18 Jan 2012

ASSOCIATED FIRE FIGHTERS OF ILLINOIS ENDORSE MIKE SMIDDY IN DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR 71st HOUSE DISTRICT

By Brian Kramer

Endorsement Announcement:  January 20, 2012

Location: Moline Public Library Gold Room

Time: 10AM

The Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois Political Action Committee announced today its endorsement of Mike Smiddy in the Democratic primary for the 71st House District.

The AFFI represents over 15,000 members in 211 communities across the state. The firefighters said Smiddy will be the best advocate for public safety and ensure Illinois firefighters have the resources necessary to keep the citizens and first responders safe.

"Mr. Smiddy impressed us with his depth of knowledge on issues important not only to firefighters, but to all working men and women in his district and the state," said Pat Devaney, President of the AFFI. "At a time when financial resources are at a premium, it's good to know the voters have an opportunity to elect someone with fiscal integrity as well as concern for public safety."

AFFI Legislative Representative Chuck Sullivan stated that  " Mr. Smiddy's previous life experiences and work history lends credence to the fact that he understands the working middle class and is willing to stand up for all workers and their families."

The AFFI is among the most respected advocacy groups before the Illinois General Assembly and represents firefighters' efforts statewide in protecting lives and property from fire and other catastrophic events.

16 Jan 2012

Smiddy Receives Big Endorsements

By Brian Kramer

Mike Smiddy (38), candidate for State Representative in Illinois' 71st District received an enormous boost in his bid to become the democratic nominee when on Thursday he received the endorsements of the Northwest Illinois Building Trades and the Illinois AFL-CIO.  The Northwest Illinois Building Trades represents unions in Whiteside County the northern part of the 71st District while the Illinois AFL-CIO represents 1,500 local unions and nearly one million union members throughout the State of Illinois.

"Growing up in a middle class family and being the son of a UAW retiree I am extremely proud to have received these organizations support.  It is the hard work of organized labor that created the middle class in America and I plan to be a voice in the Illinois Legislature for those values and Ideals."

Smiddy, a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local #46 at the East Moline Correctional Center believes that each generation is suppose to do better than the previous one.  If Illinois continues down its current path, our children and grandchildren may not be able to reach their potential because of our failures.

"We must demand more from our elected officials.  Being able to believe in the American Dream that we can achieve our goals by hard work and dedication is what our communities were built on. Illinoisans need to be able to trust those that they elect and send to Springfield.  Citizens need to have the confidence that the decisions that are being made by our leaders are done for the right reasons."

Since announcing his candidacy back in September, Smiddy has also received endorsements from the following organizations:

 

Laborers Local #309 (Rock Island)

The Quad City Federation of Labor

The Tri-City Building Trades

The Great Plains Laborer's District Council (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana)

Rock Island Firefighters Association Local #26

Illinois AFL-CIO

Northwest Illinois Building Trades

Quad City - Illinois UAW CAP Council Endorsement Recommendation

16 Jan 2012

Join the Solutions Revoution at SRLC 2012!

By Cain Connections
Dear Patriots,

The time to restore Conservative values in America is NOW! 

As the conference's keynote speaker on Thursday, January 19th, 2012, I will make an "unconventional endorsement" in Charleston, South Carolina at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference, and I want YOU to join me!

I have teamed up with the organizers of the Southern Republican Leadership Conference to offer you an EXCLUSIVE, DISCOUNTED ONE DAY PASS rate!  For only $25, you can join me on Thursday afternoon for my speech and then attend the globally televised CNN Presidential Debate on Thursday evening! 

Or, CLICK HERE FOR FULL ACCESS TO THE CONFERENCE!

My mission is still to defeat Barack Obama and get the Republican nominee for the Presidency elected, and we cannot win this fight without YOU!

In addition, the Southern Republican Leadership Conference is also providing all registrants with a discounted hotel rate for their stay in Charleston. Don't miss this opportunity!

America's best days are ahead of her.  I hope you will consider joining me in Charleston as we take America back.  May God Bless you, and God Bless the United States of America.

Sincerely,


Herman Cain

P.S.  THE FIGHT TO RESTORE AMERICA BEGINS AT THE SOUTHERN REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE.  WON'T YOU CONSIDER JOINING ME?

16 Jan 2012

Grassley meetings in Iowa to continue this week

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley has meetings scheduled with Iowans in 16 counties next week.

