the DSCC

DEAN HELLER’$ BIG OIL CONTRIBUOR$ PRIMED FOR EXPLO$IVE PROFIT$, BUT HELLER CONTINUES TO PRE$EVE THEIR MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR TAX BREAK$

Heller Votes To Preserve Enormous Tax Breaks For Big Oil, Takes $156,500 From His Special Interest Oil Pals

Breaking today – Dean Heller’s Big Oil contributors are announcing this week that they continue to rake in huge profits after Heller fought tooth and nail to preserve Big Oil tax breaks worth billions. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Heller fought to preserve huge tax breaks for his special interest buddies who are already making billions in pure profit – Heller has received $156,500 in campaign contributions from Big Oil companies who are reaping the benefits of taxpayer padded profits.

Exxon Mobil announced yesterday it made $41.1 billion in profit last year, a 35% jump from last year even though the company admits oil production actually fell by 9%. Even worse, the company paid a lower tax rate than the average American family, in part because of Heller successfully preserved billions in tax breaks for the Big Oil industry. But Exxon isn’t the only Big Oil giant expected to announce huge profits thanks to Heller’s votes. Look out for other oil giants to boast huge increases profits later this week.

“Dean Heller has fought to let his Big Oil buddies bilk taxpayers out of billions of dollars, even as Big Oil companies make soaring profits,” said Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “Heller has pledged to preserve billions in tax breaks for his Big Oil buddies who have rewarded him with $156,500 in special interest campaign cash. Now, even as his Big Oil contributors report billions in profits, Dean Heller continues to support sending billions of taxpayer dollars to prop up Big Oil companies' bottom lines, leaving Nevada taxpayers to foot the bill. “

Dean Heller has consistently voted to preserve huge tax breaks for the Big Oil industry and has received thousands from the industry for his efforts. Heller even gloated that he was the only Member of Congress to vote for the extreme Republican budget plan that preserved tax breaks for his Big Oil contributors while gutting Medicare for Nevada in seniors in both the House and Senate.

In all, Heller has voted eight times over the course of his career to preserve huge tax breaks for his Big Oil contributors. According to his FEC filings, Heller has received $156,500 in campaign cash from the Big Oil industry over the course of his career.

BACKGROUND:

This Week, Oil Companies Reporting Increases in Earnings, Yet Again. Yesterday, Exxon Mobil posted a slightly higher fourth-quarter profit, despite the fact that the company’s oil and natural gas production fell 9 percent during the quarter… Earnings in Exxon's exploration and production business rose 18 percent thanks to higher prices. ConocoPhillips reported a 66-percent increase in quarterly earnings, though much of that came from the sale of a pipeline and other assets. Royal Dutch Shell expects to report its financial results later this week. [AP, 1/31/12]

3^rd Quarter 2011: Big Oil Companies Reported Huge Increases in Earnings and Profit. In October 2011, Occidental Petroleum's earnings rose 50% and its revenue was up 26%, Exxon Mobil saw increases of 41% in profit and 32% in revenue, and Royal Dutch Shell says its earnings doubled and revenue rose 36%. [LA Times, 10/28/11]

Big Oil Companies Get $4 Billion in Subsidies a Year. Meanwhile, big oil companies continue to exploit tax loopholes for nearly $4 billion in subsidies each year. [Center for American Progress, 5/11/2011]

One Big Oil Company Paid Just .4 Percent Tax Rate, Due to Generous Taxpayer Subsidies. For example, Exxon Mobil’s large 2010 profits allowed them to lead Fortune 500’s annual ranking of the nations’ most profitable firms for the eighth time in a row. But the oil giant’s average effective tax rates are roughly half the 35 percent tax rate that currently stands as the high-water mark for American corporations… Over the past two years, ExxonMobil reported $9,910 million in pretax U.S. profits. But it enjoyed so many tax subsidies that its federal income tax bill was only $39 million—a tax rate of only 0.4 percent. [Center for American Progress, 5/11/2011]

Heller Has Accepted $156,500 From The Oil And Gas Industry. Since beginning his congressional career, Heller has accepted $156,500 from the oil and gas industry. [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 2/1/2012]

Heller Opposed Tax Increases On Oil Companies. In June 2008, Heller wrote a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi stating “Tax increases that affect oil companies also hurt retirees, seniors and pension funds. In 2004, more than 2,600 pension funds run by federal, state and local governments held almost $64 billion in shares of U.S. oil and natural gas companies. …Consequently, I have voted against billions in tax increases on energy companies in the House, which would only be passed along to consumers in the form of higher prices. Despite multiple bills with billions in tax increases being put forth in the House, not one of them has passed the Senate. Clearly this approach is also not consensus.” [Heller letter, 6/4/2008]

Heller Voted At Least EIGHT Times to Protect Tax Credits for Big Oil Companies. [ Vote 72, 5/17/11; Vote #153, 3/01/11; Las Vegas Review-Journal, 9/28/2008; Vote 78, 2/27/08; Vote 80, 2/27/08; Vote 1140, 12/06/07; Vote 835, 8/4/07; Vote 40, 1/18/07]

Las Vegas Sun: Heller Didn’t “Have The Nerve To Stand Up To The Oil Companies.” In May 2011, the Las Vegas Sun ran an editorial on the failure of an effort by Senate Democrats to repeal tax breaks for the “big five” oil companies. “That move would have reduced the nation’s budget deficit by $20 billion. But the measure fell eight votes short of the 60 needed for passage. That’s because most Senate Republicans, including Dean Heller of Nevada, don’t have the nerve to stand up to the oil companies.” [Editorial, Las Vegas Sun, 5/19/11]

BIG OIL COMPANIES PRIMED FOR EXPLO$IVE PROFIT$, BUT PETE HOEKSTRA CONTINUES TO PRE$EVE THEIR MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR TAX BREAK$

Hoekstra Voted To Preserve Enormous Tax Breaks For Big Oil Even As They Make Huge Profits

Breaking today – Pete Hoekstra’s big oil friends are announcing this week that they continue to rake in huge profits after Hoekstra fought tooth and nail to preserve Big Oil tax breaks worth billions. Thanks to Pete Hoekstra’s votes, Big Oil companies continue to reap the benefits of taxpayer padded profits.

Exxon Mobil announced yesterday it made $41.1 billion in profit last year, a 35% jump from last year even though the company admits oil production actually fell by 9%. Even worse, the company paid a lower tax rate than the average American family, in part because Hoekstra successfully preserved billions in tax breaks for the Big Oil industry. But Exxon isn’t the only Big Oil giant expected to announce huge profits thanks to Hoekstra’s votes. Look out for other oil giants to boast huge increases profits later this week.

“Pete Hoekstra has fought to let his Big Oil buddies bilk taxpayers out of billions of dollars, even as Big Oil companies make soaring profits,” said Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “Hoekstra has even pledged to preserve the billion dollars tax breaks his Big Oil buddies continue to receive. Now, even as Big Oil companies report billions in profits, Pete Hoekstra continues to support sending billions of taxpayer dollars to prop up Big Oil companies' bottom lines and leaving Michigan taxpayers footing the bill. “

Pete Hoekstra has consistently voted to preserve huge tax breaks for the Big Oil industry. Hoekstra even supports an extreme budget plan that preserves tax breaks for his Big Oil friends while gutting Medicare for Michigan seniors.

In all, Hoekstra has voted at least 4 times over the course of his career to preserve huge tax breaks for Big Oil.

