Scott Supports Greater Campaign Transparency

Day 3: 11 Reasons in 7 Days to Support Scott Peters for Congress

San Diego -- The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today continued its 11 Reasons in 7 Days to support Peters over Tea Party candidate and 12-year incumbent Brian Bilbray in the California’s new 52nd Congressional District.

Reason #8: Scott will support greater transparency in election spending.

When Scott was elected to the City Council, several conflicts of interest were interfering with the City Council’s ability to get things done. That’s why he pushed to create San Diego’s first Ethics Commission. Scott was instrumental in drafting this legislation, which brought about one of the toughest and most effective ethics commissions in the state, and the first in our county. The Commission’s work has resulted in greater public scrutiny of political disclosures, greater transparency, and increased public confidence in local government.

Scott supports greater transparency in election-related spending, such as the campaign finance disclosure rules proposed in the DISCLOSE Act, which was opposed by Tea Party candidate Brian Bilbray.

It’s no wonder Mr. Bilbray voted against the bill; he’s been the beneficiary of millions of dollars of spending by Super PACs that currently are not required to report who funds them, such as the Grover Norquist group, Americans for Tax Reform. Mr. Bilbray pledged allegiance to Grover Norquist. He pledged to never compromise at any time with anyone outside of the Tea Party.  In return, Norquist has invested $1.4 million to support Bilbray’s candidacy.

It’s time for a change. For more information about Scott Peters’ campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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Former President Clinton endorses Filner for Mayor

The Bob Filner for Mayor campaign today announced the endorsement of President Bill Clinton.  In a recorded statement, President Clinton said:

“This is President Bill Clinton asking you to join me in supporting Bob Filner for Mayor.  As President, I worked with Bob to save San Diego taxpayers over three billion dollars and secured funding for construction of the Veteran’s Home.  Bob has the experience to move San Diego forward – to create good-paying 21st Century jobs, to support quality public education,  and to put neighborhoods first, not special interests.  As a Freedom Rider in the 1960s, Bob showed he had the courage to do what’s right, and that’s exactly what he will do as mayor of San Diego.”

Filner expressed appreciation for President Clinton’s endorsement:  “I was proud to work with President Clinton to secure funding for major local infrastructure projects, to save ratepayers over $3 billion, and to strengthen our relations with Mexico, among other things.  He represents the kind of bi-partisan cooperation that puts problem-solving ahead of politics, and that’s the kind of mayor I will be for San Diego.”

Day 2: Scott Will Push for Investments in Transit, an End to Oil Company Subsidies

San Diego -- The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today continues its 11 Reasons in 7 Days to support Peters over Tea Party candidate Brian Bilbray in California’s new 52nd Congressional District.

Reason #9:  Scott will push for investments in alternative transportation and for an end to oil company subsidies.

When Scott was elected to the City Council, he helped turn a dilapidated area with failing businesses and dangerous speeding traffic into a thriving retail district.  He empowered the community of Bird Rock to create its own traffic plan, with the help of a nationally known walkability expert. It’s now home to dozens of businesses that support hundreds of jobs.  And it’s considered a national model for how to make a neighborhood friendlier for pedestrians and bicycles.

In Congress, Scott will push to end subsidies to profitable oil companies so these revenues can be used to support investments in alternative and public transit. Last year, the five largest oil companies posted record profits of $137 billion. That’s a 75% increase over 2010. The transportation bill supported by House Republicans, and Brian Bilbray, ends funds for bike lanes and Safe Routes to School, cuts funds for public transit and provides more money for freeways when gas prices are skyrocketing. And it doesn’t get us any closer to a practical energy policy that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign oil.

It’s time for a change. For more information about Scott Peters’ campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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The Ryan-Bilbray Budget Drastically Reduces Disaster Preparedness and Relief

Congressman Brian Bilbray (CA-52) backed his Washington Republicans in voting for the Ryan budget that not only ends the Medicare guarantee but deeply and drastically reduces emergency response and preparedness. In fact, an analysis from Third Way says that the Ryan-Bilbray budget “would set the clock back on disaster preparation to the days before Hurricane Katrina.”

Read more about the Ryan-Bilbray budget and the damage it would do to disaster response and relief for yourself.

Ryan budget could hammer storm aid, critics say
By: Andrew Restuccia
October 30, 2012
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1012/83074.html

Mitt Romney says he wants to give states more power to deal with disasters like Sandy. But his running mate’s budget plan would threaten states’ ability to respond to massive storms, some experts say.

Paul Ryan’s House-passed budget would cut non-defense discretionary funding by 22 percent starting in 2014, according to the liberal-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which said in an August report that about one-third of that money goes to state aid for a range of needs including disaster response.

“These are very deep cuts to a part of the budget that’s already been cut a lot,” Michael Leachman, the lead author of the report, told POLITICO. “I think that it’s pretty clear that the part of the budget that includes disaster relief and other forms of state and local aid would have a pretty big target on its back.”

