Former Texas AG Jim Mattox dies
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Posted on Thu, Nov. 20, 2008
http://www.star-telegram.com/804/story/1050057.html
Former Texas congressman and Attorney General Jim Mattox, a powerhouse in Democratic politics through the 1980s, has died, state Democratic Party officials said Thursday. He was 65.
The Associated Press reported that Mattox died at his Dripping Springs home. His sister, Janice, said her brother died in his sleep but had not been ill "any more than common" and didn't know whether he had heart problems.
They talked on the phone almost every day and talked about "business, kids, the holidays, the dog, politics."
"I think they [Texans] lost an advocate for their interests in the state of Texas," she said.
In a statement, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Waco) said: "Jim Mattox was a tireless fighter for average working families in Texas. His was a voice that will be missed but not forgotten."
Mattox, a longtime Democrat, worked his way up the party ladder. He got involved in hometown Dallas precinct politics, won a seat in the Texas House and then served three terms in the U.S. House.
A former Dallas County prosecutor, Mattox served as attorney general from 1983 to 1990 and developed a reputation as a feisty partisan in his many conflicts with then-Gov. Bill Clements, a Republican.
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Happy Birthday, Joe Biden!
Date of Birth: 20 November 1942
http://blog.indecision2008.com/2008/11/20/happy-birthday-joe-biden
Dems: Napolitano emerges for Homeland Security job
By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer
25 mins ago [Thu Nov 20, 2008 2:38 pm EST]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081120/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_cabinet
WASHINGTON -- President-elect Barack Obama is likely to choose Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano to be secretary of homeland security, top Obama advisers and several Democrats said Thursday as the shape of Obama's Cabinet begins to emerge.
The Obama advisers cautioned that no final decision has been made on putting Napolitano in charge of the Homeland Security department, the massive agency created by Congress after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But the advisers said she was by far the top contender.
Thus far, Obama has informally selected Washington lawyer Eric Holder as attorney general and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as health and human services secretary. The plans could be sidetracked by unexpected glitches in the final vetting process, officials note.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton seems more likely than ever to be Obama's secretary of state. Clinton is deciding whether to take that post as America's top diplomat, her associates said.
Among other Cabinet posts: senior Democrats say there is a strong possibility that Defense Secretary Robert Gates would stay temporarily and later give way to former Navy Secretary Richard Danzig. Even so, Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Democratic Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island also are said to be under consideration.
Democrats also say that several people remain in the running for Treasury secretary, including Timothy Geithner, president of Federal Reserve Bank of New York; Lawrence Summers, former treasury secretary and one-time Harvard University president; and former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker.
Several news organizations reported Thursday that Chicago businesswoman Penny Pritzker, who was Obama's national campaign finance chairman, was his leading choice to become secretary of commerce. However, Pritzker issued a statement Thursday saying she is not a contender for the post.
Officials say Laura D'Andrea Tyson, the former chair of White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Clinton, is in the running for the Commerce job.
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complete copyrighted story at link above Read More »
Officials say Holder is Obama's top choice for AG
By Associated Press Writers Matt Apuzzo And Lara Jakes Jordan
[Nov 18th, 2008 at 4:31 pm EST]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obama_attorney_general
WASHINGTON -- Washington attorney Eric Holder is President-elect Barack Obama's top choice to be the next attorney general and aides have gone so far as to ask senators whether he would be confirmed, an Obama official and people close to the matter said Tuesday.
Holder, a former U.S. attorney who served as the No. 2 official in the Justice Department under President Bill Clinton, would be the nation's first black attorney general.
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complete copyrighted story at link above
Dean on What's the Matter With Oklahoma, Post-Bush Truth and Reconciliation
by Glenna Goldis
The New York Observer
November 12, 2008
1 hour, 37 minutes ago
[Wed Nov 12, 2008 11:55 pm EST]
http://www.observer.com/2008/dean-whats-matter-oklahoma-post-bush-truth-and-reconciliation
or
http://tinyurl.com/DeanOnOklahoma
“What are we going to do about Oklahoma?" an audience member asked Howard Dean last night at the 92nd Street Y on the Upper East Side.
Actually, Dean explained, Oklahoma is a lot like New York. "But New Yorkers are quicker on their feet about cognitive dissonance."
Everyone picks a candidate according to his or her instincts but coastal types rationalize it better than others. "We're all values voters,” he said. Also, though, "I don't know when we're going to win Oklahoma."
