The Courage Campaign (where I am employed) launched a video tonight that is getting covered by a number of political bloggers. It's a cheeky piece that aims to get Kim Kardashian to support the Millionaires Tax of 2012, a ballot initiative recently unveiled by the Restoring California Coalition, which includes Courage, the California Federation of Teachers, and California Calls.
We thought the public would find it curious that millionaires like Kim -- who made more than $12 million in 2010 -- only paid 1% more in income taxes than a middle class Californian. So, we made this video to explain the situation. It's just the sort of fun video that can educate people who aren't politically engaged how much is at stake next November. In our focus groups, independent voters tended to think of celebrities (rather than CEOs, bankers, or Silicon Valley execs) when asked who should pay more in taxes. By the way, our initiative actually polls at 67%, the highest support our pollster has ever seen or a tax measure. More on that here.
We're going to start a campaign to get Kim to endorse the Millionaires Tax of 2012. If she gets on board, we'll reach people who never would have learned about the ballot measure otherwise. But most importantly, we have to show people why it's time for people like Kim to pay their fair share. See the full video by clicking below:
This is the tough question that progressive Democrats are facing for the 2012 election. Many of us are disappointed and even angry over President Obama's economic and political course. Widespread feelings of outrage at being ignored in favor of bankers and corporations are common among the very people who worked so hard to elect Obama in 2008. The President now faces a difficult re-election campaign, and organization is well under way. We want to help - or do we? A YouTube video, at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v... expresses this dilemma.
On July 10, 2011, progressive Democrats met at a potluck picnic in the Santa Cruz Mountains to bring out in open discussion our disappointments and anger about what the President has done or not done in the last two years, and our feelings about the 2012 election. We separated into small groups with two topics in mind:
1) To give voice to the legitimate concerns of the progressive grassroots, with an eye towards influencing President Obama, and,
2) To answer the question "What DO we do about Barack?" We came to many different conclusions that need to be resolved before the election campaign begins in earnest. Whatever our differences are, they pale beside the Republican alternative.
This video summarizes what came out of our progressive picnic. We have made it available online, and are sending the link to Democratic clubs throughout America, in the hope that it will spark a national discussion of this critical issue.
Union of Concerned Scientists Warns CA Voters about Misleading Slate Mailer and 'Trojan Horse' Attack Against State's Clean Energy Law; Urges Voters to Vote NO on 26
With most voters' attention diverted by the oil industry's efforts to derail the state's landmark clean energy and climate law with Proposition 23, another, less scrutinized oil-industry-funded ballot measure--Proposition 26--also poses a serious threat to the environment and clean energy.
Proposition 26 has received nearly $16 million from Chevron and other big oil companies, as well as alcohol and tobacco interests, to get themselves off the hook from paying for environmental and health damage they cause and shift that burden to taxpayers.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is alerting California voters to beware of misleading 'slate mailers' arriving in their mailboxes just before the November 2 election. UCS strongly urges a 'NO' vote on Prop. 23 and Prop. 26.
"While Prop 23 is a frontal assault on our clean energy law, Prop 26 is more like a Trojan horse," said Dan Kalb, UCS California policy manager. "As deceptive as the Prop 23 campaign has been, the campaign to pass Prop 26 is even more insidious. Not only do the oil and tobacco companies behind Prop 26 hide the fact that it would starve state and local public health, clean air, and clean energy programs, but now they are funding misleading slate mailers that misinform voters about what the pro-environment position really is on Prop 26. The pro-environment position on Prop 26 is a definite NO."
Voters have already begun receiving a for-profit mailer with the headline "Californians Vote Green" recommending votes on Props 25 (no) and 26 (yes) that are the opposite of what the state's leading public health and environmental organizations recommend. UCS and several other leading environmental and consumer groups strongly support Prop. 25 and oppose Prop. 26. "This pay-to-play 'green' mailer sinks to new lows when it comes to false advertising," said Kalb.
(cont.)
