Illinois Republicans circumvent campaign contribution limits

Take a look at this article by Doug Ibendahl on how Republicans are passing money from local county organizations to the Illinois Republican Party. By giving money to smaller organizations at the local and county levels, Republicans are circumventing Illinois campaign contribution limits. 

As Democrats, we fight for campaign finance reform because we know the influence that money and big business have on our elections. A fair election means a transparent election and what the Republican Party of Illinois has done here is just the opposite. Campaign limits are important because they level the playing field for candidates and for parties.  Regulating the money that goes into elections allows voters to decide based on the issues and the candidate.  It means that you can't simply cater to the wealthiest voters in America and be bankrolled indefinitely.

Let's make our elections truly fair and stop these practices.

http://republicannewswatch.com/wp/?p=12032

Brenna Conway
Associate Executive Director

You're Invited to Rebuild Wisconsin, May 19

Dear Dupage, This is it. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will face off against Scott Walker at the governor's recall election, just weeks away. This is a huge deal for all Americans -- that's why Rebuild the Dream is organizing "Rebuild Wisconsin" on May 19. We will take a stand against Koch-brother politics of, by, and for the 1%. We are coming together to recall Walker, refund Wisconsin, and rebuild the dream! And you're invited! Join us at "Rebuild Wisconsin" on Saturday, May 19 in Milwaukee. It's a giant block party for our movement and Wisconsin! Join Van Jones, Congresswoman Gwen Moore, comedian Lee Camp, folk singer Grace Weber and more amazing, local artists, musicians, poets, and community leaders. Hip-hop artist Jasiri X will debut "You're Fired," a new song dedicated to Governor Walker. You can create your own art, perform at the Rebuild the Dream Talent Showcase featuring local artists, and build your skills at workshops on voter engagement and non-violent action. Since Walker took office, he has cut $1 billion from K-12 and higher education and kicked 50,000 people off Badger Care. Enough is enough. "Rebuild Wisconsin" will super-charge our grassroots, people-powered movement on the way to the ballot box on June 5. We will bring together culture, ideas, and action and demonstrate our politics of, by, and for the 99%. Can we count on you to join us in Milwaukee on May 19 to recall Walker, refund Wisconsin, and rebuild the dream? Yes, I can't wait to join the people-powered movement on May 19! We're so honored to be joined by Wisconsin Jobs Now, We Are Milwaukee, SEIU, League of Pissed Off Voters, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, We Are Wisconsin, and more. See you there! Caroline and the Rebuild the Dream Team And the Rebuild Wisconsin Organizing Committee: - Peter Rickman, SEIU & Wisconsin Jobs Now - Biko Baker, creative consultant - Jennifer Epps, Citizen Action of Wisconsin

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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.

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WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN: Getting Mom American Made Treats for Mother's Day!

THANKS GO TO AMERICANS FOR DEMOCRATIC ACTION (ADA)  for this timely piece:

As the story goes, when American soldiers serving in WWII were asked why they were fighting, they’d answer, “For America, mom and apple pie.”

This Mother’s Day, ADA and Working Families Win ask you to join us in paying homage to America, mom and apple pie by investing in an All-American Mother's Day!

As you are out shopping for mom, simply take a few minutes to check the tag, flip over the card or ask your local merchant where his/her products were produced. This simple action supports American business and helps invest in the American middle class.

If you can't find any American made products at those big-box chains, try local merchants instead. Still no luck? Below are links to merchants who have made it a priority to Invest in America by keeping their products American made and keeping jobs in the U.S.A. 
Click here and here to find American Made Greeting Cards.
Click here and here to find American Grown Flowers.
Click here and here to find American Manufactured Jewelry.

ADA's Working Families Win Buy American project is a part of a larger Invest in America campaign aimed at encouraging personal, political and corporate action to rebuild America's middle class.
Stay active with the Invest in America campaign by joining us at ADA's 63rd Convention in Chicago!  You can also visit the WFW webpage or Facebook page to stay updated on more Buy American opportunities. 

Why Republicans Should Hate Fire Extinguishers, A Great Bernie Quote, And Shirtless Matthew McConaughey?

