Introducing Dashboard: Stay In Touch with the Obama Campaign

Marcia -- We've got a brand new app that you should check out. It's called Dashboard -- and it's going to be a game-changer in this election. It's our national online organizing platform, and if you're hoping to make an impact on this election, it's where you need to be. Take a look at Dashboard today. You already know how we're planning to win this thing: by running the best ground game in politics. From coast to coast, folks like you are out registering voters, recruiting volunteers, and having the conversations that will tip states our way. Dashboard is our online hub for the organizing that's going on in every single state -- from now up until the last vote gets cast. It'll be where you can connect quickly with other volunteers to help get out the vote. You can join or organize an event right then and there. Dashboard will help you stay in touch and swap stories with other supporters to keep one another inspired for what lies ahead. When you join Dashboard, you'll also get special updates on this race, new tools to track your progress, and access to groups you can join to organize around the issues you care about most. No one else in this race has anything like it. So be one of the first people to check out Dashboard: http://my.barackobama.com/Join-Dashboard Thanks, Marlon Marlon Marshall Deputy National Field Director Obama for America

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If we're drastically outspent

If we're drastically outspent in this election, there's a very good chance we will lose to Mitt Romney. This is a distinct possibility. The financial landscape in this race has changed over the last few weeks. What concerns me is the Obama supporters I've encountered who don't understand that this is what we're facing. The fundraising deadline this week is a test: Are we going to allow the other side to dominate us, or are we going to prove that elections are decided by everyday Americans pitching in what they can? Ready to fight? Please donate $3 or more today, ahead of the FEC deadline. What's at stake here goes beyond the progress we've made so far, or anything the President wants to do in a second term. What's at stake is the very idea that regular people should still be in control of elections in this country. Barack Obama proved in 2008 that millions of people giving $10, $20, or $50 at a time are an undeniable force. Today, our campaign is bigger and faster. We're opening more offices and recruiting more volunteers to knock on doors. If we allow the spending disadvantage to get beyond a certain point, none of that will matter. Mitt Romney will win, and it will be because we couldn't keep up. We can't let that happen. I'm proud of how we're building this campaign, and I'm not about to let a handful of billionaires prove us wrong. Donate $3 or more today: https://donate.barackobama.com/June-Deadline Thanks, Julianna Julianna Smoot Deputy Campaign Manager Obama for America P.S. -- Today, any donation you make here automatically enters you to join President Obama on the trail next week. We're saving two seats on the campaign bus, right next to the President -- one for you, one for your guest. No purchase, payment, or contribution necessary to enter or win. Contributing will not improve chances of winning. Void where prohibited. Entries must be received by June 30, 2012. You may enter by contributing to Obama for America here or click to enter without contributing. One winner will receive the following prize package: round-trip tickets for winner and a guest from within the fifty U.S. States, DC, or Puerto Rico to a destination to be determined by the Sponsor; hotel accommodations; and the opportunity to meet with President Obama on an official Obama for America campaign bus tour on a date and for a duration to be determined by the Sponsor (approximate retail value of all prizes $1,400). Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Promotion open only to U.S. citizens, or lawful permanent U.S. residents who are legal residents of 50 United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 18 or older (or age of majority under applicable law). Promotion subject to Official Rules and additional restrictions on eligibility. Sponsor: Obama for America, 130 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601.

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible.

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Say you're with me

This is a good day for millions of Americans who can continue to benefit from the protections and economic security provided by the Affordable Care Act. While the Supreme Court's decision should put to rest the debate over health care, Mitt Romney and the Republicans in Congress just can't take yes for an answer. My opponent said a short while ago that the first thing he would try to do as president is repeal the health care law. We can't allow that to happen. So we have to win this election. Say you're with me on the Affordable Care Act: http://my.barackobama.com/This-Decision Thank you for all that you do. Barack

Contributions or gifts to Obama for America are not tax deductible

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PARADES! Which one are you going to march in?

Fourth of July is right around the corner and though the Republicans will have the bigger floats, we can have the bigger crowds with the greater number of living, smiling people.

BUT WE NEED YOU TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN!!

Please go here to look up your townships info and find out what parades are happening in your area.

June 25th. Get into the Swing of Supporting DPDC.

MAKE NEXT MONDAY MORE EXCITING!

