Sen. Pat Toomey Announces Statewide Listening Tour

Come together

Hey all you people saying it's our duty as good Americans to come together and unite around Trump now as he's going to be our President, why haven't you been calling for the Senate to unite around our actual President and do their job regarding his Supreme Court pick?

Hypocrital motherfuckers.

Fetterman Who?

Mayor John Fetterman via PopTech via Flickr

There's a Bernie Sanders town hall on MSNBC now. It's taking place in PA. The host just asked Sanders why he hasn't given any support to Braddock Mayor John Fetterman for Senate as Fetterman has been one of the few elected Democratic officials who has endorsed Sanders and they seem like such a natural fit.

Bernie basically disclaimed knowledge of Mayor John ("I honestly don't know John and I've heard just a little bit about him...").*

Nice one, Bernie! Way to get that whole revolution thing going.


* Updated to include his actual quote.

Hear the PA Democratic Candidates for United States Senate at Forum on Sunday

More at Facebook event page here

On being terrorized

Just a reminder that between the carnage caused by the terrorists in Boston and from the horrible industrial accident in Texas in a substandard plant located right by a school and nursing home this week, it's actually the 'NO' vote from the fucking cowards in the Senate which will have the longest lasting impact and lead by far to the most deaths and grave injuries.

Thank you for standing up for all Americans, Senator Casey!

 

Casey Statement on Same-Sex Marriage

 

Washington, DC- Today U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement on same-sex marriage:

“When the Respect for Marriage Act (the legislation that repeals the Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA]) was first introduced and debated in the Senate in 2011, I began to focus on the issue of same-sex marriage much more intensely than I had before. As a candidate for the Senate in 2006 and 2012, and as a Senator, I have supported civil unions. I also supported strongly the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT), was a leading co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), and had stated publicly that I opposed efforts to enact constitutional prohibitions on same-sex marriage. In the six years I have been in the Senate, there have not been any floor votes to repeal DOMA or to legalize same-sex marriage. Both questions have now been argued before the Supreme Court and are being debated across our country. After much deliberation and after reviewing the legal, public policy, and civil rights questions presented, I support marriage equality for same-sex couples and believe that DOMA should be repealed.

As part of my consideration of these issues, I read letters written to me by LGBT Pennsylvanians and their families. These letters included deeply personal statements from people across our Commonwealth and the questions they posed challenged me directly. These stories had a substantial impact on my position on this issue. If two people of the same sex fall in love and want to marry, why would our government stand in their way? At a time when many Americans lament a lack of commitment in our society between married men and women, why would we want less commitment and fewer strong marriages? If two people of the same sex want to raise children, why would our government prevent them from doing so, especially when so many children have only one parent, or none at all? A letter I received from a woman in Southeastern Pennsylvania was particularly compelling:

‘My partner and I are both college educated. I am a stay-at-home mom and part-time kindergarten assistant teacher. I left a full-time position…when my partner gave birth to our twins to be a stay-at-home mom. We went through the process of second parent adoption and are both legal parents to our kids. My partner and I have been in a committed relationship for 18 years. We attend church every Sunday and we own a house, cars, and are truly blessed by our [two children]. As I do a rough calculation and add up the additional money we have paid in taxes compared to a financially similar heterosexual married couple over the last ten years, that amount approaches $100,000! $100,000 dollars would go a long way towards future retirement or in the college education of my kids. More important than the financial inequality to me is the message I send to my kids. My kids have two proud and loving parents who are honest [and] work hard. I want my kids to know they are equal and our family is equal . . . I just want my family to be treated equally and with respect by my state and federal government.’

As a Senator and as a citizen, I can no longer in good conscience take a position that denies her and her family the full measure of equality and respect.

I understand that many Americans of good will have strong feelings on both sides of this issue. I believe elected public officials have an abiding obligation to refrain from demonizing and dividing people for partisan or political gain. Rather, Democrats and Republicans should come together and find areas of agreement to do what’s best for the country, including lesbian and gay Americans.”