Leachman, director of state fiscal research at the center, said it’s possible that appropriators would shield state aid from major cuts under the Ryan budget. “But it seems more likely to us that the state aid portion would get most of the cuts,” he said.

The cuts would compound the fiscal troubles already burdening many states.

“These kind of cuts would come at a time when states and localities are already hobbled by the recession and the sluggish economy,” Leachman said. He estimates that states and local governments could lose $28 billion in 2014 under Ryan’s plan if funding for state aid is indeed cut by 22 percent.

To be sure, it’s unclear what Romney’s approach to major disasters would be. The Romney campaign stressed Monday that there is a place for agencies like FEMA, although the GOP candidate has been critical of the federal government’s role in the past.

“Gov. Romney believes that states should be in charge of emergency management in responding to storms and other natural disasters in their jurisdictions,” Romney spokesman Ryan Williams said in a statement Monday. “As the first responders, states are in the best position to aid affected individuals and communities, and to direct resources and assistance to where they are needed most. This includes help from the federal government and FEMA.”

The Romney campaign did not respond to requests from POLITICO for more details about how his response to major storms might differ from President Barack Obama’s. And Romney declined to answer at least five questions from reporters in Ohio about what he would do with FEMA.

But if Ryan’s budget is any indication of Romney’s plans, FEMA and other agencies that play major roles in predicting and responding to storms could see cuts.

David Kendall, a senior fellow for health and fiscal policy at the think tank Third Way, said Ryan’s budget cuts “community and regional development,” which includes FEMA, by 62 percent below the Office of Management and Budget’s baseline.

“Four of every 10 dollars from [community and regional development] goes to disaster relief, so it would be virtually impossible for FEMA to avoid major cuts if the Republicans implemented their budget proposal,” Kendall said.
Kendall also said cuts under Ryan’s budget would prevent the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from launching a replacement polar satellite on time.

“The result would be devastating,” Kendall said. “Weather forecasts would be only half as accurate. Without this satellite, hurricane forecasters would not have been able to give Americans on the Eastern seaboard an accurate warning about Sandy.”

Forecasters have relied on satellites polar satellites since 1960 to get accurate weather data on extreme weather events, and NOAA is working to replace an existing satellite by 2016, Kendall said.

In the aftermath of Sandy, governors from states hard hit by the storm, including Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, praised the federal government’s response to far. And he touted FEMA’s role in the state’s recovery.
“I expect FEMA to be a major force here over the next couple of months. And that’s what we’re talking about. We’re talking about months,” Christie said during a Tuesday morning briefing.

Romney’s stance on FEMA was propelled into the spotlight this week after the Huffington Post dug up a transcript from a from a June 2011 CNN primary debate in which Romney raised questions about the federal government’s role in responding to disasters.

“FEMA is about to run out of money,” debate moderator John King said to Romney during the debate pointing to the May 2011 tornado that killed more than 150 people in Joplin, Mo. “And there are some people who say, ‘Do it on a case-by-case basis.’ And there are some people who say, ‘You know what, maybe we’re learning a lesson here that the states should take on more of this role.’ How do you deal with something like that?”

Romney responded that “every time you have an occasion to take something from the federal government and send it back to the states, that’s the right direction. And if you can go even further and send it back to the private sector, that’s even better.

“Instead of thinking in the federal budget, ‘What we should cut?’ we should ask ourselves the opposite question, ‘What should we keep?’” Romney added. “We should take all of what we’re doing at the federal level and say, ‘What are the things we’re doing that we don’t have to do?’ And those things we’ve got to stop doing.”

King pressed Romney again. “Including disaster relief, though?” he asked.

“We cannot afford to do those things without jeopardizing the future for our kids,” Romney responded. “It is simply immoral, in my view, for us to continue to rack up larger and larger debts and pass them on to our kids, knowing full well that we’ll all be dead and gone before it’s paid off. It makes no sense at all.”

While exactly what Romney meant to say in the exchange is unclear, the comments came as Republicans in Congress were insisting that money allocated for hurricane relief be offset by spending reductions elsewhere.

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7/11 Count Down to Election Day! 11 Reasons to Support Scott Peters in 7 Days

San Diego -- With just one week left until Election Day, the Scott Peters for Congress campaign is reminding voters of eleven reasons in seven days to support Peters over Tea Party candidate and 12-year incumbent Brian Bilbray. (Everyone does a Top 10, but ours goes to 11. Hat tip to Nigel Tufnel.)

Reason #11: Scott Will Fight for Small Businesses

While on the San Diego Port Commission, Scott championed a“Rent Relief” program for Port Tenants. During the economic downturn, a number of the region’s small businesses faced ruin, including some Port tenants. Scott supported a partnership with them in which tenants were allowed to defer their rent payments in 2009 so they would have enough cash flow to stay in business.  As a result, ALL these business stayed afloat and re-paid their debts in full.

To support small businesses at the federal level, when Scott goes to Congress, he will push for legislation that requires financial institutions that received (Troubled Asset Relief Program or TARP) bailout money to make more small business loans available. Scott knows that more than 90 percent of the jobs in San Diego are generated by small businesses, and he’ll make sure entrepreneurs get the support they need.