On Monday the 25th, the DuPage Democrats are pleased to be having their 6th Annual Golf Outing. As you know, we offer varied events throughout the year to appeal to different tastes and wallet-sizes. Our annual Gala and golf foursomes are for people and organizations with a little extra that they are willing to invest in the growth of DPDC and the election of more Dems in DuPage. Our August visibility picnic is a free event to honor and appreciate our growing tribe in DuPage. The dinner for the golf outing is kind of in-between at $35 a person-- a nice meal at a beautiful course with fun and engaging people, raffles and more.

We appreciate whatever you do to support your local party and WOULD LOVE it if you would invest what you can in Monday's event. We still have room for foursomes and welcome diners as well.
Please send us a line at info@dupagedemocrats.com to reserve your cart or your seat at the table today!!

Join HRC for Two Great Events in Chicago

HRC Volunteers Needed for Chicago Pride! HRC needs you to be a part of our efforts in support of LGBT equality! No experience is necessary - new and experienced volunteers are both welcome! To volunteer at the HRC booth, you can sign up online and select the dates and times you prefer. For questions, please contact  dawnmb0415@gmail.com . Chicago Pride Friday, June 22 - Sunday, June 24 (various shifts available throughout each day)  North Halsted between Addison and Grace Chicago, IL Show your Real Pride Upload a photo and tell us what Real Pride Is to you!   Backlot Bash Featuring Chely Wright This year HRC is proudly sponsoring the Back Lot Bash Friday night performance by singer/songwriter/author Chely Wright! Back Lot Bash is exclusively offering VIP tickets to HRC members. Friday, June 22 5:00 p.m. Parking Lot Behind Cheetah Gym 5238 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL Purchase tickets Volunteer Tickets are $40 for the Friday night performance on June 22nd at Back Lot Bash.  The VIP ticket includes an HRC bag with picture of Chely, VIP area, and a 30 minute VIP meet and greet with Chely Wright! You can buy them in three easy steps: 1) Go to: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/241801 2) Click begin order 3) You must enter discount code "hrcrocks" to view the VIP ticket option and purchase your tickets These events are open to HRC members, friends, family, and straight allies. Tell a friend: Click here to safely forward this message to a friend. © 2012 Human Rights Campaign Click here to read our privacy policy. Human Rights Campaign 1640 Rhode Island Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-3278 Phone: 202/628-4160 TTY: 202/216-1572 Fax: 202/347-5323 Email: communityevents@hrc.org  If you would like to unsubscribe or update your account settings, click here.

Fiddling with a 9 iron while Rome burns??

I have had a few folks who have written to our info line believing, angrily, that we are fiddling with a Golf Outing while our homeland burns. There are a few ways that that I think this needs to be addressed so permit me a paragraph or two.

Many of you may not know that the Democratic Party in DuPage actually receives no money from either the state or national parties. Many may also not know that in 2008, right before a HUGE election, the incoming chairman was left with a little less than $3000 in the county coffers to not only  pull off some major organizing and marketing but merely to keep the lights on. That was in March so we had to get moving fast. Our first big chance was to have a successful summer event and the Golf Outing suited that need. The Golf Outing is an event that brings in different supporters than, say, the membership drive (COMING UP, so get ready) or the Gala and, in order to keep your DPDC in an office, in relevancy, and on the ground in your neighborhood, we need all the streams of income we can find.

Simple as that. So, don't get teed off, tee up on June 25th.
Find our registration form here

creationism and the stork

God never created a single job

My IL 6th District Congressman, Peter Roskam, likes to tout endless tax cuts for the billionaires and mega millionaires based on the pitch they refrain from creating millions of desperately needed new jobs due to those pesky, onerous taxes. By endlessly referring to them as "creators", Roskam and his fellow GOP leadership, frame them with the God like term "Creator" to justify lavishing them with endless largess paid for by firing hundreds of thousands of public sector workers, and discouraging any government spending to rebuild America's crumbling infrastructure. Congressman Roskam would do well to study one of the most famous of those mega millionaire entrepreneurs, Henry Ford, who knew instinctively that he didn't create a single job. 

