Floyd County Democratic Party News & Commentary

Is Clere Running for Re-election Already?

2009-02-17T13:05:00.000-05:00

By Dennis Roudenbush, Local Contributor

I think it is great that we get a weekly report from our district state Rep. Ed Clere, but why does every Opinions column have to be politically motivated? Is he already running for re-election and his term just began?

Mr. Clere, it is my opinion that the Teachers Union is as important as any union, whether it be Realtors, policemen, firemen, grocery, etc. Even though teachers do not always support your way of thinking, you should not single out their union because you believe they are totally Democrat. Do some research. There are many Republican teachers in your district — our state superintendent of education is a former teacher and a Republican.

I would like to see your column used as a communication of what is going on in the Legislature instead of using it as a political forum for your re-election. Not every issue in the Statehouse is based on which side of the aisle you sit. I know this may be hard for you to believe, but Democrats are not always wrong. You should know that, you being a former Democrat.

Your campaign was one of the most negative and false campaigns in the state. Why are you continuing to be negative at taxpayers expense?

Instead of faulting Democrats, make it a project to get all legislators to work together no matter what the issue is. Remember one thing, you are now working for and being paid by the taxpayer and not a political party.

Top 10 Greatest Misfires of Bush Administration

2009-02-17T13:02:00.001-05:00

By Ruth Anne Wolfe, Local Contributor

Too bad guest columnist Doug Olson (of the Evening News - New Albany Tribune) feels his admission — that President Obama might be the right choice after all — will bring down the wrath of his conservative friends. To help him defend his nascent awareness, here’s a recap of the Republicans' conservative record, specifically under the Bush Administration.

1) Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack — after 8 months into W.’s presidency and after warnings had been issued and ignored; bin Laden never captured.

2) Invasion and occupation of Iraq (no Iraqis involved in 9/11) based on trumped-up intelligence of WMD. 4,300 plus U.S. military killed, tens of thousands wounded; 2 million Iraqis displaced and 100,000 killed. War is ongoing, costing almost $1 trillion (a “slam dunk”). al-Qaeda metastasized into numerous terrorist groups around the globe. No safe place.

3) Truckloads of $100 bills — between $9 billion and $12 billion of taxpayer money — “gone missing” in Iraq on Bremer’s watch. Nary a peep from the Republicans.

4) Abu Ghraib torture, extraordinary rendition (i.e. kidnappings), Gitmo, international stature trashed.

5) Blackwater mercenaries (war profiteers) gun down innocent Iraqis.

6) FEMA’s “heck-of-a-job, Brownie.”

7) Warrantless wire-tapping/illegal spying on Americans.

8) Global climate change ignored and scientific reports redacted.

9) Environmental protection laws reversed.

10) Justice Department fires federal prosecutors unjustly (pun intended).

Those are just the 10 greatest hits of the Bush/conservative record. Many federal agencies have been dangerously understaffed and underfunded. Conservative zeal for smaller government has put the safety of the American people at risk. (No, Bush has not “kept us safe.”) Examples: The FDA inspects less than 1 percent of imported products that end up on our grocery shelves. The Labor Department, under Secretary Elaine Chao (Mitch McConnell’s wife), consistently sided with business and mining interests over worker safety.

And the final nail in our coffin: the orgy of conservative deregulation of the financial markets. Wall Street has had their bailout. But now that President Obama wants to stimulate the economy with new initiatives, instead of falling back on the failed, one idea of the conservatives — tax cuts, the obstructionist Republicans have their underwear in a twist, suddenly worried about the “cost to our children.” What hypocrisy. One would think that after their failed policies have been exposed, “conservatives” would have the grace to just get out of the way.

The day after the inauguration, The Onion (satirical magazine) ran this headline: “Black Man Gets Worst Job in World.” Just like in the circus, cleaning up after the elephants is a dirty job.

Hill to be Sworn in locally Saturday

2009-01-06T12:57:00.002-05:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

Ninth District Congressman Baron Hill will be sworn into office for his new term at the Lee Hamilton Federal Courthouse, 121 W. Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana, on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. Federal District Judge David Hamilton will administer the oath.

Following the ceremony, Hill will greet well wishers attending the ceremony and give brief remarks regarding the new session of Congress. The event is open to the public.

Bush tries to rally GOP troops

2008-10-28T12:59:00.000-04:00

By Sam Youngman
The Hill

President Bush paid a visit to the Republican National Committee’s headquarters Tuesday morning to thank aides for their hard work and also to rally them for the last week of campaigning.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said the president would outline his view of the GOP, a party that is facing a toxic political environment largely because of the policies of the Bush administration.

White House spokesman Scott Stanzel, who traveled with the president to RNC headquarters, said the president encouraged staffers there to “work hard for John McCain and keep turning out the vote until the final ballot is cast next week.”

“He also took the opportunity to thank the staff for all of their efforts during this election cycle and for their support of him over the last eight years,” Stanzel said. “He spoke to the staff about the importance of American leadership on the issues of the economy, the war on terror and freedom. He thanked Chairman Mike Duncan for his leadership of the RNC.”

Read more about the President's efforts to reinforce the Republican base at THE HILL.

I will fight the ignorance of Racism

2008-10-22T10:50:00.001-04:00

By Marcey Wisman
Floyd County Democratic Party Chair

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” for me, as a democrat, the opening quote from Dickens book “A Tale of Two Cities” best describes the 2008 presidential election.