Reason #10: Scott Will Make Government More Accountable

While on the City Council, Scott led the City through its transition to a Strong Mayor-Strong Council form of government, to make City Hall more accountable to the public. He hired the City’s first Independent Budget Analyst,led the creation of the City’s first-ever Audit Committee, and established an Independent Auditor function, so the auditor would report to the City Council, not to the management it audits. He also formed the City’s first-ever Ethics Commission.
 
When Scott goes to Congress, he’ll push for a “No Budget No Pay Law” as a way to hold representatives accountable for doing their jobs. This includes working together to pass a federal budget. Congress’s inability to reach agreement on a federal budget caused America’s credit rating to be downgraded for the first time in our history. It led us to this fiscal cliff that threatens jobs, our economy and even national security. Congressman Bilbray counts the draconian cuts forced by sequestration as a hallmark example of bipartisan work. We can do better.
For more information about Scott Peters campaign to fix Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

 

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November 2012 Election Night Watch Party co-hosted by San Diego County Democratic Party and San Diego Labor Council

For the first time, San Diego’s Democratic Party and Labor Council will host all endorsed candidates for Election Night Watch Party celebration

WHAT:          
Join the San Diego County Democratic Party and San Diego-Imperial Counties Labor Council for an Election Night watch party in downtown San Diego. Candidates, office holders and community leaders will join members of the public to watch election returns come in. 2012’s historic general election features the crucial Obama vs Romney presidential race, landmark San Diego races for Congress, Mayor, and State Legislature, and critical ballot measures at the state and local levels.

EVENT:          
For the first time, all major endorsed candidates of the San Diego County Democratic Party and San Diego Labor Council will be headquartered in the same location on Election Night. Candidates, elected officials and campaign representatives will join activists and community members to mark the end of campaign season and watch election results come in on giant 50-inch screens throughout the evening.

WHO:             
Guests to include: Congressman Bob Filner, candidate San Diego Mayor; Port Commissioner Scott Peters, Candidate 52nd Congressional District; State Senator Juan Vargas, Candidate 51st Congressional District; State Senator Christine Kehoe, Assemblymember Marty Block, Candidate 39th State Senate District; San Diego Councilmember Todd Gloria, San Diego Councilmember David Alvarez; Jess Durfee, Chair, San Diego County Democratic Party; Lorena Gonzalez, Secretary-Treasurer/CEO, San Diego Labor Council.  All will be available to speak with media.

WHEN:          
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
8:01 p.m.

WHERE:        
The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, 910 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101
Reception: Garden Terrace Ballroom, 4th Floor
                      
CONTACT:   
Lucas O’Connor, San Diego Labor Council
703-864-4619 Cell
loconnor@unionyes.org

San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council
3737 Camino del Rio South, #403, San Diego, CA 92108
619-228-8101 Office

www.unionyes.org

National Nurses Group Backs Peters for Congress Over Bilbray

San Diego – National Nurses United, the nation’s largest professional association of registered nurses, and their state affiliate the California Nurses Association, have endorsed Scott Peters for Congress over Tea Party incumbent Brian Bilbray, the Peters campaign announced today.

“We believe you will do an excellent job in representing your district on health, women’s issues, and civil rights, which are important to Registered Nurses,” wrote NNU Political Action Committee Chair Carolyn Hietamaki, R.N., in a letter to Peters.

“Nurses are on the front lines of patient care,” Peters said. “They are compassionate, highly skilled men and women who play a critical role in our health care system. I applaud them for the valuable work they do,” he added.

Hietmaki said they are backing Peters also because they believe he will be a stronger advocate for preserving and protecting Medicare than Mr. Bilbray, based on Bilbray’s record. Bilbray has voted 10 times throughout his career in Congress to cut Medicare benefits for seniors, and twice to essentially end it as part of the Ryan/Brian budget.

NNU is a national advocate for comprehensive patient safety reforms, and very active in the national health care debate, pushing for affordable care and high patient-safety standards. Recently, the California Nurses Association was behind the law in California that requires a minimum nurse-to-patient ratio in hospitals to improve patient care.

For more information about Scott Peters campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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San Diego Tea Party Endorses Bilbray for Congress (And other endorsements he isn’t touting…)

San Diego – Incumbent Congressman and former lobbyist Brian Bilbray, faced with a tough re-election in a new, more moderate district, has spent the entire campaign for the new 52nd District sprinting toward the middle. But, as the Scott Peters for Congress campaign pointed out today, that’s tough to do when you’ve been endorsed by the Tea Party and other right-wing extremist groups as Bilbray has been.

A new voter guide shows Bilbray endorsed by the San Diego Tea Party, presumably because he agrees with them on their priority issues, which include:
·      Privatizing Social Security;
·      Turning Medicare into a voucher program;
·      Raising the eligibility age for recipients of Social Security and Medicare;
·      Draconian cuts to federal funds for education and scientific research; and
·      Reducing “social safety net” programs for the elderly, ill and disabled who rely on them to avoid a life of poverty.