Now it's the Supreme's turn:

 

 

Statement from the President on the Senate Passage of the Violence Against Women Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2013

Statement from the President on the Senate Passage of the Violence Against Women Act

Today the Senate passed a strong bipartisan bill to reauthorize and strengthen the Violence Against Women Act. This important step shows what we can do when we come together across party lines to take up a just cause. The bill passed by the Senate will help reduce homicides that occur from domestic violence, improve the criminal justice response to rape and sexual assault, address the high rates of dating violence experienced by young women, and provide justice to the most vulnerable among us. I want to thank Senator Leahy and his colleagues from both sides of the aisle for the leadership they have shown on behalf of victims of abuse. It's now time for the House to follow suit and send this bill to my desk so that I can sign it into law.

UPDATE:

Statement by Vice President Biden on the Violence Against Women Act

Today, the Senate passed the Violence Against Women Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. This law has been incredibly effective and I hope the House will vote without delay to renew the law so that we can continue to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and hold offenders accountable for their crimes.

Delay isn’t an option when three women are still killed by their husbands or boyfriends every day. Delay isn’t an option when countless women still live in fear of abuse, and when one in five have been victims of rape. This issue should be beyond debate – the House should follow the Senate’s lead and pass the Violence Against Women Act right away. This is not a Democratic or Republican issue – it’s an issue of justice and compassion. 

How did they get here? (Updated)

Looking at our stat counter, it appears that quite a few people have arrived at this blog in the past few days by way of a two-year old post -- this one:

Pat Toomey: "My idea of gun control is a steady aim"

Hmm, I wonder if he wants to revise that statement?

UPDATE: Here's video of Toomey making his "joke" (Thanks, OPJ):

GOP Senate Candidate Tom Smith: Girls Love Shoes!

When we last left GOP Senate Candidate Tom Smith who's running against Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), he was opining that there is no real difference between a pregnancy that occurs outside of marriage and one that is a result of rape. Now this expert on women offers some further insight: Girls love shoes!

Via Think Progress:  

SMITH: What are we talking about here, two girls together talking?  

WOMAN: We’re talking about the power of petite women.  

SMITH: My guess would’ve been you were talking about shoes.

Additionally, he recently offered this nugget of wisdom:

"Perhaps where we're making our mistake is that we are asking President Obama and Senator Bob Casey to do something they have no knowledge of. They've never been in business, they've never ran [sic] businesses, they don't have that knowledge," Smith said. "It would be like, your wife wrecks your car. You're gonna take it to the beauty salon to get fixed? No."

A challenger for Bob Casey?

Via Politico:

Pennsylvania Republicans may finally be closing in on a viable recruit to take on Democratic Sen. Bob Casey: wealthy businessman Steve Welch.

Welch met with National Republican Senatorial Committee officials this week in Washington, POLITICO has learned. People familiar with his thinking say Welch is considering a run more seriously than when GOPers first tried to recruit him earlier in the year.

Welch made a run for Congress last year but aborted his efforts when Jim Gerlach got back into the race. You can still see Welch's campaign website here.
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Satan Sandwich Passes Senate

The Shit Satan Sandwich passed in the Senate 74 to 26.
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Do you want fries with your sugar-coated Satan sandwich?

You want fries with that?
Via the examiner.com:

While the president seemed to breathe a deep sigh of relief that a deal was struck, members of the Democratic caucus were less than enthusiastic about the plan. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver dismissed the deal as “a sugar-coated Satan sandwich” and “a shady bill.”

Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ.), co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said, “This deal trades people’s livelihoods for the votes of a few unappeasable right-wing radicals,” adding that “the lesson today is that Republicans can hold their breath long enough to get what they want.”

No surprise

Hmm, the DSCC looks fairly prophetic right about now, no?


(From October 2010)
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A very unlame duck

Via Talking Points Memo:

Senate Passes... Everything

Today in the Senate, they passed (by unanimous consent) the defense authorization bill that Republicans held up over objections to repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell just two short weeks ago; they passed by a voice vote the 9/11 First Responders Health bill that had been the subject of so much drama and debate; and they passed by a 71-26 vote the START nuclear treaty with Russia despite Republican objections to that as well.

And now, for good measure, they are currently voting to confirm Mary Helen Murguia to be a judge in the Ninth Circuit.