In the state that puts most propositions before voters, in the country that puts most questions before the electorate, Liberty Hill asked: How do you decide how to vote? True confessions with cameo appearances by Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield and California Common Cause director Kathay Feng.
In the state that puts most propositions before voters, in the country that puts most questions before the electorate, Liberty Hill asked: How do you decide how to vote? True confessions with cameo appearances by Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield and California Common Cause director Kathay Feng.
Ray Lutz for Congress 2010
www.VoteRayLutz.com
Media Contact: Christine Cullinan
619-447-3246 / Christine@VoteRayLutz.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"Hunger Strike" Debate to Air on TV
Where: Cox Cable Channel 23 (Channel 18 in North County)
When : 9 p.m., Monday, October 25, 2010
Also available at: http://www.copswiki.org/Common... Produced by Citizens' Oversight Projects (COPS)
San Diego County, Calif. (Oct 22, 2010) - The "Hunger Strike Debate" can be seen in the San Diego County area on Cox cable television, channel 23 (channel 18 in north areas of the county) at 9:00 pm on Monday, October 25, 2010. The debate features Michael Benoit (L), incumbent Duncan D. Hunter (R), and Ray Lutz (D). The show is presented on the Public Access Channel and produced by Citizens' Oversight Projects.
The debate was sponsored by the East County Chamber of Commerce and held at the Cuyamaca College on October 15, 2010. Steve Hamann, Editor of The East County Herald moderated.
Lutz and Benoit conducted an eleven-day hunger strike to coerce reluctant Hunter to agree to a debate. The hunger strike garnered national attention including articles in Politico, Newsweek, Time, The New York Times, the L.A. Times, The Atlantic and numerous other regional publications, and proved to be too much to withstand any further display of reluctance by the Hunter campaign.
Approximately 200 people attended the debate and the video is about 82 minutes in length.
Michael Benoit and Ray Lutz conducted a series of debates in other areas of the county, including Alpine, Poway, Lakeside, and Kearny Mesa, but Hunter declined to appear at those events. Videos of other debates are also available at
http://www.VoteRayLutz.com/Deb...
Should Democratic and progressive campaign forces prioritize spending on ballot propositions for the remaining weeks of the election? I say Yes! Here are a couple of examples...
The Democratic establishment is combining a NO on 20 with a YES on 27 message. But, for better or worse, Prop. 27 is sure to lose. The Democratic leadership should cut 27 loose and realize that Prop. 20 is truly a bad idea from a national perspective. They should focus there redistricting campaign effort on defeating Prop 20.
Some excellent unions and their progressive allies are spending lots of campaign dollars in trying to pass Prop. 24. They also actively support Prop. 25. But the apparent focus in trying to pass Prop. 24 could be a mistake. While Prop 24 is worthy of passage, it is highly unlikely to actually pass. Those campaign dollars would be better spent in trying to pass the more important Prop. 25--the on-time, majority-vote budget initiative--which is leading in the polls but still has stiff opposition.
Republican candidates from coast to coast are fond of branding their opponents the Nancy Pelosi Democrats. Maybe it's time to talk about the Joe Miller Republicans.
Miller is the Sarah Palin-backed Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Alaska who toppled incumbent Republican Lisa Murkowski because she was not conservative enough. Miller gained notoriety, in part, by proposing elimination of two of the most popular reforms in U.S. history, Social Security and Medicare, and calling unemployment insurance "unconstitutional".
Even after his primary upset, Miller did not change his tune. Asked by CNN's John King September 1 if someone born today should "grow up in an America where there is not a federal Social Security program if you got your way," Miller replied, "absolutely."
NEWS RELEASE
Ray Lutz for Congress 2010
www.VoteRayLutz.com
Media Contact: Brennan Purtzer, Media Director 619-447-3246 / brennan@VoteRayLutz.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hunger Strike Day 11: Candidate Lutz claims victory, breaks fast today
Lutz announces new national organization to carry on efforts
San Diego County, Calif. (August 23, 2010) - After 11 days of fasting, Congressional Candidate Ray Lutz has announced that with the founding of a new national organization (Debate for Democracy) to carry on the fight for congressional debates, he will finally agree to eat something.