BACKGROUND:

Hoekstra Voted At Least Four Times to Protect Tax Breaks for Oil Companies [HR 5351, Vote 78, 2/27/08; HR 5351, Vote 80, 2/27/08; HR 6, Vote 40, 1/18/07; HR4297, Vote 109, 4/27/06]

JEFF FLAKE’$ BIG OIL CONTRIBUTOR$ PRIMED FOR EXPLO$IVE PROFIT$, BUT FLAKE CONTINUES TO PRE$EVE THEIR MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR TAX BREAK$

Flake Votes To Preserve Enormous Tax Breaks For Big Oil, Has Taken $78,850 From His Special Interest Oil Pals

Breaking today – Jeff Flake’s Big Oil contributors are announcing this week that they continue to rake in huge profits after Flake fought tooth and nail to preserve Big Oil tax breaks worth billions. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Flake fought to preserve huge tax breaks for his special interest buddies who are already making billions in pure profit – Flake’s received $78,850 in campaign contributions from Big Oil companies who are reaping the benefits of taxpayer padded profits.

Exxon Mobil announced yesterday it made $41.1 billion in profit last year, a 35% jump from last year even though the company admits oil production actually fell by 9%. Even worse, the company paid a lower tax rate than the average American family, in part because Flake succesfully preserved billions in tax breaks for the Big Oil industry. But Exxon isn’t the only Big Oil giant expected to announce huge profits thanks to Flake’s votes. Look out for other oil giants to boast huge increases profits later this week.

“Jeff Flake has fought to let his Big Oil buddies bilk taxpayers out of billions of dollars, even as Big Oil companies make soaring profits,” said Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “Flake has pledged to preserve billions in tax breaks for his Big Oil buddies who have rewarded him with $78,850 in special interest campaign cash. Now, even as his Big Oil contributors report billions in profits, Jeff Flake continues to support sending billions of taxpayer dollars to prop up Big Oil companies' bottom lines, leaving Arizona taxpayers to foot the bill. “

Jeff Flake has consistently voted to preserve huge tax breaks for the Big Oil industry and has received thousands from the industry for his efforts. Flake even voted for the extreme Republican budget plan that preserves tax breaks for his Big Oil contributors while gutting Medicare for Arizona seniors.

In all, Flake has voted at least 6 times over the course of his career to preserve huge tax breaks for his Big Oil contributors. According to his FEC filings, Flake has received $78,850 in campaign cash from the Big Oil industry over the course of his career.

Background:

Flake Has Accepted $78,850 From The Oil And Gas Industry. Since beginning his congressional career, Flake has accepted $78,850 from the oil and gas industry. [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 2/1/12]

Flake Voted At Least Six Times to Protect Tax Breaks for Oil Companies. [S 627, Vote 676, 7/29/11; HJR 44, Vote #153, 3/01/11; HR 5351, Vote 78, 2/27/08; HR 5351, Vote 80, 2/27/08; HR 6, Vote 40, 1/18/07; HR4297, Vote 109, 4/27/06]

DENNIS REHBERG’$ BIG OIL CONTRIBUTOR$ PRIMED FOR EXPLO$IVE PROFIT$, BUT REHBERG CONTINUES TO PRE$EVE THEIR MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR TAX BREAK$

Rehberg Votes To Preserve Enormous Tax Breaks For Big Oil, Has Taken $418,393 From His Special Interest Oil Pals

Breaking today – Dennis Rehberg’s Big Oil contributors are announcing this week that they continue to rake in huge profits after Rehberg fought tooth and nail to preserve Big Oil tax breaks worth billions. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Rehberg fought to preserve tax breaks for his special interest buddies who are already making billions in pure profit – Rehberg’s received $418,393 in campaign contributions from Big Oil companies who are reaping the benefits of taxpayer padded profits.

Exxon Mobil announced yesterday it made $41.1 billion in profit last year, a 35% jump from last year even though the company admits oil production actually fell by 9%. Even worse, the company paid a lower tax rate than the average American family, in part because Rehberg successfully preserved billions in tax breaks for the Big Oil industry. But Exxon isn’t the only Big Oil giant expected to announce huge profits thanks to Rehberg’s votes. Look out for other oil giants to boast huge increases profits later this week.

“Dennis Rehberg has fought to let his Big Oil buddies bilk taxpayers out of billions of dollars, even as Big Oil companies make soaring profits,” said Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “Rehberg has pledged to preserve billions in tax breaks for his Big Oil buddies who have rewarded him with $418,393 in special interest campaign cash. Now, even as his Big Oil contributors report billions in profits, Dennis Rehberg continues to support sending billions of taxpayer dollars to prop up Big Oil companies' bottom lines, leaving Montana taxpayers to foot the bill. “

Dennis Rehberg has consistently voted to preserve huge tax breaks for the Big Oil industry and has received thousands from the industry for his efforts. Rehberg even voted for the extreme Republican budget plan that preserves tax breaks for his Big Oil contributors while gutting Medicare for Montana seniors.

In all, Rehberg has voted at least 6 times over the course of his career to preserve huge tax breaks for his Big Oil contributors. According to his FEC filings, Rehberg has received $418,393 in campaign cash from the Big Oil industry over the course of his career.

Background:

Rehberg Has Accepted $418,393 From The Oil And Gas Industry. Since beginning his congressional career, Rehberg has accepted $418,393 from the oil and gas industry. [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 2/01/12]

Rehberg Voted At Least Six Times to Protect Tax Breaks for Oil and Gas. [S 627, Vote 676, 7/29/11; HJR 44, Vote #153, 3/01/11; HR 5351, Vote 78, 2/27/08; HR 5351, Vote 80, 2/27/08; HR 6, Vote 40, 1/18/07; HR4297, Vote 109, 4/27/06]

CONNIE MACK’$ BIG OIL CONTRIBUTOR$ PRIMED FOR EXPLO$IVE PROFIT$, BUT MACK CONTINUES TO PRE$EVE THEIR MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR TAX BREAK$

Mack Votes To Preserve Enormous Tax Breaks For Big Oil, Has Taken $48,670 From His Special Interest Oil Pals

Breaking today – Connie Mack’s Big Oil contributors are announcing this week that they continue to rake in huge profits after Mack fought tooth and nail to preserve Big Oil tax breaks worth billions. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Mack fought to preserve huge tax breaks for his special interest buddies who are already making billions in pure profit – Mac has received $48,670 in campaign contributions from Big Oil companies who are reaping the benefits of taxpayer padded profits.

Exxon Mobil announced yesterday it made $41.1 billion in profit last year, a 35% jump from last year even though the company admits oil production actually fell by 9%. Even worse, the company paid a lower tax rate than the average American family, in part because Mack preserved billions in tax breaks for the Big Oil industry. But Exxon isn’t the only Big Oil giant expected to announce huge profits thanks to Mack’s votes. Look out for other oil giants to boast huge increases profits later this week.

“Connie Mack has fought to let his Big Oil buddies bilk taxpayers out of billions of dollars, even as Big Oil companies make soaring profits,” said Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “Mack has pledged to preserve billions in tax breaks for his Big Oil buddies who have rewarded him with $48,670 in special interest campaign cash. Now, even as his Big Oil contributors report billions in profits, Connie Mack continues to support sending billions of taxpayer dollars to prop up Big Oil companies' bottom lines, leaving Florida taxpayers to foot the bill. “

Connie Mack has consistently voted to preserve huge tax breaks for the Big Oil industry and has received thousands from the industry for his efforts. Mack even voted for the extreme Republican budget plan that preserves tax breaks for his Big Oil contributors while gutting Medicare for Florida seniors.

In all, Mack has voted at least 6 times over the course of his career to preserve huge tax breaks for his Big Oil contributors. According to his FEC filings, Mack has received $48,670 in campaign cash from the Big Oil industry over the course of his career.