Hello! Here are the three hottest progressive videos and graphics that we found on the web today, May 09, 2012. What Do A Shirtless Matthew McConaughey And Hollywood Stereotypes Of African Men Have In Common? This Quote Will Have You Ready To Fight Alongside Bernie Sanders Why Republicans Wouldn't Like Fire Extinguishers If They Really Thought About It

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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Call Sen. Kirk: Don't sell out Illinois's students

Call Sen. Kirk: Stop the doubling of student loan interest rates. Call Sen. Kirk: Don't vote against Illinois's students. Dear Friend, Just a few weeks ago, we asked CREDO Action members to engage on the explosive issue of student loans. The response has been amazing with activists taking more than 319,000 actions to stop Congressional Republicans from doubling the interest rates on federally subsidized student loans. Thanks in part to your activism the issue has become a hot topic in our national political conversation. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid spoke up on behalf of students on the Senate floor recently1, and he has now scheduled a crucial vote in the Senate for tomorrow on the Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act of 2012, legislation which prevents the interest rate on federally subsidized student loans from doubling this summer.2 In advance of tomorrow's vote, we need to make sure Sen. Kirk know that his constituents expect him to vote for the interests of students and recent graduates who rely on federal student loans. Call Sen. Mark Kirk: Tell him to support the Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act of 2012 to keep the interest rates on federally subsidized student loans from doubling this July. Click here for a simple script and the number to call. Now is the time to put on a full court press. Call Sen. Kirk's office and ask him to put aside partisanship and vote in support of the Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act. We believe Sen. Kirk should heed calls to keep the interest rate at their current low level since he voted with the Democrats for the College Cost Reduction and Access Act in 2007, which reduced the interest rates on subsidized Stafford loans incrementally over four academic years, from 6.8 percent at the time to the current 3.4 percent. Sen. Kirk needs to keep supporting our students and their families. The Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act covers the cost of extending the low interest rates for one more year by eliminating a tax loophole that would prevent wealthy Americans making over $200,000 per year to avoid paying their fair share of Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes.3 For example, in 2010, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich legally exploited this S corporation loophole to avoid paying $69,000 in Medicare taxes, while reporting $444,327 of his earnings as wages from Gingrich Holdings and Gingrich Productions and classifying another $2.4 million as profits or dividends.4 In contrast, House Republicans are promoting a legislation that covers the cost of extending the low interest rates by eliminating basic health care prevention programs. President Barack Obama has already issued a veto threat against the extreme proposal of the House Republican Leadership.5 With the Republican bill dead on arrival, supporting the Democratic Legislation in the Senate should be a common sense, no-brainer, non-partisan action in favor of Illinois's students for Sen. Kirk. Call Sen. Mark Kirk: Tell him to support the Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act of 2012 to keep the interest rates on federally subsidized student loans from doubling this July. Click here for a simple script and the number to call. Your calls will matter as your effort to date has turned the burden of student loans into one of the hottest topics this political season. Let's make sure that Sen. Kirk get the message that he cannot sell out Illinois's students by embracing the extreme right wing agenda of the House Republican leadership. Thank you for taking action to make sure that all students can afford a higher education — including those from Illinois's working class families. Murshed Zaheed, Deputy Political Director CREDO Action from Working Assets 1. "Reid: An Investment In Education Is An Investment In Our Economy", YouTube, April 23, 2012. 2. Reed, Harkin, Brown Seek to Keep Student Interest Rates Low, Senator Jack Reed's press release, April 25, 2012. 3. Id. 4. Id. 5. Jennifer Steinhauer, "House Passes Student Loan Bill Despite Veto Threat," The New York Times, April 27, 2012. © 2012 CREDO. All rights reserved. To remove yourself (Democratic Party DuPage County) from this list, please visit our subscription management page at: http://act.credoaction.com/s?i=39706-5191227-5n3NDFx To change your email address or update your contact info, please visit: http://act.credoaction.com/subscrip/coa.html?id=39706-5191227-5n3NDFx

One simple thing you can do to help COD faculty under attack.

No question COD is an asset to DuPage County, but the faculty is under seige, working without a contract for a year. In 2009, many members of the DuPage Democrats pushed hard to elect those who would protect these same teachers. At a recent rally, our own Bob Peickert lent his support to their cause echoing that effort. You can lend your voice and support as well.

Attend the COD Board of Trustees meeting this Thursday, May 10 at 7 p.m. in Room 2800 of Student Resources Center on the COD campus.

What Do DuPage Dems Need to Know About Problems at the College of DuPage?

