West Virginia Blue
The Best Blogging Community in West Virginia Democratic politics, progressive policies, the good life and free living in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia.
It's my turn to make a personal appeal. Today is the last day of third quarter fund-raising period. (Then we promise to stop the daily "ask" for money.)
Tomorrow morning candidates all over the country will be tallying up their totals and preparing FEC reports. Those reports will be poured over by the media, political pundits, and campaign strategists to shape the emerging narrative about what candidates have the best chances of winning 13 months from now. The harsh reality of electoral politics is importance of quarterly "cash on hand" figures.
The ascendency of small dollar donors and the transparency of ActBlue fundraising provides another metric: number of donors.
Back on the 1 year anniversary of the founding of this site, we set a goal of bringing the total # of ActBlue donors for WV-02 to one for each week since we had started the site. This morning there are a total of 49 donations to John Unger's campaign via Act Blue.
We are only 6 donations away from one for each week since the site began 57 weeks ago!
To date our we've raised $4745 for WV-02 at ActBlue. I have another goal to announce this morning: $2400 in the final 24 hours. Why do we think this is possible? Your donations today will be matched by a generous donor.
My personal request.
There have been many times when I've questioned why I spend so much time on this website. I've wondered if the time spent volunteering for campaigns was worth it. Recently, we've had some weeks in Washington where I doubted even electing more Democrats in Congress would make even of a district.
The first time I heard John Unger speak I wasn't sure what to expect. I came away impressed. The first time I had a lengthy conversation with John Unger I was even more impressed. There will never be a politician I agree with 100% on all issues, but John Unger is a person who I trust. He is the type of person who is worth working hard to send to Washington. I will be honored to have him serve as my Representative.
Please help make that possible. We need a few more contributions to top the Q3 fund-raising goals. Your contribution could be the one!
Carnacki has a great diary on Daily Kos this afternoon asking Kossacks to help John Unger. Its not on the recommend list yet. We should all go there and give the post some love. Click here to do it.
Carnacki's post on John Unger made the recommend list at DailyKos. Now show some real love and donate to the cause... There are a lot of smart Kossacks that are supporting us here in good old BLUE West Virginia.
From Nick Casey, the Chairman of West Virginia Democratic Party, (via email):
We have a real opportunity to make a difference for West Virginia and for the country. Democrats in Congress have a slim majority and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee wants to ensure that that majority isn't lost. That's why they personally asked West Virginia state senator John Unger to run for Congress here in the Second Congressional District.
We're working hard to raise money for John Unger's campaign for Congress before September 30th - this Sunday - and the deadline for this fundraising quarter with the Federal Election Commission. And you can help by making a contribution via the internet or by check to: Unger for Congress - PO Box 11530 - Charleston, WV 25339.
Affordable Health Care. And a solution to the war in Iraq (by one who has spent a great deal of time there himself). Immigration reform. A solid economy. Independence from foreign oil. These are the things at stake in this election.
Click here to contribute to John's campaign before September 30th.
John Unger has been elected three times to the West Virginia State Senate and he's the only Democrat in this race. In his last election, he garnered more votes in his district than Republican Shelley Capito did! In a part of the district which is considered her "strong hold" - John Unger has already proven he is more electable.
Click here to contribute to John's campaign before September 30th.
People from the the banks of the Potomac to the Ohio River are working hard to ensure that John Unger will have the necessary funds to win this election. With your help, we can ensure that although Republican Shelley Capito came into office with George W. Bush and has supported as much as 89% of the time- she leaves with him as well.
Thank you,
Nick Casey
Chairman - West Virginia Democratic Party
Vulnerable Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito has no trouble with the federal government spending $2 trillion or more on Iraq, but can't find it in her heart to help flood victims in this country.
West Virginia Republican Shelley Moore Capito said, "We must not let the desire to meet every perceived problem with a new government program drive us toward premature action that yields unwanted consequences."
Odd how she has never felt that same way about the unnecessary invasion of Iraq and the continued occupation.
Capito's vote yesterday against flood victims doesn't sit well with her Democratic challenger, State. Sen. John Unger. From an email:
Representative Shelley Moore Capito Opposes Help for West Virginia's Flood Victims
MARTINSBURG - Representative Shelley Moore Capito voted yesterday against extending the National Flood Insurance Program to help people in West Virginia rebuild their homes and businesses following a flood. The Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 263-146.
"Flooding continues to be and will always be a problem for West Virginians," Democratic Congressional Candidate John Unger said. "Those who have dealt with flooding disasters do not need to feel the additional burden of worrying how they will rebuild their lives after such a tragedy. This program will continue to bring ease to those who are dealing with flooding related problems."
The Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act will extend the National Flood Insurance Program through 2013 and provide federally backed flood insurance for 4.6 million homeowners, renters and business owners. The measure also raises coverage limits on policies that can be purchased by homeowners and businesses and allows the federal program to offer homeowners a policy that covers both flood and wind damage for one year.
In 2002, Unger volunteered extensively in Mingo, McDowell and Wyoming counties to provide relief efforts after massive flooding destroyed the area. "With my relief work in the southern coalfields region of West Virginia, I know the importance of such a program firsthand and commend Congress for passing these reforms," Unger said.
We need more than Capito who constantly roadblocks efforts to help people but rubberstamps bills to kill them. We need someone who understands problems and works to solve them. Contribute to John Unger's campaign here.
WV-02 is one of only seven a Top Priority Challenger Races identified by the DCCC across the nation (received via email):
Update: I received a slight clarification from an inside source at the DCCC. WV-02 is one of many (more than seven) Top Priority Challenger Races. The list below was related to a meetings in Washington this week. There are more than seven races receiving similar levels of support from the DCCC. (Thank you for that clarification.).
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is committed to not only securing the Democratic Majority, but strengthening it as well. The viability and demographics of a number of our challenger campaigns have placed them in a position to win next November.
Investing early in these challenger races is critical to securing-and strengthening-a lasting majority. Republicans are ready to do anything they can to keep these seats and regain control of the House.
September 30th is an important financial filing deadline for all of our candidates. It is the bar many will use to measure the strength of their campaigns. Please support the following before September 30 as we continue to lead America in a New Direction:
John Adler (NJ-03)
Darcy Burner (WA-08)
Christine Jennings (FL-13)
Dan Maffei (NY-25)
Eric Massa (NY-29)
Gary Trauner (WY-AL)
John Unger (WV-02)
Rep. Shelley Moore Capito may be a nice enough person, but her representation is anything but. Just today we learned how she voted against flood relief for West Virginians. Even Shelley Moore Capito acknowledges her Rubber-Stamp Republican Reputation is toxic--she's trying to rebrand herself as "an independent voice". If she doesn't believe in herself, why should we?
Thankfully, we have a much better alternative in 2008. Democratic State Sen. John Unger. There are 3 days left before the important end of quarter fund-raising reporting deadline. Make your voice heard. Contribute today.
On her tax-payer funded congressional website, vulnerable Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02) is once again stretching the truth. Running away from her tainted party affiliation, she deep-sixes her Republican party membership and claims to be an "independent voice ... in Congress."
Here's a challenge for Capito-watchers out there (lovers and critics). Rep. Capito was elected into office along with Bush in 2000. She's had 6 and 3/4 years of votes in Congress now.
Let hear some examples of when she has been an "independent voice". How many times has she been among a dozen or less Republicans voting with Democrats?
More than once a month? At least one year? At least once per session? More than once? Ever?
Capito came in with Pres. Bush. Let's see her leave with Pres. Bush. Support John Unger to unseat Rep. Capito.
Last week Democrat State Senator John Unger appeared on the popular MetroNews Talkline show with Hoppy Kercheval. John Unger demonstrated why he deserves to unseat vulnerable Republican Shelley Moore Capito and be the next representative for WV-02.
It is not enough to say you want our troops to come home, we also have to start talking about how to bring them home. In a welcome contrast to Capito's vague platitudes, Unger talked specifics. In a welcome contrast the failed Bush administration policies that Capito continues to Rubberstamp, Unger talked specifics that signal a real change. Instead of global unilateralism--the Bush "my way or the highway" approach--Unger speaks of the need to work more closely with Iraq's neighbors.
This is just one of the very sound recommendations of the Baker-Hamilton commission that Bush-Capito have rejected. Here's the full article from West Virginia Metronews about Unger's radio show appearance:
09/19/2007
Not Just a Military Matter
MetroNews Staff
A potential Democratic nominee for Congress in West Virginia's Second District says what happens in Iraq is not just a military matter. Berkeley County State Senator John Unger says there are also diplomatic and political issues that need to be addressed as well.
"If we continue to do what we've always done, we'll continue to get what we've always gotten," says Unger. He talked about last week's report from General David Petraeus on Wednesday's MetroNews Talkline.
"The goal I would have is we would bring our troops home as quickly as possible but you can't just say we're going to bring 5,700 home today, we'll bring 5,700 home tomorrow. We've got to couple that with a plan for diplomacy and the politics of it," he says. "It has to go hand in hand."
