris (D-IL) * Lincoln (D-AR) * Currently Safe (11 R, 12 D) Bennett (R-UT) Coburn (R-OK) Crapo (R-ID) DeMint (R-SC) Grassley (R-IA) * Isakson (R-GA) McCain (R-AZ) Murkowski (R-AK) Shelby (R-AL) Thune (R-SD) KS Open (Brownback, R) DE Open (Kaufman, D) Bayh (D-IN) Boxer (D-CA) Dorgan (D-ND) # Feingold (D-WI) # Gillibrand (D-NY) Inouye (D-HI) Leahy (D-VT) Mikulski (D-MD) Murray (D-WA) Schumer (D-NY) Wyden (D-OR) Visit My Social Media Blog http://RonMills.us Visit me on twitter http://Twitter.com/RainbowUSA Visit Me On Face Book Profile

Senate elections bill would shake up parties and 2010 races

From - The Fine Print With less than three weeks left in the session, the Senate is about to unveil a major elections measure that could greatly reshape the 2010 elections, as well as change the role of the two political parties. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee on Thursday will consider SB 956 - a so-called "shell bill" sponsored by Sen. J.D Alexander. Sen. Alex Diaz de la Portilla has come up with a 72-page amendment that covers everything from the purging of voter names from the rolls, voter registration, interviewing voters outside of polling places, allows for the recreation of leadership funds by the Senate President and House Speaker, and gives sitting lawmakers more control over the state party. Some of the major changes include: * Taking away the governor's ability to appoint 10 people to the state executive committee that picks the chairman of the party. Current Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer got his job initially with the help of that change. The new measure would instead increase the representation on the executive committee of sitting state legislators. * Allows political committees formed in other states to work in Florida - without having to comply with any laws requiring registration or disclosure of finances. * Allows potential candidates for office to do polls testing the waters without having to open a campaign account first. Political parties could also do polls on potential candidates and share the results. * Expands the type of help that political parties can do on behalf of candidates, including spending unlimited amounts on "communications media." * Gives the speaker, Senate president, minority and majority leaders the green-light to create leadership funds that were previously banned. (Although it can be argued that legislators can sidestep this prohibition by setting up their own committee of continuous existence.) * Subject the executive director of the state Elections Commission to Senate confirmation. (Diaz de la Portilla had a long-running battle with the elections commission that he largely won. During that time, he accused the executive director of being biased against him.) * Requires election supervisors to regularly get information from the U.S. Social Security Administration on whether people died and to purge the names of dead voters within 7 days. * Gives the Secretary of State the right to call for recounts instead of waiting for the canvassing commission to order them. * No one shall "solicit" information from voters standing in lines outside of polling places whether in person or by means of "audio or visual equipment." * Creates a new section of law that says all election matters are "preempted to the state" unless set out by law. * Would block potential voters from having their registration information verified on Election Day. All new applicants must have their registration validated before that day. * Would change the law to say that if a "vacancy in nomination" for a race does not occur if that candidate did not properly qualify.

Phoney Broward Tea Bag Protests

Despite these attempts to make the "movement" appear organic, the principle organizers of the local events are actually the lobbyist-run think tanks Americans for Prosperity and Freedom Works. The two groups are heavily staffed and well funded, and are providing all the logistical and public relations work necessary for planning coast-to-coast protests: – Freedom Works staffers coordinate conference calls among protesters, contacting conservative activists to give them "sign ideas, sample press releases, and a map of events around the country." – Freedom Works staffers apparently moved to "take over" the planning of local events in Florida. – Freedom Works provides how-to guides for delivering a "clear message" to the public and media. To read about the phoney Broward Tea bagging go to: http://budurl.com/rcwl

