Tag Archives: Republican

mashup Monday &some News


just another rant …

A Gallup Poll done in April reported that if a vote were taken from We the People for the current members of Congress it would result in 32% voting for Democrats and 31% Republicans. If this is true, folks we definitely need to prepare for Election 2012. I gotta say given the number of folks who stayed home or voted right of center for the Midterms, it is important that those living in states engaging in voter suppression get the ID that will enable you to make your voice count. We all know there is so much more work to do, so much at stake and to be honest the thought of living under a Republican ruler makes me sick. I voted for and know that President Obama is the right one for the position of commander in chief and while my support continues beyond 2012. I do not always agree with what President Obama does and I still have questions about NAFTA, the Public Option and some other things that remain a mystery. I do know that the Democratic members of Congress have  either not wanted or are not able to go big or bold enough to move us into the 21st Century but given a choice for 2012 and fact is there is no option; we have to get Democrats back in control. The process of changing the way things get done on the Hill, policy and or making laws are not easy or pleasant but it should not be the reason for changing your attitude or your vote because of it.

Two years ago the HCR Bill, HR3962/HR3590 considered an impossible dream is surrounded by a lot of misinformation as well as being just one of several pieces of legislation that President Obama has presented, urged, and finally passed after much push back from the Republican Tea Party and some Conservadems. I wonder, do people remember the contentious dividing issues like that 15 Dems said they would oppose the HCR bill, that Senator Ben Nelson’s amendment to add abortion language like the stupak-pitts amendment, which, would probably block public or federal funds to women.  Thus blocking women the right to buy and or pay for their own insurance that may cover abortions and it may also penalize companies that include it in their HC plans; luckily, Congress tabled it. We also know that Lieberman wanted a Medicare buy in and HCR before he didn’t; and ended up showing how Politicians can easily put aside the rights of their constituents and fellow Americans by voting no, or that in the end the House passed HCR with the issue and problem being in the Senate

It is obvious the new HCR bill will improve the lives of many rather than a select few or keep the status quo. The fact is our President has done more to improve out state here in the US and the journey has been tough and quite long but what President Obama did in his 1st term is historic and a moment that everyone cannot possibly forget, unless you have been living under a rock or listening to the naysayers. The Media continues to speculate or re-enforce the negative impact on voting yes for good faith legislation that no doubt would be good but impacts all Americans; mocking President Obama’s so-called improbable agenda that includes climate change, immigration overhaul as well as stating that Democrats keep wavering on a votes.

This is a moment that the Democratic Party should be willing to create change that has been needed for quite some time and as the President has stated many times …if not now when -because we may never get this chance for a long time if ever.

CSPAN …

 

Congress Has Full Week of Hearings Ahead

 

Joint Chiefs nominee, tax code among the topics

 

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Greek Minister Speaks on Financial Crisis

 

Comes to Washington to meet with head of the IMF

 

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Speaker Boehner Calls GOP Members Back to Washington

 

No deal with President Obama possible.

 

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Other News …

 

Amy Winehouse Died in Bed with No Sign of Drugs Nearby

 

Somalia: U.N. Hosts Emergency Meeting

 
Sources: NFL, players reach deal to end lockout

 

 

Amanda Knox Appeal: No DNA Evidence Found on Murder Weapon

 

 

 

Split Personality Disorder

 

 

 

 

Congress: the Republican led House -the Senate


The Senate Convenes at 2:00pmET July 25, 2011

  •  Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in morning business until 4:30pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
  • At 3:40pm, the Senate will observe a moment of silence in memory of Officer Jacob J. Chesnut and Detective John M. Gibson of the United States Capitol Police who were killed 13 years ago defending this Capitol against an armed intruder.
  • Following morning business, the Senate will proceed to Executive Sessionto consider the following nominations, en bloc:
  • With one hour for debate equally divided in the usual form.
  • Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #83. Calendar #84 is expected to be confirmed by voice vote

At 4:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations en bloc:

– Calendar #83 Paul A. Engelmayer, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York and

– Calendar #84 Ramona Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be District Judge for the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years.

With one hour for debate equally divided in the usual form.

Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #83. Calendar #84 is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.

Senator Reid also announced additional roll call votes are possible during today’s session

By unanimous consent, the previous order with respect to the roll call vote scheduled for 5:30pm today has been vitiated and re-scheduled until 12:15pm on Tuesday.