"Now that I know the fight for debates will continue, I feel it's time to have a bite," Lutz said.
Lutz, whose fast lasted longer than Gandhi's 1932 starvation, ate his first regular meal just after 2 p.m. on Monday, at Pat & Oscar's restaurant in El Cajon. He had been phasing himself back into nourishment with some vegetable broth and a bit of fruit over the weekend.
Lutz's new, non-partisan organization, DebateforDemocracy.org was founded after Lutz encountered other congressional challengers who faced incumbents who were also hesitant to engage in formal debates.
"I just made a few phone calls, and immediately realized this was a national problem," Lutz said. "Congressman Hunter isn't the only incumbent ducking debates. But he might be the only combat veteran afraid to face his opponent."
On DebateforDemocracy.org, citizens, candidates and incumbents alike are invited to sign a pledge to support debates in their districts and if they are candidates, to debate their opponents an adequate number of times in locations that ensure most of their constituents will have the opportunity to attend and present questions. Already there are Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Greens as who have taken the pledge. The organization will research options for promoting debates in every district in the country, using the bright shining light of public review, involving the creation of a Commission on Congressional Debates (CCD), or perhaps enhancing the role of the Federal Election Commission.
Rick Tubbs, Republican challenger in California's 7th Congressional District and a Debate for Democracy pledge-taker, said "Debates between candidates are the best way to inform the voters about where those trying to represent them stand on the issues. There is no big money involved, just the candidates standing on their own making their case to the voter."
"Election debates are a traditional part of the American process, they go all the way back to Lincoln," said Lutz. "It's an effective way to help voters see where there candidates stand on this issues - and that strengthens our republic."
The Lutz for Congress campaign would like to advise anyone who wants to "Hunger Strike" to lose weight to make sure they consult with their doctor and be very careful how they end the fast. Complete abstinence from food can be dangerous.
For more information on Ray Lutz for Congress, visit:http://www.VoteRayLutz.com/
For media inquiries, contact Brennan Purtzer, media coordinator, at 619.447.3246
Ray Lutz for Congress 2010
www.VoteRayLutz.com
Media Contact: Brennan Purtzer, Media Director 619-447-3246 / brennan@VoteRayLutz.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hunger Strike Day 5: Candidate Lutz's hunger strike joined by Libertarian candidate
Lutz campaign now accepting donations for San Diego Food Bank
San Diego County, Calif. (August 17, 2010) - At an El Cajon rally on Monday, Congressional Candidate Ray Lutz announced that he had been joined in his hunger strike by Libertarian Candidate Michael Benoit, both fasting until incumbent Rep. Duncan Duane Hunter agrees to debate them.
"I'm amazed at the overwhelming amount of support I'm getting from people across this country," Democratic Congressional Candidate Raymond Lutz said. "I'm not starving alone and that's nice."
Over the weekend, more than 28 people pledged to go at least a day without food in support of Lutz's cause, including Libertarian Candidate for California's 52nd Congressional seat, Michael Benoit, who joined Lutz's "Hunger strike for accountability."
"I welcome the solidarity offered by Mr. Benoit, who is a very nice person," Lutz said, before welcoming Benoit on stage to make a statement at the rally in El Cajon's Promenade Park.
In a speech before dozens of supporters, Lutz and Benoit vowed to continue their strikes until the Hunter campaign agrees to debate them.
"Until he agrees to come before the voters, he can expect that I will be holding press conferences every week to talk about each of the issues that aren't being debated," Lutz said. "Jobs, and energy policy, and of course, the issue that's been on my mind a lot lately - hunger. We've had 10.8 million meals served by the San Diego Food Bank in the last year - that's a lot of hungry people."
Lutz announced that from now through the end of the campaign, his office would be accepting and forwarding food donations to the San Diego Food Bank.
Lutz ended his press conference by publicly announcing a revised tentative schedule of five debates, planned during the congressional recess, throughout the massive 52nd congressional district.
