bridget in the sixth

Roskam Votes Against Unemployment Extension

2009-09-23T20:20:00.003-05:00

Millions of unemployed Americans will be breathing a sigh of relief this week. The House just voted overwhelmingly to extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks to people in 27 states where unemployment rates top 8.5%, among them Illinois.

The roll call is here.

ILLINOIS

Democrats — Bean, Y; Costello, Y; Davis, Y; Foster, Y; Gutierrez, X; Halvorson, Y; Hare, Y; Jackson, X; Lipinski, Y; Quigley, Y; Rush, X; Schakowsky, Y.

Republicans — Biggert, Y; Johnson, Y; Kirk, X; Manzullo, Y; Roskam, NO; Schock, Y; Shimkus, Y.

NOTICE ANYTHING UNUSUAL?? Yeah, me neither! Yet again, Creepy Pete Roskam votes against the interests of his district. Not only that, he is the ONLY member of the IL GOP House delegation to vote against it. If you check out the link, you'll also notice that some of the most conservative members of the House voted FOR the extension. Among them the ENTIRE Indiana GOP delegation and the infamous anti-immigrant crusader, Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin.

I'm from that neighborhood. I've spent the better part of my 31 years in that neighborhood. I know an awful lot of people there and A LOT of them are out of work and in a very tough spot.

SHAME on you, Pete Roskam. You've really outdone yourself this time.

Hat tip to Adam Doster over at Progress Illinois.

Who will challenge Creepy Pete in IL-06?

2009-09-01T17:24:00.004-05:00

So petitions have started and apparently there isn't a Democrat yet running in IL-06. Jill Morgenthaler has told me said she needs significant support from DC in order to run. I'm assuming that means she needs significant support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as well as other Democratic and progressive-leaning PAC's and institutions.

In other words, these fools better not leave her hanging if she decides to take on ol' Creepy again. Last time around, it was pretty apparent that she didn't get the kind of resources and institutional support allocated to Tammy Duckworth's campaign in 2006. She was largely left to fend for herself as a first time candidate. It went as well as could be expected, even in the year of President Barack Obama. A badly planned and executed campaign will turn out badly, almost without question.

So far as I can tell, Jill Morgenthaler is our best bet to beat Creepy Pete. I'm hoping she runs.

Treat Your Mama Right

2009-05-10T20:46:00.001-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom and all the mothers out there!

Congressman Quigley!

2009-04-09T08:31:00.002-05:00

A few days late, but what the heck...

¡ CONGRATULATIONS !
CONGRESSMAN QUIGLEY

Love,
Rosána Pulído

Contribution Limits in IL? Maybe...

2009-04-08T15:08:00.005-05:00

I consider myself pretty fortunate to be represented by Senator Heather Steans. In addition to credibly moving progressive issues in Senate, she's asserted herself as a non-nonsense voice for reform in IL government. And, as we're all too aware, Illinois government certainly has it's share of nonsense.

Of particular note is that Senator Steans is the chief cosponsor of SB1768 which would enact campaign contribution limits in IL.

Currently, Illinois is the the wild west of campaign finance, with very little restrictions on who can give and how much. According to current law, a single person, a corporation, or a political action committee can bankroll a political campaign to the tune of endless millions of dollars. The only requirement is that contributions over $150 must be reported to the Illinois State Board of Elections. I'm sure I don't need to illustrate the problems this creates.

Next week, along with State Rep. Harry Osterman, Senator Steans will be hosting a town hall meeting on ethics reform at Loyola University.

It's a Golden Opportunity... For Reform
A town hall meeting on ethics

Host: State Senator Heather Steans, State Representative Harry Osterman, and Loyola University

Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.

Location: Mundelein Center at Loyola University (1020 W. Sheridan Ave)

Featured Speakers
* Scott Turow, Best-selling author, current member and first chair
of the Illinois Executive Ethics Commission
* Cindi Canary, Executive Director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform

Join State Representative Harry Osterman and Senator Heather Steans
for a discussion on ethics reform in Illinois and learn what you can
do to get involved in passing ethics reform legislation in Illinois.

Co-sponsoring organizations include: Northside Democracy for America, Independent Voters of Illinois - Independent Precinct Organization, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, League of Women Voters Chicago, Citizen Action/Illinois, Loyola University, Emanuel Congregation, Rogers Park Community Council, Edgewater Community Council, Loyola Inside Government, Loyola College Democrats, AARP, Alderman Joseph Moore, and more

Congressman Quigley and Rosána Pulído

2009-03-05T22:35:00.003-06:00

As if you haven't heard already, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley won the special election Democratic primary to replace Rahm Emanuel for the 5th CD.

