Politics - Parties, Candidates
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties - covering the U.S. political arena including state and national political parties.
Featured Stories
Wis. Democratic Party: What They're Saying - Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grounded in Equity for Black Wisconsinites
MADISON, Wisconsin, Dec. 1 -- The Wisconsin Democratic Party issued the following news:
Earlier this month, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, certifying this one-in-a-generation investment in good-paying jobs, roads and bridges, broadband access, and clean drinking water. Families in every corner of Wisconsin and from every background -- whether Black, brown, or white -- will benefit from this law as it works to make a more equitable and competitive future.
Across the state and country, Black community activists have celebrated the law and the critical investments it will
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, Dec. 1 -- The Wisconsin Democratic Party issued the following news:
Earlier this month, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, certifying this one-in-a-generation investment in good-paying jobs, roads and bridges, broadband access, and clean drinking water. Families in every corner of Wisconsin and from every background -- whether Black, brown, or white -- will benefit from this law as it works to make a more equitable and competitive future.
Across the state and country, Black community activists have celebrated the law and the critical investments it willbring to Black families:
Congresswoman Gwen Moore: "Every community should have access to clean drinking water. For years, I have worked to secure the funding needed to remove all of Milwaukee's lead pipes, which pose a threat to our children. The infrastructure bill includes funds that will help remove the 70,000 lead pipes in Milwaukee. That's why this legislation is so crucial."
State Representative Kalan Haywood: "The infrastructure bill includes policies that will work to reconnect communities. As we know, the laws and standards that were in statute in the 50s and the 60s detrimentally and carelessly allowed and used bridges and highways to decimate and separate communities of color. They were separated from economic cores, transportation, and opportunity. This bill provides funds to address and rectify that issue."
Milwaukee County Supervisor Felesia Martin: "This is something that brings the deliverables directly to Milwaukee. And for every voter who doubted that the Democratic contingency couldn't do it, we're here to say today, they said they could and they did."
Stacy Clark, Vice Chair of Democratic Party of Wisconsin Black Caucus: "This bipartisan infrastructure bill is life-changing for Wisconsin residents, especially residents in Milwaukee County. And it's so groundbreaking because it is ground rooted in equity."
* "He explained that the bill will allow Wisconsin to take critical steps in advancing racial equity and justice. One investment is broadband-focused and making sure that every American has access to reliable internet. This will help bridge the digital divide, Clark said. In Wisconsin, Evers' Administration has already expanded broadband access to 300,000 homes and businesses, Clark said, adding that Evers declared 2021 the year of broadband access."
Rep. Joyce Beatty, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus: "I am glad the Senate, under the leadership of @POTUS, has passed a bipartisan bill that would make serious investments in our infrastructure. This compromise has the potential to rebuild the middle class with honest, good-paying jobs and reignite American competitiveness. My colleagues and I remain committed to working with the President as we build back better in #OH03 and nationwide."
National Black Caucus of State Legislators: "Just when the political divisions seem to be at an all-time high in this country, President Biden, working in a bi-partisan way with Congress has found a way to bring America together through focusing on our common needs.... The Members of NBCSL look forward to working with our federal partners to help get America reconnected."
National Black Justice Coalition: "Having reliable, accessible transit and internet, clean air and drinking water, and living wage jobs is a game-changer for Black LGBTQ+/SGL people living in poverty. We celebrate the passage today, and urge Senators to move quickly to also approve the budget, which includes major federal investments in child care, immigration, family leave, and climate change."
U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.: "The Senate's passage of the legislation is a critical step towards securing a long-awaited investment in our nation's infrastructure system. USBC has been advocating for this action since 2010. In addition, USBC priorities for contracting opportunities and broadband investment are included in the bill that will -- at long last -- codify the Minority Business Development Agency, representing a bipartisan commitment to investing in the growth of Black businesses across the country. This investment will especially help those in our community who have historically lacked access to broadband, expanding to Black-owned businesses everywhere an increased opportunity to grow, scale, and adapt."
Here's how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal will deliver for Black Wisconsinites:
* Expanding access to broadband to all Wisconsin families, and helping lower costs and for Black Americans who are 9% less likely to have high-speed internet.
* Eliminating lead pipes and providing the largest investment in clean drinking water in American history. Lead pipes disproportionately impact low-income families of color in Wisconsin.
* Investing in public transit, reducing commute times, and addressing the backlog of repairs -- as well as addressing the racism ingrained in transportation and urban planning.
* Funding roughly $65 billion -- the single largest investment in clean energy transmission in American history -- to upgrade power infrastructure and reduce pollution. Black Americans are almost 5 times more likely to die from asthma-related causes than their white counterparts.
* Remediating brownfields and Superfund sites -- 26% of Black Americans live within three miles of Superfund sites that can lead to elevated lead levels in children's blood.
