Some details on the Obama 1st qurater fundraising numbers. Cross-posted from PrairieStateBlue.
Obama actually may have raised more for the primary campaign than the former first lady, but that cannot be definitively known because the Clinton campaign has refused to say how much of its total is designated for the primary election versus the general election."This overwhelming response, in only a few short weeks, shows the hunger for a different kind of politics in this country and a belief at the grassroots level that Barack Obama can bring out the best in America to solve our problems," said Penny Pritzker, Obama's finance chair.
Tammy Duckworth's campaign ads are out. And they're on YouTube!
The first one, titled "Duty", weaves her biographical story with Congress' failures to hold the Bush administration accountable for the failed policies in Iraq or the lack of an energy policy that meets the needs of the American people. No mention of the fact that it is a Republican congress, or that she is a Democrat. In fact, at the end she throws in the line, "I won't be a rubberstamp for any party in Congress." Stressing your independence is fine, but that line, IMHO, insults the Democratic base (YMMV). Now, IL-06 is more than 3:2 Republican in self-identification so perhaps it is forgivable, but I'm not convinced it's necessary.
Her second ad, "Truth", is a different ball game. It is entirely defensive, trying to set the record straight regarding Roskam's lies about her stance on immigration. She doesn't call them lies though and is almost congenial about the whole thing. Still no mention of "Republican lies" or that she is a Democrat.
I'm not sure who produced the ads, but if you have a subscription to FECInfoPro (anyone?) it can be found here.
Released from SoapBlox/Chicago
In a sad turn of events, Congressman Lane Evans (IL-17) will retire due to his ongoing battle with Parkinson's disease.
Lane Evans is the original "Fighting Dem" and has done more for our troops than any flag-waving or ribbons ever will. More news will likely be up later this afternoon on his campaign website.
The AP reports that House and Senate negotiators have reached an agreement to extend the PATRIOT act. The reauthorization will extend the provisions authorizing roving wiretaps and permitting secret warrants for hospital and library records. According to the AP, "Most of the Patriot Act would become permanent under the reauthorization."
Needless to say, the President considers this a victory, with spokesperson Scott McClellan saying, "The president urges both houses of Congress to act promptly to pass this critical piece of legislation."
Most Republicans seem to be in favor of this continued expansion of the government into the social sphere. Jon Cornyn (R-TX) said, "This agreement both preserves the provisions that have made America safer since 9/11 and increases congressional and judicial oversight, which should alleviate the concerns of those who believe the law enforcement tools endanger civil liberties."
Arlen Specter (R-PA) says, "All factors considered it's reasonably good, not perfect, but it's acceptable."
Not everyone would agree however. Some dissent, and what you can do below the fold.
From Eric Zorn's weblog Change of Subject and his pun-tacular Land of Linkin' comes a pointer to FairVote's Who Picks the President.
It should come to noone's surprise that nearly 75% of all money spent on television advertising during the 2004 presidential election was in only five states. Nor should it surprise anyone that more than 75% of that was spent in Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Would it surprise you that more money was spent on television advertising in Florida than in 45 other states and the District of Columbia combined?
Pie graph's and analysis after the jump.
Cross-posted on Soapblox/Chicago
· WI-08: Wingnut plans to run as "conservative independent" (desmoinesdem)
· 50 percent of southerners say Obama better president than Bush (desmoinesdem)
· What Yesterday Says About Young Voters (Mike Connery)
· Max Blumenthal on the dysfunctional movement driving the GOP (Mike Connery)
· IA-Gov: Culver launches second tv ad (desmoinesdem)
· Hilarious Vid On Why We Must Vote No On Issue 2!! (Cliff Schecter)
· NY-23: Scozzafava Drops Out! (lipris)
· NY-23: Pataki Goes Rogue, Endorses Teabagger Darling Doug Hoffman (lipris)
· Dunne Considering Run For VT-Gov (Nathan Empsall)
· McGovern Grandson Looks to Challenge Thune in 2010 (Jonathan Singer)
· IA-03: Two potential challengers for Boswell (desmoinesdem)
· NJ-Gov: Daggett Goes After Christie and Corzine (Jonathan Singer)
