Archives 2007

Contact Debra to add Events or Make Correction

Pitt County November 2007 Municipal Election

Mayor:WINNER - Patricia 'Pat' Dunn, 1103 Ragsdale Road, Greenville, NC 27858

• Steven G. Drouin, 44, 205 Hardee Cir., Greenville, NC 27858, nurse manager
• Ronald Dunbar, 1130 SW Greenville Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834
• Chip Little, 700 Daventry Drive, Greenville, NC 27858

• Robert O'Neal
• Jacek Teller, 27, 104-A N. Meade St., Greenville, NC 27858

City Council District 1:

• Mildred A. Council (I), 410 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Greenville 27834
• Vashti J. Kitrell, 904 Spring Forest Rd. E-7, Greenville, NC 27834 - WITHDRAWN FROM RACE

City Council District 2: WINNER - Rose Glover (I), 2115 S. Village Drive, Greenville 27834

• Ruffus Huggins, 319 F Saint Andrews St. Greenville, NC 27834

City Council District 3: WINNER - Larry Spell (I), 2403 Slay Dr., Greenville, NC 27858, P.O. Box 2353, Greenville,NC
website

• James Tripp, age 37, enterprise fund controller for the city of Washington

City Council District 4: WINNER Calvin Mercer, 210 Quail Hollow Rd., Greenville, NC 27858

Calvin's website

• Cameron Evans, 2014 Fern Dr., Greenville, NC 27858
• Bob Ramey, 1802 Rosewood Dr., Greenville, NC 27858
• Katherine Wetherington, age 39, owner and operator of Dulcinea
• Terri Williams, 2217-D Locksley Woods Dr., Greenville, NC 27858

City Council District 5: WINNER: Max Ray Joyner Jr., 49, 800 Daventry Dr., Greenville, NC 27858, life insurance salesman

• Kishen Rao, 116 Berkshire Dr., Winterville, NC 28590
• WRIITE-IN: Richard Weir
  

City Council At Large: WINNER : Bryant Kittrell, 3103 Merriewood Lane, Greenville, NC 27834

• Chuck Autry, 91 Barnes St., Greenville, NC 27858
• Dennis J. Mitchell, 101 Kirkland Drive, Greenville 27858
  

Dennis' website

• Bob Thompson, age 59, 303 - A Paladin Dr., Greenville, NC 27834, educator

AYDEN

Mayor

Steve Tripp, 4239 Pinewood Drive, Ayden 28513

Commissioner Ward 1:

Louise Hemby-Pritchard, 4440 East Ave. Ayden, NC 28513

Commissioner Ward 2:

Mary Alice Davenport, 3974 NE College St. Ayden, NC 28513

Commissioner Ward 3:

Leonard Gibson, 255 Second St.,

Ayden

Commissioner Ward 4:

Donald Skinner, 4235 Holly St., Ayden 28513

Commissioner Ward 5:

Gloria Dixon, 4448 Reaves Rd. Ayden, NC 28513

BETHEL

Mayor:

• Al Scharringhausen, 3876 James St., Bethel 27812
• Kay Whitehurst, 3945 McWhorter St., Bethel 27812

Town Commissioner:

• Gloristine Brown, 121 Pippen Ln., Bethel, NC 27812
• Janet E. Davis, 163 W. Washington St., Bethel, NC 27812
• Ed Dennis, 367 W. Washington St., Bethel, NC 27812
• Bert James, 402 W. Washington St., Bethel, NC 27812
• Mike Whitehurst, 7573 Main Street, Bethel 27812
• Carl Wilson, 138 Woodview Rd., Bethel, NC 27812

Falkland

Commissioner:

• James R. Norville, Sr., 6100 N NC 43, Falkland, NC 27827
• Roger Collins, 6026 S. Main St., Falkland, NC 27827

FARMVILLE

Mayor:

Robert "Bobby" Evans, 4058 Pinecrest Dr., Farmville, NC 27828

Town Commissioner:

• William Dixon, 3524 Zeno St., Farmville, NC 27828
• Lester Gay, 4118 Melissa Dr., Farmville, NC 27828
• Joe Kue, 3216 Circle Dr., Farmville, NC 27828
• John O. Moore, 4418 Phillip Ct., Farmville, NC 27828
• Audrey J. Vines, 4171 E. Pine St., Farmville 27828
• Connie Castillo-Winkler, 3469 S. Contentnea St., Farmville, NC 27828

Fountain

Mayor: WINNER: Shirley A. Mitchell, 3338 N. Jefferson St., Fountain, NC 27829

• Mike Barnes, 5813 E. Blount St., Fountain, NC 27829

Commissioner:

• F. Kieran Finney, 5837 E. Lang St., Fountain, NC 27829
• Bruce Irvin Oakley, 6654 E. Wilson St., Fountain, NC 27829
• Kathleen Swindell, 6684 E. Wilson St., Fountain, NC 27829

Grifton

Town Commissioner:

