Wal-Mart Shopping Death - Jonathan Krause is Right On!

I could not say it better myself, so I will leave it to him:

Click here.

Dems Gain Nationally:

Recount in the 18th? Results below...

180 votes out of over 83,000 cast in unofficial results.

County - Jess King - Randy Hopper - Difference
Dodge - 981 - 1,303 - (322)
Winnebago - 24,451 - 20,213 - 4,238
FDL - 16,232 - 20,328 - (4,096)
Total - 41,664 - 41,844 - (180)

There are also provisional ballots to be decided, as well as the results being unofficial.

In Winnebago County we use 2 types of voting machines - touchscreen and scanners. The results on the county website are sometimes shown as complete for a ward even if the ward only has one of the machine types reported.

There are several questions about these results. Lets get to the bottom of this.

My Electoral Prediction...

(The map is from the DailyKos)

Help Get Out the Vote in Winnebago County

Hello Members, Friends and Volunteers for the Winnebago County Democratic Party!

It is time to Get Out the Vote (GOTV)!

After the long primary, the general campaign, it comes down to these last 3 days.

Your Winnebago County Democratic Party will be working for the election every day, through Tuesday evening.

To volunteer, please contact:

Winnebago County Office – (920) 426-2262

Scott Jacobs

(920) 426-8060 - sjacobs@obamacampaign4change.org

Info on our Victory Party:

Winnebago County Victory Party!

Come out to celebrate our hard earned victories!

8:01 PM – Tues, November 4^th

Beckets Center Court – 1 City Center (Old Park Plaza Mall Center Court, Oshkosh

Refreshments, DJ, Returns on the Big Screen and Fellow Democrats!

Please help out whenever you can! Every vote will count for all of our local candidates as well as Obama/Biden!

Why I love YouTube...

I woke up this morning with an obscure 90's song in my head.

I went to YouTube.

There is was...

Everyone, Mr Bungle:



I have this on cassette tape...

Volunteer for Election Day...

Don't let this happen:



Call 920.426.2262 (920.42-OBAMA) to volunteer at the Winnebago County Democratic Party Headquarters.

Is it just me....

Or does it make sense that a man with 7 houses and a wife worth $100 million would be worried about spreading the wealth a little.

There's Noone as Irish as Barack Obama....

Great video:

'Brat' Obama Buttons Make National News

They flew off the shelves at our office...

Good job Angela & Tom!

Homer Votes...

Quote of the Week...

Krugman on his NYTimes blog, discussing the illogical Republican solutions to our current financial situation:

Well, if a party runs on economic nonsense for 25 years, eventually many of its foot soldiers will be people who actually believe the nonsense.

Save Wisconsin's Vote... Investigate the WI GOP

Perhaps you have heard about the absentee ballot applications the WI GOP has sent out to Wisconsin residents.

They have, in may instances, sent a ballot application with an incorrect return address. In one instance, a local Winnebago County Democratic Party member received an absentee ballot form from the WI GOP with a return address to go to the Town of Neenah clerk, when she lives and votes in the Town of Menasha.

I have several instances of this happening.

What are the results of this? Our member, if the application is sent in, may be denied the vote. By applying for voting in the incorrect town, she will not receive a ballot. When the ballot is not received, it will be too late to apply for another one. Her only option would be to vote the day of the election.

Then, this elderly woman would have to potentially stand in line for hours to vote. Her knees are not that good, maybe she would decide not to wait that long.

The other consequence would be for the local clerks to sort out the problem. Something our stretched thin municipal governments can not handle. The hours spent correcting the WI GOP mailing will eat into needed hours to prep for what could be the highest turn-out election in Wisconsin history.

Whether the WI GOP address problem was a mistake or a dirty election tactic, they are setting up the mass disenfranchisement of absentee voters, and a chain reaction that will lead to havoc on Nov 4th.

This issue needs to be investigated now. If the WI GOP cannot prove there was a mistake made, there should be prosecution.

