Posts with the tag Unions

Union-Nation

Liz — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:43:45 EDT

Union Members 25 Percent of Democratic Convention Delegates

by Seth Michaels, Aug 21, 2008

Union members from around the country will arrive in Denver next week for the Democratic National Convention. A quarter of the more than 4,200 delegates to the convention are active or retired union members or union household members, and they’ll help get the word out about the economic issues that are at the heart of the 2008 elections.

On Sunday, many of the labor delegates will join Colorado union members and their families for a Labor Caucus to get ready for the convention and the election season. The Democratic convention will be a great opportunity for the union movement to highlight the important issues this election year and get ready to get out the vote.

Cindy Spanyers of Alaska and John Clark of Missouri are two delegates who will attend the convention and make sure working families are represented in the election and beyond.

More >>

Look for the Return of the Power of Labor to the Democratic Party

Liz — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:29:24 EDT

We can only hope that the Democratic Party is smart enough this time to not disregard the voice of Labor and pass any trade agreement which labor actively opposes such as the Colombia Free Trade Agreement. That's what they did in 1993 with NAFTA, and they lost both houses of Congress to the Republicans. Let's hope that this year is different. The Democratic Party cannot win without Labor.

Next week, the presidential race will kick into high gear as the 2008 Democratic National Convention begins in Denver. The union movement will take the lead in defining the race and making sure Barack Obama can win this fall. Of the more than 4,200 delegates at the convention, a quarter will be active and retired union members. From rank-and-file workers to national leaders, the full spectrum of the union movement will be represented.

The week kicks off Sunday, when hundreds of union delegates and local labor activists will gather for a caucus and rally. Members attending the convention from any union are invited, as are local union activists and their families in Colorado. Some 2,000 people are expected to attend the labor caucus and rally.

National labor leaders will charge up delegates for the convention and a hard-fought election season. They’ll discuss the Labor 2008 grassroots political program and key issues in the election, including the Employee Free Choice Act.

SOURCE AND MORE:
http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/08/20/unions-take-the-lead-at-democratic-national-convention/

Better Suit UP for the Battle with Corporate America

Liz — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:03:06 EDT

Most ordinary Americans are now wise to privatization = corporate welfare and the real definition of "privatization": A financial arrangement whereby a private corporation holds all the assets and profits while the taxpayers underwrite and pay for the risk, operations expenses, and losses of that corporation.

What's more, the fact of their awareness of our awareness has moved them to action. I see evidences all over mainstream media to indicate that corporate America is moving into battle mode with the American citizen. Here is but one example:

ANTI UNION NEWS:
"Corporate America prepares for Battle Against Worker Campaign to Roll back Assault on the Middle Class. Big Business has prepared a war chest of at least $150 million to stop progressive economic legislation that would seriously tax the rich.

There is nothing more terrifying to corporate America than the prospect of dealing with its workforce on an even playing field . . ."

http://www.alternet.org/election08/94004/?page=entire?

Wal-Mart is Running Scared

Liz — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:53:01 EDT

Corporate America is running scared. On page one of today's Wall Street Journal, we had this story: Wal-Mart Warns of Democratic Win

"Wal-Mart Stores, Inc Inc. is mobilizing its store managers and department supervisors around the country to warn that if Democrats win power in November, they'll likely change federal law to make it easier for workers to unionize companies -- including Wal-Mart.

In recent weeks, thousands of Wal-Mart store managers and department heads have been summoned to mandatory meetings at which the retailer stresses the downside for workers if stores were to be unionized.

According to about a dozen Wal-Mart employees who attended such meetings in seven states, Wal-Mart executives claim that employees at unionized stores would have to pay hefty union dues while getting nothing in return, and may have to go on strike without compensation. Also, unionization could mean fewer jobs as labor costs rise. . . "

FOR REST OF ARTICLE:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121755649066303381.html

USWA perspective on McDoubleSpeak

Cactus Wren - FIRED UP to take on McBush! — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:50:19 EDT

From an Email today from USWA regarding recent endorsements of McCain:

Organizations like ABC (Assoc. Builder's & Contractors) don’t come right out and say support our candidate because he will get rid of corporate regulation, help us bust unions and keep wages and benefits as low as possible. Instead they use words and phrases that are often invented by corporate lobbyists and usually hide their true intention which is just the opposite of the natural meaning of the words.