• E. F. Albritton, 6310 Niblick Rd., Grifton, NC 28530
• Gene" Coley, 680 Saint Joseph St., Grifton, NC 28530
• Joyce Jones, 6941 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Grifton, NC 28530
• Sharon Morris, 395-C w. Queen St., Grifton, NC 28530
• William "Bill" Smith, 6347 Fairway Dr., Grifton, NC 28530
• Ardathy "Date" Spikes, 6748 Pitt St., Grifton, NC 28530

Grimesland

Town Alderman:

• Brian Cooke, 7795 Pitt St., Grimesland, NC 27837
• Tom Dixon, 4613 Washington St., Grimesland, NC 27837
• Mitchell Holloman, 4630 Second St., Grimesland, NC 27837
• Danny Strickland, Jr. , 542 Chicod St., Grimesland, NC 27837
• Gerald Whitley, 761 S. Beaufort St., Grimesland, NC 27837

SIMPSON

Village Council:

• David C. Boyd, Jr., 768 McDonald St., Simpson 27879
• Brenda Gatlin Hawkins, 206 Gatlin St., Simpson, NC 27879
• Willie L. Sumerlin, 732 E. McDonald St., Simpson, NC 27879
• Clara H. Thompson, 2593 Hardee St., Simpson, NC 27879

Winterville

Town Alderman:
(the top three vote-getters take office)

WINNERS: Veronica Roberson

Tony Moore, 4695 Old Tar Rd., Winterville, NC 28590

Velma F. Harper, 2390 Brock Ave, Winterville, NC 28590

• Ricky Best, 664 Stillwater Dr., Winterville, NC 28590
• Bill Bunting, 2454 Pinetops Drive, Winterville, NC 28590
• 
  Bill's website
  
• Ernest Cox
• J. T. Crawford
• David Hooks, 322 Branch St., Winterville, NC 28590
• Johnny Moye
• James H. Shaffer, 372 E. Cooper St., Winterville, NC 28590
• Tony L. Smart
• Allie Washington
• Charles White

An ACTIVE DEMOCRAT is registered to vote as a Democrat AND who gives of his or her time and/or means to further the interests of the Democratic Party!!!

Thanks to all delegates to the convention on April 21st, please continue to get your precincts organized for for the next election.

Democrats met at the Pitt County Courthouse on April 21, 2007 to elect congressional delegates and members of the State Executive Committee.

Candidate for lieutenant governor Pat Smathers, currently mayor of Canton, was the guest speaker at the convention.

Candidate for U.S. 3rd Congressional District Marshall Adame was introduced and spoke to the delegates.

We enjoyed a great pig pickin' at the McLawhorn farm afterwards. Thanks Rep. McLawhorn for your hospitality!

2007.03.12, PittDems Officers Meeting

MONDAY, MARCH 12, 2007 AT 7 PM

Where: At SHEPPARD MEMORIAL LIBRARY in the group study room.

Agenda

• Collect all Precinct Meeting Forms – (Bring all precinct meeting forms that you have to the meeting, please.)
• Plans to contact other precincts that have meet but have not turned in their forms
• What do we need to do to get forms reported to the State Party?
• County Convention  - Agenda, organization, promotion, etc.
• Plan after Convention social event.

2007.03.10, Daylight Savings Time

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Just a reminder to turn your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed Saturday night, if you live in an area that observes Daylight Saving Time.

It comes earlier this year.  Starting in 2007, daylight time begins in the United States on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November. On March 11, 2007, clocks are set ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. local standard time, which becomes 3:00 a.m. local daylight time. On the first Sunday in November (11/4/2007), clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time. These new dates were established by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Public Law 109-58, 119 Stat 594 (2005).

2007.03.02, Pitt County Citizens Academy

The Pitt County Legal Department is accepting applications for the next session of its Citizens Academy, which will be held every Tuesday evening beginning March 27 and will run through May 15.

The Academy is designed to form a stronger partnership between citizens and Pitt County Government through education.  Participants will learn about county services, programs, and responsibilities.  Applicants must live in Pitt County.

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, March 2, 2007.

Applications are available at the Pitt County Legal Department, and on the County website at www.pittcountync.gov

For information, contact Nancy Wilson at 252-902-3106 or e-mail njwilson@pittcountync.gov

2007.02.22, Coastal Conservation Assoc. Banquet., speaker Lt. Governor

Thursday, Feb. 22, 2007
Place: Rock Springs Equestrian Center, Greenville, NC
Time: 7:00 pm
Contact: Billy Byrd,  252-756-9900,  byrdb1@nationwide.com

2007.02.10,Pitt County Democratic Party Executive Committee Meeting

Sat, February 10, 2007
Time: 9:30 am
Place: Sheppard Memorial Library, 530 South Evans Street

Precinct leaders try to attend this meeting so you can pick up your package of material for annual meeting.

  All Precinct Chairs and Vice Chairs are members of the Executive Committee and it is VERY IMPORTANT that they attend so that we will have a quorum present and can conduct official business at this meeting.  Of course, EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND and we hope to have a crowd at the meeting.  Precinct packets will be available for Precinct Chairs at this meeting also.