"I could never imagine a candidate who has been in combat but is slow to engage in debate about the important issues affecting his constituents." He added, "These problems are effecting his constituents today, and what has he done to help them? He hasn't yet enacted any legislation at all, and his latest effort was a bill about getting cigarettes to soldiers." Lutz said, "We need to debate this now, while he is on his legislative break - not in October, after most of the mail-in ballots have already been sent in."
Lutz, 52, said he had already lost 14 pounds by his fifth day of fasting.
Revised Debate Schedule:
Raymond Lutz and Michael Benoit jointly invite Rep. Duncan Duane Hunter to participate in the following debates, tentatively scheduled for:
WED - AUG 25, 6:30pm Viejas tribal Facilities Viejas
MON - AUG 30, 6:30pm Grossmont College El Cajon (La Mesa Area)
THUR- SEPT 2, 6:30pm El Capitan High School Lakeside
MON - SEPT 6, 6:30pm Serra High School Tierrasanta
THUR- SEPT 9, 6:30pm Granite Hills High School El Cajon
For more information on Ray Lutz for Congress, visit:http://www.VoteRayLutz.com
For media inquiries, contact Brennan Purtzer, media coordinator, at 619.447.3246
Ray Lutz for Congress 2010
www.VoteRayLutz.com
Media Contact: Brennan Purtzer, Media Director
619-447-3246 / brennan@VoteRayLutz.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Candidate Lutz announces hunger strike until Hunter agrees to debate
Series of eight debates previously announced canceled until Hunter comes out of hiding
San Diego County, Calif. (August 11, 2010) -
"Representative Hunter either has no respect for the voters of his district, or else is so terrified of engaging in an honest debate on the issues that he refuses to face his challengers," said Ray Lutz, the Democratic candidate challenging Rep. Duncan D. Hunter for California's 52nd congressional seat.
In two separate, hand-delivered letters, the Lutz campaign requested a series of eight debates, taking place in each community throughout the 52nd district. Delivery of the second letter was recorded on video, and was greeted with malice, verbal abuse and expulsion of the camera from the Hunter's office. Libertarian candidate Michael Benoit agreed to the series of debates without condition.
For the time being, all debates have been canceled.
"Until Hunter steps up to the plate, I'll be stepping away from the dinner plate," Lutz said. "Starting at sundown this Thursday, August 12, I will refuse to eat until he agrees to debate. I hope my sacrifice will make him realize the community expects him to take their issues seriously.
"Hunter obviously has no respect for the democratic process," Lutz said. "But, to be fair, his votes prove he has no respect for seniors, the unemployed, small business owners, tribal rape victims or anyone who has been stomped on by our healthcare system."
Jim Bates, former Congressman, County Supervisor, and San Diego City Council Member said, "Ray is a fighter. He's proving his dedication right now, like he proved it his fight against Blackwater and in working to keep local government honest. Ray's got my support."
Lutz worked to stop Blackwater in Potrero, Otay Mesa, and Southwestern College; to stop the Sunrise Powerlink, and to encourage citizens to expose waste, fraud and abuse by our governmental bodies with his "Citizens' Oversight Projects" (COPs) Program.
The "Hungry for Accountability in Congress - It starts with Debate" hunger strike will be formally kicked off at the grand opening of the Promenade Park in El Cajon, on Friday, August 13, adjacent to the Lutz for Congress 2010 campaign headquarters. Lutz will have fasted for 24 hours at that point.
For the duration of the strike, during many daytime hours, Lutz and sympathizers will sit in an isolation booth outside his office along the Promenade Park in El Cajon. Supporters are encouraged to sign up to take a few pounds off and engage in at least one day of hunger strike in support of Lutz's attempt to force sanity back into our democratic process.
Lutz will be blogging, twittering, and YouTube-ing during the strike to update supporters nationwide. Petitions are available at the hunger strike isolation booth and on-line for supporters regarding the debates, to Stop the Powerlink by throwing out the CPUC decision due to illegal lobbyist activity, and to reopen investigations into Duncan L. Hunter's connection to the Randy "Duke" Cunningham corruption scandal.