Below are a few of the deceiving words and phrases they used in the flyer I sent you along with the true meaning they are designed to hide:

Free Enterprise ��" Actually means no government controls that would protect workers or mandate ethical corporate conduct.

Open Competition ��" Actually means no guarantee of union wages on taxpayer-financed building projects.

Secret Ballot Elections for Unions ��" Actually means they want to stop the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) from becoming law so they can continue to delay elections and intimidate and frustrate workers in the interim. The EFCA would mandate that if a majority of workers sign a card requesting union representation, they would have their union immediately ��" no unnecessary delays, no harassment, no intimidation, and no illegal firings.

Health Plan ��" Actually means no national healthcare plan and no health care coverage for all Americans.

Salting Abuse ��" Actually means they want to be free to fire workers when the find out or suspect they have taken a job in order to help workers at a site form a union.

Supports Deregulation to Unburden American Business ��" Actually means supports any law that would weaken restrictions on corporate behavior and/or would weaken protections for workers.

John McCain Supports Workers Rights ��" Actually means he supports the right of corporate executives to aggressively fight the attempts of workers to organize.

Please keep this deceiving language in mind as you read or listen to this corporate doubletalk, especially in the media.

We know it is time for a change. We need a stronger union, more American jobs, a better economy, fair trade and national healthcare! We need Barack Obama as President!

No McCain

Progressive Democrat — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:57:39 EDT

If you are concerned about continuing the War in the MiddleEast as I am then thats one good reason to vote Democrat in November. Look at how many Men and Women we have lost not to mention the ones who are alive but wounded for life because of the Bush lies in the Republican Party. Now McCain wants to continue this course and also have a base in Iraq for years to come. If anyone is voting for McCain because they are angry at Obama get over it quick . If your against the Iraq War and voting for Senator McCain then your a hypocrite period . This is why our country is screwed up every 4 years during election time and this time some Democrats or people claiming to be Democrats will vote for McCain . You will if he is elected get more of the Republican policies that have not worked and are killing our Economy and also the Trillions of your tax dollars spent on the Iraq War .Your harded eared money . So again think very clearly about what your planning on doing . Voting for Senator McCain you might just want to hand in your Democratic Party badge because what your telling us is that you do not need the Democratic Party anymore and you like Senator Joe Lieberman have become a Republican. At least be honest with yourself and with fellow Democrats before you vote for Senator McCain and just come out of the closet and say I am really a Republican and nolonger a Democrat. We have alot of new Democrats in our Party and maybe some of you who now support McCain have forgotten your ideals from the late 1960's and have grown to old to remember who you are now. I still have my Idealism intact and will never vote Republican not now not ever. Its like taken candy from the devil . The new generation of Democrats now in the Party will elect Obama President in November. McCain will be history and will fade away . Senator Obama will make Americans proud and is relationship with International leaders will be welcomed from around the Globe. If you vote McCain then you support the Bush failed Policies and thats your choice. I want Change and that is Obama not a Bush Republican. Senator Hillary Clinton will be voting for Senator Obama as a Democrat and so will I and millions of others around the country. Thats the bottomline

Caroline Kennedy For Obama's VP The Perfect Choice

Progressive Democrat — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:05:34 EDT

I think Obama and the Campaign Veep Committee has a Vice President contender right on the Committee. Her name is Caroline Kennedy the daugther of John F Kennedy. She is bright no baggage and would be a great Women to have on his ticket. It would to me make for a strong ticket. I am going to contact the Obama campaign and suggest they consider Caroline Kennedy for the 2nd spot on the ticket. How many Democrats on here like Caroline Kennedy and would support an Obama/Kennedy ticket?

Obama/Kennedy 08

Breaking News:Hillary Clinton Dropping Out of Campaign Friday

Progressive Democrat — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:42:17 EDT

By Adam Nagourney and Michael Luo updated 2 minutes ago NEW YORK - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton is moving to suspend her campaign and endorse Senator Barack Obama on Friday after Democratic members of Congress urged her on Wednesday to leave the race and allow the party to unite around Mr. Obama, according to a senior adviser to Mrs. Clinton. Mrs. Clinton is likely to make the announcement in New York City, an aide said, although no final venue has been chosen. Her decision came after a day of telephone conversations with supporters on Capital Hill about what she should do now that Mr. Obama has claimed enough delegates to secure the nomination. Mrs. Clinton had initially said she wanted to wait before making any decision, but her aides said that in conversations, some of her closest supporters said it was urgent that she step aside.