I have been a part of what will be remembered as one of the most historical elections in America. It is something that I will be proud to sit and tell my grandchildren about; the year we (the democrats) had a female and a black man running in the Primary. The year that we set records on voter registration and actual number of voters at the polls. However, it is also the year that I have seen the absolute worst side of people come out. It is the year the monster of racism and bigotry came out of the darkness into the light and threatened to divide not just our party but the nation. This division has been eating at me. I lie awake at night and wonder what I can do to make this right? As the chairwoman of the local Democratic Party, how can I eradicate this monster from my little part of the nation? I have worried myself to the point that I can no longer contain my anger and my frustration with the individuals, especially those in my own party, who think it, is okay to say “I’m not voting for Senator Obama because he is black.”

My friends and loved ones have told me to let it go, that I can’t change stupidity, that it is a generational thing, but I can no longer make excuses for people like David Ward, who owns an antique store here in New Albany at the corner of Bank and Main who had no problem telling a reporter from the Chicago Tribune that he is a “Democrat”, but he is “voting for McCain because he isn’t black”. Mr. Ward, Shame on You! Also, to those of you who think it is acceptable to tell me that you will not vote for Senator Obama because “he is a N****r”, what makes you think this is all right? Is it because I am white like you? If so, I may be white, but I am nothing like you. That word is disgusting, ugly and hurtful and it will no longer be tolerated in my presence.

I found a quote from Robert Kennedy that I want all of you to think about. He said “But suppose God is black? What if we go to Heaven and we, all our lives, have treated the Negro as an inferior, and God is there, and we look up and He is not white? What then is our response?” Mr. Ward and all of you like him, how do you justify your racism?

To those of you who claim you are democrats, but say you can’t vote for Senator Obama because he is a black man, are you sure you are democrats? If you look up the platform of the National Democratic Party under the issue of Civil Rights it says “We believe in the essential American ideal that we are not constrained by the circumstances of birth but can make of our lives what we will. Unfortunately, for too many, that ideal is not a reality. We have more work to do. Democrats will fight to end discrimination based on race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and disability in every corner of our country, because that's the America we believe in.”

I want everyone to know the Floyd County Democratic Party does not condone racism. In fact, we hold firm to the Democratic Platform that we “will fight to end discrimination”. Therefore, Mr. Ward and others like him, as members of the Democratic Party you are called to fight the ignorance of discrimination, not perpetuate the hatred that has been taught to you and that you are no doubt teaching to your children.

I struggled with whether or not I should write this letter knowing that I will anger many people in my community, and again I was reminded of a quote of Robert Kennedy who said “It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope.” I realized that despite what backlash I might face for expressing my feelings on this issue and calling out Mr. Ward and others like him, it is important to let the people who read the story in the Chicago Tribune know that Mr. Ward’s comments do not represent the beliefs of the people of the Floyd County Democratic Party.

I know that I may not be able to change the hearts and minds of racists, but I can hope that by openly expressing my condemnation of racism I will send out a ripple that will give others the courage to stand up and they too will say “I will not stand for this anymore”. I will continue to fight to see that the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is fully realized because I, too, want to “live in a world where a man is not judged by the color of his skin, but by the content of his character”. In this world that I, and other like minded Democrats, dream of, Mr. Ward, you, and others like you, have been judged and you have been found to lack the character of a true Democrat.

Young Women speak to Palin

2008-10-20T21:32:00.000-04:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

With less than 15 days left in the Presidential contest, the election has been trumpeted as a historic event featuring topics such as the success and importance of women in our Democratic process. This point was underscored by Senator Hillary Clinton, who's campaign marked a new high point for women in this country and proved that anyone can be President of the United States.

On the other side of the political spectrum, the Republicans also made history with the selection of Sarah Palin as their Vice Presidential candidate. While our party has welcomed the progress represented by this choice, it is nonetheless important to recognize that there are significant doubts among voters regarding her readiness to step in to the position of President.

But for many women that have made this election cycle historic, other fundamental issues remain besides Palin's readiness to serve as President. On many of the fundamental issues that have shaped the lives of women, Sarah Palin seems to offer a different direction many women feel would be a step backward.

It was under this context that the following video was produced - not by a political campaign, but by a group of young women standing firm to their believes and rights. Its message is so powerful, we felt it deserved credit and have posted it for your viewing pleasure.

Powell endorses Obama for president

2008-10-19T18:19:00.001-04:00

msnbc.com and NBC News

updated 10:42 a.m. ET, Sun., Oct. 19, 2008

WASHINGTON - Former Secretary of State Colin Powell endorsed Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., for president on Sunday, criticizing his own Republican Party for what he called its narrow focus on irrelevant personal attacks over a serious approach to challenges he called unprecedented.

Powell, who for many years was considered the most likely candidate to become the first African-American president, said in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he was not supporting Obama because of his race. He said he had watched both Obama and his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, for many months and thought “either one of them would be a good president.”

But he said McCain’s choices in the last few weeks — especially his selection of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his vice presidential running mate — had raised questions in his mind about McCain’s judgment.

Hill and Sodrel home counties aren’t freebies for familiar Ninth District opponents

2008-10-19T18:07:00.000-04:00

From the New Albany News & Tribune
By DANIEL SUDDEATH
Daniel.Suddeath@newsandtribune.com

Despite hailing from New Albany, Mike Sodrel has been challenged in Floyd County during past elections and has yet to win Clark County.

The Republican candidate for the Ninth District U.S. House seat won Floyd County by just three percent during the 2006 election, when Democrat Baron Hill regained the position by defeating the then incumbent. Sodrel and Hill say they are comfortable campaigning in each other’s backyard.

But Hill only carried his home county of Jackson by 93 votes in 2004, but extended that margin to more than 1,000 in 2006.

Hill won Harrison County in 2002, but it has gone to Sodrel in the past two elections.

