What does Palin pick tell us about McCain

6 Things Palin Pick Says About McCain

The selection of a running mate is among the most consequential and the most defining decisions a presidential nominee can make. John McCain’s pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says a lot about his decision-making — and some of it is downright breathtaking.

We knew McCain is a politician who relishes improvisation and likes to go with his gut. But it is remarkable that someone who has repeatedly emphasized experience in this campaign named an inexperienced governor he barely knew to be his No. 2. Whatever you think of the pick, here are six things it tells us about McCain:

Read the Story...

McCaine wanted Lieberman, chooses Palin

How Palin became the pick

ABC's Jan Crawford Greenburg reports: It wasn't until Sunday night that John McCain, after meeting with his four top advisers, finally decided he could not tap independent Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut to be his running mate.

Read the story...

Obama regarding Biden, Palin...

Obama explains his choice, reacts to Palin

(CBS) In his first reaction to the choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate, Sen. Barack Obama tells 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft that she is an "up-and-coming public servant." Of his own choice for running mate, the Democratic presidential nominee says Sen. Joseph Biden "can step in and become president."

Read the story...

Video -- Obama and Biden

The Democratic Ticket...

Video -- McCain VP choice, Sarah Palin

The Die is Cast...

The Presidential Race Is On!!!

McCain chooses Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for V.P.

DENVER (AP) - John McCain tapped little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate on Friday in a startling selection on the eve of the Republican National Convention.

In an announcement, the campaign said that Palin, who has been governor less than two years, "has the record of reform and bipartisanship that others can only speak of."

"Her experience in shaking up the status quo is exactly what is needed in Washington today," the campaign said. can National Convention.

Read the story

Congratulations to both parties on their choice of candidates!

This is an exciting and historic time!

Concert for Tomorrow---Labor Day

Concert-Intro to Candidates on Labor Day!!!

Labor Day is the Traditional Kick Off for the Fall Campaign Season

September 1st. Labor Day there will be a concert by the Beatles Tribute band "Abbey Road Live"!!!

click on the poster for greater detail

click on the poster for greater detail

Opening the show will be "Old No. 7"!!!

During the show between sets, nearly all candidates for local office will introduce themselves and their campaigns to the audience!

We'll meet the folks running for Harrisonburg City Council, City Treasurer, and Rockingham Commissioner of Revenue.

Come on out to Memorial Hall (old Harrisonburg High School) at 6:30pm on Monday to enjoy one of the premier Beatles Tribute bands, the outstanding "Abbey Road Live", the very talented "Old No. 7" and meet the dedicated folks who want to serve you in local government!
Candidates planning to attend

• J.M. Snell, Republican candidate for City Council
• Mayor Rodney Eagle, incumbent Independent candidate for City Council
• Richard Baugh, Democratic candidate for City Council
• Charles Chenault, incumbent Republican candidate for City Council
• Kai Degner, Democratic candidate for City Council
• Penny Imeson, Republican candidate for City Treasurer
  
• Jeff Shafer, Independent incumbent candidate for City Treasurer (strong possibility)
  
• Bill Ney, Democratic candidate for City Treasurer
• Esther Nizer, Democratic candidate for County Commissioner of Revenue

Roger Baker, Independent candidate for City Council sends his regrets but had previous travel plans. Mr. Baker looks forward to the next opportunity to meet voters.

I have not heard back from City Council candidates Republican Tracy Evans or Democrat David Wiens, or Republican candidate for Commissioner of Revenue Lowell Barb but, they have been invited and are very welcome to participate.

Please tell your friends and family and join us for a great evening!

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

• Dr. Greg and Dr. Christi Marrow-Marrow Family Eye Care (monster sponsor!)
  
• William Helsley P.C.
• J.C. and Lucy Powell
• Clementine Restaurant
• Gitchell's Photography
• Hank's Smokehouse Southern Grillery
• Blue Nile Restaurant
• Ritchie Law Firm
• JMU College Democrats
• Seven Generations PAC
  

Obamanomics

Want a good summary of Obama's economic views? Go here, for a long, in depth piece in last week's New York Times Magazine.