Senator Unger says the United States needs to get some help.
"Why aren't we doing more in bringing the international community into this? The regional countries like Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, these countries are very much going to be impacted by these regional conflicts and this should not be just a United States problem," he says.
General Petraeus, the Commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, is proposing a slow drawdown of about 30,000 U.S. troops over the next year. It would mean there would be 130,000 American troops in Iraq a year from now.
If you're near downtown DC this evening, come visit the John Unger fund-raiser being put on by a who's who of the Congressional Democratic leadership.
Honorable Steny H. Hoyer Majority Leader
Honorable Rahm Emanuel Caucus Chairman
Honorable Chris Van Hollen DCCC Chairman
Honorable Artur Davis DCCC Recruitment Chair
Honorable Nick Rahall Natural Resources Committee Chairman
Honorable Alan Mollohan Commerce, Justice, Science, & Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman
For an Evening Reception Honoring John Unger Democratic Candidate for West Virginia’s 2nd District Monday, September 24th, 2007 6:00pm – 8:00pm 417 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20003
Nick Casey the Chairman of the West Virginia Democratic Party sent out the following email to remind folks about the fundraiser for John Unger this coming Wednesday...
Just wanted to drop you a note to remind you about the event for John Unger- who is running for Congress in the Second District here in West Virginia. It will held on Wednesday - September 19th between 7:00 pm and and 8:30 at Appalachian Power Park here in Charleston. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recruited State Senator Unger to run because he wins elections. We hope you'll come out and keep his streak alive! If you're not able to come, but would like to help - you can contribute by clicking here (www.ungerforcongress.org) or by mailing a donation to: Unger for Congress PO Box 11530 Charleston, WV 25339 The maximum you can send is $2,300 per person - but any amount helps! Hope to see you there! Nick Casey - Chairman West Virginia Democratic Party
Clem wasn't the only one to remember vulnerable Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito's disconnect between her past statements and her votes. For months she has said she wants to bring the troops home - but then she keeps voting to keep them occupying Iraq.
From the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee:
Following the Petraeus Report, Representative Shelley Moore Capito Continues to be All Talk and No Action on Iraq
Earlier this year, Representative Shelley Moore Capito talked tough about the need for a new direction in Iraq. Now, having heard from General Petraeus and from two other independent reports showing that political progress in Iraq remains virtually non-existent, the question is: will Representative Capito finally vote to change direction on the war?
"After hearing from General Petraeus and two other independent commissions that there is little, if any, political progress in Iraq, will Representative Capito continue to blindly support President Bush's 10-year occupation of Iraq?" asked Jennifer Crider, Communications Director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "Representative Capito will be held accountable for not listening to her constituents' demand for a new direction in Iraq."
Background
* In January, Representative Shelley Moore Capito said, "I have grave concerns regarding the call for increased American troop numbers in Iraq and am skeptical of this new plan's success. I believe the escalating sectarian violence in Iraq requires a political solution, not a military solution rooted in increased numbers of American troops." [Capito Statement, 1/11/07]
* After hearing the assessment from General Petraeus, as well as two other independent reports showing the lack of progress in Iraq, Representative Capito has said that she wants to see more and more U.S. troops steadily returning home from Iraq in 2008. "The door has been left open for that to occur. I think we're going to press for that. I think that's what we want and, I think, that's something I am going to advocate for, a continual withdrawal as we move through next year." [WV Metro News Network, 9/11/07]
* The testimony by General Petraeus to Congress on September 10, 2007 was the third assessment in as many weeks, highlighting the lack of progress in Iraq.
* Last week, the General Accounting Office (GAO), which is the non-partisan investigative arm of Congress, issued a report showing that the Iraqi government has failed to meet 15 out of the 18 benchmarks for success established by Congress and signed into law by the President in May. GAO: Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq , 9/4/07 (pdf)
* A separate report issued from an independent commission established by Congress and led by retired Marine General James Jones said that the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are far from being able to take over security responsibilities in Iraq. That same report described the Iraqi Interior Ministry, which runs the security force, as being "dysfunctional" and recommended that the Iraqi National Police force be disbanded due to massive corruption. The Report of the Independent Commission on the Security Forces in Iraq , 9/7/07 (pdf)
MARTINSBURG - In the hallways of South Middle School, two short bells rang out, signaling the release of hundreds of students into the corridors and on to their next classes.
Weaving their way between the masses were dozens of legislators from the Joint Standing Committee on Education, which visited the facility Tuesday to get a firsthand look at the growth of Berkeley County Schools and the progress it has made in accommodations.