“I think we tend to do well in Jackson because it’s a real conservative county,” Sodrel said.

Hill carried Clark County by 520 votes in 2006 according to election counts provided by the Indiana Secretary of State’s office.

With a SurveyUSA poll showing Hill enjoying a double-digit lead in percentage points over Sodrel and Libertarian candidate Eric Schansberg, the Congressman said he’s still not laying back.

“The only poll I believe in is the poll on election day,” Hill said. “It’s interesting to me that I’m able to win this area [Floyd and Clark], even though it’s not by a whole lot.”

But when combining Clark and Floyd, Hill actually lost the area by 157 votes in 2006 to Sodrel. A small amount, but the three previous races between the two have often been tight.

Sodrel defeated Hill in 2004 by just 1,425 votes in a presidential ticket-election that saw sizable voter turnout. He won the Ninth district 49 to 48 percent over Hill.
Hill bested Sodrel in Clark that year by 615 votes, basically canceling-out Floyd’s count which went to Sodrel by 598 votes, meaning Hill carried the two counties by 17 votes.

Indiana University Southeast Associate Professor Joe Wert, who is also the faculty representative for the College Republicans at IUS, said home turf can be overrated when talking about closely-connected political territory.

“I don’t know that one person being from a particular county means a whole lot,” he said, adding that Floyd and Clark are Democratic areas making it difficult for Sodrel to gain substantial ground there.

“I don’t think he’s going to get much of a boost being from Floyd County.”
Hill’s endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama could cost him votes and maybe counties in some of the tightly-contested areas, according to Sodrel.
“Hill endorsing Obama — that didn’t sit well with a lot of people in his party,” Sodrel said. “The misstep that he made has been helpful.”

Wert said McCain is probably a more popular choice in Southern Indiana than Obama, which could make Sodrel’s assertions true.

Floyd and Clark were dominated by Hillary Clinton during the May primary, even though she won Indiana by only a narrow margin. Clinton won 65 percent of the vote in Floyd and 67 percent in Clark over Obama.

IUS Professor Linda Gugin, who also serves as the faculty representative for the College Democrats at IUS, said the presidential race will definitely drive voter turnout.

“Take Sodrel’s win in 2004. He benefited greatly from having Bush on top of the ticket and that overrode other factors and helped get him elected,” she said.
But Gugin added the political tone of the country can have a great impact even when it’s not a presidential-election year.

“It was a Democratic year in 2006. The changing of the tide benefited Hill,” she said.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

The Libertarian candidate believes he received more votes from the typical Hill voter in 2006, citing post-election data. He said his emphasis on ending the war in Iraq and his platform of helping the working poor and middle class probably led more Democrats to vote for him than Republicans.

Either way, convincing people to select an office-seeker from outside the mainstream parties is difficult.

“People give me their votes, I don’t use force on them,” Schansberg joked.
“In fact, I have to work harder since few people just give their votes to third-party candidates.”

But Schansberg said he’s not in the race just to make an appearance. His campaign has run more than 1,500 radio ads and 2,000 television ads during the current campaign, a greater number than during the 2006 election.

“People say they want change. Well here’s a highly credible candidate who would be a breath of fresh air,” he said.

Schansberg is looking forward to Tuesday’s debate in Jasper and doesn’t lack confidence in his ability for public discourse.

“They both have more experience in debating. But I believe that I often have better answers and can deliver them effectively enough,” he said.

Schansberg tallied 9,893 votes in 2006, about five percent of the total.
He said data he’s reviewed so far leads him to believe his affect will be evenly spread between Sodrel and Hill supporters.

“Perhaps because Iraq is less important and fiscal conservatism is now seen, finally, as more important,” Schansberg said.

Issues

While the candidates clash on how to solve issues facing Hoosiers, there isn’t much disagreement on what those topics are.

Gas prices and the economy are dominating national headlines and distressing local families.

Hill — who voted against the recent economic bailout — proposes that Congress should reconvene following the November election instead of furloughing for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“The economic climate in Southern Indiana is not great, but it’s not bad like it is at the national level,” he said. “Sooner or later, if we don’t fix the national problems it will probably trickle down to the rest of us as well.”

Hill said holding people from the financial sector who may have caused the recent economic failures accountable will be a priority if he’s reelected.
Sodrel suggests plainer taxing methods — such as a flat tax — that he believes would stimulate the economy and lead to more jobs.

“I think the tax structure, everything I hear makes it more complicated. I want to make it simpler,” he said.

Sodrel agreed that Congress should get back to work after the election due to pressing matters facing the country.

Schansberg touts getting rid of taxpayer funding for planned parenthood, bringing home troops from Iraq and eliminating payroll taxes on income below the poverty line as his three top priorities if he’s elected.

Read More on the 9th District Race Online at the News & Tribune.

FW: Greed and irresponsibility

2008-09-24T11:51:00.001-04:00

Friend --

The era of greed and irresponsibility on Wall Street and in Washington has created a financial crisis as profound as any we have faced since the Great Depression.

Congress and the President are debating a bailout of our financial institutions with a price tag of $700 billion or more in taxpayer dollars. We cannot underestimate our responsibility in taking such an enormous step.

Whatever shape our recovery plan takes, it must be guided by core principles of fairness, balance, and responsibility to one another.

Please sign on to show your support for an economic recovery plan based on the following:

• No Golden Parachutes -- Taxpayer dollars should not be used to reward the irresponsible Wall Street executives who helmed this disaster.

• Main Street, Not Just Wall Street -- Any bailout plan must include a payback strategy for taxpayers who are footing the bill and aid to innocent homeowners who are facing foreclosure.