And if you want to find how Obama's tax cut plan will affect your family, this interactive site ask you to input your filing status, adjusted gross income, and number of dependent children and estimates a) how much your tax bill changes under the Obama plan, and b) how it differs under the McCain Plan. Here's the Washington Post article that contains this graphic and this, which forms the basis for the calculator:

According to a new analysis by the Tax Policy Center, a joint project of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain are both proposing tax plans that would result in cuts for most American families. Obama's plan gives the biggest cuts to those who make the least, while McCain would give the largest cuts to the very wealthy. For the approximately 147,000 families that make up the top 0.1 percent of the income scale, the difference between the two plans is stark. While McCain offers a $269,364 tax cut, Obama would raise their taxes, on average, by $701,885 - a difference of nearly $1 million.

Obama Moves Ahead, 48% to 42%--Gallup Daily

PRINCETON, NJ -- Democratic candidate Barack Obama has gained ground in the latest Gallup Poll Daily tracking average from Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and now leads Republican John McCain among registered voters by a 48% to 42% margin.

Read more

Picking up momentum...

Straight Talk Ex... What?

McCain -vs- McCain

and again...

and yet again...

Event for Esther Nizer

Click on the image above to see greater detail.

Esther Nizer for Commissioner of Revenue website

Join Esther's campaign to improve local government!

Watch Warner Deliver Keynote

Democratic National Convention
Watch Party!

Tuesday, August 26th

Hams Restaurant
221 University Boulevard
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

8:00pm till 11:00pm



Join your friends to watch

Mark Warner Deliver the Keynote Speech

at the

2008 Democratic National Convention!

Backroom if less than 40, main dining area if greater-- either way several Large screen TV's tuned to the convention for our viewing. No costs associated.

Former Gov. of Virginia Mark Warner to deliver keynote address at 10pm.

If you have any materials to bring along that would be great. Any suggestions on activities or ways to spice up the night please suggest. ie. trivia game w/ prizes, etc..

For more information call 540-560-9045
or click here to email

Limited Edition Obama 08 Signs Are Now Available!

Click Here to Email for a Yes We Can Shenandoah Valley Sign!

McCain will make Congress Work!

You Tell 'Em Straight Talkin' John!

And Protect Us from being used by Big Oil...

The Truth Hurts, Don't It?

Sheryl Crow Voter Registration Drive

The Grammy Award-winning singer announced a plan Wednesday to give a digital copy of her album "Detours" to the first 50,000 people who register three friends to vote.

"I hope people wake up and emotionally engage in issues," Crow told The Associated Press in a telephone interview during a visit to Los Angeles.

Read the story here

Thanks to Sheryl Crow and all of the people working to increase voter turnout and participation in politics and government! Especially Young People.

Visit Rock the Vote by clicking the link on the left side of the page.

Is McCain another George W. Bush?

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Russia invades Georgia and President Bush goes on vacation. Our president has spent one-third of his entire two terms in office either at Camp David, Maryland, or at Crawford, Texas, on vacation.

His time away from the Oval Office included the month leading up to 9/11, when there were signs Osama bin Laden was planning to attack America, and the time Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city of New Orleans.

Sen. John McCain takes weekends off and limits his campaign events to one a day. He made an exception for the religious forum on Saturday at Saddleback Church in Southern California.

I think he made a big mistake. When he was invited last spring to attend a discussion of the role of faith in his life with Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, at Messiah College in Pennsylvania, McCain didn't bother to show up. Now I know why.

Read the Story

U.S. Following Obama's Ideas on Iraq, and Toby Keith comes around...

Iraqi and U.S. negotiators have completed a draft security agreement that would see American troops leave Iraqi cities as soon as June 30, Iraqi and American officials said Wednesday.

Read the story

And...

Country Music's Toby Keith Praises Obama
I guess he's finally figured out that the Dixie Chicks had it right...

Green Power for New York?

This is going in the right direction!

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Mayor Bloomberg is proposing a "green" plan that has the potential to drastically change the New York City skyline and shores. It's part of his effort to make New York the most energy efficient city in the nation.

Read the story

Queensbridge Wind Project

Reality a Challenge for Bush and McCain

The state of the economy is all in whose head? Someone seems out of touch, or in denial....

Click here to read the latest economic appraisal,

Click here to read about the situation with banking,

More about bank losses, (millions in losses will become billions)

Where Prices are going,

Our Debt to China,

and then come back and watch these two videos.






Can we honestly stand four more years of this???

VoteVets.org

votevets.org
The Voice of America's 21st Century Patriots

Schwartzenegger Follows Obama Lead

Visit
Eco Driving USA
To Learn More About Energy Efficiency and Commonsense Energy Practices and Policy.
This is an Idea Whose Time Has Been Overdue for Years...