Obama Clinches Nomination AP Wire Reports

Progressive Democrat — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:34:00 EDT

Jun 3, 9:15 PM EDT

Obama clinches nomination; Clinton seeks VP spot

By TOM RAUM and NEDRA PICKLER
Associated Press Writers

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois sealed the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday, a historic step toward his once-improbable goal of becoming the nation's first black president. A vanquished Hillary Rodham Clinton maneuvered for the vice presidential spot on his fall ticket.

Obama's victory set up a five-month campaign with Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona, a race between a 46-year-old opponent of the Iraq War and a 71-year-old former Vietnam prisoner of war and staunch supporter of the current U.S. military mission.

Both men promptly exchanged criticism over the war in Iraq and sought to claim the mantle of change in a country plainly tired of the status quo.

"It's not change when John McCain decided to stand with George Bush 95 percent of the time, as he did in the Senate last year," Obama said in remarks prepared for delivery in St. Paul, Minn.

"It's not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create well-paying jobs. ... And it's not change when he promises to continue a policy in Iraq that asks everything of our brave young men and women in uniform and nothing of Iraqi politicians." In a symbolic move, he spoke in the same hall where McCain will accept the Republican nomination at his party's convention in September.

McCain spoke first, in New Orleans, and he accused his younger rival of voting "to deny funds to the soldiers who have done a brilliant and brave job" in Iraq. It was a reference to 2007 legislation to pay for the Iraq war, a measure Obama opposed citing the lack of a timetable for withdrawing troops.

McCain agreed with Obama that the presidential race would focus on change. "But the choice is between the right change and the wrong change, between going forward and going backward," he added.

Obama sealed his nomination, according to The Associated Press tally, based on primary elections, state Democratic caucuses and delegates' public declarations as well as support from 19 delegates and "superdelegates" who privately confirmed their intentions t/o the AP. It takes 2,118 delegates to clinch the nomination at the convention in Denver this summer, and Obama had 2,129 by the AP count.

Banning Nuclear Weapons Proposal

Progressive Democrat — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:46:30 EDT

As a Democrat I believe the time has come for our Government to ban and dismantle all our Nuclear Weapons including production facilities should be transformed for Non Nuclear Alternatives. Presidents past and Present have told other nations to stop any Nuclear production period. We see this with North Korea ,Iran, and a few other countries. If we are going to have a Anti Nuclear Weapons policy for other nations to live by then we must set now an example. I hope when Obama becomes President that not only will we set a policy to end all production and use of Nuclear Weapons and Power but also within the United States close all our Nuclear Weapons complexes and have a Worldwide policy that no nation can produce or use Nuclear Power. This must be part of the agenda of the new Democratic President. For the sake of our Children and the future of our World lets be a leader in ending Nuclear Power once and for all here at home and around the World Yes We Can.

Hillary would be a Bad Choice For Vice President Keep Options Open

Progressive Democrat — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:15:21 EDT

Senator Barack Obama needs to keep his options open for Vice President of the United States. Picking Hillary would be a huge mistake and I believe many Obama supporters would not vote for that ticket . Senator Obama you have plenty of good people in the Democratic Party with the Clintons Political Baggage to chooose from. I would suggest these combination Obama/Sebelius Democratic Gov of Kansas,Obama/Boxer Senator Barbara Boxer another great US Senator that would be great with Obama. Obama/Richardson the Gov. of New Mexico and or Obama/Edwards but John Edwards says he his not interested. You might have other combined suggested for the VP Slot. Many will not vote for a Obama/Hillary Clinton ticket. So in closing I ask all who want change not to support Hillary Clinton for VP. We can do alot better

Obama Will Win The Nomination Its Over Finally Over

Progressive Democrat — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:22:04 EDT

Jun 3, 3:00 PM EDT

AP tally: Obama effectively clinches nomination

By DAVID ESPO and STEPHEN OHLEMACHER
Associated Press Writers

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

Watch Related Video

AP Tally: Obama Clinches Democratic Nomination

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Barack Obama effectively clinched the Democratic presidential nomination Tuesday, based on an Associated Press tally of convention delegates, ending a grueling marathon to become the first black candidate ever to lead his party into a fall campaign for the White House.