At 12:15pm on Tuesday, July 26th, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations en bloc:

– Calendar #83 Paul A. Engelmayer, of New York, to be US District Judge for the Southern District of New York and

– Calendar #84 Ramona Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be District Judge for the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years.

With 2 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled in the usual form.

Therefore at approximately 12:17pm on Tuesday, the Senate will conduct a roll call vote on confirmation of Calendar #83. Calendar #84 is expected to be confirmed by voice vote.

  • ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JULY 25, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION
 

7:28 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

H.R. 1383:
to temporarily preserve higher rates for tuition and fees for programs of education at non-public institutions of higher learning pursued by individuals enrolled in the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs before the enactment of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, and for other purposes 

7:25 P.M. – At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

7:17 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on the motion to supend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1383.Mr. Miller (FL) moved that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment.

S. 1103:
to extend the term of the incumbent Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation 

7:16 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

7:06 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1103.Considered under suspension of the rules.

7:05 P.M. – Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

7:04 P.M. – The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

7:03 P.M. – Mr. Webster filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 370.

H.R. 2584:
making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

7:02 P.M. – Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union rises leaving H.R. 2584as unfinished business.On motion to rise Agreed to by voice vote.

Mr. Simpson moved to rise.

On agreeing to the Hochul amendment Failed by recorded vote: 141 – 271 (Roll no. 636).

6:55 P.M. – On agreeing to the Richmond amendment Agreed to by recorded vote: 221 – 192 (Roll no. 635).

6:49 P.M. – On agreeing to the Cleaver amendment Failed by recorded vote: 165 – 248 (Roll no. 634).

6:43 P.M. – On agreeing to the Huelskamp amendment Failed by recorded vote: 126 – 284 (Roll no. 633).

6:36 P.M. – On agreeing to the Moran amendment Failed by recorded vote: 175 – 237 (Roll no. 632).

6:10 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

6:09 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hochul amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Ms. Hochul demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

6:05 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Hochul amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Ms. Hochul.

An amendment to reduce the amount in the Bureau of Land Management account available for the processing of applications for drilling permits by $4,452,000.

6:04 P.M. – On agreeing to the Richmond amendment Failed by voice vote.

5:59 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Richmond amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Richmond.

An amendment to reduce the Management of Lands and Resources account by $10,617,000 and increase the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund account by the same amount.

5:58 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Richmond amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Richmond demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

5:53 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Richmond amendment under the five-minute rule.Amendment offered by Mr. Richmond.

An amendment to reduce the Management of Lands and Resources account by $6,000,000 and increase the Regulation and Enforcement, Ocean Energy Managment account by $5,000,000.

3:46 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Cleaver amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Moran demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:39 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Cleaver amendment under the five-minute rule.

3:38 P.M. – MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House in the Committee of the Whole observed a moment of silence in memory of Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Detective John M. Gibson of the United States Capitol Police.

3:37 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Cleaver.

An amendment to reduce the Management of Lands and Resources account by $3,000,000 and increase the Environmental Programs and Management account by $3,000,000.

3:36 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Huelskamp amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Huelskamp demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:19 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Huelskamp amendment under the five-minute rule.

3:18 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Huelskamp.

An amendment to reduce the various accounts by $3,000,231,000 and applies the savings to the spending reduction account.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Moran amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Simpson demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:08 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 363, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with debate on the Moran amendment under the five-minute rule.

3:06 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Moran.

An amendment to reduce the funds in the Management of Lands and Resources account by $18,663,000 and increase the Indian Health Facilities account by $18,663,000.

2:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Simpson amendment Agreed to by voice vote.Amendments en bloc offered by Mr. Simpson.

An amendment to make technical and conforming changes to the bill.

2:12 P.M. – Subsequently, the Committee resumed it’s sitting.

2:11 P.M. – The Committee of the Whole rose informally to receive a message from the President.

1:48 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2584.The Speaker designated the Honorable John Campbell to act as Chairman of the Committee.

House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 363and Rule XVIII.

1:47 P.M. – Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2584with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is open to amendments. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived. The Chair of the Committee of the Whole may accord priority in recognition on the basis of whether the Member offering an amendment has caused it to be printed in the portion of the Congressional Record designated for that purpose in clause 8 of rule XVIII.Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 363.

1:46 P.M. – On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 233 – 108, 2 Present (Roll no. 631).

H.R. 1309:
to extend the authorization of the national flood insurance program, to achieve reforms to improve the financial integrity and stability of the program, and to increase the role of private markets in the management of flood insurance risk, and for other purposes 

1:36 P.M. – House requested return of papers pursuant to H.Res. 368

H. Res. 363:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2584) making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 205 – 131 (Roll no. 630).

