DNC CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE CALLS OUT REPUBLICANS FOR SHAKING DOWN WALL STREET IN EXCHANGE FOR POLITICAL FAVORS

KAINE SAYS AMERICANS SHOULD BE DISGUSTED AT GOP’S VOW TO PROTECT WALL STREET IN EXCHANGE FOR CAMPAIGN CASH

Washington, D.C. - Following news reports this morning that Republicans are seeking to raise money from Wall Street and the banking lobby using the pitch that they will stymie financial regulatory reform and protect banks from the type of oversight that could prevent another financial collapse, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement:

"The GOP's brazen appeal to Wall Street for campaign contributions in exchange for Republicans' vow to block financial reform is a new low for Congressional Republicans who've already seen their brand deteriorate over the last year as a result of their continued insistence at putting the interests of Wall Street over the needs of Main Street.

“John Boehner’s efforts to cut a deal with Wall Street in exchange for carrying their water in Congress demonstrates what we’ve said all along – that the GOP’s interests extend to no one other than themselves and their special interest friends and they will stop at nothing to win in November. And, this is far from an isolated incident. We’ve seen the GOP grow increasingly dependent on their relationship with the very same people who sent this economy into a tailspin and decimated bank accounts and balance sheets for families and businesses across this country. Less than two months ago, Republicans met behind closed doors with 100 banking lobbyists to strategize how best to block financial regulatory reform and now Republicans are delivering the bill for services rendered.

“But, the real people paying the price for this quid pro quo between Republicans and Wall Street are the main street Americans who are trying desperately to rebuild after eight years of reckless behavior in the financial industry - cheered on by a Republican Congress and the Bush Administration. While the President and Democrats are fighting for them, Republicans are teaming up with the very people whose reckless behavior nearly toppled our economy. The American people have every right to be disgusted by this activity by Republicans.”

Small Business Fund Is A Critical Step In The President's Plan To Boost Job Growth, Says Kaine

Washington, D.C. - Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement on today's announcement by President Obama of a $30 Billion Small Business Lending Fund:

"I am proud to join President Obama in calling on Congress to approve a new Small Business Lending Fund aimed at further easing the burdens faced by small businesses and increasing their access to credit. Today's announcement is the latest in a series of critical initiatives announced by the White House that will encourage job growth and expansion in the small business sector including last week's announcement of a new $5,000 tax credit for small business that create jobs and increase wages for their employees.

"Upon taking office, President Obama took bold and swift action to reverse the course of our foundering economy and ensure long-term growth and stability. Recently, we have begun to see signs of additional progress. Our economy grew at a rate of 5.7% last quarter - the fastest single-quarter of growth in six years. Consumer confidence is up and the Recovery Act has already saved or created up to 2 million jobs.

"While this news is promising, we must continue to take decisive action to encourage long-term jobs growth in every facet of our economy but especially for small businesses that remain a central lifeline to the heart of our nation's prosperity. Over the past year, I have repeatedly heard Congressional Republicans call for increased resources for small businesses. Accordingly, I am hopeful that Republicans will join the President and Democrats in Congress in passing this critical legislation that will ensure that small business success is a central focus of our recovery and rebuilding of Main Street America."

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Calls President Obama's State of the Union Address "A Home Run for the Middle Class"

Kaine Says President's Plans for Restoring the Middle Class, Creating Jobs,

Turning the Country Around and Fixing the Ways of Washington are the Right Prescription for The Challenges we Face

Washington – Tonight, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“Tonight America was looking to President Obama to lay out a vision to restore the middle class, get the economy back on track, create jobs and to change the hyper-partisan way Washington works and in every respect, he hit the ball out of the park. This speech - and the vision and plans for the country laid out by the President - was a home run for the middle class.

"President Obama laid out a road map to recovery, offering concrete plans to make our middle class strong again, get our fiscal house in order and create opportunities for every American who wants a job to have one.