Everybody's favorite Minutemen spokeswoman, Rosána Pulído, won the Republican primary.

Say it with me, folks:

"roh-SAH-nuh - poo-LEE-doh"

And remember to roll that "r". She really loves that.

5th CD Forum Fun

2009-02-03T12:06:00.004-06:00

On Sunday, I briefly went to the 5th CD Forum sponsored by Northside DFA, DePaul Democrats, and WCPT Chicago's Progressive Talk Radio. I say "briefly" because I had to leave almost right away. My friend had been parking the car and by the time she came in they were over capacity and wouldn't let her in! There was tremendous turnout! And on Superbowl Sunday to boot. Amazing. Northside DFA did a ton of promotion for the event and I'm sure the other groups did as well.

The general consensus seems to be that the large number of candidates hindered the amount of information being presented. I'm all for only inviting only the viable candidates, but I suppose that wouldn't be very democratic, would it? Northside DFA is a lot more fair than I am! ;)

Mike Fourcher has a recap of the frum on Mechanics here.
You can download a podcast of the event here.

I hear there's going to be YouTube video of the forum, but I haven't found it yet.

While I'm at it...I love Edith Piaf, too

2009-01-02T16:05:00.004-06:00

Singing "Milord" on an American TV show, first with the translation. This song is my cellphone's ringtone at the moment, so it's always on my mind. Edith Piaf sparkled. If you haven't seen "La Vie en Rose" yet, you absolutely must.

And the Granolaheads shall inherit the earth...

2009-01-02T15:47:00.004-06:00

I love this song by Michael Franti and Spearhead, "Say Hey - I Love You". It's my morning get-up-to-it jam at the moment.

I also love this one by Franti, "Have a Little Faith in Me".

What can I say? I'm renewing my love for all things hippie, love, granolahead at the moment. The world needs more of this business, as I've become keenly aware recently.

One Love,

Bridget

Updates

2008-12-28T14:27:00.002-06:00

Several self-proclaimed "fans" of my blog have recently called me out on my lack of updates. One suggested I make it my New Year's resolution to update more frequently. So I shall, interesting content or not!

So I've been off of work for 10 straight days at this point and won't be back until January 5th. I have tons of time on my hands, most of my friends seem to be out of town, and I just don't care about making big plans. I fooled around with the idea of joining friends skiing in Wisconsin, but I think I'll wait until early February to plan a ski trip. I've been cooking, working on art projects, hanging out with the peeps who are in town and, of course, catching up on the latest garbage reality TV. Last night I went to a ska show at the Metro, bringing back many fond memories!

My newest favorite reality shows are "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and "Rob and Big". The Housewives are the most materialistic, petty, hilarious women on TV. Trainwrecks to the core. Rob and Big are two best friends with an English bulldog named Meaty and a mini horse named Minnie. They drive the horse around in their SUV, which seems like it would smell. Rob is a pro skateboarder and Big is a record producer.

We're all waiting to see what happens with Governor Blago. Note that the video I posted of my friend's kid was several weeks before Blago's arrest! Prophetic!

Eartha Kitt has passed

2008-12-26T15:22:00.001-06:00

Eartha Kitt has passed away from colon cancer. What a shame. She was wonderful.

Stupid Kiddie Political Tricks

2008-11-26T15:24:00.001-06:00

My friend Steve's adorable son, Ian, tells us about Barack Obama and Rod Blagojevich.

Blue Colorado!

2008-11-07T15:39:00.002-06:00

Working on the election with the AFL-CIO in Colorado was a ton of fun! We worked our behinds off and won the state for Obama AND brand new Senator Mark Udall. We were able to defeat 2 out of the three ballot amendments we were working against, effectively saving Colorado from becoming a "right to work (for less)" state.

Like all campaigns, I made some great friends and I'll miss hanging out with them. I have plans to visit DC for the inauguration and stay with them, which is definitely something to look forward to!

I'm in Denver until Sunday, staying with family and seeing the sights. I've quickly figured out that "the sights" are few and far between in Colorado once Rocky Mountain National Park and ski resorts are weeded out. I suppose I could go to a mega-church and bask in the insanity, but I think I'll pass. At this point, I just want to hang out with the family and stare at the wall.

