Archive for February, 2008

And got caught!

FYI to Comcast: Stay off of Ebay.

[h/t to the Slog]

During the last congressional election cycle, Congressman Doc Hastings rarely spoke out against his opponent Richard Wright. Rightly so that despite a nation wide surge in democratic support that ultimately led to 2006 wave, Hastings seat was safe. Safe from a surge of financial support from his opponent and message, and safe in a district that still hadn’t come around to the realities many were so seemingly insulated from. But those realities; an endless war, a faultering economy, rising health costs, gasoline prices and Global Warming… those realities are quickly becoming more stark as the presidential campaign heated up with real discussions amongst Democratic and Republican candidates alike.

MOSES LAKE - Congressman Doc Hastings, R-4th District, during his Thursday visit to the Columbia Basin Herald, took time to discuss comments made by 4th district Democratic candidate George Fearing.When Fearing declared his candidacy last week, he said Hastings does not believe in global warming.

Hastings told the Columbia Basin Herald he understands global warming exists. He said the cause of global warming is the concern. Hastings said he is not convinced people and their actions are the cause of global warming and questions if it is a natural process because the earth has warmed and cooled many times throughout history.

At this point, I don’t really believe Hastings has come to a sudden reversal on his position - even his half baked acceptance. Because frankly, I don’t think he even believes his own words. His voting record is proof in itself where he has continually supported every drill and dig legislation the GOP could come up with while they controlled congress. A more prudent measure would be if you are not convinced, maybe it would be better to step carefully until you are… one way or the other. But he is now playing the game both with these new statements and the 2008 run. So far, Hastings has been non-commital to another run in the 4th can only play out so long. He doesn’t have to heavily engage until he feels threatened. But it is his very position on Global Warming that may bring it to a head.

The problem for Hastings - and Global Warming - isn’t whether he actually believes the overwhelming science behind the theory, it’s the very district he represents that stands to benefit so much in the effort to counter the effects. Like Congressman Dave Riechert in the 8th, Hastings appears to be following a preconceived conservative script when addressing Global Warming. In Reichert’s case, it was merely the shift in his district’s demographics driving his semi-acceptance, and where simply dismissing Global Warming would need to be accompanied by a suicide note dated early November, 2006. Needless to say, it will be interesting to watch in the next months if the bargain version of Global Warming will lead to Hastings’ declaration of affinity to the issue and pumping legislation or promises to his district to get in the game. After all, nobody ever accused Hastings of not being politically motivated… just a party hack.

One thing for sure, George Fearing and his campaign understand that this district has the goods in both agriculture for bio-fuel crops, wind and solar, and the technological know-how to develop that technology. And a half-hearted acceptance of the scientific evidence behind Global Warming isn’t going to inspire the folks who are more than ready and willing to take on the challenges. It makes Hastings ‘understanding’ of the issue look like a glass mostly full of the same juice they were passing around during the Newt Gingrich era’s “Contract with America”. Something that is now pretty sour tasting to even voters in his own district.

It’s Tuesday! 

Drinking Liberally in the Tri-Cities is tonight!

Drinking Liberally in the Tri-Cities

O’Callahan’s - Shilo Inn

50 Comstock Rd, Richland

7pm till?

Interesting interview from Josh Fiet of The Stranger.  Not really the grading part but then I think that’s a bit subjective to Josh.  Out here we might see things a little different.  For instance, 25 jobs, is 25 jobs.  In an area that needs jobs! And understanding the tax issue with what Microsoft is trying to accomplish (not to mention the power it needs - um… more revenue?) and the competition to keep it close to home, I don’t think the Governor Gregoire is off here. 

(Q) You campaigned on fiscal responsibility, on no new taxes, and closing tax loopholes. Have we closed any tax loopholes? Why are we giving a $75 million tax break to Microsoft to build a server farm in Eastern Washington?

(A) On fiscal responsibility, all you need to do is go to Wall Street and see we have the highest rating for bonds. I inherited a $2.2 billion shortfall, and we have money in the bank. We funded 728 (smaller class size); funded teachers’ cost-of-living increases, the pension system. I got rid of the bed tax we had on seniors. The liquor tax. I got rid of that. We brought fiscal responsibility back. People had been talking about a rainy-day fund—well, we got it done.

We’ve now got a savings account that any family should have.