Make The Call

Congress will begin voting on President Obama's budget today. It's a big test not only for President Obama, but for our entire movement. Taking just a few minutes to call Congress now could make a major impact on this crucial vote. Will you call your elected representatives to let them know you support a budget that tackles the long-term challenges to our prosperity? According to our records, you live in zip code 33312, Florida's 20th congressional district. Please pick up the phone today and ask Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Sen. Bill Nelson, and Sen. Mel Martinez to pass President Obama's budget. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-20) CALL: 202-225-7931 Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) CALL: 202-224-5274 Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL) CALL: 202-224-3041 Click here when you're done calling. With this vote, we have a historic opportunity to create jobs, restore our economy, and invest in energy, health care, and education for our future. Don't let this important moment slip away. After your call, please record your feedback here: http://my.barackobama.com/callreport Thanks, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America P.S. -- If you don't live in FL-20 or think you have different members of Congress to call, you can look up your representatives' contact information here: http://my.barackobama.com/callcongress

Message From Howard Dean

I have an announcement. After four exciting years in Washington, I'm hitting the campaign trail again! Only this time, I'm campaigning to help President Obama win health care for all. During the election, President Obama proposed a health care plan that would give every American the freedom to choose between keeping their private insurance—if they have any—and choosing a universally available public health insurance option like Medicare. But for-profit insurance companies and HMOs are already working hard to strip this public health insurance option from any upcoming health care bill. They don't want us to have a choice, and they'll stop at nothing to kill real reform. Trouble is, some in Congress are siding with the insurance companies—and against what's best for the rest of us. Today, we draw a line in the sand. A public health insurance option is the only way to guarantee health care for all Americans. And to show that we mean business, we all need to tell Congress we won't settle for less. If 250,000 of you sign this petition, I will personally deliver it to Congress. Clicking here will add your name: http://pol.moveon.org/standwithdrdean/o.pl?id=15863-2954536-Ot11cKx&t=1 Here's our message to Congress: "Give America a choice. We support health care reform that allows individual Americans to choose either a universally available public health care option like Medicare or for-profit private insurance. A public option is the only way to guarantee health care for all Americans and its inclusion is non-negotiable. Any legislation without the choice of a public option is only insurance reform and not the health care reform America needs." The fight is heating up over whether or not to include the public health insurance option. This is going to be the biggest fight in the debate over health care reform. It would take the power away from the private insurance companies that have driven up costs and denied coverage for years—and they're dead set against it. But I've seen firsthand what people power can accomplish. And I know I can count on MoveOn members to help lead the charge. Now is our moment to stand up. Together, we can generate broad-based support for a public health insurance option. We will need to canvass our neighborhoods, call our elected leaders, and arrange meetings with members of Congress in the coming months. Our goal today is to show Congress that we are many and ready to fight. Can you click here to stand with me? http://pol.moveon.org/standwithdrdean/o.pl?id=15863-2954536-Ot11cKx&t=2 After you add your name, spread the word to your friends, family, and co-workers. Send a personal email and include a link to the website, update your Facebook status to tell people about the campaign, write a blog post about why you support this campaign—we need all hands on deck to win this fight. Thank you for all you do. Gov. Howard Dean, M.D. PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Ed Schultz gets MSNBC gig

New show to complement Olbermann, Maddow Talkradio host Ed Schultz has landed his own show on MSNBC, after much speculation that the cabler was looking for another liberal voice to complement its combination of Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow. "The Ed Show" will debut Monday in the 6 p.m. ET hour currently occupied by "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue." The host of the latter show, David Shuster, will host a two-hour afternoon show at 3 p.m. ET along with Tamron Hall. Norah O'Donnell, who currently hosts that hour, will move to a morning time period which has yet to be announced. Buoyed by the traction the network has received from "Countdown With Keith Olbermann" and "The Rachel Maddow Show," MSNBC was said to be looking for a host to follow their shows in primetime at 10 p.m. ET. But MSNBC president Phil Griffin has said that a repeat of Olbermann's show in that time period does well for the network, making them more reluctant to alter the lineup. For the first time ever in March, the network edged out CNN in the primetime hours from 8 to 11 p.m., although Fox News Channel continued to hold a wide lead over both networks. An unabashed liberal who touts his rural, middle-America credentials, Schultz hosts the syndicated radio program "The Ed Schultz Show," aired on 100 stations across the country. He has appeared on MSNBC numerous times, and recently filled in for Shuster on "1600." But some of his greatest exposure came at President Obama's first press conference in February, when he was conspicuously seated in the front row along with Washington journalists. "He's already made his mark in radio and I'm excited to see what he'll do with the 6 p.m. hour," Griffin said in a statement. Soure: variety.com

