MI-07 Republican candidate Tim Walberg wasn't for privatizing social security BEFORE he was against it, he is for privatizing security WHILE he is against it.
Seriously.
First, we have this press release from the Walberg campaign which came out the day before the 75th anniversary of Social Security (last week):
"I have always opposed privatization of the Social Security system."
Then we have this quote from a recent interview Walberg did with the tea party-type group, The Independence Caucus:
"Yeah, when you say the word privatization, a seasoned campaigner like me understands that that is a buzzword that is just about as negative as a noose hanging around your neck. But in talking with you, we all understand what that means, and I would definitely support the privatization of the so-called Social Security system."
So, Tim, we have to ask, which is it? Are you FOR privatizing social security or are you AGAINST it? It's a fair question and you seem to be in a debate against yourself on it. Let us know when you get that resolved, will ya?
"I will be out in the district celebrating the 75th anniversary, making my commitment that I will not touch a penny of Social Security benefits," Schauer said Wednesday.
He said he will also point out that Walberg supported privatizing Social Security.
"He may be comfortable in diverting peoples Social Security dollars into private accounts, managed by Wall St. CEO's - I'm not - and I will be talking about that," Schauer said.
Schauer, who faces Republican Tim Walberg in the race for the 7th Congressional District seat, spoke to a group of about 35 people at the Adrian Senior Center on the 75th anniversary of President Franklin Roosevelt signing the Social Security Act.
To make his point, Schauer signed a written pledge on a poster board in front of the group, promising to strengthen and protect Social Security and fight any attempt to convert its funds to private investment accounts.
"I will oppose with every ounce of energy privatization of Social Security," Schauer said.
Nice to have a clear statement of a candidate's position, isn't it?
Hopefully Tim Walberg can sort himself out before the election. C'mon, Mr. Walberg. You can do it.
You can sign a petition demanding that Walberg and his GOP cronies don't privatize Social Security HERE.
Congressman Schauer's Act Blue page is HERE and his website is HERE.
Bumping this to the top as a reminder that, if you are available, get thee to one of these Americans for Prosperity stops on their "Smear Congressman Schauer Tour" in Michigan this week. There are three today (Monday) and another tomorrow.
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For a write-up on the AFP stops in Michigan with photos, click HERE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democratic Congressman Mark Schauer (MI-07) is in one of the toughest Congressional races in the country this year. Facing off against former nemesis, bible salesman and Baptist minister, Tim Walberg, Schauer will soon face the prospect of conservative money which is sure to begin flowing into our district (as it did in 2008.)
In fact, it is already beginning as the astroturf group, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) (sorry, no direct linkage from me) is on a "tour" through the 7th District to smear Congressman Schauer.
AFP is decidedly an astroturfing group. Funded by Koch Industries, a fact reported on in-depth by Rachel Maddow and others, it pretends to be a grassroots group. However, in all its efforts to derailclimate change legislation, health insurance reform, net neutrality, and other Democratic initiatives, the money behind the group is decidedly corporate.
Background:
Americans for Prosperity Founded by billionaire CEO:
"Mr. Koch, a major contributor to the Republican Party and supporter of conservative causes... helped establish the nonprofit Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which supports free-market policies." [New York Times, 7/10/08]
"Americans for Prosperity got over $5 million from Koch Foundations between 2005 and 2008." [MSNBC, 3/31/10]
Koch Industries subsidiary won award for outsourcing American jobs to China:
"Freeborders and INVISTA Named Winners of Outsourcing Excellence Award; Prestigious Award Recognizes New Sales and Sourcing Platform for the Global Textile Industry." [Freeborders Press Release, 6/1/06]
Walberg has signed a pledge to defend tax loopohles that encourage companies to ship jobs overseas:
In May 2010, Americans for Tax Reform stated that their pledge required opposition to The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010. The legislation would have closed a variety of different loopholes that actually create tax incentives for companies to move American jobs overseas. [Americans for Tax Reform, 5/20/10, Washington Post, 6/9/10]
According to the Schauer campaign, AFP is spending $260,000 this week alone in attack ads against Mark that distort his record. Additionally, they have a four-stop tour in the 7th District on Monday and Tuesday next week.
The stops are as follows:
8/9 Monday 9:00 am - Battle Creek , Mi
Holiday Inn, 12182 Harper Village Dr .
If you are going to attend, please contact me at eclectablog at gmail dot com. Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before the rally starts.
In March of this year, Schauer supporters turned out at an anti-healthcare reform rally sponsored by the Republican party and outnumbered the protesters at least five to one. We hope to do something similar on Monday. If you are in the 7th district and are available Monday and Tuesday, please consider showing up to show your support for Congressman Schauer and to fight the astroturfing Americans for Prosperity.
In other words, why Tim Walberg and the AFP throw poo at Democrats, Dems like Congressman Schauer are acting like adults and actually getting things done. Please help out by turning out for these 'rallies' and showing your support.
After yesterday's primary in Michigan, Congressman Mark Schauer (MI-07) now has a general election opponent. As predicted, it's a rematch against his former foe Tim Walberg, a former bible salesman and Baptist minister. I've written about him before.