[Regarding the Microsoft Server Farm tax break:] The competition [to get their business] is fierce. Other states are offering them what we can’t do constitutionally. We can’t just dole out money. We’re not giving them anything at the outset. We’re giving them a reduction in sales tax when they have to replace their equipment every three years. We’re building economically in a part of the state that, candidly, desperately needs it. Otherwise it’s not going to be here.

GRADE: The governor didn’t name a single tax loophole that’s been closed. And the server farm is supposed to create just around 25 jobs. C-

Will and Will (corrected) at Horsesass.org both have some opinions as well.

Longtime Republican 8th District Legislator Shirley Hankins distinguished career may or may not come to an end this year.  Amid the media cloud over her ethics issue, it appears the sharks are starting to circle.  Richland School Board President Rick Jansens was no surprise.   It’s been rumored (if not confirmed) for months his intent.  But the next one in the water, well… this about sums it up!

• A 20-year Military Veteran.

• An active law enforcement officer.
  
• A God-fearing, Bible-believing, Ten-Commandment-honoring, evangelical Christian.
  
• Dedicated to doing what is right and best for  Washington, even in the face of adversity!

Now I don’t really have anything against a “God-fearing, Bible-believing, Ten-Commandment-honoring, evangelical Christian”.  Generally good folks I guess.  But it looks like this one is going to wear it on his sleeve, next to his badge.  Is he the lunatic fringe?  Let’s see:

Abortion

• 100% Pro-Life.
• Opposes an expansion of stem cell research using fetal tissue.
• Supports ban on partial birth abortion.
• Strongly in favor of criminal penalties for injuring an unborn fetus during other crimes.

Budget and Economy

• Individual and corporate tax laws need to be equal and fair for all citizens.
• Tax laws should incorporate incentives to encourage business growth.
• State spending must be brought under control.

Civil Rights

• Opposes racial and sexual quotas.

Crime

• Supports increasing victims’ rights.
• Supports strong sentencing guidelines for all criminals, including juveniles.
• Supports building additional prisons to keep law abiding citizens safe and prevent criminals from early release.
• Supports stricter sentencing for crimes committed at public schools.
• Supports a ‘Two Strikes, You’re Out’ measure.
• Supports the death penalty.
• Favors a revision in the prison system to reduce the cost to the taxpayers by reducing the amenities available to convicted criminals with a goal of creating more of a deterrent atmosphere.

Drugs

• Stands strong against illegal drug activity.
• Favors stricter sentencing for drug-related crimes.
• Supports childhood drug awareness programs such as D.A.R.E.
• Supports youth programs that deter drug use.

Education

• Strongly supports time in school for prayer and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Strongly opposes the removal of “One nation under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Supports funding for education.
• Wants every child who legally resides in Washington State to be entitled to, and receive, a great education.
• In favor of stricter laws for safer schools.
• Strongly supports encouraging greater parent involvement in children’s education.
• Favors a tax credit for accredited private schools.
• Supports a return to more reasonable discipline in schools, with the aim being increased learning.

Energy and Oil

• Supports building more refineries to process American oil reserves.
• Supports nuclear energy, with proper safety regulations.
• Opposes the breaching of hydro-electric dams.

Environment

• Supports a reasonable balance between land use and the need for sound environmental stewardship.
• Strongly supports Timber and Fishing Industries.
• Strongly favors sportsmen’s rights to hunt and fish responsibly, in conjunction with a balanced wildlife protection program.
• Supports National Wild Lands and Wilderness Preserves.

Families and Children

• Supports a traditional family unit with traditional values.
• Supports a Marriage Amendment.

Foreign Policy

• Stands strong to support Washington farmers and development of international exports of our vast, superior produce

Government Reform

• Supports photo ID for voter registration.
• Supports campaign contribution reform.

Gun Control

• Absolutely supports of the Second Amendment and a law-abiding citizen’s right to bear arms.
• Supports gun safety education as a pre-requisite to gun ownership.
• Supports a ban on lawsuits against gun manufacturers for simply manufacturing guns, used in violent acts.
• Favors personal responsibility of gun owner/handlers.

Health Care

• Strongly opposes socialized health care.

Homeland Security

• Supports Homeland Security program.
• Supports increased funding to ensure a strong and ready military.
• In favor of increased border security.

Immigration

• Supports a limited, renewable Visa Guest Worker program for migrant workers.
• Strongly favors a national DNA database for Guest Worker program.
• In favor of an Amendment to restrict American citizenship to children born in the U.S. to illegal aliens.