2007.01.27, MARCH ON WASHINGTON

Assemble on the National Mall, between 3rd and 7th Streets, at 11 am.
Rally JANUARY 27, 2007, 11am-1pm.
March will kick off at 1pm.

IT IS TIME FOR CONGRESS TO ACT!
With support from True Majority, Working Assets, the RainbowPUSH Coalition, the National Organization for Women and hundreds of other national and local groups, word about the Jan. 27th antiwar mobilization is reaching far and wide. Momentum is building and people from all walks of life and every corner of the country will be marching on Washington, DC, on Saturday, Jan. 27th.

Our message will be clear, our voice will be strong: End the war in Iraq, Bring all the troops home now! We urge you to join us!

Confirmed speakers: Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Danny Glover, Jane Fonda, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Reps. Kucinich, Waters, and Woolsey, Bob Watada, and more ...

Schedule of events of the Jan. 27-29 mobilization in Washington DC. Further details will be added as they are finalized, so please keep checking back here. Maps and logistics

EVENTS ORGANIZED BY UNITED FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE (Please scroll down for information on the Interfaith Service, the Veterans For Peace action on Thursday, CodePink's Walk in Their Shoes installation, and other actions being organized during the weekend.)

SATURDAY, JAN. 27
11am-1pm: Assembly and Rally
National Mall, between 3rd and 7th streets

1pm-??: March on Washington
Exact route TBD, keep checking here for updates

SUNDAY, JAN. 28
9am-12pm: Organizing sessions and educational workshops
Click here for full schedule.

12:30-4:30pm: Lobby training
Location: Bethesda Chevy-Chase High School, 4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD

8pm-10pm: Benefit for UFPJ with Holly Near and Tom Hayden
Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th St., NW (near U Street Metro Station).  $15 at the door (more if you can, less if you can't)

Anyone up for a "Peace-In" at Congressman Jones' Office on Tuesday, January 23rd ?

Face of War Actions
5:00p.m. Gather in front of Walter Jones' Office,
1105-C Corporate Dr., Greenville for WITS and Real
5:30p.m. Peace-In at Walter Jones' Office.

I am Zanne from Bay Area CodePINK and I'm driving the CodePINK Truck on the Mandate for Peace Tour from California to D.C., where I intend to be part of our PEACE SURGE for a MONTH as we end war and make herstory!

I've been doing actions in many of the towns I'm going through and I'm hoping you will want to do this one in Greenville.

I would like to set up the Walk In Their Shoes (WITS - shoes tagged with the names of killed Iraq Civilians and U.S Soldiers) and Real Face of War (large photos of war casualties) displays in front of Congressman Jones' Office, 1105 C Corporate Dr., Greenville.

Our goal and focus of this action is to obtain a public commitment from our Congressman to vote to DEFUND the war against Iraq in this upcoming budget appropriations vote. Thus a "Peace-In", which we hope will continue in Greenville and in D.C. until he makes this commitment.

I know this is last minute, but it is the best I can do.

I need your help. Will you contact as many activists and allies as you can and invite them to this action? Will you notify the press and make follow-up calls? And will you confirm with me that you will participate?

You can reach me at 404-561-1233. Margo is also doing press from the Bay Area and is our bottom-liner for the press. Please email her at graypanthersberk@aol.com if you are willing to help!

Hope to see you Tuesday !

Together we WILL be the PEACE SURGE that ends this war in the next couple of weeks.

Peace,
Zanne Sam Joi

p.s. We hope you will SERIOUSLY consider coming to D.C. and being part of the PEACE SURGE that will end this war! We have rented a CodePINK Women's Activist House from Jan 20th to Feb 20th and still have room. Check out national CodePINK website for details or email info@bayareacodepink.org.

Also, please bring any shoes to the action that you can contribute to the WITS, especially children and womens shoes as their deaths account for over half of the casualties in Iraq. These shoes will become part of a permanent display in D.C.

You can check out my blog at codepinkjournals.blogspot.com

First Congressional District Democratic Party Executive Committee of North Carolina 

When: Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 7:00 a.m.
Where: Halifax Regional Medical Center Dining Room #2 located at 250 Smith Church Road in Roanoke Rapids.
Contact: District Chair Don Davis, Phone:  (252) 747-3414

The First Congressional District Democratic Party of North Carolina announces that an executive committee meeting has been set to fill the vacancy in North Carolina House District 7 vacated with the resignation of Ed Jones of Halifax, who recently received the nod from Democrats to lead Senate District 4.  The executive committee will meet Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at 7:00 a.m. to decide his replacement.   

NC State Executive Committee Meeting
Sat, 01/20/2007
Time: 12:00 pm
Place: Moseley Center, Elon University, Elon, NC

Registration 10:00 am Meeting 12:00 pm
Information for SEC members to arrive by mail shortly

Pitt County Democratic Party Meeting
Sat, January 13, 2007
Time: 9:30 am
Place: Sheppard Memorial Library, 530 South Evans Street

ATTENTION ALL PITT COUNTY DEMOCRATS: The Pitt County Democratic Party will meet on Saturday, January 13th, at 9:30 a.m. at Sheppard Memorial Library, 530 South Evans Street. It is very important that we get together to keep the momentum going now that we have control of BOTH Houses of Congress, and to assure victory in the Presidential election in 2008. Please be there to show your support and help to find ways to assure a Democratic victory in '08. We cannot "rest on our laurels" now, since this is only the beginning!!!

