Updates on Southern House and Senate Races

Click on the link below to see fiancial reports from key races across the southland.

http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/restricted/printed%20editions/spr681.pdf

Scary to Say the Least

The awarding of Iran's highest state medal to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez today for his support of Iran in its nuclear stnadoff with the west is a chilling reminder of the dangerous world we live. By offering mutual support between the two nations, Chavez, and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, represent an alarming coalition that could destablize the world economy. Both nations hold their vast amounts of oil over the heads of the industrialized world. Any collaberation between these nations could send oil prices beyond the recent record highs.

I have been a strong supporter of the War on Terrorism and feel it is a vital to the national interest of the United States. However, during the past three weeks as the situtation in the Middle East has bordered on regional war, I have come to the conclusion that the War in Iraq has left Iran the only major power in the region. The toppling of Saddam Husseing removed the only check on Iranian aggression in the Middle East and has created the insurgent mess in Iraq, as well as, the hostile rebirth of Hammas.

Iran is now looking to forge alliances with nations outside the Middle East. Venezuela is a perfect fit because its President has been in open rebellion against US policy for years. The new partnership is a win-win for both countries and provides further headache to the Bush Administration on the foreign policy front. The new coalition allows Chavez, who aims to assert more influence in South American politics, a chip in gaining respect from his neighbors.

Our country, and world, is in the most precarious state since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The United States has no foreign policy plan to deal with the ever changing situation across the globe. Condeleeza Rice is the most incompetent Secretary of State this nation has had, even outdoing Madalyn Albright. Each day, world affairs take a course that is not in the interest of our country with no response or proactive agenda from the administration.

If America was a parliamentary form of government, the 2006 elections would be a chance for change in the foreign policy apparatus. Unfortunately, a change in foreign policy will come only with the innauguration of a new President in 2008. If Bush was smart, he would remove his foriegn policy team and replace them with a proven expert who has respect. George Mitchell would be a good choice!

Christensen Column on NC Reforms

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/465972.html

Why Cities can no longer Carry Democrats to Victory

If I have learned anything since I moved south, it is that Democrats must win rural and exurban voters to carry themselves to victory. North Carolina politics eptimizes this principle. There are high growth urban and suburban areas that contain native Tar Heel born residents mixed with many transplants from across the country. In the rural areas of the state there are mostly native born Tar Heel voters. I have been lucky to live in both environments while teaching here in the Tar Heel state, and have found that centrist language and politics appeals to voters across the state.

Nationally, the cities are losing people to exurban and rural areas of our country. If Democrats are to be successful again, we must appeal to a cross-section of voters. To see how cities are playing less of a role in politics, click on the link below.

http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=253984&kaid=127&subid=173

North Carolina Featured in Latest DLC Publication

North Carolina's Democratic Governor, Mike Easley, was featured in the latest edition of the Democratic Leadership Council's Blue Print Magazine in an analysis of his success in winning in a Red State. The article discusses Easley's centrist character and his ability to attract voters from all ideological spectrums.

http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=253985&kaid=104&subid=116

GOP Staffer sinks to new lows in Ohio's Gubenatorial Race

Ohio Republican Party Social Conservative Coordinator, Gary Lankford, has brought politics to a new low. In an email to GOP supporters, Lankford questioned the sexual orientation of Democratic candidate Ted Strickland and his wife. Denying the email was approved by the state GOP, Republican leaders have yet to fire Lankford for this dispicable act.

After years of corrput rule, with no accomplishments for Buckeye State residents, the Ohio Republican Party is searching for any silver bullet to derail the Strickland campaign. They do not have a message to compete against a moderate Democrat with christian values, Strickland is a ordained Methodist minister.

To find out more, click on the link below to read the article from The Columbus Dispatch.

http://www.dispatch.com/?story=dispatch/2006/07/27/20060727-A1-03.html

David Broder's conversation with a Disgruntled Republican

David Broder always has a way to say things best. His opinion piece in today's Washington Post is wonderful. I think it provides a telling story about election 2006 and how it is shaping up! Read it by clicking the link below.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/26/AR2006072601495.html

NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll finds troble for GOP

Reported by: First Read: The day in politics by NBC News for NBC News, July 27, 2006

More of the same today will likely mean change in November, the latest NBC/Wall
Street Journal poll indicates. Three and a half months before Election Day, the
poll shows little to no movement on some key barometers, suggesting that barring
some major unforeseen event, an ominous framework for Republicans is locking in.
But perhaps even more problematic for the GOP is that the striking degree of
pessimism Americans express about the future, as reflected in the poll, is being
driven largely by the war in Iraq and by the Bush Administration itself, both of
which will extend beyond November.