The primary results are not yet a day old but Congressman Schauer has already sent two emails going after his GOPosaur opponent and, in the most recent one, after Americans for Prosperity as well. This is a full-on, full-frontal assault and it bodes well for this election cycle, particularly if other Dems around the country emulate his approach.
Here's the text of his email:
OUTSOURCING GROUP ATTACKING SCHAUER WITH MISLEADING ADS
Walberg signed pledge to defend tax loopholes that encourage companies to ship job overseas
JACKSON - Today the pro-outsourcing group "Americans for Prosperity" launched a $260,000 smear campaign against Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI) with misleading TV ads that aim to distort Schauer's record of fighting for Michigan families and businesses.
"This shadowy group was founded by a billionaire CEO whose company actually won an award for outsourcing American jobs to China," said Zack Pohl, spokesman for Schauer's campaign. "Since Tim Walberg has pledged to defend tax loopholes that encourage companies to ship jobs overseas, it's no surprise that his special interest allies are willing to spend whatever it takes to buy this election. Mark Schauer doesn't work for the special interests - he's fighting to help our businesses create jobs here, not in China."
The Americans for Prosperity ad falsely claims Schauer voted to increase the national debt, when in fact he voted against increasing the national debt ceiling and publicly called on Speaker Pelosi to pass a budget that cut government spending. [WTVB, 2/5/10; Citizen Patriot, 3/25/10]
Additionally, the ad falsely claims Schauer voted to cut Medicare for seniors. In fact, the health care reform bill Schauer voted to pass was endorsed by AARP. At a town hall meeting earlier this year, Michigan AARP government affairs director Felicia Wasson said, "We would never support a plan that cuts Medicare." [Detroit News, 3/30/10]
Background:
Americans for Prosperity Founded by billionaire CEO:
"Mr. Koch, a major contributor to the Republican Party and supporter of conservative causes... helped establish the nonprofit Americans for Prosperity Foundation, which supports free-market policies." [New York Times, 7/10/08]
"Americans for Prosperity got over $5 million from Koch Foundations between 2005 and 2008." [MSNBC, 3/31/10]
Koch Industries subsidiary won award for outsourcing American jobs to China:
"Freeborders and INVISTA Named Winners of Outsourcing Excellence Award; Prestigious Award Recognizes New Sales and Sourcing Platform for the Global Textile Industry." [Freeborders Press Release, 6/1/06]
Invista is a key subsidiary of Koch Industries. [www.invista.com/page_whois_shareholder_en.shtml]
Walberg has signed a pledge to defend tax loopohles that encourage companies to ship jobs overseas:
In May 2010, Americans for Tax Reform stated that their pledge required opposition to The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010. The legislation would have closed a variety of different loopholes that actually create tax incentives for companies to move American jobs overseas. [Americans for Tax Reform, 5/20/10, Washington Post, 6/9/10]
Tim Walberg has signed the ATR pledge. [www.atr.org]
That's how it's done, in my opinion. Take on the GO-Tea bluntly and with a no-holds-barred approach. Make them answer for their hypocrisy and their outright blatant efforts to benefit their corporate leash holders at the expense of average Americans.
And there's so much to go after with Republicans:
Supporting Big Business in Wall Street Reform legislative efforts
Supporting Big Oil in attempts to hold BP and other oil companies responsible for their failures and make them operate safely
Supporting climate deniers (i.e. "Big Energy") by refusing to limit greenhouse gas emissions and impose a Carbon Tax in any form at all
Supporting Big Insurance by doing what they can to prevent health insurance reform and regulation of insurance markets
Supporting Big Coal by preventing further regulatory/safety reforms
Supporting Big Wealth by demanding that the top 2% wealthiest Americans get to keep their budget-busting Bush tax cuts
The list goes on and on.
Democrats need to take this fight TO the Republicant's swiftly, aggressively and repeatedly between now and Novemer 2nd. Congressman Mark Schauer has already started. Hopefully Dems around the country will follow his lead.
Sorry for so much MI-07 blogging lately but there's just too much goodness emanating from my humble little Congressional District these days. This one actually made it to the front page of Daily Kos:
Tim Walberg ain't exactly a Harvard-trained surgeon. He only beat one in 2006.
But the former Bible salesman turned one-term congressman oddly seemed determined to prove this fact at a Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce forum last week for 7th District GOP candidates.
[snip...]
"With the 9/12 movement, the Tea Party, people are standing up really for the first time in history," Walberg declared.
Now much of the debate was the Republicans trying to out-crazy each other, essentially arguing the government caused the Wall Street financial meltdown of '08 with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, hippie bike trails are the reason why Michigan doesn't have the cash to patch roads and Romney-style health care reform will enslave Americans in way Joe Stalin would envy.
But this beautiful bomb of historical ignorance really took the cake.
There have, of course, been many other movements in American history, from the 19th Century progressives to the turn-of-the century suffragists to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. All of these were large-scale efforts that permanently transformed society -- not just for an election (and the jury's still out on 2010).
"Bomb of historical ignorance." I don't know blogger Susan J. Demas personally but I do like that turn of a phrase, I must say.
I also love that Tim Walberg has to read the list of things he stands for off his Blackberry. This guy wants another bite of the apple? Perish the thought.