Florida Civil Rights Bill

We have reached a critical point here in Tallahassee - we have just 24 hours left to secure a hearing for the Florida Civil Rights Bill or it will die in the Senate Commerce committee.  We believe we have a strong majority of support on the committee, but we must get a hearing. Please join us for an emergency call regarding the civil rights bill (SB 2012, Sen. Deutch) this evening at 6:30 p.m.  We will be discussing all last minute options to put pressure on the committee to schedule the bill. Call information: What: Emergency Call on the Civil Rights Bill When: 6:30pm tonight (4/1) Dial In: 1-518-825-1300 PIN#: 129345# Thank you for being a part of the powerful coalition working on this critical issue.  I look forward to talking with you tonight! Mallory Wells Public Policy Director  Equality Florida 407-617-6682 mallory@eqfl.org Senate Commerce Committee Members: Chair: Senator Rudy Garcia (R) Vice Chair: Senator Dan Gelber (D) Senator Victor D. Crist (R) Senator Nancy C. Detert (R) Senator Charlie Justice (D) Senator Evelyn J. Lynn (R) Senator Steve Oelrich (R) Senator Durell Peaden, Jr. (R) Senator Nan H. Rich (D) Senator Eleanor Sobel (D)

The Party Of Zero

THE GLOSSY PAMPHLET: Last week, reporters excitedly gathered for a GOP press conference where House leaders said they would announce their alternative to Obama's budget. The proposal that GOP leaders presented, however, was a huge disappointment; basically, it was nothing more than a "brochure." Annoyed at being summoned for this non-event, reporters quizzed Boehner on specifics of the plan: "Are you going to have any further details on this today?" "What about some numbers? What about the out-year deficit? What about balancing the budget?" Reporting on MSNBC, host Contessa Brewer exclaimed, "Give me some substance!" The GOP "budget," in fact, contains almost no numbers -- except where they criticize the Obama administration's figures. The few ideas their plan does have include undoing the economic recovery package (which would be hard to do since some of the money is already out the door), and lowering the 35 percent, 33 percent, and 28 percent income tax brackets to 25 percent (regressive cuts that would gut government revenue). According to a Citizens for Tax Justice analysis, more than a quarter of all taxpayers -- mostly low-income families -- would pay more in taxes under this plan than they would under Obama's. On the other hand, "the richest one percent of taxpayers would pay $100,000 less, on average, under the House GOP plan." Additionally, although Republicans claim to be so concerned about the rising deficit, their income tax proposals "would cost over $300 billion more than the Obama income tax cuts in 2011 alone." "The party of 'no' has become the party of no new ideas," quipped White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs in response to the GOP proposal. TAX WINDFALL FOR CORPORATE EXECUTIVES: According to the Republican leadership, the reason that lawmakers didn't release numbers last week is because they intend to do so this week. "The numbers will come next week with a multi-hundred page piece of legislation" that Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) is currently drafting, Boehner's office told First Read. Ryan's bill will still likely be short on new, deficit-cutting ideas though. As the Wonk Room's Pat Garofalo has noted, his plan "consists almost entirely of massive tax cuts for corporations and the rich," including lowering the top marginal tax rate to 25 percent, lowering the corporate tax rate to 25 percent, and completely eliminating the capital gains tax. Not only are these tax cuts regressive, but they will result in significant lost government revenue. According to a Center for American Progress Action Fund analysis, Ryan's plan gives the average CEO a $1.5 million tax break, while doing nothing for minimum wage workers. THE RECONCILIATION HYPOCRISY: Republicans are also standing firm against allowing Obama to use the reconciliation process to pass key parts of his budget, such as health care and energy reform. This 25-year-old procedure "allows for the passage of a budget by a simple majority vote rather than the usual 60 votes needed to prevent a filibuster." Republican senators have said that they are prepared to go "nuclear" -- essentially shutting down the Senate through the use of parliamentary maneuvers -- if budget reconciliation is pursued. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) compared reconciliation to "an act of violence" against the GOP. However, Republicans employed the same procedure to pass major Bush agenda items, including the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts, the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, and the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005. In fact, in 2005, Gregg defended using the reconciliation procedure, arguing, "The president asked for it, and we're trying to do what the president asked for." 954-394-4980

canvass your neighborhood.