“Mr. Bilbray can run, but he can’t hide from his extreme record,” said Peters Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. “He’s voted repeatedly against protecting the rights of women, and women’s access to birth control and reproductive health care. And he’s taken some of harshest positions on immigration of anyone in Congress, and even against adequate health care funds for our veterans.

“One can presume these groups back Bilbray for his anti-choice, anti-equality, and harsh immigration stances,” she added.

At a recent debate, Bilbray refused to deny that the immigration policies recommended by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are too liberal for him. And he’s been criticized for a 2010 appearance on Hardball with Chris Mathews in which he suggested undocumented immigrants could be spotted by the type of shoes they wear.

According to the Family Voter Info Guide, where the Tea Party endorsement is listed, Bilbray is also endorsed by theSouthern California Patriots, which boasts membership from several local Tea Party chapters and “citizen brigades.” And the sample ballot from the San Diego County Registrar of Voters shows Bilbray endorsed by the American Independent Party, the political party formed in 1967 to support the presidential nomination of Alabama Governor George Wallace who ran on a segregationist platform.

In sharp contrast, Peters is endorsed by community and business leaders, and organizations, from across the political spectrum. The coalition of supporters backing Peters closely matches the new 52nd Congressional District, as well as Peters’ record of reaching across the aisle to solve problems, and his bi-partisan appeal. For more information about Scott Peters’ campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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ICYMI: Sandra Fluke Endorsed Scott Peters This Week!

San Diego – In case you missed it, nationally recognized women’s rights advocate Sandra Fluke endorsed Scott Peters for Congress this week. She was in San Diego to headline a Planned Parenthood rally where she introduced Peters as “a man who will stand up for women every day” to an energetic crowd.

At the rally attended by 150-200 people, Fluke also took the incumbent, Brian Bilbray, to task for his long, dismal list of anti-women, anti-choice votes.

“We deserve better than a Representative who has made it a priority to defund Planned Parenthood….to take away women’s access to breast cancer screenings and cervical cancer screenings, and birth control,” she said, as the crowd booed.  She also warned voters not to be fooled by Bilbray’s claim that he is pro-choice.

“Voting to defund Planned Parenthood as Brian Bilbray has done is not only anti-choice, it's anti-women's health and anti-women. I endorse Scott Peters for Congress because he is steadfast in his support for women's choice and women's rights,” she said.

Fluke also headlined a fundraising event for Peters earlier in the week. Her endorsement came within days of Peters being endorsed by former President Bill Clinton, and California Superintendent of Schools Tom Torlakson, adding to the tremendous momentum Peters has going into the final days of the campaign.

For more information about Scott Peters campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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A Dozen+ Democratic Leaders to Gather for GOTV Push for Peters!

WHEN:    
Sunday, Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

WHAT:    
More than a dozen local Democratic leaders will gather tomorrow night for a Get Out The Vote Kick Off for Scott Peters who is running to unseat entrenched Tea Party incumbent, Brian Bilbray, in the newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.

Scott’s supporters and volunteers will gather to hear what they can do to help get Scott elected in the remaining days of the campaign. The Peters campaign has hundreds of volunteers who’ve been staffing phone banks, walking precincts, canvassing community events, and delivering yard signs every day over the past several weeks. Scott will thank them and get the troops fired up for the final push!

WHO:    
State Majority Leader Toni Atkins, Assemblymember Marty Block, Francine Busby, Congresswoman Susan Davis, Former State Sen. Denise Ducheny, San Diego County Party Chair Jess Durfee, Congressman Bob Filner, Councilmember Todd Gloria, Secretary-Treasurer of the SD Labor Council Lorena Gonzalez, San Diego Port Commissioner and Candidate for Congress Scott Peters, Deputy Mayor Dave Roberts, State Sen. Juan Vargas, Former Assemblymember Howard Wayne.

WHERE:    
Scott Peters for Congress Headquarters, 4715 Viewridge Ave., Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92123

CONTACT:
MaryAnne Pintar, 619-252-9923, maryanne@scottpeters.com

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Ethics Charge Cites Ray Ellis, Lincoln Club, Developers

Jess Durfee, Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, today filed complaints against Republican City Council candidate Ray Ellis and an independent expenditure committee, San Diego County Voters for Progress and Reform, formed to support his and other campaigns, detailing two major violations of state laws. The complaints were filed with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the State Fair Political Practices Commission, and the City of San Diego Ethics Commission.

“San Diegans need to know that San Diego County Voters for Progress and Reform and the candidates it supports, including Ray Ellis, have chosen to violate state law," said Durfee. "This is essentially money-laundering and defrauding of the public, and it's an egregious breach of trust with voters.”

The two major violations were detailed in a press conference held on the steps of the Hall of Justice. San Diego County Voters for Progress and Reform (SDCVPR) has been funneling funds from the Lincoln Club, the Building Industry Association, and others to support various local candidates, including Ray Ellis. The committee attempted to mask the source of its funding by failing to file a disclosure form within the required period, including a major donation of $25,000 from the Building Industry Association.