One Wisconsin Now has a petition online about this issue, you can sign it with the links in this message:

Dear Jef, Hundreds of thousands of legal voters are at risk - but utter silence from the McCain campaign. Media are reporting Wisconsinites have received absentee ballot applications from the John McCain for President campaign with incorrect return addresses, which would likely prevent registration and processing from being completed. We need answers about this McCain mailing immediately and we need a full investigation by law enforcement. Sign the petition and demand an investigation today! Visit http://www.SaveWisconsinsVote.org. Not only could this lead to voters failing to receive their absentee ballots, it also could cause chaos on election day as those who did not receive their ballots scramble to cast their vote. The easy solution would seem to be: check the records, inform people who received an incorrect application and make sure no one is disenfranchised. But the McCain campaign refuses to tell us the exact number and won't even be interviewed about the scope of the problem. A top Republican Party of Wisconsin official said "hundreds of thousands" of absentee ballot applications have been mailed by the McCain campaign. Hundreds of thousands of voters at risk. No answers. Draw your own conclusions. Act now and sign the petition demanding an investigation into the faulty McCain absentee ballot applications. We need a formal investigation. Just last week, Attorney General JB Van Hollen and Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm announced a new task force focusing on election issues. While the prudence of having Van Hollen, the McCain campaign state co-chair, is certainly up for question, the task force must investigate this matter and assure the public their right to vote is not being compromised by an intentional disenfranchisement scheme by the McCain campaign. Fair and clean elections are a critical issue for the state of Wisconsin and protecting the right to vote is essential to our Democracy. Act now and sign the petition to the Task Force and the Government Accountability Board below calling for an immediate investigation of the mailing. They must get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. Time is critical, please act today. Scot Ross Executive Director One Wisconsin Now P.S.--Nothing will happen unless you act today. Sign the petition and help preserve Democracy. Visit http://www.SaveWisconsinsVote.org.

Oshkosh Really is the Center of the World...

As I pointed out here...

...and MSNBC confirms today.

Obama leads the money chase in key counties

Scouring the latest campaign finance data for a Palin bounce, other trends

Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Ohio's Ashtabula County. Winnebago County, Wisconsin.

These are the counties where the 2008 presidential election may be decided. They're battleground counties in the battleground states.

Is Randy Hopper Against Maternity & Family Leave?

Another greatest hit from WIEye...

In an interview with Candidate Randy Hopper at the Winnebago County Republican Party Corn Roast, he stated (and I paraphrase)...

"I spoke with a business that sold off a million dollar unit because they were about to go over 50 employees. That is absurd."

Why would that happen? Because of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Once you have 50 employees, you need to offer maternity leave. Once you have over 50 employees, you need to allow employees to care for their spouses when they are critically ill.

I believe it is important that we allow new families the time to adjust and recuperate after a birth.

I also believe that families need the time to care for loved ones in times of dire need.

I guess Randy Hopper doesn't.

Too good not to Highlight

So Much for a $400 Haircut...

Vanity Fair editors estimated that (Cindy) McCain's fierce saffron shirt dress with the popped collar, diamond earrings, four-strand pearl necklace, white Chanel watch and strappy shoes totaled up to $313,100.

In a more diverse America, a mostly white RNC

Only 36 of the 2,380 delegates seated on the convention floor are black, the lowest number since the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies began tracking diversity at political conventions 40 years ago. Each night, the overwhelmingly white audience watches a series of white politicians step to the lectern - a visual reminder that no black Republican has served as a governor, U.S. senator or U.S. House member in the past six years.

Cood Cartoon - The GOP vs Big Oil...

Rove on VP Material...

"With all due respect again to Governor Kaine, he's been a governor for three years, he's been able but undistinguished," Rove said. "I don't think people could really name a big, important thing that he's done. He was mayor of the 105th largest city in America."