President Barack Obama is using is vast netroots coalition to mobilize support for his budget. Obama is asking supporters to call Congress and to canvass your neighborhood. 954-394-4980

Statement from Wasserman Schultz on her cancer diagnosis

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, just released a statement about her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer. "A little more than a year ago, after I found a lump in my breast while doing a routine self-exam, my doctor diagnosed me with breast cancer. "After my diagnosis, it seemed like there were a million different decisions I had to make. My doctor's initial recommendation, because I found the lump so early and it was less than a half centimeter, was to simply have the cancer removed, followed by radiation. However, after sitting down with a nurse educator who asked me many, many questions about my personal and family health history, I also decided to have a blood test that would show whether I had a genetic alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

Twitter Goes Mainstream Media; Does That Signal Its Demise?

Twitter has finally hit the mainstream media. Quite honestly, it has gotten so much press lately you would think this social networking site only just emerged on the scene. Yet it's been around for a few years now, so can we really call it "Twittermania" simply because the mainstream press has finally taken notice? The great thing about being an early adopter is being able to feel like you are in this secret, underground society where you know something most people don't. You know the advantages and disadvantages of being a part of this exclusive group, and you even try to lure people over little by little simply because you understand the value. But you also know that once enough people are on board, it's growth is like a high speed train careening out of control...until it hits a brick wall. Will Twitter become the next MySpace hitting the height of popularity only to then meet a turning point allowing a competitor to emerge and steal the spotlight? Or has the exposure Twitter is now receiving THAT turning point which determines how we will evolve the way we interact and communicate in the future? Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy I make the comparison to MySpace because for some time MySpace, as we know, was insanely popular. It still is, but that popularity is being userped by it's once underdog competitor, Facebook. At some point MySpace had expansive growth even despite tons of bad press due to spammers and being known as the hot spot for child predators. MySpace had a difficult time getting a handle on this and while they focused on changing it, it gave Facebook the opportunity to step in...again as a place that was a one-time "secret" of the early adopters. MySpace's continuous press coverage flooded the site with new users yet at the same time plateauing its popularity. So I have to wonder if something we all have pushed so hard for, the mass adoption of Twitter, will really be the turning point for its demise. Whether it is or it isn't, this really could signify something much bigger. Twitter going mainstream WILL change the way society communicates. It will change the way businesses interact with its customers. It will change the way we all network as a whole. So while Twitter's popularity may come and go, I think it's rise to stardom will push the evolution of communications and human interaction as we know it--starting now. What do you think? Follow Me @RainbowUSA posted @ http://www.piercemattie.com/

Klein Asks AIG Exec: “What Were You Thinking

Office of Congressman Ron Klein Florida's 22nd Congressional District March 18, 2009 Contact: Melissa Silverman, 202-225-3026 office or 202-821-8152 cell Klein Asks AIG Exec: "What Were You Thinking?" Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ron Klein (FL-22) today participated in a House Financial Services Subcommittee hearing on AIG. The insurance giant recently paid $165 million in executive bonuses after accepting $173 billion in taxpayer funding. In his opening statement, Klein told AIG Chief Executive Officer Edward Liddy that he was "disgusted by the deplorable saga" of recent events and that he joined his constituents in "unfettered outrage about the millions of dollars in bonuses that are being awarded to AIG employees." Klein contrasted the hard-working South Floridians in his district who are struggling to keep up with mortgage payments with the AIG executives distributing million dollar bonuses to employees who drove the company into the ground. He then asked Liddy, "What were you thinking?" The full statement follows. Statement of Congressman Ron Klein, as prepared for delivery Hearing of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises "American International Group's Impact on the Global Economy: Before, During, and After Federal Intervention" Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Thank you, Chairman Kanjorski, for holding this important hearing. I am disgusted by the deplorable saga of AIG, and I join my constituents in their unfettered outrage about the millions of dollars in bonuses that are being awarded to AIG employees. The American people understand that we are going through a difficult time, and are prepared to sacrifice and work together to get our country back on track. But they will not stand for taxpayer dollars being lavished on bonuses for people who bear responsibility for this crisis, and neither will I. When I am back in my district in South Florida, I talk to people who have lost their jobs. Who have closed the doors to their small business because they can't get a loan on reasonable terms. Who have lost their health care, or their home, or their pension and retirement savings. Yet here I am sitting across from the AIG Chairman and CEO who is distributing million dollar bonuses to those who drove company in the ground. There is a tremendous disconnect between South Florida and the executive offices of AIG. I just want to know one thing. What were you thinking? I look forward to the testimony, and a frank discussion today. ### 954-394-4980