Pennsylvania Democratic Party Statement on Mehmet Oz & the GOP Pa. Senate Primary
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Democratic Party issued the following statement on Nov. 30, 2021:
* * *
Today Mehmet Oz plans to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. His announcement comes because "no one in the GOP field has shown enough to scare off other challengers - or give major confidence to party leaders." In response, Pennsylvania Democratic Party spokesperson Jack Doyle issued the following statement:
"Pennsylvania's Republican Senate primary continues to descend into chaos.
"Mehmet Oz's campaign announcement is the latest example of how this Senate race
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Democratic Party issued the following statement on Nov. 30, 2021:
* * *
Today Mehmet Oz plans to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. His announcement comes because "no one in the GOP field has shown enough to scare off other challengers - or give major confidence to party leaders." In response, Pennsylvania Democratic Party spokesperson Jack Doyle issued the following statement:
"Pennsylvania's Republican Senate primary continues to descend into chaos.
"Mehmet Oz's campaign announcement is the latest example of how this Senate raceis a nightmare scenario for Republicans.
"It's clear this GOP Senate primary will get nastier, more expensive -- and whichever Republican candidate ultimately limps out of this intra-party fight will be deeply out of step with the Pennsylvania voters who will decide the general election."
Pennsylvania Democratic Party : People in Pennsylvania Are Desperate for Internet - Biden's Infrastructure Law Will Help
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Democratic Party issued the following news:
Broadband internet is necessary for Pennsylvanians to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected. Pennsylvania has had a serious problem regarding affordable, reliable high-speed internet for years and this last year made the cost of these disparities painfully clear. Thankfully, with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden has shown that tackling Pennsylvania's "digital divide" and bringing affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband to every
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 1 -- The Pennsylvania Democratic Party issued the following news:
Broadband internet is necessary for Pennsylvanians to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected. Pennsylvania has had a serious problem regarding affordable, reliable high-speed internet for years and this last year made the cost of these disparities painfully clear. Thankfully, with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden has shown that tackling Pennsylvania's "digital divide" and bringing affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband to everyPennsylvanian in every county is a top priority for his administration.
"President Biden's brokered a Bipartisan Infrastructure law that will energize Pennsylvania and bring broadband coverage to every corner of our commonwealth ," said PA Dems spokesperson Rosie Lapowsky. "There will be no more bad connections or slow service that keeps our businesses from working online -- and Biden's plan will make sure our networks are always up-to-date. It is past time that we allow our businesses, students and health care workers to have a fighting chance in Pennsylvania."
Broadband is about more than just internet access. It's about grade school children falling behind in school, working folks fresh out of college who need to find jobs, and elderly Pennsylvanians who can't access telehealth for medical care. Reliable broadband access will help our local economies thrive here in Pennsylvania. Studies show that lack of reliable internet damages our economic growth. Our low broadband ranking means companies will be less likely to relocate to our region to establish their business.
Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Pennsylvania will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 394,000 Pennsylvanians who currently lack it. And 2,917,000 or 23% of people in Pennsylvania will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
Indiana Democratic Party: INGOP Celebrates American Rescue Plan, Rescue Plan Described as 'Anchor' for Indiana's Economy
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Dec. 1 -- The Indiana Democratic Party issued the following news release on Nov. 30, 2021:
The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today thanked Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer for his endorsement of President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan.
Hupfer promoted a Fort Wayne Journal Gazette report (https://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20211128/a-new-vision-for-state-to-grow) yesterday where the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) praised the $500 million provided to Governor Eric
... Show Full Article
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Dec. 1 -- The Indiana Democratic Party issued the following news release on Nov. 30, 2021:
The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today thanked Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer for his endorsement of President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan.
Hupfer promoted a Fort Wayne Journal Gazette report (https://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/20211128/a-new-vision-for-state-to-grow) yesterday where the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) praised the $500 million provided to Governor EricHolcomb's READI program, calling it an "anchor" to Indiana's economic future. The conundrum for the INGOP: the American Rescue Plan funded this entire program despite every single Indiana Republican - including Holcomb - opposing the relief package.
In fact, INGOP Chairman Hupfer and elected Republicans like Todd Young, Jim Banks, Jim Baird, and Jackie Walorski have all described the Democrats' record as "socialism". This includes Governor Holcomb's READI program.
This is the Indiana Republican Party's partisan move: Vote "NO", call it "socialism", but take the dough anyway. Two weeks ago, Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston bragged about how the Rescue Plan delivered a pay raise for educators and the READI program. Many times this year, Republicans like Governor Holcomb and Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch have celebrated the American Rescue Plan's $250 million for broadband internet expansion across Indiana. And just weeks after voting "NO" on the Rescue Plan, Congressman Greg Pence touted the law's Restaurant Revitalization Fund (https://twitter.com/adamwren/status/1387534594333986823) - a program to help Indiana's food and restaurant industry during the pandemic.