Campaigning on an insistent call for change, Obama outlasted former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in a historic race that sparked record turnout in primary after primary, yet exposed deep racial and gender divisions within the party.

The tally was based on public declarations from delegates as well as from another 16 who have confirmed their intentions to the AP. It also included 11 delegates Obama was guaranteed as long as he gained 30 percent of the vote in South Dakota and Montana later in the day. It takes 2,118 delegates to clinch the nomination.

The 46-year-old first-term senator will face John McCain in the fall campaign to become the 44th president. The Arizona senator campaigned in Memphis, Tenn., during the day, and had no immediate reaction to Obama's victory.

Clinton stood ready to concede that her rival had amassed the delegates needed to triumph, according to officials in her campaign. They stressed that the New York senator did not intend to suspend or end her candidacy in a speech Tuesday night in New York. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they had not been authorized to divulge her plans.

Obama's triumph was fashioned on prodigious fundraising, meticulous organizing and his theme of change aimed at an electorate opposed to the Iraq war and worried about the economy - all harnessed to his own innate gifts as a campaigner.

With her husband's two-White House terms as a backdrop, Clinton campaigned for months as the candidate of experience, a former first lady and second-term senator ready, she said, to take over on Day One.

But after a year on the campaign trail, Obama won the kickoff Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3, and the freshman senator became something of an overnight political phenomenon.

"We came together as Democrats, as Republicans and independents, to stand up and say we are one nation, we are one people and our time for change has come," he said that night in Des Moines.

A video produced by Will I. Am and built around Obama's "Yes, we can" rallying cry quickly went viral. It drew its one millionth hit within a few days of being posted.

As the strongest female presidential candidate in history, Clinton drew large, enthusiastic audiences. Yet Obama's were bigger still. One audience, in Dallas, famously cheered when he blew his nose on stage; a crowd of 75,000 turned out in Portland, Ore., the weekend before the state's May 20 primary.

The former first lady countered Obama's Iowa victory with an upset five days later in New Hampshire that set the stage for a campaign marathon as competitive as any in the last generation.

"Over the last week I listened to you, and in the process I found my own voice," she told supporters who had saved her candidacy from an early demise.

In defeat, Obama's aides concluded they had committed a cardinal sin of New Hampshire politics, forsaking small, intimate events in favor of speeches to large audiences inviting them to ratify Iowa's choice.

It was not a mistake they made again - which helped explain Obama's later outings to bowling alleys, backyard basketball hoops and American Legion halls in the heartland.

Clinton conceded nothing, memorably knocking back a shot of Crown Royal whiskey at a bar in Indiana, recalling that her grandfather had taught her to use a shotgun, and driving in a pickup to a gas station in South Bend, Ind., to emphasize her support for a summertime suspension of the federal gasoline tax.

As other rivals quickly fell away in winter, the strongest black candidate in history and the strongest female White House contender traded victories on Super Tuesday, the Feb. 5 series of primaries and caucuses across 21 states and American Samoa that once seemed likely to settle the nomination.

But Clinton had a problem that Obama exploited, and he scored a coup she could not answer.

Pressed for cash, the former first lady ran noncompetitive campaigns in several Super Tuesday caucus states, allowing her rival to run up his delegate totals.

At the same time, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., endorsed the young senator in terms that summoned memories of his slain brothers while seeking to turn the page on the Clinton era.

In a reference that likened former President Clinton to Harry Truman: "There was another time, when another young candidate was running for president and challenging America to cross a new frontier. He faced criticism from the preceding Democratic president, who was widely respected in the party."

Merely by surviving Super Tuesday, Obama exceeded expectations.

But he did more than survive, emerging with a lead in delegates that he never relinquished, and proceeded to run off a string of 11 straight victories.

Clinton saved her candidacy once more with primary victories in Ohio and Texas on March 4, beginning a stretch in which she won primaries in six of the final nine states on the calendar, as well as in Puerto Rico.

It was a strong run, providing glimpses of what might have been for the one-time front-runner.

But by then Obama was well on his way to victory, Clinton and her allies stressed the popular vote instead of delegates. Yet he seemed to emerge from each loss with residual strength.

Obama's bigger-than-expected victory in North Carolina on May 6 offset his narrow defeat in Indiana the same day. Four days later, he overtook Clinton's lead among superdelegates, the party leaders she had hoped would award her the nomination on the basis of a strong showing in swing states.

