Friday, February 29, 2008

G-d hates Kentucky Basketball

Jerry Tipton reports that Patrick Patterson is out for the season. Please let this be an early April Fool's joke!
UK spokesman Scott Stricklin just called to say Patrick Patterson is out for the season.

The star freshman has sustained a stress fracture in his left ankle. X-rays on Friday revealed the break. Patterson will need about eight weeks to recover, Stricklin said.

Patterson and UK Coach Billy Gillispie will be at a news conference later Friday afternoon to discuss the injury and its effect on Kentucky’s season.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Juno: Anyone Else But You



And while I am at it, here's a plug for the Juno DVD!
SINGLE DISC DVD


TWO DISC SPECIAL EDITION DVD


BLU RAY

Veteran ballplayer Shawn Green retires...

It's a sad day for baseball, especially for its Jewish fans. Veteran ballplayer Shawn Green has decided to put down his bat and glove, and move on into greener pastures.
Shawn Green anticipated that it would happen. Now it's a done deal.

The right fielder, who played with the New York Mets for the last year and a half and spent parts of 15 seasons in the majors, told The Post yesterday that he has retired.

"I had planned on retiring at the end of this contract," the 35-year-old Green said yesterday in a phone conversation. "If something where I could live at home popped up, then I would have had to take that under consideration. But I still don't know what I would have done."

That decision never really had to be made. The affable Green, a former member of the 30-30 club who once smashed four homers in one game, wrapped up his tenure with the Mets last season. He said yesterday that a bunch of teams then showed interest in him, but he indicated that he simply wasn't willing to be that far from his California home.

"There was some real solid interest from maybe six or seven teams," he said. "A lot of teams were pretty far across the country."

Green, who is building his dream house in Irvine with his family, added, "I wanted to stay here with my family. Not travel around the country anymore. I enjoyed playing a lot. I enjoyed New York. But for me, it was time to be home."

So far, it's unquestionably been the right call.

"I feel great," he said. "I have no regrets obviously up to this point. I'm enjoying my family and being home."

Green, a two-time All-Star and one-time Gold Glove winner, played with the Blue Jays, Dodgers and Diamondbacks before finishing up his career with the Mets. He was an undervalued part of last year's team, hitting .291 (albeit with only 10 homers and 46 RBIs), and for what it's worth, he played well down the stretch, hitting .407 in 59 September at-bats.

Green's best year probably came in 2001 with the Dodgers when he batted .297, ripped 49 homers and drove in 125 runs.
The lefthanded hitter made his debut on September 28, 1993 with the Toronto Blue Jays. Green finishes his car with 328 home runs, 1,070 RBI, 2,003 career hits and a career batting average of .283 There was no doubt that his best years were during the 1998-2002 seasons.

This is an amusing story. During a game in 1999, Al Clark was umpiring, Jesse Levis was behind the plate, and Shawn Green was stepping into the batter's box. All three being Jews, Green says "Hello, yids" causing everyone to laugh and then they proceeded to wish everyone a happy new year as Rosh HaShanah was going to be observed soon. Here's the story from the Slate.
Shawn Green tells the story like this: He's digging in at the plate against the Cleveland Indians. He looks back and notices Jesse Levis catching. Calling balls and strikes is Al Clark. "Hi, Yids," Green says. The men laugh. It's a few days before Rosh Hashana and the three around the plate—star outfielder, opposing catcher, and longtime ump, all Jewish—wish each other a happy new year.

Because I want Kentucky to stop losing revenue...

Statement by Governor Beshear on Proposed Expanded Gaming Amendment
“I am encouraged by the quick response to my call for action to move a version of this amendment along. I am aware of the concerns that Kentucky’s signature industry - the horse industry - has about this version of the amendment, and I plan to continue meeting with House leadership to find a way to address those concerns.”

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Schmuck of the Week: Virginia Delegate Chris Jones (R-Suffolk)

Virginia Delegate Chris Jones has earned this week's title of schmuck of the week for introducing the troubling House Bill 1126 to Virginia's General Assembly. The full text of this bill follows and that is why Chris Jones is the schmuck of the week.

While felonizing women for having an abortion is questionable, felonizing those that just simply had a miscarriage is downright crazy!
HOUSE BILL NO. 1126
House Amendments in [ ] – February 11, 2008
A BILL to amend and reenact § 18.2-71 of the Code of Virginia, relating to producing abortion or miscarriage; penalty.
----------
Patron Prior to Engrossment--Delegate Jones, S.C.
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Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 18.2-71 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 18.2-71. Producing abortion or miscarriage, etc.; penalty.

Except as provided in other sections of this article, if any person, including the pregnant female, who administers administer to, or cause causes to be taken by a woman pregnant female, any drug or other thing, or use uses means, with intent to destroy her unborn child, or to produce abortion or miscarriage, and thereby destroy destroys such child, or produce produces such abortion or miscarriage, he shall be is guilty of a Class 4 felony. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any medically approved contraceptive whether used before or after sexual intercourse [ or any medication legally prescribed by a physician ] [ specifically to induce or cause an abortion ].

2. That the provisions of this act may result in a net increase in periods of imprisonment or commitment. Pursuant to § 30-19.1:4, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation cannot be determined for periods of imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities and cannot be determined for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
--------
This is sad. This bill actually passed the Virginia State House.
YEAS--Abbitt, Albo, Armstrong, Athey, Barlow, Bell, Bowling, Bulova, Byron, Carrico, Cline, Cole, Cosgrove, Cox, Crockett-Stark, Dance, Fralin, Frederick, Gear, Gilbert, Griffith, Hamilton, Hargrove, Hogan, Howell, A.T., Hugo, Iaquinto, Ingram, Janis, Johnson, Jones, S.C., Kilgore, Landes, Lewis, Lingamfelter, Lohr, Loupassi, Marshall, D.W., Marshall, R.G., Massie, Mathieson, May, Merricks, Miller, J.H., Miller, P.J., Morgan, Morrissey, Nixon, Nutter, O'Bannon, Oder, Orrock, Peace, Phillips, Pogge, Poindexter, Purkey, Putney, Rust, Saxman, Scott, E.T., Sherwood, Suit, Tata, Valentine, Ware, R.L., Wright, Mr. Speaker--68.

NAYS--Alexander, Amundson, BaCote, Bouchard, Brink, Caputo, Ebbin, Eisenberg, Englin, Hall, Hull, Joannou, Jones, D.C., Marsden, McClellan, Melvin, Moran, Nichols, Plum, Poisson, Scott, J.M., Shannon, Shuler, Sickles, Spruill, Toscano, Tyler, Vanderhye, Ward, Ware, O., Watts--31.

ABSTENTIONS--0.

NOT VOTING--0.

William F. Buckley, Jr. dead at 82

Yahoo News reports that William F. Buckley, Jr. has died at the age of 82.
His assistant Linda Bridges says Buckley died Wednesday morning at his home in Stamford, Conn. She says he had been ill with emphysema and was found dead by his cook.

Buckley became famous for his intellectual political writings in his magazine, the National Review, and his frequent television appearances, including on his own long-running "Firing Line."

Quote of the Day

"Maybe we should ask Barack if he's comfortable and needs another pillow?"
--Senator Hillary Clinton, MSNBC Democratic Presidential Primary Debate, February 26, 2007

Sen. Clinton was referencing the Saturday Night Live sketch in which they spoofed Obama's popularity by the press.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Urgent! Backbone found in Frankfort!!!

The following statement was released by the governor's office today:

“The entire leadership of the House of Representatives has on numerous occasions publicly and privately committed to me to work in a unified manner in passing a Constitutional Amendment allowing the issue of limited expanded gaming to be placed on the ballot.

Today’s actions, as well as inactions evidenced in the Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee, very clearly demonstrate that House leadership remains deeply divided.

House Leadership should remember that more than 80% of Kentucky voters want the right to express themselves on this amendment.

Such a disagreement also seriously threatens the people’s right to decide for themselves whether or not they favor capturing the hundreds of millions of new dollars now being lost to other states. These are dollars that could be available to us for education, health care and other vital services.

I publically call on them to get their act together quickly. Only with their unified support will this amendment stand a chance of passage.”

Monday, February 25, 2008

Congress asks Justice Department to investigate Clemens

ESPN:
Roger Clemens' appearance before Congress not only may have failed to clear his name, it might also have led to more trouble.

The New York Times reported on Monday that the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has drafted a letter recommending that the Justice Department launch a criminal investigation into whether Clemens committed perjury during his testimony on Feb. 13.

Citing three lawyers familiar with the matter, the newspaper said that Clemens' accuser, Brian McNamee, was not included in the letter, prompting speculation that the committee has concluded that the trainer's testimony was truthful.

McNamee alleges in the Mitchell report that he injected Clemens with performance-enhancing drugs on at least 16 occasions. In a deposition and during his testimony, Clemens denied ever using PEDs.

The Feb. 13 hearing was split along partisan lines, with Republicans blasting McNamee and Democrats questioning the veracity of Clemens. The tenor of the event led many to believe that the committee would recommend an investigation into both Clemens and McNamee. Although McNamee could be included in a final recommendation from the committee, the draft letter suggests the group's thinking at this time.

A letter from the committee is not binding in any way, and federal agents were present at the Feb. 13 hearing anyway.

"It simply puts informal public pressure on the Department of Justice to take a look at it and respond in some way to Congress' action," Todd D. Peterson, a law professor at the George Washington University School of Law who worked in the department's Office of Legal Counsel during the 1980's and 1990's, told the Times.