"President Obama talked about the challenges we face and the frustrations Americans feel about the pace of change they’ve seen so far. The President also reminded Americans that upon taking office just over one year ago, he inherited the worst economy since the Great Depression, two wars, and a highly partisan opposition in Washington.

"And, as the President said tonight, while we still have much work to do, we have made substantial progress in the last year. The Recovery Act rescued the economy from certain collapse and has resulted in nearly two million jobs that would not exist if not for that legislation. We passed 25 tax cuts that have helped families and small businesses in tough economic times and has helped the economy turn from recession to growth. And we've come farther than ever before in passing meaningful health insurance reform - a cause we will see to fruition.

"President Obama gave us a clear and concise plan tonight for getting our economy back on track, creating new jobs, restoring the middle class, making education, health care and energy more affordable, and changing the way Washington works. He offered a hand of bipartisanship to Congressional Republicans who, we hope after a year of obstruction and hyper partisanship, will accept it and work with us to turn this country around.

"Tonight we saw President Obama at his strongest – making the case for families and small business owners over bankers and the special interests, for cooperation over rancor, and honestly addressing the frustrations and concerns of Americans, and calling on us all to unite to tackle the challenges at hand."

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Says Growth Report Shows Economy is On Road to Recovery, Praises President, Congressional Democrats for Adopting Policies that Have Begun to Turn Economy Around

With Growth on the Rise, Kaine Urges Congress to Adopt President's Proposals for Jobs

Washington, DC –Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement on today’s news that the economy grew at a rate of 5.7 percent in the last quarter - the highest rate of GDP growth since 2003 and the second consecutive quarter of economic growth.

“President Obama and Congressional Democrats took bold and swift action to revive an economy that just a year ago was in free-fall, and today’s news is a sign that these efforts are working. Not only are we seeing growth, but we just experienced the fastest single-quarter of growth in six years – a tremendous contrast to the dire situation that President Obama faced when he was sworn into office a year ago. By enacting the Recovery Act, investing in our nation’s infrastructure, and promoting programs that support working families, President Obama and Democrats in Congress have made clear that they understand the struggles facing Americans and will not rest until our economy has turned around.

“Though today’s news is encouraging, we are not yet out of the woods, and there is much to be done to create jobs and help strengthen small businesses. The President and Democrats are committed to making sure that every American who wants to work has the opportunity to get a job and we will continue to focus on creating jobs, helping small businesses succeed and helping middle class families afford the highs costs of energy, health care and education. The President’s plan to extend a new $5,000 tax credit for small businesses that create jobs and to reimburse them for Social Security payroll taxes for wage increases will help small businesses succeed and ensure that small business success is a central focus of our recovery and rebuilding Main Street America.”

Kaine Says President's Plans for Restoring the Middle Class, Creating Jobs,

Turning the Country Around and Fixing the Ways of Washington are the Right Prescription for The Challenges we Face

Washington – Tonight, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s State of the Union Address:

“Tonight America was looking to President Obama to lay out a vision to restore the middle class, get the economy back on track, create jobs and to change the hyper-partisan way Washington works and in every respect, he hit the ball out of the park. This speech - and the vision and plans for the country laid out by the President - was a home run for the middle class.

"President Obama laid out a road map to recovery, offering concrete plans to make our middle class strong again, get our fiscal house in order and create opportunities for every American who wants a job to have one.

"President Obama talked about the challenges we face and the frustrations Americans feel about the pace of change they’ve seen so far. The President also reminded Americans that upon taking office just over one year ago, he inherited the worst economy since the Great Depression, two wars, and a highly partisan opposition in Washington.

"And, as the President said tonight, while we still have much work to do, we have made substantial progress in the last year. The Recovery Act rescued the economy from certain collapse and has resulted in nearly two million jobs that would not exist if not for that legislation. We passed 25 tax cuts that have helped families and small businesses in tough economic times and has helped the economy turn from recession to growth. And we've come farther than ever before in passing meaningful health insurance reform - a cause we will see to fruition.