Obama for America A New Foundation for Growth — Call Your Representatives

Veterans of the BarackObama.com will surely recognize the big red button at the bottom of this post: Make Calls. This time however, we're not asking you to call voters -- we're asking you to call your representatives in Congress. We need you to let them know that you support the commitment that President Obama made to health care, education and renewable energy in his recent budget outline, and we need you to ask them to support the President's plan as well. Here's a sample script that you can use for your calls: Hello, my name is __________ and I'm calling you from __________ (city or town). I'm calling today because we are in the grips of the worst economic crisis in generations — and President Obama needs the support of every member of Congress to create jobs, fix our economy and rebuild and renew America. The President has proposed a budget that is honest, responsible and invests in the priorities we need to get our economy moving again and create jobs now and in the future, including: Renewable energy to reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil Making Health Care more affordable for every American by cutting costs Improving education so our children are prepared for the jobs of the 21st Century Can I count on Rep./Sen. _________ to support the President's plan? Once you've finished, be sure to record the results of your calls. And feel free to also let everyone know how your calls went in the comments below. . . Send others to http://Area-nine.org 954-394-4980

RALLY IN TALLY

Monday, March 16, 2009 Good afternoon all ye who Rally in Tally! My name is Michael Emanuel Rajner; a gay man living with AIDS and Director of HIV/AIDS Education and Policy for the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Democratic Caucus. I am here today as the voice of the statewide GLBT caucus of the Florida Democratic Party. I also have the role and responsibility to acknowledge the courage and great work of many 501c3 organizations that have provided incredible leadership on issues of equality. My role here today is clearly a partisan role. And I want you to know we don't only have friends in the Florida State Legislature, but we have some amazing champions who are willing to stand brave and strong and bring our fight to the floor of the State House and Senate. Some of our champions in the legislature are here today with us at today's rally and I would be remiss to not acknowledge them for their amazing leadership. As a GLBT community, we need to continue to elect Democrats. It is the Democratic party providing the leadership on equality and social justice for ALL FLORIDIANS. When the Florida State Legislature debated the Anti-Bully legislation, shameful Republicans led the charge to dilute protections for GLBTQ youth who are disproportionally affected with a greater rate of bullying than non-GLBTQ youth. Conservative Republicans have continually been the force to obstruct efforts to ensure protections for communities whose voice is not represented in the State Legislature. As a trained social worker, I am here to say it is the Republican Party who marginalizes people who do not look like them. Their divisive acts are not limited to groups such as GLBTQ people and people with skin darker than mine or those who speak a language other than English. The Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Democratic Caucus salutes the leadership and courage of organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) who have been lockstep with the GLBT community in the fight for equality. The African American community has suffered immense oppression and persecution in our society. And now, thanks to God, in Barack Obama, we have the first African American President of the United States of America! From this platform, I can't begin to share with you how inspiring it is to see the army of my brothers and sisters mobilizing and ready to engage in the battle for equality. Many of us know all too well of the pain and alienation brought about through the systematic disenfranchisement of communities of human lives indoctrinated in our laws. Before me is an incredible army with awesome courage and leadership. Please, turn to your neighbor, and thank that person for their selfless service and for being active in the movement and being a voice for those unable to come to the table to fight for social justice. Last night I spoke with Michael Albetta, President of the Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus. He wanted to make certain that I share with you that he spoke with Senator Eleanor Sobel and Senator Chris Smith, and both agree that "its adoption for all" and a crime that groups who dare use children without a loving home as a divisive tool to advance their ideology of hate that encourages discrimination! Last week while in San Francisco I was waiting for the N Judah train to visit the National AIDS Memorial Grove, I watch a gay man lovingly hold the hand his child and only as a father can, taught his child how to cross the street and avoid danger. I stirred with anger, pain and frustration as I was haunted with how most Republicans prefer and vote to see children like that child be passed around in group homes and institutionalized when there are loving and nurturing homes to care for these children, the leadership of the Republican Party has placed the needs of our vulnerable society with minimal priority! The Florida Legislature can save tax-payers money and help children at the same time. End the ban on adoption by gay men and lesbians. Help move children out of foster care and into the homes of loving parents. The vast majority of states have always allowed gay men and lesbians to adopt, so this is not a social experiment. It's good for kids, and it will save taxpayers money – why spend money to support children in foster care when there are many able parents willing to adopt, and why spend tens of thousands of dollars defending constitutional court cases, when the state could be using the same money to actually support children (e.g,. better funding for education, increased access to healthcare or other services for children, or reducing the debt so our children will be less burdened by taxes in the future). Equality Florida and all their partners are doing an amazing job to mobilize our statewide community and to demand solutions for all people! Keep up the great work and continue to inspire the youthful community members to become involved and be part of the collective voice fighting for equality! Our involvement and organizing must be strategic and at all levels. The time has come to end the apathy and complacency, the time has come to gear up for the great battle before us! Separate is not equal. As same-sex couples who are legally prohibited to married, we are denied certain tax credits and have fewer rights than any other Floridians. Today, we stand proud and united as a family. As Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community and allies, we must never allow any group or issue to divide us. There is no equality without the "T". I must now leave and wish you all well as Nadine Smith and I go into the Governor's office and meet with his executive staff and urge Governor Crist to join the 23 states not accepting federal dollars to promote ineffective "abstinence-only" programs. As an GLBTQ community and single-parent families, sex-education programs focused on "abstinence-only" fail to prepare and protect us. As a gay man living with AIDS, I stand before you as one of the more than 1,200,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in America and 150,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Florida. Our death is on the hands of this largely morally corrupt Republican-controlled legislature. My elected district representatives Senator Atwater and Representative Bogdanoff will not even return my calls to engage in legislation on HIV/AIDS and comprehensive sex-education. Florida, we need inclusive and genuine leadership and we need it now! We need to take back our government! Michael Emanuel Rajner

