Bipartisan Protest of John Boehner and Parker Griffith (AL-05) Fundraiser

by: admin

Mon Mar 08, 2010 at 20:13:47 PM CST

Parker Griffith, as you might recall, is the former Howard Dean supporter and Congressman who switched to the GOP in hopes of boosting his re-election chances.

Forces aligned as the good side joined the dark side for a bipartisan protest of tonights Boehner/Griffith $100 a head fundraiser in Huntsville. See Left in Alabama (Progressive Democratic Blog) and Flashpoint (Alabama Republican Blog)

Here's one of what were we hope many great signs from tonight's protest

Nightly News

by: Curtis Abbey

Wed Mar 03, 2010 at 21:26:01 PM CST

Mailing back the forms save taxpayers money, as it reduces the number of census takers that must go door-to-door to follow up with households that failed to do so. The Census Bureau saves about $85 million in operational costs for every percentage point increase in the national mail response rate [...]

    "It costs us just 42 cents in a postage paid envelope when households mail back their 2010 Census forms," Groves said. "The Census Bureau will spend about $25 per person if we have to go out and knock on the doors of households that don't mail them back."

#2 LGBT Couples are lining up to get married in Washington D.C.

Just sitting down at a desk at the marriage bureau at D.C. Superior Court on Wednesday was too much for Angelisa Young. She cried so hard that she eventually had to bury her face in her fiancee's chest.

About a half-hour later, Young and her partner, Sinjoyla Townsend, who met 13 years ago in a Constitutional Law class at the University of the District of Columbia, became the first same-sex couple to apply to be married in the District as the city officially joined five other states in allowing gay marriage.

#3 Cockfighting in Alabama is still only a misdemeanor and $50 fine. The state legislature has another chance this year to join 39 other states inmaking it a felony.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has sent out an action alert to members, reminding them that the Alabama Legislature has the opportunity again this year to make cockfighting a felony in the state of Alabama.

Alabama H.B. 342 (sponsored by Rep. James Fields) & S.B. 124 (sponsored by Senator Myron Penn):

       * Makes cockfighting a felony.
       * Makes it a felony to own, possess or train birds with the intent to fight.
       * Makes it a felony to promote or advertise a cockfight.
       * Makes it a misdemeanor to be a spectator at a cockfight.
       * Allows for seizure of birds in cockfights and forfeiture of property and profits.

#4 This title says it all. Janitor Facing Eviction Cleans Up After CEO Whose Bank Bought Her House

#5 As Afghanistan Contractors Surge Who's Following the Money?

In the past eight years, the United States has allocated $51 billion to rebuild and stabilize Afghanistan. But tracking that money sometimes seems as challenging as finding the leaders of the Taliban.

No one keeps an exact count of the number of private contractors working in Afghanistan -- even though Congress ordered that be done more than two years ago. There's no central list of all the contracts now in force. Government auditors cannot determine with confidence if the reconstruction money is being properly spent or meets the stated objectives. And efforts to improve coordination among the key U.S. agencies managing the money -- the Pentagon, the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development -- have lagged at best

This is an open thread, please use the comment section for whatever.

Nightly News

by: Curtis Abbey

Wed Mar 03, 2010 at 21:24:05 PM CST

   Mailing back the forms save taxpayers money, as it reduces the number of census takers that must go door-to-door to follow up with households that failed to do so. The Census Bureau saves about $85 million in operational costs for every percentage point increase in the national mail response rate [...]

    "It costs us just 42 cents in a postage paid envelope when households mail back their 2010 Census forms," Groves said. "The Census Bureau will spend about $25 per person if we have to go out and knock on the doors of households that don't mail them back."

Any chance Michelle Bachmann will take back her anti-Census comments to save the government a lot of money (amongst other reasons)?

#2 LGBT Couples are lining up to get married in Washington D.C.

Just sitting down at a desk at the marriage bureau at D.C. Superior Court on Wednesday was too much for Angelisa Young. She cried so hard that she eventually had to bury her face in her fiancee's chest.