"President Obama gave us a clear and concise plan tonight for getting our economy back on track, creating new jobs, restoring the middle class, making education, health care and energy more affordable, and changing the way Washington works. He offered a hand of bipartisanship to Congressional Republicans who, we hope after a year of obstruction and hyper partisanship, will accept it and work with us to turn this country around.

"Tonight we saw President Obama at his strongest – making the case for families and small business owners over bankers and the special interests, for cooperation over rancor, and honestly addressing the frustrations and concerns of Americans, and calling on us all to unite to tackle the challenges at hand."

“I want to congratulate Scott Brown on running a strong campaign and Martha Coakley on being a strong voice for progressive values.

"It goes without saying that we are disappointed in tonight's result. There will be plenty of time to dissect this race and to apply the lessons learned from it those to come this fall - but in the meantime we will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the America people and we will redouble our efforts to lay out a clear choice for voters this November.

"I want to thank our state parties and our DNC and Organizing for America staff and volunteers all across the country who have worked tirelessly on this campaign and who will continue to support President Obama and work for the change we all believe is essential to getting our nation moving in the right direction again."

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December 21, 2009

Ricardo A. Ramírez, 202-863-8148

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Calls Senate Vote Historic Step,

Praises Democrats for Pressing Forward to Deliver Health Reform to the American People

Washington - Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after the Senate voted to suspend debate and move towards a vote on final passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The vote on Monday night was the first of three cloture votes (which must achieve a 60 vote threshold) before the historic health insurance reform legislation can be brought to the floor for a final up or down vote.

“Tonight the Senate took another major step on the road to finally delivering health insurance reform to the American people.

“Thanks to the leadership of Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), Majority Whip Dick Durbin (IL), Committee Chairmen Max Baucus (MT) and Chris Dodd (CT) and countless others, we are now closer than ever to achieving historic reform that will provide more stability and security to people who have insurance and more quality affordable options to those who don’t, while lowering the high costs of care for families, businesses and entire country.

“The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, if it, or health reform legislation passed by the House of Representatives were to become law, would represent the most significant piece of social and economic legislation since Social Security, and would be the largest expansion of health care coverage since Medicare passed in 1965.

“The Senate’s bill will extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans; end abusive insurance industry practices, like denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition or canceling someone’s coverage when they get sick; strengthen Medicare and extend the life of the Medicare trust fund; help small businesses provide their employees affordable insurance; and it will reduce our deficit by 132 billion in the first 10 years, and hundreds of billions more in the years after that.

“Seven presidents have tried and failed to reform our broken health care system. But today, thanks to Democratic senators who worked hard to find common ground and the extraordinary leadership and vision of President Obama, the fundamental change that has eluded this country for decades, is finally within reach.

“Unfortunately, not one Republican senator voted to allow this legislation to come to a vote on the Senate floor. Throughout this debate, Republicans have done everything in their power to delay and obstruct progress. Instead of fighting for the American people, they are advocating passionately for the status quo - a scenario in which 14,000 people lose their insurance every day, small businesses struggle to stay open and families live with the constant worry of being one injury or illness away from financial ruin. While it is shocking enough that not a single Republican Senator supports this important bill, the fact that they have all stood firm to even deny any opportunity for the bill to be voted on at all demonstrates how badly they misread the responsibilities of leadership.

“Democrats will not rest until we deliver health insurance reform to the American people.”

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December 2, 2009

Contact: Ricardo A. Ramírez – 202-863-8148

DNC Hails Decision to Keep in Place Consent Decree Barring Republicans From Voter Intimidation

Washington, DC—DNC Chairman Tim Kaine and DNC Vice Chair for Voter Registration and Participation Donna Brazile issued the following statement on yesterday’s ruling by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey keeping in place a consent decree barring the Republican National Committee from voter intimidation and asserting that Republicans still have an incentive to engage in such illegal practices. Late last year the RNC asked that the consent decree, which it agreed to in 1982, be nullified, going so far as to argue that because the President and U.S. Attorney General are African American, there is no longer any reason for Republicans to be subject to limits on efforts to engage in “ballot security measures.” To read the decision, click here: http://my.democrats.org/page/-/pdf/voter_protection/DNCvRNC_Opinion_12.1.09.PDF

“Yesterday's ruling is a victory for all Americans who believe that every eligible citizen should have the right to vote and have their vote counted. It also represents a resounding repudiation of the Republican Party's trumped up claims of voter fraud. Our great nation was founded on the principles of equality and freedom, and our founders envisioned the right to vote as central to our ideals. Yet for years, Republicans have engaged in deplorable practices that intimidate voters and make it more difficult for them to cast their ballot.