So, in 2008, Republican Joe Schwarz endorsed Mark Schauer for the MI-07 race and, of course, Schauer ended up narrowly defeating Tim Walberg. There has been very bad blood between Schwarz and Walberg ever since Walberg got the Club for Growth to kick the crap out of him (financially- and negative campaigningly-speaking) in the contested 2006 GOP primary.
"I think he's the best choice because he served in the military, has a very good legal background and he has a broad view of what the problems are, and what the solutions are with the economy," Schwarz said.
Another reason why Schwarz said he is backing Rooney is that his focus is on the economy, "as opposed to very narrow social issues."
Yeah, right, Joe. Sure. We believe you and that those are your real reasons. No, really.
"Tomorrow, former Congressman Joe Schwarz is hosting a fundraiser for Republican Congressional Candidate Brian Rooney. Former Congressman Schwarz endorsed Mark Schauer for Congress in 2008, who has voted for trillion dollar deficits and the government takeover of health care, and said he will likely support Schauer again this year.
"As reported in the Jackson Citizen Patriot, 'Schwarz said if Rooney wins the primary and faces off against Schauer in November, he will then evaluate whom he would support.' The Citizen Patriot further reported, 'If Walberg wins the primary, Schwarz said Schauer will have his support in the fall.'
"'Granted, Brian Rooney moved into the 7th District from Wayne County the same day he signed his candidacy papers, but he should know better than to let Congressman Mark Schauer endorser Joe Schwarz raise money for his campaign. Congressman Joe Schwarz has said he will support Congressman Mark Schauer in the general election if Tim Walberg is the Republican nominee, so Brian Rooney should disavow Joe Schwarz' support and cancel the fundraiser,' said campaign spokesman Joe Wicks."
Honestly, this is the funniest damn Congressional primary pie fight I have ever seen.
What's next? Walberg pulls down Rooney's pants and runs away yelling "nana nana boo-boo"? Or maybe Rooney gives Walberg a hot foot at a debate?
Meanwhile, Congressman Mark Schauer is kicking serious financial butt, financially-speaking. He raised almost a half million dollars last quarter and has $1.65 million cash on hand. Together Rooney, Walberg, and the other GOP candidate, Marvin Carlson, only raised about $275,000 in Q2 and, collectively have only $785,000 on hand.
He's also acting like an adult and a leader by taking strong stands on Wall Street reform, health insurance reform and leveling the playing field for American companies competing with Chinese companies.
The Detroit Free Presshas endorsed Brian Rooney, a friend of the Michigan Tea Party "movement", as the GOP candidate in MI-07.
Three conservative Republicans are competing to challenge Democrat Mark Schauer of Battle Creek, who wrested the seat from the GOP in 2008.
BRIAN ROONEY, 37, a lawyer from Dexter and a relative newcomer to Michigan (he actually moved here for a job) would be the strongest GOP candidate. As a captain in the U.S. Marines, Rooney was deeply involved in the complex work of resettling Fallujah after the fierce battle for control of the Iraq city, so navigating Congress may not seem so tough. Sharp and serious, Rooney wants to repeal the estate tax and "flatten the tax code" to make it more fair. Rooney is a grandson of the founder of pro football's Pittsburgh Steelers and serves on the board of the team, which remains the family business.
Don't believe that he's a fan of our state's newest party? Here' his tweet from January 23, 2010:
In other Tea Party news, the guy who put the Tea Party on the November ballot in Michigan claims he's for real:
The reclusive leader of the petition drive to create an official Tea Party in Michigan said today he is an authentic part of the movement to rein in big government and undertook the organizing effort to protect his children and grandchildren.
But Mark Steffek, a retired UAW shop steward who agreed to a telephone interview after weeks of avoiding the media, declined to identify the source of tens of thousands of dollars used to fund the petition drive, other people involved in the effort or any candidates the party might place on the ballot.
[snip]
Steffek said he had no help, financial or otherwise, from the Democratic Party or from the UAW.
He said no date has been set for a convention to nominate candidates to run on the the Tea Party slate. The nominations have to be submitted to the Secretary of State by Aug. 3.
Maybe if Brian Rooney doesn't get the GOP nomination, he could, you know, switch parties or something.
How low does a candidate have to sink to get to the point where he crows about endorsements from people who not only do not live in the district he or she is running in but doesn't even live in the same state?
Joel Manby, a native of Battle Creek, Michigan, today announced his endorsement of Brian Rooney in Michigan's 7th Congressional District.
Manby, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Herschend Family Entertainment, was recently featured in the first season of Undercover Boss on CBS. His episode was the second most watched of the season and drew more than 16.72 million viewers nationally.
"Although I live in Georgia, Michigan is still close to my heart," said Manby. "We need dramatic change in Michigan government to get it back on track and Brian Rooney has what it takes. He is a proven leader and patriot and he isn't a politician. We need common sense in government, not more lifetime politicians. I support Brian Rooney".
Herschend Family Entertainment runs amusement parks. Dollywood. Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Wild Adventures.
Hard to understand why a guy who lives in Georgia is so keen to change the member of Congress representing a district that's over 700 miles away.