• Bipartisan Oversight -- The staggering amount of taxpayer money involved demands a bipartisan board to ensure accountability and oversight.

Show your support and encourage your friends and family to join you:

http://my.barackobama.com/ourplan

The failed economic policies and the same corrupt culture that led us into this mess will not help get us out of it. We need to get to work immediately on reforming the broken government -- and the broken politics -- that allowed this crisis to happen in the first place.

And we have to understand that a recovery package is just the beginning. We have a plan that will guarantee our long-term prosperity -- including tax cuts for 95 percent of families, an economic stimulus package that creates millions of new jobs and leads us towards energy independence, and health care that is affordable to every American.

It won't be easy. The kind of change we're looking for never is.

But if we work together and stand by these principles, we can get through this crisis and emerge a stronger nation.

Thank you,

Barack

Paid for by Obama for America

This email was sent to: Enterp305@cs.com

To unsubscribe, go to: http://my.barackobama.com/unsubscribe

INDIANA'S CLASSROOM TEACHERS ENDORSE LONG THOMPSON FOR GOVERNOR

2008-09-05T19:34:00.002-04:00

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 5, 2008
Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Jason Tomcsi, 317-635-5455

INDIANA'S CLASSROOM TEACHERS ENDORSE LONG THOMPSON FOR GOVERNOR

INDIANAPOLIS - Recognizing their lifelong support of education, today Indiana's classroom teachers endorsed Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley in their campaign to become Indiana's next Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Represented by the Indiana Political Action Committee for Education, an affiliate of the Indiana State Teachers Association, the organization represents 50,000 teachers and other school employees across the state.

Long Thompson was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's degree and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University. She then taught at several higher education institutions including Valparaiso University, Manchester College and Indiana University

"Education completely changed my life," said Long Thompson. "From my elementary school experience to my time at Indiana University, I owe everything to the opportunities my education presented me."

"And, now, I worry that too many of our children are being left out and left behind by the Daniels administration and their failed policies," added Long Thompson. "We need leaders who understand that in order to turn Indiana's economy around, we must have a strong educational system - and Dennie and I will be those leaders."

Long Thompson's running mate, Lieutenant Governor Candidate State Representative Dennie Oxley also has classroom experience. He has worked as a math teacher and school administrator in the Crawford County Community School Corporation and prior to his election to the Indiana House of Representatives, he served as president of the Crawford County Classroom Teachers Association.

"My time in the classroom is something that I carry with me in everything I do, especially throughout this campaign," said Oxley. "Jill and I understand that one of the greatest economic development tools is our education system - and that's why we are running."

We want to ensure that our education system is working for our students and our families, so we can rebuild this and ensure that the next generation of Hoosiers enjoys the same opportunities we did."

On Wednesday, Long Thompson and Oxley unveiled a comprehensive plan to reform education to help grow the economy. A part of their "One Indiana Plan," their proposals include measures to ensure all Hoosier children learn to read, creating more flexibility in the classroom to reduce the state's abysmal high school dropout rate and better prepare the future workforce and to create lifelong learning opportunities and college scholarships for more Hoosiers. The full plan can be viewed at http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/news/reforming_education.

Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.

Dennie Oxley is a 10-year veteran of the state legislature, currently serving as the Majority Whip in the Indiana House of Representatives. A former high school math teacher, school administrator and businessman, Oxley brings a wealth of public and private sector experience to the team. Oxley is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education. A lifelong resident of English, a small community in Crawford County, he resides there with his wife, Jayme, and their two young daughters.

For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.

###

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

LONG THOMPSON TO ANNOUNCE EDUCATION INITIATIVES

2008-09-02T22:32:00.003-04:00

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 2, 2008
Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Jason Tomcsi, 317-635-5455

*MEDIA ADVISORY*

LONG THOMPSON TO ANNOUNCE EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Democratic candidate will stop in four cities

INDIANAPOLIS -- Jill Long Thompson, Democratic nominee for Governor, will announce her plan to reform education in Indiana, holding news conferences across the state TOMORROW, Wednesday, September 3, 2008 and Thursday, September 4, 2008.

The announcement is another in a series of policy proposals that Long Thompson is unveiling as a part of her "One Indiana Plan" to rebuild Indiana's economy.

Long Thompson's running mate, State Representative Dennie Oxley, will also be visiting communities around the state. His public schedule will be released later today.

This schedule is subject to change. All times are local.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

10:00 a.m. Jill will hold a press conference in room 156 A at the Indiana Statehouse to announce her plan to reform education in Indiana.

1:00 p.m. Jill will travel to New Albany to hold a news conference to discuss her education initiative at the UniServ office (3314 Grant Line Road Suite 2).

3:00 p.m. Jill will visit Tekoppel Elementary School in Evansville (111 N. Tekoppel Ave.) to hold a news conference outlining her education plan.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

10:30 a.m. Jill will speak about her education initiative at the Gerald I. Lamkin Union Apprenticeship Center in Lafayette (2953 S. Creasy Ln.).

For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.

###

Paid for and authorized by Hoosiers for Jill Long Thompson. Gary Calhoun, Treasurer.

This email was sent to:
Enterp305@cs.com

To unsubscribe, go to:
http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/unsubscribe

September Begins with Statewide Job Loss

2008-09-02T22:08:00.002-04:00

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 2, 2008
Media Contact: Jeff Harris or Jason Tomcsi, 317-635-5455

SEPTEMBER BEGINS WITH STATEWIDE JOB LOSS

Effects of Bush/Daniels led economy continue to worsen

INDIANAPOLIS - After another month of devastating job loss in August, September starts with four companies around the state laying off workers.

