First, restore confidence Forget four years. In the first six weeks of his tenure, the new president's to-do list will include: Restoring a sense of public confidence that the country can meet and solve the financial challenges ahead. At campaign rallies, Obama already has quoted FDR's admonition that "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Guiding implementation of the financial industry rescue plan, including figuring out which toxic assets Treasury should buy from struggling institutions and how much to pay for them. The move to use $250 billion of the bailout to buy stakes in banks will put the government in the unfamiliar role of part owner of institutions that embody free-market capitalism. Beginning to revamp a regulatory structure largely built during the Depression so that it reflects the complexity of the current global financial system. Deciding whether and how to begin the drawdown of most U.S. combat forces from Iraq. Obama says he wants to complete the withdrawal in his first 16 months in office. McCain says a reduction is on the horizon but hasn't set a timetable. Responding to the urgent request this month by Gen. David McKiernan, the top commander in Afghanistan, for more U.S. troops there. Army Times reports that Gen. David Petraeus, who takes overall command of the region on Oct. 31, plans to deliver a report to the president in February after conducting a "top-to-bottom" review. Submitting the federal budget for fiscal 2010 to Congress in early February. It presumably will reflect the costs of the bailout plan and the revenue impact of the economic slowdown. Being prepared for terrorists to strike during the transition, a timing they have used before. The World Trade Center was bombed five weeks after President Clinton took office in 1993; the Madrid train bombings took place three days before national elections in Spain in 2004; car-bomb attacks were attempted in London and Glasgow days after a new British prime minister took office in 2007.

A Japanese venture company, Genepax, has unveiled a car on that runs on water. All it requires is a litre of water. In fact, any kind of water to be exact, whether its river, rain, sea water, or even Japanese tea. Its an electric powered car that runs solely on hydrogen dioxide.
"The main characteristic of this car is that no external input is needed. The car will continue to run as long as you have a bottle of water inside for you to add from time to time," said Kiyoshi Hirasawa, Chief Executive Officer of Genepax, after he proudly announced the company's invention.
Once water is poured into the water tank at the back of the car, the newly invented energy generator takes out the hydrogen from the water, releases electrons and finally generates electrical power.
"We highly recommend our system since it does not require you to build up an infrastructure to recharge your batteries, which is usually the case for most electric cars," said Hirasawa, who is hoping to advertise the car in time for the upcoming G8 Summit in Hokkaido, Japan.

I am new to this site, I dont really know the in's and the outs but I really wanted to try and get the word out about democratic congressional candidates. I thought I could do one a day. So... Here is my first, his name is Rob Hubler and he is running against Republican Steven King in the Fifth district in Iowa, here is some information and a link to his site, get a hold of me, or his campaign if you want to help. I have no affilation with this campaign but am very hopeful that he can win. http://www.hublercongress.com/home.html   Read More »

Raffle tickets to support the Coordinated Campaign will be availiable at the Convention. The Hampden Democratic Committee is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Coordinated Campaign and will be selling $5 raffle tickets to win a whitewater rafting trip for four. The proceeds will benefit the Coordinated Campaign and the quest to turn Maine blue in 08. They will be for sale at the convention and throughout the summer. Please look for the Hampden Dems and the Penobscot Delegates to purchase your chance to turn Maine Blue. FMI -contact Shelby.

That meaning is... For Fifty States. So ADD THE MISSING STATES- DNC! PEOPLE VOTED...AND WILL BE COUNTED. ALL 50 STATES = UNITED.

VOTE'S TELL TO STORY....NOT POLL'S!!!!

Democrats must unite for 2008. I understand that we are all die hard followers of our candidates. They represent our most ardent wants and desires - but hey - you follow politics - what they say ain't gonna happen anyway -not immediately - Hillary's Health Care or Obama's Iraqi pullout stratagy - none of it will take hold unless WE convince our legislators to make it so -
I have supported John Edwards staunchly for almost 6 years now - but folks we all know that the only time he's going to be in the White House is maybe the Lincoln Bedroom.

We can collectively elect a democratic president- but the only way we can control him/her and further our agenda is to make damn sure we elect a democratic congess and convince our Republican friends (we all have them) to vote for populus candidates who support populus measures b/c they will if you make them.