Remember when I wrote about how MI-07 GOP candidate Brian Rooney was being accused by Tim Walberg supporters of being too liberal? No. Seriously. They said he was pal-ing around with RINOs.
I am on Mr. Rooney's email list, so I am notified about fundraisers, etc. The backer names I am seeing show me he is aligning himself with Liberal Republicans (RINOs) and many Ann Arbor "Elites" who aren't even in this district and can't vote for him.
I also wrote about how Rooney was getting his chops busted for missing a Jackson Right to Life gathering:
Dear Mr. Rooney,
We were disappointed you missed the Jackson Right to Life annual dinner. We know you recently moved into our district from Wayne County and have never actually cast a vote for Congress in the 7th District, so this event may have been new to you, but it is a very important to the pro-life cause. What is even more troubling to us is we learned you skipped our annual Right to Life dinner because the former president of the liberal Michigan Main Street Partnership was hosting a fundraiser for you. The Main Street Partnership actively supported taxpayer-funding of embryonic stem cell research, frequently attacks pro-life Republicans, praised Republicans who worked with President Obama to develop the stimulus plan, and actually blamed the Republican Party's sticking to core principles for liberal U.S. Senator Arlen Specter switching to become a Democrat. Yet you made the choice to skip our dinner and attend one held by a liberal organizer.
Mr. Rooney, your decision to associate with the leadership of the liberal Main Street Partnership instead of Right to Life speaks volumes and is very revealing of your priorities. We know where Tim Walberg stands, he attended our event, and he stands with us and never waivers. We now know where you stand.
Sincerely,
Michael Buratovich
Beth Thorrez
Tom Green
Kathy Potts
Well, it turns out that Mr. Walberg had scheduled a fundraiser that would be headlined by none other than former NYC mayor Rudy ('Noun, verb, 911') Giuliani this week. The event was postponed but, according to Michigan Messenger, Walberg was all "excited" about it. Michigan Messenger asks a pretty pertinent question about a guy who is trying to out-anti-Choice his opponent:
[W]hy is he rubbing elbows and excited about the potential of fundraiser with Giuliani, a pro-choice Republican?
The Rooney campaign told CQ it would let Walberg's hypocrisy "speak for itself."
Oh, SSSSSS-SSNAP!!!
Man, someone call up Orville Redenbacher and place another order. This popcorn is danged good.
The fireworks in the Republican primary race in Michigan's 7th Congressional District is rising to riotous proportions. The latest salvo comes from GOPosaur candidate Marvin Carlson (I know, I know: "Who???") He's helping spread the meme that (a) Brian Rooney is CINO (Conservative in name only) who's using family money to bankroll his carpetbagging campaign and (b) Tim Walberg is a hypocritical has-been who is living on the taxpayers' dime. Fun times...
In May, Carlson issued a challenge to his opponents in the 7th District to release their tax returns, because he wanted to show that he was the only candidate that has built businesses in the private sector and created jobs.
All of them obliged and handed over their returns except for the campaign of newcomer Brian Rooney, whom refused.
Carlson alleges...one reason why Rooney may not have wanted people to see his tax return is because he lives on a trust fund provided by his family. Carlson did not offer any supporting materials to back up that claim in the statement.
[snip]
Carlson also brought up the fact that Rooney's uncle, Art Rooney, endorsed President Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign and last year on St. Patrick's Day, Obama nominated Rooney to be his Ambassador to Ireland.
"Maybe Brian Rooney does not want the folks to learn about his family and how they use their fortune to buy influence and look for opportunities to gain political power much like the Kennedy family did a generation ago," Carlson wrote.
See? He's so liberal he's practically a Kennedy!!!
He didn't hold back on Tim Walberg either.
"While talking about a return to self reliance and entrepreneurship on the campaign trail, Tim Walberg personally relies on a taxpayer paid pension," Carlson wrote.
Walberg's tax return showed that the bulk of his family income comes from his legislative pension after serving 16 years as a state representative.
Rooney as a trust fund liberal and Walberg as a freeloading wannabe on the public dole? That's comedy right there, folks. Pure comedy.
MI-07 GOP candidate Brian Rooney has enemies on all sides. First, he's taking massive fire from supporters of his GOP opponent, Tim Walberg. In a scathing attack, Margaret Canham wrote letters to (at least) The Daily Telegram in Adrian, Heritage Newspapers and to the Battle Creek Enquirer laughingly accusing Rooney of being a closet liberal and hangout out with RINO types.
From what I see, Brian Rooney has surrounded himself with liberal Republicans and Ann Arbor "elites," many of whom don't even live in this district.
I say this accusation is laughable because, of the two GOP contenders, Mr. Rooney is the one who aligns himself most with the Tea Party movement and really is to the right of Mr. Walberg, politically-speaking. Hard to imagine, this, I know, but it's true.
Accusations of Brian Rooney being a carpetbagger are also widespread and are, of course, well-founded. He moved to Dexter just last year specifically to run for Congress here and has, in fact, never voted in the district he's running in.
Oops.
Canham recently wrote a letter to Mr. Walberg professing her undying love support for him and claiming to having been "brutalized on the blogs" for her comments about Mr. Rooney.