Jon Stewart's Oscar Monologue

Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. What an exciting night. These past 3 and a half months have been very tough. The town was torn apart by a bitter writer’s strike but I’m happy to say that the fight is over, so tonight welcome to the make-up sex. Of course there is still obviously some collateral damage left over from the strike. Emotionally. Economically. Perhaps worst of all the canceling of the legendary Vanity Fair Oscar party. They said they did it out of quote respect for the writers and oh, you know another way they could show respect for the writers? Maybe one day invite some of them to the Vanity Fair Oscar party. They would enjoy it. Don’t worry, they won’t mingle, don’t worry.

They actually say that having the Oscars helped to end the strike. That the idea that getting the town back to work and having an Oscars was one of the impetus to get things done. Which I think is wonderful. So if we could, before spending the next 4 to 5 hours giving each other golden statues, let’s take a moment to congratulate ourselves.

Tonight we look beyond the dark days to focus on happier fare, this year’s slate of Oscar nominated psychopathic killer movies. Does this town need a hug? What happened? No Country for Old Men, Sweeney Todd, There Will be Blood. All I can say is thank G-d for teen pregnancy. No, I think the country agrees, they needed that kind of lighthearted fare.

There were, if I may, amazing performances this year and I think everybody can agree on that. There really were. Daniel Day Lewis: remarkable. Cate Blanchett: twice. My friend Javier Bardem. Javier Bardem as Anton Chigurh. Remarkable. Your work in No Country for Old Men, combining brilliantly Hannibal Lector’s murderousness with Dorothy Hamill’s wedge cut. Julie Christie was absolutely amazing in Away From Her. Brilliant movie. It was the moving story of a woman who forgets her own husband. Hillary Clinton calls it the feel good movie of the year.

I was happy to see Atonement nominated this year for best picture quite frankly. Very happy. Atonement: finally a story that captured the passion and raw sexuality of Yom Kippur. I can see where the Jews are in the audience. There’s a great variety in the nominated films this year which I think is terrific. Even Norbit got a nomination, which I think is great. Too often the Academy ignores movies that aren’t good. Congratulations to Mr George Clooney for his fine film Michael Clayton. Sir, you’re a good man. The movie is a little over a 100 minutes long, but since it’s about lawyers you can just round that up to 2 hours. Big stars here: Johnny Depp. Harrison Ford. It’s unbelievable. Dennis Hopper is here for G-d’s sakes. That’s amazing. I only say that of course so Dennis knows where he is. You’re here. Don’t worry, I’m probably going to mention it every 15 minutes or so. It’s going to be alright, you’re with friends.

Tonight is not just about the actors, it’s also about directors, writers. Diablo Cody. What an amazing story. She wrote Juno, what a great movie. Diablo Cody used to be an exotic dancer and now she’s Oscar nominated screenwriters. I hope you’re enjoying the pay cut. I don’t know if you know this but if you want to find out our your stripper name at home all you have to do is take your pet’s name and the street you grew up on. So that makes my stripper name Olympia Dukakis. Hope I’m not stealing that from anyone.

Not all films did as well as Juno obviously. The films that were made about the Iraq war, let’s face it, did not do as well. But I’m telling you, if we stay the course and keep these movies in the theatres we can turn this around. I don’t care if it takes 100 years. Withdrawing the Iraq movies would only embolden the audience. We cannot let the audience win.

Oscar is 80 this year, which makes him now automatically the frontrunner for the Republican nomination. You have to admit, this is a huge election. An historic election. So much excitement. For the first time in so many years we don’t have an incumbent president or an incumbent vice-president. The field is wide open. Have you all had a chance to examine all the candidates, study their positions and pick the Democrat you’ll vote for? Democrats do have an historic race going. Hillary Clinton vs. Barack Obama. Normally, when you see a black man or a woman president an asteroid is about to hit the Statue of Liberty. How will we know it’s the future? Silver unitards, that can’t be all? You have to give Barack Obama credit, he’s overcome a great deal. Not just he’s an African-American. Barack Hussein Obama is his name. His middle name is the last name of Iraq’s former tyrant. His last name rhymes with Osama. That’s not easy to overcome. I think we all remember the ill fated 1944 presidential campaign of Gaydolf Titler. It’s just a shame, Titler had so many good ideas. We just couldn’t get past the name. And the moustache. But, are you ready to have a wonderful show ladies and gentlemen and welcome back to this town? I’m delighted that you’re here. We’re going to have a great night.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

2008 (80th Annual) Academy Award Winners

Sunday night's winners during the 2008 Academy Awards on ABC hosted by comedian Jon Stewart.

Achievement in costume design: "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" (Universal) Alexandra Byrne
Best animated feature film of the year:
"Ratatouille" (Walt Disney): Brad Bird
Achievement in makeup: "La Vie en Rose" (Picturehouse) Didier Lavergne and Jan Archibald
Achievement in visual effects: "The Golden Compass" (New Line in association with Ingenious Film Partners): Michael Fink, Bill Westenhofer, Ben Morris and Trevor Wood
Achievement in art direction: "Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (DreamWorks and Warner Bros., Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount): Art Direction: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo
Performance by an actor in a supporting role: Javier Bardem in "No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage)
Best live action short film: "Le Mozart des Pickpockets (The Mozart of Pickpockets)" (Premium Films) A Karé Production: Philippe Pollet-Villard
Best animated short film: "Peter & the Wolf" (BreakThru Films) A BreakThru Films/Se-ma-for Studios Production Suzie Templeton and Hugh Welchman
Performance by an actress in a supporting role: Tilda Swinton in "Michael Clayton" (Warner Bros.)
Adapted screenplay: "No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage), Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
Achievement in sound editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal): Karen Baker Landers and Per Hallberg
Achievement in sound mixing: "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal) Scott Millan, David Parker and Kirk Francis
Performance by an actress in a leading role: Marion Cotillard in "La Vie en Rose" (Picturehouse)
Achievement in film editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum" (Universal): Christopher Rouse
Honorary Oscar: Robert Boyle
Best foreign language film of the year: "The Counterfeiters" Austria
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song): "Falling Slowly" from "Once" (Fox Searchlight) Music and Lyric by Glen Hansard and: Marketa Irglova
Achievement in cinematography: "There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax): Robert Elswit
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score): "Atonement" (Focus Features) Dario Marianelli
Best documentary short subject: "Freeheld" A Lieutenant Films Production: Cynthia Wade and Vanessa Roth
Best documentary feature: "Taxi to the Dark Side" (THINKFilm) An X-Ray Production: Alex Gibney and Eva Orner
Original screenplay: "Juno" (Fox Searchlight), Written by Diablo Cody
Performance by an actor in a leading role: Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood" (Paramount Vantage and Miramax)
Achievement in directing: "No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage), Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Best motion picture of the year: "No Country for Old Men" (Miramax and Paramount Vantage) A Scott Rudin/Mike Zoss Production: Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers

A Message from Tina Fey from Saturday Night Live

This aired during Weekend Update last night on Saturday Night Live and the transcript follows.



Tina Fey: And finally, the most important women's news item there is.

We have our first serious female presidential candidate in Hillary Clinton, and yet, women have come so far as feminists that they don't feel obligated to vote for a candidate just because she's a woman. Women today feel perfectly free to make whatever choice Oprah tells them to.

Which raises the question: Why are people abandoning Hillary for Obama? Some say that they are put off by the fact that Hillary can't control her husband and that we would end up with co-presidents. 'Cuz that would be terrible, having two intelligent qualified people working together to solve problems. Ughh. Why would you let Starsky talk to Hutch? I wanna watch that show "Starsky."

You know, what is it, America? What is it? Are you weirded out that they're married? Because I can promise you they're having exactly as much sex with each other as George Bush and Jeb Bush are.

Then there is the scrutiny of her physical appearance. Rush Limbaugh, the Jeff Conaway of right wing radio, said that he doesn't think America is ready to watch their president, "Turn into an old lady in front of them." Really? They didn't seem to mind when Ronald Reagan did that.

I think what bothers me the most is when people say that Hillary is a bitch. Let me say something about that. Yeah, she is. And so am I. And so is this one [points to Amy Poehler].

Amy Poehler: Yeah, deal with it.

Tina F: You know what? Bitches get stuff done. That's why Catholic schools use nuns as teachers and not priests. Those nuns are mean old clams, and they sleep on cots and they're allowed to hit you. And at the end of the school year you hated those bitches, but you knew the capital of Vermont.

So, I'm saying it's not too late, Texas and Ohio. Get on board. Bitch is the new black!

Amy Poehler: Tina Fey, everyone!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Texas State Senator Kirk Watson stumped by Chris Matthews

This is the long version:



When asked about Sen. Obama's accomplishments, Kirk Watson had nothing.

An Israeli Commercial for YES HDTV

This is very hilarious and worth watching.