Ellis and the committee also broke state campaign finance laws by illegally coordinating their activities in order to use unlimited outside contributions to fund television advertising. In April 2012, the Ellis campaign produced a series of seven videos that have been broadcast on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mr55PDEZE0&feature=plcp).

In early October, SDCVPR produced and purchased $50,000 in air time on high profile cable TV to air a slick commercial supporting Ray Ellis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBTKTbx6Ejw). The commercial clearly uses the same raw video footage that was originally produced and paid for by the Ellis campaign. (View a side-by-side comparison at http://youtu.be/tA_NXjqSbcQ.)

“It is illegal for a candidate and an independent expenditure committee to coordinate in this way, or any way,” Durfee explained.  “No one should be able to buy an election.” Durfee called on SDCVPR and Ray Ellis to immediately cease the airing of the commercials and called on SDCVPR to release a full accounting of all donations received and expenses accrued.

“If the public can’t trust Ray Ellis and his supporters to follow the rules during a campaign, how will they be able to trust him to govern if he’s elected to the City Council?” Durfee said.

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Bilbray No Shows -- AGAIN

San Diego – Congressman Brian Bilbray shunned the voters yet again last night when he ducked another candidate forum that had been on the calendar and publicized for weeks. With the arrogant disregard he’s displayed repeatedly during this campaign, he no-showed at a forum before the Ocean Beach Town Council after he confirmed his attendance weeks prior. Bilbray, did send a member of his staff to take video of Scott Peters, however, and after holding up the meeting awaiting Bilbray’s arrival, event organizers were pleased to give the entire time over to candidate Scott Peters.

“Mr. Bilbray has shunned requests to debate and defend his record at public forums repeatedly,” said Peters Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. “Clearly, he is terrified of having to defend his dismal record on women’s rights and his votes to underfund veteran’s health care.”

Mr. Bilbray did rent a booth at a community fair last weekend, however, presumably to conduct direct voter outreach. Unfortunately, the event was outside of the newly drawn 52nd Congressional District, and after realizing this embarrassing mistake, the Congressman and his staff disassembled the booth and left half way through the day. 



During a recent interview with KPBS Radio, which Bilbray agreed to in lieu of a debate, he was asked about his reluctance to debate. His response was, “I have no idea.” A recent column in the San Diego Free Press also took him to task for ducking the forums.

In contrast, the Peters campaign has accepted every debate request; Bilbray has rebuffed requests from Voice of San Diego’s Politifest, the North County Chamber of Commerce, KPBS Radio, and the Green Experts Academy and Sustainability Alliance of Southern California and the Smart Vote Candidate Forum at Temple Emanu-El. 

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San Diego Democratic Party Filing Complaints Over Campaign Violations by Republican Candidate

The Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party will be filing complaints today with the District Attorney’s office regarding violations of state and local campaign law by a Republican political candidate and an independent expenditure committee.

WHO: 
Jess Durfee, San Diego County Democratic Party Chair

WHAT: 
Filing of complaints with the District Attorney’s office regarding major campaign violations, including illegal coordination between a Republican political candidate and an independent expenditure committee, and failure of an independent expenditure committee to disclose the source of its contributions.

WHEN: 
Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 12:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Steps of the Hall of Justice, 330 W. Broadway, San Diego (92101)

WHY: 
Republican candidates and committees are attempting to deceive voters by masking the source of contributions from big developers and downtown insiders to independent expenditure committees and illegally coordinating campaign activities.

VISUALS:
Viewing of illegally coordinated campaign activities, including video documentation.


For more information, please contact Jess Durfee at (619) 750-5377 or chair@sddemocrats.org.

State’s Highest Ranking Public Education Official Endorses Peters Over Bilbray

“Peters is the better choice by far for those who believe education is a top priority.”
~ Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

San Diego – The highest-ranking public education official in the state of California today endorsed San Diego Port Commissioner Scott Peters for Congress over 12-year incumbent Congressman Brian Bilbray. Tom Torlakson, California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, said he was backing Peters because Bilbray’s track record on standing up for students is dismal.

“Scott Peters will represent the right priorities in Washington D.C. and education is at the top of his list,” said Torlakson. “College shouldn’t only be for the wealthy; yet Brian Bilbray has voted repeatedly to slash federal aid for students who qualify while allowing loopholes for profitable corporations. His priorities could not be more backward.”

Brian Bilbray has voted to cut funds for Pell Grants, and against increased funds for student loans at a time when working families across America are struggling and sacrificing to make ends meet during a tough economic recession.

“My sisters and I all went to college and were able to build our careers because we had financial aid,” Peters said. “My dad wouldn’t have been able to put us all through college on his minister’s salary without it. I’m running to fight for every kid who deserves the same opportunity.”

Peters said voters should be particularly disappointed in Mr. Bilbray’s vote against the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 that allowed recipients of student loans to repay them in a way that reflects their post education salaries.