Recently, I wrote a Letter to the Editor expressing my concerns about Mr. Brian Rooney who is running in the Republican Primary for the seat currently held by Democrat Mark Schauer. In the letter I told the reasons I am backing Mr. Tim Walberg in this primary.
I believe, as a private citizen, I am entitled to express my beliefs - isn't that what this country is based on? I think it's important for people to know that since my letter was printed I have been brutalized on the blogs and Mr. Rooney has called me on two different occasions requesting I retract my statements. At first, I questioned myself and what I had said, and whether it's worth going up against a well-funded political machine. Then I picked myself up, double-checked my sources and continue to stand by (even more so now) my concerns about Mr. Rooney.
[snip]
I am on Mr. Rooney's email list, so I am notified about fundraisers, etc. The backer names I am seeing show me he is aligning himself with Liberal Republicans (RINOs) and many Ann Arbor "Elites" who aren't even in this district and can't vote for him.
A quick Google search of "Margaret Canham" on the Google blog search page shows just how terribly she's been "brutalized": not at all.
Still so, Walberg's supporters are clearly on the war path against Rooney making sure that, between now and the primary in August, it'll be Popcorn Time for MI-07 watchers.
Rooney's also getting hit from the left. I recently received an email from the Democratic Party highlighting Rooney's attendance at a fundraiser being held in his honor today in Washington, D.C. (flyer HERE.)
The $500/seat minimum fundraiser is being hosted by his brother who already is a member of Congress (from Florida.)
From the Dem email:
The event is being hosted by his brother, Congressman Tom Rooney (R-FL), and will take place at the offices of Dickstein Shapiro LLP, a law firm which has represented big banks such as Wells Fargo, Bear Stearns, and Lehman Brothers (dicksteinshapiro.com).
On the campaign trail, Rooney has repeatedly billed himself as an outsider [Hotline, 11/12/09], saying "I am untainted by Washington." [Hillsdale Daily News, 5/25/10]
Michigan voters deserve to know why a candidate who claims to be "untainted by Washington," and says he's willing to "infuse $1 million of his own money into the campaign" [Reporting Michigan, 11/19/09], would attend a political fundraiser in Washington D.C.
I've been debating some of my Democratic friends from the district as to whether Walberg or Rooney would be the easiest opponent for Congressman Schauer to beat. Brian Rooney's immense wealth and willingness to basically "purchase" a seat in Congress with his own money (or his family's money) is daunting and serves to create an unlevel playing field in many respects. On the other hand, Tim Walberg has the ability to seem moderate when, in fact, he is a far-right politician to the core. Clearly both are quite extreme and a level-headed, smart and savvy candidate like Mark Schauer should be well-received by many MI-07 voters.
The question remains as to whether or not Brian Rooney can overcome the quite-justifiable perception of him being a carpetbagger attempting to purchase a seat in Congress. Certainly the Walberg and Schauer campaigns will be helping to further that perception. But, hey, at least RedState.com's Erick Erickson likes him.
The Act Blue fundraising link for Mark Schauer is HERE.
Now here's something Democrats and Republicans alike can probably get behind. Congressman Mark Schauer (MI-07) is appropriately outraged that hats and keychains being used to promote the 2010 US Census were made in China. And he's doing something about it.
Congressman Mark Schauer of Michigan's seventh district introduced bipartisan legislation that would block goods that are made in China from U.S. government contracts. Democratic Congressman Mark Schauer of Michigan's seventh district introduced legislation [last week] that would block goods made in China from U.S. government contracts.
"My bill is simple," said Schauer. "Since China is blocking American companies from competing for contracts with its government, we're going to do the same. It's time to level the playing field and ensure our taxpayer dollars create jobs here at home, instead of China."
Locally, my office has heard from multiple businesses that are losing work due to unfair competition from China. One local manufacturer has even started collecting evidence to show that unscrupulous American firms are importing goods from China and replacing the labels with ones that say "Made in the U.S.A." to unfairly compete for government contracts.
Folks in Washington just don't get what we're up against here in Michigan. Last week, the House passed a bill to provide cash rebates for products to make homes more energy efficient. I voted against it, because the bill would allow these taxpayer-funded cash rebates to be spent on things like air conditioners and water heaters that were made in China.
One-term Republican (former) Congressman Tim Walberg has been doing a series of "health care town hall meetings" around the 7th district in a crass attempt to frighten his constituents into voting for him and against what he calls the Obama-Pelosi-Schauer biggovernmenttakeoverofhealthcareTM. He's running on the absurd idea that, if elected, he'll be able to "repeal and replace" health insurance reform even though President Obama will still be ... um ... how to put this ... President Obama.
And Walberg's not done yet. If you are interested in letting Mr. Walberg know that not only is he out of touch with the rest of the country but, more importantly, is out of touch with voters in the 7th district, you'll have another chance tomorrow, Tuesday, May 4th in Jackson, MI. Organizing for America is staging a counter-town hall and YOU are invited.
Local community leaders and opponents of reform are hosting a town hall to discuss working against the change you fought hard for.