If you have questions or need information about the meeting, please call Johnny Rouse at 321-7743 or Penny Funkhouser at 413-6353.

Hope to see you Saturday and be sure to bring friends or neighbors who are interested in SAVING our country!

Penny Funkhouser,
Secretrary Pitt County Democratic Party

2007.04.21, Pitt County Democratic Party Convention 

Sat Apr 21,2007 at 1pm

2006, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, said:

"The protest, I don't think, changes votes on the floor of the Senate. I think what changes votes is coming down, sitting down, talking about it, as opposed to students' staying out of school. I happen to think that students' staying out of school is counterproductive."

2006, Ann Coulter has meltdown on FOX NEWS and walks off set

She says" things are going swimmingly in Afghanistan" , Maybe she should watch something other than FOX "NEWS" (Remember Wag the Dog Ann?)

Kirsten Powers cuts off Ann Coulter's diatribe about the failure of the Bush administration to capture Osama Bin Ladin being the Clinton administration's responsibility. Watch as Coulter meltdown on screen after Kirsten moves onto the next question with another guest.

2006, Barack Obama

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said that "The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice."

Dr. King was right, it does bend toward justice.

But it doesn't bend on its own. It bends because for over two hundred years, we have had the courage to put our hands on that arc and move it in the direction of opportunity, equality, and justice.

It bends because people are willing to run for office and stand up for the America they believe in. And it bends because millions of other Americans are willing to volunteer, and make phone calls, and knock on doors, and talk to their friends and neighbors, and write checks large and small because they believe too.

This November, these efforts will culminate in a historic opportunity to bring back the America we dream of. When Democrats retake the Senate, we will show that we don't have to settle for the Republican agenda of fear and division anymore.

We don't have to settle for a Republican agenda that tells us we can find the money to give Paris Hilton more tax cuts, but we can't find enough to protect our ports or our railroads or our chemical plants or our borders.

We don't have to settle for the closed-door deals that give billions to the HMOs when we're told that we can't do a thing for the 45 million uninsured or the millions more who can't pay their medical bills.

And we don't have to settle for a Republican agenda that gives billions away to the oil companies and then tells us we can't invest in the renewable energy that will create jobs and lower gas prices and finally free us from our dependence on the oil wells of Saudi Arabia.

Only a Democratic Senate can restore the values we hold so dear. As I write this message, Democrats running for Senate are winning. We are ahead or tied in five of seven targeted races - even against well-known and well-financed Republican incumbents. There are many, many reasons to believe.

But if we are going to win, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the largest national organization supporting the election of Democrats to the US Senate, must raise $1 million dollars before June 30th and its FEC filing deadline to close the fundraising gap with the Republicans.

Never before have Senate Democrats been so united behind one singular goal. To help us blow past our fundraising target, a group of Democratic Senators have agreed to match your donations dollar for dollar - meaning that your gift is instantly doubled. If you have ever thought of giving to the DSCC, now is the time.

The news from across the country is good, but no one thinks winning control of the Senate will be easy. The voters are with us, but we face opponents who have twice as much money as we do -- and they're spending it early and often.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is already running television and radio ads smearing Democratic challenger Jon Tester - a farmer whose family goes back three generations in Montana - as too liberal for the state. They're singing from their same tired song book -- gay marriage, flag burning, higher taxes. We can't let them do it this time - and we won't.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is responding to the Montana attack ads, but this is just the first of many, many such ads to come in tight races all across the country. The DSCC must be ready to respond to Republican attacks wherever and whenever they occur. But it is not enough simply to respond. We need your help so that Democrats can define themselves before negative campaigning begins. As Mark Twain said, "A lie can get halfway around the world before the truth even gets its boots on."

I believe that the best America is ahead of us. I believe that someday soon, we will live in a nation where all children can receive an affordable, world-class education, where our workers have good health care and secure jobs, and where our homeland is both safe and free. I believe our friends and neighbors are ready for a change - they're ready to reject the leaders who don't think government should even try to solve big challenges.

I believe we can make it happen. Please do what you can to help.

Now is the time for action. With your support, the DSCC can make sure that our candidates increase their leads this summer - and pull ahead to victory in November. Electing a Democratic Senate is the first step toward turning this nation around.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

P.S. Be sure to let your friends and neighbors know that Democratic Senate candidates are winning across the country - even against longtime Republican incumbents. Please ask them to make a contribution to the DSCC in any amount they can afford.

2006, PFAW

The Long Shadow of Jim Crow: Voter Intimidation and Suppression in America Today

2006. Sen. Kennedy

"Americans believe that no one who works hard for a living should have to live in poverty. A job should lift you out of poverty, not keep you in it," said Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. A full-time worker paid $5.15 an hour would earn $10,700 a year, "almost $6,000 below the poverty line for a family of three," he said.