Background:

Mack Has Accepted $48,670 From The Oil And Gas Industry. Since beginning his congressional career, Allen has accepted $48,670 from the oil and gas industry. [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 2/1/11]

Mack Voted At Least Six Times to Protect Tax Breaks for Oil and Gas. [S 627, Vote 676, 7/29/11; HJR 44, Vote #153, 3/01/11; HR 5351, Vote 78, 2/27/08; HR 5351, Vote 80, 2/27/08; HR 6, Vote 40, 1/18/07; HR4297, Vote 109, 4/27/06]

Senate Democrats Plan To Put Republicans On The Wrong Side Of The Middle Class

Talking Points Memo

Senate Democrats are preparing an aggressive legislative agenda to complement the vision President Obama outlined in his State of the Union Address. The goal is to test the idea that the public supports an agenda of aggressive federal action on behalf of the middle class, and that Republicans are locked in a pattern of reactionary opposition, even to popular policies.

Tester raises nearly $1.2M

Politico

Montana Sen. Jon Tester will report later Thursday raising close to $1.2 million during the final quarter of the year, POLITICO has learned. That sum, shared by a campaign official, will bring the first-term Democrat's cash on hand to $3.8 million.

Rep. Connie Mack Keeps Showing Up at Gingrich Events

The Wall Street Journal

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Some look at polls. Others measure crowd sizes. But if you really want to know how well Newt Gingrich is doing in Florida, consider Rep. Connie Mack (R., Fla.)

Standing Up for Transparent Elections by Overturning Citizens United

The Huffington Post

A century ago this year, the people of Montana stood up against some of the most influential corporations in history with a powerful message: People and their ideas -- not corporations and their money -- decide our elections.

Lugar foes doubt poll process, results

The Journal Gazette

A super PAC supporting Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., has released the results of a poll indicating his Republican primary-election challenger would have only a 50-50 chance of winning the general election.

Nelson up 10 points on Rep. Mack in Florida Senate race

The Hill

Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) has a double-digit lead over the Republicans hoping to oust him in November, a new poll showed. Nelson is up 10 points on Rep. Connie Mack (R-Fla.), the GOP front-runner to take on Nelson, in the Suffolk University/7News poll released Thursday.

Ohio treasurer continues missing deposit board meetings, attends US Senate campaign fundraiser

The Republic

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel was in Washington on Thursday to attend a $500-a-plate breakfast fundraiser for his U.S. Senate campaign, continuing his trend of skipping meetings of a board he chairs that handles billions of Ohio's deposits.

Thompson's assets top $13 million

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Tommy Thompson has said many times that he's done well financially since he left public office. Just how well is clear in the financial statement he plans to file Friday in Washington, a requirement of all U.S. Senate candidates.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin vows to fight for middle class as Wisconsin senator

Sheboyganpress.com

Visiting Sheboygan as part of local labor's annual kickoff, U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin said Saturday she would be an advocate for the middle class if elected. Baldwin, a Democratic U.S. representative, is among those seeking to fill the well-worn shoes of U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, who is not seeking re-election this year.

Newcomer Baumgartner aims high: Cantwell's Senate seat

The Seattle Times

After a year as a Washington state senator, Michael Baumgartner, 35, is looking for his next job: the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Maria Cantwell. He's the only Republican running so far, but the GOP has yet to fully embrace him.

Tommy Thomp$on Cashes In, Peddling Influence in Washington to the Tune of $13 MILLION

Quacks Like A Duck – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “While he was not a registered lobbyist at Akin Gump, he did work with a lobbyist at the firm serving the same clients.”

In the words of Mitt Romney, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. A new report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel removes any doubt about Tommy Thompson’s work as a Washington lobbyist with 13 million reasons that show how the Washington insider has gotten rich peddling influence since leaving the Bush Administration. According to the report, Thompson’s assets are now worth at least $13 million, “the lion's share of it amassed since he left his cabinet post as health and human services secretary,” and he has made $5.2 million since 2010, largely thanks to special interest clients and his work at a powerful Washington lobbying firm. The report also notes that while Thompson was “not a registered lobbyist at Akin Gump, he did work with a lobbyist at the firm serving the same clients,” a move that even fellow Republicans call the “oldest dodge in the book.”

“Tommy Thompson is insisting you call him an influence peddler instead of a registered lobbyist,” said Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “The fact of the matter is that after decades collecting a paycheck from taxpayers, Thompson cashed in and has made millions doing the bidding of special interests in Washington D.C. As governor, he helped cause the fiscal challenges Wisconsin faces today, and as an influence peddler, he is part of the problem in Washington, DC.”

The Journal Sentinel’s report shows that Thompson was paid “at least $5,000 by 33 different companies or groups” and that his salary from a big time Washington lobbying firm was over $770,000. The report also noted that “Thompson has kept close ties to the pharmaceutical and health care fields - industries he oversaw as a cabinet member. More than a dozen companies that he worked for have ties to those industries.”

“Even Republicans like Mitt Romney and Governor Chris Christie aren’t fooled by Tommy Thompson’s rhetoric when it comes to his work as a Washington lobbyist,” added Canter. “They recognize that influence peddlers like Thompson are just splitting hairs. The fact is that Thompson cashed in his decades in government for millions from special interests.”

BACKGROUND:

Thompson is a Partner in One of DC’s Most Influential Law and Lobbying Firms. Thompson is a partner at what the Wisconsin State Journal calls “one of Washington, D.C.'s most influential law firms.” [Akin Gump profile; Wisconsin State Journal, 11/16/08]

Thompson Quickly Assembled Largo Portfolio of Private Sector Positions in Sectors He Once Regulated. “Upon leaving his federal post in December 2004, Thompson quickly assembled a large portfolio of private sector positions, including partner in one of Washington, D.C.'s most influential law firms, board directorships on medical device and pharmaceutical companies he once regulated, and as an executive [of] a major federal contractor that provides health-care consulting services.” [Wisconsin State Journal, 11/16/08]

Romney Ridiculed Gingrich, Calling Him a Lobbyist: “If It Walks Like a Duck…”Yesterday, Romney “ridiculed Gingrich's insistence that the work amounted to little more than ‘strategic’ advice, as opposed to lobbying. ‘Saying that New Gingrich is a lobbyist is just a matter of fact. ... If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is a duck,’ Romney told reporters in Tampa. ‘We could see an October surprise a day from Newt Gingrich. Let's see the records.’” [CNN,1/23/12]

Romney Surrogate Chris Christie: “It’s the Oldest Dodge In the Book… He Can Call It Whatever He Wants to Call It, But That’s What It Is.” Sunday, on Meet the Press, Romney surrogate Chris Christie said of Gingrich’s claim not to be a lobbyist, “The speaker, and I heard his comments just now, a strategic adviser, that is the oldest Washington dodge in the book. That's because he didn't want to register as a lobbyist.., He got paid $1.6 million. First, he said he was a historian, now he's a strategic adviser. I mean, let's be serious. It's the oldest dodge in the book. He was using his influence that he obtained in public office to try to help them. That's why they paid him $1.6 million. He can call it whatever he wants to call it, but that's what it is.” [NBC, Meet the Press, 1/22/12]

Thompson Doubled State Spending, Added 8,500 Full-Time Workers To State Payroll. Reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “For years, former Gov. Tommy Thompson served as a kind of Ronald Reagan figure for Wisconsin conservatives, a North Star that Republicans looked to as a guide and ideal. . . . But as Thompson edges toward officially announcing a run for U.S. Senate, conservative critics such as the national Club for Growth are using attack ads to highlight another side of his record: A doubling of state spending during his long tenure, which planted the seeds of later deficits; and the addition of more than 8,500 full-time state workers.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 9/4/11]

Josh Mandel Makes History: Arrogant Pol Has Never Attended Deposit Board Meeting, Skips Another Meeting This Morning To Attend D.C. Fundraiser

Today’s No Show Comes One Day After New Report Pins Mandel As Only Ohio Treasurer in Modern Times To Miss Every Meeting During Tenure

Ohio’s absentee treasurer missed his thirteenth deposit board meeting today to attend a breakfast fundraiser in D.C. According to an AP report, published yesterday, Mandel is the only Ohio Treasurer in modern history to miss every single meeting of the deposit board, a board chaired by the state treasurer that the AP calls a “powerful but mundane state board that decides which banks will hold billions in state deposits.”