Here's what they are singing per the person that uploaded it on YouTube:

Be warned holy land
of the high definition
go out and erase this "toeivah" (sin)

Oy Vey, the "toeivah" is here
He said Oy Vey
now the detail's so clear
YES brought HD
Groise Tate (Father in heaven) please help
It's a "broch" this HD on YES

Gevalt it's Sedom and Gemorah
HDTV it's against the torah
HDTV oy voi voi voi
Now the shiksas look well
you will all go to hell
Or in Hebrew Yishmor HoKel (g-d save us)

Cause the HD is now on YES

Quote of the Day

"We know we're being fooled, but we kind of like it. I was listening to Obama's speech in my car and started to tear up. I can't get off of this ride. It's too good."
--Joel Stein, Los Angeles Times columnist while speaking to David Wright on ABC's Nightline about the cultlike movement of Obama followers, February 20, 2008

Presidential Forum in Cleveland

The Israel Project and the Cleveland Jewish News
Cordially Invite you to a
Presidential Candidates Forum


Sunday, March 2, 2008
3:30 – 5:00 pm
Beachwood High School Auditorium
25100 Fairmount Blvd.
Beachwood, OH
Find out answers to your questions about the candidates’ positions on:
Israel, the threat of Iran and other issues of concern to the Jewish community.

Senior-level representatives of the four leading candidates have been invited to participate:

The Honorable Adam Schiff, United States House of Representatives for Senator Barack Obama

The Honorable Debbie Wasserman Schultz, United States House of Representatives for Senator Hillary Clinton

Governor Mike Huckabee*
Senator John McCain*
(* not yet confirmed)

Moderator: CJN Editor Cynthia Dettelbach, audience questions will be included.

No campaign literature, signage or active campaigning by audience members will be permitted.

Registration is requested.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Schultz being forced out?

Veteran weathermen should not be treated the way that this reads Ken Schultz of WHAS-11 is being treated by station management.

When it comes to Louisville weather, people prefer to get their weather from very few weather forecasters. Those people are as follows:
Ken Schultz
Tom Wills
John Belski
Jay Cardosi

When crappy weather hits the Louisville viewing area, we depend on these folks to tell us whether to stay under cover or not leave the house.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Drop Gooch

I humbly endorse the efforts of Operation Gooch* and will be doing what I can.

* In this instance, the word "Gooch" does not imply So Taguchi (formerly with the St. Louis Cardinals) of the Philadelphia Phillies or Tadahito Iguchi of the San Diego Padres.

Exclusive Interview with Mike Cassaro

Danielle Solzman: Thank you for joining the Kentucky Democrat today. How are things going in Louisville?
Mike Cassaro: It’s going great in Louisville! The Cards are on a roll. The Wildcats are coming back. The Humana Play Festival (which I will regrettably miss this year) is upon us. Except for that one icy-snowy day, this winter has been balmy. How can things be better?

Danielle, I must confess to you that (like you) I am a big baseball fan; fanatic would be more like it. I wanted, when I was a kid, to be the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. I am a Reds fan. Don’t worry, I am not a St Louis Cardinal hater.

Like you, I enjoyed listening to Jack Buck. He was a great voice for baseball.

DS: When did you officially decide to run for Senate and what factored into that decision?
MC: I was the first candidate to announce for the Senate seat in late November.

I am running for Senate because (as a family man, concerned citizen, physician, and small business owner), I am frustrated and irritated with official Washington policies. Career politicians, like Mitch McConnell, have created policies that have served as roadblocks to small businesses, our health care system, and educational institutions. I have been on the receiving end of such policies for over twenty years.

DS: How do you feel that the Iraqi situation needs to be handled? With our armed forces stretched so thin, what should happen in the event that America does something about Iran?
MC: Those are two very good questions. I cannot answer the military question concerning Iran because I am not privy to high-level security information. I pray that our young people do not have to fight a war there.

I have been against the Iraq War since the get-go. This war has been a terrible strain on America’s economy and families. We have spent over a trillion dollars on an ill-advised war. This same amount of money could have helped solve our healthcare and educational problems. What a waste!

DS: Do you plan to outreach to bloggers or, as they are being called, the netroots?
MC: I absolutely plan to reach out to netroots. A public servant or candidate for office would be crazy not to.

This is the first of my many virtual interviews. I also plan to have Jim Pence do one of his famous “You Tube” interviews.

Members of the netroots community can reach me at mike@cassaroforsenate.com.

DS: Do you have any thoughts on the way that blogs have revolutionized politics altogether?
MC: Bloggers have revolutionized politics by quickly spreading political news everywhere. Blogs also afford the opportunity for people to hear many diverse political voices.

DS: Do you feel that the state party is heading in the right direction?
MC: Under the vigorous leadership of Jennifer Moore and Nathan Wilson, the state party is very much alive and well. We have taken back the Governor’s mansion; we will take back McConnell’s seat; we will re-gain control of the State Senate (most likely in 2010); we will retire Jin Bunning in 2010.

DS: How about the national party given the perception in the commonwealth?
MC: The Democratic National Party is also having a renaissance in Kentucky. It has been ages since I have seen such enthusiasm for the presidential candidates and such interest in state primaries. (I am eagerly anticipating voting in Kentucky’s presidential primary. For the first time in a long time, my vote might have meaning in the nomination process.)

While Kentucky Democrats might not agree with all the actions of the Democratic National Council (DNC), we are once again proud to identify with it. This is a fabulous change from recent years when Kentucky Democrats ran quickly and far from the DNC.

DS: Do you think it's possible that the party will make more gains in the US Senate?
MC: The McConnell seat will be a big gain for Democrats. Capturing this seat will make a big change in Washington, and that is why I am focusing my energies on unseating McConnell.

I have not been following the latest news on the other Senate races. I have heard that the Democrats should gain between three and five Senate seats in this election cycle.

DS: Several folks want to unseat Mitch McConnell. What is your plan for doing so?
MC: My plan is to get more votes on November 4th than McConnell gets. That’s my plan!

DS: Jon Stewart or Bill O'Reilly?
MC: Jon Stewart! The Daily Show is one of my teenage son’s favorite shows.

DS: On that note, what is your stance on kittens and woodchoppers?
MC: The two should never meet. If kittens and woodchoppers should (G-d forbid) meet, neither one would ever be the same.

DS: What do you believe should be the three most important priorities for Congress?
MC: The economy is the top priority. We must bring quality jobs back to Kentucky and America, which will improve the economic prosperity of Kentucky and the Country. Bringing jobs back to America will lower our dependence on other countries for goods.

Real health care reform is another top priority. Americans need a long-term rationale and methodical solution to our health care problems. We cannot afford another band-aid approach like those we have seen for the last three decades. We have gone three wasteful decades down that road. I can write an essay on this problem, but your blog does not have the space.

We need to concentrate on developing educational policies that most effectively help teachers instruct their students. Effective instruction involves helping students acquire the knowledge and develop the skills necessary to thrive in the 21st century.

Unfunded federal mandates (such as the No Child Left Behind Act) have not done any service to our educational systems. In fact, Congressional focus on educational accountability (which benefits four major educational corporations) has done a disservice to America’s education. Congress needs to concentrate on funding programs that would help our educational institutions produce knowledgeable, flexible, and skillful students who can succeed in the new global economy.

DS: Thanks for joining the Kentucky Democrat and keep up the good fight!
MC: Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to chat, virtually, with your readers.

Thank you for all the good work that you have done with this blog and for Kentucky Democrats.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Not ready to make an endorsement...

I feel betrayed by DSCC Chairman Chuck Schumer on the withdrawal of Andrew Horne from the Senate race.

I don't know how I missed this but it is a very great read. I'll say that I am more of a moderate than a progressive...I'm still looking up the definition of progressive.

Usually, I'm one to side with the establishment on their candidate of choice. But, no, not this time. Thing is, they kicked my candidate out of the race.

I'm not ready to make an endorsement on who to support now that Horne is out of the race.

And Mitch McConnell, things won't be happy for you come May through November.
McConnell pointed to Secretary of State Trey Grayson's ability to draw 51 percent of the vote last November as "the first indication that Republicans weren't going to fold their tent or go away."
Some of us voted cross-ticket in November. That's how Trey won.

And Ron Lewis?
He also pledged to turn over "most" of his campaign war chest, which stood at more than $400,000 at the end of 2007, to the state party.
Be a better person and donate that to charity, not the state party.

As of now, I'll be more inclined to vote for Andrew Horne as his name remains on the ballot to show the DSCC how they don't respect Kentuckians the way that I thought they did. Or I could vote for Fischer. I haven't decided as to who I am going to endorse quite yet. A vote for Horne would be a protest vote against the establishment...but also a wasted vote, as I just found out.

Friday, February 15, 2008

How Kentuckiana votes on Free Trade Issues

I was sent this link for the CATO Center for Trade Policy Studies so I thought I would check out the voting records of local politicians.

SENATE
Evan Bayh (D-IN)
First elected to the Senate in 1998
Barrier Votes: 49% (22 votes out of 45 opposing trade barriers)
Subsidy Votes: 13% (1 votes out of 8 opposing trade subsidies)

Richard Lugar (R-IN)
First elected to the Senate in 1976
Free Trader
Barrier Votes: 96% (48 votes out of 50 opposing trade barriers)
Subsidy Votes: 83% (10 votes out of 12 opposing trade subsidies)

Mitch McConnell Jr. (R-KY)
First elected to the Senate in 1984
Barrier Votes: 80% (41 votes out of 51 opposing trade barriers)
Subsidy Votes: 58% (7 votes out of 12 opposing trade subsidies)

Jim Bunning (R-KY)
First elected to the Senate in 1998
Barrier Votes: 58% (26 votes out of 45 opposing trade barriers)
Subsidy Votes: 50% (4 votes out of 8 opposing trade subsidies)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Ben Chandler (D-KY)
First elected to the House in 2004
Interventionist
Barrier Votes: 24% (4 votes out of 17 opposing trade barriers)
Subsidy Votes: 14% (1 votes out of 7 opposing trade subsidies)

John Yarmuth (D-KY)
First elected to the House in 2006
Barrier Votes: 40% (2 votes out of 5 opposing trade barriers)
Subsidy Votes: 50% (2 votes out of 4 opposing trade subsidies)

Anne Northup (R-KY)
First elected to the House in 1996
Internationalist
Barrier Votes: 69% (33 votes out of 48 opposing trade barriers)
Subsidy Votes: 15% (3 votes out of 20 opposing trade subsidies)

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Turning the oratory against Obama...