In January, 1914, Ford's revolutionary mass production techniques caused his car capacity to far outstrip consumer demand. What to do? Ford turned to the real job creators, working folk, and raised his own workers' pay to an astonishing $5.00 a day while shortening their work day by one hour. Ford's concept percolated through the entire manufacturing sector, resulting in demand that now outstripped capacity. This caused the hiring of millions of new workers to satisfy those job creators. The emergence of the famed American middle class, now under attack by Roskam and fellow austerity hawks in the GOP House leadership, can arguably be traced to Ford's wisdom. The real job creators didn't rest on the seventh day. They went for a drive. 

Walt Zlotow,

Precinct coordinator in Milton Township and blogger at Heartland Progressive

Want to help defeat Peter Roskam? Visit Leslie Coolidge's site here

Ask the Governor to support the overturn of Citizens United

With at least $1 billion in right-wing Super PAC money being thrown in the presidential election, this is the moment to bring pressure for a public stand. Can you call and ask Governor Pat Quinn to publicly support a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United? Here's the number:

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, (217) 782-0244 


Then pass this on via Twitter, FB and any other media or social media outlets of which you are a part!

You can help folks keep their homes

Dear DuPage Democratic Blog-folk, In the next few weeks, Congress has a chance to pass real home mortgage relief that would save 4.2 million homeowners an average of $2,500 a year... just by letting them refinance at the same low rates their neighbors pay. That's enough real money to help some folks keep their homes. Add your name: "Congress: Deliver real mortgage relief to American homeowners!" I'm hoping this community will lead the charge. This demands an all-hands-on-deck effort -- coordinating with partners in a national effort to pressure key senators, delivering petitions, organizing underwater homeowners to speak out, and ginning up massive press attention. And it really won't work if you're not right there with us from the start. Add your name now. This is the biggest proposal to come out of Congress in a long time, and it happened because folks like you were hammering on Washington to act. Let's turn this opportunity into real relief for real families. Thanks, Van and the Rebuild the Dream Team Rebuild the Dream is a platform for bottom-up, people-powered innovations to help fix the U.S. economy. You can follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

Joe Walsh: Tea Party Racist

SUPPORT OUR GREAT CANDIDATE TAMMY DUCKWORTH BY SUPPORTING CREDOPAC! Hold Tea Party racist Joe Walsh accountable. Dear Friend, Even for a crazy, unhinged Tea Party Congressman, this is shocking. Here's what an Illinois CREDO SuperPAC organizer caught Rep. Joe Walsh saying at a Town Hall meeting this week: "The Democratic Party promises groups of people everything. They want the Hispanic vote, they want Hispanics to be dependent upon government, just like they got African-Americans dependent upon government. That's their game. Jesse Jackson would be out of work if they weren't dependent upon government. There'd be no work for him." Since we caught him in the act, Rep. Wash's statement has blown up all over the internet1 and in his district.2 This could be Joe Walsh's Macaca moment.3 But we need to keep it building. Watch the video and chip in $3 to hold Walsh accountable. Rather than apologizing, or backing off something so openly racist, Walsh doubled down this week telling a Chicago radio station: "All Jesse Jackson is trying to do is to keep African Americans down on some plantation."4 What?!? For Walsh — who relies on a government paycheck, has had multiple tax liens filed against him and who fought his wife in court for almost 10 years over $100,000 he owed in back child support — to criticize anyone about relying on government is comical. But what's not funny at all are his hateful, racist statements. The fact that a sitting member of Congress would say such things out loud, in 2012, is beyond shocking. And he needs to be held accountable. This is why we created the CREDO SuperPAC — to capture these moments and make sure they are seen by voters in the district, and people across the country. Chip in $3 to help defeat Tea Party racist Joe Walsh. Thanks for helping send the message that this is unacceptable in America. Mudcat Arnold, Campaign Manager CREDO SuperPAC 1. "Joe Walsh: Democrats Want Hispanics, African Americans 'Dependent On Government'," Huffington Post, 5/30/12 2. Walsh defends 'game' comments amid growing criticism," Chicago Tribune, 6/1/12 3. In 2006 Virginia Senator George Allen called someone attending one of his events "Macaca" — a racist slur. The video went viral and is largely credited for taking down Allen in his Senate race that year. 4. "Joe Walsh: Jesse Jackson Trying To 'Keep African Americans Down On Some Plantation'," Huffington Post, 6/1/12 e.