Beginning on Monday, Grassley will be in Centerville, Albia, Chariton, Corydon, Garden Grove, Mt. Ayr, Creston, Osceola, Winterset, Greenfield, Panora, Grimes, Grand Junction, Boone, Ames, and Le Grand.

Already this month, he has traveled to 20 counties for dialogue with Iowans.  Grassley has held at least one meeting in each of Iowa's 99 counties every year since he was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1980.

"I look forward to these meetings to hear directly from Iowans and to have the dialogue that's so important to the process of representative government.  This process is a two-way street.  I go to people to answer questions and listen to comments, and they come out and participate in the discussion," Grassley said.

Grassley encourages Iowans to communicate with him on a regular basis.  In turn, he plans regular, face-to-face meetings in Iowa and with Iowans in Washington, and he responds to every letter, email and phone call from Iowans.  Grassley also communicates via Facebook, Twitter and at http://grassley.senate.gov.

Below is more information about this month's meetings.  The town meetings are open to the public.  Local hosts should be contacted regarding other meetings.  Grassley will be available for interviews with local reporters for 15 minutes after every meeting.

Earlier this month, Grassley held meetings in Riceville, Charles City, New Hampton, Waverly, Waterloo, Clarion, Dakota City, Algona, Forest City, Garner, Hampton, Mason City, Manly, Osage, Calmar, West Union, Independence, Manchester, Vinton, and Gladbrook.

 

Monday, January 16

5-6 p.m.

Appanoose County Weekly Meal at Faith United Methodist Church, Q&A with Attendees

23851 Highway 5 South in Centerville 

 

Tuesday, January 17

7:30-8:30 a.m.

Monroe County Town Meeting

Albia Area Chamber of Commerce

18 South Main Street in Albia

 

10:15-11:15 a.m.

Lucas County Town Meeting

Carpenter Hall

1215 Court Street in Chariton

 

12-1 p.m.

Wayne County Town Meeting

Wayne County Courthouse

100 North Lafayette in Corydon

 

2-3 p.m.

Speak to Government Class

Mormon Trail Jr./Sr. High School

502 East Main Street in Garden Grove

 

4:30-5:30 p.m.

Ringgold County Town Meeting

Jamie's Coffee Mill & Deli

118 West Adams Street in Mt. Ayr

 

Wednesday, January 18

7:30-8:30 a.m.

Union County Town Meeting

City Hall/Restored Depot, City Council Chambers

116 West Adams Street in Creston

 

9:45-10:45 a.m.

Q&A with Students

Clarke County High School

800 North Jackson in Osceola

 

12-1 p.m.

Madison County Town Meeting

Winterset Public Library, Meeting Room

123 North 2nd Street in Winterset

 

2-3 p.m.

Adair County Town Meeting

Andrews Memorial Adair County Health & Fitness Center, Meeting Room

202 North Townline Road in Greenfield

 

4:15-5:15 p.m.

Guthrie County Town Meeting

Panora Community Center

115 West Main Street in Panora

 

Thursday, January 19

8-9 a.m.

Q&A with Students

Dallas Center-Grimes Middle School

1400 Vine Street in Grimes

 

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Greene County Town Meeting

Grand Junction Community Center

212 Main Street in Grand Junction

 

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Boone County Town Meeting

Boone County Historical Center

602 Story Street in Boone

 

2:30-3:30 p.m.

Tour Facility and Q&A with Employees

Becker Underwood

801 Dayton Avenue in Ames

 

5-6 p.m.

Marshall County Town Meeting

Le Grand Area Community Center

206 North Vine Street in Le Grand

 

-30-

11 Jan 2012

Braley Raises over $1.1 Million for Re-Election Bid in 2011

By Molly Scherrman
With help from over 1,700 Iowans, Braley sets new record for non-election year fundraising in Iowa's First District

Waterloo, IA - The Bruce Braley for Congress campaign announced today that it will report having raised over $1.1 million during 2011 when it files its year-end Federal Election Commission report, due January 31st.  The report will also show Braley raising over $320,000 during the 4th quarter of 2011, and will report the campaign having over $627,000 cash on hand.  More than 1,700 Iowans contributed to Braley's campaign in 2011.

$1.1 million is the most ever raised by a 1st District Congressional candidate during a non-election year.