But, we are democrats and we must realize the fighting over the crown is justified but ultimately pointless - the democratic nominee will beat McCain - but just to make sure, let's all rally behind the winner- Both Obama and Clinton have run a good and costly race - their campaigns did not fail to put the message of all good democrats out there- really, we shouldn't have to choose - most pple I know like them both; they vote for one before the other b/c of one superficial reason(gender, religion, skintone ) or the other - point being:
UNITE FOR 2008 - school boards, town committees, district reps, senator, president- VOTE BLUE and help put an end to 8 years of Republican mismanagement.
PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE AND YOUR CHILDRENS' -VOTE DEMOCRAT Period.

I have just created "Maine State Delegates and Alternates" a new group to help the State Delegates and Alternates exchange information and make contacts throughout the State - I hope all the delelegates and alternates will use the group as a tool to organize and communitcate before the State Convention in Augusta.
All are invited to join!!

Hillary Clinton will be in Maine on Saturday, Feb 9th for two Solutions for America town hall events. From 9:30am - 11am she will be at the Recreation Center on the campus of the University of Maine - Orono. Then she will be in Lewiston at the Memorial Armory from Noon-4pm.
FMI visit www.hillaryclinton.com

Bill Clinton will be in Portland tonight at 7:30 for a Solutions for America event.
Barack Obama is coming to the Bangor Auditorium on Saturday, Feb 9th for a Stand for Change Event. Doors open at 2:30pm.
both events are first come - no bags, banners or signs.

I hate to repeat myself - but it must be done- Caucus or primary - whatever you need to do to get your candidate the delegates to go to Colorodo.
I realize that many voters in America don't really get the voting process - that's b/c major news arteries don't tell them - why is voting the best kept secret in politics - I'm irate when they play those "voter on the street" segments on the news and not one reporter ever says "well you know..."
If The American People want a choice they have to get involved and get involved early.
A lot of crap was given to the candidates when they started this years' Presidential campaign "so early" - I think it was just that the major media outlets weren't ready to focus their time on the run for the white house.
boo hoo
get in the game now - Super Tuesday is not the end all be all like it used to be - msmall states with caucus dates after Feb 5 can tip the scales here people - PARTICIPATE! and do it NOW!!!

The Penobscot County Dems will be hosting a meeting on Jan 19th to do training for Feb 10th Caucus. If you are interested in volunteering on caucus day or would like to know more about the caucus process please plan on attending!! We will meet Saturday Jan 19th at 9:30am in the Bangor Lounge of Memorial Union on the UMO Campus Orono.
Bring a friend and get active!! Hope to see you there!!

HELLO ALL - I HOPE THE NEW YEAR FINDS YOU WELL!!

I'm writing to invite you to join me and your Maine Democratic brothers and sisters in a "Caucus for Change" on February 10th.

NOW is the time to elect a strong leader who will take our convictions of honest leadership, good jobs, retirement security, social justice, and a healthcare system that works for everyone not only to heart - but to Pennsylvania Avenue.

As we all know, this election year is heating up to be one of the most exciting in a long time. For the first time since I can remember, there is no "golden child" to take the Democratic nomination for president and people are voting(in record turnout) for the candidates of their choice - not even the all knowing pundits have a handle on what's going on in the 2008 race for the White House.

Now I know, what you may be thinking - by the time Maine has its caucus on February 10th it will all be over. But, I disagree.

What if the race is so close that one state (like Maine) could be the deciding factor in delegate selection?

The way things are going so far, this could be the year we go into the National Convention without a clear choice of who will lead our party against the Republicans!!! It could happen!! Maine voters could tip the scales!!

Are you excited yet? Well, I am and I want to share that excitement with you!

So, I invite you to take an active roll in the process, Caucus, talk to your friends, get them interested if they aren't already and get out the vote!! Vote for the candidate of your choice and be counted - We can't wait - Feb 10th will be here before we know it.

Join me and other likeminded Democrats in my group Democrats for ME on PartyBuilder to meet and network with others throughout the state who want to make a difference in our political landscape from Augusta to The Hill (Go Allen!) to the White House.

Go to www.democrats.org to find out more about the grassroots 50 State Strategy!
Thank you!!

Together We Are Stronger!
Shelby