Romney Economics: A Video to remind you and some facts to tote around.

DuPage Democratic Blog-folk, Check out our new video and consider joining the Truth Team -- a group of grassroots supporters that's helping spread the word about Romney's real record. To jog your memory, here's a recap of Romney's time in office: Even as the rest of the country was enjoying a brightening economy, during Romney's term Massachusetts plummeted to 47th out of 50 states in job creation; manufacturing jobs declined at twice the national average; and for the first time since 1995, its unemployment rate was above the national average. Long-term debt ballooned by more than $2.6 billion -- leaving Massachusetts with the highest per capita debt of any state in the nation. State spending increased every single year, and Romney raised taxes and fees by $750 million per year -- leading to a higher state and local tax burden of $1,200 for every Bay Stater. Over his term, fees at public colleges skyrocketed by 63 percent, and during his first year, K-12 schools saw the second-largest percentage cuts, per student, in the nation. All that in just four years. Mitt Romney promised more jobs, less debt, and smaller government for Massachusetts based solely on his experience as a corporate buyout specialist. Turns out that being good at maximizing profits for yourself and your investors, but leaving companies bankrupt and workers without jobs, doesn't exactly prepare you to lead a state -- or a country. Yet Romney's out there making the same empty promises all over again. And we've got to make sure no one else buys it this time. The bottom line? Romney Economics didn't work for Massachusetts then, and it won't work for America now. Watch our new video to get the facts, then pass it on to everyone you know: http://my.barackobama.com/Romney-Economics-and-Massachusetts We've got work to do -- let's go. - Stephanie Stephanie Cutter Deputy Campaign Manager Obama for America

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Isn't it Time to show your (grand) kids D.C? June 18-20: Let's Take Back the American Dream

Dear Dupage, If there is one thing we've learned over the past four years, it's this: winning an election isn't the same thing as winning real change. It's only the first step. This November, we have a major election to win. But December is when the real battles will take place -- the battles that will decide what kind of country America will be and whether the American Dream will have a future. That's when Congress will decide if it will: Finally repeal the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy; Stop cruel cuts to basic services that millions of us rely on to survive; and Pass a plan for a real economic recovery -- a budget for the 99%, not the 1%. It's going to be a pivotal moment for our movement, and we need to get together, face to face, to organize and plan for how we'll win. In a few weeks, at the "Take Back the American Dream" conference in Washington, that's exactly what we'll do. And we need you there. Join me at the "Take Back the American Dream" conference, June 18-20 in Washington, D.C., and be a part of this critical moment. At the conference, we'll be joined by an all-star cast of thinkers and leaders of this movement, including Gov. Howard Dean, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Katrina Vanden Heuvel, Paul Krugman, Melissa Harris-Perry, Drew Westen, Sandra Fluke, Ai-jen Poo, and many others. But the real stars at the conference will be you and fellow activists from Rebuild the Dream, MoveOn.org, Occupy, 99% Spring, labor unions, civil rights and women's rights groups. We'll be getting together to come up with the strategies to win a progressive majority in November, and to win a progressive agenda in December. Following a historic victory in the 2008 election, we allowed the Tea Party to take control of the conversation and stall the progressive change we needed for America. We can't let it happen again. This time, we need to be ready. We've already built up some major momentum for the 99%, from Occupy Wall Street to Wisconsin. At the Take Back the American Dream conference, we'll be figuring out how to harness that energy and momentum into historic victories this November and December. Register now and get a special discounted rate as part of the Rebuild the Dream community. This time around, we'll demand a recovery plan that's built on jobs, not bailouts, and an economy that rewards working people, not the Wall Street banks that created this mess. This time, we'll put struggling homeowners, students in debt, and tax fairness at the center of the debate about how America's economy should work. No more sacrifices from the 99% in the form of cuts to basic services, while multinationals get to game the system, military spending stays sky high, and the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% stay in place. Rebuild the Dream is a proud partner organizing this summit for the 99%, with the Campaign for America's Future, Progressive Majority, and other groups. We need you, as a Rebuild the Dream activist, to be there representing our movement. I'll see you in Washington. Thanks, Van and the Rebuild the Dream team

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Rebuild the Dream is a platform for bottom-up, people-powered innovations to help fix the U.S. economy. You can follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook.