The former Vermont governor, who recently announced he would stepping down as chair of the Democratic National Committee after a second successful election cycle, gave a brief speech and then fielded audience questions read by a moderator.
Most of his remarks addressed strategy, for example advising Democrats to declare their anti-poverty, pro-fairness values proudly. On matters of policy, he did what chairmen do, relentlessly plugging President-elect Barack Obama's plans.
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complete copyrighted story at link above
2008 Plum Book
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/plumbook/2008/index.html
List of all political appointments to be made by President Barack Obama
The entire report is also available in TEXT format (1.91 MB).
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/plumbook/2008/2008_plum_book.html
Time: The Once and Future Hillary Clinton
Clinton returns to the Senate as a leader of women and the working class.
Time Magazine
Wednesday, Nov. 05, 2008
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1857006,00.html
What becomes now of Hillary Clinton? Will she run again for President? Make a bid for Senate majority leader? Go home to New York and run for governor? Does she covet a job in Barack Obama's Cabinet or maybe an appointment to the Supreme Court? No, no, no and no, come the answers. As she told me recently, "I'm going to be focused, as I always have been, on what we're going to get done. I'm not interested in just enhancing my visibility. I'm interested in standing on the South Lawn of the White House and seeing President Obama signing into law quality, affordable health care for everybody, and voting in a big majority for clean, renewable energy and smarter economic policies. That's what I'm all about, and I'm going to use every tool at my disposal to bring it about."
But it's hard to imagine Hillary Clinton ever playing just a supporting role. She is now both a smaller and a larger figure than when she set out on her first presidential-campaign swing through frigid Iowa nearly two years ago. And that puts her at something of a crossroads. "She's not who she was before she ran, when everyone deferred to her as a former First Lady and a President-in-waiting," says a prominent Democratic strategist. While she didn't achieve the Clinton Restoration, Hillary emerged from that race as the symbol of a movement that has come to represent the hopes and frustrations of millions of working-class Democrats.
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complete copyrighted item at link above
Obama Wins Electoral Vote in Nebraska
By Christopher Hass - Nov 8th, 2008 at 2:31 pm EST
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gGxZJy
Alone among all other states, Nebraska and Maine use a tiered system for awarding electoral votes, in which a single elector is awarded based on votes within each Congressional district and two electors are awarded to the winner of the statewide popular vote. Yesterday, the Omaha World-Herald announced:
For the first time ever, a blue circle will appear in Nebraska on national electoral maps.
Democrat Barack Obama won the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District on Friday, scooping up one of the state's five electoral votes.
... "We always knew we could do it, but it would be an uphill climb. It's great to see a little corner of Nebraska turn blue," said John Berge, state director for the Obama campaign.
Berge said the victory was a tribute to all the work done by staffers and the hundreds of Obama volunteers who manned telephones and walked neighborhoods in the Omaha metropolitan area.
Tuesday's election is the first time since 1964 that Nebraska has awarded an electoral vote to a Democrat.
The Nebraska results give Obama 365 electoral votes to John McCain's 162. Only Missouri and its 11 electoral votes remain undecided.
Host/attend a Last Call for Change House Party
http://my.barackobama.com/lastcallparty
In crucial battleground states like Ohio, Florida, and Virginia, the race is neck-and-neck.
And this Wednesday, October 29th, you can help Barack get ahead.
Supporters in your community are coming together for Last Call for Change house parties. They'll watch Barack's special half-hour national TV presentation and make phone calls to potential supporters in battleground states.
Find a Last Call for Change party near you, or learn more about hosting one.
http://my.barackobama.com/lastcallparty
With Election Day just around the corner, swing voters are getting bombarded with the McCain campaign's lies and distortions.
It's more important than ever that supporters like you reach out and share the truth about Barack one-on-one. You can also let voters in battleground states know about important early voting opportunities.
Gather with your friends and fellow supporters, watch Barack address the nation, and make a difference in a battleground state -- all in one night. All you need to bring is a cell phone -- and maybe some friends.
Host a party at your house or find one near you and make a difference next Wednesday night:
http://my.barackobama.com/lastcallparty
Together, we can reach millions of voters, generate historic turnout, and win this election.
Thanks,
Nicole Aro
National Phonebank Coordinator
Obama for America
Paid for by Obama for America
http://my.barackobama.com
If you [or anyone else you know in Oklahoma] is interested in going to Missouri this weekend to volunteer in one of their many Obama HQs, be sure to let them know of the car-pools meeting on Saturday 25-Oct-08 at 7:30 am in Oklahoma City and joining up at 10 am in Tulsa.