The public's estimation of President Bush, Congress, and the two parties hasn't
moved much. In this latest poll, taken from July 21-24, Bush's job approval
rating is 39%, a bump of two points since our June survey, but continuing his
nearly year-long streak below 40%. Congress' job approval rating is 25%, also
up two points since June, but still well below their high this year of 33%.
Those surveyed say they'd prefer a Democrat-run Congress over a Republican-run
Congress by 10 points -- about the average margin in our poll this year. The
percentages of people who say their vote is meant to send a signal of support
for Bush and a signal of opposition to Bush remains unchanged since last month.
And in two different versions of the same question, almost exactly the same
percentages say they are more concerned that Republicans will retain control of
Congress and there won't be enough change than they are concerned that Democrats
will win control of Congress and there will be too much.

By this point in the election cycle, Republicans will find it "pretty hard to
change the dynamic," NBC/Journal co-pollster Peter Hart (D) said, "especially
when you consider that the last five weeks have been aimed at changing the
dynamics." During that time, the GOP levied its "cut and run" onslaught against
Democrats over Iraq; House Republicans stood up to Bush and their Senate
colleagues to demand that border security be addressed before a new guest-worker
plan; and the party leadership held a series of votes on social issues that were
intended to inspire their base. "The events that happen on the front page count
a lot more than the events that happen on the political page," Hart suggested.

For more: The latest edition of First Read is available now at
http://www.FirstRead.MSNBC.com !

Democratic Leadership Council Announces American Dream Initiative

Meeting in Denver, Colorado this past weekend, the Democratic Leadership Council announced the American Dream Initiative (ADI). The ADI is a comprehensive plan to save the American Dream for Middle Class Americans and is written by DLC members SenatorHillary Clinton, Senator Tom Caper, and Governor Tom Vilsack. The ADI is an excellent start to recapturing the middle ground of American politics. I urge all to read the ADI by clicking on the link below.

http://www.dlc.org/documents/ADI_Book.pdf

Reed's Defeat in Georgia a Crystal Ball?

Does Ralph Reed's defeat in the Georgia Republican Primary foreshadow futher troubles for GOP candidates wrapped in the Abramoff scandle? Read the article from the National Journal to find out.

http://nationaljournal.com/mercurio.htm

Religion and Democracy Lecture Wednesday

Store Events - July 26, 7:00 PM

Time: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 7:00 PMLocation: Quail Ridge Books & MusicTitle of Event: TOWN MEETING with Dr. Stanley Hauerwas
Join us for a town meeting with Dr. Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics at Duke University. He will address the issue "What is the relationship of Religion to Democracy?"

Click here= Need Directions????

Dems to Change Primary Calendar

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/15089795.htm

Don't Let us be Misunderstood

The College Democrats of America met this week in St. Louis to gear up for the 2006 and 2008 election years. Read the report by clicking on the link below.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/COLLEGE_DEMOCRATS?SITE=OHCOL&SECTION=HOME

A Different Type of Democrat

Congressman Ted Strickland, a rural Ohio Democrat, is perhaps the best chance Ohio Dems have had in twenty years to win the state's chief executive office. Read about Strickland by clicking the link below.

http://www.ohiodems.org/ht/display/ArticleDetails/i/843426

Democrats Air Ads in Western NC

http://dwb.newsobserver.com/politics/ncwire_politics/story/2977164p-9408336c.html

Circumventing Election Laws?

The Independent, a local news magazine in the Triangle has reported on interesting developments surrounding Raleigh businessman and political figure Art Pope. Pope has recently targetted any Republican that does not subscribe to his conservative, anti-government philosophy. While doing so, Pope has created a political organization (527 group) that allows him to use monies that are undisclosed to the public. Please read the article by Bob Geary by clicking on the link below.

http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A34418

Realtors Gearing up for Fall Campaign

Read the latest article in The News and Observer regarding this fall's campaign and how some realtors and conservative groups are targetting "smart growth" candidates in the Triangle.


http://www.newsobserver.com/133/story/462302.html

Calling President Clinton

The last three mornings I have woke and viewed the further escolation of the crisis gripping the Middle East. Each side has dug in and is prepared to take the next step that may lead to an all out war in this modern day powderkeg. War in the Middle East would put United States soldiers in Iraq in the middle of a crisis which has no clear cut end. This situation is so dangerous that we may be witnessing the dawning of World War III.