Lawmakers' annual pay has risen by about $30,000 since the last increase in the minimum wage. Last week, House lawmakers accepted a $3,300 pay raise to $168,500 for themselves for the seventh consecutive year by rejecting a bid to challenge the automatic cost-of-living increase.

2006., Sen. Harry Reid

George W. Bush has never vetoed a bill from Congress.  For the first time he uses his veto power to reject a Senate bill to offer full federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. 
Sign Petition on Stem Cell Research

2006., Sen. Tom Harkin

George W. Bush has never vetoed a bill from Congress.  But today, he rejected the Senate bill I co-sponsored to offer full federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. 

This decision is heartless.  It is an affront to science. And it demonstrates ignorance of the subject.

Joining Bush in his irresponsible opposition to this vital research are right-wing Republican senators like George Allen, Jim Talent, Jon Kyl and Conrad Burns, all of whom are up for reelection in November.  If not for these four, the Senate would have mustered enough votes to override George Bush's veto.

America's top scientists overwhelmingly believe that embryonic stem cells have the potential to create treatments and cures for some of the world's most debilitating diseases.  The American public is right there with them; with two-thirds or more consistently saying they support embryonic stem cell research.  But George Bush would tell a person with Parkinson's that scoring points with his political base trumps their right to possibly live without suffering. 

Over the last few years, ultra conservative Republicans in the Senate and throughout the Bush administration have proven that they are completely in the thrall of the religious right.  Time and again, matters of urgent public health have been undermined at the behest of radicals who eschew scientific expertise in favor of fundamentalism. 

Five years ago, President Bush handcuffed our researchers with his arbitrary decision to only allow research on a limited number of stem cell lines - which we now know are contaminated, and of limited efficacy.   While countries in Asia and Europe steam ahead in this promising new field of research, America is being left behind.

In the last few weeks, the U.S. Senate has united behind House legislation that would have reversed this misguided policy and provided an ethical and scientifically sound framework for research that could one day help millions of Americans who suffer from diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and other diseases.

Our Senate bill would have allowed for research on stem cells derived from embryos left over from fertility treatments that would otherwise be discarded.  Radicals like George Allen would have you believe that extracting stem cells involves killing the unborn for the benefit of the living.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Sincerely, Sen. Tom Harkin

2006.02.23, NCDP

Elizabeth Dole Should Recuse Herself from Port Deal Considerations

Submitted by NCDP on Thu, 02/23/2006 - 11:32am. Press Releases Husband Hired by Dubai to Push Deal Presents Conflict of Interest Today, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek called on Republican Senator Elizabeth Dole to step aside in any congressional considerations of the growing controversy over the Bush Administration’s proposed sale of the management operations at six U.S. ports to a corporation owned by the United Arab Emirates. Sen. Dole’s husband, Bob Dole, “has been hired by Dubai Ports World to help shepherd the company through a $6.8 billion deal to control terminals at six U.S. ports.” [Raleigh News and Observer, 2/23/2006]“[Dole’s spokesperson] said she didn't know how long Elizabeth Dole had known about her husband's consulting for Dubai Ports World. Bob Dole, a registered lobbyist, former senator from Kansas and GOP presidential candidate, is among a team of lawyers at the Washington law firm Alston & Bird that has been working with Dubai Ports World. Dubai Ports World is owned by the United Arab Emirates.” [Raleigh News and Observer, 2/23/2006] Senators and Representatives in both parties have expressed outrage at the Bush Administration’s secret deal to transfer the port management.
“Today, I call on Senator Dole to recuse herself from any congressional oversight and considerations of the Dubai port deal,” said Chairman Meek. “The fact that Dubai is paying her husband to help pass the deal presents both a financial and ethical conflict of interest for Senator Dole. Congress does have a role in such a consequential deal, but once again, the coziness of lobbyists with Republicans in Washington is both troubling and inappropriate.”

2006.03.20

Cheney Cherry Picks Iraq Facts;;;Click for more

2006.04.05

Edith Warren Reception April 5, 2006

2006.04.25

Bush Eases Environmental Rules on Gasoline AP Story, April 25

2006.04.25

Gas Price Crisis Continues to Burn North Carolina Working Families

2006.04.26

Fox News's Snow to Become New White House Press Secretary Washington Post , April 26, 2006; AP Story

2006.05, NY Times

Growing Unease for Some Blacks on Immigration The New York Times

2006.05.04

House Lobbying Rules Call for More Disclosure, Washington Post

2006.05.16

Howard Dean

DNC Responds to Bush's PR Campaign on Immigration Submitted by NCDP on Tue, 05/16/2006 - 11:38am.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the President's address on immigration tonight:

"After more than five years of sitting on the sidelines it's noteworthy that tonight the President finally joined the call from Democrats for comprehensive immigration reform. Unfortunately, at a time when we needed real leadership, we once again heard a political PR campaign filled with an unrealistic short-term fix, rather than a detailed long term solution.