Support to help pass two very important pieces of legislation

we call on your support to help pass two very important pieces of legislation. Both proposed bills secure basic human and parental fairness for LGBT people and their families. ADOPTION Representative Mary Brandenburg's legislation - HB 413 - to repeal the bigoted, discriminatory 32-year-old ban on adoption by gay Floridians has been assigned to four committees. The bill currently is in the Civil Justice & Courts Policy Committee. The first step in moving this important legislation forward is to hold a hearing in the Civil Justice & Courts Policy Committee -- and for the committee to approve the bill. We are asking you to contact the Committee Chair, Rep. Nick Thompson (R-Ft. Myers), and ask him to set a hearing date on HB 413 as soon as possible. We also need you to ask him to support this important legislation as a co-sponsor. His phone number in Tallahassee is 850-488-1541. Please note that Rep. Nick Thompson was the Sponsor of HB 669 in 2008, known as the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up For All Students Act, which protects all of Florida's students from bullying, including anti-gay harassment. The other Civil Justice & Courts Policy Committee members are: Rep. Mike Weinstein (R) - District 19 - Jacksonville - Phone 850-488-1304(Vice Chair) Rep. Audrey Gibson (D) - District 15 - Jacksonville - Phone 850- 488-7417 Rep. Michael Scionti (D) - District 58 - Tampa - Phone 850-488-9460 (Ranking Democrat) Rep. Kevin Ambler (R) - District 47 - Tampa - Phone 850- 488-0275 Rep. Kelli Stargel (R) - District 64 - Lakeland - Phone 850- 488-2270 Rep. Eric Eisnaugle (R) - District 40 - Orlando - Phone 850- 488-9770 Rep. Dorothy Hukill (R) - District 28 - Port Orange - Phone 850- 488-6653 Rep. Adam Fetterman (D) - District 81 - Port St. Lucie - Phone 850- 488-8749 Rep. Tom Grady (R) - District 76 - Naples - Phone 850- 488-4487 Please contact all Representatives that you know or that are in your area. Ask them to contact Rep. Nick Thompson and ask for a hearing as soon as possible. In addition, please ask them to support the bill by becoming a co-sponsor. Click here for a sample letter. PROTECTION FROM DISCRIMINATION we will also be lobbying elected officials in Tallahassee for support on Sen. Ted Deutch's and Rep. Kelly Skidmore's legislations - SB 2012/ HB 397- that seek to update the Florida Civil Rights Act and Florida's Fair Housing Act to include LGBT individuals and families under its protections. The Florida Civil Rights Act currently covers only race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or marital status, while Florida's Fair Housing Act covers the same categories, including familial status. The Deutch-Skidmore legislation simply updates Florida's laws covering employment, housing and public accommodations to include sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy and familial status. It is still legal in Florida to be discriminated against or even fired for being or perceived to be LGBT in your place of employment. However, recent polls have shown that 89% of Floridians believe that homosexuals should have the same rights in housing, job opportunities, and public accommodations. We urge you to contact your state senator and state representative and ask if they have joined the list of co-sponsors, and encourage them to support this important legislation. Click here for a sample letter. To view the web page for the Deutch-Skidmore legislation, which provides a link to the complete text of the bill as well as an updates list of co-sponsors, click here.

Beginning today, the White House will harness every part of the Democratic Party’s machinery