Throughout the week, I have watched as the Bush Administration, and its incompetent Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice, fumbled the ball on dealing with the situation. The administration appears to be at a loss for plans on how to end this crisis peacefully. It is because of the administration's lack of a foreign policy strategy that I write this blog in hope that someone influential will read it and give my suggestion to the President.

If President Bush wants to be a leader and end the current Middle East crisis, he should put partisianship aside and ask former President Bill Clinton to be a personal envoy to the region in hope of negotiating a peace. President Clinton is the only person in the world who can bring the parties together and hammer out an aggreement. Clinton has the missing link that the Bush Administration lacks, the respect of the world community, and could barter a peace before the situation evolves past the point of no return.

So I say to President Bush, be "a uniter not a divider" and call on President Clinton to help the United States and the world out in this hour of darkness. The history books will write highly of you.

In Defense of Israel

As I write this post bombing raids continue to reck havoc on the Middle East. The current conflict between Israel, Hammas, and Hezbolah threatens to start a regional war and the United States finds itself having to deal with yet another foreign policy nightmare that could destabalize a region of the world that does not need much to trigger a major explosion.

I have been a strong advocate for the country of Israel throughout my political life. Israel has been a stable democracy for the past 60 years in a region wih no history of democratic tradition. Israel has rarely provoked attacks from its Arab neighbors, but has defended itself when pushed to do so. When asked to negotiate with its neighbors, Israel has always came to the table and concedced points in exchange for peace.

Most recently, Israel has given up territory to the Palestinians and allowed for them to have their own elections. When given this opportunity, the Palestinians elected a regional terror organization to control the government.

I feel the people of Israel should be commended in their efforts to seek peace with Palestinians and the rest of the Arab world. Peace is attainable in this region, Egypt, Jordan, and Israel have proven this point. However, when dealing with the Palestinians and other Arab nations, the Israelis have attempted to give concessions, only to be faced with situations like the present. This being said, it is understandable why Israel has reacted by using military force to deal with current affairs that threaten their soveriegnty. Israel has every right to defend itself from those who wish to eradicate it from the face of the Earth.

Hammas and Hezbolah receive much of their funding and support from Iran and Syria. These two nations are a serious problem in the Middle East. Each is an enemy of freedom and they both wish to spread Islamic Fascism around the world.

I am troubled by the response of the United Nations and Old Europe towards Israel considering the current situtation was spurred by terrorists groups with the backing of Syria and Iran. When you factor into the equasion that Iran is seeking the development of nuclear weapons, the nation thumbs its nose at the world when asked to negotiate about its nuclear development, and its President Ahmadinejad has stated on numerous occasions he would like to see Israel destroyed, how can any group (the UN and Old Europe) falt Israel in its actions?

I pray that a sollution can be arrived at that will stop the violence from erupting into a full scale regional war. But with nations like Iran and Syria holding influence, past history shows little hope for a peaceful outcome.

Palmetto State Gubenatorial Election Update

The State newspaper details the race for the governorship of South Carolina. The Democrats have a chance, but will need to raise money in a very short time period.

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/local/15017882.htm

Reform of NC Lobbying Laws Needs Your Help!!

Stop the Gas Tax Bill Graham to seek Governorship

Carolina Demline has learned from a source close to Bill Graham, the Gas Tax crusader turned advocate for immigration reform in North Carolina, will announce later this year he will seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2008. Graham is a lawyer from Salisbury and is Chairman of North Carolina Conservatives United.

A No Go for AG Cooper

In somewhat stunning political news, Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper announced that he will not run for governor in 2008. Cooper, who was elected AG in 2000, was thought to be among a the big three Democrat candidates looking to succeed incumbent Governor Mike Easley who is barred to seek re-election. Cooper will seek a third term as the state's AG.

With Cooper out of the gubenatorial race, the field is clear for Lt. Gov Bev Perdue and state Treasurer Richard Moore to square off in the Democratic primary. I have had the opportunity to see both officeholders speek on numerous occasions and have been impressed equally. This race promises to be an interesting political dance across the Tar Heel state as each try to win amongst the diverse consitituency within the Democratic Party.

Would Harry Truman be a Republican?

Left office with low approval ratings and now beloved by Presidential historians, much debate has been made of which party Harry Truman would belong. The Weekly Standard has chimed in on this week on their belief that Truman would be a Republican today.