For more information or to donate to Ray Lutz for Congress, visit:
http://www.VoteRayLutz.com For media inquiries, contact Brennan Purtzer, media coordinator, at 619.447.3246
Media Contact: Brennan Purtzer, Media Director
619-447-3246 / brennan@VoteRayLutz.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Candidate Lutz says Hunter bill creates black market for cigarettes
Rep. Hunter's bill specifically removes non-commercial shipping clause
San Diego County, Calif. (August 5, 2010) - "This isn't about disrespecting or denying the troops, this is a policy goof-up," said Democratic Congressional Candidate Ray Lutz. "Hunter's attempt is honorable but misguided. There's a better way to solve this problem that doesn't fund a black market that may support terrorists."
Lutz, 52, was responding to a bill introduced last week by freshman Republican Congressman Duncan D. Hunter. Lutz is campaigning for Hunter's 52nd Congressional District seat.
Hunter's bill (HR 6037) amends a Senate bill, known as "PACT-act," which went into effect June 17, 2010 (S.1147). The Hunter bill allows tobacco products to be shipped to soldiers serving in combat zones unconditionally, which Lutz says is overly-broad and creates the opportunity for abuse. The PACT-act currently allows up to ten shipments per month - a maximum of ten ounces per shipment - (totaling about 100 packs per month) shipped Express Mail only, for age verification purposes.
"Part of the goal of the act was to end illegal trafficking in cigarettes, which, along with the opium trade, is believed to be fueling the insurgency," Lutz said. "Lifting the weight, frequency and non-commercial requirements of PACT kicks opens the dangerous door it took Senator Kohl (D-Wis.) eight years to shut."
Lutz continued, "Many legislators complain that there are too many laws, too many loopholes and exemptions, but now, instead of simply getting the United States Postal Service to change their requirements, Congressman Hunter is actually writing legislation to exempt black market trade."
Lutz says the problem lies with the U.S. Postal Service's regulations and is not something we need to create new federal legislation to correct.
Postal regulations require that tobacco products be mailed using Express postage -- so that a signature is required when delivered -- to help ensure that the package is not delivered into the hands of children. However, Express Mail service does not deliver to the combat theaters of Iraq and Afghanistan, leaving combat soldiers unable to receive such shipments.
A legislative aid who worked on the original PACT-act, said the solution was simple: amend the U.S. Postal Service requirements to allow such care packages to be shipped as International Priority Mail with a signature option. Such an arrangement would satisfy PACT's goals, and would cost families less to ship.
Another Senate legislative aid said that the Pentagon, which has been strongly discouraging smoking among its servicemen for decades, hadn't expressed any concern over the PACT-act whatsoever. "Buying cigarettes over there is cheaper anyway," the aid said.
"A simple, non-legislative solution is available, yet Hunter's proposal opens the door for unbridled tobacco trafficking," Lutz said. "It makes you wonder why Hunter would provide a means for terrorists to raise money on tobacco along with opium and other drugs. Has he switched sides? That's what I want to know."
Rep. Hunter, a reserve Marine captain, has so far received at least $6,000 from tobacco-related PACs for his 2010 election campaign.
NEWS RELEASE
Ray Lutz for Congress 2010
www.VoteRayLutz.com
Media Contact: Brennan Purtzer, Media Director
619-447-3246 / brennan@VoteRayLutz.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Candidate Lutz challenges Congressman Hunter to series of debates
Debates scheduled for every locality in the district
San Diego County, Calif. (August 3, 2010) - "The people of East County deserve to compare their candidates' positions and intellects," said Raymond Lutz, the Democratic Candidate for U.S. Congress representing California's 52nd Congressional District.
On Monday, the Lutz campaign invited Republican Congressman Duncan D. Hunter and Libertarian Candidate Michel Benoit to participate in a series of eight debates. The events are scheduled throughout the district during the legislative holiday to accommodate Hunter's participation. The moderators and sponsors for these debates would be agreed upon by all campaigns. All media outlets are invited and encouraged to attend.