FIRED UP, AND READY TO GO TO MISSOURI! (Drive for Change)
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gprct9
Team, I know that some of you would like to travel in carpools to Joplin, Missouri to assist in turning the tide in a very competitive battleground state for Barack Obama. That is why I’m asking you all to please meet-up together in the rear parking lot at the Oklahoma Democratic Headquarters at 4100 N. Lincoln BLVD., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma no later than 7:30AM on Saturday 10/25/2008. I will be there to give you a nice little send off. You should be able to park your vehicles there and proceed in your carpools to Joplin, Missouri. Please make sure the doors of your vehicle are locked and secure. The Oklahoma Democratic Party, entities in residents in the building, or individuals are not responsible for the security of your vehicle. I do know that a group out of Tulsa will be leaving at 10AM. Please refer to the links below, and reserve your time so that we will have a good idea who all will be coming. This is a wonderful time for all of us, and I personally like to thank you all for the time and support that you have put forth on this and all efforts toward getting Barack elected President. I can honestly say that this has become one of the happiest times of my 38 years, and your energy has kept me going. Thank you all for what you do.
GO TO JO' TO DO MO FO' BO #3 (Drive for Change)
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gs5swr
Some Tulsa-area volunteers plan to go to Joplin, Missouri, to campaign in that battle-ground state for Barack Obama [BO]. A car-pool leaves from Oklahoma City about 8 am and joins with us about 10 am on Saturday 25-Oct-08 at the Tulsa County Democratic Party HQ, 3930 East 31st; please park across the street or BEHIND the HQ. Some may return that night and others may stay over-night in free housing provided by the Obama HQ in Joplin and return late on Sunday 26-Oct-08. Tulsa volunteer Jack Francis has offered to drive and even pay for gas and tolls for the first 4 firm over-night volunteers that make commitments to go. Future road trips with the same details will leave Tulsa for Joplin every Saturday until the general election: November 1. This webpage can also be viewed at tinyurl.com/mofobo3
Mike Workman
Tulsa+
Who knows that this road trip is more fun when more make the trip
Ontario police arrest man in voter fraud case
Mark Jacoby, who owns a firm hired by the California Republican Party, violated state laws with his own registration, authorities say.
By Evan Halper, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
October 20, 2008
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-fraud20-2008oct20,0,3842357.story
SACRAMENTO -- The owner of a firm that the California Republican Party hired to register tens of thousands of voters this year was arrested in Ontario over the weekend on suspicion of voter registration fraud.
State and local investigators allege that Mark Jacoby fraudulently registered himself to vote at a childhood California address where he no longer lives so he would appear to meet the legal requirement that all signature gatherers be eligible to vote in California. His firm, Young Political Majors, or YPM, collects petition signatures and registers voters in California and other states.
Jacoby's arrest by state investigators and the Ontario Police Department late Saturday came after dozens of voters said they were duped into registering as Republicans by people employed by YPM. The voters said YPM workers tricked them by saying they were signing a petition to toughen penalties against child molesters.
The firm was paid $7 to $12 for every Californian it registered as a member of the GOP.
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complete copyrighted story at link above
Palin = Quayle
Mike W
Tulsa+
Who would actually rank former VP Dan Quayle higher than Sarah Palin!
In swing states, McCain and Obama spar over taxes
By DAVID ESPO
AP Special Correspondent
Oct 18th, 2008 at 5:07 pm EDT
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081018/ap_on_el_pr/candidates_taxes
ST. LOUIS - In an outbreak of class warfare, John McCain and Barack Obama swapped sharply worded charges over tax cuts on Saturday, each accusing the other of shortchanging middle-income Americans at a time of economic hardship for millions.
McCain, trailing in the polls, fired the first volley, likening his rival to the socialist leaders of Europe and saying he wanted to "convert the IRS into a giant welfare agency, redistributing massive amounts of wealth at the direction of politicians in Washington."
McCain added, "Raising taxes on some in order to give checks to others is not a tax cut; it's just another government giveaway."
Obama responded a few hours later in appearance before an enormous crowd, saying his Republican rival "wants to cut taxes for the same people who have already been making out like bandits, in some cases literally."
