http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/blog_rss/al (ahem) UPDATE: Tell CSU to reject Wayne Allard . Greeley Tribune ProgressNow has called on Colorado State University Board of Governors to reject Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., as chancellor of the university system. At the same time, the board said that while it appreciates Allard's interest in the position, it has not had a chance to meet to discuss the roles, responsibilities, qualities and characteristics the chancellor might have. Michael Huttner, executive director of ProgressNow, a group whose "mission is to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems," said Allard would be "a disaster for CSU," in a press release. "Allard has been completely ineffective as a senator and that is the last thing CSU needs in a time of dire fiscal needs," Huttner said in the press release. He pointed out that in 2006, Time magazine ranked Allard as one the country's five worst senators and said the magazine reported that Allard "almost never plays a role in major legislation. "With the new dynamics in Colorado and DC, the last thing we need is a right-wing ineffective senator," Huttner said in the release. "Allard has proven that he has ineffective in bringing back money to Colorado as a senator, how will be any better in helping CSU fiscal needs as a former Senator?" The statement released from the office of the board of governors said "It's great to have an experienced public servant express an interest in CSU; however at this time it's premature to start a list of applicants. The board of governors has not had a chance to meet to discuss the roles, responsibilities, qualities and characteristics of the CSU System Chancellor position. The board will likely start discussions at their next meeting in early December." http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQDx http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQDx/commentary#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:21:56 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQDx Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQDx/ Colorado voters preserve affirmative action Colorado becomes the first state to reject an initiative being pushed across the country that would have eliminated race- and gender-based affirmative action programs by voting down Amendment 46. By a slim margin, voters turned down the Colorado Civil Rights Initiative backed by California millionaire Ward Connerly and a local committee headed by Jessica Corry of the Golden-based Independence Institute. Connerly's initiative had passed 10 years ago in California and since then has passed in Washington, Michigan and Nebraska. He intends to take it to other states in an effort to end affirmative action programs. Results remained too close to call election night and throughout Wednesday, but returns have continued to pile up and the slender lead widened for the "no" side. "I am incredibly proud an honored to have been part of the first campaign to defeat Connerly's initiative," said Melissa Hart, leader of the No on 46 campaign. "It's a great testament to the people of Colorado that when they understood the truth about the initiative, they rejected it. Coloradans stand for equal opportunity." Corry wasn't immediately available for comment. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8P http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8P/commentary#comments Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:14:21 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8P Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8P/ ProgressNowAction's Election Night 2008 Winners and Losers below, in alphabetical order. Winners Employees of Colorado Due to the tremendous leadership of the AFL-CIO, AFSCME, CEA, and SEIU, Colorado employees will not have to work for less, be silenced, or be treated as second class citizens. Firefighters, teachers, and nurses joined forces to become a credible voice. Their efforts appear to have killed 2 ballot measures, 47 and 49 that would have been horrible for employees throughout our state. State Senator-elect Evie Hudak Hudak is a true fighter and won this state legislative seat that was the most targeted by both sides. Hudak speaks her mind. She works tirelessly. She's dedicated to children. And with Republicans outnumbering Democrats by 6% in Senate District 19, Evie appears to be a huge victor over extreme right-winger Libby Szabo. "Democracy Superhero" Carol Kreck This 60-year-old librarian turned into a Democracy Superstar after standing up for free-speech with her "McCain=Bush" sign. The video of her being escorted out of a McCain open town-hall in Denver got over 300,000 viewers on YouTube and a spot on "Countdown with Keith Olbermann." Congresswoman-elect Betsy Markey Markey flipped the 4th CD that has a 35-year history of voting Republican. She stayed positive even while her opponent Musgrave made-up an entire story to smear her. Ethical and hard working, Markey will deliver on needs sorely overdue in the district. Hats off to her campaign and spokesman too. The People of Colorado Obama is the change we need. And the change doesn't stop there: Colorado voters also rejected out-of-state special interests and right-wing extremists. The world's greatest democracy just took a giant leap forward tonight in restoring its credibility and global peace. Governor Bill Ritter Even though Amendment 58 didn't pass, Ritter earned respect as the "David" in fighting for the people of Colorado against the "Goliath" of Big Oil. Ritter stood up for taxpayers and higher education against out-of-state oil companies and endless personal attacks. We applaud Ritter for his continued mission to make Colorado a national leader on renewable energy. Colorado Youth Voters Initial reports from Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, and Greeley report that youth voters, 18-29 year olds, turned out in enormous numbers today. Credit goes to New Era Colorado for its unprecedented campus operations. Ted "The Negotiator" Trimpa Trimpa, more than anyone, preserved the balance between labor and business in Colorado. He led the team that removed four destructive items from the ballot. Well on his way to being a national player, he's featured in this week's Time magazine. Truly Colorado's answer to Karl Rove and then some. Rock Star Energy Drink should hire him as their poster-child after he consumed them during his successful negotiations. Senator-elect Mark Udall Udall will continue to be a national leader in the fight for renewable energy, the environment and everything that is great about Colorado. He works well with members of both side of the aisle, which is the sort of statesmanship that Colorado needs. A shout out as well to Mike Melanson, who stayed calm and collected from the start, and who oversaw their top-notch campaign communications and online team. Al "The Architect" Yates Since starting in 2003, he earned the name the architect and a stellar national reputation by spearheading the independent operations leading to Colorado's continued progressive success since 