I, for one, have yet to buy into the kool-aid. Sen. Clinton had this today earlier:
Specifically, Mrs. Clinton is hoping to gain political mileage by turning one of Mr. Obama’s attributes — his oratory — against him. She is warning voters about politicians who give great speeches and make big promises but ultimately do not deliver on them.

“Speeches don’t put food on the table,” Mrs. Clinton said at a General Motors plant in Warren, Ohio, on Thursday morning. “Speeches don’t fill up your tank, or fill your prescription, or do anything about that stack of bills that keeps you up at night.”

“My opponent gives speeches,” she added. “I offer solutions.”

Mrs. Clinton has been also criticizing Mr. Obama with populist language, saying she would “take on” insurers and credit card companies and “go after” drug companies. She portrayed Mr. Obama as untested on the battlefield against special interests.[...]

At the same time, Clinton advisers say that the stakes are so high — in Ohio and Texas in particular — that Mrs. Clinton cannot afford to let Mr. Obama gain momentum. In Wisconsin, for instance, Mrs. Clinton is hoping to stave off a blowout — and perhaps even pull off a surprise — by blasting Mr. Obama for refusing to debate her there.

“The last time we debated was in California, and I convincingly won California, which may be why Senator Obama doesn’t want to have a debate in Wisconsin,” Mrs. Clinton said in a telephone conference call with reporters.

Mr. Carson, her spokesman, said she would keep the debate issue alive until Tuesday.

“A refusal to debate one’s primary opponent is always seen by regular voters as being chicken,” he said. ”And voters, especially Democratic voters hungry for a general election win, want a candidate who is tough and ready.”[...]

As Mrs. Clinton was delivering her criticism of Mr. Obama in Ohio, a similar argument was presented to Wisconsin voters by Mr. Clinton, who referred to Mr. Obama as “the excitement of the now.”

“It’s about whether you choose the power of solutions over the power of speeches,” Mr. Clinton told a small gathering of voters in Milwaukee, ticking through a list of his wife’s platforms and accomplishments.

After a week, New Mexico results official

AP:
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton finally won the popular vote in New Mexico's Democratic caucus and picked up one extra delegate Thursday, nine days after Super Tuesday voting ended.

State Democratic Chairman Brian Colon made the announcement after a marathon hand count of 17,000 provisional ballots that had to be given to voters on Feb. 5 because of long lines and a shortage of ballots. The final statewide count gave her a 1,709-vote edge over rival Sen. Barack Obama, 73,105 or 48.8 percent of the total vote to 71,396 or 47.6 percent.

The former first lady's victory in the popular vote swung the final unallocated New Mexico delegate into her column, which gave Clinton 14 delegates in the state to 12 for Obama.

With the addition of New Mexico's delegate, the national delegate count stood at 1,276 for Obama and 1,220 for Clinton on Thursday.

"I am so proud to have earned the support of New Mexicans from across the state," Clinton said in a written statement. "New Mexicans want real solutions to our nation's challenges. As president, I will continue to stand up for New Mexico and will hit the ground running on day one to bring about real change."

The Obama campaign appeared to accept the outcome.

Obama's state director, Carlos Monje Jr., was asked Thursday if he was confident the results were 100 percent accurate and replied, "We have confidence in the process." Asked if Obama might seek a recount, he said Obama has momentum from eight wins since Super Tuesday and "we are going to look forward at the contests we have remaining."[...]

New Mexico awards Democratic delegates proportionally, based on statewide vote totals and on the results in individual congressional districts.

In two of the state's three congressional districts, Clinton and Obama equally split an even number of delegates at stake. In District 2, which had an uneven number of delegates, Clinton won the additional one by outpolling Obama by 55 percent to 41 percent, according to unofficial results.

Nine statewide delegates were at stake. Obama and Clinton evenly split the eight delegates already awarded. The final one was assigned to the statewide popular vote winner.

Clinton's latest ad

This is a slightly negative advertisement but it makes the point it needs to make.



Obama's response, which appears on MyDD, shows that the gloves have come off which Jerome points out.

Revenue or Bust!

State legislative members, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to stop being lazy and finally get this state in the right direction by approving the means in which the PEOPLE have a say in EXPANDED GAMING. Stop acting like schmucks and do your job! The people want expanded gaming but you would rather lose the revenue to states like Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and West Virginia! Governor Steve Beshear's press release follows below.
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear unveils plans to allow voters to decide issue of expanded gaming
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear today unveiled proposed legislation that will allow Kentucky voters to determine a constitutional amendment permitting limited expanded gaming. The governor also discussed details of legislation that would govern the way in which expanded gaming would operate once the constitutional amendment is passed.

“For nearly 15 years this issue has been discussed, debated and yet, deferred. Today, I am taking action and responding to the wishes of the vast majority of Kentuckians by sending to the General Assembly legislation that will give our citizens the opportunity to do as they have demanded – let their voices be heard on whether or not to change the state’s constitution to have limited expanded gaming,” said the governor. “Public opinion research shows that more than 80 percent of Kentucky voters want the right to vote on this issue. It’s past time we acted on that demand and be responsive to the people.”

The language of the proposed constitutional amendment limits the creation of expanded gaming facilities to up to seven licenses for horse racing tracks and up to five free-standing gaming facilities with the approval of voters in the five cities or counties where the proposed casino would be located.

Those counties include Daviess, Kenton or Campbell, Boyd or Greenup, Christian, and either Laurel or Whitely. The taxing rate on the casino revenues is spelled out and, more importantly, the allocation of those revenues for additional services and programs is specified in the legislation, according to the governor.

“We face a financial crisis in this state that is slowly destroying our ability to educate, protect and take care of our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “We no longer have the financial ability to fund the programs we should have in order to meet those needs. Nor do we have the ability to look into the future and begin to build on those opportunities to restore Kentucky’s economic viability. By allowing our fellow Kentuckians to vote on this issue, we are sending a clear message that we are joining with them in finding other ways in which to address this financial crisis.”

The fiscal impact of the proposed gaming legislation indicates total receipts for fiscal year 2009 from facility application and license fees would be approximately $500 million. The estimated gaming receipts for fiscal year 2010 would be approximately $482 million with the majority of those receipts from license fees and wagering taxes.

“If the people of Kentucky vote ‘Yes’ for limited expanded gaming, we strongly believe that the annual estimated fiscal impact of the legislation at full implementation would be approximately $600 million,” said the governor.

The legislation that would be enacted, once the constitutional amendment is approved, contains a number of measures that will assure the people of Kentucky that this initiative will be done correctly and with openness, according to the governor.

Those details include:

*Creation of a seven-member Gaming Commission with four-year terms, appointed by the governor and approved by the House and Senate, which would hire an executive director to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Commission.

*For horse racing tracks, up to seven casino licenses which would be located either at the tracks or on other property within the county in which the track is located.

*Up to five free-standing casinos with a provision that a local referendum will be held in which voters will decide to allow a free-standing casino in their city or county.

*Specific allocation of gaming tax proceeds to state and local programs including 50 percent for education, including early childhood, primary and secondary, and post-secondary; 20 percent to healthcare, including care for the indigent, seniors and children; a program for treatment of compulsive gambling will receive up to $2 million per fiscal year, 3 percent to host jurisdictions and 5 percent each to support city and county programs, with 17 percent divided among other programs including substance abuse and treatment, veterans’ programs, tourism, fish and wildlife, environmental protection, agriculture, livestock research, and agriculture easements; economic development in non-host communities. Separate accounts will be established for support of racing and to further improve the various breeds of horses found in Kentucky.
“This is a critical time for Kentucky and its citizens. Our legislators should listen to their constituents and allow them to vote on this question. There will be no better opportunity to help move Kentucky forward,” said Gov. Beshear.

When will your shows return?

CBS:
March 17: How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men with 9 episodes each
March 24: CSI: Miami with 8 episodes
March 30: Cold Case with 5 episodes
April 2: Criminal Minds and CSI: NY with 7 episodes each
April 3: CSI and Without a Trace with 6 episodes each
April 4: Ghost Whisperer and Numb3rs with 6 episodes each
April 8: NCIS with 7 episodes
April 11: Moonlight with 4 episodes
April 14: Rules of Engagement with 6 episodes
Shark, Cane, and The Unit will remain on hiatus.

NBC:
April 3: My Name Is Earl with a one-hour episode
April 10: 30 Rock, The Office, Scrubs and ER
April 15: Law & Order: SVU with 5 or 6 episodes
April 23: Law & Order
Medium will continue its current run and NBC should announce plans for other series within the coming days or weeks. Chuck, Life, and Heroes will return in the fall.

ABC:
LOST will air an additional five episodes for a 13 episode season
Late March: Samantha Who? with 6 or more episodes.
Late April: Brothers and Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty with 4 or 5 episodes
Private Practice will remain on hiatus until fall.