About a half-hour later, Young and her partner, Sinjoyla Townsend, who met 13 years ago in a Constitutional Law class at the University of the District of Columbia, became the first same-sex couple to apply to be married in the District as the city officially joined five other states in allowing gay marriage.

#3 Cockfighting in Alabama is still only a misdemeanor and $50 fine. The state legislature has another chance this year to join 39 other states inmaking it a felony.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has sent out an action alert to members, reminding them that the Alabama Legislature has the opportunity again this year to make cockfighting a felony in the state of Alabama.

Alabama H.B. 342 (sponsored by Rep. James Fields) & S.B. 124 (sponsored by Senator Myron Penn):

       * Makes cockfighting a felony.
       * Makes it a felony to own, possess or train birds with the intent to fight.
       * Makes it a felony to promote or advertise a cockfight.
       * Makes it a misdemeanor to be a spectator at a cockfight.
       * Allows for seizure of birds in cockfights and forfeiture of property and profits.

#4 This title says it all. Janitor Facing Eviction Cleans Up After CEO Whose Bank Bought Her House

#5 As Afghanistan Contractors Surge Who's Following the Money?

In the past eight years, the United States has allocated $51 billion to rebuild and stabilize Afghanistan. But tracking that money sometimes seems as challenging as finding the leaders of the Taliban.

No one keeps an exact count of the number of private contractors working in Afghanistan -- even though Congress ordered that be done more than two years ago. There's no central list of all the contracts now in force. Government auditors cannot determine with confidence if the reconstruction money is being properly spent or meets the stated objectives. And efforts to improve coordination among the key U.S. agencies managing the money -- the Pentagon, the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development -- have lagged at best

This is an open thread, please use the comment section for whatever.

Emily's List Fails Again - Endorses Terri Sewell in AL-07

by: admin

Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 18:31:08 PM CST

Well even more recently, EMILY's list (Early Money Is Like Yeast) - failed in their support of Martha Coakley

Here's one critique of their focus

I think EMILY's List has done a terrific job of promoting liberal, Democratic candidates," said Democratic strategist Dick Morris. "But I do feel that they emphasize liberalism over feminism. They are really a pro-choice pressure group, not an organization designed to help women to get elected."

Today we got word that Emily's List endorsed Terri Sewell in AL-07 . This comes despite there being three other women in the June primary, all pro choice, including Shelia Smoot who certainly is more progressive. This has nothing to do with our support of Shelia Smoot, but instead the questions as to why a Democratic Group plays in a primary with several progressive candidates. This certainly reminds me of the errors made in endorsing Nikki Tinker over Steve Cohen in 2008.  

Fun Friday - Thoughts that Matter

by: admin

Fri Jan 29, 2010 at 15:30:27 PM CST

1. Well for my Alabama political followers we are in the middle of a wild west shootout over gambling.
I'm not sure I can get into this without making a long story even longer.

Electronic bingo halls at Victoryland in Montgomery and County Crossings in Dothan were each unsuccessfully raided early this morning. The Governor ordered the raids through his special task force on gambling. That's a whole nother story and last weeks news.

Here's some of the backstory over at Left in Alabama

2. A gay dating site ad will not be aired during the Super Bowl

Perry County Landfill Files Bankruptcy

by: admin

Wed Jan 27, 2010 at 05:57:06 AM CST

The owners of the landfill filed bankruptcy this week.  

The owners of a Black Belt landfill that takes in tons of coal ash from the Tennessee Valley Authority have filed for bankruptcy, saying the landfill's operators are withholding money they have received from TVA.

An attorney for the owners said the bankruptcy filing would not affect the operation of the Arrowhead Landfill, "which will continue to operate safely and effectively, without interruption."

Perry Uniontown Ventures I owns Arrowhead Landfill, which covers nearly 1,000 acres in southern Perry County. Phillips & Jordan Inc., and Phill-Con Services operate the landfill "under an agency agreement" with Perry Uniontown Ventures.
 

So much for the boondoggle I guess. Interesting considering how much money expected to be involved in the case.  