Beginning today, the White House will harness every part of the Democratic Party's machinery to defend President Obama's budget and portray Republicans as reflexively political, according to party strategists. A participant in the planning meetings described the push as a successor to Democrats' message that Rush Limbaugh is the Republican Party leader. "We have exhausted the use of Rush as an attention-getter," the official said. David Plouffe, manager of Obama's presidential race, helped design the strategy, which includes the most extensive activation since November of the campaign's grassroots network. The database—which includes information for at least 10 million donors, supporters and volunteers—will now be used as a unique tool for governing, with former canvassers now being enlisted to mobilize support for the president's legislative agenda. Others involved in the planning included White House senior adviser David Axelrod; the DNC chairman, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine; and DNC Executive Director Jennifer O'Malley Dillon. The plan follows the private complaints of some Democrats that Obama let the GOP get the better of him during the debate over pork in the budget bill he just signed, and growing concerns among some Democrats that charges of big spending could stick to the president. Starting this week, President Obama will be "engaging directly with Congress more, and speaking more forcefully on behalf of his budget," a top adviser said. On Sunday morning, three top White House officials will appear on network interview shows to describe brighter days ahead for the nation's economy, and make the case that the budget is an important part of the president's overall recovery plan. And officials throughout the party plan to hammer the idea that Republicans are just saying "no" to the president's budget plans without offering their own alternative. House Republicans, who released an alternative to the stimulus bill, say they'll issue their own budget proposal in the next few weeks. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said in January in his opening remarks to this legislative session: "During the 111th Congress, Republicans will strive not to be the party of 'opposition,' but the party of better solutions." The Obama grassroots network—now known as Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee—has launched an e-mail pledge drive on MyBarackObama.com in which supporters sign their e-mail address to the statement: "I support President Obama's bold approach for renewing America's economy." The pledge drive was announced with a video called "Ready for the Fight." Plouffe e-mailed supporters over the weekend with a challenge labeled "The next few weeks": "In the next few weeks we'll be asking you to do some of the same things we asked of you during the campaign—talking directly to people in your communities about the President's ideas for long-term prosperity." This is not an easy message war for Democrats. Obama's budget calls for the largest deficit in U.S. history and a doubling of the national debt to $23 trillion in 2019. That is a big, juicy target for the GOP, which plans to hit this theme relentlessly all spring. Republicans were successful in making earmarks, which accounted for only a sliver of total spending, the centerpiece of debate over the omnibus spending bill. The GOP sees sky-high deficits as similarly easy to explain to the public. So the Democratic allies—the administration, congressional leaders, outside groups and the DNC—are uniting for the new push. READ MORE.............. PS This was part of the Training on Saturday for precinct workers Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/v/xImpUMQuPUA&hl=en Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/v/b4NKllI3AfM&hl=en Sign The Pledge To Enter Data Ron Mills