FOX:
February 26: Back to You with 11 episodes
April 14: Bones with 10 episodes
TBD: House with 4 or 5 episodes
24 will return in 2009

CW:
Early April: Gossip Girl with 5 or 6 episodes

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Quote of the Day

"I think we are going to win the World Series. I really do."
--Ryan Dempster via ESPN/AP, February 13, 2008

I'd like to take the time to call Dempster's bluff.

Fire Michael Savage

NJDC:
Today, the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) called upon Talk Radio Network, the company which syndicates host Michael Savage to drop Mr. Savage from syndication. NJDC’s call for Savage’s removal follows comments yesterday which defamed late Rep. Tom Lantos on the day he passed away.[...]

“Michael Savage has a pattern of saying awful, hurtful things. These latest comments about the late Rep. Lantos are disgusting. Enough is a enough. It is time for Mr. Savage to be accountable for his actions,” said NJDC Executive Director Ira N. Forman.

“Of course Mr. Savage has freedom of speech,” continued Forman. “But so do those of us who find his comments disgusting. And it’s time for all of us who find Mr. Savage’s behavior unacceptable to call upon his employers to replace him with someone who will use their freedom of speech more responsibly.”
While we're at it, WTF is this doing in a political campaign?

Former Senator John Edwards considering Hillary Clinton

This is huge news if it is indeed true. This will help Senator Hillary Clinton down the stretch of the campaign if this is indeed true.

ABC News:
As he weighs a possible endorsement in the Democratic race, former Sen. John Edwards is as split as the party he once hoped to lead — and is seriously considering supporting Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, despite the sharp criticism he leveled at her on the campaign trail, according to former aides and advisers.

In deciding between his one-time rivals, Edwards appears deeply divided. Several former advisers likened his thought process to a heart-versus-head split — with his heart favoring Sen. Barack Obama's strong message of change, and his head attracted to Clinton's tested nature and commitment to tough fights.

Though he sometimes aligned himself with Obama — and against Clinton — as a candidate, several Edwards campaign insiders say the former senator began to sour on Obama toward the end of his own campaign, and ultimately left the race questioning whether Obama had the toughness needed to prevail in a presidential race.[...]

He also appears to realize that endorsing Clinton would likely carry the most weight, since it would be more unexpected and would provide a jolt of energy to a campaign that is suffering a rough patch, particularly in the wake of Tuesday's election results, which saw Obama sweep Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.[...]

Another veteran member of Edwards' inner circle said the former candidate is approaching the possibility of an endorsement with a fresh mind. In reexamining both candidates, the former aide said, he is attracted not only to Clinton's policy portfolio, but also to her long track record as first lady and as a senator.

"He's now in a position where he's thinking, who's really ready to be president?" the veteran aide said. "I know that he believes she's going to do what she says he'll do. Not that that isn't the case with Obama, but there's more maturity there [with Clinton]."

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Julian Bond to Howard Dean: Seat the Delegates!

Former Georgia state Representative and current Chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Julian Bond wrote to DNC Chairman Howard Dean arguing the same thing I and many others have been arguing. The DNC MUST seat the delegates from both Florida and Michigan. Bond is specific in stating "we are deeply concerned that not finding a solution to this dilemma that recognizes the will and intent of Florida and Michigan voters could cast troubling aspirations on the democratic process of selecting candidates in a fully and equally inclusive manner."

Politico.com has the letter he wrote.

It's what I've been saying all along. We must seat the delegates. We are disenfranchising our own if we don't.

Mark Cuban endorses Mayor Michael Bloomberg

He said it. He really said and he did not draw a technical foul as a result. Dallas Mavericks' owner Mark Cuban, on his blog, has endorsed New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for President.
They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. So why is it the American people allow our politicians to do the same things over and over and we believe them and expect results different from previous elections ?

I've looked at the websites of current and previous candidates to get an understanding of their platforms. They all have positions, some of which I agree with , some of which I don't. But there is one thing that is missing from each and everyone of them, any manner of implementation. Health care, spending cuts, retaining or repealing tax cuts, keeping or removing troops, the soundbites with pretty numbers never end. Not a single candidate provides details on how exactly they are going to accomplish anything. Don't they realize that economists exists to make lottery ticket buyers look smart, not presidential candidates?[...]

It also scares me that despite claims of not being an "insider" or wanting a different vision for America, every remaining candidate spends more energy campaigning to their party than to the issues. I got sick watching Clinton and Barack argue about who was less of a "Reaganite" during one of their few lively debate exchanges.[...]

So here is my hope. My hope is that the entire primary process is just the preseason. That its nothing more than an expensive introduction to the Republican and Democratic candidates and once they have picked their winner, a wealthy individual will nominate them self to compete with the 2 parties and run for President.[...]

Are you listening Mayor Bloomberg? For less than the cost of opening a tent pole movie, you can change the status quo. I'm not saying that I'm going to vote for you yet. As I said above, the devil is in the details. But, I'm betting that unlike the current choices, you recognize the difference between politics and results.

Ellen Page hosting SNL on March 1

Award-nominated actress Ellen Page (Juno, X-Men: The Last Stand) is hosting Saturday Night Live on March 1, 2008 according to a report by Reuters.
One of the highest-profile late-night shows signaled its return Monday as sources said that "Juno" star and best actress nominee Ellen Page would host "Saturday Night Live" on March 1, the series' first program after the Academy Awards.

Exclusive Interview with Bruce Lunsford

Danielle Solzman: Thank you for joining the Kentucky Democrat today. Weather aside, how are things going in Louisville?
Bruce Lunsford: I would say things are great because we’re getting a tremendous amount of early support, but these are serious times in America and in Kentucky. We need change and we need it now. There are a lot of good things happening in Louisville at the city level and Kentucky has a tough and responsible Governor now, but a lot of people here are suffering because of the bad decisions made by the Bush administration and Republican leaders in congress.

DS: When did you officially decide to run for Senate and what factored into that decision?
BL: Running for Senate was a tough decision because it was not something I was looking at until Governor Beshear and Senator Schumer called to encourage me to consider it. I had been prepared to support Crit Luallen or Greg Stumbo if one had decided to run. Frankly, I had really hoped Ben Chandler would have taken McConnell on because I think Ben could beat him hands down but he got a key spot on an important committee for Kentucky after the Democrats took back congress. I took a long, hard look at the race and when it came down to it, the opportunity to take on the Chief Obstructer was too important to turn down. The decision was even tougher because there were already Democrats in the race that I have a lot of respect for, but we all share a desire for change and I’m confident we will have a clean campaign with all the arrows aimed at McConnell.

DS: You served a few years in the Army Reserves and for that, I thank you for your service. How do you feel that the Iraqi situation needs to be handled? With our armed forces stretched so thin, what should happen in the event that America does something about Iran?
BL: I appreciate that, thank you. I think the situation in Iraq has been as poorly managed as the response to Hurricane Katrina. American men and women were sent into an extremely dangerous environment without the tools necessary to do their jobs. In order to put pressure on the Iraqis to stand up and police themselves, we need to put the pressure on to remove our combat troops as soon as it can be done adequately. The Bush Administration has diverted focus from the War on Terror, and now Iran looms as a threat, the Taliban is back in Afghanistan and Osama bin Laden roams free in the mountains. Meanwhile, our men and women in the Reserves are being called to multiple tours of duty, leaving behind families and jobs. The frustration I feel about this war in part pushed me to help produce the film Grace is Gone, which starred John Cusack and won the Audience Award at Sundance last year. As a father of three daughters, the story about a father finding the strength to tell his daughters their mother had been killed in Iraq really hit home for me in more ways than one.

DS: Do you plan to outreach to bloggers or, as they are being called, the netroots? Do you have any thoughts on the way that blogs have revolutionized politics altogether?
BL: Absolutely, we are going to make the blogosphere and the Web in general a big part of our campaign for change. We are going to have a dedicated team of folks working around the clock to engage folks online from Kentucky and across the country. Mitch McConnell is the Senate Republican Leader and the Chief Obstructer in congress. He has the big oil companies and the prescription drug companies on his side, so we need to activate people all over to help beat him. I think blogs have become a tremendous tool for citizen activism that has already proven to have an effect on elections. And love him or not, Mark Nickolas did have a big impact on politics in Kentucky. I took a few on the chin from Mark over the past year but I have a lot of respect for the persistence with which he took on Ernie Fletcher and I think he helped change the course of Fletcher’s term in office.

DS: On that note, and I don't want to get off on the wrong foot here but it was bound to come up sooner, rather than later. Some Kentucky bloggers are trying to make the argument that you are Republican-lite because you donated lots of money to some GOP candidates a few years back. There are a lot of people that have not forgiven you for giving us four years of Ernie Fletcher. What can you say in response to that?
BL: No need to worry, I can admit my mistakes and I don’t take that kind of criticism personally. Endorsing Ernie Fletcher was a mistake and I will continue to apologize to anyone who asks me about that. He had promised to be bipartisan and bring change; he didn’t keep those promises and let all of Kentucky down. Now, I don’t think so highly of myself to believe my endorsement of Fletcher made a difference in that race, but I do understand that my campaign did not approach the Democratic primary the right way in 2003. I took some advice I should not have taken and I learned from that mistake as well, and I think most Democrats would agree they saw a different approach this last year. Regarding the contributions, it is true that I have contributed to some Republican candidates over the years. But the amount of those contributions is small compared to the amount of contributions I have given to Democrats (which is at least $120,000 according to my records). And since the Republican congress cut Medicare in 1997, sending the long-term care industry into a tailspin, 90% of my political contributions have been to Democrats. That said, I believe Kentuckians are looking for less partisanship, not more partisanship. That may not be what some Democrats would prefer to hear but it is just that extreme partisanship that angers average Kentuckians about Mitch McConnell. He is putting his party ahead of Kentucky. That is exactly why we have a chance to beat him in November and it is going to take someone who can reach across the aisle to win.

