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**DPDC Blog has moved**

Please follow us at http://www.dupagedemocrats.com

 We welcome and value your readership and support!

If you are a subscriber to our blog, please re-subscribe to our new blog.

Enter your email address:


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Subscribe in a reader

F*R*E*E* Visibility Picnic This Saturday. RSVP today, please.

PLEASE bring a side dish to feed 8-10, also. See you Saturday!

Questions? Call 630-629-1125.

Plea

There’s Now A Book To Teach Your Kids About Why They Should Pack Heat While Shopping

 by Ian Millhiser Posted on August 4, 2014 at 10:16 am
  

 CREDIT: myparentsopencarry.com

 
Do you wander around with a Glock on your hip, so you are prepared for the day when you’ll open fire on an armed assailant? Do you worry about how you will explain to your kids why you wander around with a Glock on your hip, so you are prepared for the day when you’ll open fire on an armed assailant? Well, Brian Jeffs and Nathan Nephew, two advocates for openly carrying firearms from Michigan, have a solution for you! The two men have authored “My Parents Open Carry,” a book for children that tells the tale of a young girl and her family as they “turn an otherwise ordinary day into an open carry adventure!”
 
The book teaches children such lessons as...
 
To Read More: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2014/08/04/3467130/theres-now-a-book-to-teach-your-kids-about-why-they-should-pack-heat-while-shopping/
 

Grassroots and gerrymandering: IL GOP have "no troops to speak of".

Posted by Rich Miller  

Out of power for a dozen years and hobbled even before that by anti-patronage court rulings, the state’s Republican Party infrastructure has all but collapsed.

So, part of GOP gubernatorial nominee Bruce Rauner’s task he’s set for himself from here on out is to try and somehow rebuild a grassroots infrastructure.

It won’t be an easy job. Republicans have never, in the modern age, been able to match the Democrats’ ability to dispatch patronage armies to the state’s distant corners because of the Democrats’ Chicago and Cook County patronage bases The Republicans’ local organizations are essentially hollow these days, and they have no troops to speak of.

To Read More: http://capitolfax.com/2014/04/28/grassroots-and-gerrymandering/

Report: Rauner Funneled Money Into Caribbean. Surprised?

CHICAGO (AP) — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner funneled part of his wealth to a Caribbean territory long considered a tax haven, a business practice the venture capitalist defended on Sunday, stressing there was no impact on his personal tax rate.
Rauner spoke with reporters the same day a published report detailed how three of five of Rauner's Cayman Island holdings are tied to GTCR, a Chicago-based private equity firm Rauner helped found.
To Read More: http://progressillinois.com/news/content/2014/08/04/report-rauner-funneled-money-caribbean

State Policy Network Ties to ALEC.

State Policy Network  (SPN was formerly known as the Madison Group - SPN Ties to ALEC)

The State Policy Network (SPN) has franchised, funded, and fostered a growing number of “mini Heritage Foundations” at the state level since the early 1990s. SPN is a web of right-wing “think tanks” in every state across the country. It is an $83 million right-wing empire as of the 2011 funding documents from SPN itself and each of its state "think tank" members. Although SPN's member organizations claim to be nonpartisan and independent, the Center for Media and Democracy's in-depth investigation, "EXPOSED: The State Policy Network -- The Powerful Right-Wing Network Helping to Hijack State Politics and Government," reveals that SPN and its member think tanks are major drivers of the right-wing, American Legislative Exchange Council(ALEC)-backed corporate agenda in state houses nationwide, with deep ties to the Koch brothers and the national right-wing network of funders.

SPN describes itself as a network and service organization for the "state-based free market think tank movement," and its stated mission is "to provide strategic assistance to independent research organizations devoted to discovering and developing market-oriented solutions to state and local public policy issues." It was founded in November 1991 and incorporated in March of 1992.

To Read More: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=State_Policy_Network

A New Arm of ALEC. Really?