Obama lost West Virginia by a whopping 67 percent to 26 percent on May 13. Yet he won an endorsement the following day from former presidential rival and one-time North Carolina Sen. John Edwards.

Clinton administered another drubbing in Kentucky a week later. This time, Obama countered with a victory in Oregon, and turned up that night in Iowa to say he had won a majority of all the delegates available in 56 primaries and caucuses on the calendar.

There were moments of anger, notably in a finger-wagging debate in South Carolina on Jan. 21.

Obama told the former first lady he was helping unemployed workers on the streets of Chicago when "you were a corporate lawyer sitting on the board at Wal-Mart."

Moments later, Clinton said that she was fighting against misguided Republican policies "when you were practicing law and representing your contributor ... in his slum landlord business in inner city Chicago."

And Bill Clinton was a constant presence and an occasional irritant for Obama. The former president angered several black politicians when he seemed to diminish Obama's South Carolina triumph by noting that Jesse Jackson had also won the state.

Obama's frustration showed at the Jan. 21 debate, when he accused the former president in absentia of uttering a series of distortions.

"I'm here. He's not," the former first lady snapped.

"Well, I can't tell who I'm running against sometimes," Obama countered.

There were relatively few policy differences. Clinton accused Obama of backing a health care plan that would leave millions out, and the two clashed repeatedly over trade.

Yet race, religion, region and gender became political fault lines as the two campaigned from coast to coast.

Along the way, Obama showed an ability to weather the inevitable controversies, most notably one caused by the incendiary rhetoric of his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

At first, Obama said he could not break with his longtime spiritual adviser. Then, when Wright spoke out anew, Obama reversed course and denounced him strongly.

Clinton struggled with self-inflicted wounds. Most prominently, she claimed to have come under sniper fire as first lady more than a decade earlier while paying a visit to Bosnia.

Instead, videotapes showed her receiving a gift of flowers from a young girl who greeted her plane.

Michelle Obama Visits The Nurturing Center in Kalispell

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:31:00 EDT

Michelle Obama Visits the Nurturing Center in Kalispell
by Caitlin HarveyMonday, June 02, 2008 at 07:07 PM

This afternoon, Michelle Obama stopped by The Nurturing Center in Kalispell, Montana, where she read several books to local children, including Green Eggs and Ham.

After the books were finished, the children lined up to each give Michelle a big hug!

Stay tuned for more coverage of Michelle's visit to Kalispell, and remember to vote tomorrow if you live in Montana! Find your polling location here.

And if you don't live in Montana, help make calls to undecided Montanans before tomorrow's election!

Obama SuperDelegate New-Clyburn To Endorse Obama

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:07:34 EDT

Clyburn to endorse Obama
Posted: 05:19 PM ET

From CNN Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux, CNN's Deirdre Walsh

Clyburn has been critical of former President Bill Clinton.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Several sources tell CNN that House Majority Whip and superdelegate James Clyburn of South Carolina will endorse Senator Barack Obama Tuesday.

Clyburn, whose congressional district went overwhelmingly for Obama in the state's January primary, had said that he would wait to weigh in on the presidential race until the last nominating contest had been held. Earlier this spring, he had made remarks critical of Bill Clinton, calling his conduct on the trail "bizarre," and telling interviewers that some of the former president's actions had deeply upset African-Americans.

"There are African-Americans who have reached the decision that the Clintons know that [Hillary Clinton] can’t win this," he told Reuters. "But they’re hell-bound to make it impossible for Obama to win.”

Obama SuperDelegate News-Washington Superdelegate For Obama

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 23:02:36 EDT

Washington Superdelegate for Obama; Delegate Countdown - 41.5 To Go Jun 2nd, 2008 at 6:22 pm EDT The AP reports... OLYMPIA, Wash. Seattle attorney and Democratic National Committee member David McDonald says he is endorsing Barack Obama for the party's presidential nomination. McDonald had been holding off making an endorsement until after this past weekend's rules committee meeting in Washington, D.C., where he was one of 30 members deciding what to do with the disputed delegates from Michigan and Florida. In an e-mail statement to The Associated Press, McDonald says Obama's candidacy "has brought astounding new energy and hope to the Democratic Party nationwide." Obama now only needs 41.5 total delegates to secure the nomination.