COD teachers, who have been working without a contract for a year, recently held a rally featuring speakers from the IEA, local teachers' unions, and DuPage Democrats Chairman Bob Peickert. Faculty association representatives have gone on record accepting a financial offer made in the press by the college president and have agreed to a number of other significant concessions. Nonetheless, contract negotiations have stalled and were recently placed in the hands of a federal mediator.

College of DuPage has long been a well-regarded public resource - an accessible, affordable route to an education for everyone in District 502. Especially for a two-year college, COD has attracted a remarkably high quality of faculty because of its strong reputation and innovative programs. Of late, though, under the control of President Robert Breuder and Board Chairman David Carlin, COD tuition has risen steadily, and financial policies have made it harder for working people to meet payment deadlines and register for classes. At the same time, the administration of the college is trying to water down educational quality by increasing class sizes and teaching load, as well as taking coordination of academic programs out of faculty hands.

COD's campus looks really pretty these days: millions have been lavished on landscaping, including mature trees and fountains, and you can't miss all the new buildings. COD has a whole layer of administrators earning salaries over $150k; furthermore, Breuder is the highest paid community college president in the state. So, if COD has money to spend, why is the administration so reluctant to bargain with the faculty association? Board Chairman Carlin is Joe Walsh's District Director and a Tea Party loyalist who has his own political aspirations. Breuder, the current college president, touts a corporate approach to managing the college, centralizing decision-making authority and eroding the role of faculty in academic affairs. Harper College is still reeling from his "leadership" style. These men are not interested in working with faculty to pursue the educational mission of COD. They want to bust a union and many of their contractor friends win if they do.

What can DuPage Dems do?
●    Attend the next College of DuPage Board of Trustees meeting at 7pm on Thursday, May 10, 2012.
●    Consider running for Chairman Carlin's board seat, which is up for election in 2013 in a nonpartisan race.
●    "Like" the faculty association's Facebook page and share our posts widely.
●    Read more about the issues at the links below!

Professor Emeritus David McGrath puts the current strife at COD in the context of COD's history and the current anti-labor efforts of Wisconsin's governor.
COD Faculty Association President Glenn Hansen responded after Carlin accused faculty of holding grades over the heads of students who demonstrated or made statements in support of faculty at the April 19 Board of Trustees meeting.
Professor of Photography Jeff Curto reveals the College administration's use of public resources to attack the faculty association, as well as debunking the myth that teaching in an art studio has less value than teaching in a lecture class.
Associate Professor of English Karin Evans explores the impact of a heavier teaching load on instructors in freshman English, a core general education requirement serving all students who earn associates degrees or transfer to four-year colleges all over Illinois.

Bank vs. America: Wednesday in Naperville

There's a showdown between the 99% and Bank of America next week. People are protesting at the the BofA shareholders meeting in Charlotte and at solidarity actions nationwide. There's a protest in Naperville at 4:30 PM. Can you make it? RSVP for the Protest!

Dear MoveOn member,

Given recent history, Bank of America should be rebranded "Bank vs. America."

While our economy tanked, BofA made billions in profits by dodging taxes, illegally foreclosing on homes, and squeezing customers—hitting communities of color especially hard.¹ 

But this spring, tens of thousands of people were trained to fight back against Bank of America and big corporations. Next week, at the annual shareholders meeting in Charlotte, NC, local progressives are blending street theatre with protest to get the attention of top BofA executives and the media. BofA's so nervous about bad publicity that the city of Charlotte will enforce a draconian protest law that allows police to search someone for having a bike helmet or magic marker.²

We know that Bank of America is susceptible to public pressure. (Remember when they tried to hike debit fees?)³ If we all speak out against BofA on the same day, we can ratchet up the pressure by drawing more media attention and scrutiny to them. That's why, as part of the 99% Spring, progressives are organizing protests at Bank of America branches throughout the country on May 9. 

There's a protest in Naperville on Wednesday, May 9 at 4:30 PM. Can you make it?

Yes, count me in for the protest!

To show Bank of America that we won't take more of the same, May is "Move Our Money" month for the 99%. We're withdrawing our hard-earned money and switching to community banks or credit unions instead. Big Banks stand to lose $185 BILLION over the next year because of customer defections—and BofA is particularly vulnerable.⁴ Bank CEOs aren't responsive to pleas for help from struggling homeowners—but we'll get their attention when we put a dent in profits and a spotlight on their greed.    

Can you stand with the 99% at a Bank of America protest in Naperville on Wednesday, May 9, at 4:30 PM?  

Yes, I want to RSVP!

Thanks for all you do.