Action Alert on Adoption Bill

Gay and Lesbian Parenting: THE FACTS (1) Florida's gay adoption ban was passed in 1977 at the height of Anita Bryant's anti-gay "Save the Children" campaign. This law has done significant damage to children in foster care by not allowing the best interest of the child to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Curtis Peterson, the lead Senate sponsor, said=2 0upon passage of the ban, "We're trying to send [homosexuals] a message. We're really tired of you. We wish you'd go back into the closet." (2) Destructive impact on children - over 4,500 children languish in Florida's foster care system today. The adoption ban arbitrarily excludes hundreds, if not thousands, of potential parents based solely on the irrelevant criteria of sexual orientation. These adults could provide stable, loving, PERMANENT homes to many of these children if this ban were lifted. (3) In 2003, the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute released a research study, stating, "reality on the ground is outstripping the pace of the debate. That is, a growing number of lesbians and gay men are becoming parents and are living as families every day, irrespective of what the policymakers do or say." (4) There is no credible scientific evidence that the sexual orientation of parents has any effects either on the quality of parenting or on the well-being of their children. In fact, the reliable social scientific evidence indicates that lesbian and gay parents are as fit, effective and successful at parenting as their heterosexual counterparts. (See American Academy of Pediatrics February 2002 Policy Statement, Vol. 109, No. 2, pp. 341-344) (5) At least eleven (11) mainstream child welfare, social science, and professional organizations have issued policy statements SUPPORTING adoptio n by lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) people: Child Welfare League of America American Bar Association American Medical Association American Academy of Pediatrics American Psychiatric Association American Psychoanalytical Association American Academy of Family Physicians American Psychological Association American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry National Association of Social Workers North American Council on adoptable Children (6) Decades of research indicate that optimal development for children is based not on the sexual orientation of the parents, but on stable attachments to committed and nurturing adults. Children with two parents, regardless of the parents' sexual orientation, do better than children with only one parent. (American Psychiatric Association 11/2002 policy statement) (7) Adoption decisi ons should be based on an individualized assessment of what is in the best interests of the child to be adopted. Applicants should be assessed on the basis of their ability to successfully parent a child in need of family membership and not on irrelevant considerations such as sexual orientation. (8) Regardless of what policy makers do or say, gay Floridians are raising children and legal protection is necessary for these children. Families have been created by adopting in other states, artificial insemination, previous heterosexual relationships and family tragedies such as the death of a sibling. 2009 LEGISLATIVE SPONSOR UPDATE SB 500 on Adoption Sponsored by Senator Nan Rich - District 34 Co-Sponsors are Senator Dan Gelber - District 35 Senator Chris Smith - District 29 Senator Eleanor Sobel - District 31 HB 413 on Adoption Sponsored by Representative Mary Brandenburg - District 89 Co-Sponsors are Representative Joseph Abruzzo -20District 85 Representative Ronald Brisé - District 108 Representative Faye Culp - District 57 Representative Joe Gibbons - District 105 Representative Bill Heller - District 52 Representative Evan Jenne - District 100 Representative Rick Kriseman - District 53 Representative Mark Pafford - District 88 Representative Kevin Rader - District 78 Representative Scott Randolph - District 36 Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda - District 9 Representative Kelly Skidmore - District 90 Representative Richard Steinberg - District 106 If you don't see your representative or senator, please give them a call and ask them to sponsor the Adoption bill. To find your representative' s contact info, click here. To find your senator's contact info, click here.