In contrast, Indiana Democrats delivered on the American Rescue Plan and this better opportunity for Hoosier families. The Party and its leaders plan to campaign extensively on the Rescue Plan, the state's READI program, and The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act through the 2022 state and midterm elections. Hoosiers have a brighter future on the horizon, and it's because Democrats - not Republicans - got this done for them.
SHOT: INGOP Chairman Hupfer, Indiana Economic Development Corporation Praise the American Rescue Plan's $500 Million for READI
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: "The $500 million READI program - Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative - will anchor this pillar to build connectivity and community, [the Indiana Economic Development Corporation] said"
INGOP Chairman: "There's room for more growth and we're not taking our foot off the gas!"
CHASER: Kyle Hupfer, INGOP Call Holcomb's READI Program, American Rescue Plan "Socialism"
Indianapolis Business Journal: "'I hope Mike and others like Jennifer McCormick listen more than they talk. If they do, it's certain they will hear how these areas wholeheartedly reject the progressive and socialist policies being promoted by Biden, Pelosi, Schumer, the Squad and the Indiana Democrat Party,' Hupfer said."
Democratic Governors Association: ICYMI - After Immigration Corruption Scandal Explodes, Joe Lombardo Faces Calls to Resign
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The Democratic Governors Association issued the following news:
A scathing expose from the Las Vegas Review-Journal revealed that Joe Lombardo hid his department's continued collaboration with ICE to deport nonviolent undocumented immigrants despite ending the 287(g) program years earlier. After already taking both sides on immigration to pander to different audiences, Lombardo is now using his deceptive and corrupt immigration policy as a talking point in a competitive primary.
Speaking at an NAACP event, Lombardo previously downplayed Metro's role in immigration enforcement
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The Democratic Governors Association issued the following news:
A scathing expose from the Las Vegas Review-Journal revealed that Joe Lombardo hid his department's continued collaboration with ICE to deport nonviolent undocumented immigrants despite ending the 287(g) program years earlier. After already taking both sides on immigration to pander to different audiences, Lombardo is now using his deceptive and corrupt immigration policy as a talking point in a competitive primary.
Speaking at an NAACP event, Lombardo previously downplayed Metro's role in immigration enforcementand insisted he doesn't have a zero-tolerance immigration policy. But to his conservative base, he touted his continued coordination with ICE and bragged that 10,000 people were deported under his leadership. He even tweeted about his zero-tolerance policy for undocumented immigrants.
The corruption scandal has blown up -- last week, a Las Vegas Sun editorial column called on Lombardo to resign, saying, "He deceived us. And now, having shown himself as a man who categorically cannot be trusted, he should resign."
"Joe Lombardo is a political hack who tried to hide his corrupt, inhumane practices from the public until he needed far-right votes," said DGA Senior Communications Advisor Christina Amestoy. "Lombardo's deception, and his refusal to comment on this scandal, are disqualifying for a candidate for governor."
Read the Las Vegas Review-Journal's report below:
Las Vegas Review-Journal: Police help ICE seize undocumented immigrants jailed for nonviolent crimes (https://www.reviewjournal.com/investigations/police-help-ice-seize-undocumented-immigrants-jailed-for-nonviolent-crimes-2481171/)
Las Vegas police help federal officials capture undocumented immigrants jailed for nonviolent crimes, a shift in practice that critics say was never made public.
The Metropolitan Police Department has also instructed jail officials not to record on inmates' booking logs that they were picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Metro documents show.
Illegal immigration is a top campaign issue for Republicans heading into competitive primaries in 2022, including Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, who is running for governor. Many support deporting undocumented immigrants with any kind of criminal record, while Lombardo's campaign promotes a "zero-tolerance policy for violent criminals."
"When immigrants come to this country illegally and commit violent crimes in our communities, they need to be removed," wrote the campaign in a statement, adding that the sheriff was "unequivocally pro-legal immigration."
But local immigration advocates say Metro's policy toward nonviolent offenders runs contrary to Lombardo's public position. They also say the department's record-keeping practice is nontransparent.
The Review-Journal obtained the policy through a public records request after Lombardo reportedly boasted at a July campaign event that he was involved in deporting 10,000 people. The policy change became effective one day after the sheriff announced in October 2019 that the county jail would exit the 287(g) program, its then-partnership with ICE.
[...]
Some critics, including UNLV Immigration Clinic Director Michael Kagan, said the policy allows Nevada's largest law enforcement agency to obscure its coordination with ICE.
"It's not as if Metro is a passive actor here. They're actively involved in the process and choosing to be actively involved," said Kagan, whose clinic defends people facing deportation. "That means that they certainly have a responsibility to keep records to let the public know what they're doing. That's a basic requirement of transparency."
[...]