He goes on to say:

"So if he were to pick Governor Kaine, it would be an intensely political choice where he said, `You know what? I'm really not, first and foremost, concerned with, is this person capable of being president of the United States? What I'm concerned about is, can he bring me the electoral votes of the state of Virginia, the 13 electoral votes in Virginia?'"

Of perhaps a short term Governor and Mayor of a tinier town to maybe chase the female or Libertarian vote?

It's just politics.

One Quote Says It All

"This is really unbelievable, let everyone vote and see what happens," said Bob Spindell, election commissioner for the city of Milwaukee and chairman of the GOP's 4th Congressional District. "This could be the presidency of the United States on the line here."

We wouldn't want to let everyone vote?

WCDP Events - Witness History on Thursday

Hello members and friends of the Winnebago County Democratic Party!

We invite you to spend Thursday, August 28^th witnessing history with your fellow activists as Sen Barack Obama accepts the nomination of the Democratic Party for President of the United States.

This historic event will take place in front of 75,000 in Denver, and in front of friends and fellow activists projected on the big screen at the Winnebago County Democratic Party HQ at 480 N Main St, Oshkosh.

Please bring a dish to pass if you can. Refreshments will be supplied by the WCDP. We will start watching the convention after 6:00 PM.

Then on Saturday and Sunday, take Sen Obama’s message to voters during our weekend of action. There will be canvases and lit drops in across Winnebago County. If you can help, please contact:

Neenah, Menasha, Clayton, Winneconne: Caitlin Hurley – 414.803.5697 or caitlinhurley@gmail.com

Oshkosh, Omro: Casey Giltner – 920.410.6668 giltner.case@students.uwlax.edu

You can also call the office at 920.426.2262 (42-OBAMA).

Even if you can’t help out this weekend, please let Caitlin and Casey know if you can help in the next 70 days (that’s all) until the election.

Then help us show our support on Labor Day!

Neenah/Menasha Labor Day Parade

When: September 1, 9:00AM

Where: Germania Hall

620 Chute St

March & wave in the parade, then enjoy music and food at the labor celebration at the union hall, 157 S Green Bay Rd, Neenah

Oshkosh Labor Day Celebration

When: September 1 12:00PM

Where: South Park

Oshkosh

Roasted corn, classic cars, good music and good people! Come out and enjoy!

Open House for County Exec Mark Harris

Please join the Harris Family in celebration of the first annual birthday fundraiser for County Executive Mark Harris

When: Thursday September 4th

Open House from 5:30 to 9:30

Where: La Sure’s Hall

3125 S. Washburn St.

Oshkosh, WI

Suggested contribution $25.00

For more information

call 920.232.8688 or mharris1@new.rr.com

2 events today:

Pool Party for Mark Westphal

When: Wednesday, August 27^th 5-7 PM

Where: Don Winter’s home

451 Hawthorne St, Neenah

Info: Mark Westphal

920.727.4781 or sswes@earthlink.net

Come raise money to help take back the Assembly. Good times in a beautiful setting with fellow Fox Valley activists. Suggested donation $25.

Sen. Barack Obama Campaign for Change Young Professionals Night

When: Wednesday, August 27^th 5:30-7:30 PM

Where Water City Grill

107 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh

Info: Casey Giltner

920.426.2262 or giltner.case@students.uwlax.edu

Watch the Vice Presidential Nominee address, ask questions about the campaign, discuss the issues that face our generation, and learn how you can get involved in the campaign this election.

As always, please contact me at anytime with questions!

-jef-

Jef Hall

Chair, Winnebago County Democratic Party

2nd Vice Chair, Democratic Party of WI

224a Scott Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901

920.203.6883

jef@jefhall.com

www.winnebagodems.com

www.jefhall.com

Authorized and paid for by the Winnebago County Democratic Party – Jef Hall, Chair

Obama Events

Make sure to stay in touch with the events on the Barack Obama campaign website by clicking on the Obama Wisconsin Banner.

Sent by a friend: You just might be a Republican if...

If you don't know how many houses you own...

.. you just might be a Republican.