“By making payment schedules more in line with actual salaries, it’s easier for loan recipients to repay those loans. That means these debts are more likely to be repaid. Lowers default rates save us billions in the long run,” Peters said.

Scott Peters is running a heated challenge to Bilbray in California’s newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.

For more information about Scott’s campaign to fix Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

BACKGROUND

Congressman Bilbray Voted Against Making Student Loans More Affordable. In 2012, the Fountain Valley Patch reported that Clinton talked about the Student Loan Reform Act. Bilbray voted against the bill that was designed to make student loans more affordable. It was reported that “the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 would save taxpayers $68 billion in the coming years by cutting out the role of banks and lending institutions as middlemen in federally guaranteed student loans. The money is to be channeled into the Pell Grant program, invested in community colleges and historically black colleges and used to make student loans more affordable by capping repayments at 10 percent of discretionary income starting in 2014.” [H R 4872, Vote #167, 3/21/10; Washingtonpost.com, 3/30/10]

Congressman Bilbray Voted for the Ryan Budget That Jeopardized Pell Grants for Millions of Students.  In 2012, Bilbray voted for the Ryan Budget. Under this plan, 9.6 million students could see their Pell Grants fall by more than $1000 in 2014, and, over the next decade, over one million students would lose support altogether. [OMB, 3/21/12; H Con Res 112, Vote #151, 3/29/12]

Congressman Bilbray Voted to Make Cuts to the Pell Grant Program. In 2011, Bilbray voted for a Republican budget which, according to data from the Department of Education, would cut 1.4 million students from being eligible for Pell Grants. According to the House Committee on Education and Labor: “Under the Republican budget, the maximum Pell Grant award would be cut by more than $2,500 for the 2012-2013 school year, bringing the maximum award to $3,040, the lowest it’s been since 1998.  New data from the Department of Education shows that the Republican budget would result in almost 1.4 million students losing eligibility for Pell grants, and all students receiving significantly reduced awards. For students, this could make college far less affordable.”  [House Committee on Education and Labor, 4/15/11 citing Estimates from the US Department of Education; H Con Res 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11]
 
Congressman Bilbray Voted for Bill that Would Have Slashed Pell Grants. In 2011, Bilbray voted for $61 billion in draconian cuts for a continuing resolution to finish fiscal year 2011. The bill would have slashed “the maximum Pell Grant by $845 -- from the current maximum of $5,550 to $4,705.  This GOP bill will lower the amount of aid that 9.4 million college students are projected to receive.” [HR 1, Vote #147, 2/19/11; Democratic Leader press release]

Congressman Bilbray Opposed Largest Increase in Student Aid Since the GI Bill. In 2007, Bilbray voted against legislation that provided the largest increase in student aid since the G.I. Bill. The conference report of the bill cut government subsidies to student loan firms by about $20 billion and redirected most of the money to aid for students and college graduates. It also included $750 million in federal budget deficit reduction. The maximum Pell grant award would be increased by $490 in 2008 and by $1,090 over five years. It also provided debt forgiveness to certain public-sector workers after 10 years of service, and capped student loan repayments at 15 percent of discretionary income. [HR 2669, Vote #864, 9/07/07; Reno Gazette Journal, 9/10/07]

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California’s Highest-Ranking Public Education Official to Endorse Scott Peters for Congress This Morning

WHEN: 
TODAY, Wednesday, October 24, 2012 10:30 a.m.

WHAT: 
This morning, immediately on the heels of receiving the backing of former President Bill Clinton last night, the State of California’s highest-ranking public education official will endorse Scott Peters for Congress.

WHO:
Tom Torlakson is the state of California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction and the only statewide non-partisan office holder in California. He is backing Peters today because he knows Scott will put education first, a priority Brian Bilbray has turned his back on in the Congress.

Peters believes every student who qualifies for college should be to attend college with the assistance of low-interest federal student loans.


WHERE:    
Peters for Congress Campaign Headquarters
4715 Viewridge Ave., Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92123

CONTACT:   
MaryAnne Pintar, 619-252-9923
maryanne@scottpeters.com

Peters Has a Five-Point Lead Over Bilbray Heading into Home Stretch

San Diego – In the most recent pubic opinion poll conducted in the race for the newly drawn 52nd Congressional District, San Diego Port Commissioner Scott Peters has a five-point lead over 12-year incumbent Brian Bilbray. In a survey conducted of highly likely voters on October 19-21 Scott Peters receives 45 percent of the vote and Brian Bilbray receives 40 percent. Fifteen percent are undecided.


In a polling memo released by the campaign today (attached), Grove says Peters’ lead over Bilbray can be explained, in part, by the Congressman’s low job performance numbers. Less than one-third say he’s done a good job in Washington, D.C. Over 44 percent give him negative reviews.