Breaking:Uncommitted Senate SuperDelegates Meeting Now

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:04:12 EDT

Breaking: Uncommitted Senate superdelegates meeting Posted: 04:39 PM ET From From CNN's Ted Barrett and Kate Bolduan (CNN) â€” Several of the 17 uncommitted Senate superdelegates are currently holding a meeting to discuss their course of action after the polls close in the final two primaries, CNN has learned. It remains unclear exactly how many and who of the 17 uncommitted Democratic superdelegates in the Senate will be in attendance at the meeting, which is being held at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee headquarters near the Capitol.

Obama SuperDelegate News- Two Texas Superdelegates for Obama; Delegate Countdown - 41 To Go

Progressive Democrat — Fri, 30 May 2008 22:51:32 EDT

Two Texas Superdelegates for Obama; Delegate Countdown - 41 To Go

May 30th, 2008 at 9:32 am EDT

Via Burnt Orange Report, two Texas superdelegates, Texas Democratic Party chairman Boyd Richie and Democratic National Committee member Betty Richie, have endorsed Obama.

Boyd Richie...

Today, I am proud to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. I believe Senator Obama is the candidate who can best provide the leadership and change Texans desire. Too many Texas families find themselves unable to make ends meet, much less save and invest in the future, due to Republican policies that burden the middle class and divide Americans. Senator Obama has the skill and ability to unite Americans from all walks of life and put our country back on the right track.

I am also grateful for Senator Obama's commitment to help build the Texas Democratic Party. Senator Obama and his campaign understand something that Texans have known for at least a couple of years - that when Democratic candidates invest the time and resources necessary, Texas Democrats have the numbers to compete and win across every region of our great state. We made progress in 2006, and in 2008, the Texas Democratic Party is more energized, better organized, and we are poised to make significant gains this fall.

This was a difficult decision to make, because I have great respect for Senator Clinton and her Texas supporters. I sincerely appreciate how hard she worked in Texas to deliver a message that resonated with so many voters, and I commend her campaign and the important role she played in the historic participation our Party is experiencing this year. As always, the Texas Democratic Party will conduct party business with absolute fairness and respect for every Democrat, without regard to whom one supports in the primary or convention, and I am confident Texas Democrats will unite and work together side by side to win this November.

And Betty Richie...

Today, I am proud to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. As a member of the DNC representing the Non-Urban/Ag Caucus, I strongly believe Senator Obama can provide the leadership rural Texas needs and deserves. Under the current Republican administration, rural Texas has clearly been put out to pasture. Whether it is trying to deal with skyrocketing diesel fuel prices or having access to quality healthcare, Republican politicians continue to ignore our needs.

Under Senator Obama's administration, there is no doubt the issues of concern to rural Texas will be put front and center. The futures of our families are far too important to leave in the hands of any Republican. It is time for a Democrat to put our country and our state back on the right track.

Because I have such great respect for Senator Clinton and her historic campaign, this endorsement was not easy to make. But I believe in my heart it is the right decision for rural Texas and the Texas Democratic Party. It is time for our Party to unite and move forward to victory in November. Only by working together can we accomplish this goal.

Senator Obama is now only 41 delegates away from securing the nomination. Build the movement and help Obama get there -- make a matching donation today and double your impact!

A Solution for Saturdays Meeting

Progressive Democrat — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:13:01 EDT

To the DNC and those that will be listening and deciding what to do about the Florida and Michigan Delegates . I understand that some of Hillary Clintons supporters the hardcore want you to just give Senator Hillary Clinton all of the delegates in both States. According to your own Rules and Bylaws that you have set for all the Primary Races within the Democratic Party it is my contention that Presidential Candidates and State Governments should abide by the Rules that were agreed upon by both Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Obama . Last Year these two states decided to move up their Primary dates ahead of other States against the very rules of our Democratic Party. Granted this was done with the votes of GOP Controlled Governments in both States at the time. It still does not excuse those who now are using the excuse that the GOP Controlled Governments are to blame so why should the votes and Delegates not be seated ? The reason is clear as day The DNC and Howard Dean our Chairman all agreed to these rules and bylaws. Its time for the DNC and the Bylaws Committee to uphold the laws that you have created in this Primary season and for the past Democratic Presidential Races of the past. Do allow angry people do decide what you should do this weekend. Do the Right thing and uphold the Rules that you put in place. Now that being said we are the Democratic Party and the fair solution to this is to split the Delegates 50/50 right down the line Senator Hillary Clinton takes 50 % and Senator Obama takes the other 50 %. Now if anyone has a problem with that then forget it . This is the best solution for everyone concerned and involved. Some will still be angry and upset but you cannot please everyone and realize that the Rules are good ones . I am certian if Senator Clinton were 46 something delegates away from the nomination this would not be an issue for her and her supporters or at least some of them. I will say this aswell that if their is not an agreement of a 50/50 split then none of the Delegates of Florida and Michigan should be seated. Again their is a simple solution the question is will Senator Hillary Clinton and her Camapign agree with it?

