Posts with the tag california

Cliffhanger in a Sea of Blue: Charlie Brown (D) Refuses to Give up in California's 4th Congressional District

Michael Collins — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:11:54 EST

Cliff Hanger in a Sea of Blue

California's 4th Congressional District, Republican since 1992, combines
vast regions, sparsely populated, and growing suburbs and exurbs.

Charlie Brown (D) Refuses to Give up in California's
4th Congressional District

Michael Collins
"Scoop" Independent News

California turned blue with a vengeance in the 2008 presidential election. President-elect Obama's 61% majority plus a 78% turnout rate statewide was enough to strip the Republicans of all but one county with a significant population.

The "blue tsunami" started in San Diego County at the southern tip of the state and flowed up the Pacific coastal counties through Mendocino. The only county with a major population that remained loyal to the Republicans was Orange County, the former center of right wing politics in the Golden State, and that was by a mere 2.6% McCain margin.

Yet, the 4th Congressional District is still counting votes with a too-close-to-call election. John T. Doolittle (R) retired this year after holding the seat since 1992. Democrat Charlie Brown took a second run for the seat, having lost to Doolittle in 2006 by just 3 points. In 2008, Brown received nationwide support from high profile veterans and veteran's groups and was well funded from a variety of sources.

California's Prop 8

Armen — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:12:05 EST

I know that this isn't something that would even come up for a vote in Ohio (pretty sad I know) for a long time but it is something that we need to address as a country. The rights of homosexuals must be protected equally as those of other discriminated groups. It is not fair for them to suffer persecution because of their lifestyle. I know that some may think that I am preaching to the choir when I speak to democrats about this, but the truth is of the matter is that many in our party do not share these beliefs. Many think that gays will infect and destroy the moral structure of our society and families. This is just simply not true. I am sure the same thing was thought when interracial couples started marrying or divorces would happen. The lifestyle is just different, their morals are still intact. I kind of think about it like the crying wolf during WWII. We thought that all Japanese were spies and locked them up. And after the war was over it was discovered that not a single one was a spy. Now we think that all homosexuals are here to destroy our families and we are locking them out of their rights. And soon when they have their rights back we will know that they have only made the fabric of this nation stronger, not weaker.

California: Vote NO on Proposition 8

Mark C. Eades — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 01:19:59 EDT

Proposition 8 is a California Nov. 4 ballot measure aimed at changing the California Constitution so as to eliminate the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry in California, and to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that previous statutes limiting marriage to heterosexual couples violated the equal protection clause of the California Constitution, and held that individuals of the same sex have the right to marry under the California Constitution. As of this date, consequently, the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry in California is constitutionally protected. Proposition 8 would effectively overturn the California Supreme Court's decision, writing discrimination into the California Constitution.

Prominent Californians including Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger, congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, mayors Gavin Newsom of San Francisco, Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, and Jerry Sanders of San Diego, and California Superintendent of Schools Jack O'Connell, have all expressed opposition to Proposition 8. Proposition 8 is opposed also by every major newspaper in California, including the the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, San Diego Union-Tribune, Orange County Register, Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News, Contra Costa Times, Redding Record-Searchlight, Riverside Press-Enterprise, Napa Valley Register, Palm Springs Desert Sun, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, and Fresno Bee. Barack Obama has called Prop 8 "divisive and discriminatory."

California voters should visit the No On Prop 8 website, contribute if possible, spread the word, and vote NO on Proposition 8.

Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com

California Republican arrested in voter fraud case

Mike W, Tulsa+ — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:42:01 EDT

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.

---

complete copyrighted story at link above

What Patriotism Really Looks Like

Andrew Davey — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:36:26 EDT

(Proudly cross-posted at Clintonistas for Obama)

Is it just me, or is there something truly special about the Fourth of July holiday? I know, I know, it should be special to all of us because it's when we celebrate what our nation is about. I guess I'm just blessed that I'm able to see and experience this holiday in a special way.

It's fast becoming a tradition for me to march with my local Democratic Party in the world-famous Huntington Beach Fourth of July Parade. And when I march with my fellow Democrats in the parade, I notice something amazing. I also noticed this afterwards, when I was working with local Barack Obama volunteers on voter registration.

You know what it is? I'll tell you after the flip...

Electoral Science, just something I find Interesting

spencer — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:10:25 EDT

I've been looking at a bunch of Data for the election and I have found something interesting. It is my theory that Obama should be the rightful winner of Indiana and California. In California Obama won at the polls but due to early voting (when Clinton was way ahead) he lost the state. In Indiana Republicans causing mischief caused Obama to Loose. the GOP was 10% of the Voting Population and Clinton won 54-46. Had it not been for them causing mischief not only would the % of GOP in the Voting Pop be smaller, but Obama would have carried it. thus Clinton's 14,000 Vote Margin would have been about a 30,000 Vote Margin For Obama had the GOP not interfered. I Find this Interesting but pointless by now.