Today, PSC Metals announced it is shutting down its Secondary Plate Operation in northwest Indiana, laying off 108 workers. Driggs Farms of Indiana, an ice cream manufacturing and packaging plant in Decatur filed for bankruptcy, leaving 200 workers with an unknown future. Also, a subsidiary of Evansville-based American General Financial Services has released 17 employees due to the economic downturn as well AM General in Mishawaka which announced plans to lay off 80 workers at its Hummer H2 plant.

"These announcements are further proof that we need new leadership and a new approach to growing and retaining jobs in Indiana," said Democratic nominee for Governor Jill Long Thompson. "Our economy is failing and Hoosier families are hurting, yet Governor Daniels continues to do little to stop this downward spiral."

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indiana ranked second among all 50 states in the drop in employment from June to July. The same report found 17,800 fewer Hoosiers were employed during the same time frame. Another report by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court found that Indiana ranked fifth nationally for overall bankruptcies, second for business bankruptcy filings, and eighth for individual filings.

Known for her ability to get things done, Jill Long Thompson is an accomplished public servant. She has served as a city councilor, a Congresswoman and as Under Secretary for Rural Development at the United States Department of Agriculture. Long Thompson grew up on her family's farm in rural Whitley County and was the first in her family to go to college. She received her undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University and went on to earn a master's and Ph.D. in business from Indiana University. A farmer and college professor by trade, Long Thompson lives with her husband Don Thompson, a commercial airline pilot, on their farm in Marshall County.

For more information about Jill Long Thompson, Dennie Oxley or their campaign to restore Indiana's promise, please visit www.hoosiersforjill.com or call 317-635-Jill.

###

Paid for and authorized by Hoosiers for Jill Long Thompson. Gary Calhoun, Treasurer.

This email was sent to:
Enterp305@cs.com

To unsubscribe, go to:
http://www.hoosiersforjill.com/unsubscribe

Wisman ready to lead Floyd County Democrats

2008-08-09T02:10:00.000-04:00

By CHRIS MORRIS
Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com
New Albany News and Tribune

Being the first woman to lead the Floyd County Democratic Party is significant. However, hiring a person that is competent and able to handle the job is all that matters to local party members.

“We have had several women in top leadership roles. That is a nonissue,” said Warren Nash, who led the party for 12 years. “The most important thing is how will someone organize the party for the fall election.”

Marcey Wisman was unanimously chosen Tuesday to complete Randy Stumler’s term, which ends in March as party chair. And by all accounts, she was the only choice for local democrats.

“She will do a hell of a lot better than me in certain areas. She is better organized and does a great job of bringing people together,” said Stumler, who leaves this weekend for a teaching job in the Azores Islands. “She has a real good managing style and always thinks of other people.”

Wisman’s first big test as party chairwoman will be to select a candidate for the Floyd County Council to place on the party’s ballot for the Nov. 4 election. Besides being party chairman, Stumler also was a candidate for one of the three at-large seats.

A caucus on Tuesday selected former Councilman Ted Heavrin to finish out Stumler’s term. Heavrin already was on the at-large ballot for the general election.

Read more at the News and Tribune Website.

Can Obama Run the Offense?

2008-07-30T21:30:00.000-04:00

From the New York Times
By BOB HERBERT

Let’s see if I’ve got this straight. Barack Obama is a United States senator, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his party’s candidate for president of the United States — and yet it was somehow presumptuous of him to meet with foreign leaders last week during his trip to the Middle East and Europe.

I’ll say this about Senator Obama. He sure raises people’s hackles. I’ve never seen anyone so roundly criticized for such grievous offenses as giving excellent speeches and urging people of different backgrounds to take a chance on working together. How dare he? And 200,000 people turned out to hear him in Berlin. Unforgivable.

The man has been taken to task for promoting hope, threatened with mutilation by Jesse Jackson for suggesting that a lot of black fathers could do better by their kids and had his patriotism called into question because he wants to wind down a war that most Americans would dearly love to be rid of.

John McCain can barely stop himself from sputtering at the mere mention of Senator Obama’s name. He actually ran an ad blaming Mr. Obama for high gasoline prices. Even Republicans had a good laugh at that one.

And yet Mr. Obama continues to treat Senator McCain respectfully. As far as personal character is concerned, Mr. Obama has scored very well, indeed.

What remains to be seen, now that the overseas tour is over, is whether Team Obama can play offense here at home and pile up enough points to win this election. Mr. McCain has been a surprisingly inept candidate (riding on a golf cart with Poppy Bush was almost as deadly an image as the helmeted Mike Dukakis bouncing around in a tank), but he has stayed within striking distance.

And you can’t trust any of the polls this year. I was in New Hampshire when the polls and the pundits said Mr. Obama was a lock to win that primary. He lost. And I was in California on Super Tuesday when the polls said he was closing fast. He wasn’t.

So this is not your ordinary election. Senator Obama will have to turn people on big-time just to win by a little. And for all the tedious talk about timelines and what the surge in Iraq has or has not accomplished, the top three issues in this campaign are still the economy, the economy and the economy.

Americans are losing jobs, losing the equity in their homes, losing their retirement nest eggs, and tragically, in increasing numbers, actually losing the family home itself. This is the issue on which the Obama people should long since have pounced.

A recent survey found that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe that the social contract of the 20th century — in which the government, employers and the society as a whole pulled together to see that those who worked hard and played by the rules were afforded the basic necessities of daily life and a shot at the American dream — “appears to be unraveling.”

Nearly 80 percent of those who responded to the survey, conducted for the Rockefeller Foundation and Time magazine, said they are facing greater financial risks now than in the past.