Gov. Schwarzenegger
by burghnews

Barack Obama: Advancing the Frontiers of Space Exploration

Make $111,645 per year or less? Obama's Income Tax Plan is Better!

(clik graphic to embiggen)
So says the Tax Policy Center, a joint project of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution. Under the McCain income tax plan, if you make $111,645 /year you will pay $281 more than you would under the Obama tax plan. Isn't reality grand!

If you are amongst the 60% of taxpayers that make less than $66,354/year your tax savings will be even greater with the Obama plan. Hundreds of dollars. The less you make, the better the Obama tax plan looks. How does he pay for lower taxes for people making less than $111,645/year? He raises taxes on people that make more than $600,000/year - those unfortunate souls that John McCain believes deserve a tax cut. Now you know.

Obama -vs- McCain, in Israel...

From The Jerusalem Post

Obama interviewed by Jerusalem Post Editor-in-Chief David Horovitz.
Photo: Ariel Jerozolimski

In March, on his whirlwind visit to Israel, Republican presidential nominee John McCain, one of whose primary strengths is said to be his intimate grasp of foreign affairs, chose to bring along Sen. Joe Lieberman to the interview our diplomatic correspondent Herb Keinon and I conducted with him, looked to Lieberman several times for reassurance on his answers and seemed a little flummoxed by a question relating to the nuances of settlement construction.

On Wednesday evening, toward the end of his packed one-day visit here, Barack Obama, the Democratic senator who is leading the race for the White House and who lacks long years of foreign policy involvement, spoke to The Jerusalem Post with only a single aide in his King David Hotel room, and that aide's sole contribution to the conversation was to suggest that the candidate and I switch seats so that our photographer would get better lighting for his pictures.

Several of Obama's Middle East advisers - including former Clinton special envoy Dennis Ross and ex-ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer - were hovering in the vicinity. But Obama, who was making only his second visit to Israel, knew precisely what he wanted to say about the most intricate issues confronting and concerning Israel, and expressed himself clearly, even stridently on key subjects.

Click here to read the story...

Rolling Up the Valley!!!

Congratulations to the Augusta, Staunton and Waynesboro Democratic Committees for

their outstandingly successful Paint the Valley Blue rally Saturday evening!

Now it’s up to us to keep this wonderful momentum going!

Thank you to all those involved in Paint the Valley Blue for such inspiring leadership to Valley Democrats!

Let’s keep the ball rolling right through Labor Day on to Election Day and beyond!

Click here to take the next step on the Journey to Victory

at the

Democratic Labor Day Celebration!

And now a message from Tom Long, Chair of Augusta County Democratic Committee:

My Fellow Democrats

If you couldn't make it to Paint the Valley Blue last night, you missed a great unity celebration of Valley Democrats. If you were there, you joined about 500 friends at the Frontier Culture Museum for food, music, fellowship, speeches, and a shared commitment to changing the politics of our nation, state, and community.

Front page coverage in The Staunton News Leader

Be sure to click on the "Photo Gallery" link for about a dozen pictures of Paint the Valley Blue.

Front page coverage in the News Virginian

WHSV TV

Daily News-Record coverage on Monday

The DNR has a story about Jim Webb in H'burg on Friday.

Thanks to everyone

Not seen in any of the pictures, because he was too busy attending to the various details of making sure everything ran smoothly, is David Bottenfield. PTVB was David's vision and it was his leadership that brought it all together. Thanks, David!

Also thanks to our fine Democrats in the Augusta, Staunton, and Waynesboro Committees. This was a cooperative effort of the three committees from the very beginning.

Many individuals are due a heartfelt thanks - those who planned and carried out our publicity, those who designed the decorations and put them up (and took them down), our sponsors, our musical talent, people who sold tickets, folks who donated and bought items in our auction, our speakers, and everyone who helped in countless other ways, great and small, to to assure the overwhelming success of Paint the Valley Blue. Thanks to all!

We'll have a complete report on PTVB at our next ACDC meeting

The September 8 meeting will be at 7 PM at the Government Center in the upstairs Training Room.

Tom Long, Chair

Augusta County Democratic Committee

Headquarters 540.213.1999

2705 N. Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401

Authorized and paid for by the Augusta County Democratic Committee.