Winnebago Dems Upcoming Events!

We have a few events for you to attend with your fellow Dems!

Winnebago County Democratic Party Corn Roast

• When: Saturday, August 23rd 1-3 PM
• Where: Winnebago Community Park
• 76 & Y, Oshkosh Shelterhouse #1
• Info: Jef Hall
• 920.203.6883 or jef@jefhall.com
  
• Come out for all the Allen’s Corn you can eat! Mingle with your fellow Dems and local elected officials.

Sen Obama’s Acceptance Speech for the Democratic Party Presidential Nomination!

• When: Thursday, August 28th 6:00 PM
• Where: WCDP Campaign HQ
• 480 N Main St, Oshkosh
• Info: Casey Giltner
• 920.426.2262 or giltner.case@students.uwlax.edu
• Come see history made as Sen Obama accepts our nomination in front of 76,000 on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
• Bring a dish to pass, refreshments will be provided.

Pool Party for Mark Westphal

• When: Wednesday, August 27th 5-7 PM
• Where: Don Winter’s home
• 451 Hawthorne St, Neenah
• Info: Mark Westphal
• 920.727.4781 or sswes@earthlink.net
• Come raise money to help take back the Assembly. Good times in a beautiful setting with fellow Fox Valley activists. Suggested donation $25.

Sen. Barack Obama Campaign for Change Young Professionals Night

• When: Wednesday, August 27th 5:30-7:30 PM
• Where Water City Grill
• 107 Algoma Blvd, Oshkosh
• Info: Casey Giltner
• 920.426.2262 or giltner.case@students.uwlax.edu
• Watch the Vice Presidential Nominee address, ask questions about the campaign, discuss the issues that face our generation, and learn how you can get involved in the campaign this election.

Volunteer for Sen. Obama’s campaign!

• We will not change America without you!
• Contact Casey Giltner: 920.426.2262 or giltner.case@students.uwlax.edu

Help fund the Winnebago County Democratic Party and our Candidates!

• Giving online is secure and easy at:
• http://www.actblue.com/page/winnebagodems

Get your Obama Campaign Gear!

• We have buttons, stickers and t-shirts at the office for small donations!
• 480 N Main St, Oshkosh – 920.426.2262 (920-42-OBAMA!)

As always, please contact me with any questions,

-jef-

Jef Hall
Chair, Winnebago County Democratic Party
2nd Vice Chair, Democratic Party of WI
224a Scott Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54901
920.203.6883
jef@jefhall.com
www.winnebagodems.com
www.jefhall.com

Authorized and Paid for by the Winnebago County Democratic Party – Jef Hall, Chair

Teddy Roosevelt Quote

The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State, because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of government. Not only should he recognize this obligation in the way he leads his daily life and in the way he earns and spends his money, but it should also be recognized by the way in which he pays for the protection the States gives him.

On Social Security’s Birthday, John McCain’s Plan

On Social Security’s Birthday, John McCain’s Plan

Would Leave 169,000 State Seniors at Risk of Poverty
Bush-McCain Privatization Plan Could Cut Guaranteed Benefits by
$181K per Senior in Wisconsin

MADISON – On the 73rd anniversary of Social Security, Senator John McCain’s privatization plan would leave 169,000 Wisconsin seniors at risk of poverty, according to a report released by Campaign for America’s Future.

“Wisconsin seniors cannot afford the Bush-McCain plan to gamble away Social Security on Wall Street,” said Joe Wineke, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. “On the anniversary of Social Security, the seniors of this state will not allow Senator McCain to jeopardize the most successful anti-poverty program ever enacted.”

A report by Campaign for America’s Future shows that Social Security privatization could cut guaranteed benefits by $181,000 per senior in Wisconsin, placing 169,000 state seniors at risk of poverty.

In Wisconsin, 980,000 people depend on their earned Social Security benefit every month, according to the Social Security Administration. Senator McCain’s plan to divert a portion of payroll taxes into risky private accounts could force thousands below the poverty line.

