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
Michigan Democratic Party Issues Joint Statement on President Trump Battle Creek Rally
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 6 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following joint statement on behalf of Chair Lavora Barnes and Beth Kelly, chair of the Calhoun County Democratic Party, in response to President Trump's announced rally in Battle Creek:
"Two rallies in two weeks is a clear sign Donald Trump is terrified of losing Michigan after over three years of breaking promise after promise to our voters.
"This failed president has time and again left Michigan families behind, fighting to strip them of health care, gut protections from pre-existing conditions, and slash funding for critical
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Dec. 6 -- The Michigan Democratic Party issued the following joint statement on behalf of Chair Lavora Barnes and Beth Kelly, chair of the Calhoun County Democratic Party, in response to President Trump's announced rally in Battle Creek:
"Two rallies in two weeks is a clear sign Donald Trump is terrified of losing Michigan after over three years of breaking promise after promise to our voters.
"This failed president has time and again left Michigan families behind, fighting to strip them of health care, gut protections from pre-existing conditions, and slash funding for criticalclean water programs while failing to revive our manufacturing economy.
"In Calhoun County, and everywhere across this state, we're building a grassroots movement that's going to hold Trump accountable by putting boots on the ground and speaking to voters each and every day about this president's failures.
"Gimmicky rallies from a desperate president are no substitute for the organizing army we've built-- Donald Trump will learn that lesson the hard way next November."
Green Party Says Strengthen the Paris Agreement, Shut Down NATO
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Green Party issued the following news release:
The Green Party of the United States today called for NATO to be shut down and for an expansion of measures in the Paris Climate Agreement in light of the deepening global crisis. The NATO summit and 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) are both taking place this week.
Dismantling NATO and redirecting military spending towards a Green New Deal would result both in honoring the US's pledge not to expand NATO and help to drastically reduce the U.S. military's carbon footprint, said Green Party leaders.
Greens
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Green Party issued the following news release:
The Green Party of the United States today called for NATO to be shut down and for an expansion of measures in the Paris Climate Agreement in light of the deepening global crisis. The NATO summit and 2019 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP25) are both taking place this week.
Dismantling NATO and redirecting military spending towards a Green New Deal would result both in honoring the US's pledge not to expand NATO and help to drastically reduce the U.S. military's carbon footprint, said Green Party leaders.
Greensnoted that the 2015 Paris Climate Treaty is inadequate to address the climate change crisis. 195 nations pledged to reduce greenhouse gases. However, the pledges are not mandatory, the treaty does not require a phase-out of fossil fuels, and it delays higher aid levels for poorer nations until 2025.
"What is the point of trusting the governments who sign up to this agreement with one hand while investing ever more in fossil fuel extraction, combustion and consumption with the other? The Green Party's platform demands legally binding commitments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2020 and a 95% reduction by 2030 over 1990 levels," said Tina Rockett, delegate from Virginia to the Green National Committee.
"We need to slash carbon emissions to avoid the threat to end civilization as we know it," said Mark Dunlea, the Green Party of New York's 2018 candidate for State Comptroller who ran on divesting that state's $210 billion pension fund from fossil fuels. "We need an immediate halt to new fossil fuel infrastructure in addition to phasing out existing uses."
The United Nations International Law Commission, citing the effects of war on climate change, adopted 28 draft legal principles on the protection of the environment in relation to armed conflicts (PERAC) in August, with the final version to be adopted in 2021.
This is especially critical as U.S. Armed Forces, with more than 800 bases in over 70 countries, is one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the world, with a larger carbon footprint than many industrialized nations.
In response to U. S. objections to PERAC's "remnants of war" framing, which covers obligations to address the "toxic and hazardous" effects of armed conflict, the Green Party called for the U.S. to sign the Toronto treaty banning the production, stockpiling, use, and sale of land mines, and assist other nations in unearthing and disabling mines buried in their lands; and also sign the convention that will establish the decrease and inspection of all nations' stockpiles of such weapons, which the U.S. abandoned.
"Why should NATO still exist in 2019? Its purpose ended in 1990 with the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact. Since then, NATO has continued to expand into the former east bloc countries, despite this country's pledge not to do so," said Trahern Crews, co-chair of the Green Party of the U.S.
In light of recent reports showing that the world might already be beyond the climate-change tipping point, the Green Party has called for a WWII-scale national and international mobilization to halt climate change, the greatest threat facing the planet today.
The Green Party's Green New Deal aims to revive the U.S. economy by creating millions of jobs with a transition to 100% clean renewable energy by 2030 and investments in public transit, sustainable agriculture, conservation and restoration of critical infrastructure, including ecosystems. The plan also calls for a Just Transition that would empower and support communities and workers most impacted by climate change and the transition to a peace economy.