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complete copyrighted story at link above
Barack Obama on McCain's Tax Plan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exZPLEFixDQ
6:14
From: BarackObamadotcom
Added: October 18, 2008
Barack Obama speaks about John McCain's tax plan in St. Louis, Missouri.
--
Initial news reports are that there were 100,000+ at this event
Mike W
Tulsa+
Who just talked with a Tulsa volunteer now in Kansas City MO for their 6:30 pm rally with Obama!
Poll: Voters souring on McCain, Obama stays steady
By ALAN FRAM and TREVOR TOMPSON, Associated Press Writers
http://news.yahoo.com/page/election-2008-political-pulse-souring-on-mccain
WASHINGTON (AP) - When it comes to the public's image of John McCain, it's as if somebody dialed the electricity down in the past month. For Barack Obama, the juice is still flowing.
People's regard for the Republican presidential nominee has deteriorated across-the-board since September, an Associated Press-Yahoo! News poll showed Friday, with McCain losing ground in how favorably he's seen and in a long list of personal qualities voters seek in White House contenders.
Perceptions of Obama have improved or remained steady. Beyond views of the two rivals' character traits, McCain faces another problem - Obama is more trusted on the economy, the contest's commanding issue, including a 15-percentage-point edge for better grasping how the raging financial crisis is affecting people.
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complete copyrighted item at link above
Attend a Debate Watch Party
Wednesday, October 15th
http://my.barackobama.com/debate
On October 15th, Barack Obama and John McCain will have their final debate of the election.
This is an important moment -- and a great opportunity to bring people together, talk about the issues, and build this movement for change.
Hosting or attending a Debate Watch Party is a great way to connect with folks in your community and share Barack's message of change.
With just three weeks left before Election Day, November 4th, this important final debate is the last chance to see the two candidates on the same stage.
Use our zip code search on the right to... find one to attend in your community.
http://my.barackobama.com/debate
Latest US opinion polls
US map showing latest voting trends per state. Republican John McCain Monday desperately sought to win back voters hit by the economic crisis and flocking in droves to Democrat Barack Obama, saying he had a plan to stop the meltdown. (AFP Graphic)
MCCAIN-PALIN Stories Sunday, Oct 12
NYT - Investigator Discounted Palins' Fears as Motivation to Seek Removal of a Trooper
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/us/politics/12trooper.html
Tribune (Editorial) - McCain mortgages
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-1012edit1oct12,0,7919708,print.story
San Angelo Standard Times - McCain far from being 'maverick'
http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2008/oct/12/mccain-far-from-being-maverick/
Tribune - Palin report a sting for ticket
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-palin-analysisoct12,0,2222539.story
WP - Palin Must Save Her Yahoo E-Mails, Judge Rules
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/11/palin_must_save_her_yahoo_e-ma.html
NYT - Concern in G.O.P. After Rough Week for McCain
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/us/politics/12strategy.html?_r=1&bl=&ei=5087&en=9129ef63b50f6f1c&ex=1223956800
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MCCAIN-PALIN Stories Saturday, Oct 11
Bloomberg - McCain Hunkering Down to Defend Red States: Campaign Notebook
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aPeeY8LYgMVE
WP (Harold Ford Jr.) - Will McCain Do Anything to Win?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/10/10/ST2008101002847.html
ADN - Troopergate report: Palin abused power
http://www.adn.com/monegan/story/552393.html
AP - Alaska panel finds Palin abused power in firing
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jOTk11gvqDAgD0cY3i4WjI_2YOxwD93O2H2G0
Time - What the Troopergate Report Really Says
http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1849399,00.html
LAT - Palin ethics lapse cited
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-troopergate11-2008oct11,0,1589217,print.story
WP - Alaska Legislative Probe Finds Palin Misused Power
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/10/alaska_legislative_probe_finds.html
NYT - Alaska Inquiry Concludes Palin Abused Powers
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/11/us/politics/11trooper.html
Boston Globe - Alaska probe finds Palin 'abused her power'
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/articles/2008/10/11/alaska_probe_finds_palin_abused_her_power
Reuters - Alaska ethics probe says Palin abused her power
http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSTRE4998X420081011
KTUU (AK) - Branchflower: Palin abused power
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=9161996&nav=menu510_2
TPM - Palin's Claims She Feared Wooten Were Bogus
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/palins_claims_she_feared_woote.php
ADN - State scrambles to gather private e-mails
http://www.adn.com/palin/story/552319.html
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