“Our last poll showed a similar lead and we’ve been able to maintain it even though Brian Bilbray and the corporate special interest PACs backing him have spent millions on desperate, misleading attack ads,” said Peters Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. "This remains a close race and our field team is working around the clock to reach out to those undecided voters. We've received tremendous support from across the political spectrum. We need our supporters to keep up the enthusiasm and do everything they can to help us get out the vote.”

The professional survey was conducted via live telephone interviews with 400 highly likely voters in the Nov. 6 General Election by national polling firm Grove Insight, headed by Lisa Grove. Grove Insight has a successful track record in San Diego, including serving as the pollster for Congresswoman Susan Davis when she defeated Bilbray in 2000. The party registration of respondents in this poll closely matched registration in the district.

For more information about Scott Peters campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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Voters Urged to Watch KGTV Peters/Bilbray Debate Tonight

Bilbray Fails to Defend His Votes to Underfund Veterans Services/Healthcare

San Diego – During the final debate in the race for California’s newly drawn 52nd Congressional District, career politician Brian Bilbray fails to explain why he’s turned his back on our nation’s veterans multiple times throughout his career. He also doesn’t deny his 10 votes to cut Medicare, and two votes to essentially end it as part of the Ryan/Brian budget.

In the debate, which airs at 9:30 p.m. tonight on KGTV Channel 10, the candidates were invited to ask a question of one another.  Peters asked Bilbray how he could vote eight times to underfund services, benefits and health care for our war veterans.  A summary of these votes is below.

“We are losing more warriors to suicide than on the battlefield,” said Peters. “Yet Mr. Bilbray couldn’t even find $20 million in a $700 billion Pentagon budget to fund suicide prevention and PTSD treatment.”

Bilbray responded weakly and did not deny his votes or turning his back on our veterans.

“As viewers will see tonight, Scott clearly dominated the Channel 10 debate, and Brian Bilbray failed to make the case for his re-election,” said Peters Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar. “In stark contrast, Scott made a strong case for the need to change Congress by changing the people we send.”

Bilbray is facing a stiff challenge from San Diego Port Commissioner Scott Peters who is raking in the endorsements from several high profile Republicans who are backing him over Bilbray because they know Peters will better serve the region.

Voters are urged to tune into tonight’s debate to watch as Congressman Bilbray refuses to explain why he didn’t stand up for those who stood up for us.

For more information about Scott Peters campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

Background: Examples of Brian Bilbray Turning His Back on Our Veterans

Voted Against Millions in Additional Funding for Suicide Prevention and PTSD for Veterans

In 2011, Bilbray voted against a motion which would have provided an additional $20 million for veterans’ medical service to help with post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide prevention.
According to the Watertown Daily Times, “Rep. Bill Owens offered an amendment to a military appropriations bill in the House of Representatives that would increase spending on veterans’ mental health services by $20 million.” The $20 million would be put towards better advertising the suicide prevention assistance and services offered to veterans. [Watertown Daily Times, 6/14/11; CQ Floor Vote, 6/14/11]
The motion failed 184-234. [HR 2055, Vote #417, 6/14/11]

Voted to Make Benefits for Seniors and Veterans Harder to Get

In 2011, Bilbray voted for an amendment that would make it harder for low-income veterans and Social Security recipients to retain counsel in a civil action against the United States, like when fighting for benefits.

The Lummis amendment imposed a seven-month moratorium on all legal fees paid under the Equal Access to Justice Act, a Reagan-era law designed to help people afford an attorney while suing the government.

“We’re in the middle of two wars right now and to make it harder for a veteran — fighting for his benefits — to have an attorney is a horrible thing. That’s not what this country is about,” Robert Chishold, a prominent veterans’ law attorney said. [Politico, 2/23/11]
The amendment passed, 232-197. [HR 1, Lummis amendment #195, Vote #85, 2/17/11]

Opposed Budget that Increased Veterans’ Funding by $3.7 Billion

In 2008, Bilbray voted against a conference report that would establish the congressional budget for fiscal year 2009. The report would call for $3.1 trillion in spending in fiscal year 2009 and federal revenue totaling $2.7 trillion. The spending allowed for up to $1 trillion in discretionary spending for the fiscal year, plus $70 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. [Congressional Quarterly]
The bill would project a $22 billion budget surplus by fiscal year 2012. Democrats argued that it would also allow the budget to remain in balance in 2013 using estimates from the Congressional Budget Office.
[CQ Today, 6/05/08; “Summary of the 2009 Budget Conference Agreement,” House Committee on the Budget, 6/04/08]

Republicans argued that the conference report for the budget was the largest tax increase in history, saying that the budget would increase taxes by at least $638 billion over the next five years. [“The Largest Tax Increase in History, However They Slice It,” Republican Caucus, The Committee on the Budget, 6/04/08]

Specifically, the budget would increase veterans’ funding for 2009 by 3.7 billion, or 8.2 percent, above existing services. Democrats argued that this would be enough to allow the Veterans Administration to treat 5.8 million patients in 2009, including 333,275 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. [“Summary of the 2009 Budget Conference Agreement,” House Committee on the Budget, 6/04/08]
The conference report passed 214-210. [S Con Res 70, Vote #382, 6/05/08]