“Ohio’s absentee State Treasurer Josh Mandel continues to make history by flouting his job responsibilities since the day he came to office,” said Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “A year ago Josh Mandel took an oath to perform the responsibilities as treasurer, not to shamelessly use this office to further his own political career. Today, Mandel is skipping another board meeting in order to attend yet another D.C. fundraiser.”

Yesterday, POLITICO published an invitation for a D.C. fundraiser on behalf of Mandel set for 8 a.m. this morning -- just two hours before the next scheduled board of deposit meeting in Columbus.

Mandel arrived at the Capitol Hill fundraiser with aides in a chauffeured town car this morning more than 400 miles away from where the Board of Deposits was scheduled to meet.

Josh Mandel’s absence comes the day after the AP published a report pegging Mandel as the only State Treasurer in modern Ohio history to miss nearly every meeting of the Board of Deposit, a committee that the State Treasurer chairs.

“Meeting minutes, news clippings and interviews by The Associated Press show that every state treasurer since at least the early 1980s has some record of attending the Board of Deposit meetings in person,” the AP report reads.

Mandel’s absence from Board of Deposit meetings are not the only ways that Mandel has neglected his duties as State Treasurer.

“His public schedule since taking office in January 2011 was virtually devoid of appointments outside of staff meetings and speaking engagements in a year when he appeared at numerous out-of-state fundraiser,” the AP reported earlier this month.

“From his first days in office, Josh Mandel has been solely focused on advancing his political career, not his job as state treasurer. Josh Mandel owes it to Ohioans to come clean about the long record of absenteeism he acquired over the span of a year and why he has so flagrantly violated his commitment to Ohio voters,” added Canter.

BACKGROUND:

Mandel’s Schedule “Appears Light Through The First Half Of 2011, With Numerous Days” With A Meeting With Key Staffers And “Some Week Days Had No Events Or Meetings Listed At All.” In January 2012, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that “Mandel's schedule appears light through the first half of 2011, with numerous days when the only things scheduled were one or two meetings with key staffers. Some week days had no events or meetings listed at all. But the treasurer's office said in a cover letter that this denotes ‘unspecified’ blocks of time.” [Cleveland Plain Dealer, 1/20/2012]

Mandel’s Official Schedule “Almost Devoid Of Appointments Outside Of Staff Meetings And Speaking Engagements” While He Raises Money For Campaign; He’s “Yet to Hold a Single News Conference to Discuss” His Treasurer’s Work. In January 2012, the AP reported “During his first year as state treasurer, Ohio Republican Josh Mandel has been a man between two worlds, balancing duties of his first statewide office with a fledgling U.S. Senate campaign. Mandel has aggressively worked the fundraising and speaking circuit these past months … At the same time, his weekly calendars as state treasurer are almost devoid of appointments outside of staff meetings and speaking engagements. And he's yet to hold a single news conference to discuss the work he's doing for Ohioans.” [AP, 1/14/2012]

Associated Press: Ohio treasurer a no-show at deposit board meetings

By Julie Carr Smyth
1/25/12
http://www.cantonrep.com/newsnow/x690034312/Ohio-treasurer-a-no-show-at-deposit-board-meetings?zc_p=1

COLUMBUS — Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel hasn’t attended a single monthly meeting of the powerful but mundane state board that decides which banks will hold billions in state deposits, records show.

It’s common to send a designee to most meetings, but the total absence of Mandel, a first-term Republican, makes him unique among modern-era treasurers.

Meeting minutes, news clippings and interviews by The Associated Press show that every state treasurer since at least the early 1980s has some record of attending the Board of Deposit meetings in person. The treasurer serves as chairman.

Mandel spokesman Seth Unger said Mandel has a top-notch chief financial officer whom he sends to the meetings. Seth Metcalf, who also serves as Mandel’s general counsel, is a former tax and bond attorney with Squire, Sanders & Dempsey. He has a law degree from Cornell University Law School and extensive experience in finance.

Unger points to the treasury’s strong financial performance and high credit ratings as evidence that Mandel isn’t neglecting his duties. For instance, Fitch bestowed the highest possible short-term rating on Ohio general obligation bonds in November, just a day after downgrading the U.S. overall outlook.

“Josh is the hardest-working state treasurer in America and has a record of accomplishments and high credit ratings to back it up,” Unger said. “He’s always up to speed on Board of Deposit and other meetings.”

Unger said Mandel, a candidate for U.S. Senate, gained an appreciation for empowering strong leaders while serving as a U.S. Marine, and he’s put together an “exceptional staff.”

“As strong leaders do, he trusts his staff to represent him in certain office responsibilities while he focuses on a variety of important Treasurer’s Office work,” Unger said.

As he makes his bid against Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, Mandel has faced growing criticism for the schedule he keeps.

His public schedule since taking office in January 2011 was virtually devoid of appointments outside of staff meetings and speaking engagements in a year when he appeared at numerous out-of-state fundraisers. His office says documents don’t reflect all the meetings he attends.

Mandel has never made a formal Senate campaign announcement nor held a news conference as treasurer.

Ohio’s treasurer, attorney general and auditor all sit on the Board of Deposit, which meets monthly to designate which banks and financial institutions will hold state deposits, make interim investments of cash and authorize the payment of bank surcharges. Those familiar with the board say sending designees is common, and most of the board’s business is determined ahead of time.

However, minutes and annual reports posted on Mandel’s website indicate past treasurers have shown up.

Democrat Kevin Boyce and Republican Jennette Bradley both attended the board’s monthly meetings less than half the time. Democrat Richard Cordray almost always went.

Earlier treasurers Ken Blackwell, Joe Deters and Mary Ellen Withrow all attended at least occasionally, according to interviews and news accounts.

Blackwell’s daughter Kristin, then 12, appeared on her father’s behalf in 1995 to accept a community service award from the Urban League in Cincinnati. She said her father couldn’t make it because he was presiding over the Board of Deposit.

“I am here to give you firsthand testimony that he is a tight-fisted, penny-pinching, conservative bean counter,” Kristin was quoted as saying at the time. “I know that because I haven’t had a cost-of-living increase in my allowance since I was 5 years old.”

When Withrow chaired the deposit board, things at times got heated.

In 1993, Auditor Thomas Ferguson, a fellow Democrat, advanced a proposal capping the number of years a single bank could hold assets of certain accounts at six years. He said he was concerned about fairness, and giving certain banks an edge on the lucrative business.

It was at a board meeting that Withrow and then-Attorney General Lee Fisher rejected Ferguson’s resolution.

Wisconsin Republicans Race to the Right -- Senate Hopefuls Embrace Unpopular Scott Walker

Republican Field Tie Themselves to Unpopular Radical Governor, Strategy Will Hurt Them In General

Tommy Thompson, Jeff Fitzgerald, and Mark Neumann spent the weekend going to bat for Scott Walker and his reckless, anti-middle class agenda, a move that the three might hope scores them points with fringe primary voters but will most definitely turn off the majority of Wisconsin voters. In fact, Wisconsin voters are so overwhelmingly opposed to Walker’s reckless agenda that a recent poll of Wisconsin residents shows that 58% support recalling the Governor because of his attacks on middle class families.