Bill Clinton Says Wife is Victim of a Cover Up

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:56:56 EDT

From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Watch Bill Clinton's remarks about the state of the race.

(CNN) — Former President Bill Clinton said that Democrats were more likely to lose in November if his wife Hillary Clinton is not the party’s presidential nominee, and suggested some people were trying to “cover this up” and “push and pressure and bully” superdelegates to make up their minds prematurely.

"I can’t believe it. It is just frantic the way they are trying to push and pressure and bully all these superdelegates to come out,” he said at a South Dakota campaign stop Sunday, in remarks first reported by ABC News. “'Oh, this is so terrible: The people they want her. Oh, this is so terrible: She is winning the general election, and he is not. Oh my goodness, we have to cover this up.'"

The former president added that his wife had not been given the respect she deserved as a legitimate presidential candidate. "She is winning the general election today and he is not, according to all the evidence,” he said. “And I have never seen anything like it. I have never seen a candidate treated so disrespectfully just for running.”

“Her only position was, ‘Look, if I lose I'll be a good team player. We will all try to win — but let's let everybody vote, and count every vote,’" he said.

The former president suggested that if the New York senator ended the primary season with an edge in the popular vote, it would be a significant development. "If you vote for her and she does well in Montana and she does well in Puerto Rico, when this is over she will be ahead in the popular vote,” said Clinton.

“And they're trying to get her to cry uncle before the Democratic Party has to decide what to do in Florida and Michigan” – which the party would need to do “unless we want to lose the election. "

Obama SuperDelegate Breaking News-Good News From Hawai‘i: 3 More Superdelegates

Progressive Democrat — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:17:10 EDT

Aloha friends, Barack’s brother-in-law writing - I want to share some good news from this past weekend. During the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i State Convention, Barack picked up the support of three superdelegates. Newly elected State Party Chair, former State Representative Brian Schatz, newly elected State Party Vice-Chair, educator Kari Luna, and newly elected At-Large Superdelegate, retired chief judge of the state Intermediate Court of Appeals, James Burns, committed to supporting Barack for President at the Democratic National Convention in August. Maya (Barack’s younger sister and my wife) spoke at the convention on Saturday and introduced longtime supporter and friend, Congressman Neil Abercrombie. As usual, Neil and Maya got everyone “fired up and ready to go” and both stressed the importance of bringing the party together: “we are one family.” Like the unprecedented voter turnout at our state caucus in February (when Barack won with 76% of the vote), participation at the state convention was high. For many attendees, this past weekend was their first state convention and the first time in a long while that they felt truly part of the political process. Everyone we met expressed his/her thanks to Barack for making them feel empowered and hopeful about the direction of the country.
Earlier this month, Barack received the important support of three other Hawai‘i superdelegates, U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and Hawai‘i Democratic National Committeewoman Dolly Strazar. With the support of Neil, Brian, Kari, James and our state’s caucus results, the current number of Obama delegates from Hawai‘i is 21 (out of a total of 29).

Read the local newspaper coverage on the state convention:

Associated Press: “Obama picks up three superdelegates from Hawaii”

Honolulu Advertiser: “State Democrats stress unity: Party leaders call for cooperation as Obama adds to superdelegates”

Honolulu Star-Bulletin: “Dems give Obama more superdelegates”

Watch the local television coverage on the state convention:

KITV: “Thousands of Hawaii Democrats Gather”

KHNL: “Hawaii Democrats Converge for Convention”

KHON: “Three Additional Superdelegates Support Obama”

KGMB: "Three Obama Supporters Elected as Superdelegates"