Outcome prediction for the 24th District CA race – Pallant leads

Here is the activity across Actblue.com.  While this merely indicates donation activity, it may be suggestive of the final outcome of today’s election.  Mary Pallant is clearly coming out ahead and shows the most serious intention to step forward for the Democrats of the 24th Congressional District.

Mary Pallant

• See who’s raising
• Go to website

Raised across ActBlue: 81 supporters – raised $5,465

Jill Martinez

• See who’s raising

Raised across ActBlue: 8 supporters – raised $775

Marta Jorgensen

• See who’s raising

Raised across ActBlue: 2 supporters – raised $75

Progressive Democrats of America Urgent Action Items:

Tomorrow, five of our endorsed Healthcare NOT Warfare candidates face primary contests. In California, Mary Pallant (CD 24), Cheryl Ede (CD 50), Vickie Butcher (CD 52), and Mike Copass (CD 53) are busy getting out the vote, and in Iowa, Ed Fallon is poised to take out an inside-the-beltway corporate Democrat in the 3rd Congressional District. For those living in or near these CDs, please contact the campaigns to see how you can help our candidates win tomorrow.

The Copass campaign is operating a virtual phone bank. Mike’s campaign is really gaining momentum in the final days of the primary campaign–for those of you living outside of these districts, please contact Judy@pdamerica.org to help push Mike over the top.

Here’s the June schedule of Issue Organizing Team Conference Calls.  Please follow the links and register to attend the call, so we can get back to you with relevant information, if necessary. Click here for the current list of Focus Group calls. (If you’ve registered before, just enter your name, state, and email address.)

Finally, in coalition with democrats.com, afterdowningstreet.org, and many others, we ask you to take action immediately on the Senate version of the Supplemental War Appropriations Bill, which will be taken up by the House very soon. The Senate version added the Iraq funding back in and withdrew the timeline language.

26 Senators voted NO on the combined bill.  Please thank them, and let them know we had hoped for a filibuster to stop the funding altogether.  Find how your Senators voted here.

3 weeks ago, 149 House members voted NO on more funding!  That’s nearly double the number we expected.  Thank them, and ask them to VOTE NO again.  Find out how they voted, here.

We need 69 more NO VOTES to STOP THE FUNDING and force a change in the military presence in Iraq. If your representative voted no the first time, then please call and ask, plead, demand they vote no on the Senate version.

You can contact your Senators and members of Congress at the Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121.

Our combined efforts really made a difference last time and we can make a difference this time.  It is important to keep this issue front and center during this campaign cycle. There’s nothing more the Republicans want than to move the Iraq Occupation to the back burner–let’s hold their feet to the fire, and burn up the Capitol Switchboard with our calls to stop funding the Iraq Occupation and bring our troops home!

Yours in the movement,

Tim Carpenter
National Director

Mary Pallant gains State Senator Sheila Kuehl’s endorsement! (CA 24)

Mary Pallant’s campaign got a big new boost today: the endorsement of progressive CA State Senator Sheila Kuehl.

State Senator Kuehl has progressive credentials most of us can only dream of. She has been an incredible advocate for issues across the progressive spectrum from universal healthcare to the environment to civil rights. Her signature issue of late has been the passage of SB 840, the California Universal Healthcare Act. Sheila’s bio speaks for itself, of course:

Sheila James Kuehl was elected to the State Senate in 2000 and again in 2004 after serving for six years in the State Assembly. During the 1997-98 legislative session, she was the first woman in California history to be named Speaker pro Tempore of the Assembly. A former pioneering civil rights attorney and law professor, Sen. Kuehl represents the 23rd Senate District in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. She is the chair of the Senate Health Committee and sits on the Agriculture, Appropriations, Environmental Quality, Joint Rules, Judiciary, Labor and Employment, and Natural Resources and Water Committees. Ms. Kuehl is also chair of the Select Committee on School Safety and Chair of the Select Committee on the Health Effects of Radioactive and Chemical Contamination. Senator Kuehl served as chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee from 2000-2006.In her thirteen years in the State Legislature, Sen. Kuehl has authored 171 bills that have been signed into law, including legislation to establish paid family leave, establish the rights contained in Roe vs. Wade in California statute, overhaul California’s child support services system; establish nurse to patient ratios in every hospital; require that housing developments of more than 500 units have identified sources of water; further protect domestic violence victims and their children; prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender and disability in the workplace and sexual orientation in education; increase the rights of crime victims; safeguard the environment and drinking water; many, many others. Since 2003, she has led the fight in the legislature to achieve true universal health care in California, and, in 2006, brought SB 840, the California Universal Healthcare Act, to the Governor’s desk, the first time in U.S. history a single-payer healthcare bill had gone so far. Undaunted by its veto, Senator Kuehl continues to work to bring universal, affordable, quality health care to all Californians.

The Mary Pallant campaign is obviously honored to have State Senator Kuehl’s endorsement. As the true progressive in the race to unseat Elton Gallegly in CA-24, the endorsement is a perfect fit for us in our quest to give this district the sort of progressive representation its people deserve.