“This is wrong, and it is illegal. As the court made clear, these types of actions stand in the way of Americans’ fundamental rights under the Constitution of the United States. Republicans would be better served trying to engage minority and under-represented voters rather than trying to intimidate them. Yet there is overwhelming evidence that these types of practices still occur, that Republicans have engaged in them in recent elections and that without a consent decree barring such actions Republicans will continue to have an incentive to engage in them. That Republicans, who attempted to use foreclosure lists in the 2008 election to deny people the right to vote in Michigan, even asked the court to nullify this decree, shows just how eager they are to continue engaging in practices to suppress the rightful votes of thousands of American citizens.

“These are not the ideals that our country was founded on, and they should not be tolerated. We applaud yesterday’s decision and recommit ourselves to fighting to ensure that the right to vote is fully protected. And we encourage Republicans to work with us to reform our electoral system to remove any impediments to voting and to ensure our voting rights laws are enforced consistent with the law.”

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“Today, we honor those Americans who have served throughout our nation's history – from the wars on our own shores to the beachheads of Europe, from the rice fields of Southeast Asia to the deserts of the Middle East, and from across the world's oceans and seas to those who serve stateside - and take the time to thank them for their unflinching courage and service.

“In the wake of the tragedy at Fort Hood, and as we work to wind down our operations in Iraq and determine the way forward in Afghanistan, renewing our promise to America’s veterans is just as important as ever – not just today, but every day.

“Providing for our veterans is critical, not only because we have a moral obligation to recognize those who have sacrificed on our behalf, but because our servicemen and women are a tremendous resource who can help lead the way as we continue our pursuit of a more peaceful and prosperous world.

“President Obama and our Democratic Congress have demonstrated a strong commitment to our country’s veterans, taking several steps in just the last 10 months to expand economic opportunity, strengthen veterans’ health care services, and improve benefits for our troops and military families. Through the post 9/11 G.I. Bill – the most generous education benefit since the original G.I. Bill of 1944 – more than 250,000 veterans will attend college in just the next two years. President Obama and Congress have worked to strengthen the VA health care system by transforming it into a 21st century organization that prioritizes community-based services, promotes prevention and takes on the injuries unique to modern warfare, including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. And President Obama requested, and Congressional Democrats approved, a 16 percent increase in the 2010 budget for the Department of Veterans affairs, the largest one-year increase in 30 years.

“Veterans and their families are the only ones who can fully understand the toll of their sacrifice. But we can, through our every day actions, do our best to see that they receive the very best service, care and respect from their country. Today we thank our brave men and women for heeding the call to duty, and we honor their selfless service.”

November 7, 2009

Contact: DNC Press (202) 863-8148

Organizing for America Will Hold ‘Thank You’ Activities for the US House’s Support of Health Insurance Reform

OFA and Supporters of Reform Will Hold Thank You Activities Across The Country to Thank Representatives for Support of Health Insurance Reform

Washington – The House of Representatives passed landmark health reform legislation on Saturday, marking a milestone in the effort to pass comprehensive reform this year. As representatives return to their districts, Organizing for America (OFA) volunteers will be hosting “thank you” activities to thank their Representatives for supporting health insurance reform.

“We still have some work to do, but today we are closer to reform than ever before,” said OFA Director Mitch Stewart, “and that is thanks in no-small part to the tireless work and commitment of our Democratic leaders in Congress. Over the next several days, OFA volunteers will be organizing and participating in various thank you activities in an effort to communicate a very simple message: thank you. As we move into this final phase of debate, we want our representatives in Congress to know that they have the wind at their backs.”