Protests Greet Lawmakers, Corporate Officials Gathering in Dallas as New Arm of ALEC Is Announced
By Candice Bernd, Truthout | 

Two grassroots activists from North Texas locked themselves inside the lobby of the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Thursday morning, as another two dropped a banner from the upper stories of the hotel to greet lawmakers and corporate officials gathered for the 41st annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)

To Read More On: ALEC Could Be Coming to Your City Soon; The American City County Exchange;  ALEC's Climate Agenda; Protesters Greet ALEC in Dallas; A Progressive ALEC?; ALEC's Extended Family: The State Policy Network; ALEC's Agenda in Texas:http://truth-out.org/news/item/25321-protests-greet-lawmakers-corporate-officials-gathering-in-dallas-as-new-arm-of-alec-is-announced

 

Durbin wants feds to check out Canadian National delays on EJ&E

 

Sen. Dick Durbin continued pressure on the Canadian National Railway Thursday, asking federal regulators to visit Illinois and witness delays on CN-operated tracks. "These large-unit trains and other freight trains are blocking crossings and increasing delays," Durbin wrote U.S. Surface Transportation Board Chairman Daniel Elliott. However, CN officials disagreed, explaining that delays at crossings earlier in the year were weather-related and are improving. In 2008, the transportation board approved CN's purchase of the EJ&E Railroad, a small freight line with tracks that run from Waukegan to Joliet through the north, northwest and southwest suburbs. Board members agreed with CN that using the EJ&E tracks would ease freight traffic in Chicago and on other railroad lines so trains could move quicker through the region. It imposed numerous conditions on the railroad, including a six-year monitoring period. Communities including Barrington and Aurora fought the plan, noting it would put more freight trains in their towns, resulting in more traffic, noise, delays and environmental problems. There were 5,267 cases of blocked crossings lasting 10 minutes or more between January and March, Durbin told Elliott, adding it was "the highest number since CN took ownership of the rail line. …

 

To Read More: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140731/news/140739717/ 

Good Riddance Eric Cantor!

Eric Cantor to leave Congress altogether on Aug. 18
By Paul Kane and Sebastian Payne

Rep. Eric Cantor, the just-departed House majority leader, announced Friday morning that he would also resign altogether from Congress, effective Aug. 18.

The seven-term congressman, stunned by a June 10 upset in Virginia’s primary, stepped down...

To Read More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2014/07/31/41de2ff8-18fa-11e4-9349-84d4a85be981_story.html?wpisrc=nl_pulse
 

Voting Just got easier in Illinois

 Voting in Illinois just got easier

While some states are making it harder to vote, under Governor Quinn's leadership, Illinois is making it easier than ever. Here's one big change you should know about: Illinois now has no-excuse absentee voting, so anyone can request a ballot and cast their vote by mail. That means no more lines, and no more worrying about taking off work to get to the polls on Election Day. If you want to vote by mail this year, you can request a ballot -- starting today. Just fill out an application here: https://www.quinnforillinois.com/vote-by-mail-illinois A few more things have changed for the better: Early Vote hours and days have been extended, to give you more options to vote in person.  You will no longer be required to provide a photo ID in order to vote early.  And, for the first time ever, you can now register to vote or update your registration online. Democracy works best when everyone takes part. Be sure to let your friends and family know: This year, voting will be easier than ever. It's also more important than ever. Thanks. Sabey Sabey Abraham Deputy Field Director Quinn for Illinois   Contributions are not tax deductible. State law requires that the occupation and name of the employer be reported for any individual who contributes over $500. Taxpayers for Quinn does not accept contributions from State employees. In addition, the Illinois Procurement Code prohibits certain businesses and their affiliates that have contracts, bids, and proposals with state agencies from making political contributions to state office holders responsible for awarding the contract. For more information about this campaign contribution limitation, please consult the State Board of Elections website. Paid for by Taxpayers for Quinn. A copy of our report, filed with the IL State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the board's website (elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections in Springfield, IL. Taxpayers for Quinn Quinn for Illinois 676 N LaSalle Street Ste. 340 Chicago IL 60654 United States

 

Bill Foster in Your Corner

Rep. Bill Foster votes against tax giveaways

"Hard-working Illinoisans pay their fair share of taxes, and I believe corporations should do the same. That’s why I recently voted to end tax giveaways for companies that ship jobs overseas.
Current tax loopholes are costing taxpayers billions of dollars, and creating an unfair disadvantage for businesses large and small that remain in this country. By utilizing a process known as “corporate inversions,” companies are able to avoid paying U.S. taxes by renouncing their United States citizenship and reincorporating by acquiring a foreign company and transferring more than 20 percent of shares to foreign owners..."

To read more and take the survey: http://2013-il11.congressnewsletter.net/mail/util.cfm?gpiv=2100118191.23382.159&gen=1

Join the DPDC Women's caucus for a Women Voter Mobilization Celebration at La Tosca Tomorrow night

The DPDC is starting their chapter of The Women's caucus. right here in Dupage County.

It is time for the women of DuPage County to become even more involved for the rights we fight for on a daily basis.