Garry Smith Pledges to Support Congressional Term Limits
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- U.S. Term Limits issued the following news release:
U.S. Term Limits (USTL), the leader in the national, non-partisan movement to limit terms for elected officials, is gathering support from state lawmakers across the nation. Its mission is to get 34 states to apply for an amendment proposal convention specific to term limits on Congress. 2020 Arkansas state senate candidate, Garry Smith (district 27), has committed support for term limits on Congress by signing the Term Limits Convention pledge. Smith is the first signer in this race. The primary election is scheduled for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- U.S. Term Limits issued the following news release:
U.S. Term Limits (USTL), the leader in the national, non-partisan movement to limit terms for elected officials, is gathering support from state lawmakers across the nation. Its mission is to get 34 states to apply for an amendment proposal convention specific to term limits on Congress. 2020 Arkansas state senate candidate, Garry Smith (district 27), has committed support for term limits on Congress by signing the Term Limits Convention pledge. Smith is the first signer in this race. The primary election is scheduled forMarch 3, 2020.
USTL President, Philip Blumel, commented on Smith's pledge saying, "Garry's support of term limits shows that there are individuals who are willing to listen to the majority of voters who want term limits. America needs a Congress that will be served by citizen legislators, not career politicians."
The U.S. Term Limits pledge is provided to candidates and members of state legislatures. It reads, "I pledge that, as a member of the state legislature, I will cosponsor, vote for, and defend the resolution applying for an Article V convention for the limited purpose of enacting term limits on Congress."
In the 1995 case, Thornton v. U.S. Term Limits, the Supreme Court of the United States opined that only a Constitutional Amendment could limit the terms of U.S. Senators and House Representatives. According to Nick Tomboulides, Executive Director of USTL, the best chance of imposing term limits on Congress is through an Article V Proposal Convention of state legislatures.
"The Constitution allows for amendments to be proposed by either 2/3 of Congress or 2/3 of the states. While we'd like for Congress to take the high road and propose term limits on itself, our goal is to trigger the latter, a national convention specifically for a term limits amendment," claims Tomboulides. "That is why it is important to get buy-in from state legislators," he added. Once proposed, the amendment must be ratified by 38 states.
Blumel noted, "More than 82% of Americans have rejected the career politician model and want to replace it with citizen leadership. The way to achieve that goal is through a congressional term limits amendment. Garry knows this and is willing to work to make sure we reach our goal."
According to a 2018 nationwide poll on term limits conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, term limits enjoys wide bipartisan support. McLaughlin's analysis states, "Support for term limits is broad and strong across all political, geographic and demographic groups. An overwhelming 82% of voters approve of a Constitutional Amendment that will place term limits on members of Congress."
View Smith's signed pledge here (https://www.termlimits.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/A5-Smith-Garry-AR-SD-27.jpg).
* * *
U.S. Term Limits is the largest grassroots term limits advocacy group in the country. We connect term limits supporters with their legislators and work to pass term limits on all elected officials, particularly on the U.S. Congress. Find out more at termlimits.org.
Do-Nothing Holcomb and the Case of the 2008 Legislative Session
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Dec. 6 -- The Indiana Democratic Party issued the following news release:
Eric Holcomb needs to dream a little bigger. Staked with super majorities and the sparkling promise of a new legislative session, the first-term governor is planning to...do absolutely nothing on teacher pay? At a sneak peak of his 2020 legislative agenda this week, Holcomb tipped just that, fingering a short, non-budget session as the culprit for his lethargy. But a short session hasn't always been the legislative roadblock Holcomb is implying. Let's hop in the wayback machine to 2008.
According
... Show Full Article
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Dec. 6 -- The Indiana Democratic Party issued the following news release:
Eric Holcomb needs to dream a little bigger. Staked with super majorities and the sparkling promise of a new legislative session, the first-term governor is planning to...do absolutely nothing on teacher pay? At a sneak peak of his 2020 legislative agenda this week, Holcomb tipped just that, fingering a short, non-budget session as the culprit for his lethargy. But a short session hasn't always been the legislative roadblock Holcomb is implying. Let's hop in the wayback machine to 2008.
Accordingto an Indiana legislative historian, the 2008 legislative session ushered in a litany of radical legislative (and budgetary) changes. In the 2008 legislative session, lawmakers:
* Eliminated the school general fund property tax;
* Restructured school funding with the state assuming 100% of the general fund;
* Increased sales tax by $0.01;
* Passed the property tax cap constitutional amendment
It's not that big things like a statewide teacher pay raise can't happen in a short session, the results of the 2008 session affirm that. It's simply that Eric Holcomb chooses to think small. Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody chastised Holcomb for that mentality.
"Leaders make policy happen, Eric Holcomb makes excuses for his inaction," said Zody. "Why not just cancel the 2020 session if Holcomb refuses to meet the policy challenges facing our state like the slowest-growing teacher salaries in the country? At least he'd be saving taxpayers the expense of lawmakers' pay."
Democratic Party of Missouri Executive Director Gepford Issues Statement on Election of 5 State Representatives
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Dec. 6 -- The Democratic Party of Missouri issued the following statement by Executive Director Lauren Gepford:
Today, voters elected new representation across the state of Missouri. The Missouri Democratic Party is proud of the work our candidates put in. By electing five new state representatives, including a seat last held by a Republican, Missouri voters have made it clear that Republicans have been put on notice.