1:05 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.

1:04 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of H. Res. 363and on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal, both of which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 368:
requesting return of official papers on H.R. 1309 

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

Considered as privileged matter.

H. Res. 363:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2584) making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes 

1:03 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on H. Res. 363, the Chair put the question on adoption of the resolution and by voice vote announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Bishop (UT) demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption until later in the legislative day.

1:02 P.M. – The previous question was ordered without objection.

12:18 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 363.Considered as privileged matter.

12:16 P.M. – The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on July 22, 2011 at 3:28 p.m.: That the Senate passed S. Res. 234 and S. 300.

12:03 P.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Clay to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:02 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Poe (TX) demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Poe (TX) demanded the yeas and nays and the Speaker announced that further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal would be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:01 P.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.

12:00 P.M. – The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 25.

10:07 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:01 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.The Speaker designated the Honorable John Campbell to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:00 A.M. – The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

TGIF &some News


 just another rant

This morning, if you haven’t already been swayed against President Obama had a great town hall and though folks in my own Political Party seem to be bashing him and or questioning what side of the aisle he really is on. I gotta say how much it made me proud to have voted for him, understand that he has been visiting state after state even before the Midterms telling folks do not give the gives to Republicans and push the need for jobs and while people made choices that hurt us. At the end of the day,  we all know that people did not listen or trust President Obama enough to get out the vote for the Midterm elections. It is my contention that Democratic members of  Congress needed to do their jobs first then focus on their on re-elections. I guess we all should remind them that their action directly impacts our votes.  I want Congress to create and pass a Jobs Bill as only they can.

Yet, as Major changes are happening and though progressives do not seem too excited about today … I am very excited over what has been the sum total of accomplishments by President Obama.

However, if you listen to the Right … they are fraught with fear

McConnell, Cantor, Boehner, Limbaugh other Conservatives , Conservadems and some Progressives continue to attack Obama for any move toward collaboration with other countries, compromising and seem to be  twisting his words and their meaning, practicing fear mongering, discrimination and otherwise being obstacles of change.  What we need is a way forward to 21st Century living and an implementation of the changes “We the People” (53%) put President Obama into office for but have been stalled, blocked and scaled down by Republicans. Now, our Democracy is being cut slashed and burn now that we have a group of Tea Party Freshman who not only seem heartless but inept and too childish too be considered public servants … come on, do they even remember the oath they took? or did they skip out too like the other Republican Senators.

I feel like what was the past has to be accepted, exorcised and released for room to provide change we can believe in and given the group that calls themselves Republicans, they are not the patriotic souls who disagree but know when the good of the many definitely outweighs the good of only one or a select few. This group of unruly, undisciplined and politically uneducated have been the villains of all who want compromise, fair share and an America that is looked at with greatness again. In a year of much progress even without Republicans and some conservadems the fact is the Democratic Congress needs to do more to get legislation passed for the people. It is important people know, understand, and believe that President Obama cannot produce jobs alone. It is the job of Congress to create, and pass legislation … JOBs JOBs Jobs but that ain’t happening.  I gotta say given what we have all seen over the last 24months our President has no chance to please progressives but maybe people who might be less likely to engage in preemptive strikes will hold President Obama’s  feet to the fire but remain calm and support him.

I have this saying …” It is the Republicans Stupid” and those who are not aware of what the Republican Tea Party is doing to our Democracy will only make all our lives even worse. It is a moment in time when we must unite as Americans to fight back the crap that is being thrown at us by Republicans in Congress and Governors with a clear mission of taking us back to the Jim Crow days.

“Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed Citizens can change the World. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”   -Margaret Mead

Other News …

Oslo explosion kills at least 2

Obama vows “hard choices” on debt as Democrats fume

State blames NY coaster operator for vet’s death

West Point cadet dies during training exercise

New Numbers in Republican Race

General Electric turns $3.7B quarterly profit

CSPAN

Panetta Formally Sworn-In at Pentagon

Meets with President Obama today on “Don’t ask, don’t tell”

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Senate Rejects “Cut, Cap and Balance” Act

Path forward to raise the debt ceiling uncertain

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Middle East

Aftermath of Political Uprising in Egypt

Discussions held on threats to religious minorities

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Public opinion favors compromise on deficit deal | Reuters

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Issa’s witch hunt flops – demand accountabi​lity …Ben Betz, People For the American Way


House Government Reform and Oversight Committee Chairman Darrel Issa has led one partisan witch hunt after another since his party became the majority and he became committee chair. But his latest grasping-at-straws attempt to shame Democrats has blown up in his face.