Warner Unable to Visit Fair

Senate Candidate and former Governor Mark Warner will be unable to visit with folks at the Rockingham County Fair this afternoon as he had planned.

Earlier this week Governor Warner suffered an injury to his leg but continued with his vigorous schedule and now his doctors have insisted he sit down, take a load off, and allow himself to heal.

Mr. Warner is very disappointed because he was really looking forward to visiting with his friends at the fair. (He was also looking forward to a tenderloin sandwich, coleslaw and fries from the Broadway-Timberville Ruritan booth!)

Please join me in wishing Mark Warner a speedy recovery and thorough healing. Click here to send an email.

Thank you,

Lowell

U.S. Troops Support Obama, with Contributions!

"Democrat Barack Obama has received nearly six times as much money from troops deployed overseas. . . . "

"Members of the armed services overall -- whether stationed overseas or at home -- are also favoring Obama with their campaign contributions in 2008. . . . "

Read the story

B'Rocky 2 "Fightin' for America"

Thanks to Tara for alerting us to this great new video!

Meet Senator Webb Today!

Senator Jim Webb in Harrisonburg

Friday, August 15^th

Blue Nile

181 N. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Senator Jim Webb would appreciate the opportunity to have a conversation with you and other Valley constituents Today, August 15^th, from 4:00 to 5:00p.m. in downtown Harrisonburg

Senator Webb has been busy working to make a positive difference in Washington D.C. and has much to share with us. He is also very interested to hear your thoughts and ideas regarding our federal government.

This isn’t a town hall so much as an informal conversation among people who care about our nation’s future.

Please Join U.S. Senator Jim Webb to discuss what is important to you, Virginia, and the United States.

For more details please call Alan Finks at 540-810-5884 or 434-6140

Democratic Labor Day Dinner - Sunday August 31

Have you received your invitation to the Democratic Labor Day Dinner?

The annual gathering of Democrats will again be held at the Grand Ballroom at James Madison University on Sunday evening, August 31. Doors open at 5:30 P.M.

Invited guests include a who's who of Virginia government, including Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds, Delegate Brian Moran, Governor Tim Kaine and Senator Jim Webb. Governor Mark Warner was invited and wanted to attend, but it looks doubtful that he will be able to be here this year. City, County, and 6th District candidates will also join us to celebrate the American worker's holiday and kick off the final push to the November elections. All Democrats should attend!

To learn more and download the invitation (with reservation form) go here.

(This is a private gathering, only invited and paid guests will be admitted - no exceptions)

Mark Warner to Keynote Democratic Convention

By Anita Kumar

Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 13, 2008; 9:36 AM

RICHMOND, Aug. 13 -- Mark R. Warner, the former Virginia governor and a candidate for the U.S. Senate, will deliver the keynote address the second night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Democratic party officials announced Wednesday.

Click here for the story

Turnout by age: Being 70 rocks

from Political Arithmetic

How would you vote today?

Harrisonburg voters have had some time to get to know the candidates for City Council and Treasurer. If you are a Harrisonburg Resident and plan to vote in this year's election, which candidates would you choose?

Please choose three (3) in the City Council race.

If the Election for Harrisonburg City Council were held today, who would you choose? Vote for three.
	Rodney Eagle - Ind - Incumbent
	Charles Chenault - Rep - Incumbent
	David Wiens - Dem
	Roger Baker - Ind
	J. M. Snell - Rep
	Richard Baugh - Dem
	Tracy Evans - Rep
	Kai Degner - Dem
Free polls from Pollhost.com

If the Election for Harrisonburg City Treasurer were held today, How Would You Vote?
	Jeff Shafer - Ind - Incumbent
	Penny Imeson - Rep
	Bill Ney - Dem
Free polls from Pollhost.com

McCain's Dream Running Mate?

Warner Understands Reality

Gilmore vs Reality

Racism? David Duke, "We have lost control of this country,"

Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, of Louisiana, said Democrat Obama would be a "visual aid" to the idea that whites have lost control of America.

This article also mentions that David Duke became a Republican in 1988. Interesting...

Kaine interview with Blitzer

Thanks to Lowell at Raising ????

Electoral Vote Map

This is pretty interesting. Look at how the electoral map has changed over last ten years.
Just click on the year at the top of the map to compare.

Valley cuts budget to help NOVA jail illegal immigrants?

I wonder if somehow in the scheme of government financing these two are related?