2004. With a Markey victory over Musgrave, a race in which Yates deserves massive credit, he finally gives Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where he served as university president a congressional voice in DC. The Losers Big Oil Last week, ExxonMobil posted the biggest US quarterly profits ever-- nearly $15 billion for the energy giant. (AP, 10/31/2008) At the same time Exxon and other out-of-state oil companies have spent millions of dollars trying to keep Colorado taxpayers on the hook for Big Oil's $321 million-a-year tax subsidy. (Denver Post, 10/21/2008) Their agenda to pillage Colorado's land, water, and people is beyond any threat our state has faced. Ritter deserves enormous credit for taking on Big Oil as they try to punish him for his dedication to promoting renewable energy. (National Journal, 10/11/2008) Mike "Conflicts of Interest" Coffman Even though he is going to DC, Coffman proves that you can win and still come out a loser. Coffman is the most corrupt Secretary of State in Colorado's history...and we've had some bad ones. Having said that, we were amused to see that Coffman was more concerned with personal ambition than with his own party or the people of Colorado. James "His Irrelevancy" Dobson Completely fumbles the presidential race, promising his Focus on the Family members that he'd "never vote for McCain." Once he realized he'd no longer get to have meetings with Karl Rove, he broke his promise and supported McCain: but by then it didn't even matter. Jake "Screwing the Workers" Jabs This guy is a complete hypocrite! American Furniture Warehouse imports half of its items from China. Now we understand why Denver Post Publisher William Dean Singleton stated, "I am not afraid to call Jake a bully, a liar and a deceptive businessman." (Denver Post, 3/27/2001) Too bad for Jake, his Amendment 47 got thrown to the lions. Scott "McLobbyist" McInnis If Scott "McLobbyist" McInnis decides to run for Governor in 2010 we'll remember how he unethically gave tens of thousands of campaign donations to his wife. And we'll never forget how he and Josh Penry worked with Big Oil to sell out water districts on the Western Slope under the guise of Amendment 52. (Grand Junction Sentinel, 10/24/2008) Bill "Still Ineffective" Owens Bill lost everything in past the past two cycles: Beauprez, O'Donnell in 2006, and Romney, McCain, and 47 in 2008. His recent public attacks on McInnis are hypocritical and self-serving. Kudos to State Senator-Elect Rollie Heath who finally will have more say at the Capitol than Owens. Josh "Oil Pimp" Penry Penry sold out Western Slope water districts to Big Oil under the guise of Amendment 52. Amendment 52 was the worst idea since Ref A-the water stealing amendment. Even Republicans are furious. His support of 52 is a likely career ender for Penry. Marilyn "Pink Lady Sings" Musgrave A national embarrassment for three consecutive terms. Musgrave made gay bashing her only issue despite the massive foreclosure and pressing needs in her district. She completely fabricated her attacks on opponent Betsy Markey and should be sued for defamation. "Big Oil" Bob Schaffer Schaffer gave billions in tax breaks to oil companies and then war profiteered in Iraq for his private oil company. (RMN, 1/30/2008, Colorado Independent, 10/13/2008) The photo of him parasailing in the Marianas Island during a trip arranged by Jack Abramoff was proof for voters that this right-winger is too corrupt--not to mention rude--to deserve public office. Dick "Washed-Up" Wadhams The biggest has-been of all, Wadhams completely ignored the state legislature and forced the party to focus solely on Schaffer. Wadhams showed he is more concerned about getting his own name in the paper than fundraising, strategy, or even keeping the doors of the Republican Party open. A Republican insider predicts: "on Wednesday Republicans cry, on Thursday they get angry, and on Friday Wadhams gets the pink slip." http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8k http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8k/commentary#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:07:20 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8k Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 3 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8k/ "McCain Is a Raiders Fan" Banner Flying over Mile High Stadium McCain's support of Denver Broncos rival "kiss of death" FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sunday, November 2, 2008 Contact:  Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 cell Denver -- A plane towing the banner "McCain is a Raiders Fan" is flying over tens of thousands of people tailgating prior to the Denver Broncos game at Mile High Stadium today from 12-1PM.  The group who launched the plane wants to raise awareness of McCain's membership in the Raider Nation, a name given to die-hard fans of the Oakland Raiders football team, the arch-division rivals of the Denver Broncos. The banner is also flying over a McCain campaign tailgate party outside of the stadium. "That McCain is a Raiders Fan is the kiss of death in Colorado," stated Michael Huttner, a 2nd Generation Denver native and Executive Director of ProgressNowAction, whose online organization provided the plane.  "We flew the plane to ensure that Bronco fans know how out of touch McCain is with Colorado by supporting our arch-rivals the Oakland Raiders." The plane, flying over the stadium prior to the game, will also fly over the McCain campaign's "Hibachi Tailgate" that the campaign claimed in a press advisory yesterday "connects and evokes positive feelings with the senses of potential voters." (McCain Media Advisory, 11/1/2008) "There is nothing positive about McCain being a Raiders' fan," stated Huttner. "How McCain's campaign can host a tailgate at a Bronco game, when McCain supports our division rivals is beyond us." ProgressNowAction launched the banner after learning of McCain's support of the Raiders on a popular local political blog. ("Prez Race Shifts to Gridiron", ColoradoPols.com, 11/1/2008) ### http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8D http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8D/commentary#comments Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:35:58 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8D Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 6 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8D/ NATIONAL PRESS ADVISORY: Call for Palin to donate clothes to local charity Clothing drive launched as Palin to visit Colorado Springs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sunday, November 2, 2008 CONTACT: Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 Denver/Colorado Springs - ProgressNowAction called on Sarah Palin to donate her campaign clothes to local charities during her visit to Colorado Springs Monday.  The groups also launched a statewide clothing drive calling for its members to donate clothes to local charities for low-income women. "We call on Palin to donate a share of her $150,000 in clothing while she is in Colorado," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction.org, the state's largest online advocacy organization.  "We ask Palin to join us in calling for donations of professional clothing attire to local charities for low-income women." Sarah Palin, who is expected to arrive in Colorado Springs on Monday afternoon, continues to defend spending upwards of $150,000 on her wardrobe since she was nominated. ("Governor Palin defends clothing tab" Fox News, Tampa Bay, 10/26/2008) "McCain and Palin's enormous spending on her wardrobe demonstrates how out of touch they are with taxpayers and the average Coloradoan," stated Huttner.  "Palin should know better than to visit a tax-conscious community like Colorado Springs without at least donating part of her clothes to a local charity." ProgressNowAction is sending an email to its members to donate to "Dress for Success" which provides professional clothing attire and career advice to low-income women. The public can join them by dropping off professional business style clothing attire, no denim or casual clothes, weekdays between the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm to: Dress for Success, Colorado Springs Women's Resource Agency Inc. 750 Citadel Drive East Suite 3117 Colorado Springs, CO  80909 or Dress for Success, Denver 1510 N. High Street 2nd Floor Denver, CO  80218 # # # http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8L http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8L/commentary#comments Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:29:03 MST http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8L Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8L/ Sent to our network today: Dear Neighbor, I know you're being bombarded with election mailers, TV commercials, and emails, but I need your help to defeat one of the most deceptive and harmful measures on the Colorado ballot next Tuesday. Amendment 46, if passed, would alter the Colorado Constitution and roll back critical civil rights protections. This would result in an damaging precedent, eroding equal opportunity and diversity programs that are vital to the economic and social well-being of America. Click here to join me in opposing Amendment 46: http://progressnowaction.org/stop46 Amendment 46 would force our colleges and universities to worry about being sued for any program that fosters diversity, or encourages women or minorities to pursue fields in which they are currently under-represented. Amendment 46 is a fraud. The author of Amendment 46, Ward Connerly, created Amendment 46 to be intentionally deceptive, vague and confusing. He has used allegedly fraudulent methods to obtain signatures. Numerous Colorado voters demanded that their names be removed once they learned the truth about Amendment 46. Petition-gatherers led signers to believe they were actually supporting equal opportunity laws. Little did they know the proposed amendment would actually dissolve those rules in Colorado! Amendment 46 is misleadingly called the "Colorado Civil Rights Initiative," but the Ku Klux Klan supports Amendment 46. In fact, a Michigan news report cited Connerly saying "he despises the KKK, but accepts the support." ("Connerly criticized for Klan comments," Associated Press 11/4/2006) "If the KKK was endorsing equal rights, God bless them," Connerly was quoted as saying. Don't be fooled. Pledge to SAY NO to Amendment 46: http://progressnowaction.org/stop46 NO on Amendment 46 needs your support RIGHT NOW to beat this terrible proposal. Recent polls show support for Amendment 46 has dropped dramatically as more people learn the truth. Click here to make a contribution to the campaign: https://secure.progressnowaction.org/page/contribute/46IsAFraud Thank you for standing up for civil rights in Colorado. This isn't over yet! Sincerely, Rep. Rosemary Marshall http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8b http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8b/commentary#comments Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:21:16 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8b Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8b/ Check them out and interact: On Prospect, west of College in Fort Collins Text KISSES to 69866 to caption this singular photo. Highway 34 Bypass at 11th Avenue, Greeley Text MUSGRAVE and STAY or GO to 69866 to answer the 4th Congressional District's most pressing question. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8t http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8t/commentary#comments Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:37:13 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8t Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8t/ Call for McCain to apologize for hypocrisy: Disabled persons thrown out by McCain this morning, apology demanded For Immediate Release Friday, October 24, 2008 Contact:  Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 Denver- ProgressNowAction called for McCain to apologize to people with disabilities after having his running-mate recently cover up his terrible record on voting against the disabled.  The group also captured photos and video of McCain's campaign throwing out people with disabilities at the McCain speech in Denver this morning.  "McCain & Palin are hypocrites when it comes to special needs funding and disability rights," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of Colorado's largest online progressive organization. "His running mate is calling for funding for the disabled, while McCain is throwing people with disabilities out of his event, and more importantly voted against them 18 times."  McCain has voted throughout his career against special education funding, children's health care, and disability funding. (see specific research on specific votes below)  This morning, Sarah Palin claimed that "In a McCain-Palin administration, we will fully fund IDEA." (Palin Remaks, 10/24/2008)  "Their speeches reek of hypocrisy," stated Huttner.  "On the same day McCain is throwing out disabled community members. We call for McCain to apologize immediately."  Note to Press:   The members of the McCain campaign and the Denver Police officer in the photo are the same team that unlawfully arrested the 60 year old librarian, Carol Kreck, outside a McCain event earlier this year at the Denver Center for Performing Arts.  # # # McCain Consistently Voted Against the Interests Of People With Disabilities McCain Opposed a Program to Encourage Community-Based Services to Individuals with Disabilities.  In 2003, McCain voted against an amendment that would establish a demonstration project under Medicare to encourage community-based services to individuals with disabilities. The amendment failed 50-48. [S 1,  Vote #247 , 6/26/03] McCain Voted Against Establishing A Reserve Fund To Help People With Disabilities Become Employed.   In 1998, McCain voted against consideration of an amendment that establishes a deficit neutral reserve fund of up to $2 billion in FY 1999-2003 to finance disability programs that allow disabled persons to become employed and remain independent.  The motion failed 47-51.  [S.Amdt. 2224 to S.Con.Res. 86,  Vote #82 , 4/02/98] McCain Voted Against Covering Spina Bifida For The Children of Veterans.   In 1996, McCain voted against the germaneness of an amendment that would extend veterans health care and related benefits to the children of Vietnam Veterans suffering from spina bifida, a spinal cord birth defect that causes neurological damage.  The amendment was judged germane 62-35.  [HR 3666,  Vote #276 , 9/5/96] McCain Voted Against $19 billion For Military And Veterans' Hospitals.   In 2006, McCain voted against an amendment that provided $19 billion for military and veterans' hospitals, offset by limiting the dividend and capital-gains tax rates to individuals earning less than $1 million.  The amendment failed 44-53.  [HR 4297,  Vote #7 , 2/2/06] McCain Voted Against Mental Healthcare For Veterans.   In 2005, McCain Voted against an amendment that provided an additional $500 million per year for the next five years for mental health services for veterans. The funding would be offset by deferring tax cuts for those making $1 million per year.  Amendment rejected 43-55.  [S 2020,  Vote #343 , 11/17/05] McCain Opposed a Measure to Create Home and Community-Based Long-Term Care.   McCain voted against an amendment that would have created provide States with funds for home and community-based long-term care services for people with disabilities. Motion Rejected 45-54. [S. 1357, Vote #533, 10/27/95] McCain Voted Against Closing Medicare Coverage Gaps & Ending The Benefit Shutdown for Those With Disabilities.  In 2003, McCain voted to table an amendment that rectified language in the underlying bill that would force people with disabilities (15% of all Medicare beneficiaries) to pay all of their drug costs for an average of four months each year. The motion to table passed 54-42. [S 1,  Vote #236 , 6/24/03] http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8G http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8G/commentary#comments Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:50:31 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CQ8G Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CQ8G/ Call for Musgrave to Reimburse Taxpayers for Campaign Visits:   Musgrave requested trip, not simply White House   For Immediate Release Saturday, October 18, 2008 Contact:  Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 cell  Denver  -- ProgressNowAction called on Rep. Marilyn Musgrave to immediately reimburse taxpayers for the unethical and possibly illegal visits by Bush political aides to support her 2006 re-election bid.  The group pointed out that Musgrave still has on her website evidence that she requested the visits, working deliberately with the Bush Administration.  "We call on Musgrave to immediately reimburse taxpayers for her unethical and possibly illegal visits by Bush political aides on the taxpayers' dime," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction, Colorado's largest online progressive advocacy organization.  A report released by the House Committee on Government and Oversight Reform shows that Rep. Marilyn Musgrave directly benefited from the improper and unethical use of taxpayer money to support her 2006 re-election bid.  "Musgrave's website still shows how  she  brought a Bush official to help her, under the guise of a public forum," stated Huttner.  "Instead of pointing fingers, Musgrave should take responsibility for her unethical and possibly illegal actions."  Musgrave, on her own official house website, still shows her May 19, 2006 release entitled: "Veteran's Secretary Addresses Colo Vets At the Request of Rep. Musgrave". Her release describes how she "requested", "brought" and "hosted" a forum during her 2006 re-election campaign.  Click to see this release: http://musgrave.house.gov/News/DocumentQuery.aspx?Year=2006   The House report shows that Rep. Musgrave abused taxpayers help for her 2006 campaign on four separate occasions: To see the full House report click: http://oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=2222 ### http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZCG http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZCG/commentary#comments Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:43:28 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZCG Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZCG/ Call for Schaffer to Disclose His Relationship between Controversial Group and his oil company: Group to endorse Schaffer may have actually helped him on war profiteering For Immediate Release October 14, 2008 Contact: Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 cell Denver - ProgressNowAction called on ex-Congressman Bob Schaffer to fully disclose his relationship between his oil company and a controversial group that plans to endorse him tomorrow in Colorado Springs. "We call on Schaffer to disclose whether he ever worked on Iraq oil contracts with this controversial group before they endorse him," stated Huttner. Schaffer is planning to be endorsed by Moving America Forward (MAF), which originated in a public relations firm that worked to attract international oil companies and other firms to do business in northern Iraq against U.S. policy. ( GJS , 10/14/2008) "This relationship doesn't pass the smell test," stated Huttner.  "We want to know whether Schaffer worked with any one involved in MAF on his war profiteering." Schaffer was one of several executives from Denver based Aspect Energy who went to northern Iraq to lay the groundwork for an oil deal between his company and the regional government, in violation of U.S. State Department Policy recommendations. ( RMN , 10/14/2008) The controversial endorsement is set for 10:00am Wednesday in Colorado Springs. # # # http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZB4 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZB4/commentary#comments Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:25:01 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZB4 Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZB4/ http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZBl http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZBl/commentary#comments Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:26:47 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZBl Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZBl/ We offer you the following ballot recommendations based on extensive research and feedback from thousands of our network members. Print the ballot recommendations below and refer to them as you vote. Click here for a printable .PDF copy . Please share this guide with your friends. And feel free to make copies and pass them around at work, school, or your neighborhood. NEW Mobile Ballot Guide: Text VOTECO to 69866 to get this complete guide to the Colorado ballot on your mobile phone, or visit http://08covote.com directly from your web-enabled (WAP) phone! Share our exclusive mobile ballot guide with all of your friends. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZBx http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZBx/commentary#comments Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:00:45 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZBx Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZBx/ Call to remind McCain to calm his erratic temperament FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, October 1, 2008 CONTACT: Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 cell Denver: With Senator McCain to arrive in Denver Thursday afternoon, ProgressNowAction called on those who are attending to return real marbles to Senator John McCain to remind him that we need more even-keeled temperament for our country. The group displayed a McCain bowl with hundreds of marbles and cited a record of issues important to Colorado where McCain appears erratic or irate. "We call on McCain to get control of his temper, and be less erratic on issues such as the economy," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction, the state's largest online progressive advocacy organization. The group plan to hand out marbles to those attending McCain's event and ask that they return the marbles to McCain to remind him that we need our leaders to be calm and collected, not temperamental and erratic when making important decisions. "We need those attending tomorrow to return his marbles," stated Huttner. "He is erratic on the economy, hot-headed on when it comes to developing sound policies, and all over the place when it comes to protecting Colorado's water," stated Huttner. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGg http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGg/commentary#comments Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:08:15 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGg Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 1 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZGg/ Call for Musgrave to remove her name from legislation: Petition against 'Coingate' launched as Musgrave legislates for self-profit FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, September 22, 2008 CONTACT: Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 cell Denver: ProgressNowAction called on Rep. Marilyn Musgrave to immediately remove her name as a sponsor of legislation that would benefit her family. "We call on Marilyn 'Goldfinger' Musgrave to immediately remove her name from a bill that will personally benefit her family," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction, Colorado's largest online advocacy organization. "The public needs to know about 'Coingate,' Musgrave's legislation to benefit her husband's investments." Over the weekend, the Fort Collins Coloradoan reported that Rep. Musgrave is one of only nine co-sponsors of legislation that will financially benefit coin collectors. ("Musgrave backs bill benefiting her family", Coloradoan , 9/20/2008) The legislation will reduce taxes on coins and precious metals of $52 million over 10 years. Musgrave's husband had between $50,000 and $100,000 invested in coins and precious metals in 2007 as reported in Musgrave's 2007 personal financial disclosures. "Musgrave is an absolute hypocrite when it comes to corruption," stated Huttner.  "Musgrave should be ashamed that she is the sponsor of the bill to benefit her family at the expense of taxpayers," he added. The public can join the call for Musgrave to remove her name as a cosponsor by going to: http://progressnowaction.org/musgravecoingate Musgrave was named of the 13 most corrupt members of Congress in 2005 by the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. ( National Journal , 9/30/2005) # # # http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZMj http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZMj/commentary#comments Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:22:47 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZMj Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZMj/ McCain's waffles on key issues: Protesters serve "McCain-Palin waffles" day before Palin arrives in Denver For Immediate Release Sunday, September 14, 2008 CONTACT: Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 Denver: The day before Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin arrives in Denver, ProgressNowAction hosted a McCain-Palin Waffle Breakfast on the West Steps of the Colorado State Capitol.  The waffles represented the many key issues that Senator John McCain has waffled on during his time in office. ProgressNowAction members will join others tomorrow morning just outside the Jefferson County Fairgrounds from 7-9AM to hold McCain and Palin accountable. "We are serving McCain-Palin waffles, to represent their inability to be straight with the public on so many key issues," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction.  "McCain-Palin even waffled on offering pancakes, first they were going to, now they're not." McCain-Palin campaign had told the public they were going to offer a pancake breakfast at tomorrow's visit by Palin, but waffled late Friday and decided not to. "McCain has more waffles than Belgium," stated Huttner. "McCain claims he is for "change" but he has voted with President Bush over 90% of the time in both 2007 and 2008 ( Congressional Quarterly Voting Studies)   "McCain continues to change his same old story for so many years that he cannot even remember what story he told last," Huttner added. Last Friday on ABC's The View McCain challenged the anchor when questioned on his change in positions.  McCain argued that "Nobody can name" a specific area where he has "changed." ( ABC , 9/12/2008) Below are specific areas where McCain-Palin waffled: Colorado Water Waffle August 15, 2008:  McCain stated that the Colorado River Compact "obviously needs to be renegotiated over time" ( Pueblo Chieftain , 8/15, 2008) August 20, 2008:  McCain sends a letter to Senator Allard claiming "I do not advocate renegotiation of the Compact." ( McCain Letter , 8/20/2008) Social Security Privatization Waffle In March 2008 , the Wall Street Journal reported that in an interview McCain said he "still backs a system of private retirement accounts that President Bush pushed unsuccessfully." The Journal also noted that "a centerpiece of a McCain presidential bid in 2000 was a plan to divert a portion of Social Security payroll taxes to fund private accounts." [ Wall Street Journal , 3/3/2008 ] On June 13, 2008 , at a town hall meeting in Pemberton, NJ, McCain was asked about privatization and replied that "I am not for quote 'privatization of Social Security.' " However, he then added that "workers should have the right to put their own taxes, their own money into an account," which is still privatization. [ Nashua Telegraph , 6/13/08 ] 21st Century GI Bill Waffle In April, McCain refused to co-sponsor Sen. Jim Webb's 21st Century GI Bill of Rights.  