"Trish Gunby's win proves that progressive candidates can win in districts Republicans consider safe. Flipping this district from red to blue with Trish's
... Show Full Article
ST. LOUIS, Missouri, Dec. 6 -- The Democratic Party of Missouri issued the following statement by Executive Director Lauren Gepford:
Today, voters elected new representation across the state of Missouri. The Missouri Democratic Party is proud of the work our candidates put in. By electing five new state representatives, including a seat last held by a Republican, Missouri voters have made it clear that Republicans have been put on notice.
"Trish Gunby's win proves that progressive candidates can win in districts Republicans consider safe. Flipping this district from red to blue with Trish'selection shows that voters are going to hold extremist Republicans accountable, and in this day in age, the Missouri Republican Party is getting more and more extreme.
"Former HD 99 Rep. and now GOP Executive Director Jean Evans left her constituents without a voice in Jefferson City merely months after being re-elected, vacating her office to become a Party insider, and now she and the Republican Party failed to keep her former district in their control.
"Republicans are seeing many warning signs heading into 2020. Today's red to blue district flip, Democrats winning 5 of 6 of today's legislative contests, and the huge wins in last year's progressive ballot initiatives spell trouble for the GOP.
"On top of this, Governor Parson is the least favorable and least known governor who's up for election in 2020, and he was outraised by the Democrat last quarter. Additionally, Donald Trump's approval rating has decreased by 14 points in Missouri since his election in 2016. Missouri is showing strong signs that it may be swinging back toward Democrats."
Democratic Party of Missouri Chairwoman Peters Issues Statement Regarding Reports on Gov. Parson Administration
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Dec. 6 -- The Democratic Party of Missouri issued the following statement by Chairwoman Jean Peters Baker on the reports that Missouri Gov. Mike Parson administration forgave a state loan linked to donors to his political campaign:
"Missourians should be outraged by the news that Governor Parson's administration encouraged state officials to work with donors to his political campaign seeking forgiveness of a state loan.
"Even if the deal made economic sense for Sedalia, if those seeking it weren't political donors they wouldn't have received the time of day from this administration.
"This
... Show Full Article
KANSAS CITY, Missouri, Dec. 6 -- The Democratic Party of Missouri issued the following statement by Chairwoman Jean Peters Baker on the reports that Missouri Gov. Mike Parson administration forgave a state loan linked to donors to his political campaign:
"Missourians should be outraged by the news that Governor Parson's administration encouraged state officials to work with donors to his political campaign seeking forgiveness of a state loan.
"Even if the deal made economic sense for Sedalia, if those seeking it weren't political donors they wouldn't have received the time of day from this administration.
"Thisis a perfect illustration of how access has a price tag where the well connected get exactly what they want from this Governor.
"That his hand-picked Attorney General, Eric Schmitt, is missing in action is further illustration of the corruption of Jefferson City under single-party rule."
Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Chair Chu Issues Statement on Passage of Voting Rights Advancement Act
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued the following statement:
Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 (VRAA). The VRAA is a response to the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder that required Congress to create an updated coverage formula to determine if the Federal government can intervene in a state's election laws. Since that Supreme Court decision, nearly two dozen states have implemented restrictive voter ID laws and created obstacles for people to vote. This bill addresses that
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued the following statement:
Today, the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 4, the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019 (VRAA). The VRAA is a response to the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder that required Congress to create an updated coverage formula to determine if the Federal government can intervene in a state's election laws. Since that Supreme Court decision, nearly two dozen states have implemented restrictive voter ID laws and created obstacles for people to vote. This bill addresses thatby developing an updated process to determine which states and localities with a history of voting rights violations over the past 25 years must preclear election changes with the Department of Justice.
This bill also increases transparency by requiring reasonable public notice for voting changes, and allows the Attorney General to request the presence of federal observers anywhere in the country where a serious threat to voter access and fair elections exist.
The Voting Rights Advancement Act also ensures that decreasing the operating days or hours of a polling place during the early voting period is classified as a discriminatory practice, as does making changes to voter registration lists in jurisdictions with a racial or language minority group making up twenty percent or more of the population. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) issued the following statement:
"Some of the worst injustices in American history - from the Chinese Exclusion Act to Jim Crow laws - were only possible because voter suppression laws kept minority communities from having a say in their government. Fortunately, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 gave us the power to fight back, rolling back obviously discriminatory laws and shepherding in a fairer democracy. And the impact was stark. By 1971, the number of African-Americans in Congress had more than doubled, including the addition of a Senator.
'This is what happens when the yoke of discrimination is lifted and more Americans are able to choose who represents them. But due to the Supreme Court's Shelby decision, which gutted key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, we are losing the progress we've made. States have made it more difficult to vote by passing onerous voter ID laws, closing polling places in poor communities, and purging voter rolls - all of which have weakened our democracy.
"This is particularly important for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, who are the fastest growing racial population in the United States but continue to face barriers at the polls due to voter suppression laws. And so we are fighting back today with the Voting Rights Advancement Act.
"This law finally updates the VRA - which used to be one of the most bipartisan and popular laws - to restore the Department of Justice's ability to block states with a history of voter suppression from creating another era where minorities are silenced."