One of the most remarkable things about Denver is the sunshine. I have been here nearly three weeks and it's not been cloudy more than once or twice. No wonder people are unbelievably nice to each other here! They're drunk with happy sunshine.

I'll be glad to be home on Sunday. At the top of my to-do list is finding a new place. The Clubhouse has lost it's quaintness and is now just claustrophobic. Especially since I have decided to adopt a KITTY!!!!! I've been on Petfinder.org like it's porn. I have my eye on several beautiful, blue kittens. I just can't quit the magical blue kitties.

Off to Denver

2008-10-18T23:38:00.002-05:00

As if this blog wasn't dead enough lately, I will be going to Denver for the next two weeks on behalf of my union. I'll be working with the AFL-CIO's Labor 2008 political operation to elect Barack and Mark Udall as well as defeat 3 anti-labor ballot referenda. I'm super excited, but a little sad that I'll be missing a fabulous Bollywood themed Halloween bash. I so, SO was looking forward to getting decked out in a sari and bindi with jingly jewelry. *sigh* These things just don't happen very often.

I'll also be missing my usual election night party circuit with my bestest political hack buddies and the company of a new friend. Chicago is the place to be on e-day.

Nevertheless, I am super excited to be in a swing state! That's where all the action is and I am nothing if not all about action. And scandal. Though I don't know if we want scandal in CO this year.

I'll keep ya'll posted.

Free Eggs to a Good Womb!

2008-10-14T15:08:00.003-05:00

As a friend recently remarked, this video displays nicely a "right-wing douche" Peter Roskam is. Way to go, Colonel Morgenthaler! I'm a fan of this one.

Creepy Pete Roskam sliming it up again

2008-09-29T15:21:00.002-05:00

Apparently, Rep. Peter Roskam has been making the claim that Jill Morgenthaler is tied to Tony Rezko. I hadn't heard about this until today when I received a statement from Jill's campaign. So, for the record, here it is:

"Despite repeated attempts by the Roskam campaign to link Tony Rezko to Jill Morgenthaler, Morgenthaler has NEVER met, spoken with, taken money from or in any way dealt with Tony Rezko.

Roskam and the Illinois Republican Party are engaging in the kind of dirty, dishonest campaigning that has made so many Americans skeptical of the political process. Rather than defending his voting record, Roskam is trying to distract the voters of the 6th District with blatant lies and is trying to sully Jill Morgenthaler’s honorable career of service to our nation and our state."

Captain Tollway

2008-08-21T08:26:00.003-05:00

And the prize for lamest superhero in the state of Illinois goes to...

CAPTAIN TOLLWAY.

Barack Rickrolling

2008-08-15T10:47:00.001-05:00

Never gonna give you up...

Illinois Review Unknowingly Promotes LGBT McCain Event

2008-08-08T21:15:00.001-05:00

Oops! Hahahaha.

The Return of Bollywood Friday

2008-08-08T09:36:00.002-05:00

That's what I have planned for the weekend. How about you?

Rep. Roskam, get your mind out of the gutter!

2008-07-13T11:20:00.003-05:00

Once again, I have seemingly abandoned by blog. So let's get back in gear.

*****************************************
IL-06 Democratic congressional candidate Jill Morgenthaler has made some positive changes to her campaign over the past few months and seems to be picking up steam. A sharp new campaign manager and a very decent fund-raising consultant are among several new hires charged with turning IL-06 blue.

My absolute favorite coverage of this race lately has been Morgenthaler's common sense response to Peter Roskam's cosponsorship of the so-called "Military Honor and Decency Act". Why does it not surprise me that Roskam is spending his time thinking about VERY PARTICULAR "indecencies" and not fixing REAL problems that affect people in IL-06? From the Suntimes article:

The bill is very explicit in defining what it considers nudity: "human genitals, pubic area, anus, anal cleft, or any part of the female breast below a horizontal line across the top of the areola with less than an opaque covering but does not include the exposure of the cleavage of the female breast exhibited by a dress, blouse, bathing suit, or other apparel."

GROSS!!! Rep. Roskam, WHY is this on your radar? I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that my eyebrows to go through the roof when I see ultra-conservative, religious Republicans spending so much time thinking about "indecent" sex issues. We all know the typical conclusion of that particular situation. Tap, tap, tapping my foot in a wide stance over here.