Instead of joining the other 56 co-sponsors and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans for America in pushing through Webb's bill, McCain drafted his own bill which was "more focused on career officers, not the entire volunteer military force." [ The Hill , 4/22/08 ] In June, after public pressure mounted, McCain supported Webb's GI Bill. "It is essential that we continue to act decisively to encourage military service and ensure the well being of our All Volunteer Force," McCain said in a statement. [ ABC News , 6/19/08 ] Bush Tax Cuts Waffle In 2001 and 2003, McCain opposed President Bush's tax cuts, saying on the Senate floor that "I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us at the expense of middle-class Americans who need tax relief." [ Bloomberg , 6/6/08] In 2006, McCain voted to extend the Bush tax cuts, in what the Washington Times called a "sharp departure from his anti-tax-cut posture." In February 2008, McCain went even further, and called for the tax cuts to be made permanent. "Well, I think the worst thing we can do right now, Chris, is - we've got some shaky economic times - is to increase people's taxes," he said. "And I think that what we need is more tax cuts. We need to make the Bush tax cuts permanent." [ Washington Times , 2/27/06 & Fox News Sunday 2/3/08 ] Lobbyists Waffle In 1996 and 1997 , McCain attempted to push through Congress a bill that would "ban a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee from paying registered lobbyists." "Registered lobbyists who work for campaigns as fundraisers clearly represent a conflict of interest," he said. "When a campaign employs an individual who also lobbies that Member, the perception of undue and unfair influence is raised." [ Huffington Post , 5/20/08 ] While running for President in 2008, McCain has had 159 lobbyists campaign or raise money for him. [www. ProgressiveAccountability .org] Repealing Roe v. Wade Waffle In 1999, McCain told the San Francisco Chronicle that "certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade , which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations." [ Washington Post , 8/24/99 ] Now , McCain's campaign website calls Roe v. Wade "a flawed decision that must be overturned." [ The Nation , June 19, 2008] Jerry Falwell And The Religious Right Waffle During the 2000 Presidential primaries , McCain referred to Falwell and other Christian right leaders as "agents of intolerance." [ CNN , 2/28/00 ] In 2006, McCain delivered the commencement address at Falwell's Liberty University. Falwell "rolled out the red carpet for his old adversary, assembling about 150 church leaders from around the country for a Friday night reception and later hosting a small, private dinner for the senator." [ Washington Post , 5/14/06 ] Last Thursday, The Center for American Progress released a report last of 72 areas where McCain has waffled. ( www.ThinkProgress.org , 9/12/2008) # # # http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZjV http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZjV/commentary#comments Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:57:37 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZjV Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 43 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZjV/ All that hype settling down a little bit? Good. Because there's some things you need to know about Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. The facts are starting to trickle out as Bobby has been highlighting diligently for the last week, and the debate-stifling faux outrage from the McCain campaign as they try to shield Palin from any examination of her slim record with bellicose (not to mention baseless) charges of "sexism" seems to be losing traction. In today's Washington Post, for example: As Mayor of Wasilla, Palin Cut Own Duties, Left Trail of Bad Blood Since joining the Republican ticket, Palin has faced questions about whether she is qualified to be vice president or, if necessary, president. In response, the first-term Alaska governor and Sen. John McCain point to the executive qualifications she acquired as Wasilla mayor, a six-year stint from 1996 to 2002 that represents the bulk of her political experience. Palin says her time as mayor taught her how to be a leader and grounded her in the real needs of voters, and her tenure revealed some of the qualities she would later display as governor: a striving ambition, a willingness to cut loose those perceived as disloyal and a populist brand of social and pro-growth conservatism. But a visit to this former mining supply post 40 miles north of Anchorage shows the extent to which Palin's mayoralty was also defined by what it did not include. The universe of the mayor of Wasilla is sharply circumscribed even by the standards of small towns, which limited Palin's exposure to issues such as health care, social services, the environment and education... You know, all the stuff that matters. Fortunately for Sarah Palin, the stuff that matters isn't her specialty. No, she seems to prefer the cultivation of yes-men and a horrifyingly backward wedge-issue agenda: Palin took office as mayor in October 1996 with a show of force. She fired the museum director and demanded that the other department heads submit resignation letters, saying she would decide whether to accept them based on their loyalty, according to news reports at the time. She clashed with Police Chief Irl Stambaugh over his push for moving bar closing time from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. and for his opposition to state legislation to allow people to carry guns in banks and bars. In notes that he took during a meeting in Palin's first week on the job, Stambaugh wrote that the new mayor told him "that the NRA didn't like me and that they wanted change," according to the Seattle Times, which reviewed the notes at a federal archive in Seattle. Stambaugh was fired on Jan. 30, 1997, partly, the mayor said, because he had not taken seriously her request for a weekly progress report "on at least two positive examples of work that was started, how we helped the public, how we saved the City money, how we helped the state, how we helped Uncle Sam." Stambaugh filed a wrongful-termination suit, which he lost. Palin also differed with the librarian, Mary Ellen Emmons. The Frontiersman reported at the time that Palin asked Emmons three times in her first weeks in office whether she would agree to remove controversial books. The librarian said she would not. The McCain campaign has confirmed Palin's questions but said that she never demanded removal of any specific books. Palin also fired Emmons on Jan. 30 but reinstated her after an uproar... Deuser, the former city attorney, said it was upsetting to hear the McCain campaign refer to Palin's takeover as a matter of getting rid of the "good ol' boy network." "They were just good public servants who did a really admirable job and deserved better," said Deuser, who was replaced in 1997... Palin is quoted as saying "I learned you've got to be very discerning early on and decide if you can win them over or not. If you can't, you replace them early on." How very Bush administration of her, eh? Think "EPA" or "Rumsfeld's Pentagon" as the WaPo continues: "Sarah always did and still does surround herself with people she gets along well with," she said. "They protect her, and that's what she needs. She has surrounded herself with people