Some members of the Clark County Commission, who determine the county jail's annual budget, which is currently more than $250 million, said they were unaware Metro helps ICE apprehend inmates accused of nonviolent crimes.
"If they changed the policy internally I would hope they would let us know, because before we were clear that this was about violent crimes," Commissioner Tick Segerblom said. "To the extent we can keep families intact is best for Las Vegas."
[...]
ICE contacted the jail about inmates at least 24 times since late October 2020, according to emails obtained by the Review-Journal. The correspondence does not state whether the inmate was taken into ICE custody.
Metro refused to release ICE documents in its possession to the Review-Journal that contain information about why the inmates were wanted for deportation, stating the federal agency must release them.
But the police department's own records show at least five of those inmates were arrested for nonviolent crimes before ICE inquired about them. Generally they were charged with some combination of theft, drug and traffic violations, including driving under the influence.
Lombardo brought renewed scrutiny to Metro's practices after the July campaign comment that he had helped deport 10,000 people, reported by The Nevada Independent. In September, his campaign's Twitter account tweeted the sheriff "developed an internal system to identify and report illegal immigrants."
Lombardo's campaign website states that after he suspended the 287(g) program the sheriff "used extra personnel and dedicated scarce resources to working directly with ICE to determine the identity of violent criminals in other ways."
[...]
Lombardo's campaign did not respond to repeated inquiries about the internal system or whether the sheriff had made the claim about helping deport 10,000 people. Metro spokesman Larry Hadfield said the department could not determine how many inmates were taken into custody under the 287(g) program because it no longer has access to ICE records.
[...]
DSCC Statement on Mehmet Oz Reportedly Entering 'Churning' Pa. GOP Senate Primary
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee issued the following statement on Nov. 30, 2021:
* * *
Today Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Patrick Burgwinkle released the following statement.
"Mehmet Oz's campaign announcement demonstrates the chaos which is engulfing Pennsylvania's GOP Senate primary. The influx of unqualified, untested and wealthy Republican candidates in this race will intensify the viciousness of their intra-party fight and leave their ultimate nominee badly out of step with Pennsylvania's general election voters. The GOP will find
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee issued the following statement on Nov. 30, 2021:
* * *
Today Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson Patrick Burgwinkle released the following statement.
"Mehmet Oz's campaign announcement demonstrates the chaos which is engulfing Pennsylvania's GOP Senate primary. The influx of unqualified, untested and wealthy Republican candidates in this race will intensify the viciousness of their intra-party fight and leave their ultimate nominee badly out of step with Pennsylvania's general election voters. The GOP will findOz is no miracle cure for their mounting problems in this primary."
What they're saying about the Pennsylvania Republican Senate primary:
* AP: GOP field in Pennsylvania's Senate race heads for reshuffle. "One of the head-scratchers for Republicans is the influx of candidates who, until recently at least, did not live in Pennsylvania... "The more important qualification, it seems, is that they are rich."
* Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: With Parnell exit, Senate race an 'open event' for GOP. "Now, with Mr. Parnell out, it's an "open event," he said -- with no way to predict the eventual nominee in a party trying to defend a Senate seat in a state Mr. Biden won in 2020."
* CNN: 'This crowd is so big and unknown.' "Pennsylvania Republicans are more perplexed that Oz, an Ohio-born doctor who attended medical school in Philadelphia and lives in New Jersey, is considering a run."
* Philadelphia Inquirer's Jonathan Tamari: "No one in the GOP field has shown enough to scare off other challengers - or give major confidence to party leaders"
DNC: New Navigator Polling - 'Two in Three Americans Support Biden's Infrastructure Legislation'
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release:
President Biden's agenda is overwhelmingly popular. Period. New polling released from Navigator today shows that a majority of the American people support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law even before they hear specifics -- and net support grows to a stunning 40-point margin when Americans read about the policies in it. The message is breaking through: President Biden and Democrats are delivering for the American people while Republicans are playing political games.
Navigator Polling: Two In Three Americans
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 -- The Democratic National Committee issued the following news release:
President Biden's agenda is overwhelmingly popular. Period. New polling released from Navigator today shows that a majority of the American people support the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law even before they hear specifics -- and net support grows to a stunning 40-point margin when Americans read about the policies in it. The message is breaking through: President Biden and Democrats are delivering for the American people while Republicans are playing political games.
Navigator Polling: Two In Three AmericansSupport Biden's Infrastructure Legislation
* "By a 40-point margin, the public supports the Bipartisan Infrastructure legislation that President Biden signed into law earlier this month."
* "On a variety of metrics related to the new infrastructure legislation, President Biden and Democrats are seen as more trusted than Republicans, including handling the cost of living for working families.
View charts at: https://democrats.org/news/new-navigator-polling-two-in-three-americans-support-bidens-infrastructure-legislation/