More Public Transit Please!

Armen — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:58:09 EDT

Why is it that the rest of the world is able to understand the amazing public service that government run transit represents! As gas prices rise it is the only thing that is going to keep people connected and this nation running smoothly. I know that I have already invested some time into learning more bus and train routes and I am sure I am not the only one. That's why it pisses me off so much when I hear California wants to slash funding for public transit to pay for all the budget gaps.

Help Protect California's Deserts & Mountains

Mozart Club — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:41:38 EDT

Please support the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act (H.R. 3682):

To designate certain Federal lands in Riverside County, California, as wilderness, to designate certain river segments in Riverside County as a wild, scenic, or recreational river, to adjust the boundary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and for other purposes.

Read more about the bill and its status at:
www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h3682/show

You can write your representative at:
Write Your Representative.

Or, you can use the Friends Of The River website to send your message to the Congress.

JUNE 6 REMEMBERANCE

Democrat in West Bloomfield, MI — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:02:45 EDT

America’s Vote And The Constitution 2008 All men are endowed with unalienable rights…….. The most important document in US history will one day be totally fore-filled as predicted by prophecy. The Constitution says all citizens have the right to the pursuit of liberty etc. America politically is starving for change, we must be careful what we write on documents and what we wish for because, we will get what we asked for. God said, my words will not return to me void. Past and present history reminds us of the importance of our vote. History should never be forgotten or over-looked. We remember June 6 and the contribution of the warrior lion Robert Kennedy and pray for the strength and recovery of the ailing present warrior lion Ted Kennedy. Changing the rules is not an option once agreed upon for seating delegate parties, especially when fair play did not result in the expected primary results. The world is watching as well as the middle east. Do we truly pratice what we preach, democracy for all? I pray for unity of the party and our country. Copyrights 2008 Ruth Huff-Carson http://forum.wgbh.org/wgbh/forum.php?lecture_id=1510 and video parts 1 thur 9 Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjY6F8KISLE&feature=related Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocVhP6cGyjA&feature=related Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7dKTQ-wZpk&feature=related Part 4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pNUR0BYpa4&feature=related Part 5 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUIgNN6VD5U&feature=related Part 6 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv1w6pnp0vk&feature=related Part 7 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmQ6Wo8Mn-0&feature=related Part 8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWziEj1q-Vc Part 9 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDuiBhqkuDI

You're invited to attend the Madera County DCC Luncheon Fundraiser on May 24th

Susan Rowe — Tue, 20 May 2008 11:03:07 EDT

Madera County Democratic Central Committee
Annual Luncheon Fundraiser

Our Special Guest Speaker

Dean Florez
California State Senator

Please join us for a mid-day luncheon

"Making California A Better Place!"

Saturday, May 24, 2008
12:30-2:30 PM

~Madera Clubhouse Restaurant~
Located on the beautiful
Madera Municipal Golf Course
23200 Road 17
Madera, CA 93638

No-Host Cocktails & Non-Alcoholic Beverages Available

Northern California City Declares Bankruptcy

Democrat in Oakley, CA — Sat, 17 May 2008 19:33:22 EDT

A sign of the times.

http://www.informativepost.com/2008/05/17/Northern-California-City-Declares-Bankruptcy-725.htm

Thursday, May 15 is D-day for Jefferson County, AL

Jim Callahan — Wed, 14 May 2008 10:48:51 EDT

Will Jefferson County Alabama default?
If so, it would be larger than the Orange County, California default. In a telephone conference call, SCA owner of XLCA said:

The current forebearance period ends [tomorrow, Thursday] May 15 and we are discussing with the banks extending this forebearance period.

In Context:

Let me now turn to an update on our exposure to Jefferson County, Alabama. We have insured $809 million, net of reinsurance, of sewer revenue debt issued by Jefferson County. I gave a brief update on our Jefferson County exposure last earnings call. The county’s problem came to our attention in February due to failed auctions on its auction-rate securities and remarketing funds at variable rate demand obligations as a result of insured downgrade and the county’s failure to raise sewer rates to meet its rate covenant.

XLCA insured $740 million of bank bonds, which are payable in quarterly installments, or roughly $50 million with interest each quarter. We have not made any payments on the bank bonds, as the banks have foreborn on payment while Jefferson County’s creditors try to work on a resolution with the county. The current forebearance period ends May 15 and we are discussing with the banks extending this forebearance period. If the banks do not extend we could owe a $47 million payment on June 1, followed by a slightly larger payment due July 1.