Join us for a pro-reform rally and then help us spread the truth! Health reform for Congressional District 7 will:
Give tax credits and other assistance to up to 167,000 families and 12,100 small businesses to help them afford coverage
Improve Medicare for 109,000 patients (including closing the donut hole)
Extend coverage to 24,000 uninsured residents
Guarantee that 8,600 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage
Protect 1,600 families from bankruptcy
Allow 51,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents' insurance plans
Time: Tuesday, May 4 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Commonwealth Commerce Center (Jackson, MI)
209 E. Washington
Jackson, MI 49201
On Monday night, former MI-07 Congressman Tim Walberg (shown here with his friend Michele Bachman who, thankfully, did not attend), held a "townhall" meeting in Chelsea, MI to discuss "repealing and replacing the recently passed health care bill." Given that Barack Obama will be president after the November elections, the premise of the townhall was pretty bizarre to begin with.
But the event itself was really bizarre.
Dude, he made us face east and say the Pledge of Allegiance. Toward Mecca??? Totally not kidding.
Our (not) good friend from Michigan's 7th district, one-term former Congressman Tim Walberg, is holding a series of town hall meetings that "will focus on repealing and replacing the recently passed health care bill."
What is it about democracy that these Republicans hate so much? Because it means they lose sometimes??? Tim Walberg, as you may know, is the man who once said "Right now everybody in the United State has some health care, maybe even the emergency room...everyone can walk in an emergency room and receive basic health care". Classic.
He has two upcoming town halls, one very close to us in Washtenaw County in Chelsea. We absolutely need to turn out large numbers of supporters of President Obama and Congressman Mark Schauer to show Tim Walberg and the anti-reformers that our leaders in Washington ARE listening to us and that we support their efforts on behalf of Americans -- Americans without health insurance, Americans with pre-existing conditions and Americans and American small businesses being bankrupted by escalating health insurance costs.
The Chelsea event is NEXT MONDAY, April 26th and the second event is in Jackson on Tuesday, May 4th.
Time: Monday, April 26 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Host: Christopher Wolff
Contact Phone: 734-546-0155
Location: Chelsea Clocktower (Chelsea, MI)
320 N. Main Street
Chelsea, MI 48118
Time: Tuesday, May 4 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Host: Jody Money
Location: Commonwealth Commerce Center (Jackson, MI)
209 E. Washington
Jackson, MI 49201
Please do RSVP as soon as possible so we can see how many folks plan to attend.
As it says on the event page:
We are standing up for reform that does the following for Michigan's 7th Congressional District, where Chelsea resides:
* Gives tax credits and other assistance to up to 167,000 families and 12,100 small businesses to help them afford coverage
* Improve Medicare for over 109,000 beneficiaries, including closing the doughnut hole
* Guarantees the 8,600 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage
* Allows 51,000 young adults to obtain coverage on their parents' insurance plans
* Protects 1,600 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs
* Provides millions of dollars in funding for 12 community health centers
We are starting our events earlier than Mr. Walberg's events to show his supporters when they arrive that WE are in the majority, not them. Arrive early. Be friendly. And most of all: BRING A FUN SIGN!
Here are some suggestions for your signs but, please, use your imagination and create your own!
"I support Congressman Schauer and President Obama!"
"Health insurance reform is law - that's called DEMOCRACY!"
"Washington IS listening to us! Thank you, Congressman Schauer!"
"Health insurance reform that lowers the deficit? Thank you, Congressman Schauer!"
"The emergency room is not 'health care'!"
"Still siding with Big Insurance Companies? How very Republican of you."
"We won the election. Get over it."
It's masochism on my part, I suppose, but I have gotten on the email lists of the two leading GOP contenders who are seeking the nomination to challenge Congressman Mark Schauer (MI-07) this November. The leading leading contender is an odious man named Tim Walberg who held the position for only one term before being sent packing in 2008. His latest email is symptomatic of the absurdities being thrown around by the Republicans right now in their desperate bid to be relevant.
I've written about Tim Walberg before. He is a former minister who voted twice to not fund SCHIP and voted twice to sustain George W. Bush's veto of SCHIP. He once vote against continued funding for Headstart because because it didn't contain provisions that would allow faith-based groups to refuse to hire a Muslim or "a Wiccan from a coven in Ann Arbor" (a move that put Walberg on Keith Olbermann's sarcastically named "Best Person in the World" list -- not to be confused with Olbermann's "Worst Person in the World" but equally unflattering.) He's even been quoted as saying "Right now everybody in the United State has some health care, maybe even the emergency room...everyone can walk in an emergency room and receive basic health care". Classic.
His latest email has two elements that really define where the Republicans are right now. First, he derides the president's recent policy change with regard to the United States of America's use of nuclear weapons:
President Obama's Unprecedented Nuclear Stance Weakens Our Security The president announced a new doctrine for the use of nuclear weapons, which according to Reuters news service, "the United States for the first time is forswearing use of atomic weapons against non-nuclear countries." The article added, "those countries would be spared a U.S. nuclear response only if they are in compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty."
I believe it's very dangerous for the United States to place limits on our response to an attack against our nation. As stated by Charles Krauthammer, if a country attacks us with biological or chemical weapons and "if it [has] kept up with the IAEA inspections, it gets immunity from the massive nuclear retaliation ... this to me is either insane or ridiculous. I can't decide."