If you would like to attend tomorrow evening's event, at La Tosca Restaurant - 123 E. St Charles Rd. Villa Park, please RSVP toinfo@dupagedemocrats.com or call for your tickets - cost $20.00 at 630-629-1125. Seating is limited.

 

Here are some facts on the Women's caucus.

The House is at it's highest point at 18 percent (including the (Delegates)
The influence of the Caucus has far exceeded its representation in Congress.
They have achieved a list of accomplishments that include:

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act

The Child Support Enforcement Act

The Retirement Equity Act

The Civil Rights Restoration Act

The Women’s Business Ownership Act

The Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act

The Mammography Quality Standards Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act
The Violence Against Women Act The Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology Development Act

The Caucus is an inspiration and a model for women everywhere.  This is a brief list of organized Women's Caucuses:

 

Women’s Caucus - SEIU 521

We are working union women empowering our     community

Women’s Caucus - Ohio Democratic Party

Women's Caucus - Monmouth County Democrats

 -  LGBT Pride Caucus

 

Women's Caucus « College Democrats of America

Illinois Women's Caucus

We look forward to you joining us to achieve increased movement and satisfaction in women's issues and political policies.

 

Hoping History will repeat itself: think 1998

2.1 million reasons why Dems love the GOP’s anti-Obama push By Steve Benen  
 
In 1998, congressional Republicans, filled with irrational rage towards a Democratic president in his sixth year, launched an impeachment crusade the American mainstream saw as wildly unnecessary. The electoral results were striking: Bill Clinton’s Democratic Party had the best sixth-year midterms of any administration in a century. 

The history is not lost on contemporary Democrats. If GOP overreach 16 years ago alienated Republicans from the public at large and encouraged Democratic voters to show up for the elections, maybe history can repeat itself now that the GOP is once again launching...

To Read More: http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/21-million-reasons-why-dems-love-the-gops-anti-obama-push
 

Opposition to Rauner Seems to be Everywhere

Please feel free to post to our comments any other pertinent info regarding how unfit Rauner is be Governor. Also, many good talking points are posted at our DuPageDems FaceBook site as well. 

Illinois Activist Groups Protest Rauner Fundraiser

Ashlee Rezin 

While New Jersey Governor Chris Christie headlined a fundraiser for Republican Illinois gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner Friday evening in the Loop (Friday the 7/25), more than 100 protesters gathered outside the event to decry the pair's conservative stance on a myriad of social issues.

“Both of these politicians pose as moderates, but we’re here to call attention to the fact that both Bruce Rauner and Chris Christie have extreme positions on both the social, as well as the economic pocket book issues,” said William McNary, co-director of Citizen Action/Illinois.

The closed-door fundraiser....

To Read More: http://progressillinois.com/quick-hits/content/2014/07/26/activists-protest-outside-republican-gubernatorial-candidate-bruce-rau
 

Unusual New SuperPAC

Spending Big to Fight Big Donors in Campaigns
By NICHOLAS CONFESSORE 
 

An unlikely alliance of liberal intellectuals, big donors and Republican strategists has hit on a solution to the influence of big money in politics: even more money.

Starting July 28th, the recently formed Mayday “super PAC” began a $12 million advertising campaign to help elect lawmakers of both parties who support proposals to diminish the influence of big donors. The PAC is the most ambitious effort yet to turn dismay over supersize contributions...

 
To Read More...http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/29/us/spending-big-to-fight-big-donors.html?_r=1

More Health Care Sleight of Hand by GOP

Conservatives Want You to Pay More for the Health Plan You Like
By Tony Carrk | 
 
The Affordable Care Act, or ACA, is working: The uninsured rate has fallen dramatically since the law went into effect. Newly released data published in The New England Journal of Medicine show that 10.3 million adults gained coverage during the first open enrollment period. According to a recent Commonwealth Fund survey, 60 percent of those with new coverage said they used their coverage to go to the doctor or hospital or to fill a prescription; 62 percent of those people said they would not have been able to do so without their new coverage. Moreover, of those who were looking for a doctor, two-thirds said they were able to get an appointment within two weeks.
 
People are happy with their coverage. Overall, 78 percent of those surveyed said they were either somewhat satisfied or very satisfied with their new coverage. This is about the same rate as those reported by both people who were previously insured and by those who newly gained coverage. Even 74 percent of self-identified Republicans reported being satisfied with their coverage. 
 
 
 
To read more and review the state statistics: http://www.americanprogressaction.org/issues/healthcare/news/2014/07/25/94510/conservatives-want-you-to-pay-more-for-the-health-plan-you-like