"Thanks to the outpouring of support from Iowans during 2011, Braley for Congress has set yet another non-election year fundraising record," Braley for Congress campaign manager Molly Scherrman said.  "This record year shows that Iowans want someone who's on our side in Congress working to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and stand up for veterans.  Tea Party Republicans funded by Washington special interests may target Bruce because he puts Iowa first, but they'll have to contend with this strong base of grassroots support first."
10 Jan 2012

"9-9-9 The Revolution" Cain: "Brains and Ballots, Not Bombs and Bullets"

By Rick Martin

(New York) On Fox News' "Hannity" television show Wednesday night, Herman Cain told the world he intends to start something?a revolution. He has launched "Cain's Solutions Revolution."

Due in part to its incredible popularity, the first focus of "Cain's Solutions Revolution" will be "9-9-9 The Revolution". This movement will promote real solutions to the serious problems that have, for far too long, kept government power out of the hands of the American people, out of the very hands where government power truly belongs.

Mr. Cain assures this revolution is not simply slogans or empty promises, "This movement is not about bombs and bullets. It's about brains and ballots," Cain said. "With the simple key solutions we have outlined at www.cainconnections.com, we the people, can - and will - take back our government."

In addition to '9-9-9 The Revolution', 'Cain's  Solutions Revolution' includes several other very important solution areas:

  • Regulatory Reform
  • Energy Independence: "Made in America"
  • Monetary Reform: (Make the dollar as good as gold)
  • Peace through Strength and Clarity
  • Candidate Commitments

"Cain's Solutions Revolution" will also provide the strategy and tactics for our citizens to make these solutions come to life - across the nation, in our states and in our local communities.

Through bus tours, town hall meetings, rallies and many other outreach efforts, the "Cain Solutions Revolution" will energize and empower not only those who want to 'keep 9-9-9 alive' but who are inspired to have a major, positive impact on the future of our country in this critical 2012 election season and beyond.

For more information, please visit www.cainconnections.com

10 Jan 2012

Iowa Caucus results

By Tyler Reedy
On the evening of January 3rd Occupy Iowa Caucus (#OIC) met a set back; despite a combined effort of media and work on the ground we have achieved a small turnout for "Uncommitted"; with 1.5% in the Democratic caucus and 0.6% in the GOP's caucus. This is a set back for all who identify with the 99%.

The set back is not due to our own organization, but rather the powerful organization and allies of our enemies. The GOP, the Democratic Party and corporations have been working to suppress the voices of the 99%.

This has suppression been seen in the fact that corporate media has denied our approaches and not covered this effort. Furthermore the threats of both parties to ignore or not count uncommitted votes show their willingness to suppress democracy

This is a clear illustration of that which we are working against. This exercise, in democracy, has clearly demonstrated that this current system cannot work for the interests of the 99%. This shows the flawed nature of our system where it is impossible for the small underfunded contender to achieve victory.

This is a clear sign of a corrupt system. The fact that the candidate who can spend the most money wins 9 out of 10 times, as was the case last night, illustrates the deepest flaw of the current voting system. However this is not the end, a better world is still possible.

Website: occupyIAcaucus.org


04 Jan 2012

Ron Paul Campaign Celebrates Great Victory at Iowa Caucus

By Gary Howard
Paul makes history in first-in-nation voting state
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign is celebrating a great victory with its strong top-three finish at the Iowa Caucus.  Below please find comments from Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton:

"The Ron Paul campaign is celebrating a great victory tonight.

"There were three tickets out of Iowa, and Ron Paul earned one of them.

"One of the three tickets, the one belonging to Rick Santorum, is a dead-end due to Santorum's weak fundraising and lack of national campaign organization.

"This is now a two way race between establishment candidate Mitt Romney and the candidate for real change, Ron Paul.

"Ron Paul has a top notch national organization, tremendous fundraising prowess, and unequaled enthusiasm among his volunteers and supporters.

"Dr. Paul has taken the first step towards earning the delegates it will take to be the GOP nominee and is the only candidate not named Mitt Romney with the ability to do so.

"Ron Paul is now off to New Hampshire, South Carolina, Louisiana, Nevada, Maine, North Dakota, Washington, Colorado, and beyond.

"See you on the campaign trail."

###
04 Jan 2012

Cain is Right on "Gotcha" Question Campaign Ends but Media Attacks on Cain Continues

By Rick Martin
(New York) During an appearance this morning on "The Early Show", former presidential candidate Herman Cain was asked a question about the number of active and reserve military personnel. Mr. Cain gave a correct answer of 3 million total military personnel in the armed services. (U.S. Department of Defense figures for active military personnel, reservists and civilian personnel indicate 3.03 million personnel.) 

It is with regret, however, that Mr. Cain needed to clarify the anchor's query as a 'gotcha' question. She proved him right with an attempt to correct him, albeit with incorrect figures.