We live in a dangerous world and it makes no sense to alert our enemies that they have no need to fear the use of certain strategic weapons. America needs to stand firmly with our democratic allies like Israel and avoid showing any weakness to terrorist countries. President Reagan showed us that peace through strength is the only effective path to follow in a truly uncertain world.
First of all, when you're reduced to quoting Krauthammer, BZZZZZZTTTT!!!, you've alreadylosthanksforplaying. But let's revisit that last sentence for just a second:
President Reagan showed us that peace through strength is the only effective path to follow in a truly uncertain world.
Wait. You're invoking President Ronald Reagan to support the continuing proliferation of nuclear weapons, Walberg? RONALD Reagan? The guy who once said this???:
"I know that there are a great many people who are pointing to the unimaginable horror of nuclear war.... [T]o those who protest against nuclear war, I can only say, 'I'm with you'... [M]y dream is to see the day when nuclear weapons will be banished from the face of the Earth."
What I don't understand is whether this is just plain ignorance or if the Republicans simply think that American voters are just too stupid to see the blatant hypocrisy of their words and actions.
And then, later in the same email, Walberg goes on to twist reality a bit more. Congressman Schauer has been, like many other Democrats (including the president), traveling around his district and talking to his constituents about the recently enacted health insurance reform law. Thanks to people like Walberg, people who have spent inordinate amounts of time demonizing this new law and making people, particularly the elderly, terrified of it, Congressman Schauer has felt the real need to get out into these communities to let people know what the reality is. Let them know that, not only is it not a socialistbiggovernmenttakeoverofhealthcareTM, this is something that will help them and, remarkably, does so while reducing the deficit. He's been meeting in particular with senior citizens at various senior centers around MI-07 and doing a really good job at EDUCATING his constituents.
But Tim Walberg doesn't like that one bit. Here's what he has to say in his email:
On April 1st, we sent out the following press release:
This is Not An April Fools' Day Prank:
Mark Schauer Holding Health Care Town Hall Meetings after the Health Care Vote, again
Tipton, MI- Congressman Mark Schauer is holding a town hall meeting in Battle Creek this afternoon to discuss his recent vote in favor of the Obama-Pelosi trillion dollar health care bill. Mark Schauer holding a health care town hall meeting after the health care vote sounds like an April Fools' Day prank on his constituents, but meeting with constituents after he votes on critical legislation is a pattern for the Congressman.
Last year, as noted and criticized by the Jackson Citizen Patriot and Daily Telegram Editorial boards, Congressman Schauer refused to hold unscreened public town hall meetings prior to his vote on November 7, 2009 in favor of the Obama-Pelosi health care bill. This week, Congressman Schauer is repeating his pattern by holding town hall meetings after his March 21st vote in favor of the final Obama-Pelosi health care bill.
"Mark Schauer's votes for trillion dollar deficits and a trillion dollar government takeover of health care are harming Michigan families. He should at least have the decency to listen to his constituents before he votes in favor of health care legislation that will cost trillions, raise taxes, and reduce access to care for seniors," said Republican Congressional Candidate Tim Walberg.
"I held town hall meetings when I had the privilege to serve the citizens of south central Michigan and I will be holding more to discuss the need to repeal the Obama-Pelosi health care bill and replace with common-sense, patient-centered reforms. Ending lawsuit abuse, allowing the sale of health insurance across state lines, letting small businesses join together to purchase insurance for their employees and giving people the same tax benefits as corporations when purchasing health insurance are all steps I support to make health care more affordable," added Walberg.
The lies in this bit of fiction are legion. Congressman Schauer did, in fact, meet with his constituents throughout the district in the days and months prior to the vote. I attended one of his townhalls myself and wrote about it HERE. He had countless other appearances throughout the district with individuals, business leaders, civic groups, newspapers and ... on and on ...
But that's not the worst of it. For Walberg to characterize this educational tour that the Congressman is currently engaged in as soliciting his constituents' input after he voted on the bill is ludicrous. Walberg himself is largely responsible for the fear these people feel and Congressman Schauer is doing his job as their Representative to get out there, alleviate some of that fear, and set the record straight.
Tim Walberg was in Congress for two years and spent exactly zero minutes doing anything whatsoever to fix the broken health insurance system in this country. Now that something is actually being done and real leadership is being demonstrated, he's sitting on the sidelines throwing poo. This is classic Republican behavior these days and they ought to be ashamed. Sadly and predictably, they are not.
Yesterday morning, Organizing for America (OFA) held an event at the Ann Arbor Community Center to thank Congressmen John Dingell (MI-15) and Mark Schauer (MI-07) for their leadership and votes on the recently-enacted health insurance reform law. The two men represent opposite ends of Congressional spectrum. Congressman Dingell has served longer than any current member of the House of Representatives. Congressman Schauer is still in his first term.
A month ago, I blogged about how proud -- really proud -- Brian Rooney, candidate for the GOP nomination in MI-07, was that he had received the endorsement of far-right wingnut Erick Erickson.
This week, Erick Erickson said on his radio show that he would threaten census workers who came on his property to ask him questions with a gun.