“Scott Walker has spent more than a year pushing a reckless, anti-middle class agenda that couldn’t be more dangerous for Wisconsin families. Now Tommy Thompson, Jeff Fitzgerald and Mark Neumann are all giving Walker and his radical policies a bear hug. This might be good politics for the primary, but it will hurt each of these candidates in a general election,” said Matt Canter, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Scott Walker has spent more than a year pushing dangerous anti-middle class proposals, cutting quality education, access to affordable health care, and stripping Wisconsin’s workforce from collective bargaining rights.

On Saturday, Tommy Thompson, Jeff Fitzgerald and Mark Neumann all appeared at a Scott Walker rally where they each took turns touting the Governor’s agenda and pandering to his right wing supporters.

“It’s no surprise to see that Tommy Thompson, Jeff Fitzgerald and Mark Neumann will do anything they can to try and score political points, even if it means embracing Scott Walker’s reckless, anti-middle class agenda. But the fact remains that these three Republicans represent the kind of extreme agenda and reckless attacks on families that Wisconsin can’t afford more of right now. That’s a message that Wisconsin Republicans can expect to hear loud and clear later this year,” added Canter.

BACKGROUND:

Hotline: Republican Senate Candidates Rushing To Align Themselves With Walker. Reported the National Journal’s Hotline, “‘Scott Walker is my governor, Scott Walker is your governor, Scott Walker is our governor. stand with Scott Walker’ -- that's from Senate candidate and former Rep. Mark Neumann at a pro-Walker rally over the weekend. Yep, same Neumann who challenged Walker in the governor's race in 2010, irking some Republicans in the closing stages of the race. It's yet another sign of the extent to which the Republican Senate candidates are trying to align themselves with the governor in advance of the all but certain recall election he will face this year.” [Hotline, National Journal, 1/23/12]

Thompson Delivered Fiery Speech In Support Of Walker. Reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in January 2012, “Former Gov. Tommy Thompson gave a fiery speech Saturday to back Gov. Scott Walker. Thompson, running in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, said Walker ‘stood up to the union bosses, turned the state around and created opportunity.’ . . . ‘We are a red state and we are not going to let them take it back to a blue state,’ Thompson said. ‘We are Wisconsin. We are Republicans. We're taking our state back. The only thing better than Scott Walker winning the first time is Scott Walker winning the second time. We are going to show them once and for all that we are for real and we are not going back.’ ‘W is for Win, W is for Walker and W is for Wisconsin,’ he said.” [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 1/21/12]

National Journal’s Hotline: Fitzgerald Likely To Pitch Himself As Party Loyalist, Tied Himself Closely To Walker In Recall. Reported the National Journal’s Hotline, “Part of Fitzgerald's strength lies in his close ties to Gov. Scott Walker and his involvement in the first round of recalls earlier this year. As the fight over the signature gathering process in the recall effort against Walker heats up, Fitzgerald is in the mix once again. . . . Even though his bill won't affect the current recall effort, it shows a sense of involvement in the current battle. Look for Fitzgerald to pitch himself as a strong party loyalist as the recall process heats up.” [Hotline, National Journal, 12/16/11]

August 2011: Thompson Aide Slammed Neumann For “Trashing, Actually Lying” About Walker During Gubernatorial Campaign. Reported Politico, “McCoshen and Klauser both invoke Neumann's unsuccessful bid against Gov. Scott Walker, telegraphing that they will wield the electability argument against the former congressman. ‘While I initially was encouraged by your gubernatorial campaign, I withdrew my support for your candidacy because you were trashing, actually lying, about Scott Walker’s record as county executive. You were telling people that Scott was responsible for tax increases in Milwaukee County. That was rather bald-faced,’ Klauser writes in his biting letter. ‘Something else distinguishes Tommy from the rest of the field, including you. He has been elected statewide four times (You lost twice didn’t you?) He knows how to put a campaign together; he knows what it takes.’” [Politico, 8/23/11]

December 2011: Neumann Attended Pro-Walker, Anti-Recall Rally. Reported Wisconsin Public Radio, “People at a rally in western Wisconsin this weekend said they want to see Gov. Walker serve out his full term and fight off a recall attempt. A crowd rally organizers estimate at nearly 400 gathered in the Ramada Convention Center in downtown Eau Claire Saturday afternoon. . . . Also speaking was Mark Neumann, who's running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Herb Kohl. Neumann said keeping conservative momentum going in the state is paramount. ‘That Senate seat, it's very important, but before we get to that Senate seat we need to make sure that Scott Walker remains the governor of the state of Wisconsin,’ he said.” [Wisconsin Public Radio, 12/5/11]

Romney, Surrogates Attack “Lobbyist” and “Influence Peddler” Types Like Pete Hoekstra

Leading Republicans Condemn Washington Insiders Like Pete Hoekstra who Peddle Influence For Special Interest Clients

Mitt Romney and leading Republicans are blasting “lobbyists” like Pete Hoekstra for peddling influence in Washington on behalf of special interests, a move that shows even Republicans are disgusted with the way Washington insiders have padded their pockets since leaving Congress. In just the last three days, Mitt Romney and his campaign’s leading surrogates have launched scathing attacks against Newt Gingrich for doing exactly what Pete Hoekstra has done, using “the oldest dodge in the book” to avoid registering as a lobbyist, even though they’re getting paid big bucks from Washington lobbying shops to do the bidding of special interests.

“Even Mitt Romney is disgusted with the way Pete Hoekstra types have cashed in and got rich ‘selling influence around Washington’ on behalf of special interest clients,” said Shripal Shah, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “It looks like Mr. Revolving Door Pete Hoekstra isn’t fooling anyone, not even his party’s presidential front-runner; he’s nothing but a lackey for the special interests who line his pockets for doing their bidding in Washington. That’s the last thing Michigan needs in the Senate.”

After leaving Congress, Pete Hoekstra sold out to the highest bidder, a powerful Washington lobbying firm that pays him hundreds of thousands of dollars to do what he does best – peddle influence on behalf of special interests, just like he did when he was in Congress. And while Hoekstra’s experience in the area of Washington influence peddling may have landed him a huge paycheck, Republicans and Democrats agree lobbyist-types pushing a special interest agenda are the last thing Washington needs more of.

“Pete Hoekstra’s experience peddling influence might make him a great lobbyist for special interests but he’d make a terrible Senator for Michigan families. Michiganders need a Senator that will stand up for them, not someone like Pete Hoekstra whose special interest agenda is all that’s on his mind,” added Shah.

BACKGROUND:

Hoekstra Joined Lobbying Firm in February 2011. In February, Hoekstra joined the law and lobbying firm Dickstein Shapiro as a “part-time” “senior advisor” focusing on “advising national security and defense firms.” [Holland Sentinel, 2/02/11]

Hoekstra Made $240,000 in Just Eight Months at Lobbying Firm. In 2011, the Detroit News reported Hoekstra has made $240,000 from Dickstein Shapiro, a Washington law and lobbying firm, according to belated financial disclosure reports filed by the U.S. Senate candidate. [Detroit News,12/05/11]

Romney Ridiculed Gingrich, Calling Him a Lobbyist: “If It Walks Like a Duck…”Yesterday, Romney “ridiculed Gingrich's insistence that the work amounted to little more than ‘strategic’ advice, as opposed to lobbying. ‘Saying that New Gingrich is a lobbyist is just a matter of fact. ... If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is a duck,’ Romney told reporters in Tampa. ‘We could see an October surprise a day from Newt Gingrich. Let's see the records.’” [CNN,1/23/12]