DS: Do you feel that the state party is heading in the right direction?
BL: Yes, absolutely. I think that with the leadership of Jennifer Moore, Nathan Smith, Jeremy Horton and others, Kentucky is going to see an amazing Democratic turnout in November. I think the youth vote is important to that, and I think that having young, aggressive and professional leadership at the KDP will help make it happen.

DS: How about the national party given the perception in the commonwealth?
BL: Listen, even my Republican friends now understand the Democrats are the party of fiscal responsibility. And this is such an exciting time for the Democratic Party as we go through the process to select a nominee for president. I’m just having a great time watching this unfold.

DS: Do you think it's possible that the party will make more gains in the US Senate?
BL: I definitely think it is possible. I’ve learned a lot more about what is happening in other parts of the country over the last month and Democrats have some great candidates in places like New Mexico, Colorado, New Hampshire and elsewhere. And Mark Warner in Virginia is as smart as they come, he will be a great Senator. Kentucky has moved up into that top ten list of Senate races and I hope to push that even higher up the list.

DS: You are one of eight seven people that are trying to unseat Mitch McConnell. What is your plan for doing so given the perception of you amongst the party?
BL: Our plan is to make the case for change, pure and simple. Mitch McConnell has been in Washington too long and he has put his party ahead of Kentuckians. You name the issue, and Mitch McConnell probably stands in the way. We want to unite Kentuckians for change so progress can be made on universal health care, getting the economy back on track and ending the Iraq War.

DS: Jon Stewart or Bill O'Reilly?
BL: Are you kidding me? Jon Stewart by ten lengths. Although O’Reilly has his moments of independence, he tends to be entertaining only when you want to get your blood boiling for some reason.

DS: On that note, what is your stance on kittens and woodchippers?
BL: Well, I don’t support the current kitten and woodchippers bill that is headed to the floor of the Senate. McConnell has added way too much pork to the bill. And if he gets his way, all our woodchippers would be made in China and our kittens would be policing the streets of Baghdad. Neither is very good as far as I’m concerned.

DS: You're a film producer. What is your stance on the current writers' strike against the AMPTP?
BL: I’m happy it seems to be wrapping up now. I miss Saturday Night Live.

DS: Who would star in The Bruce Lunsford Story?
BL: How about LeBron James? If only I was a foot taller...

DS: What do you believe should be the three most important priorities for Congress?
BL: My three most important priorities for congress:
1. Getting our economy back on track and balancing the budget.
2. Bringing our troops home safely from Iraq.
3. Fixing the health care system so everyone gets covered.

DS: Thanks for joining the Kentucky Democrat and keep up the good fight!
BL: Thanks for having me and I look forward to working with everyone who wants change!

Happy 199th Birthday, Abraham Lincoln!



Monday, February 11, 2008

Al Gore staying neutral?

That's what CNN is saying. Good move on his part.
The sources say Gore talks with both Clinton and Obama, and is on good terms with both. But with Sen. John Kerry and Bill Clinton both aligned to a candidate, Gore has a role to serve as the neutral elder statesman in the party.

If an agreement needs to be struck between Clinton and Obama down the road, Gore is in position to be the likely facilitator of that discussion.

Gore also will want to work closely with whoever wins the nomination to promote an environmental agenda.
On that note, is Jerome Armstrong endorsing Sen. Clinton or am I misinterpreting this?
I have heard Clinton's many times, and its been played out in the Democratic nomination battle. She'll take an unprecedented high level of women and Latino majorities into winning all (or nearly all) the states that John Kerry (and/or Al Gore) won, and add in: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Florida. Maybe there are some other states, but if we just add those 42 electoral votes to the Democratic column, Clinton would win.

I really only have a single issue: winning. I believe that if more Democrats win, a more progressive agenda will be enacted, and we can make democratic-stronghold challenges in primaries with more progressive candidates (Donna Edwards is gonna beat Wynn, for example).

Statement by Andrew Horne

This is sad news...but I am reprinting it in full. I would have to guess that Lunsford played a huge role in this but I can't really break it down more than that. It's sad, I know. I'm not going to make an immediate endorsement quite yet.

Dear Friend,
I'm writing you today with some disappointing news. This afternoon I informed Governor Steve Beshear of my decision to withdraw from the United States Senate race.

This decision was difficult for many reasons, not least because of the major challenges facing our Commonwealth and Country. Millions of Americans live without quality health care, we have shamefully disregarded the needs of our veterans, our education system is deeply flawed, and we remain embroiled in a mismanaged and ill-conceived war. Through it all, Mitch McConnell is more interested in expanding the scope of his own power than using his office to benefit the hardworking families who make our country great.

I cannot begin to tell you how grateful I am for everything you have done to support me in this campaign. I won't be the Democrat challenging Mitch McConnell next November, but our work is far from done. We must continue to fight for the values that brought us together. I look forward to working with you for many years to come.

Again, thank you so much.

Sincerely,
Andrew

RIP: Congressman Tom Lantos (1928-2008)

As a member of the tribe and having lost family during the Shoah, I can't even begin to imagine the pain that Congressman Lantos went through while growing up in Europe.

Lantos once said the following to Dutch representatives: "You have to help us, because if it was not for us you would now be a province of Nazi Germany!"

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and constituents. They have lost a great congressman. His office released a statement:
Tom Lantos, 1928-2008
February 11, 2008

Washington, DC - Congressman Tom Lantos (D-San Mateo, San Francisco), 80, passed away this morning due to complications from cancer at Bethesda Naval Medical Center.

Elected to office in 1980, Lantos was Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and one of the country's leading champions of human rights. His commitment to this issue was forged when, as a young man, he lost nearly his entire family in the Holocaust.

Today he was surrounded by his wife, two daughters, and many of his 18 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

After being diagnosed with esophageal cancer in late December, Lantos announced on January 2 that he would not seek reelection. He said at the time, "It is only in the United States that a penniless survivor of the Holocaust and a fighter in the anti-Nazi underground could have received an education, raised a family, and had the privilege of serving the last three decades of his life as a Member of Congress. I will never be able to express fully my profoundly felt gratitude to this great country."

The only survivor of the Shoah ever elected to Congress, Tom Lantos was in his 14th term. His Democratic colleagues elected him chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in January 2007. He was also a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Throughout his adult life Lantos sought to be a voice for human rights and civil liberties. He and Annette Lantos, his childhood sweetheart and wife of nearly 58 years were, as Lantos put it, "full partners both in Congress and in life," and they continued their work right up to his final days. Tom Lantos was the founding co-chairman of the 24-year-old Congressional Human Rights Caucus, which Annette directed as a volunteer since its inception. He also founded the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus.

Annette said that her husband's life was "defined by courage, optimism, and unwavering dedication to his principles and to his family."

The date for a public memorial service has not yet been set.

Dershowitz supports Clinton

Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz is backing Hillary and with good reason:
"Change" alone cannot be a basis for deciding which candidate to support. Every candidate--from Dennis Kucinich to Mike Huckabee--favors change. What matters is the direction of the change, who is in charge of bringing it about--and who is supporting the candidate. When I cast my vote, I look not only at the candidate but at who is supporting him or her. Elections empower not only the winning candidate but the constituencies that helped to elect that person. I worry about the constituencies that are supporting some of the candidates.

For this reason, I favor the nomination of a centrist Democrat, one who is capable of attracting independents, moderates, and the growing number of anti-Bush Republicans. Hillary Clinton understands this and has not pandered to the extreme left of her party. She understands that this small but vocal faction helps to buoy candidates but then often helps to sink them in the general election.

I support Clinton because she is the most knowledgeable, experienced, mature, and deep-thinking of the major candidates. I would trust her to make the wisest decision in the event of a major crisis. Clinton is a progressive on social issues, a realist on foreign policy, a pragmatist on the economy--in other words, a centrist Democrat. I hope she becomes our next president.

Craig Ferguson endorses Jon Stewart

I'm not so sure how I feel about the thought of Jon Stewart being up against Conan O'Brien in a few years. It's bad enough choosing between three at 11:30 right now.

Anyway, here's this piece of news from Broadcasting and Cable:
Ferguson Backs Stewart for Letterman's Seat
By Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/11/2008
Brand-new U.S. citizen Craig Ferguson's American dream is to follow David Letterman on CBS for years to come. And if Letterman steps aside when his deal ends in 2010, Ferguson thinks the Late Show seat should go to—Jon Stewart.

“I think Jon should replace Dave if Dave decides to go,” Ferguson said last week. “I think Dave should stay, I think he ain't done. But if Dave is finished, I think Jon has earned the job.”

It might seem strange for the host of CBS' 12:30 Late Late Show to bask in his good fortune without seeking more time-slot glory. But after a long chat in Ferguson's office in which he waffled often on whether he truly wants 11:30, it seems he either has a great defense mechanism or he's just not sure what he wants to do if and when his boss leaves.

He may have to be, soon enough. The late-night schedule will be completely remade in the coming year. Conan O'Brien is supposed to take over The Tonight Show in 2009, NBC is mining for his replacement and Jay Leno should be a coveted free agent.