This is crazy. What gives the Commerce Department the right to ask me how often I flush my toilet? Or about going to work? I'm not filling out this form. I dare them to try and come throw me in jail. I dare them to. Pull out my wife's shotgun and see how that little ACS twerp likes being scared at the door. They're not going on my property. They can't do that. They don't have the legal right, and yet they're trying.
What's the American Community Survey? From their website:
The American Community Survey is a separate part of the 2010 Census program. Some households and group quarters (such as college residence halls, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, barracks, and correctional facilities) will receive both the American Community Survey and the 2010 Census this year. Response to both is required by law.
This is not the first time Erickson has advocated violence or threats of violence. In a Red State post a few days back he wrote:
"At what point do the people tell the politicians to go to hell? At what point do they get off the couch, march down to their state legislator's house, pull him outside, and beat him to a bloody pulp for being an idiot?"
Like I said before, if Brian Rooney and Tim Walberg keep hitching their wagons to the Crazy Train, they just keep making Congressman Mark Schauer's reelection that much more likely. Knock yourself out, boys.
Another Michigan congressman says he has received violent messages following his vote in favor of health care reform legislation.
U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, said Thursday a caller from outside his district left a message saying, "I hope you die a slow death at a very young age." Schauer is 48.
The caller, who strangely left his phone number, has since revealed himself and says he "regrets" making the call and has apologized. Follow the link to hear the message. In his call, Bob Bepristis said:
"I hope you die a slow death at a very young age with $5-an-hour health workers ... that take your medicine and instead of giving it to you, they sell it out on the open street for whatever they can get. You are the bottom of the barrel of the United States."
Far be it from me to give Republicans political advice but this clamor to "Repeal It!" while Barack Obama is still in office and would have to sign any bill repealing the freshly signed health insurance reform seems a little ... uhhh ... dumb?
But hey, guys, knock yourselves out, right?
And that's just what the GOPosaurs in my district of MI-01 are doing. Both super-conservative Tim Walberg and super-duper conservative Brian Rooney have both signed the "Repeal It!" pledge sponsored by the Club for Growth.
But yesterday, this political grandstanding met the bitter, harsh reality of our nation's health insurance crisis, a crisis the new law hopes to alleviate in part, on the pages of the Jackson Citizen Patriot's website. On the page reporting Walberg's and Rooney's signing of the silly, toothless pledge is a link to a related story. The story is of a 19-year old young man, one of nine kids in his family, who has cancer. His family has no health insurance.
Click image for larger version
Here's a blurb from the first article:
Two Republican candidates who want to unseat U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer have pledged to work to repeal the health care reform bill President Obama signed today.
The conservative group Club for Growth has created a Web site...where lawmakers, candidates and citizens can join the campaign to get rid of the law they find too expensive and intrusive...As of this morning, more than 50 lawmakers and close to 200 candidates have signed the pledge, as well as more than 13,000 citizens.
The candidate pledge reads: "I hereby pledge to the people of my district/state upon my election to the U.S. House of Representatives/U.S. Senate, to sponsor and support legislation to repeal any federal health care takeover passed in 2010, and replace it with real reforms that lower health care costs without growing government."
And here's a bit from the story of the pancake breakfast held to benefit the 19-year old man from Michigan Center:
[Jake Fagan] first began experiencing pain in the fall of 2009 but did not notify his parents until months later. Both his mother and stepfather are facing financial difficulties and do not have insurance.
By the time doctors examined the him, they discovered a large tumor had already spread into Fagan's abdomen. Had he notified his parents earlier, the cancer might not have advanced so quickly.
[...]
Moose Davis said his stepson has not let the cancer dampen his spirits.
"He didn't want to be treated any differently," Davis said. "I still joke around and give him a hard time sometimes."
Fagan is more than happy to have the jokes directed toward him.
"It helps me keep my mind off (the disease)," he said.
As of Saturday's event, more than $4,000 had been raised.
"I was hoping and praying we'd get to two grand," Hitt said. "I'm just ecstatic that we hit this."
It's going to take a lot of pancake breakfasts for Jake and his family to pay for his medical care. Under the current system, he'll never get health insurance now, not with cancer.
So when Rooney and Walberg and all the other Republicans happily sign a pledge to "Repeal It!", that's what they are signing on to:
Restoring the ability of health insurers to reject customers with preexisting conditions
Taking away the high-risk pool that would help families like Jake's in the future
Taking away Jake's ability to stay on his parent's insurance (if they manage to get some) until he is 26
Restoring health insurance companies' ability to cut people off when they get sick or when they have reached some payment ceiling.
The list goes on and on. So go ahead and stake your claim to that bit of hateful land, Tim and Brian. When Representative Mark Schauer is running his campaign to retain his seat as the Democratic Congressman from MI-07, he'll be able to proudly point to his vote to start the process of fixing the system that makes families hold pancake breakfasts and bake sales just so they can receive health care.
Now here's something Democrats and Republicans alike can probably get behind. Congressman Mark Schauer (MI-07) is 
One-term Republican (former) Congressman Tim Walberg has been doing 
Jebus, there's even a book out called 