Thanks, Bernie!

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)spent nearly nine hours today criticizing the extension of the tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. He received assistance from Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) [really?!].

Here's a bit of it courtesy of Crooks And Liars and Think Progress:

A Message

A message to a Congress who could somehow even consider extending tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires while they've already let emergency unemployment benefits insurance compensation lapse for millions during a time of record unemployment (not to mention during the holiday season):

NSFW

That is all.
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EVENTS!

December 1, 2010

Unemployment Benefits Lapse Protest

WHERE: Your local congressperson's office/senator's office.
WHEN: Now
WHAT: Via Susie Madrak @ Crooks And Liars: "Here's what I suggest for anyone who's losing their unemployment payments this week: Grab a blanket and a pillow, and head on over to your local congressperson's office -- or, if you live in a big city, go to your senator's office. Tell them you can't afford to turn on the heat, and you're going to camp out in their waiting room until the congressman or senator has time to talk to you. And since you don't have money for food, either, I suggest you loudly solicit the staff and incoming visitors for cash.

Because I am so goddamned sick of these bastards and the protected little bubbles in which they live. It's time we did what we could to remind them of the consequences of everything they've done -- or failed to do."

(OK, not an actual event, but it should be.)


December 2, 2010

No Millionaire Bailout

WHERE: Downtown, 425 Sixth Avenue (Map) Pittsburgh, PA 15219
WHEN: Thursday, December 2nd, 12:00 PM
WHAT: Via MoveOn: "All across the country, we're organizing "No Millionaire Bailout" speak-outs on Thursday, December 2. We'll all share our own reasons for opposing the extension of the Bush tax breaks for the rich, and then ask our members of Congress to tell us where they stand.

[snip]

"In fact, two million jobless Americans will lose unemployment between Thanksgiving and Christmas unless Congress renews the program.1 So much for "Happy Holidays."

It's just plain immoral to cut off people in need while handing out tax breaks for the rich. And it's especially heartless this time of year."

R.S.V.P. HERE


Councilman Peduto’s Third Annual Holiday Fête


WHERE: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Fifth & Shady Avenues (Map)
WHEN: Thursday, December 2, 2010, V.I.P Reception: 7:00PM - 8:00PM, Holiday Party: 8:00PM - 10:30PM
WHAT: V.I.P Reception: Live Music by The Joe Negri Trio, Performance by The Renaissance City Choirs, Complimentary Valet Parking, Full Open Bar, A Taste of Pittsburgh Featuring The East End's Best Restaurants And More! Suggested Contribution: $250 per person.

Holiday Party: Performances by The Deryck Tines Gospel Singers, Live Music by The Old E. Allstars, Dancing with D.J. Doug Marshall, Local Brews, Wine & Snacks. Suggested Contribution: $50 per person.

More details here. Pay at the door (cash or check) or via card here.
(Disclaimer: Yes, I am a member of Peduto's cyber staff.)


UPDATE:

December 5, 2010

Chevy Road to the Playoffs Steelers Tailgate Party/Holiday Drive for CHS

WHEN: Sunday, December 5, 2010 6-10pm, 6pm: Tailgate Party Starts, 8:20: Kick Off Steelers Vs. Ravens
WHERE: Double Wide Grill, East Carson and 24th Streets, South Side, Pittsburgh 15203
WHAT: "Come down to Double Wide Grill to watch the Steelers game, test drive Chevy vehicles, donate gift cards to CHS and win prizes

Please consider bringing an extra gift card to donate to the CHS Holiday Drive (http://www.chscorp.org//Holiday%20Giving.htm ) Scroll down for additional gift card info.
Everyone who attends will receive an entry to the raffle for Steeler’s Gift BAskets and Double Wide Gift Certificates. For each $5 in gift cards donated your will receive another raffle entry."

RSVP @ Facebook here.