This anxiety is pervasive, and it was clearly evident a little more than two weeks ago when Phil Gramm, then John McCain’s key economic adviser, callously remarked that we were suffering from a “mental recession” and that the U.S. had become “a nation of whiners.”

The Obama crowd should have instantly seen the Gramm gaffe for what it was, a gift from the political gods. They should have run with it. I would have dragged out that old Maxine Brown song with the lyric: “Maybe it’s all in my mind.”

The Democrats could have had some fun and made political hay, using the Gramm comments to highlight what has happened to working people under Republican rule. But the Obama folks let the matter drop, and instead of an endless loop of “mental recession,” what we’ve heard incessantly over the past couple of weeks has been Mr. McCain pounding on Mr. Obama about the surge.

The word is that an economic offensive may finally be coming from the Obama campaign.

Anna Burger, the secretary-treasurer of the Service Employees International Union, was part of a wide-ranging group of advisers on economic issues who met with Mr. Obama in Washington on Monday. “He has very serious policies, not sound bites, for addressing the long-term and short-term issues that are having such a dramatic effect on people who are working and trying to make ends meet,” she said.

Translating those ideas into a compelling economic narrative for his campaign — something Mr. Obama has not yet done — is the key to defeating John McCain.

Interest high for vacant Floyd County Council seat

2008-07-25T00:43:00.000-04:00

By the New Albany Tribune

Interest in Randy Stumler’s vacant Floyd County Council seat seems to be high, as six candidates have filed to fill it or plan to do so.

Stumler, a democrat, resigned last week from the council to pursue a teaching opportunity with the U.S. Department of Defense. He will move next month to the Azores Islands, located off the coast of Portugal.

A caucus to pick his replacement will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 5 in the Floyd County Circuit Court Room, located on the fourth floor of the City/County Building.

All Democratic Party precinct committeemen that were elected or appointed on or before June 14 will be eligible to vote for the council seat.

Those who seek the seat include: Ted Heavrin, Brad Striegel, Doug Cook, Suellen Wilkinson, Doug Elsler and Joe Schindler. Candidates can still file by Aug. 3 if they are interested in the seat.

Read more at the New Albany Tribune website.

Hill mourns loss of son-in-law

2008-07-22T14:46:00.001-04:00

From the Floyd County Democratic Party

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of 9th District Congressman Baron Hill as they mourn the loss of Hill's son-in-law, Josh Huddleston. Hill made the announcement in a statement today.

Huddleston, who was married to Hill's second daughter Cara, had suffered from leukemia.

“After a long and brave battle against leukemia, I am deeply saddened to report that we have lost a member of our family, Josh Huddleston." Hill stated.

"Josh was not only my son-in-law, but a dedicated husband and friend. We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received during this difficult time.”

Final funneral arrangements are as follows:

A Memorial Life Celebration Service will be held Sunday, July 27, 2:00 PM, at Eagle Pointe Golf Resort, Bloomington, IN. The Reverend Steve Cherry will officiate. All friends and loved ones are invited to the outdoor service to celebrate Josh's life and the incredible way he lived it.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be written to the Huddleston Trust Fund through Voss Funeral Service, 316 North Chestnut Street, Seymour, IN, 812-522-5558. Cards and remembrances may be sent to 1136 Kensington Court, Seymour, IN 47274 or Voss Funeral Services at the above address.

Directions to Eagle Pointe Golf Resort:

' IN-37

' Take Monroe / Harrisburg exit

' Travel East on Stram Ridge Road (1 mile)

' Turn left (top of hill) onto South Stram Ridge Road (1.7 miles)- golf course

is visible on right

' Turn right into Eagle Pointe Resort at the end of golf course

' Follow the Eagle Pointe signs

A Message from the Floyd County Democratic Party Chairman

2008-07-14T23:30:00.000-04:00

By Randy Stumler, Chairman, Floyd Co. Democratic Party

Dear friends:

We are truly living in exciting times! This fall election season is already shaping up to be a real debate about issues important to the people. One topic is on everyone’s minds: change. So in the spirit of change, I would like to make a personal announcement.

I have enjoyed serving you as your Floyd County Councilman for two terms and as Floyd County Democratic Chairman for four years. I believe that I found a calling that allowed me to give back to our community. I hope that I have been a faithful servant during this time.

Recently, another opportunity has arisen for me to give back, not just to the community that I love, but to our nation. The Department of Defense operates schools for the dependants of service personnel world wide. I have been asked to teach math and science at a military base in the Azores, off the coast of Portugal. My family and I have accepted this offer, and will be moving next month to the base where we will live while I am teaching there. I am very excited that I will be able to serve our country and the men and women in uniform in this way. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for my family and me, and we are up to the challenge.

Therefore, I will be resigning as councilman and chairman this week. When I have finished my service with the Department of Defense, we plan to return to our home, Floyd County, and I will continue to work for what I think is important: families, the environment, and a safe and livable community.

Thank you for supporting me for all these years, and stay involved in the fight for a better Floyd County!"

We will be leaving in early August, so I have already submitted my resignation. The party is in very capable hands with acting Chairwoman Marcey Wisman. Along with Tony and Adam, she is guiding us toward a Democratic landslide this fall with the help of all Democrats. There will be a few changes, but the transition will be seamless.

I want to thank all of you for all you do for the Democratic Party. Keep working hard to bring home victories for Barack Obama, Jill Long Thompsom, and all Democrats this fall!

I hope to see all of you again very soon.

Peace,

Randy Stumler

Candidates Spolight Message at the 4-H Fair

2008-07-14T22:51:00.000-04:00

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

Ever hear the expression "when pigs fly?" Maybe you'd like to see royalty take center stage with a championship Jersey? Perhaps you'd like to prove you can eat the most White Castles in two minutes? Sound like something from a dream? No, just fun times at Floyd County's annual 4-H Fair!