who would not allow others to disagree with Sarah. Either you were in favor of everything Sarah was doing or had a black mark by your name." ...Despite the city's flush accounts, the police department under the chief Palin hired to replace Stambaugh required women who said they had been raped to pay for examination kits themselves, a policy Palin now says she rejects. State legislation passed a year later required the town to pay for the kits. The social-issues platform of Palin's first campaign found little outlet in town, beyond some symbolic moves such as declaring Wasilla a "City of Good Character" and a resolution opposing the legalization of marijuana. Instead, she focused on continuing the city's growth and development. Her second city planner, Tim Krug, said last week that the city would sometimes "lighten" regulations, to "make things more welcoming." Some in town had for years pressed the city for a new space for the cramped library. Palin, who calls herself a "typical hockey mom," instead focused on building a sports complex with an NHL-size rink... Palin had forged ahead with the project despite a lingering legal dispute over whether the city had ownership of the land. A judge had initially ruled in the city's favor, but it later lost on appeal and had to pay $1.3 million more for the land. "The only accomplishment of note was the building of the sports complex . . . and it was bungled," said Deuser, the former city attorney. Keller, the new mayor, defended Palin, saying she had relied on legal advice in proceeding with the project... It's on a smaller scale, but Sarah Palin's record, such as it is, is amazingly similar to a tune you've been whistling. For the last eight years. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZjj http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZjj/commentary#comments Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:33:41 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZjj Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZjj/ But they mostly killed Russkies if you know your Pat Swayze trivia. Apparently, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin really liked that movie : Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin left open the option Thursday of waging war with Russia if it were to invade neighboring Georgia and the former Soviet republic were a NATO ally. "We will not repeat a Cold War," Palin said in her first television interview since becoming Republican John McCain's vice presidential running mate two weeks ago. Palin told Charles Gibson of ABC News that she'd favor including Georgia and Ukraine, both former Soviet republics, in NATO despite opposition by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Asked whether the United States would have to go to war with Russia if it invaded Georgia, and the country was part of NATO, Palin said: "Perhaps so." Because, like, you didn't have enough wars or something. http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGP http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGP/commentary#comments Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:06:59 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGP Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZGP/ Statewide Call for Mike Coffman to Resign Coloradans need full-time, focused Secretary of State w/o Conflicts For Immediate Release September 8, 2008 Contact: Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 cell Denver -- With last Friday's latest blow-up in a growing record of conflicts of interest, ProgressNowAction called on Colorado Secretary of State Mike Coffman to resign his office immediately. The group also launched a statewide online petition calling of the public to join them in their call for Coffman to resign because he cannot adequately oversee an election in which he is also a congressional candidate. "Secretary Coffman has a pattern of conflicts of interest and should resign immediately," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction, the state's largest online advocacy organization.  "After last Friday's resignation of the State Elections Director, Coloradans need a full-time Secretary of State, not someone who's campaigning full-time and overseeing the election on the side." Coffman was elected Secretary of State less than two years ago and is responsible for facilitating and regulating all precedures for fair and efficient elections in Colorado. He decided to run for Congress after only nine months on the job. And in his short tenure, he has faced continuous criticism for conflicts of interest. The online petition can be signed by the public and can be found at: http://progressnowaction.org/CoffmanMustResign "Colorado voters cannot afford to have a fox guarding the henhouse," Huttner noted. Coffman's History of Conflicts-of-Interest: Last Friday Coffman's State Elections Director resigned after Colorado Ethics Watch exposed a conflict of interest between Coffman's office and a voter databse consultant who received over $183,000 in contracts from Coffman's office in the past year.( RMN , 9/6/2008) In April, Colorado Ethics Watch alleged that Coffman was fundraising on taxpayers' time. ( RMN , 4/4/2008) In December, the Rocky Mountain News reported that the political consulting company running Coffman's congressional campaign also was working for the only voting machine manufacturer whose machines Coffman certified. ( RMN , 12/20/2007) Premier Election Solutions, formerly Diebold, was the only one of four voting machine companies to have all of its equipment conditionally approved by Coffman for use in 2008 elections.  Premier hired Phase Line Strategies, which is running Coffman's campaign, in September to lobby on its behalf, records show. In response to a request from Colorado Ethics Watch last May, the Colorado State Auditor's office launched an investigation into Coffman's office because an employee was operating a website and company that offered to sell voter information to Republicans.  The audit concluded that Coffman botched the most fundamental duties of his office by mismanaging voter data, misplacing federal funds and allowing state employees to engage in outside employment without proper disclosure. And in 2004 Coffman was the first Colorado statewide elected official to be found guilty of violating the Fair Campaign Practices Act by the Colorado Supreme Court for misusing his public office. Colorado Ethics Watch filed a complaint with the newly-established Independent Ethics Commission against Coffman for his pattern of ethical misconduct. Visit Ethics Watch's website for more information. # # # http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGb http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGb/commentary#comments Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:25:16 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGb Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZGb/ Testimonials of Big Oil Bob Selling Out Colorado's Western Slope For Immediate Release Saturday, September 6, 2008 Contacts: Michael Huttner 303-931-4547 Below is a video we launched on YouTube today.  