We have the liquidity to make these payments but any payment made by the insurers will be a payment default by the county, which the county would like to avoid. The banks, county, and insurers have all put forward debt-refinancing plans so we are encouraged that all parties are working together.

http://seekingalpha.com/article/76628-security-capital-assurance-ltd-q1-2008-earnings-call-transcript?source=homepage_transcripts_sidebar&page=7

Jim Callahan
Orlando, FL

BIG solar plans in California (world's largest 250 MW!!! )

Jim Callahan — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:02:17 EDT

The New York Times reported yesterday that Southern California Edison, "an electric company plans to install a huge patchwork of solar cells, 10 times bigger than any previous installation."

The solar panels, covering more than two square miles of rooftops, will be able to produce 250 megawatts of electricity when the sun is shining * * * The largest solar installation in the country is 14 megawatts at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The largest in the world, in Spain, is 23 megawattsw. Of the top 10 worldwide, all are in Spain or Germany, except for Nellis.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/business/27solar.html?scp=1&sq=California+Utility+to+install&st=nyt

ECO-Republicans are emerging locally despite the petrocrats (Bush, Cheney & McCain) at the top.

Jim Callahan
Orlando, FL

Technology For Democracy : New Group

Voice-O-Reason — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:22:41 EST

Folks,
Please note the forming of a new group:

Technology For Democracy

"The mission of this group is to be a forum for discussion, making connections, generating ideas, and taking collaborative action to drive democracy promoting technology tools. Together, we will think of creative ways to improve public awareness and opinion about how to use technology, including using the Internet effectively, to go from ideas, to action, to concrete achievements in the support of democrat goals and initiatives, for the public and organizations."

Please note this is a campaign INDEPENDENT group, an does not have the promotion of any particular candidate(s) in its mission.

Meet and Greet

Jason Lee Jones — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:11:59 EST

Help elect the outsider! Jason Lee Jones for Congress!

http://www.jones08.com
http://www.actblue.com/page/jasonleejones

Jason Lee Jones for Congress will be hosting a Meet and Greet on Saturday, Feb 23 at 7:00 PM.

This will be an opportunity to meet Jason, pepper him with questions and pour salt on the subsequent wounds. Campaign materials we be available for you. There will also be a buffet provided during the event.

We ask that you please bring your friends and neighbors.

Donations are encouraged! The only way we can survive and compete is by having the finances necessary to run a credible campaign - it is people like you who can make it happen!

Julie's Supper Club
1123 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 864-1222

From Your Friends at Jason Lee Jones for Congress
1(415) 244-8327
info@jones08.com

clinton takes california!

annie b (mcliberal) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:39:44 EST

oh, sorry, oprah!!! thanks for the rally, though.

http://www.sfgate.com/flat/archive/2008/02/05/chronicle/archive/2008/02/05/MNVKUSEM3.html?tsp=1

the california factor

annie b (mcliberal) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:35:19 EST

how california's vote could impact clinton and obama. from today's ny times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/05/opinion/05tue3.html?th&emc=th

OBAMA NOW LEADS CALIFORNIA AND MISSOURI

Liz — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 07:00:56 EST

Feb 4 updated polls

OBAMA LEADS IN THREE STATES WITH HUGE DELEGATE COUNTS: California, Missouri and Georgia (Georgia has more than Florida even) and he is tied in New Jersey

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama opened narrow leads on Hillary Clinton in California and Missouri one day before crucial "Super Tuesday" nominating contests in 24 states, according to a Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll released on Monday.

In California, Obama gained two points on Clinton overnight to lead 46 percent to 40 percent, with a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points. Obama wiped out a 1-point Clinton advantage in Missouri to take a 47 percent to 42 percent lead, with a margin of error of 3.4 percentage points.

The two rivals were deadlocked at 43 percent in New Jersey, with 10 percent still undecided. Obama had a 17-point edge in Georgia, aided by a more than 3-to-1 edge among black voters.

Edwards Stays Focused on Issues as "Coast to Coast" Tour Begins

RDillon — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:07:27 EST

The plain and simple truth of the matter is that all throughout this primary John Edwards has been focused on the issues that matter to the American people. All throughout this primary, he has led on the issues with Progressive vision and has brought our other candidates back from the Never Never-land of centrism. Because of this, he has picked up much support from across the country as Democrats realize that they finally have a champion that will fight for their ideals without watering them down.

Edwards Shows Unpredicted Strength in Nevada

RDillon — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:59:11 EST

So, what about the thought that this is a two-way race, and that Edwards has no chance in NV and SC? What about this that Edwards cannot compete in the Feb. 5 states? Well, in this very unpredictable primary, where one hundred million dollar celebrity candidate has gotten her inevitablility crushed in Iowa, and yet another hundred million dollar celebrity candidate got his inevitability crushed in New Hampshire, Nostradamuses everywhere better watch their predictions according to a new poll out of Nevada.