State Senator Kuehl is another in a long line of Democrats to support Mary’s campaign as we head into the decisive June 3rd primary. See list of Pallant endorsements

Jill Martinez campaign removing opponent’s campaign signs?

Poor behavior. But I believe it to be true. I personally placed a Mary Pallant campaign sign at the exit point of Lewis Road in Camarillo. Four days later, it was removed and a Martinez sign was placed in the exact location. Since the swap happened at the same time, it causes me to strongly suspect the event was related to the Martinez campaign. Clearly, at that point of the freeway exit there is room for many signs. To remove one candidate’s sign to place another shows poor judgment and illegal behavior on the part of the perpetrator.

Folks this is illegal as it is a misdemeanor. If you notice anyone removing a campaign sign in your area, please report it immediately to your local police so they can take the appropriate action.

June 2nd update:  More Martinez signs are found along Thousand Oaks Blvd this evening in places where Pallant signs were previously located.  Sounds like more politics as usual sadly coming from a local candidate.

Vote Mary Pallant for Congress.  We need folks with integrity in Congress.  It’s truly time for a change.

Ojai Playhouse Presents “Body of War” for Pallant Fundraiser

TOMORROW – SATURDAY MAY 31
The Ojai Playhouse presents the film “Body of War” as a fundraiser for the Congressional campaign of Mary Pallant, who is running for the House seat currently held by Elton Gallegly. The film screens at 4:30pm for a $10 donation at the door.
Body of War is an intimate and transformational feature documentary about the true face of war today. Meet Tomas Young, 25 years old, paralyzed from a bullet to his spine – wounded after serving in Iraq for less than a week.

Body of War is Tomas’ coming home story as he evolves into a new person, coming to terms with his disability and finding his own unique and passionate voice against the war. The film is produced and directed by Phil Donahue and Ellen Spiro, and features two original songs by Eddie Vedder. Body of War is a naked and honest portrayal of what it’s like inside the body, heart and soul of this extraordinary and heroic young man.

Jill Martinez needs to update her campaign website

But will she?

Marta Jorgensen has made it clear that she has rejoined the CA 24th Congressional race. She has withdrawn her endorsement of Martinez. Martinez continues to display on her website misinformation pertaining to endorsements and who she is running against.

Campaign stated references to any participation in Helsinki, Finland, are unreferenced and also suspect. When questioned about this activity, the Martinez campaign lacked independent references to support Martinez’s involvement in any peace committee there.

In addition to ongoing dishonesty concerning campaign funds, it is clear to this voter that we don’t need to welcome this candidate as the Democratic nomination. In fact, these issues raise serious questions about Martinez’s ability to even face off against Gallegly. Does the Martinez campaign truly believe Gallegly wouldn’t be able to slice through this nonsense in a nanosecond? This behavior does more of a disservice to voters hoping for change and responsible leadership then doing them any service.

It is this author’s belief that we have had enough dishonesty and shady dealings in Washington to allow these issues to go unnoticed. Having remained silent in hope that the Martinez shenanigans would stop, given all the sources available on the internet to prove them otherwise, it has become clear they won’t. Is all of this hype a desperate attempt to pay off the nearly $100,000 of debt since her failed 2006 campaign? With the opportunity to have raised money for the last two years, clearly the Martinez campaign fundraising efforts have been poor.

Additionally, this type of campaign behavior and dishonest hype do more harm to the local Democratic groups than support the cause. Gallegly has done little to help the 24th district, his voting record has done quite a bit of harm to the nation as a whole.

This blog supports Mary Pallant‘s candidacy on integrity, values, and experience. There is also Marta Jorgensen, that deserves acknowledgment, although not this blog’s endorsement.

Registered Democratic voters now outnumber Republicans in Ventura County and are closing the gap in other parts of the 24th district. This can be a great year for this district. But the dishonest campaign hype and back stabbing needs to stop.

It is time for local Democrats to truly investigate the candidates, question and read carefully, and proceed in a unified manner to bring this district home. Every voter has a right to question candidates’ statements and their resume. If something sounds outlandish, ask for an independent reference. If their only reference points to their website, or outdated information two years old, there should be pause for thought before proceeding.

Here’s wishing us the best in 2008. Remember to vote on June 3rd!

CA 24th District Congress Update

From California Progress Report (David Dayen):

“Incumbent: Elton Gallegly. Challengers: Jill Martinez, Mary Pallant (Responsible Plan endorser). PVI #: R+5. % Dem. turnout: 50.6. Marta Jorgensen has quit the race and backed Jill Martinez. Unfortunately, the primary fight here has turned a little nasty, with Jill Martinez stretching the truth about Mary Pallant’s positions and her own finances. Neither candidate raised a lot of money last quarter but Martinez claimed she had, despite her bank account being in the red. Pallant is working the progressive grassroots to win the nomination, winning the endorsements of Democrats.com’s David Swanson and author Norman Solomon. I’d love to see a true progressive take on Elton Gallegly. He wants to drill in ANWR. He’s not that bright.”