Benoit responded immediately, accepting unconditionally. Hunter's campaign had yet to respond within 24 hours of receiving the hand-delivered invitation.
"Hunter's been in office for 17 months, and we've yet to see him bring jobs or any resurgence to our economy - or even pass a single piece of legislation," Lutz said. "East County residents deserve to hear all candidates' positions on issues like the economy, healthcare, energy policy and national security."
"Agreeing to these debates is the least Hunter can do," Lutz said. "Many people didn't realize they weren't voting for Hunter's father in 2008. The fact is, he's just not his father, and these debates should help the public know who is actually running.
The proposed debate schedule is included below:
TENTATIVE DEBATE SCHEDULE
Thu, Aug. 12, 6:30 pm, Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre, La Mesa
Mon, Aug. 16, 6:30 pm, Borrego Springs High School, Borrego Springs
Thu, Aug. 19, 6:30 pm, Poway Performing Arts Center, Poway
Wed, Aug. 25, 6:30 pm, Viejas Tribal Facilities, Viejas/Alpine
Mon, Aug. 30, 6:30 pm, Ramona High School, Ramona
Thu, Sep. 2, 6:30 pm, El Capitan High School, Lakeside
Mon, Sep. 6, 6:30 pm, Serra High School, Tierrasanta area
Thu, Sep. 9, 6:30 pm, Granite Hills High School Gymnasium, El Cajon
This schedule has been proposed by the Lutz Campaign and may change.
Lutz offers praise for other members of San Diego's Congressional delegation
San Diego County, Calif. (August 2, 2010) - "Sharing data with tribal governments when the Justice Department declines to prosecute may help us solve open cases that occur on tribal land, and that makes sense," said Ray Lutz, Democratic Congressional Candidate for the 52nd District.
Lutz was responding to a recent vote by Congressman Duncan D. Hunter. Hunter voted against allowing tribal councils to prosecute rape suspects under their own laws and justice system when the defendant is an outsider accused of committing a rape on tribal land and the Department of Justice has declined to prosecute. Since a Supreme Court ruling in 1978, such cases have fallen into a "jurisdictional vacuum."
"After witnessing the horrible crimes against Chelsea King and Amber Dubois close to home, it's very sad to see Hunter siding with rapists and criminals," Lutz said. "It is just one more reason I am happy to be on the ballot to replace him."
Hunter was one of 92 Republicans to oppose The Tribal Law & Order Act of 2010 (HR-725). Local Congressmembers Darrell Issa (R-CA-49), Brian Bilbray (R-CA-50), Bob Filner (D-CA-51), and Susan Davis (D-CA-53) all voted for the bill.
A recent study by Amnesty International found that one in three Native American women will be raped during their lifetimes, more than double the rate for non-native women. Over 86 percent of rapes against Native American women are carried out by non-native men, according to the Justice Department.
Lutz, whose grandmother was Cherokee and who is a member of the Native American Caucus of the California State Democratic Party, applauded the passing of the bill.
"This is the type of work the Congress of the United States should be performing every day," Lutz said. "Why has it taken so long to happen?"
Facing a surge of voter opposition in the last few days of its campaign for Proposition 17, sponsor Mercury Insurance has injected another $1 million dollars into its campaign to fund last-minute mailings and advertising that conceal the insurer’s support and feature a fraudulent “Consumer Coalition of California.” View the mailer here. To date, Mercury has donated $16 million to fund the Prop 17 campaign. Prop 17 would penalize Californians who opt to stop driving for a time, for virtually any reason. Voters would be required to pay up to a $1,000 more dollars a year for auto insurance when they sought to restart coverage.
The so-called “Consumer Coalition of California” whose name appears on the Prop 17 mailer is run by a Texas woman, Virginia Jarrow, who has repeatedly sided with industry. All legitimate consumer groups in California, including, Consumers Union, Consumer Watchdog and Consumer Federation of California oppose Proposition 17. The Mercury funded mailers also fail to identify Mercury as an insurance company in state mandated disclosures. The disclosure on the mailers state: “Paid for by Yes On 17-Californians For Fair Auto Insurance Rates And Mercury General Corporation And Affiliates.” Mercury Insurance’s corporate parent, Mercury General Corporation, doesn’t have “insurance” in its name. Basically, this is consumer fraud and it’s outrageous.