The House bill, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, would extend coverage to 36 million Americans and cut the deficit by $104 billion over ten years. It achieves the goals President Obama articulated during his address to a Joint Session of Congress in September. It will provide more security and stability to people who have insurance; provide more quality, affordable options to those who don’t; and lower the costs of care for American families and businesses. It would end some of the insurance industry’s worst practices, like denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or canceling someone’s coverage when they get sick.

Organizing for America, a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee, is committed to supporting President Obama’s agenda for change. Over 2 million people have taken action as part of OFA’s health reform campaign. Since June 6, OFA has held 20,000 events in all 50 states and every congressional district encouraging support for President Obama's health insurance reform plan. On October 20, OFA helped to generate more than 315,000 calls to Congress in a single day, more than three times the initial goal.

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November 7, 2009

Contact: DNC Press 202-863-8148

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Issues Statement Praising the House of Representative’s Historic Vote to Pass Health Insurance Reform

WASHINGTON – Tonight the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, landmark health reform legislation that will ensure every American has access to quality, affordable, stable and secure health care coverage. The legislation, which cracks down on some of the insurance industry’s worst practices, would extend coverage to 36 million Americans and cut the deficit by $104 billion over ten years. Groups representing doctors and farmers, seniors, consumers, and cancer patients have endorsed the bill. It passed the House with only one Republican vote in support of the measure.

“This day has been a long time coming. Teddy Roosevelt first called for health reform nearly 100 years ago, but today – in the face of furious lobbying by the insurance industry and nearly unanimous opposition from Republicans – House Democrats accomplished something no other Congress has been able to do: pass comprehensive health reform legislation. I want to thank President Obama for his extraordinary leadership on this issue, and extend my congratulations to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairmen Waxman, Miller and Rangel, Congressman Clyburn and countless others in the U.S. House of Representatives for taking this historic step.

“The Affordable Health Care for America Act will provide more security and stability to people who already have insurance by enacting much needed reforms to the insurance industry. No longer will an insurance company be able to deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or cancel someone’s coverage when they get sick. The Act will provide more quality, affordable choices for the millions of Americans who are uninsured. And the bill will bring down the high costs of care, for American families and businesses, while lowering our deficit.

“This historic day would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Organizing for America (OFA) in rallying the public to see through Republican scare-tactics and lies and energizing them behind the cause of our generation – meaningful health insurance reform. In total, more than 2 million people participated in OFA’s grassroots campaign for reform by signing pledges, sharing their personal stories and hosting and attending one of the thousands of local events in all 50 states and all 435 Congressional Districts. In the final week of August and the first week of September alone over 110,000 people attended a pro-reform event providing the necessary momentum that made possible this monumental achievement.

“Americans from all walks of life have endorsed this legislation. The AARP endorsed the bill because they believe it will reduce health care costs and expand coverage for older Americans. The American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association have lent their support because they believe it will help to fix the problems in our broken system and strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. The Consumers Union endorsed the bill because they believe it will create a more secure, affordable health care system, and the National Farmers’ Union has given their support because it will help Americans who live in rural areas access care.

“Despite the overwhelming support this legislation has received and despite a strong mandate from the public for action, the Republicans have held tight to their just-say-no approach, firmly rooting the GOP on the side of the insurance lobby and the status quo that is breaking American families and small businesses. It is evident from their obstructionism that the Republicans are more interested in protecting their own reputations and political fortunes than ensuring that our generation and generations to come have the best possible access to health care. Unfortunately for the Republican Party, their misguided and shameful campaign to kill health reform looks doomed to fail – something all Americans should be thankful for.

“Today, Congressional Democrats put opponents of reform on notice: the status quo is unsustainable and inaction is not an option. This vote doesn’t mark the end of this process – we still have a ways to go – but it is a critical milestone on the road to passing health insurance reform. The American people want reform – they need reform – and Democrats will not rest until we pass comprehensive health reform legislation.”