"Once again the President tried to hide the truth about his guest worker program, which would force immigrants into indentured servitude and fail to protect U.S. workers and their wages. For what little substance the President did offer, he left out critical answers on practicality and cost, at a time when our national debt and budget deficits are at record highs and our national guard is stretched thin.

"What's worse, the President failed to denounce the House Republicans' plan to criminalize immigrants, families, doctors, and even clergy, leaving many to question whether or not he will stand up to the extremists in his party.

"The President's lack of leadership and tonight's band-aid approach to border security was more of the same. The American people are looking for substance not sound bites. Democrats have been consistent and will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform that is both tough and smart. That means reform that strengthens our borders. It means reform that protects U.S. workers and their wages, reunites families, and allows hard working immigrants who pay taxes and obey the law the opportunity to apply for the responsibilities of citizenship."

2006.05.29

A Few Years, and Then Another Bush?
By ELISABETH BUMILLER Published: May 29, 2006 The New York Times

2006.06.06, NCDP on Tue, 06/06/2006 - 5:23pm. Press Releases

NC Democratic Party Chair Repudiates Rachel Lea Hunter’s Racist Comments

I am announcing today that I will recommend that the State Democratic Party leadership withhold any endorsement in the Supreme Court seat that Rachel Lea Hunter is seeking See full story...

2006.06.08

Senate Blocks Action on Estate Tax Repeal June 8, 2006

2006.06.09

DeLay leaves House unbowed CNN Friday, June 9, 2006;

2006.06.10

Platform and Resolutions Committee Last day to submit ideas to comittee; meets 6-10-06 at Raleigh
Contact: Wayne Goodwin, chair 910-997-1301 or email
wayne@waynegoodwin.org

2006.06.12, John Kerry

No American leader can remain silent on Iraq. The outcome of what is now a civil war in Iraq cannot be determined by American military force. It has to be solved by Iraqis brought together to hammer out their differences. Period. It is time for Iraqis to stand up for Iraq....In the next 24 hours, it is likely that the Senate will vote on my amendment which calls for the withdrawal of American combat troops from Iraq by the end of this year.
Urge your Senators to support withdrawal of combat troops by the end of 2006
See full post....

2006.06.30, NCDP

Republicans Bear Responsibility for Student Loan Rate Increase Submitted by NCDP on Fri, 06/30/2006 - 1:22pm. Press Releases On July 1, student loan interest rates are set to rise an average of 2 percent, to their highest rate in years. The interest rate increase is a result of a budget bill signed into law in February that cut $12 billion in federal funding for student loans. More...

2006.07.01

Journalists and 'Leakers' Feel Heat
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: July 1, 2006

2006.07.10, NCDP

Governor Easley Signs Budget that Keeps Education as NC's Top Priority Submitted by NCDP on Mon, 07/10/2006 - 3:24pm. Press Releases .. More...

2006.07.18, Harry Reid
http://giveemhellharry.com/stemcell

I just walked off the Senate floor, where a bipartisan group of lawmakers voted to pass the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, offering hope to millions of Americans. I wish we could celebrate - however, George Bush has indicated he might make this bill the first veto of his Presidency.

After signing numerous bills giving tax breaks to millionaires and giveaways to his friends at oil companies, it is unbelievable that George Bush's first veto might come on a bill that could save millions of lives. I need your help letting George Bush know this is unacceptable -- he must sign the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. We need to act in the next 24 - 48 hours -- every moment is critical.

Tell George Bush to sign the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, by visiting:

The Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act (H.R. 810) offers hope to millions of Americans who are suffering from debilitating diseases and conditions such as Lou Gehrig's disease, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and cancer. For too long, Americans have been denied hope because this President and this Republican Congress put ideology over sound science and have refused to act.

Now we have acted with an overwhelming bipartisan majority and passed H.R. 810. Only George Bush stands in the way of it becoming law.

Today before H.R. 810 passed, the Senate was forced to vote on two other measures: The Alternative Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapies Enhancement Act (S. 2754) and the Fetus Farming Prohibition Act (S. 3504). The only reason we voted on these bills was to provide political cover for the opponents of stem cell research such as George Bush and Rick Santorum. They know their opposition to stem cell research is outside the American mainstream, so they want to give themselves this cover by voting for two meaningless bills that do nothing to harness the potential of stem cell research for the millions suffering from deadly diseases. It's a playbook straight from the Republican's Orwellian world.

We need to make H.R. 810 law because the President's current stem cell policy is hindering promising medical research that could lead to treatments and cures for many diseases and conditions. Under his current policy, federal research funds can be used on only a small number of embryonic stem cell lines that were created before August 9, 2001. As a result, we are needlessly impeding the work of scientists who cannot use federal funds for research on newer, more promising lines.

H.R. 810 solves this problem by expanding the number of human embryonic stem cell lines eligible for federally funded research. Scientists would be able to use new stem cell lines derived from any of the more than 400,000 surplus embryos from fertility clinics that will never be used to create pregnancy and would otherwise be thrown away.