December 12, 2010

Rock for Anne Feeney: Benefit Concert & Tribute at Mr. Smalls

WHERE: Mr. Smalls, 400 Lincoln Ave, Millvale,
WHEN: Dec. 12, doors open 6 PM. $20 donation
WHAT: "Anne Feeney, a stalwart of Pittsburgh Folk Music, has been touring relentlessly for close to a decade, spreading her gospel of peace, love and justice. Now Anne has been stricken with small-cell cancer on her lungs and heart. She not only has no stable source of income, but has an avalanche of medical bills her insurance does not cover. Come together for a diverse night of music to help support Anne Feeney in her time of need. Friends and bands are donating all of their services and Mr. Smalls Theatre is donating their music venue so all proceeds will benefit Anne Feeney.

See an All-star cast of Pittsburgh Musicians in a Tribute to Anne Feeney. Featuring Billy Price, Joe Grushecky, Liz Berlin of Rusted Root, Justin Sane of Anti-Flag, Hermie Granati, Mike Stout and the Human Union, Newlanders, Tres Lads, Joe Munroe. Special guest appearance by Anne Feeney, and many who have accompanied her."

Tickets Online: www.ticketweb.com/mrsmalls • Charge by phone: 866.468.3401. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Senator Jim Ferlo/Mikhail Pappas. For more information: 412.621.3006 or senatorferlo@gmail.com
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AP calls it for Toomey

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Sorry, you're just wrong

Sorry, John McIntire, but you're just wrong.

You wrote:

PREMATURE I-TOLD-YOU-SO TO SESTAKERS

What about PA?

Let me be the first to issue a big fat Joe Sestak "I TOLD YOU SO."

This is a weird year. People want candidates who appear to be "independent," whatever that means.

Arlen Specter was DEFINITELY beholden to NO ONE. Many thought he was a weasel as a result. But it's why he would have been a better candidate.

And now, the guy who WAS the Tea Party before there was a party or any caffeinated brown water to sip, Pat Toomey of the Club for Growth (a MAJOR right wing nutbag "think" tank), is going to be a U.S. Senator.
Plus he's a jug-eared varmint to boot.

Way to go progressives. Heckuva job. You got your wish. And now you've put another nutbag in Capitol Hill. Another tax-cuts-for-the-rich nutbag. And this one can actually think and talk, which could make him even more dangerous.
I know, I know. It all depends on Philly turnout. Blah, blah, blah.

Joe Sestak is toast.

Believe me, if Sestak pulls out a miracle tomorrow, I'll happily look like a fool.

If Arlen was the Democratic candidate for Senate, he'd be down by at least 20 points.

This is a "throw the bums out" year. How could Specter -- who's been in public office for 45 years -- possibly have won in 2010?

Where's his base?

Democrats? No way. They already rejected him in the primary and as pretty much every past primary has shown, there simply aren't enough progressives to make a huge dent there -- rank and file Dems tossed him out.

Republicans? You got to be kidding! Those left in that party have moved ever more right. Republicans would have been running the exact same ads against Specter that they are now running against Sestak. Plus there's the whole "turncoat" factor. They certainly would be painting him as a man you could not trust.

So that leaves Independents. You think they'd have seen him as independent and "DEFINITELY beholden to NO ONE"? Nope. They'd see him as the worst kind of hack -- an opportunist who'd do anything to save his political hide (which is why the Sestak primary ad which had the clip of Arlen saying, “my change in party will enable me to be reelected” was so damn effective and which is why the Republicans would have been running that same clip in their ads).

There's simply no way that Specter would be doing better now than Sestak.

That said, despite your huge blind spot soft spot for Arlen, I know the rest of your analysis on the radio today will be spot on and you always bring the funny so everyone who can should listen to you on The Union Edge. Via MacYapper:

I'll be on the radio Tuesday supplying wrist slitting election analysis on 660 AM in Pittsburgh on the Union Edge radio show with Charles Showwalter at 2pm.
Also streamed live at www.WFRNLive.com

Final Sestak Rally in Pittsburgh

This will be Joe Sestak's last campaign stop in Pittsburgh and he can't win the election without winning Allegheny County.

WHAT: Admiral Sestak's Steel City Get Out The Vote Rally
WHEN: Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 6:30pm
WHERE: Sestak for Senate Campaign Office, 4326 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201 (Map)

If you have any questions, call the Pittsburgh headquarters at 412-533-1200.