Jobs

• Strongly favors initiatives which support family bread-winners and hard working Americans.
• Favors incentives for businesses to encourage job growth.
• Believes the tenet ‘A Fair Day’s Wage for a Fair Day’s Work’.

Principles and Values

• Supports a platform of strong family values.
• Supports traditional family unit.
• Opposes gay marriage.
• Favors a marriage amendment.
• Favors allowing prayer in Schools.
• Supports a reduction of sex, violence, and profanity on television, movies, and video games.

Tax Reform

• Supports tax incentives which encourage business growth and a prosperous economy.
• Supports responsible spending of tax revenue to reduce the tax burden on Washington workers.

War and Peace

• Supports America’s war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Strongly supports America’s military personnel around the globe.
• Favors a strong military.

Welfare and Poverty

• Opposes unnecessary entitlements.
• Supports ‘A Fair Day’s Wage for a Fair Day’s Work’.
• Favors churches with tax-free status reaching out to those in need.
• Favors requiring individuals receiving government assistance to participate in a reasonable work program.

So he wants to legislate woman’s bodies, jail your troubled kids, disenfranchise voters, keep the poor folks… sick, tell you what to watch on TV, send your kids to war, deny rights to gay folks because, you know, they’re gay… and increase the church in our politics.  Um… correct me if I’m wrong but…. wow.   The real problem here is that while the 8th District might fall for this crap, most every one of his positions have been translated in the past 8 years as bad news for voters.  In a district that has just shown strengthening democratic leaning this might not be such a good year.  Of course, neither was the last one…

Mike McGavick was the Republican nominee, who received an unusual pre-primary endorsement from the state party, defeated his closest competitor, Brad Klippert, in the primary with over 85%, to Klippert’s less than 7%, of the Republican vote.

Where do these guys come from? 

Oh… and he should run a spell checker on his website.

Hat tip to Chris Mullick

In case you missed it… we hade a lunar eclipse…

Best my cheap little camera can do… My apologies to Pink Floyd.

From personal experience, running a campaign is complicated.  Even my 3 week press for city council as a write in took me a bit by surprise as to what really needed to be done.  I learned much.  But if I had any training, I’d have been far more prepared.  So if you are thinking about running for office, helping on a campaign, or just want to gain some knowledge on what it takes (and meet some really cool people while your at it), DFA’s Training Academy is for you.

Saturday February 23rd through
Sunday February 24th 9am-6pm each day

You have the power, now learn the skills! The Democracy for America Training Academy is coming to Kent, Washington for two days of exciting campaign training.

How many votes will it take to win in November? How do you find the perfect message and get it out to voters in your district? How will you raise enough money to pay for it all?

The DFA Training Academy will help you answer these questions and more.

I should be going but I’m not only a little poor right now, I’m right in the middle of projects that just can’t be walked away from.  But don’t wait for me!

Darcy Burner, Peter Goldmark and George Fearing will all show up at various times, and there is also a social from 6-8 on Saturday evening with great food ($12) and bluegrass music.

There is a nominal cost for the training and nearby lodging is available.  Click HERE to check it out.

Well… my last week has been filled with finishing off the never ending list of house projects like ripping out the ceiling in my old bathroom, getting dust in my eyes and somewhere I managed to take a motorcyle ride in the freezing freaking cold…

It was the coldest ride I’ve probably had in years.  But fun! (notice the enthusiasm on my face!)

But online, my fun wasn’t for nothing.  I’d seen clips in the past from Seattle Untimely but this had me in stiches…

Baby… your the best. 

More tomorrow….  just soak that in.

In other news…

What a week eh?  The Democratic caucuses were a huge success here in the Tri-Cities.  We are building up some great steam so… isn’t it time to let some off?  Well I have the solution for you!  Come to Drinking Liberally in the Tri-Cities and raise your glass because democracy is working!

Drinking Liberally in the Tri-Cities

O’Callahan’s/Shilo Inn 

50 Comstock Rd.

Richland

7pm till?

From Georgefearing.com

Weather permitting, on Tuesday, February 12^th, 2008, George B. Fearing will formally announce his candidacy for Washington State’s 4^th Congressional seat with a day-long tour of four of the district’s population centers. 

• At 8:00 AM, George will begin with a press conference at The Sub Shop, 20 N. 2^nd Street, Yakima, WA 98901.

• At 11:00 AM, he’ll be at 5 S. Wenatchee Avenue in the headquarters of the Chelan/Douglas County Democrats.