Romney Surrogate Chris Christie: “It’s the Oldest Dodge In the Book… He Can Call It Whatever He Wants to Call It, But That’s What It Is.” Sunday, on Meet the Press, Romney surrogate Chris Christie said of Gingrich’s claim not to be a lobbyist, “The speaker, and I heard his comments just now, a strategic adviser, that is the oldest Washington dodge in the book. That's because he didn't want to register as a lobbyist.., He got paid $1.6 million. First, he said he was a historian, now he's a strategic adviser. I mean, let's be serious. It's the oldest dodge in the book. He was using his influence that he obtained in public office to try to help them. That's why they paid him $1.6 million. He can call it whatever he wants to call it, but that's what it is.” [NBC, Meet the Press, 1/22/12]

Romney, Surrogates Attack “Lobbyist” And "Influence Peddler" Types Like Tommy Thompson

Leading Republicans Condemn Washington Insiders Like Tommy Thompson who Peddle Influence For Special Interest Clients

Mitt Romney and leading Republican are blasting “lobbyists” like Tommy Thompson for peddling influence in Washington on behalf of special interests, a move that shows even Republicans are disgusted with the way Washington insiders have padded their pockets since leaving town. In just the last three days, Mitt Romney and his campaign’s leading surrogates have launched scathing attacks against Newt Gingrich for doing exactly what Tommy Thompson has done, used “the oldest dodge in the book” and avoided registering as a lobbyist, even though they’re getting paid big bucks from Washington special interests to do their bidding.

“Even Mitt Romney is disgusted with the way Tommy Thompson types cashed in and got rich ‘selling influence around Washington’ on behalf of special interest clients,” said Shripal Shah, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. “It looks like Tommy Thompson isn’t fooling anyone, not even his party’s presidential frontrunner; he’s nothing but a lackey for the special interests who line his pockets for doing their bidding in Washington. That’s the last thing Wisconsin needs in the Senate.”

After leaving Washington, Tommy Thompson sold out to the highest bidder, a powerful Washington lobbying firm that pays him hundreds of thousands of dollars to do what he does best – peddle influence on behalf of special interests, just like he has done his entire career. And while Thompson’s experience in the area of Washington influence peddling may have landed him a huge paycheck, Republicans and Democrats agree lobbyist-types pushing a special interest agenda are the last thing Washington needs more of.

“Tommy Thompson’s experience peddling influence might make him a great lobbyist for special interests but he’d make a terrible Senator for Wisconsin families. Wisconsin needs a Senator that will stand up for them, not someone like Tommy Thompson whose special interest agenda is all that’s on his mind,” added Shah.

BACKGROUND:

Thompson is a Partner in One of DC’s Most Influential Law and Lobbying Firms. Thompson is a partner at what the Wisconsin State Journal calls “one of Washington, D.C.'s most influential law firms.” [Akin Gump profile; Wisconsin State Journal, 11/16/08]

In 2007, Thompson earned $1.1 million in a year and a half at lobbying firm. In his Senate race, Thompson has thus far refused to disclose his current financial interests. [AP, 8/15/07; TMJ4.com, 11/30/11]

Thompson Quickly Assembled Largo Portfolio of Private Sector Positions in Sectors He Once Regulated. “Upon leaving his federal post in December 2004, Thompson quickly assembled a large portfolio of private sector positions, including partner in one of Washington, D.C.'s most influential law firms, board directorships on medical device and pharmaceutical companies he once regulated, and as an executive [of] a major federal contractor that provides health-care consulting services.” [Wisconsin State Journal, 11/16/08]

203 Times

DSCC Rant

The GOP’s stated goal is to destroy President Obama, and their weapon of choice is the Senate filibuster. This could all begin to change. But Senate Democrats need to know they’ve got your support – and the support of thousands of other grassroots activists demanding change. Stand with Democrats to reform the filibuster.

Sign our petition. Stand with Democratic senators, and show your support for filibuster reform. The nation’s business shouldn’t be held hostage by GOP political games.

Republicans have filibustered 203 times since Democrats won the majority in 2007 – twice as often as in the four previous years.

It’s one thing for Republicans to oppose bills they fundamentally disagree with. It’s quite another for Republicans to block bills they’re on record as supporting – just to prevent President Obama’s success and try to poke Democrats in the eye.

Now Democrats have the best chance in years to change the GOP's business as usual, and they need your help.

Sign our petition. Stand with Democratic senators to show your support for filibuster reform!

Show your support to modify Senate rules so Republicans must own up to their obstinacy. Progress depends on it.

Colorado Called for Sen. Bennet, Murray Win in WA “More Likely Than Not”

The Denver Post has called the Colorado Senate race for Democrat Michael Bennet, who currently leads by 7,000 votes with the remainder of uncounted votes in Democratic-friendly Boulder County:

Appointed U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet will be elected to the U.S. Senate after pulling ahead of challenger Ken Buck this morning.

Long after most Coloradans -- including the candidates and their supporters -- had gone to bed, returns from Denver and Boulder moved Bennet past Buck and into the lead, 47.5 percent to 47.1 percent.

A recount would be required if the difference between the two candidates' vote totals is less than one-half of 1 percent of the highest vote total, or about 3,900 votes based on current tallies.

Bennet leads by nearly 7,000 votes with an estimated 30,000 still to be counted in Boulder County.

Meanwhile, Nate Silver, numbers guru for the New York Times’ FiveThirtyEight blog, states that a Democratic win is “more likely than not” in the oustanding Washington Senate race:

Several races remain uncalled. County-by-county extrapolations suggest that Democrats are more likely than not to win the Senate races in both Colorado and Washington once all the votes are counted…

A message from Senator Franken...

Senator Al Franken just sent this message to DSCC supporters...

Dear Friend,

Here are two thought experiments. Indulge me, won’t you?

It’s the morning after Election Day. 8 a.m. You stumble out of bed. Make some oatmeal. Turn on the TV to find out what happened in that Senate race, the one that was too close to call all night. But you gave $5 to the DSCC by clicking on this link. And, lo and behold, your favorite Democrat — maybe Russ Feingold or Patty Murray — pulled it out by a few votes. Oatmeal never tasted so sweet.

But there’s another way it could go. 8 a.m. Oatmeal. TV. But in this example, you DIDN’T give to the DSCC. And, by a few hundred votes, some Tea Party extremist is now a U.S. Senator-elect — and Republicans have captured the majority. How’s that oatmeal taste now?

You still have time to decide which scenario will become reality. But when I say “time,” I don’t mean days. I mean minutes. Don’t wait for tomorrow. Don’t even wait to read the rest of this email. Click here right now and make a contribution of $5 or more — it will be matched two to one, tripling its impact!

You’ve seen the polls — we’re neck and neck in race after race. Moving the numbers just a little bit could mean the difference between victory and defeat — trust me, I’ve been there.

And nobody moves numbers like the DSCC. Thanks to people like you clicking on links like this one, we’ve pulled ahead in California and Connecticut and tied it up in Colorado and Pennsylvania.

But with just hours to go until the polls close, every minute counts. Your contribution won’t be funding some far-off future plan — it’ll be the money that goes out the door first thing tomorrow. It could be your $5 that makes the difference for Barbara Boxer, keeps Sharron Angle or Rand Paul out of the Senate, or even saves our majority.

So make a contribution of $5 or more to the DSCC right now — it’ll be on the air in a battleground state or in the field as part of a get-out-the-vote program by tomorrow morning. And, even better, it will be matched two-to-one, tripling its impact.

If you want to know why I’m standing with the DSCC in the final days of this election, here’s why: On November 3, I don’t want my oatmeal to taste like regret. I want my oatmeal to taste like victory.

How about you?

Thanks,

Al Franken

A message from Senator Franken

Senator Al Franken just sent this message to DSCC supporters...