Seems that I’m not the only individual with concerns for Martinez’s integrity. What’s with the campaign debt? Since Martinez has had since 2006 to raise money for her campaign, why does that debt continue, and more, how can she raise the 1.6 million she said, this past Tuesday at the Conejo Dems Club, it would take to take on Gallegly if she hasn’t done it already? Given the amount in Gallegly’s campaign fund, how can Martinez even throw her hat in the ring with her campaign being nearly $100,000 in debt?

May 25th update: Marta Jorgensen has rejoined the race and withdrawn her endorsement of Martinez.

24th Congressional District California – Mary Pallant Campaign

Mary’s Pallant campaign is moving forward in the effort to unseat Elton Gallegly. With Democratic voter registration up in the district, it looks like we may finally have the opportunity for solid representation in Congress.

This past Thursday, Pallant gained a major endorsement from the California Nurses Association, CNA. Mary has also been endorsed by Progressive Democrats of America, California Labor Federation, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America – UAW, all local Progressive Democrats clubs, and many noted community leaders.

This past week Pallant spoke at the Conejo Valley Democrats gathering at the Thousand Oaks Library. Her message was clear for getting out of Iraq, reinvesting our money in our own infrastructure-jobs-schools, support for universal publically funded-privately run health care, and focus on strengthening the middle class.

Mary is well spoken, confident, and shows solid integrity. She clearly presents as a strong challenge to Elton Gallegly and an opportunity for our district.

Let’s show our support for Mary so this district can finally get solid representation in Congress. The Bush-Gallegy years need to come to a close and this is our opportunity to take our district back. Donate to the campaign. Volunteer to get the word out about Mary for the upcoming June 3rd primary. This district can do this in 2008!

Mary Pallant to speak at the Conejo Valley Democratic Club

From the Conejo Valley Democratic Club

As we close in on the June primary we will have our final candidates forum before the election. Jill Martinez and Mary Pallant, the remaining Democratic candidates for the 24th Congressional District seat currently held by Elton Gallegly, will appear to present their campaigns and take questions from club members. As has been the custom each candidate will answer each question in turn.

We will also be hearing from Roberto Orellano, candidate for Judge of the Ventura County Superior Court-Office No. 5. All of the candidates in the race, including Mr. Arellano, are Republicans. The Executive Board felt that since Superior Court judges are so important and the candidates so often obscure that we would honor Mr. Arellano’s request to speak to the club. The other candidate for the office did not request to speak to the club.

We will also have brief presentations from both side of the Thouand Oaks Propositon B campaign.

For more details, see the full listing: http://democrat.meetup.com/1080/calendar/7711148/

When: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 6:30 PM

Where: Thousand Oaks Library
1401 E Janss Rd
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805) 449-2660

RSVP limit: 100 “Yes” and “Maybe” RSVPs

If the changes affect your plans to attend, please take a moment to update your RSVP. (You can RSVP ‘No’ or ‘Maybe’ as well as ‘Yes’.)

Impeachment IS Possible

This is an interview with David Swanson and Cindy Piester presented by Ventura County’s Citizens for Impeachment Patriot Series. Filmed in Ventura on April 23, 2008.

Great information and perspective. Watch it here.

After viewing, consider, do we want to keep Elton Gallegly, our 24th District California House Representative in Congress after he has voted almost exclusively in favor of Bush/Cheney policies? Elton Gallegly sits in the House Judiciary Committee and has the power to vote for impeachment, and doesn’t. Torture is a war crime that is recognized internationally. Perhaps our officials will be held accountable for voting for it. Bush and Cheney may be accused by other countries when they travel. Hopefully so.

Remember that our children and grandchildren will have to pay off the debt amassed by this ruinous administration.

Listen, read carefully and vote wisely.

This blog supports Mary Pallant for Congress. The only 24th district candidate that openly supports impeachment. You’ll hear David Swanson’s support of Mary Pallant near the end of the video.

David Swanson Endorses Mary Pallant for Congress

David Swanson of AfterDowningStreet.org endorses Mary Pallant For Congress in her effort to unseat Elton Gallegly.

read more | digg story

Norman Solomon flying in to Support Mary Pallant for Congress

Fundraiser May 4th, 2008

Norman Solomon is a nationally syndicated colomnist, the author of “Made Love, Got War,” “War Made Easy,” and “Target Iraq.” A documentary based on “War Made Easy” was released in 2007 and narrated by Sean Penn.

Mary Pallant with Norman Solomon

Norman is traveling to the 24th to support Mary’s campaign.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to meet Norman. He is prolific, passionate and progressive. All the attributes that Mary espouses as well.

This will be a wonderful way to spend your Sunday afternoon.

Fundraiser May 4th 2008
At the home of John Strubbe

Address: 5490 Moonshadow
Simi Valley, CA 93063

Time: 1pm to 3pm

Friends for peace – $75.00

Diplomats for peace – $125.00

Ambassadors for peace – $250.00

Please contact the campaign for RSVP. Seating will be limited to 30

Unable to attend?  You can still support Mary Pallant’s campaign by contributing.