–Elena, Victoria, Ryan, Wes, and the rest of the team

P.S. May is "Move Our Money" month. To learn how to move your money (or document money you've moved already), click here. 

Sources:

1. "Why Mobilize," Unity, accessed May 3, 2012
http://theunityalliance.org/why-mobilize/

2. "Duke Energy, Bank of America shareholders meetings to fall under strict security rules crafted for Democratic National Convention," Charlotte Business Journal, April 30, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275098&id=40666-21598997-i75b1px&t=4

3. "Bank of America drops debit card fees," USA Today, November 1, 2011
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=274792&id=40666-21598997-i75b1px&t=5

4. "Move Your Money: Faith Leaders, Activists To Target Wall Street Banks Throughout Month Of May; USA Today, Think Progress, May 2, 2012
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=275196&id=40666-21598997-i75b1px&t=6

 

Want to support our work? We're 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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PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to Democratic Party of DuPage County on May 4, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

Two Simple Ideas

SOMETHING SIMPLE TO USE IN OUR LIVES THIS WEEKEND Two Simple Ideas That We Wish More People Lived By

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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What 31 Republicans Said No To, A Hilarious Obama Speech, And 21 Seconds Of WTF

Hello! Here are the three hottest progressive videos and graphics that we found on the web today The 31 Republican Senators Who Voted 'NO' On The Violence Against Women Act HILARIOUS! The Barack Obama 2012 White House Correspondents' Dinner Speech 21 Seconds Of WTF Coming Your Way Courtesy Of This Presidential Candidate

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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This email was sent to Democratic Party of DuPage County on May 1, 2012. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

RAW STORY NIBLETS: Ron Paul and Paul Krugman debate economic theory

Ron Paul and Paul Krugman debate economic theory Atlas Society: Ryan budget ‘very much in line’ with Ayn Rand Girl allegedly punished for sitting during the Pledge of Allegiance Fox News guest: ‘Illegals’ can go home if they don’t like the slur Ann Romney: Mitt is ‘a wild and crazy man inside’ Stephen King tells rich people upset over tax increases: ‘Tough s**t’ Lawmaker gets only 1 donation after ‘lesbian’ Girls Scouts remark Senators: ‘Enhanced interrogation techniques’ ineffective  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2012 Raw Story Media, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Raw Story Media PO Box 21050 Washington, DC 20009 Add us to your address book  unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences

Comparing Obama to Mass Murderers. Shameful!

Tell Illinois Bishop to Apologize for Comparing Obama to Hitler 
Sign this petition to Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, Bishop of Peoria which says: "There's no excuse for comparing the President of the United States to Hitler
and Stalin. Please offer an immediate apology for your offensive remarks and refrain from using such hateful rhetoric in the future." 

Tell Bishop Jenky he is completely off base today!! http://signon.org/sign/tell-illinois-bishop?source=s.em.cp&r_by=4480899

Contact info for County Board Members About Saving SCARCE

Call EVERYONE ON THIS LIST, PLEASE!

Call Sandra Pihos too (her office is around the corner from SCARCE)                630-858-8855

Chairman Dan Cronin chairman@dupageco.org  630-407-6060

District 1 Paul Fichtner pfichtner@dupageco.org 630-251-7883

Rita Gonzalez rita.gonzalez@dupageco.org 224-634-7059

Don Puchalski dpuchalski@dupageco.org   312-804-2978

District 2 Patrick O’Shea 630-620-8551

Jeff Redick jredick@dupageco.org  630-607-9681

Michael Ledonne michael.ledonne@dupageco.org 630-495-9187

District 3 John Curran john.curran@dupageco.org      630-541-7588

Brian Krajewski  brian.krajewski@dupageco.org  630-435-6340

Michael McMahon mmcmahon@dupageco.org    630-261-9000

District 4 Bill Bedrossian bill.bedrossian@dupageco.org  630-461-1159

Grant Eckhoff 630-510-0660

JR McBride jmcbride@dupageco.org 630-790-1040

District 5  James D Healy jhealy@dupageco.org 630-202-1162

Tony Michelassi Anthony.michelassi@dupageco.org 630-788-8338

John Zediker jzediker@dupageco.org  630-697-3062

District 6 Dirk Enger dirk.enger@dupageco.org  630-588-0344

Robert Larsen robert.larsen@dupageco.org 630-260-8607

James Zay jzay@dupageco.org  630-876-8601