• At 1:00 PM he’ll be in Moses Lake at Bob’s Café at the Inn, 1807 Kittleson Rd., Moses Lake, WA 98837.

• And he’ll finish the day with a 3:15 PM press conference in the Tri-Cities at the Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive, Richland.

George will be available to answer questions, talk about his reasons for running and why 2008 is going to be a great opportunity for 4^th Congressional District residents to make a change to more effective representation.

 

For questions or further details, please call Mimi Latta, Campaign Manager, at 509-627-2679 or 509-378-5416.

For the past 3 elections in Washington’s 4th Congressional District, Democrats have been gaining ground on Doc Hastings. From the dismal 34% of Craig Mason (no offense Craig) in 2002, the semi-well funded Sandy Matheson in 2004 with 37%, to the wildly underfunded 2006 Richard Wright campaign with 41% there is a serious trend in play and something to watch in 2008.  With record Central Washington turnout in the 2008 Democratic Caucus, and the dismal performance of the WA GOP caucus, 2008 could very well be the year the 4th CD trends back to it’s Democratic roots.    

Want to get involved!  Just visit GeorgeFearing.com.  Contact the campaign, volunteer, donate, whatever you want to do.  Of course, you can always give to the George Fearing campaign right here at my Act Blue page. 

Also, George is a frequent visitor at Drinking Liberally in the Tri-Cities and is always open to conversation over his soda and nacho’s (sometimes he shares his nachos!).  I don’t know if he will be there tonight, but you could alway check with the campaign, or show up to one of his appearances today and ask him.  You won’t find a more accessible candidate my friends.  You just won’t!

After reading the Tri-City Herald’s caucus accounts I was left with one question.  What was the caucus turnout for Wasington State Republicans?  Nowhere in the article did I see a boasting of actual Wa. GOP turnout numbers so I went hunting.  Nothing.  Just overall results.  So I called a local R friend and asked his impression.  He told me turnout was larger than normal and I believe it. I also learned that the experience was somewhat akin to standing at the Tower of Babel where consensus was rare and single issue republicans abounded.  I still applaud them all for coming out (it is Democracy afterall!). But what still suprised me was the lack of statewide info.  Odd to say the least.

So why isn’t the Wa. State GOP disclosing turnout and detailed delegate info and turnout numbers?  I’m not sure but the speculation has already started… [From HA]

Big win for Obama.  Results by jurisdiction here.

 Some interesting Eastern Wa. results

What’s interesting to me is that for the most part, more rural jurisdictions leaned more towards Obama.  I suspected that might be the case.  Any idea’s why?

I don’t know how much comment I’ll get out of this but I’d really LOVE to hear how your caucus went.  What was the turnout?  What was the vote.  Here in Benton County, the caucus at Hanford HS turned out a very… no VERY impressive 290 people.  Here is the breakdown that I know so far:

17 Clinton

43 Obama

1 Uncommitted

61 delegates

Many of the precincts, including mine went 4-1 Obama

Give us the scoop in the comment thread people!!!

Update: The Tri-City Herald covered the caucus pretty well.  Benton County had a great turnout!

An estimated 1,400-plus attended Democratic caucuses in Benton County, believed to be the largest turnout ever, said Bob Parazin, county chairman. Barack Obama wound up with 295 delegates, while Hillary Clinton got 190, according to preliminary results.

 Also check the comment thread for other news.

On my right sidebar is an ad for Arid Lands.  I haven’t seen it yet but I plan to.  The documentary is a rich historical look at the Columbia River Basin to which my life is intrinsically tied.  I have heard it is a honest and genuine, and perhaps even painful film about this strange and beautiful area we live in and I can’t wait to see it.  I can’t wait to review it! 

Getting this film at the local theater is a big deal.  Carmike Cinema isn’t exactly a place where you would see a film like this and it’s an great opportunity for you all to see it on the big screen.  Information can be found by clicking the ad to your right which will take you to Sidelong Films web site.  Check the “screenings” link on the main page and you will find some local reviews as well. 

You can watch the trailer right here…

I can’t say I’m happy about this. But then, having the choice between a strong Democratic candidate in either Obama or Clinton and McCain and his prediction of more wars for years to come, or for that matter a Huckabee’s radical ideas for a biblical US Constitution, I guess I shouldn’t feel too bad.  It will take some of the enjoyment out of this campaign with Romney gone though.