CBS's lineup looks static by comparison, but that might not be the case for long. And Ferguson is finally speaking about it publicly for the first time.

The hook is Letterman. Ferguson wants Dave to join him in re-signing with CBS beyond 2010. “I will sit behind Dave as long as he sits there,” Ferguson says. But if his boss doesn't re-up? “If someone else is there,” he says, “I'm not sure.”

I've written before about Stewart being the leading candidate to replace Letterman if he should leave. That possibility was strengthened when Stewart re-upped with Comedy Central only through 2010—when Letterman's contract is up. Ferguson said he was ticked off he wasn't even mentioned as a possible replacement in the story.

“It didn't bother me as much [last year] as it would bother me if I'm not mentioned in 2010. I want to be part of it,” he says. “You want to be invited to the party, even if you don't want to go.”[...]

I told Ferguson that other late-night hosts and execs will scoff at him for claiming he wouldn't jump at an 11:30 slot. “I don't give a s--- what they say. I'm telling you the truth. If someone offered 11:30, I would not that day say yes. Would I say yes at some point? It's likely, but I'd have to think about it.”[...]

For now, Ferguson is looking forward to performing at the White House Correspondents' dinner in April. And he is waiting to see what happens with NBC and Jay Leno in 2009, which is when he expects to start sorting out his future.[...]

For more with Craig Ferguson, check out Ben Grossman's LCB Notebook.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Friday, February 08, 2008

Kentucky moves closer to expanded gaming

This is great news...we no longer have to worry about losing revenue to Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, and possibly Ohio. If Kentuckians reject expanded gaming, we might as well shut down the horse racing industry and the lottery. It's a shame that religious fundamentalists would rather see a Kentucky with horse racing but not casinos. I got news for them: Shut the crap up and don't tell me what to do in my spare time. If I want to gamble, by G-d, I shall gamble. That doesn't mean I'll spend all my money and become an addict like the fundies claim it will. The irony of all this: we have fundamentals saying one thing and then breaking their word and getting caught.
Gov. Steve Beshear said this morning that he will unveil his casino gambling bill next week and that it could generate “several hundred millions of dollars” to supplement the lean state budget he proposed last month.

“We look to file this legislation by the end of next week,” he said after discussing the issue for about 30 minutes with Reps. Joni Jenkins, D-Shively; Darryl Owens, D-Louisville; and Charlie Hoffman, D-Georgetown.

“I’ll be proposing both a constitutional amendment and enabling legislation, and there’ll be various specifics in both,” the governor told reporters. “The enabling legislation will be very specific in terms of how any constitutional amendment will be implemented.”

However, the governor declined to release details until the legislation is final.[...]

“The license fees will be substantial — several hundred millions of dollars — and could certainly make a difference even in the first year of the biennium with many areas such as higher education and human services,” Beshear said.

MSNBC's Keith Olbermann slams CNN's Lou Dobbs

I side with Keith Olbermann on this one.
Obermann slams Dobbs over ADL comment

MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann slammed CNN's Lou Dobbs for his attack on the Anti-Defamation League.

On his television program "Countdown" Thursday, Olbermann gave his daily "worst person in the world" award to Dobbs for comments earlier in the week in which the CNN host called the ADL "a joke."

In an exchange on "Lou Dobbs Tonight" on Monday, Janet Murguia, a Latino civil rights activist, cited ADL research into extremist groups whose representatives Dobbs had featured on his show, and then she described the league as a respected voice.

"Not by me," Dobbs replied, "It's a joke."

Neither Dobbs nor the ADL has yet to respond to JTA's request for comment.
In other news, Sedrot was hit by 22 rockets that terrorists fired from Gaza.

Right-wingers want Olmert ousted as prime minister.
Israeli and American right-wingers are ready to pay at least $1 million to anyone who produces evidence of a scandal that would force Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to resign, Israel's Channel 2 reported.

The television report included a conversation between an unnamed businessman and a private investigator hired to garner the information, according to The Jerusalem Post.

John Yarmuth endorses Barack Obama

The Courier-Journal reported this morning that Congressman John Yarmuth will endorse Illinois Senator Barack Obama for President during a conference call this morning.
Rep. John Yarmuth, D-3rd District, is going to endorse U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois for president this morning.

A conference call with reporters and Obama Deputy Campaign Manager Steve Hildebrand is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. EST.

Thursday, February 07, 2008

O'Malley emails voters

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley tells us why he supports Sen. Clinton:
Over the past six weeks our Democratic Party has embarked on an historic journey. The path of selecting our nominee has been an incredible process. And although Democrats everywhere can take pride in their party and in their choice of candidates this primary season, it is Senator Hillary Clinton who is truly ready to lead on day one. She possesses the exceptional level of ability that will be required to reverse the catastrophic blunders of the Bush years and put our nation back on course.

Now more than ever, we need someone of uncommon intelligence and toughness, a leader with a powerful vision for our country, a leader with a proven record of results, a leader like Senator Clinton. For her entire career, Hillary has stood up for individuals and families who did not have the strength or resources to stand up for themselves in the face of overwhelming social forces. Now it's time for Maryland to stand up for Hillary.

Please join myself, Senator Barbara Mikulski, and other officials this Friday, February 8th at 12:00 noon on Lawyers Mall in front the Maryland State House, as we Rally for Hillary. We are urging you to bring as many people as possible to Annapolis to help send a clear message to all of Maryland that Hillary is ready to clean up the mess of failed polices left by Bush administration.


It's time for Maryland to join the ranks of New Hampshire, Nevada, Michigan, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Arizona, Arkansas and California. It's time for Maryland to stand up for universal health care, for a safe and expedient withdrawal from Iraq, and for a presidential administration that will see our country through tough and unpredictable economic times, preserving opportunity for all. It's time for Maryland to stand up for Senator Hillary Clinton, a leader ready for the White House, a leader ready to lead on day one.

We need your time now more than ever. There are a number of activities taking place this weekend through Election Day. Please see the list below and give as much time as you can spare. Be sure to get in touch with your local organizer to find out other activities not listed. And stay tuned for other event announcements.

Thank you,

Martin O'Malley
Governor

Breaking news: Mitt Romney suspending campaign

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is suspending his presidential campaign. He did prepare a statement before speaking to the Conservative Political Action Committee during its conference this afternoon.
"I must now stand aside, for our party and our country," Romney said in remarks prepared for his appearance and released by his campaign.

"If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win," the statement says. "And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign be a part of aiding a surrender to terror."

"This is not an easy decision for me. I hate to lose. My family, my friends and our supporters... many of you right here in this room... have given a great deal to get me where I have a shot at becoming President. If this were only about me, I would go on. But I entered this race because I love America, and because I love America."
In other news...Daniel London is no longer running for Congress...thus confirming what we knew all along, Ron Lewis is Mitch McConnell's sock puppet.
Congressman Lewis’ decision not to run for re-election came very quickly and our decision to run came just as fast. I am quite confident we would have been successful. However, after considering all that was ahead of me and my family, we determined this wasn’t the right time for us.

I am truly honored for the overwhelming encouragement I received early in this effort from supporters across the district. I am grateful for their support and their belief in my candidacy and vision for central Kentucky.

Sen. Brett Guthrie is a good man and as a Republican I intend to get behind him and support him for election and will encourage all my supporters to do the same.

I want to again thank Congressman Lewis for his great service to our country and the district and for his support and friendship.”

Presenting your superdelegates

Here's a list of the Democratic Party's super delegates, the people that the nomination just may come down to. I can only hope that it doesn't come down to all these folks on who gets the nomination but if it does, may G-d be with us because this time, it really matters. I want a win in 2008.

Former Presidents and Vice Presidents (4):
Former President Bill Clinton
Former President Jimmy Carter
Former Vice President Walter Mondale
Former Vice President Al Gore

Governors (30):
Gov. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá (PR)
Gov. Bill Richardson (NM)
Gov. Bill Ritter (CO)
Gov. Brad Henry (OK)
Gov. Brian Schweitzer (MT)
Gov. Chet Culver (IA)
Gov. Chris Gregoire (WA)
Gov. Dave Freudenthal (WY)
Gov. Deval Patrick (MA)
Gov. Eliot Spitzer (NY)
Gov. Janet Napolitano (AZ)
Gov. Jennifer Granholm (MI)
Gov. Jim Doyle (WI)
Gov. Joe Manchin (WV)
Gov. John Baldacci (ME)
Gov. John Lynch (NH)
Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. (VI)#
Gov. Jon Corzine (NJ)
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (KS)
Gov. Martin O'Malley (MD)
Gov. Mike Beebe (AR)
Gov. Mike Easley (NC)
Gov. Phil Bredeson (TN)
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (IL)
Gov. Ruth Ann Minner (DE)
Gov. Steve Beshear (KY)
Gov. Tagiola Tulafono (AS)#
Gov. Ted Kulongoski (OR)
Gov. Ted Strickland (OH)
Gov. Tim Kaine (VA)