Harrisonburg and Rockingham County may send almost $800,000.00 back to Richmond to help close budget shortfall.

and...

Jail officials said holding suspected illegal immigrants in Prince William County cost almost $800,000 more than expected in the previous fiscal year.

Barack Obama-sistable

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

Webb Visit Re-Scheduled...

Senator Jim Webb has had to reschedule his visit to the central Shenandoah Valley. I have updated the previous post with current available information regarding Senator Webb's upcoming meeting with Valley Constituents...


Thank you,

Lowell

Webb in Harrisonburg Friday Aug. 15th

Senator Jim Webb in Harrisonburg

Friday, August 15^th

Blue Nile

181 N. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Senator Jim Webb would appreciate the opportunity to have a conversation with you and other Valley constituents next Friday, August 15^th, from 4:00 to 5:00p.m. in downtown Harrisonburg

Senator Webb has been busy working to make a positive difference in Washington D.C. and has much to share with us. He is also very interested to hear your thoughts and ideas regarding our federal government.

This isn’t a town hall so much as an informal conversation among people who care about our nation’s future.

Please Join U.S. Senator Jim Webb to discuss what is important to you, Virginia, and the United States.

For more details please click here.

New Baby Boy!!!

Please send congratulations to:

MuAwia and Heather Da'Mes

for the birth of their Son Noah

at just before 10:00p.m.

on Sunday, August 3rd, 2008

7lb 3oz, 19.5" tall

MuAwia and Heather Da'Mes

1526 Hillside Drive

Harrisonburg, VA 22801

He says that both Heather (Mom) and Noah are fine, thanks to God at 9:55p.m.

Please send them a card of congratulations and support!

We are blessed indeed that this vital young couple have decided to share their family and lives with our community!

Thank you,

Lowell

Shock! the Real Obama

No More Hiding the Truth!
Now we can see Barack Obama for who he really is...

Here is the shocking interview series beginning with part 1 of 4:

Click here for part 2 of 4


Click here for part 3 of 4


Click here for part 4 of 4


Click here for the full interview

This is so cool! 7G cool!

Seven Generation thinking is catching on!

Obama Willing to Work Together for America, is the GOP?

Obama says would consider limited offshore drilling

Obama would consider off-shore drilling as part of comprehensive energy plan

GOP lawmakers block renewable-energy-credit bill

Virginia for Progress!

ALL FIRED UP VIRGINIA?

READY TO GO!!!

This is their Best???

The GOP should be getting very concerned...

Looking Downhill From Here For Republimerican Manipulation and Stupidity...

Bob Goodlatte and His "Support" For Our Troops.

Did you get Bob Goodlatte's latest taxpayer-paid propaganda mailing? You know the one showing a soldier with these words:

“Recently, the Congress passed, with my support, important legislation that expands the education benefits for our returning service members”

Now I'm going to tell you the truth, and through that truth offer you a glimpse of what is wrong with Bob Goodlatte, the Republican Congress, and the Bush Administration: They're borrowing money from your children's children to pay for OUR debts.

When Senator Jim Webb designed the New G.I.Bill to offer educational benefits for post-9/11 veterans, he did it the right way - he paid for it with revenue from a tax on people making more than $500,000. And when the New G.I. Bill came up for a vote in May, Bob Goodlatte voted against it. Why? Here's what Bob sez:

"While I strongly support expanding the current G.I. Bill, attaching tax increases on small business owners, many of whom are veterans themselves or create jobs for veterans is the wrong way to go."

What? People that make $500,000 are endangered "small businessmen"? What kind of small businessman makes $500,000 you ask? ...people like Bob's wife Maryellen, a partner in the lawyer corporation of Glenn, Feldmann, Darby & Goodlatte.

So faced with certain defeat by Republicans, Senator Webb did what he had to do to get the New G.I. Bill passed - he took out the tax that would have paid for it! And then, just like the war funding in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Republicans voted to put the cost on our national debt. They support the troops as long as someone else pays for it, and someone else fights their wars.

Bob Goodlatte appears to be a gentle guy, but voters should ask themselves; is it right to pay for our wars, and our veteran obligations with a credit card? The citizens of the 6th District have a right to be represented by people that share our values - we pay our debts, and we tell it straight.

So, when Bob tells you he "supports the troops", the truth is he supports $500,000 small businessmen first. Now you have the whole story.