All kidding aside, the 4-H fair is a right of summer and offers everyone in the family something to enjoy. While many are attracted to the good food, rides, and shows, the real purpose of the fair is to enrich the lives of our youth. The projects they undertake, from photography exhibits to animal shows, helps them learn more about the world we live in and teaches them important life lessons they will never forget.

For this reason alone, the Democratic Party is a proud supporter of the fair and our party and its candidates wouldn't think of missing the event. Even 9th District Congressman Baron Hill was able to return from Washington D.C. and make a surprise visit on Thursday, July 10th to greet fairgoers and watch the Livestock Auction among other events.

The Democratic Party wishes to thanks those that supported the fair and attended its many events. We also appreciate the support of many fairgoers who picked up literature or indicated they would support our candidates in the fall election. Such grassroots support is the centerpiece of our party and we hope to continue to reflect that support in our core philosophy and values.

We'd also be remiss not to congratulate the 4-H Fair Corporation and its Fair Board for the hard work and dedication that it takes to organize and run the fair each year. The tireless effort of these volunteers is certainly something to be celebrated. As we reflect on this year's fair we in the Democratic Party hope others consider volunteering their time and continue to make the Floyd County Fair an event the entire family can enjoy.

Long-Thompson picks running mate

2008-06-13T22:51:00.001-04:00

State Rep. Dennie Oxley II sings gospel music in quartets, but now he'll be part of a duet -- as the running mate to Democratic nominee for governor Jill Long Thompson.

Oxley, 37, did not return calls Friday seeking comment, and Long Thompson would only say that she'll discuss her choice on Monday, during a series of news conferences around the state. However, other Democrats, including House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend, confirmed that Oxley is Long Thompson's choice.

Bauer said Oxley brings both geographic balance and state government experience to the Democratic ticket as it competes against Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels and Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman.

Oxley is from English in Crawford County in Southern Indiana and has served in the Indiana House of Representatives since 1998. Long Thompson, 56, lives in Northern Indiana, on a Marshall County farm. She served in Congress from 1989 to 1995, and served as undersecretary of agriculture from 1995 to 2001.

"He's from the right part of the state and he's from the right part of government," Bauer said, who spoke to Oxley, a close ally who serves as majority whip in the House Democratic leadership team, to learn the news about his selection.

Oxley has been known for unsuccessfully trying to eliminate the state sales tax on gasoline, an issue that has gained traction as gasoline prices have now climbed to more than $4 per gallon.

In addition to being a lawmaker, Oxley is a former math teacher who currently is a project coordinator with the Indianapolis-based engineering firm of Beam, Longest and Neff LLC.

While not confirming the selection, former House Speaker John Gregg, D-Sandborn, said Oxley would bring strong credentials as a conservative Democrat, which will help the Democratic ticket in Southern Indiana.

"That's a key area for the Democrats," Gregg said. "Jill Long Thompson has great strength in the northern part of the sate. Central Indiana is Gov. Daniels' stronghold."

The Nov. 4 election between Long Thompson and Daniels, he predicted, "could be won or lost in Southern Indiana."

Read more from the Indiana Star.

NBC's Tim Russert dies at 58 after collapsing

2008-06-13T22:46:00.000-04:00

By David Espo and Laurie Kellman
Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Tim Russert, a political lifer who made a TV career of his passion with unrelenting questioning of the powerful and influential, died suddenly Friday in the midst of a presidential campaign he'd covered with trademark intensity. Praise poured in from the biggest names in politics, some recalling their own meltdown moments on his hot seat.

Russert, 58, was a political operative before he was a journalist. He joined NBC a quarter century ago and ended up as the longest-tenured host of the Sunday talk show "Meet the Press."

He was an election-night fixture, with his whiteboard and scribbled figures, and was moderator for numerous political debates. He wrote two best-selling books, including the much-loved "Big Russ and Me" about his relationship with his father.

He was NBC's Washington bureau chief.

President Bush, informed of Russert's death while at dinner in Paris, saluted him as "a tough and hardworking newsman. He was always well-informed and thorough in his interviews. And he was as gregarious off the set as he was prepared on it."

NBC interrupted its regular programming with news of Russert's death and continued for several hours of coverage without commercial break. The network announced that Tom Brokaw would anchor a special edition of "Meet the Press" on Sunday, dedicated to Russert.

Competitors and friends jumped in with superlative praise and sad recognition of the loss of a key voice during a historic presidential election year. Known as a family man as well, he had been named Father of the Year by parenting organizations.

Familiar NBC faces such as Brokaw, Andrea Mitchell and Brian Williams took turns mourning his loss.

Williams called him "aggressively unfancy."

"Our hearts are broken," said Mitchell, who appeared emotional at times as she recalled her longtime colleague.

Bob Schieffer, Russert's competitor on CBS' "Face the Nation," said the two men delighted in scooping each other.

"When you slipped one past ol' Russert," he said, "you felt as though you had hit a home run off the best pitcher in the league. I just loved Tim and I will miss him more than I can say."

The cause of death was not immediately clear. The network initially said on its Web site that Russert died of a heart attack. Michael A. Newman, Russert's internist, later said that resuscitation was begun immediately and continued at Sibley Memorial Hospital, to no avail. An autopsy was pending, Newman said.

Chelsea Clinton to visit New Albany

2008-04-23T23:15:00.000-04:00

Indiana Young Democrat Officer Filing

2008-04-23T23:10:00.001-04:00

From the Indiana Young Democrats

IYD OFFICER FILING
If you are interested in running for an IYD office, please submit your interest to Jason Tomcsi by e-mail (indianayoungdemocrats@gmail.com) by Friday, May 30^th.