This is a rare opportunity to enact legislation that is about curing disease and saving lives. Tell George Bush to sign this bill into law:

A veto of this bill is a veto of research and cures for hundreds of diseases and that is unacceptable.

Thank you,

Harry Reid

2006.07.19, Howard Dean
http://www.democrats.org/curediscovery

Today George Bush chose political posturing over human life, denying hope to millions of Americans, their families and loved ones who are affected by debilitating diseases.

He used his first-ever veto to stop the discovery of new cures for diseases like juvenile diabetes, leukemia, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and many others. More than 70% of Americans from every walk of life -- whether in the faith community, the science lab, the hospital or at the bedside of a sick relative -- and majorities in both chambers of Congress disagree, but that didn't stop him.

The bill he vetoed wasn't a sweeping change -- it was a small, practical measure that would have made a big difference for medical research based on sound science. But the consequences are sweeping: the proposed law would have allowed research on excess embryos generated during processes like fertility treatments -- embryos that would otherwise simply be discarded.

Now is the time to speak out. Send a message to your representatives letting them know that you support cure discovery now:

If George Bush truly believed his rhetoric about stem cells, he would do something about the processes that create the excess embryos in the first place. But he won't. They will continue to go unused (his spokesman limply calls it a "tragedy"), and cures will continue to be beyond our reach.

Bush may not be willing to choose cure discovery over his right-wing base, but the vast majority of Americans support cure research.

Even after his veto, Democrats in Congress will continue to keep the pressure on to get more votes. If Republicans refuse to join the cause and override Bush's veto, it will have to be decided at the ballot box in November. Democrats will continue to fight to keep this hope for the discovery of new cures alive.

The Congress and the rest of the country are paying attention right now, and we have to seize this moment to build the coalition of support for cure discovery. Please add your name to the list of supporters and we'll send your message to your representatives:

As a medical doctor, I'm offended at the political meddling in potentially life-saving research. All of our families could be touched by hope found through stem cell research: from juvenile diabetes to Alzheimer's, it offers the opportunity for new cures. Yet this important research has been dwindling because of restrictions put in place by Bush five years ago.

That's half a decade we have lost. How much longer will those suffering and their families have to wait?

People can disagree in good faith on this issue, but Bush's extraordinary action doesn't meet that threshold -- it smacks of political calculation. The opportunity to save lives of people with debilitating diseases, and to reduce suffering for them and their families, requires that a president respect the will of the people and the Congress.

Join the cause supporting cure discovery:

History will judge this veto as a sad political calculation.

Just a few votes stand in the way. With your support we'll get them -- either now, or in the new Democratic Congress you elect in November.

When we do, we will restore hope through life-saving research and cure discovery.

Thank you.

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

2006.08., DNC

Strong Turnout in Democratic Primaries More... Howard Dean, the Democratic national chairman, called on Mr. Lieberman to quit the race, and in an interview said he would be disappointed in any Democratic Party leader who continued to support Mr. Lieberman, declaring that they “have an obligation” to support their nominee.

2006.08.03, Harry Reid

The bungled occupation of Iraq is only the most visible failure of George Bush's cowboy diplomacy. Under his watch, Iran and North Korea have continued their pursuit of nuclear weapons. The number of terror attacks in 2005 quadrupled. Five years after 9-11, only 6% of shipping containers entering our ports are inspected and $2 billion has been cut from law enforcement. Americans who grew up with grateful Berliners greeting the arrival of John F. Kennedy now see a rising tide of anti-Americanism around the world.

And George Bush tells us that we're safer?

Albert Einstein once said "The height of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result." Unfortunately for the country, what George Bush does over and over again never yields a different result. What's worse is that the Republican Senate, which is charged with overseeing American foreign policy, has rubberstamped his disastrous policies every step of the way.

America needs a change in leadership - so we can turn this insanity into accountable, tough and smart policies that will restore our leadership in the world and put the lessons of 9-11 into concrete measures to keep us safe.

The stakes have never been higher and the most important action you can take today is to support the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. We are only six seats away from gaining the majority and the polls show that we can win - but we need your help to ensure that Democratic candidates have all the resources they need.

Click here to make a secure contribution of $40, $75 or more

Five years after September 11, the Bush administration has still not acted on the bipartisan recommendations of the 9/11 commission. The CIA unit charged with hunting down bin Laden has been shelved and the increasingly isolated George Bush refuses to change tactics in the fight against a terrorist enemy that has now dispersed across the globe. We can't afford to waste five more years with incompetence and failed policies.

We need change in Washington, and it begins with defeating Republican senators who have willingly bought into George W. Bush's misguided policies. Make a contribution to the DSCC to help elect a Democratic Senate and help rein in George Bush's wayward foreign policy. Remember, reaching our $1 million by Labor Day goal is so important that a group of Democratic senators has agreed to match your donations dollar for dollar.

For too long, George Bush hasn't been accountable to Congress. His dangerous incompetence has left us less safe and secure. That can all change this November with your help.