Senators (53):
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN)
Sen. Barack Obama (IL)
Sen. Barbara Boxer (CA)
Sen. Barbara Mikulski (MD)
Sen. Ben Cardin (MD)
Sen. Ben Nelson (NE)
Sen. Bill Nelson (FL)
Sen. Blanche Lincoln (AR)
Sen. Bob Casey (PA)
Sen. Byron Dorgan (ND)
Sen. Carl Levin (MI)
Sen. Chris Dodd (CT)
Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY)
Sen. Claire McCaskill (MO)
Sen. Daniel Akaka (HI)
Sen. Daniel Inouye (HI)
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI)
Sen. Diane Feinstein (CA)
Sen. Dick Durbin (IL)
Sen. Evan Bayh (IN)
Fmr. Senator George Mitchell
Sen. Frank Lautenberg (NJ)
Sen. Harry Reid (NV)
Sen. Herb Kohl (WI)
Sen. Hillary Clinton (NY)
Sen. Jack Reed (RI)
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (WV)
Sen. Jeff Bingaman (NM)
Sen. Jim Webb (VA)
Sen. Joe Biden (DE)
Sen. John Kerry (MA)
Sen. John Tester (MT)
Sen. Ken Salazar (CO)
Sen. Kent Conrad (ND)
Sen. Maria Cantwell (WA)
Sen. Mark Pryor (AR)
Sen. Mary Landrieu (LA)
Sen. Max Baucus (MT)
Sen. Michael Brown (DC)
Sen. Patrick Leahy (VT)
Sen. Patty Murray (WA)
Sen. Paul Strauss (DC)
Sen. Robert Byrd (WV)
Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ)
Sen. Ron Wyden (OR)
Sen. Russ Feingold (WI)
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)
Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH)
Sen. Ted Kennedy (MA) #
Sen. Tim Johnson (SD)
Sen. Tom Carper (DE)
Sen. Tom Harkin (IA)
Fmr. Sen. Tom Daschle (SD)

Representatives (227):
Rep. Adam Schiff (CA)
Rep. Adam Smith (WA)
Rep. Al Green (TX)
Rep. Alan Mollohan (WV)
Rep. Albert Wynn (MD)
Rep. Albio Sires (NJ)
Rep. Alcee Hastings (FL)
Rep. Allen Boyd (FL)
Rep. Allyson Schwartz (PA)
Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA)
Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY)
Rep. Artur Davis (AL)
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA)
Rep. Barney Frank (MA)
Rep. Baron Hill (IN)
Rep. Bart Gordon (TN)
Rep. Bart Stupak (MI)
Rep. Ben Chandler (KY)
Rep. Betty McCollum (MN)
Rep. Betty Sutton (OH)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (NJ)
Rep. Bob Brady (PA)
Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC)
Rep. Bob Filner (CA)
Rep. Bobby Rush (IL)
Rep. Bobby Scott (VA)
Rep. Brad Ellsworth (IN)
Rep. Brad Miller (NC)
Rep. Brad Sherman (CA)
Rep. Brian Baird (WA)
Rep. Brian Higgins (NY)
Rep. Bruce Braley (IA)
Rep. Bud Cramer (AL)
Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD)
Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (NH)
Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (MI)
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY)
Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (NY)
Rep. Chaka Fattah (PA)
Rep. Charles Rangel (NY)
Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (TX)
Rep. Charlie Melancon (LA)
Rep. Charlie Wilson (OH)
Rep. Chet Edwards (TX)
Rep. Chris Carney (PA)
Rep. Chris Murphy (CT)
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD)
Rep. Ciro Rodriguez (TX)
Rep. Collin Peterson (MN)
Rep. Corrine Brown (FL)
Rep. Dale Kildee (MI)
Rep. Dan Boren (OK)
Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL)
Rep. Danny Davis (IL)
Rep. Darlene Hooley (OR)
Rep. Dave Loebsack (IA)
Rep. David Obey (WI)
Rep. David Price (NC)
Rep. David Scott (GA)
Rep. David Wu (OR)
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL)
Rep. Dennis Cardoza (CA)
Rep. Dennis Kucinich
Rep. Dennis Moore (KS)
Rep. Diane DeGette (CO)
Rep. Diane Watson (CA)
Rep. Donald Payne (NJ)
Rep. Doris Matsui (CA)
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (OR)
Rep. Earl Pomeroy (ND)
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO)
Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX)
Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY)
Rep. Edward Markey (MA)
Rep. Elijah Cummings (MD)
Rep. Eliot Engel (NY)
Rep. Ellen Tauscher (CA)
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (MO)
Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (Am. Samoa)
Former Speaker Jim Wright
Rep. Frank Pallone (NJ)
Rep. G.K. Butterfield (NC)
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (AZ)
Rep. Gary Ackerman (NY)
Rep. Gene Green (TX)
Rep. Gene Taylor (MS)
Rep. George Miller (CA)
Rep. Grace Napolitano (CA)
Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY)
Rep. Gwen Moore (WI)
Rep. Hank Johnson (GA)
Rep. Harry Mitchell (AZ)
Rep. Heath Shuler (NC)
Rep. Henry Cuellar (TX)
Rep. Henry Waxman (CA)
Rep. Hilda Solis (CA)
Rep. Howard Berman (CA)
Rep. Ike Skelton (MO)
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL)
Rep. Jane Harman (CA)
Rep. Jason Altmire (PA)
Rep. Jay Inslee (WA)
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY)
Rep. Jerry Costello (IL)
Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA)
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (IL)
Rep. Jim Clyburn (SC)
Rep. Jim Cooper (TN)
Rep. Jim Costa (CA)
Rep. Jim Langevin (RI)
Rep. Jim Marshall (GA)
Rep. Jim Matheson (UT)
Rep. Jim McDermott (WA)
Rep. Jim McGovern (MA)
Rep. Jim Moran (VA)
Rep. Jim Oberstar (MN)
Rep. Jim Ramstad (MN)
Rep. Joe Courtney (CT)
Rep. Joe Donnelly (IN)
Rep. Joe Sestak (PA)
Rep. John Barrow (GA)
Rep. John Conyers (MI)
Rep. John Dingell (MI)
Rep. John Hall (NY)
Rep. John Larson (CT)
Rep. John Lewis (GA)
Rep. John Murtha (PA)
Rep. John Olver (MA)
Rep. John Salazar (CO)
Rep. John Sarbanes (MD)
Rep. John Spratt (SC)
Rep. John Tanner (TN)
Rep. John Tierney (MA)
Rep. John Yarmuth (KY)
Rep. Jose Serrano (NY)
Rep. Joseph Crowley (NY)
Rep. Kathy Castor (FL)
Rep. Keith Ellison (MN)
Rep. Kendrick Meek (FL)
Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
Rep. Lacy Clay (MO)
Rep. Laura Richardson (CA)
Rep. Leonard Boswell (IA)
Rep. Lincoln Davis (TN)
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX)
Rep. Lois Capps (CA)
Rep. Louise Slaughter (NY)
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA)
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL)
Rep. Lynn Woolsey (CA)
Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (Guam)
Rep. Marcia Kaptur (OH)
Rep. Marion Berry (AR)
Rep. Mark Udall (CO)
Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY)
Rep. Maxine Waters (CA)
Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI)
Rep. Mel Watt (NC)
Rep. Melissa Bean (IL)
Rep. Michael Arcuri (NY)
Rep. Michael Capuano (MA)
Rep. Michael McNulty (NY)
Rep. Michael Michaud (ME)
Rep. Mike Doyle (PA)
Rep. Mike Honda (CA)
Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC)
Rep. Mike Ross (AR)
Rep. Mike Thompson (CA)
Rep. Nancy Boyda (KS)
Rep. Nancy Pelosi (CA)
Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI)
Rep. Nick Lampson (TX)
Rep. Nick Rahall (WV)
Rep. Niki Tsongas (MA)
Rep. Nita Lowey (NY)
Rep. Norm Dicks (WA)
Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY)
Rep. Patrick Kennedy (RI)
Rep. Patrick Murphy (PA)
Rep. Paul Hodes (NH)
Rep. Paul Kanjorski (PA)
Rep. Pete Stark (CA)
Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR)
Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN)
Rep. Phil Hare (IL)
Rep. Rahm Emanuel (IL)
Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ)
Rep. Richard Neal (MA)
Rep. Rick Larsen (WA)
Rep. Robert Andrews (NJ)
Rep. Robert Wexler (FL)
Rep. Ron Kind (WI)
Rep. Ron Klein (FL)
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT)
Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (TX)
Rep. Rush Holt (NJ)
Rep. Russ Carnahan (MO)
Rep. Sam Farr (CA)
Rep. Sander Levin (MI)
Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA)
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX)
Rep. Shelley Berkley (NV)
Rep. Solomon Ortiz (TX)
Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD)
Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD)
Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (OH)
Rep. Stephen Lynch (MA)
Rep. Steve Cohen (TN)
Rep. Steve Israel (NY)
Rep. Steve Kagen (WI)
Rep. Susan Davis (CA)
Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI)
Rep. Tim Holden (PA)
Rep. Tim Mahoney (FL)
Rep. Tim Ryan (OH)
Rep. Tim Walz (MN)
Rep. Timothy Bishop (NY)
Rep. Tom Allen (ME)
Rep. Tom Lantos (CA)
Rep. Tom Udall (NM)
Rep. Vic Snyder (AR)
Rep. William Delahunt (MA)
Rep. William Jefferson (LA)
Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (NY)
Rep. Zack Space (OH)
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA)
Former Speaker Tom Foley (WA)
Fmr. Rep. Dick Gephardt (MO)

DNC Members:
Just click here

Other (7):
Manny Rodriguez (CO)
Maria Handley (CO)
Michael Thurmond (GA)
Del. Donna M Christensen (VI)*
Del. Eni FH Falleomavaga (AS)*
Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC)

Superdelegates for Hillary Clinton
Superdelegates for Barack Obama
Uncommitted