Turns out Jarrow is not alone. Mercury Insurance has been paying other front groups for their “support.” Californians for Fair Auto Insurance Rates (Cal-FAIR) Mercury Insurance has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to Bicker, Castillo & Fairbanks, a public relations firm, to create a front group called Californians for Fair Auto Insurance Rates or CAL-FAIR. The chief spokesperson for CAL-FAIR, Kathy Fairbanks, is a communications consultant and partner in the firm that runs campaigns for several different corporations and interest groups. Consumers First, Inc. Jim Conran is listed as the co-chair for Californians for Fair Auto Insurance Rates (Cal-FAIR)/Yes on 17 campaign. As head of something he calls Consumers First, Inc. (which doesn’t appear to be incorporated or have a website), Conran has been paid tens of thousands of dollars by the Prop 17 campaign to help Mercury Insurance try to deceive voters on the measure. Prop 17 is not his only deception. Mr. Conran is a pay-for-play PR professional who is paid by industry executives to run several front group projects. Kirk West Kirk West, a co-chair of CAL-FAIR, has already made over $30,000 as a paid spokesman for Mercury Insurance’s campaign on Prop 17. He was formerly the President of the Chamber of Commerce and is now a gun-for-hire for industry executives. Hopefully, voters will read the editorial boards that oppose Prop 17, or the Stop Prop 17 ad, or take a look at the site: http://www.StopProp17.org and vote no on Prop 17!
BAKERSFIELD -- With just a little over two weeks to go in the Democratic race to represent the Central Valley's 30th Assembly District, bell-weather financing reports indicate Fran Florez will widen her substantial fundraising lead over her primary opponent.
Florez led opponent Pete Parra in campaign cash on-hand by more than $200,000 at the last reporting deadline in March.
New reports posted on-line today show a growing and significant cash advantage on that is expected to double her opponent's cash position according to figured posted by the California Secretary of State's website.
Parra's on-line reports for this current filing period indicate contributions under $98,000, while Florez amassed over $130,000. This amount is the second consecutive on-line campaign report where Florez has topped Parra's fund-raising.
Florez is also expected to show a nearly 2 to 1 edge of "cash on hand" moving into the critical last weeks of the campaign. Florez has nearly a quarter of a million cash dollars moving into the last 12 days of the campaign.
More importantly, as a positive sign of grass roots support, Florez has out paced Parra 10 to 1 in terms of smaller on-line donations through ActBlue, an online Democratic fundraising mechanism that handles administrative and Internet security costs for candidates.
This story stuck me this morning as unbelievable for a California jurisdiction to require poll watchers in 2010. On the other hand there will be more if local areas pass city or county laws requiring specific ID in order to vote. Such an effort is currently going on in Nevada County, CA.
WASHINGTON, April 12 CACAMPAIGN2010NEWSWIRE.COM The Justice Department today announced that it will monitor the municipal election on April 13, 2010, in the city of Walnut, CA, to ensure compliance with the minority language requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The Voting Rights Act requires certain jurisdictions with substantial language minority citizen populations to provide all voting materials and assistance in certain minority languages, as well as in English. In April 2007, the Justice Department brought a lawsuit against the city of Walnut alleging violations of the Voting Rights Act involving Korean-speaking and Chinese-speaking voters. The parties subsequently settled the lawsuit, and a federal court entered an order in the case in November 2007.
Under the Voting Rights Act, the Justice Department is authorized to ask the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to send federal observers to areas that are specially covered in the act itself or by a federal court order. Federal observers will be assigned to monitor polling place activities for the election in Walnut according to the 2007 federal court order. The observers will watch and record activities during voting hours at polling locations in this jurisdiction, and Civil Rights Division attorneys will coordinate the federal activities and maintain contact with local election officials.