We will be running the ad on cable in Western Slope markets beginning next week. First-hand testimonials of how Bob Schaffer has sold out Colorado's Western Slope were shared in a new video "Big Oil Bob: Bad for Colorado's Western Slope"   released today. Michael Goodman, life-long hunter, Rifle, CO: "Our public lands are being destroyed because oil executive like Bob Schaffer support record profits over responsible drilling," noted Michael Goodman of Rifle, Colorado, who has been hunting elk since he was 18. Fact:   Schaffer's oil company has an acquisition arm in Colorado's oil industry including 28 producing gas wells in the Piceance Basin of Colorado reported on June 20, 2006. (Aspect Energy website) Paula Fothergill, life-long angler, Carbondale, CO: "Our streams our dried up and polluted because Ref A supporters like Bob Schaffer don't protect our water," stated Paula Fothergill of Carbondale, Colorado, who has fished Colorado's streams for over 30 years.  "I know Bob Schaffer is wrong for future generations," she added. Fact:   Schaffer supported Referendum A to sell off water from Colorado's Western Slope which was ultimately voted down by voters in every single county in Colorado. ( RMN , 11/6/2003) Fact:   Schaffer also fought to sell water from the Western Slope to the highest bidder. ( Denver Post , 7/28/2001) Keith Goddard, hunting guide, Silt, CO: "I know Bob Schaffer is wrong for Colorado's Western Slope," stated Keith Goddard of Silt, Colorado who has been a hunting guide for 25 years. Fact:   Schaffer opposed a $280 million plan to control major wildfires on Western lands. ( Denver Post , 3/17/1997)  Schaffer was reported as "strangely inactive" on wildfire prevention during the 2002 wildfires. ( Denver Post , 7/29/2002) Fact:   Schaffer opposed the creation of The Great Sand Dunes National Park. ( Grand Junction Sentinel , 7/17/2008; Alamosa Valley Courier , August 2004) Fact:   Schaffer voted to deny federal funding for the Canyon of the Ancients near Durango. ( RMN , 6/18/2000) Fact:   Schaffer voted to ship nuclear waste on Colorado's Highways against the wishes of Rep. Scott McInnis and other lawmakers concerned about the Western Slope. ( Associated Press , 3/23/2000) The video can be viewed at: http://bigoilbob.com The video was produced by ProgressTV Executive Producer Jen Caltrider, and distributed by ProgressNowAction, Colorado's largest online advocacy organization.  # # #   http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGq http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGq/commentary#comments Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:09:33 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGq Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 0 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZGq/ With Abramoff Sentencing today: Launch of new website, SchafferScandals.com , slams Bob Schaffer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, September 4, 2008 CONTACT: Michael Huttner (303) 931-4547 cell Denver:   Within minutes of the sentencing of convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff to 4 years in federal prison, a new website, SchafferScandals.com, was launched to provide a clearinghouse of documentation about colleagues of ex-Congressman Bob Schaffer. "SchafferScandals.com details the web of scandals that Schaffer has developed with Abramoff and others who are in jail or under investigation," stated Michael Huttner, Executive Director of ProgressNowAction, Colorado's largest online advocacy organization.  "Schaffer should be ashamed of his history of scandals with Abramoff and his colleagues." The website, launched today, highlights how Bob Schaffer took a trip arranged for Abramoff to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) in 1999.  Abramoff represented textile factory workers fighting congressional efforts to quash reform of abusive labor practices including forced abortions on the island.( Bloomberg , 1/3/2006) "Abramoff is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Bob Schaffer and corruption," stated Huttner.  "The new website SchafferScandals.com will educate the public to the many different scandals and felons connected to Schaffer over the years." The website can be visited by the public by clicking the following link: www.SchafferScandals.com  # # # In addition to Abramofff, SchafferScandals.com also highlights Schaffer's connection to the following: Meetings with Abramoff's Mark Zachares :  Who pled guilty in April 2007 for criminal activity related to his colleague Jack Abramoff.  Schaffer during his August 27-31 visit to CNMI met with Zachares. (Itinerary Draft for Rep. Bob Schaffer and Mrs. Schaffer, August 27-31, 1999) Schaffer crony  Benigno Fitial:   The Governor of CNMI who awarded Abramoff a lobbying contract worth $1.6 millon.  Fitial is a major donor to Schaffer and Schaffer helped Fitial get elected. Sweatshop Bob & Jerry Tan:   Garment factory owner Willie Tan was fined $9 million for systematically underpaying workers in CNMI.  Schafer took donation from Tan's brother Jerry in 1997 and again in 2004 during which time Abramoff was working to cover up labor abuses by Willie Tan and others in CNMI.( Washington Post , 5/26/2006) Convicted Felon William Orr:   Orr was convicted of multiple felonies of defrauding the EPA as the ED of the National Alternative Fuel Foundation (NAFF) that Schaffer disclosed was a paid director during the fraudulent activity. (U.S. Attorney's Office, Dist of Colorado, 5/29/2008) Sentenced Scott Shires:   Who plead three counts of federal tax evasion earlier this year as was on the Board of the NAFF.  Shires was listed as the registered agent for Schaffer's Board of Education campaign. (Colorado Secretary of State) Conflict with donor David Brennan:   The owner of White Hat Management, who is under investigation in Ohio for misusing taxpayer dollar for his private for profit education contracts.   Instead of recusing himself, Schaffer voted to extend a contract for Brennan who was a major donor to Schaffer both before and immediately after the vote. Employer War Profiteer Alex Cranberg:   Owner of Aspect Energy.  As VP of Aspect Bob Schaffer traveled to Iraq to lobby for an oil contract against the State Department's explicit policy against regional oil deals. Right Wing School Operator Richard Bishirjian :  The controversial head of Yorktown University, an online for-profit right wing school where Bob Schaffer served on the Board.  Bishirjian failed to check that one of his professors, Gordon Neal Diem, had been arrested for sexual offenses against children. (Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/25) http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGX http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGX/commentary#comments Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:07:13 MDT http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/post/al/CZGX Alan Franklin http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/profile_picture/1b6fb917dd91e10cc0_ge5omv53a.jpg Alan Franklin 2 http://www.progressnowaction.org/page/community/comment_rss/CZGX/