Read the link below and I would enjoy your comments to the blog about what party Truman would be a member of in 2006?

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/407mnukf.asp

Curious about White House Salaries?

National Journal released an exclusive report on the salaries paid for White House personell.

President Bush’s most senior aides -- the ones who hold the coveted title of "assistant to the president" -- recently received a $4,200 cost-of-living bump-up in compensation and now earn a top pay rate of $165,200, according to an internal White House list of staff salaries. (But raising the Federal Minimum Wage $1.00 is a problem???)

I have included a link for your viewing.

http://nationaljournal.com/about/njweekly/stories/2006/0711nj1.htm

Impact of Campaign Finance Reform

I have included a link to Nationl Journal in regards to campaign finance reform and how it is impacting state and local elections. I found this to be an interesting piece of commentary. Check it out by clicking on the link below.

http://nationaljournal.com/carney.htm

Ohio Debating Minimum Wage Increase

On the heels of the raise in the minimum wage in North Carolina, I found it interesting that my state of birth, Ohio, is considering such a change. Former North Carolina Senator was in Columbus to push for a minimum wage increase in the Buckeye State this past weekend.

http://www.dispatch.com/election/election.php?story=197919

Praise for NC General Assembly

North Carolina's working poor will get a minimum wage increase after is passed the Assembly Monday evening. Governor Easley has stated he will sign the legislation. It is nice to see the NC General Assembly taking a large step forward to help the working poor of our state.

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/459327.html

Where's the Minimum Wage Increase?

Since 1997, the minimum wage in the United States has remained at $5.15 per hour. As the minimum wage has remained the same, prices for goods and services (food, gas, childcare, etc.) have skyrocketed to their highest levels in history, making it difficult for American families to make ends meet. Congress has failed to deal with this causing many states to pass minimum wage increases within their state assemblies.

In the current session of the North Carolina General Assembly legislatures passed a 19 billion dollar budget that brought wage increases for teachers and state employees. I believe the budget passed by the legislature to be a very good piece of public policy that specifically dealt with needs facing the Tar Heel State minus one important group, the working poor.

There was debate over raising the minimum wage to $6.15 per hour. State Treasure Richard Moore pushed hard for this legislation. Raising the minimum wage isnt just an economic decision, but is a moral decision that defines a society's value of work and responsibility. It is inconceivable that our state should allow those who work 40 hours per week to earn a paycheck that doesn't raise them above the poverty level.

Despite all the attacks from business and conservative groups on the negative effects of raising the minimum wage, research shows that minimum wage increases benefit the economy. When low-wage workers have more money they spend money in their communities. This generates extra revenues for private business allowing them to higher more workers.

A minimum wage increase is overdue at the national level, but because of the reckless disregard in understanding the lives of working families by Republicans in Congress, states are having to act. I call for the NC legislature to make one more good policy decision before ending the legislative session. Pass a minimum wage increase for Tar Heel workers and families.

http://www.ncfairwages.org/index.htm

DLC names Governor Mike Easley "New Dem of the Week

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley was named New Dem of the Week by the Democratic Leadership Council. Click on the link below to see what the DLC has to say about our Governor.

http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=253914&subid=116&kaid=104

Embracing Clintonism

In 2006 and 2008, Democrats need to return to the themes of the two successful Clinton campaigns of 1992 and 1996. Read the analysis from the Democratic Leadership Council in the Washington Post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/09/AR2006060902006.html

Politics and the Minimum Wage

With the North Carolina legislature debating the importance of raising the state's minimum wage, I found this article from The American Prospect to be very timely. Minimum Politics, by former Clinton Administration Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, discusses a strategy Democrats could use to corner Republicans on this all too important issue.

Please click on the link below to read Reich's ideas of indexing the minimum wage to the inflation level.

http://www.prospect.org/web/page.ww?section=root&name=ViewWeb&articleId=11697

Al-Qaeda and Somalia

Interesting read on the capture of Somalia by Al-Qaeda linked rebels.

http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/012/396gitqe.asp

Happy Fourth of July

As Americans celebrate the 230th birthday of this great nation, let us not foreget the sacrafices that have been given by many to make the United States into the strongest and wealthiest country in history. Today we reflect upon our rich heritage and praise the accomplishments of our republican experiment that began with the Decleration of Independence in 1776.