Sincerely,

Harry Reid

2006.08.04, AP

Sen. Clinton says Rumsfeld should resign

AP - Fri Aug 4, 2:40 AM ET

WASHINGTON - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday called on Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld to resign, hours after excoriating him at a public hearing over what she called "failed policy" in Iraq. More...

2006.08.10

Democrats Back Lamont in Race in Show of Unity
NY Times By ADAM NAGOURNEY Published: August 10, 2006

Howard Dean, the Democratic national chairman, called on Mr. Lieberman to quit the race, and in an interview said he would be disappointed in any Democratic Party leader who continued to support Mr. Lieberman, declaring that they “have an obligation” to support their nominee. more>

2006.08.17, DNC

Bush Not Credible On The Economy

The American people continue to be fed up with Republicans' failed economic policies that have led to stagnating wages, rising gas prices and millions more Americans joining the ranks of the uninsured. Americans have had enough of the rubber-stamp Republican Congress going along with Bush's policies.

2006.08.19, John Kerry
HELP WIN THREE CRUCIAL SENATE RACES.

Dear Friend,

People who live in white houses shouldn't throw stones.

George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove should know better, but it's no surprise they don't. For almost five years now, every time they've got their backs to the wall politically, they play "the fear card." The latest example: Dick Cheney claiming that Democratic candidates who dare to challenge the Bush White House on Iraq are "emboldening terrorists."

What's worse, and startling, is that in Connecticut Joe Lieberman is now echoing their intolerable rhetoric attacking the Democratic Senate nominee.

It won't work. We won't let it work.

In Connecticut, New Jersey and Hawaii, this cynical Bush-Cheney strategy is running aground because our stand-up candidates are exposing the failed policies, botched strategies, and mind-boggling incompetence of the Bush White House that have squandered America's treasure, kept Osama Bin Laden on the loose, and cost the lives and limbs of our brave young people.

If the Bush administration could plan and execute the war on terror as well as it executes its shameless pre-election fear-mongering, we'd all be a lot safer.

That's what strong, principled Senate candidates like Ned Lamont, Bob Menendez, and Dan Akaka are making clear to voters in three of America's closest, high-stakes Senate contests.

Our candidates are refusing to buckle or bend in the face of withering attacks by shameless politicians.

I urge you to stand with these candidates now. Because when we help them win, the cynical tactics of the Bush-Cheney-Rove political machine will lose their power.

There's only one way we can win. We've got to help our candidates give back as good as they get.

We'll meet every shameless attack with more energy, every distorting ad with more passion, and every ugly appeal to fear with more determination.

And 82 days from now, we'll celebrate the election of standup Democrats all across America.

We'll teach them, once and for all, that people who live in white houses shouldn't throw stones.

Let's get it done.

Sincerely,

John Kerry

2006.08.23

Comments Haunt Another Senator

Montana's Burns Joked About LatinosBy Jim VandeHei Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 23, 2006; Page A04 - More ...

2006.08.23

Iran Sanctions Could Fracture Coalition
The New York Times By HELENE COOPER Published: August 23, 2006 WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 -

Now that carrots have failed to convince Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, can the U.S. convince coalition members to take out their sticks? More...

2006.08.24

In Montana, Dole Tries to Save Crooked Senator by Defending Racial Profiling

Submitted by NCDP on Thu, 08/24/2006 - 5:28pm. Press Releases

“Instead of spending time with the people she professes to represent, Senator Dole’s spending her time in places like Montana trying to save one of the most crooked Senators. Even worse, she’s defending racial profiling,” said North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek. “North Carolinians deserve a Senator who will do her day job and support an increase in the minimum wage, not a crony of Jack Abramoff.”

This week, as North Carolinians head back to school, fret over high gas prices, and worry about the cost of health care, the state’s senior Senator is off in Montana spending part of the congressional recess defending one of the country’s most crooked Senators instead of listening to the concerns of her constituents.

2006.08.25, DNC, Howard Dean

Dean On President Bush’s Katrina PR Offensive

Next week marks the one year Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of the worse natural disasters in our nation's history. President Bush's mishandling of Hurricane Katrina was a defining moment in the Bush Presidency, which destroyed Americans' confidence in President Bush's ability to deal with a crisis.

Released on Friday, August 25, 2006 at 04:14 PM

2006.08.26

Iraq-Bound, Without Reservations D.C. Marine Unit, Called for Third Time, Confronts Higher Risks With Resolve
By Sue Anne Pressley Montes Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, August 26, 2006; Page A01
The Marines already are saying their goodbyes. The 4th Civil Affairs Group, a reserve unit based in Washington, is leaving for Iraq -- again. More...

2006.08.26

Obama takes AIDS test to fight stigma

CNN - NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Barack Saturday, August 26, 2006; Posted: 5:09 a.m. EDT (09:09 GMT)

Obama and his wife, Michelle, publicly visited a clinic and took AIDS tests Saturday in Kenya, where fear and social stigmas have slowed progress in fighting the disease. Thousands of people gathered around the tiny mobile clinic in Kisumu, western Kenya, while Obama was tested in an effort to draw attention to Africa's AIDS epidemic. More...