Wednesday Open Thread

by: admin

Wed Jan 06, 2010 at 13:35:45 PM CST

Feels like Christmas Eve. Or at least what I think Christmas Eve would have felt being a jewish boy. Roll tide. Oh and we might get snow here.

On the Alabama political front - Justin Saia gone as Campaign Manager for Ron Sparks - said they would announce a replacement within 10 days which I don't think looks very good for a campaign that has been bumbling lately.  

Poll: What States To Poll? AL, CT, FL, IL, or MA?

by: Curtis Abbey

Sat Jan 02, 2010 at 20:55:11 PM CST

When I got back my carrots, bok choy, broccoli and mesclun were sprouted as was my chia cat grass that I got for Christmas. My cat Lenny was happy to see me and I'm happy to get back to my regular routine. 1st stop, can you guys vote on this poll? (Please vote Alabama, I'll explain why below)

Embattled Ala Attorney General Troy King Leading Charge Against Nelson Deal for Nebraska

by: admin

Thu Dec 31, 2009 at 17:36:48 PM CST

Alabama Attorney General Troy King says the investigation by 13 Republican attorneys general into a deal that allowed a Democrat-backed health care reform bill to pass the U.S. Senate is not motivated by politics.
King said he and the attorneys general believe a deal that provides special treatment for Nebraska's Medicaid program is unconstitutional and was designed to win the vote of Democratic Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson.
King said he expects Democratic attorneys general to join the investigation before it's over. He said he was reaching out to other attorneys general regardless of party.
The Republican attorneys general have written a letter to congressional leaders telling them to remove the Nebraska deal from the final version of the health care reform bill or face legal action.

Not motivated by politics? - it's all about politics. his re-election campaign.

What about an investigation into deals made with war contractors? Instead he's worried about something that has not even passed Congress yet. Jeez. This is just pathetic.  

Capitol Hill News Open Thread

by: CA Berkeley WV

Thu Dec 24, 2009 at 15:11:52 PM CST

As always, this is a crosspost from Congress Matters and I will refrain from my routine claim that this is the most important news of the day. That would be the what is happening in your own house this time of the year.

Here are some of my own thoughts...

Parker Griffith's Consultants Compromised Democratic Voter Data on Eve of Switch

by: admin

Wed Dec 23, 2009 at 14:33:25 PM CST

Yesterday the big Capitol Hill News was the party switch of Parker Griffith (AL-05). Well we found out today that on the eve of this maneuver that Main Street Strategies, Griffith's political consulting firm, downloaded sensitive voter data
belonging to the Alabama Democratic Party.

h/t to Left in Alabama for their excellent coverage of the Griffith switcheroo

We've added the AL-05 Dem Nominee Fund to the Progressive Electorate Act Blue Page - We are actively trying to recruit a top notch candidate and much more progressive to the fold that Griffith ever would have been

*breaking news - Ag Commish Ron Sparks said he is not ruling out a run

Breaking News: Alabama Dem Parker Griffith (AL-05) Switching Parties

by: admin

Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:51:09 AM CST

Not really a surprise based on his voting patterns and his comments that he would not vote for Speaker Pelosi again for Speaker.

However, I think it's a shame as this district had been reliably Democratic with Bud Cramer who Griffith replaced in 2008. Will be interesting to see if the other announced Republicans stay in in the race.

At least the DCCC won't waste any money on a DINO in this race. Let's hope that we can get a good Dem in this race like former state Auditor and current Public Service Commissioner Susan Parker. She said she's running for re-election.

The folks over at Left in Alabama weigh in heavily with some deserved angst

Can I charge him with fraud?   (0.00 / 0)
Can I demand the return of the small contribution I gave him as a Democrat to a Democrat?  Could all of his contributors file a class action suit?  Blech!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by: Gayla @ Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:28:47 AM CST

That SOB! (0.00 / 0)
He's just another Richard Shelby, determined to get power and keep it.  He must think the Republicans will take back the House in 2010.  I hope the voters of his district send him home.
by: Kathy @ Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:37:35 AM CST
[ Parent ]
by: you @ soon

Snake in the grass (0.00 / 0)
He should give back every dime he raised as a Democrat!  Every damned dime!  I certainly want mine back.