An advantage of being a public school teacher is having the summer to partake in relaxation. I use my summers to read and further my understanding of the country we live. It is fitting that I am reading 1776, by David McCullough. I know this book has been out for some time, and I feel horrible that I am now just reading it, but I am finding it to be fascinating and informative.

1776 puts in perspective the mindset of our Founding Fathers as they pledged their lives to the betterment of society. The ideals of the Enlightenment Period, freedom from tyranny, individual responsibilty, and government of the people were the bedrock the Founders used in the creation of this republic. The Founding Fathers understood they were making history by revolting against the established ways of the world. Their courage would lead to the defeat of the greatest empire and spark revolutions against monarchies across Europe, most notably France some ten years later.

The ideals of the Founding Fathers have allowed for debate and the evolution of our country. Today, Americans find themselves discussing issues rooted in the ideals that have shaped this country and whether we should export them to other parts of the world. I anticipate this discussion will last for another 230 years.

I wish y'all a Happy Fourth of July. May you enjoy the freedoms you have and give thanks to those who have made them possible.

Losing Faith in Joe Lieberman

I have stirred all day long about what to post on the big Democratic issue of the day. This may be th hardest post I have sat down to write because of my strong defense of former Vice-Presidential nominee Joe Lieberman. After debating with Democratic activists on my belief that Democrats need to keep Joe Lieberman in the United States Senate, the Connecticut Senator announced that he is allowing signatures to be collected that would put him on the ballot as an Independent should he lose the Democratic primary. Oh Joe! You have gone too far on this one and made yourself, and your supporters, look pretty damn stupid!

If you believe in democracy and open-ballot primaries, then you must accept there will be challenges from people representing diverse concerns. I have said in my previous posts that I do not believe Lieberman should be voted out because of a single issue, but in a democratic system that allows issues to be debated, that possibility is always there. It is the nature of our system, and one I would not dare to advocate changing.

Joe Lieberman's actions today are unacceptable. I find it silly to think Lieberman, who stated today he is a Democrat, would turn his back on his party. If voters in the Connecticut Democratic Primary choose Lieberman's opponent, the honorable course to take would be to endorse the party's nominee. That is how democratic primaries work Joe!

I now do not care if Joe Lieberman loses the nomination. I no longer have faith in him as a spokesperson for my party. I held him in high regard until today's announcement, but now realize he is less committed to the party than once thought.

Oldies but Goodies on Southern Politics

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/050214/14south.htm

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/050214/14dems.htm

Southern Strategy?

The Nation reports on the Southern Strategy.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20050314/kromm

Good Democratic Blog

I was sent this site from a listserv I subscribe to. It deals with Western Democrats and it had a good post about our Senator John Edwards and his chances of winning in the west. Please view it and become familiar with issues facing the west.

http://www.westerndemocrat.com/

North Carolina General Assembly Agree on Budget

The North Carolina General Assembly will vote on the state budget this week. You may read the major provisions of the budget by clicking on the link below.

http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/456558.html

A Conservative Debacle

The Washington Monthly's Alan Wolfe has authored great analysis on the problems with conservative control of government. I have included a link below for you to view the article.

http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2006/0607.wolfe.html

A Must Read for Democrats

I went bookshopping Friday at Quail Ridge Book Store in Raleigh. This privately and local owned bookstore has a great collection for readers of all types of books. I highly recommend those of you in the Triangle check this place out.

While shopping for my July reading, I came across a book that every Democrat should read. Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate--The Essential Guide for Progressives, is written by University of California at Berkley Linguistics professor George Lakoff. This book provides key insight into message delivery and the "framing" of political issues.

In this masterpiece of political communication theory, Lakoff describes how conservatives and Republicans have been successful at setting the message agenda at all levels of government, forcing Democrats to compete on enemy turf by adopting the rhetoric of our opponents. The author also lays out the history behind the conservative's unifying of messages to suit all coalitions and how progressives have failed to taylor their message to provide a cohesive voting bloc.

This great little book is 115 pages and can be purchased at Quail Ridge for $10.00. I gurantee this book is the best $10.00 you will spend on any political literature and hope that all Democratic candidates, operatives, and activists will read before the fall campaign heats up.

I finished it in one day and will carry it with me to refresh myself upon its guiding principles. I would encourage all to attend the discussion on this book at Quail Ridge Book Store on July 16, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. I will include a link below for y'all to view. You can also purchase your copy by clicking on this link.

http://quailridgebooks.booksense.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp?s=storeevents&eventId=325653