“Senator McCain is again pushing George Bush’s plan, even after Americans rejected his earlier attempts to privatize Social Security and put profits ahead of families,” Wineke said. “We need to send a message to John McCain that Wisconsin does not want to gamble away our retirement security on the stock market.”

To view the full copy of Campaign for America’s Future’s Wisconsin Social Security report, visit: http://assets.ourfuture.org/documents/perils-of-privatization/wisconsin.pdf

Why Evolution Matters...

From the NYTimes:

But for me, the most important thing about studying evolution is something less tangible. It's that the endeavor contains a profound optimism. It means that when we encounter something in nature that is complicated or mysterious, such as the flagellum of a bacteria or the light made by a firefly, we don't have to shrug our shoulders in bewilderment.

Instead, we can ask how it got to be that way. And if at first it seems so complicated that the evolutionary steps are hard to work out, we have an invitation to imagine, to play, to experiment and explore. To my mind, this only enhances the wonder.

Not to Belabor a Point here, But... (Randy Hopper Response)

Here is what Randy Hopper (or at least his mouthpiece) has to say:

Nelson said the alleged misconduct never took place, as all political discussion between Randy Hopper and John Townsend happened at a lunch meeting, not in a Capitol office.

This means 2 things:

1. The Hopper Campaign is acknowledging that it would be illegal for Hopper and Townsend to have this discussion in the office, or else there would not be a denial.

2. Hopper and his campaign seem to be contradicting themselves. Once again, the complete quote from Randy Hopper in the WI EYE interview is:

I came to Madison to meet with John to talk about my potential for running. We went to lunch and then we went back to his office and shut his door so we could talk about what I needed to do in the campaign. He had a great satellite map of the 151 bypass and I thought, “Wow, this is really a neat map.” I could see my office in the map and I said, “Let me see if I can find my house.” And I located my house and I said, “John, why does my house have pink lines drawn around it?” And it turns out, well I knew this already, but at the time I wasn’t assuming anything, but my house is an island with two other homes in the 53rd district and my backyard is in John’s district, but my house is in Carol Owen’s district.

Hopper himself said that he spoke about the campaign after lunch, after closing the door, in a tax-payer funded office, with a taxpayer map.

Lies after the matter will not change the statement made before the complaint. And recorded.

See for yourself. The interview can be seen here. The statement starts at the 9:00 minute mark.

Complaint is Filed Aginst Randy Hopper for Campaigning with the Taxpayers Resources

A copy of the complaint is here.

The Journal has an overview here.

The FdL Reporter has a story here.

It is funny how the story out of the Hopper camp keeps changing. Here is the direct quote from the WIEYE interview:

"I came to Madison to meet with John to talk about my potential for running. We went to lunch and then we went back to his office and shut his door so we could talk about what I needed to do in the campaign."

In the Reporter, he claimed:

"We stopped in his office — I don't remember, I think I left my coat in his office or I dropped my books off. We didn't discuss specifics of a campaign. In fact, I don't even live in his (Townsend's district), so it's irrelevant," Hopper said.

The WI GOP claims:

Keith Gilkes, director of the Committee to Elect a Republican Senate, said Hopper and Townsend talked over lunch outside of the Capitol. They returned to look at Townsend's office but never discussed the campaign there because as soon as they arrived Hopper looked at a map of the district on the wall and discovered he didn't live in the district, Gilkes said.

In the WI EYE interview, Randy Hopper did say he looked at a map in Townsend's office.

This would mean that, unlike in Hopper's statement to the FdL reporter, they did discuss politics in his office.

Also, even if they looked at the map after they "shut his door so we could talk about what I needed to do in the campaign" and decided he was not in Townsend's district, they still discussed politics enough to get there, behind the closed door.

They are also admitting that whether they discussed campaign strategy or not, they were planning on it, right up until they saw the map.

Parse their words all they want, they broke the Assembly's rules, and perhaps the law.