My only wish is that Morgenthaler touch on the fact that "Military Honor and Decency" should reflect our government treating the military in an honorable and decent manner, perhaps by strengthening veterans' benefits. Roskam has left himself wide open in this department, so I hope Morgenthaler seizes the opportunity.

Help Eradicate Multiple Sclerosis

2008-04-20T13:57:00.004-05:00

I just found out that a friend of mine was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Erin, her husband Josh and their whole family are wonderful people. My heart goes out to all of them.

Her sister Megan has decided to do more than just feel sad about her sister's diagnosis. She is going to be participating in a walk to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. If you know someone who has been affected by this horrible disease, if you never want to see another person afflicted with it or if you simply care about what I care about, go to Megan's page and donate a few bucks for her walk. Add six cents for me.

Update: She only needs $125 more to reach her goal of raising $1000. If 10 people kick in $12.50, she'll have done it.

Update: She did it and more! Megan has raised $1, 230, $230 over her original goal of $1000. She has a new goal of $2000. I think she'll do it.

River East Arts Center Reception, April 20th

2008-04-15T14:13:00.002-05:00

My sister, Jillian, would really like to turn some folks out for her upcoming event at work. She works at the River East Arts Center, which I hear is pretty cool (I don't know that firsthand because I haven't been there yet). But Jillian is cool and kind of a hipster, unlike myself. So go to her event if you're in town. Its on a Sunday, so I will likely go as well.

"So Jillian, what is this REAC of which you speak? I love me some free events!"

Well, since you asked, REAC is The River East Art Center - the place where I spend most of my time. It's a multi-use arts facility incorporating professional fine art galleries, resident artist studios, and an art school. Plus, the place is huge and gorgeous and sophisticated.

I know you people - you never get invited to places like this, so take the opportunity!

We are having a reception on Sunday, April 20, and showcasing the work of our resident artists in conjunction with a ticketed event happening at the same time for ARTEahora. If you want to buy tickets for Aldo and Tom's thingy, they're $60.

OUR EVENT IS FREE!

Details:
435 E.

Illinois (by Navy Pier)
6:00 - 9:00pm
Free admission, food, booze

If all that didn't grab your attention: my mother will be volunteering for us that night. If you don't know about my mother, you better ask somebody. Naturally, I will be there as well.

For additional info, hit me up with a message or send a text to my cell. Check ya later, bitches.

Kisses,
J-Killa

Katie the Obama Kid says...

2008-04-12T19:01:00.002-05:00

This little girl is so completely adorable! It's not hard to tell that she's been paying attention to politics lately. What a doll.

Equal Marriage for All

2008-04-03T13:28:00.008-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I have been a strong supporter of equal marriage rights for people of every sexual orientation. I've always had gay people in my life and I've never considered them any different than myself or anyone else.

All parents keep funny little stories about their kids growing up and mine are no exception. One of their favorites is when, at the age of 4, I came up to them and asked what "gay" meant. Being the progressive people that they are, my parents wanted to make damn sure that they explained this in an enlightened way.

So they started in on explaining homosexuality to me and they quickly noticed that I looked very confused. As they were going on about how sometimes men love men and sometimes women love women, I interrupted them. I said, "I know about that! I want to know about "Don we now our gay apparel". D'OH!

My parents were incredibly amused that I knew all about homosexuality and that it was far easier to explain that to me than what my Christmas carol meant. We constantly hear from conservative America about how they don't want to have to explain these things to their kids, yet to kids it's the easiest thing in the world to understand. Gay marriage is even easier for kids to understand, as marriage and kids is the obvious progression of life in their little minds.

So why the hell can't adults seem to wrap their heads around this idea?

Well, some can. In fact, plenty of Illinoisans can and they're setting out to do something about the inequality of marriage in our state. I'm among them. I believe that, if you love somebody, you should be able to marry them. Period. It's not anybody else's business. If you don't like gay marriage, don't have one!

Recently, a group formed on the online networking site, Facebook, supporting the idea of civil unions in Illinois. Over 8,000 people joined in a very short period of time. Several people I have worked with in the past are working on taking advantage of this. They're created the website Civil Unions Illinois to organize the obvious groundswell of support for civil unions in IL. Go over there and sign up.

State Representative Greg Harris is the chief sponsor in the House of legislation supporting civil unions in IL, House Bill 1826. State Senator Heather Steans is the chief sponsor of the legislation in the Senate.