Positions on the IYD Exec. Board are (with general duties listed):

President:
Oversees general operation of organization and helps set direction for the organization. Represents IYD on the Democratic State Central Committee and holds one of three votes for Indiana on the Young Democrats of America National Committee (position requires some personal financial commitment for statewide travel and travel to quarterly national meetings).

1st Vice President:
Assists and works with President in execution of duties. Represents IYD on the Democratic State Central Committee with State President.

2nd Vice President:
In charge of membership recruitment and development, as well as fundraising.

National Committeewoman:
Represents IYD on the Young Democrats of America National Committee; officially in charge of fundraising (this position requires some personal financial commitment for travel to quarterly national meetings).

National Committeeman:
Same duties and commitment as National Committeewoman...except you have to be a guy...

Treasurer:
Maintains financial records of IYD and prepares and submits campaign finance reports..

Secretary:
Maintains minutes of IYD Executive Board; other duties as requested of the officer

There are also several other additional appointments possible.

A Message from Jim Schellinger

2008-04-23T23:06:00.000-04:00

From Jim Schellinger, Democratic Candidate for Governor

Friends,

We want to make sure you don't miss the profile of Jim that was printed in this week’s edition of the Indianapolis Business Journal. It offers a great deal of insight into Jim’s leadership style, his working-class background and the reasons he decided to run for Governor as a first-time candidate.

From the story:

At CSO Architects, employees look forward to brown bag lunches. About once a month, they break into small groups that don’t often mix. Executives, draftsmen and administrative assistants alike put their own bags up for grabs, then take a chance on one of their co-worker’s concoctions.

It’s an hour Jim Schellinger coordinates himself. Casual conversation over bologna and pudding may seem mundane next to pressing construction deadlines. But it breaks down barriers. And it generates good will.

“He lets you be part of the team,” said Tracy Carfanga, CSO’s director of finance, who has worked for Schellinger for 12 years. “He lets you have responsibilities, and counts on you to take care of them. He lets you have ownership. And when you do them, he thanks you.”

A fresh-faced 47, Schellinger is trying to leverage his reputation as a consensus builder to Indiana’s highest office. Since entering the race for governor last year, he’s been criss-crossing the state touting his “Pick Up Indiana Jobs Plan,” which emphasizes work-force training, small-business incentives and development of “green-collar” jobs that encourage development of environmentally friendly businesses.

Schellinger, a South Bend native, has never run for public office before, though he’s long been a contributor to Democratic candidates.

He complains that Gov. Mitch Daniels, a Republican, has forced divisive change on issues like daylight-saving time and the lease of the Indiana Toll Road. He promises to offer the antithesis of Daniels’ topdown approach.

“Democrats and independents and Republicans alike agree that we can and should be doing better in Indiana. We deserve better leadership,” Schellinger said. “This has been my central message from day one. It’s what inspired me to step up out of my comfort zone to do this. Because I believe there’s so much potential in Indiana and we have not tapped it.”

“I’m a big believer in teamwork. I’m a big believer in bringing people together,” he continued. “You cannot accomplish anything with a leadership style that’s arrogant and polarizes people.”

Click here to read the full article.

For more coverage of Jim’s campaign, please visit www.PickUpIndiana.com.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

A Message From Jill Long Thompson

2008-04-23T23:01:00.000-04:00

From the Campaign of Jill Long Thompson, Democratic Candidate for Governor

Dear Friend:

All across Indiana today, gas prices hit record highs. In many communities, prices jumped 20 cents per gallon in just a few hours, reaching as high as $3.85 in some areas.

It's time to take action.

I recently unveiled a plan to give working Hoosiers relief at the pump by lowering the price of gas in Indiana. While our economy continues to suffer under George W. Bush and Mitch Daniels, the higher gas prices are forcing families to make some tough decisions. People shouldn't have to choose between paying for groceries, medicine, clothing and getting to work.

Hoosiers families deserve a break.

Under my plan, the sales taxes you pay on gas will be capped when fuel reaches $2.75 at the pump. As fuel prices reach record highs, the new higher sales tax hit folks with a double whammy. In this economy, that is just not fair.

Please join me in giving Hoosiers relief at the gas pump. Click here to sign my petition to lower the sales tax on gas. Tell my opponents, "Gimme a break!"

Together, we can change Indiana and get our state back on track. Please join me.

Sincerely,

Jill

Candidate Profiles Featured in New Albany Tribune

2008-04-05T23:17:00.000-04:00

By the Floyd County Democratic Party

Once again, the New Albany Tribune has fulfilled an important role by asking the primary candidates to introduce themselves to the larger public with their featured profiles. The short informative pieces allow candidates to respond to general questions and outline their background and experience for office.

We in the Democratic Party encourage all our candidates to participate in this profile and encourage citizens to learn more about our candidates. Links to the Tribune's profiles can be found below. The public is also invited to the annual "Meet the Candidates" dinner hosted by the Floyd County Democrat Women's Club to hear directly from the Democratic candidates. The dinner will be held on Monday, April 7th at the New Albany Knights of Columbus on Main Street in New Albany, IN.

CANDIDATE Q&A: Floyd County Council At-Large Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: Floyd County Superior Court 3 - Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: Floyd County Superior Court 1 - Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: Floyd County Coroner - Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: NA-FC School Board - At-Large

CANDIDATE Q&A: NA-FC School Board - District 3

CANDIDATE Q&A: Indiana Governor - Democratic Primary

CANDIDATE Q&A: U.S. Congress 9th District Democratic Primary