Dear Friend,

Friend,
can you
contribute
$5 today?

Take it from a guy who won his race by 312 votes - the five minutes it'll take you to make a contribution to the DSCC could make the difference between winning or losing in any of the 15 races that are still up for grabs - like in Nevada and Illinois, where the margin is just 3 points.

But we're running out of time. With the GOP smear machine in overdrive and voters in many states already casting their ballots, every day - every hour - you don't take action is time we can't afford to waste.

It will only take ten seats for the GOP to take the Senate and implement the radical Tea Party agenda: selling our country out to big corporations, shortchanging the middle class, and doing everything they can to bring down President Obama.

But it will only take you five minutes to stop them.

You can make a difference, but you'd better make it quick - we've got 11 days. Please take the next five minutes and stop the Tea Party by helping the DSCC reach its goal of $550,000 by Sunday. Make your $5 or more contribution right now, and it will be matched, doubling your impact.

These folks know what they're doing - the DSCC has gone up on the air in 10 states, and we're now ahead in 9 of them.

Joe Manchin was down in West Virginia; now he's up. Joe Sestak was trailing in Pennsylvania; now he's nosed ahead. Dick Blumenthal was neck and neck with WWE honcho Linda McMahon in Connecticut; now he's beginning to pull away.

We can win this thing. We can stop the Tea Party. But to do it, we have to fight for every single one of these 15 razor-tight races. And that means we need you to step up to the plate right now.

Because the sad truth is, if the DSCC can't meet its goal of $550,000 by Sunday, some races are going to be left behind. Some votes are going to be left on the field. And that could be enough to cost us the majority. Don't let that happen - contribute $5 or more today, and your gift will be matched!

Barbara Boxer, Russ Feingold, Patty Murray: Any of these great Democrats could end up in a race as close as mine. Any of these 15 races could swing the Senate majority. And that means even a small contribution could make a very big difference

But with just 11 days to go, you're almost out of time. Good thing it'll only take five minutes.

Thanks for supporting Democrats,

Sen. Al Franken

A message from Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton just sent this message to DSCC supporters:

Dear Friend,

12 days from Election Day, and you’ve got to hand it to the Republicans — they’re honest. They say in no uncertain terms what they’d do if they get control of Congress.

Exactly what they did before. All that bad economic policy that got us into this mess? There’ll be a lot more of it if they win. So we need to come together right now and stop these guys before it’s too late. I need your help immediately.

The pundits say we’re going to get clobbered — but there are 15 Senate races that could go either way. If they win 10, they take control of the Senate. Yes, it’s that close.

That’s why what you do this second matters. Please make an immediate contribution to the DSCC. The DSCC must raise $300,000 by midnight tonight to move some of these tight races our direction, and they can’t do it without your help.

Please click here and make an immediate $5 donation to the DSCC. There’s no path to victory unless the DSCC raises $300,000 by midnight tonight. Meeting this goal is so important that if you give today, your gift will be matched—doubling your impact. Let’s stop all the prognosticating and prove we can win.

We Democrats have a sensible plan to create jobs in small business, manufacturing, clean energy, and infrastructure, and to bring the budget back into balance as the economy grows.

Republicans are resting their political hopes on three things: anger, apathy and amnesia. We Democrats don’t work that way. We come up with solutions. So why don’t we come up with a solution to this problem we’re facing right now—the problem of this upcoming election? How are we going to stop the anger, apathy and amnesia and get people to look at the issues?

The answer is for each and every one of us to remember what it’s like to live under Republican control. And when we do that, we’ll realize that we have to give as much as we can right now to the DSCC, which can help bring the issues to the fore and get our Democratic candidates elected.

Click here to make an immediate $5 contribution to the DSCC. They simply must raise $300,000 by midnight tonight so Democratic candidates have the resources they need to compete in these tight races. Meeting this goal is so important that if you give today, your gift will be matched—doubling your impact.

Remember, folks, if we don’t win in November, here are some of the Republicans’ “solutions” to our current economic crisis that we’ll have to live with: cut taxes for the wealthy, give handouts to corporations and deregulate the financial sector. That’s right. They want to repeal our financial oversight bill that limits risky, job killing lending and bans future bailouts. They want to add $100 billion to the debt by repealing health care reform and giving control back to health insurance companies. They want to repeal landmark student loan reform, to make college more expensive, loans harder to repay, and add $60 billion to the debt. They want to cut $100 billion from education, the environment, clean air, food safety, air traffic control and homeland security and still increase the debt another $1 trillion. Correct me if I’m wrong, but haven’t we seen all this before? Aren’t these the kinds of policies that put us in this hole to begin with?

If I can leave you with one thought, it’s this: You can make a difference. You can give $5, $10 or $20 to the DSCC. You can get out and talk to your friends. And you can hold your head up high and work for a better America.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton

Polling update

Brand new polls released last night that you have to see:

* KY: Jack Conway is now leading Rand Paul 49-47.

* IL: Alexi Giannoulias still up 43-40 in the race for President Obama’s old seat

* WI: Feingold has surged into a statistical tie against Tea Partier Ron Johnson, 49-47.

We’re on the verge here of a complete turnaround from a month ago. Because we’ve had the money we’ve gone on the air and with 13 days to go, we have 9 races within 2 percentage points. People have clicked, donated, and numbers have moved. We’re so close, but if we don’t hit this goal we’ll see our gains slip away.

We need $212K by midnight to keep pace and keep these numbers moving in the right direction in these final days.

Chip in $5. If we have the money we can win. If we don’t, we can’t even fight.

A Message From Barack Obama

Barack Obama just sent this message to DSCC supporters:

Dear Friend,

You've always defied the cynics.

You overcame the big money special interests. We tackled the big issues. And together, we prevailed over long odds to win the presidency.

The naysayers were wrong then. They're wrong now - but we only have 15 days to prove it.

Now they claim we aren't fired up like before. They say Republicans are riding a wave of frustration and anger all the way to November.

It's time to finish the job we started on that cold D.C. January morning.

I'm counting on the DSCC to win the 15 Senate seats still up for grabs over these last 15 days. But they need $919,100 before midnight Thursday to unleash a massive GOTV blitz this weekend.

Remember, every dollar given today is matched, doubling your impact on Election Day.

Click here to rush $5 or more to the DSCC before midnight Thursday. I'm counting on the DSCC to win the 15 races going right down to the wire, and they need your help.

The last time Republicans were in power, we all saw that their approach just didn't work. Cutting taxes for millionaires and billionaires, cutting regulations for special interests, cutting back on investments and education and clean energy: We've been there, done that.

These Republicans haven't changed their agenda. They aren't offering new ideas. They're just selling the same old snake oil they've been peddling for years. But the pundits think that they can win anyway - if Democrats like you don't step up.

I know we're a long way from the hope and excitement we felt when we proved the conventional wisdom wrong two years ago. But that victory wasn't the end of the road - it was the beginning. And the success of our mission depends on what you do in the next 15 days.

The DSCC has already begun to shift momentum in our favor in critical races - but Republicans only need to win 10 of the 15 seats up for grabs to take the majority. I'm counting on you to step up and help the DSCC meet its goal of $919,100 by midnight Thursday. Please give today and your contribution will be matched, doubling your impact.

I know we're being tested right now. But if you keep moving forward in the face of difficulty, we will win this election. We have 15 days to prove the conventional wisdom wrong once again. And, once again, I'm betting on you.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama

A Message from Joe Biden

Joe Biden just sent this message to DSCC Supporters:

Dear Friend,

We're only 19 days out - a critical moment in the battle for the Senate.

15 races are within 5 points, and Republicans only need 10 for the majority. That’s why I need your help. In the last two years, President Obama and I have stood with the middle class against health insurance companies, oil companies and Wall Street banks.