These media attempts to 'catch' Mr. Cain in an error, or trip him up, began during his presidential campaign. Unfortunately, during a campaign, there is not always the opportunity to set the record straight when the media misrepresent information.

As evidenced during this morning's interview on CBS "The Early Show", Mr. Cain is rewriting these rules. It is clear that an overall effort remains to discredit Mr. Cain as he looks to help Americans rewrite their future.

It is with every good intention Mr. Cain called the question for what it was, a 'gotcha'. It's time to set the record straight. America has too much at stake to be misguided or misled by misinformation, intentional or otherwise.
04 Jan 2012

My Caucus Endorsement(s)

By Ed Fallon

Dear Friends,

It's really dumb to endorse a candidate, or even multiple candidates. All you do is anger your friends, fire-up your enemies and burn political capital. So, with that in mind, here are my endorsements:

DEMOCRAT: Go "uncommitted." President Obama has disappointed his base on so many issues, even signing the National Defense Authorization Act. Obama needs our support to win in November. He needs to know that we're unhappy, and that we intend to hold him accountable. We do that with a strong showing of uncommitted Democrats at Tuesday's 7:00 pm caucus. Call the Iowa Democratic Party at (515) 244-7292 to find out where to caucus.

REPUBLICAN: Support one of the less extreme candidates: Ron Paul, John Huntsman, Buddy Roemer or Fred Karger. Any of them would provide a far healthier debate with President Obama on key issues. Of course, three of these candidates have long been dismissed by the corporate media and the Republican Party. That's wrong, it's unfair, and pre-picking an "acceptable" field of candidates must change . . . but that's a battle for another day. Call the Iowa Republican Party at (515) 282-8105 to find out where to caucus at 7:00 pm on Tuesday.

These endorsements in no way reflect my opinion on next fall's general election. And whether you attend the Democratic or Republican caucus, you should introduce resolutions on issues important to you.

So, join the conversation Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (no Fallon Fourm on Caucus night) from 7:00-8:00 pm at 98.3 FM and online. Call-in at (515) 312-0983 or toll-free at (866) 908-TALK. You can download the Fallon Forum as a podcast, too. Thanks!

Ed


EVENTS

Ongoing - Occupy Des Moines (Des Moines)
At Stewart Square, East 14th and Grand, all are welcome at a daily assembly at 6:00 pm (2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday). Lots of regular activities planned. Check the Occupydsm Facebook page for details. Also, check Occupy Iowa's Facebook page for information about other actions around the state.

January 3 - Iowa Caucuses (Statewide)
At 7:00 pm, 1,774 precinct Democratic and Republican caucuses will vote for presidential candidates, elect delegates to the county conventions, and adopt resolutions to build the parties' platforms. Contact either the Iowa Democratic Party at (515) 244-7292 or the Iowa Republican Party at (515) 282-8105.

January 5 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join casual conversation with people interested in environmental issues and sustainable energy over something to eat and/or drink. It's from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave. Contact Shari Hrdina at DesMoinesGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

January 5 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, this is probably it. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

January 7 (and every Saturday) Occupy Decorah (Decorah)
At the Winneshiek County Courthouse steps at 1:00 pm to discuss issues and plan action. Contact Jim Tripp at tripp@mail2jim.com.

January 12 - Cool Congregations Coffee (Ames)
From 7:00-8:30 pm at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave for conversation about what faith communities in Iowa are doing to care for the earth. See firsthand what Bethesda Lutheran has done, installing a ground source heat pump system to heat and cool their facility with a goal of reducing their energy use and costs. Contact Sarah Webb at (515) 238-3587 or coolcongregations@iowaipl.org.

January 14 - Forey Fest (Des Moines)
There has been an outpouring of care and concern for Forey, the barefoot runner who was badly beaten recently. This will be an event filled with fun to benefit Forey. Details are still in progress, but the day will include a 5K run/walk and live music at Full Court Press bars and restaurants. See Forey Fest Facebook Page for details.

January 17 - Irish Jam at Open Sesame (Des Moines)
Discover the fusion of Lebanese and Celtic culture every third Tuesday of the month: belly dancing to Irish gigs and reels, Lebanese cooking washed-down with a pint of Guinness. All musicians patrons welcome, at 313 E. Locust St from 8:30-10:30 pm.

January 26 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join casual conversation with people interested in environmental issues and sustainable energy over something to eat and/or drink. It's from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave. Contact Shari Hrdina at DesMoinesGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

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