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Washington- DNC Vice Chair and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) today issued the following statement in advance of House Republicans’ online health care town hall where they plan to discuss their health reform proposal which does more to help insurance companies than it does to help the American people. The bill would not curb unfair insurance industry practices like denying people coverage because of a pre-existing condition. In fact, the House Republican bill would put families at risk by giving insurance companies more power to discriminate against patients while accumulating record profits. And, according to the Congressional Budget Office the Republican bill would only cover three million of the tens of millions who are currently uninsured.

“While Congressional Democrats are preparing to take an historic vote on health reform legislation this weekend, House Republicans are busy organizing a last minute media stunt, where they intend to do nothing but attack and misrepresent the Democrats’ health reform legislation in a desperate attempt to boost their own poor excuse for a bill.

“I’ve seen the Republicans plan, and I can explain it in about 12 seconds: It would barely make a dent in reducing the millions of uninsured Americans, and instead of helping American families and businesses, it would gut consumer protections and give more goodies to the insurance lobby. It won’t stop insurance companies from denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition and it doesn’t provide people help to buy insurance on the private market.

“The Republicans’ ‘Health Insurance Company Protection Act’ is a boon to the insurance companies and their executives. That’s not the reform the American people want and need.

“Instead of participating in this 12-hour online charade and continuing their fight to maintain the status quo, I hope House Republicans will join Democrats in Congress and President Obama to pass historic reform legislation."

DNC Vice Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz Calls House GOP Health Care Plan the "Health Insurance Company Protection Act"

Washington, D.C.—DNC Vice Chair and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) today issued the following statement in response to the news that Congressional Republicans are planning to introduce what she said amounts to a “Health Insurance Company Protection Act.” Wasserman Schultz said the GOP plan, as it has been characterized in press reports, would allow health insurance companies to continue engaging in unfair and discriminatory practices like denying coverage to people because of a preexisting medical condition and dropping coverage for people who are sick.

“It’s appalling that John Boehner and Republicans in Congress would rather maintain the status quo and allow insurance companies to continue engaging in unfair practices that boost their profits at the expense of consumers than pass the health insurance reform American families and businesses so desperately need. We have said for some time that Republicans are more interested in protecting the health insurance industry than in helping consumers - and the plan Republicans are putting forward is all the proof anyone would need to know we've been telling the truth. The Republican plan amounts to a ‘Health Insurance Company Protection Act’ and shows once and for all that Republicans don’t want real reform and will fight to protect the status quo every step of the way. At a time when health insurance costs are skyrocketing and families fear losing their coverage if someone gets sick, the last thing we need is to give insurance companies another break. Passing the Republicans’ bill would be worse than passing no reform at all.

“It’s time for Republicans to get the message: Americans want real reform. Instead of handing out favors to big insurance companies, Republicans should work with President Obama and Democrats in Congress to pass the health insurance reform our country needs.”

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Contact: DNC Press - (202) 863-8148

DNC Calls Out Sarah Palin for Her Lies on Health Insurance Reform in its Seventh Installment of the Call 'Em Out Campaign

DNC Targets Palin with Video, Website, Email and on Forum Where she has Spread Numerous Lies: Facebook

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) launched the seventh installment of its ongoing “Call 'Em Out” campaign with a multimedia effort targeting Sarah Palin for continuing to spread lies about health insurance reform. The effort uses email, a website, a video, Facebook and Twitter to demonstrate that instead of participating in an honest exchange on health insurance reform, Palin has resorted to spreading misinformation and outlandish lies including everything from invoking "death panels" to "rationing." More than previous Call 'Em Out efforts, the campaign targeting Palin's lies is relying heavily on reaching people on Facebook where Palin has repeatedly peddled misinformation about health insurance reform.

Please see below all the resources of our campaign to call out Sarah Palin including links to our new web video and website, a note posted on Facebook and an email from DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon to the full DNC list.

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