The summer season is time to WALK YOUR TALK

You don't have to be an official "Precinct Committee Rep" to get the word out in your neighborhood. If you are reading this blog right now (and you are, right?), you can start spreading the word about the detriment it would be to turn back the hands of progress on our country by electing another "fiscal conservative" who will bring us more bloated governement ala Reagan and not even help the least amongst us along the way (all the while wearing letting their Jesus flag fly).

Phew...that was a long sentence...but not as long a sentence as we will be serving with our fellow citizens if we don't each use the lovely days and sultry evenings of summer to have a little "backyard" chat, or "walkin' the dog" chat, or "watering the lawn" chat, or "at the driving range" chat with someone we know has been putting politics on the back burner while Fox burned their brain full of crap.

I am sure you saw the news spreading like WILD FIRE, that we are more divided country than ever in history. Let's not take that lying down...GET UP, WALK, TALK. This weekend.

Turn this around with me, ok?

Amy Rohrer
Executive Director, DPDC

Suze Orman exposes secrets about student debt

Suze Orman Exposes The Biggest Secrets About Student Debt That Banks Don't Tell You

Want to support our work? MoveOn Civic Action is entirely funded by our 7 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.

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Wellstone's Take on yesterday's "recall". It isn't about Walker.

It really isn't.

It's about Lori Compas and Kristen Dexter - two Wellstone Action alums, and two other candidates in today's historic recall elections.

Maybe you saw today's results and feel defeated. Maybe you wonder why anyone would want to do this: campaign on their ideas, values, and convictions when all the money's going to the other guy.

“I assumed someone else would step up....People were calling on me to run. I decided I could do this.”

That’s what Lori Compas told Wellstone Action a few months back. A self-described regular citizen who had been uninvolved in politics, Lori quickly found herself at the helm of recalling Senator Scott Fitzgerald. And once the papers were filed and no one else was stepping up to challenge him, Lori plunged forward. People were calling on her.

Meanwhile, former State Representative Kristen Dexter was rising as the candidate to challenge Terry Moulton. Kristen, a Camp Wellstone alum like Lori, already had one successful election in her repertoire. And also like Lori, Kristen, too, was “an average citizen who never aspired to be a leader”. Except that we needed a leader.

We applaud the efforts of all those involved in the recall efforts, especially Lori and Kristen, and we thank you for believing that Wisconsin deserves better. We are extremely proud to support not only these candidates running with conviction, but the thousands of committed citizens, activists, and volunteers who also stepped up to lead. We thank our partners across the state - WI Progress, We Are Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Voices - for being at the forefront of a long, arduous process to restore hope and authenticity to politics - because an awful lot of us believe in both.

We end every Camp Wellstone with these words from Paul:  “Politics is not just about power and money games; politics can be about the improvement of people’s lives.” And we are so totally proud to stand with Lori and Kristen as they fought - and we suspect will continue to battle - for the Wisconsin that all of us deserve.

At Wellstone Action, we're in the business of improving people's lives. And this business doesn't end tonight.
Support Wellstone at www.wellstone.org

The Story of Jim Jontz ( this also pertains to WI recall today)

Many of you may be familiar with the story about The late Congressman Jim Jontz and how he wandered into a laundromat the last night of a long shot election and ended up convincing the two DECIDING votes to come over to his side. The short story is retold here:
http://www.rollcall.com/issues/52_119/-18289-1.html?zkMobileView=true

Let this be a serious lesson for those of us who have the time to move a few WI voters to reject Scott walker tomorrow.

TWO CALLS TO ACTION!
1) Make calls for Tom Barrett http://phonebank.barrettforwisconsin.com
2) support Americans for Democratic Action on June 16th for a special Saturday rate of 75 dollars which includes a special Jim Jontz Memorial program AND lunch with Larry Cohen, head of the Communications Workers of America.
Http:www.adaction.org/pages/2012-convention.php

What every 'tea party patriot' is really saying

Hello! Here are the three hottest progressive videos and graphics that we found on the web today, June 04, 2012. What Every 'Tea Party Patriot' Is Really Saying The POWERFUL Anti-War Video That'll Send Chills Down Your Spine Why Zach Wahls Will Have You Thinking Twice About Merit Badges

You may not be thrilled with Pat Quinn right now but...