Sen. John Unger, D-Berkeley, said the visit was planned to coincide with students' time in the hallways, which offered legislators a true illustration of how nearly 900 students navigate the school, which was constructed in 1954.
snip
Sen. Jesse Guills, R-Greenbrier, commended the county and its officials for preserving old school buildings, rather than building new ones.
The ongoing construction, however, has been a necessity, as schools see between 4.2-percent and 5-percent growth in student numbers each year, said Superintendent Manny Arvon.
After leading lawmakers on tours of both Martinsburg High School and South Middle, Arvon agreed that the improved buildings were great but said the focus should remain on filling classrooms with highly qualified teachers.
State Sen. John Unger, Democratic challenger in WV-02, released a statement on General David Patraeus' testimony on the Iraq escalation:
From an email:
MARTINSBURG - With the testimony of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker to U.S. House Committees today, Senator John Unger called for a change in Iraq War strategy:
"Today we learned that that while our military is stretched dangerously thin and no significant political progress has been achieved in Iraq, General Petraeus estimates that our current troop levels should be sustained at least until next summer. Our brave troops deserve a new strategy.
"Shelley Moore Capito has criticized the President's failed course, but continues to vote against a change in direction in Iraq. It's time to stop talking about the problems and actually implement a plan that will coordinate international aid for reconstruction, further Iraqi military and law enforcement training, and responsibly redeploy our troops.
"We are spending billions of dollars on a war that is not making our country safer, while we have lost focus on the real threats to our security. It is time for a new direction in the Iraq war. We must begin to responsibly redeploy our troops to refocus our efforts on protecting our national security and winning the global war on terror."
Since the Iraq War began, 17 West Virginians have lost their lives and nearly $565 billion has been spent by Congress.
We deserve more than a Roadblock Republican like Capito whose only goal is to protect Mr. George W. Bush's ego.
Hal and Shirley Macleery listen at the United Mine Workers' annual Labor Day celebration in Racine.
Sarah K. Winn has the story--Racine was the place to be on Labor Day.
"Working families are losing their ground," said Elaine Harris, a representative with the Communication Workers of America. "The Bush administration has put its political agenda ahead of the good of the people."
Delegate Nancy Guthrie, D-Kanawha, agreed, saying 2008 should be different if people get out and express their opinions.
"If we are going to restore some virtue to this economy, you need to get up on your feet and get out on the street and vote Democrat," she said to the crowd. "We have everything to gain this time and nothing to lose."
John Unger, the state senator from Berkeley County and candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, related the story of his grandfather, whose career included work in a unionized quarry.
"He always put the fight in the fight," he said. "It is important to continue to fight for working families and for me to continue to join in that fight."
West Virginia University law professor Bob Bastress, who is running for the state Supreme Court, told the crowd about his law work defending mine workers and labor rights.
"I understand how important those paychecks are for workers," he said. In his 2000 campaign for the Supreme Court, Bastress had the support from labor groups.
[snip]
Gov. Joe Manchin, who arrived on his motorcycle, pointed to how the state is leading the way in the mining industry, particularly when it comes to safe conditions.
"West Virginia is making a difference," he said. "Everything is based around the safety of the worker. If we can't do it safe, don't do it."
You can smell the desperation coming off the financially bankrupt West Virginia Republicans these days. Republican "strategist" Gary Abernathy has an open letter to Senator Hillary Clinton and implies her being at the top of the ticket would hurt State Sen. John Unger's challenge to vulnerable Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito.
Here is a dose of reality and history for Abernathy.
In 2004, Senator John Kerry proved himself to be an unpopular presidential Democratic candidate in West Virginia.
Yet Democratic Congressmen Nick Rahall and Alan Mollohan won their races in landslides. The top of the ticket did not hurt them.
As usual, reality disproves Abernathy's entire premise.
Here's more for Abernathy to mull over. In 2006, Unger pulled in 67 percent of the vote in very Republican Berkeley County against popular Republican candidate Jerry May and 65 percent of the vote in Jefferson County in the race.
Obviously the voters in his district knew Unger and liked him.
The top of the ticket, whoever the Democratic candidate is, won't hurt him in 2008. In fact, considering that the GOP's top presidential candidates have been referred to by the GOP's own Newt Gingrich as a "pathetic" pack of "pygmies", Abernathy should spend more time focusing on how the top of the GOP ticket is going to drag down Capito even more than her own votes and policies will.
Abernathy is clutching desperately like a drunken, debauched Elvis in the Jungle Room to find any thing to hold on to that would keep his corporate loving, war supporting Capito from falling.
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