Rep. Issa accused Democratic appointees on the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) — the independent commission established in 2009 to investigate the causes of the financial crisis — of financial mismanagement, disclosing confidential information, conflicts of interest and unethically pursuing a partisan agenda. But the documents produced in this investigation not only failed to substantiate these claims, they actually demonstrated improprieties by some of the Republicans on the Commission.

Now, Chairman Issa wants to brush it all under the rug and look the other way. We can’t let him!

Join PFAW‘s petition to the Government Reform and Oversight Committee now demanding that they investigate improprieties by Republican members of the FCIC.

Outrageously, upon canceling a committee hearing on the FCIC accusations, an Issa staffer was quoted as saying, “they had found some documents at the last minute that didn’t fit the narrative.” A report by committee Democrats, based on 400,000 internal FCIC emails, memos and other documents, shows that those documents didn’t just “not fit” Issa’s narrative, they outright refuted them!

Issa’s allegations of financial mismanagement, inappropriate disclosure and partisan conflicts of interest on the part of Democratic commissioners all turned out to be bogus — frivolous charges not based on evidence of any impropriety. HOWEVER, the same could not be said of Republican members of the Commission.

There is evidence that Republican FCIC Commissioners Peter Wallison and Bill Thomas violated ethics guidelines and shared confidential information about the commission’s work with political insiders and Republican consultants. And contrary to the FCIC’s mission, Republican Commissioner Wallison repeatedly urged his GOP colleagues on the FCIC to use their positions on the Commission to help Republicans in their efforts to repeal the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill.

Don’t let Chairman Darrel Issa get away with this blatant hypocrisy. His witch hunt failed, but now he, and his committee, MUST investigate evidence of improprieties and conflicts of interest by Republicans on the FCIC.

Thanks for standing up for justice and accountability — the American Way.

— Ben Betz, Online Strategy Manager

P.S. It’s hardly a surprise that partisan and corporate conflicts of interest have been found among Republican FCIC members — these are the same people who insisted on issuing a minority report of the Commission’s findings that whitewashed the findings of phrases like “Wall Street” and “deregulation” in an attempt to rewrite the history of the financial meltdown. But Chairman Issa decided to open this can of worms with his own ideologically driven attacks on the Commission’s Democratic members. Now, it’s his responsibility to do the right thing and hold the real culprits accountable.

New Wisconsin TV Ad …Charles Chamberlain, Democracy for America


Which would you vote for — tax breaks for millionaires or essential funding for schools?

 Luther Olsen voted for the millionaires and now he’s one of six Wisconsin Republicans being recalled for his attacks on working families.

 We just finished a new TV ad showing how Olsen’s votes to cut school funding and support tax breaks for the rich has devastated communities across Wisconsin. Take a look and please contribute $10 to keep it on the air.

Last night, the first recall election was a big win for progressives. Republicans tried recalling Democratic State Senator Dave Hansen for standing up to their radical right-wing agenda — and he crushed their Tea Party candidate by a two-to-one margin.

 That’s a win for the defense, but we need to recall at least three Republicans next month to take back the State Senate and end the right-wing war on working families. Here’s what we’re doing to win:

 Right now, DFA Wisconsin Field Director Nick Passanante is on the ground leading our largest field program ever. So far, we’ve knocked on 20,262 doors in Republican State Senate Districts 8, 10 and 32.

 Thousands of DFA and PCCC volunteers nationwide have teamed up to make over 70,000 calls to Wisconsin voters as part of our Call Out The Vote program.

 Now, we’re expanding our campaign into District 14 with our first television ad.

 Our TV ads earlier this year got massive media attention for featuring real Wisconsinites. We don’t make cookie-cutter ads — we feature real people hurt by Scott Walker and his right-wing Republican war on working families.

Please contribute $10 now to keep our new TV ad on the air.   http://act.democracyforamerica.com/go/935?akid=1100.1480546.d-DVKr&t=3

 We’re not taking anything for granted. We’re going to keep hitting Republicans for their attacks on middle class Wisconsin families — on the air, on the ground and on the phone — until we win.

 Thank you for everything you do.

 -Charles

 Charles Chamberlain, Political Director
 Democracy for America