Work harder and work smarter!
by: mooncat @ Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:38:01 AM CST
by: you @ soon

I'm still trying to get back my initial vote for Richard Shelby, (0.00 / 0)
when he ran against Jeremiah Denton (R-wingnut) in 1986.  I still remember shaking his hand on a street corner in downtown Birmingham when he was campaigning -- as a Democrat.  I wouldn't spit on him if I saw him today.
by: Kathy @ Tue Dec 22, 2009 at 10:45:25 AM CST

SEC Championship Gameday Open Thread

by: admin

Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 08:22:44 AM CST

Predictions for the game today.

This is the open thread of the day. Politics, sports, scandals. You name it, we discuss it.

Even weather. I hear it's snowing back in Birmingham.  

Alabama Political Update

by: admin

Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 07:12:22 AM CST

1. Specially set - Birmingham Mayoral Election a week from Today. Patrick Cooper, considered by many to be the leading candidate, began running radio ads touting himself as the post-racial Obama type candidate. These ads were in responce to some smears being made calling him the "white candidate" in the race.

Also - Former Mayor Larry Langford endorsed William Bell in the race . After what is being uncovered about the spending habits of the Langford administration, much less the convictions  of Langford on 60 corruption counts, I question the wisdom of why anyone would tout this endorsement.

A number of those same of the same forums being held this week. Expect either a Cooper win outright next Tuesday or a runoff between Cooper and Bell or a Cooper and Emory Anthony. Carole Smitherman seems finished after last weeks antics. I do expect Cooper to get a majority of the more affluent communities vote as well as a decent percentage in other areas. How far does he drop in the Western part of the city is the question?

2. Sam Jones, mayor of Mobile, endorses Artur Davis. Somewhat significant in that Davis could benefit  for some reaffirmation right now from African American leaders after being called out by Jesse Jackson on his vote against the House Health Care bill. Davis is doing a good job of showing that black leadership is not monolithic like it may have once been in this state and nationally.

3.

The Over the Mountain Democrats are hosting their annual holiday party on Thursday night at the Fox and Hound in Birmingham.

Here are some of the guests that will attend

Joe Turnham, Chair of the Alabama State Democratic Party
Jim Spearman, Exec Director of the AL State Democratic Party
Ron Sparks, Agricultural Commissioner & Gubernatorial candidate
Jeremy Sherer, candidate State Treasurer
Dr. Wally Retan, Congressional candidate 6th District
Terri Sewell, Congressional candidate 7th District
Earl Hilliard, Congressional candidate 7th District
Circuit Court Judges Robert Vance, Laura Petro, Clyde Jones,
                              Sherri Friday
District Court Judge Jack Lowther "Bring Back Jack"
Theo Lawson, candidate for JeffCo District Attorney

and many more candidates, politicos and VIPS . . .

including YOU if you RSVP TODAY to pbwarrn@aol.com

In the spirit of the season nurse
please bring an unwrapped toy for
Greater Birmingham Ministries.

Alabama Wins Iron Bowl 2009 Despite Auburn's Best Effort

by: admin

Fri Nov 27, 2009 at 19:48:51 PM CST

Auburn led for the first three quarters and much of the 4th. However, we (the Alabama Crimson Tide) will have bragging rights for the next 365 days. Hats off to Auburn which turned in their best performance of the year.

Running back Roy Upchurch gave the Tide the lead on a TD reception with 1 minute and 24 seconds left in the game

Mark Ingram's Heisman hopes likely ended after he was held in check by an Auburn defense that keyed in on him the entire game. Colt McCoy pretty much sealed the deal last night in my opinion regardless with his dazzling performance on the air and ground against Texas A and M last night.

This was a classic Iron Bowl and one that reminded me of the battles in the 1980's and 1990's where the games were always decided in the 4th quarter. The last few have been very predictable. The effort on the field by both teams provided no dull moments and showed why this is in my opinion hands down the best college football rivalry in the country.