Now, those special interests want payback. Outside groups are betting that their resources will guarantee victory for the Republican Party.

But we have three things they'll never have. We have a record of accomplishment, we have the DSCC, and we have all of you. And the polls have shifted in our favor, because you’ve helped the DSCC get on the air and fight back.

And we need you now more than ever.

We're only 19 days from the election, and we have a fundraising goal of $136,500 by midnight tonight. Whether we make this goal will determine if we have the strength to go the distance - 15 races are within 5 points. Please donate $5 or more to the DSCC and help us defend our majority. Every dollar you give will be matched - doubling your impact.

We know we can do this – because we’ve done it before. They said President Obama wouldn’t get elected. We proved them wrong. They doubted the Iraq War would end, but combat missions have come to a close. They said health care wouldn’t pass, but Americans are already seeing its benefits.

They doubted – but I never doubted. That’s because I know what we can accomplish together. And now, we must work together to keep moving forward.

Senators have an incredible opportunity to make progress, or to halt it. I've seen the DSCC at work, there's no organization more effective at getting Democrats elected to the Senate. I know what the pundits are saying. I know the talking heads are busy saying Democrats are finished. But I'm living proof that at the end of the day, a poll is not a destiny. During my first race for Senate, I only led once: on Election Day.

Election Day is 19 days away, polls are tightening, and time is running out. The DSCC must raise $136,500 by midnight tonight. Donate $5 or more and your contribution will be matched, effectively doubling the impact of your dollars and going even further to help Democrats hold our all-important Senate majority.

President Obama and I are proud of our record of accomplishment - saving the economy from depression, reforming health care, getting tough on Wall Street. We know it's not enough. But we also know that if we want to make even more progress, we need to hold our majority.

Please donate today, and help us continue to make progress.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden

You could win a chance to meet Michelle Obama...

DSCC Executive Director J.B. Poersch just sent this message to DSCC supporters:

Dear Friend,

How would you like to meet Michelle Obama?

I've got two tickets to an event with the First Lady on Oct. 27 in sunny Los Angeles, and I'd like you and a friend to have a chance to meet her and get a photo taken together. That's a keeper.

Click here to enter for a chance to meet and have your photo taken with First Lady Michelle Obama. We'll pay for airfare and a hotel. Just choose a friend to tag along, and start packing!

By entering the sweepstakes, you are also helping the DSCC have the resources it needs to fight Republican attempts to take our Senate majority and halt President Obama's agenda. Every dollar you give makes a winning difference on the ground - whether it's educating voters in Nevada, knocking on doors in Colorado or getting Pennsylvania Democrats to the polls. We're only 20 days out, so your help now could be what wins one of these close contests.

And now, a lucky member of the DSCC's network of grassroots supporters will get to meet Michelle Obama. It could be you, but not if you don't enter!

Click here to enter for a chance to meet and have your photo taken with First Lady Michelle Obama. We'll pay for airfare and a hotel. Just choose a friend to tag along, and start packing!

Meeting Michelle Obama in Los Angeles. What true-blue Democrat wouldn't jump at that chance? Enter today!

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J.B. Poersch

*Sweepstakes Statement

No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win.
Void where prohibited. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents, who are legal residents of 50 United States or District of Columbia and 18 or older (or age of majority under applicable law). Entries must be received by 11:59 pm, October 19, 2010. You may enter by contributing to Sponsor through dscc.org/MichelleObama. Alternatively, click here to enter without contributing. One winner will receive the following prize package: two round-trip tickets within the continental U.S. to Los Angeles, CA; hotel accommodations for two; and attendance at a reception with Michelle Obama (approximate retail value of prize package $3,350). Winner's guest must be 18 or older (or age of majority under applicable law) and meet other requirements described in the Official Rules. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Promotion subject to Official Rules. Sponsor: Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Inc., 120 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002.

A Message from Madeleine Albright...

Madeleine Albright just sent this message to DSCC supporters:

Dear Friend,

In just a year and a half, President Obama has ended combat operations in Iraq, restored our leadership on the global stage on issues like climate change and human rights, and begun to repair a reputation badly damaged by eight years under George W. Bush.

But in 21 days, Republicans want to reverse our course and destroy all President Obama has built. With 15 Senate races within 5 points - and the GOP needing only 10 wins to take the majority - we need your immediate help to stop them.

Every seat counts – and every grassroots donation counts. The DSCC must raise $835,300 by midnight Thursday to fight back against the onslaught of Republican attacks. The money you give today can make a difference tomorrow –the growing Democratic strength in Colorado, California and Washington state is proof of your power. But missing this goal could lose us a seat – and the majority.

The DSCC must raise $835,300 by midnight Thursday -or some states may have to be left behind in the critical final days of the campaign. And with 15 races up for grabs, that could mean handing vital seats to the GOP. Don't let that happen-make your contribution of $5 or more right now!

I strongly support the DSCC because, with corporate special interests pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into attack ads against Democrats, the DSCC's nearly half million grassroots supporters represent our best chance to win. In fact, those supporters have already helped to shift the momentum in several key races.

We cannot forget that the GOP needs just 10 of these 15 close races in order to seize control of the Senate. Every seat counts, and every dollar matters, so a contribution of any size will make a difference. If we do not act now, it will soon be too late.

We cannot afford to go back to a foreign policy that squanders our global prestige and betrays our true interests and ideals. That means you and I cannot afford to turn our backs on any Democrat willing to support President Obama's vision for a stronger America - not when so much of that vision has already been realized in just a year and a half. We must be able to fight for every seat.

In order to do that, the DSCC must have your contribution in hand by midnight on Thursday. So please help them reach their goal of $835,300 by making your donation of $5 or more right now.

Please stand with the DSCC today. Thank you for your support of this president and this party.

Sincerely,

Madeleine Albright

A Message from Donna Brazile...

Donna Brazile just sent this message to DSCC supporters...

Dear Friend,

If these Tea Partiers win, they'll come to Washington with this agenda: Stop President Obama, and stick it to the middle class.

They're campaigning exactly how they'll govern - with misleading information and wild-eyed distortions, personal invective and rampant vitriol. Fifteen races are within five points, and the Republicans only need 10 to take control of the Senate. With just 24 days until Election Day, if we don't act now and fight back with everything we've got, we could lose these competitive races.

The DSCC needs to raise $375,500 before midnight Sunday. They don't have a bunch of third-party shadow groups to foot the bill for this election. They're counting 100 percent on you - the grassroots. So the decision you make right now, whether to click on the link below or not, will help decide the outcome on November 2.

Click here to donate $5 or more and join the nearly 500,000 donors who've already given to the DSCC. Your donation is needed so they can reach their goal of raising $375,500 before midnight Sunday.

I'm not giving up on the progress we've made, and neither are the nearly half million donors who've already made a contribution to the DSCC. In fact, those donations are already paying off. In states like Colorado, Illinois and Missouri, we've seen a jump in our numbers. But we have to get to all those other tight races, and it's up to you to get us there.

Fifteen races are up for grabs, and the GOP only needs to win 10 of them. That means we're just 10 races away from a major disruption to the movement we began just two years ago.

This moment is do or die. If you don't act now, we could actually lose these competitive races.

Click here to donate $5 or more to the DSCC and help them reach their goal of raising $375,500 before Sunday. Your contribution will be put to immediate use in winning these key races.

Their candidates want to shut down the government, upend the Civil Rights Act, end unemployment assistance and abolish Social Security. But Democrats are a community. We care for one another and believe in working together.

I'm proud to be a part of the community working to win this election. Together, we can keep moving forward. I hope you'll join us.

Sincerely,

Donna Brazile