Opposed Fiscally Responsible FY 2009 Budget with $48.1 Billion for Veterans’ Services

In 2008, Bilbray voted against a budget resolution that would establish the congressional budget for FY 2009. The resolution would call for expenditures of $3.1 trillion and would allow up to $1 trillion in discretionary spending, plus $70 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and $5.8 billion for hurricane recovery. [CQ Floor Votes, 3/13/08; CQ Markup and Vote Coverage, 3/11/08]
The bill would also include $48.1 billion in funding for veterans’ benefits and services.
The bill passed 212-207. [H Con Res 312, Vote #141, 3/13/08]

Opposed Budget That Included Record Increase for Veterans

In 2007, Bilbray voted against the fiscal year 2008 budget conference report that began
To reverse six years of Republican fiscal mismanagement, provided for middle‐class tax relief and would return the budget to balance– reaching a surplus of $41 billion in 2012 –without raising taxes. [House Budget Committee, Overview of FY2008 Budget Conference Agreement, 5/16/07]

The budget increased funding or veterans’ health care and services by $6.7 billion (18.3 percent) above the 2007 enacted level, and $3.6 billion above the President’s budget According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the budget represented a “historic $6.7 billion increase” over the previous year’s budget.  [Veterans of Foreign Wars, Washington Weekly, 5/25/07]

Meanwhile, the American Legion wrote, “The American Legion and its 2.8 million members applaud…the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Resolution.”  [American Legion]
According to the Military Officers Association of America, “...the resolution makes a strong statement of Congress’s commitment to restoring national confidence that our wounded warriors will receive the kind of first-quality care and services that they have earned...”  [Military Officers Association of America]
The budget also saved veterans from paying increased fees totaling $355 million in 2008 and $2.3 billion over five years. The President’s budget imposed those new enrollment fees and increases co-payments on Priority 7 and 8 veterans.  [House Budget Committee, Conference Agreement on the FY 2008 Budget Resolution: Building on the “Six for ‘06, 5/24/07]
The budget passed 214-209.  [SCR 21, Vote #377 , 5/17/07]

Opposed Historic Funding Increase for Veterans Programs

In 2007, Bilbray voted against a budget that provided a $6.6 billion increase in funding for veterans programs.

However, the Veterans of Foreign Wars applauded the budget, and the House and Senate
leadership who were instrumental in the adoption of this historic increase. [VFW Washington Weekly, 4/02/07]

These additional resources would cover increases in the costs of health care, the VA’s increasing patient load, including veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, and help cover the cost of forthcoming recommendations to improve military and veterans’ health care facilities and treatment. [CQ House Action Reports, No. 110-4, 3/2707]

The budget passed 216-210. [H. Con. Res. 99, Vote #212, 3/29/07]

Opposed Funding Hike for Veterans’ Travel Expenses Paid for with Cuts in VA Hospital Care

In 2007, Bilbray voted against an amendment that would add $125 million for veterans’ travel expenses related to medical services, offset by a reduction for the Veterans Affairs Department general operating expenses by the same amount.

Democrats largely opposed the amendment because it would actually be paid by cuts to staffing at VA Hospitals.

“The source of this money wouldn’t be cutting out the Washington, D.C., office staff,” Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX) told the amendment’s sponsor, Congressman Jerry Moran (R-KS). “It would be cutting out employees that are serving vital roles in our veterans hospitals in the gentleman’s home State as well as mine.” [Congressional Record, 6/15/07; Page H6546] The amendment passed 264-152.  [HR 2642, Vote #495 , 6/15/07]

Opposed Increased Funding for Veterans’ Medical Services

In 2007, Bilbray voted against an amendment to the fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs that would increase funding for veterans’ medical services by $22 million.

It also would reduce by $50 million funding for the 1990 military base closure account.
Democrats argued that the underlying appropriations bill already provided a historic increase in funding for veterans’ medical care by $6.7 billion above 2007 and $3.8 billion over the President’s request. [Congressional Record, 6/15/07, Page: 6538]

The amendment was defeated 154-260. [HR 2642, Vote #494, 6/15/07]

Opposed Veterans’ Healthcare Funds

In 2007, Bilbray voted against legislation that provided critical funding for veterans health care, including funds to enhance medical services for active duty forces, mobilized personnel and their family members and $1.7 billion for veterans’ health care priorities including maintenance at VA health care facilities like Walter Reed.
The measure included:
• $550 million to address the maintenance backlog at VA health care facilities to prevent situations similar to those at Walter Reed;
• $250 million for medical administration to ensure sufficient personnel to address the rising number of veterans and to maintain a high level of service;
• $229 million for treating the growing number of veterans;
• $100 million to allow the VA to contract with private mental healthcare providers to offer veterans, including Guard and reserve members, quality and timely care; and,
• $62 million to speed claims processing for returning veterans. [CQ House Action Reports, No. 110-3, 3/20/07]
The measure passed 218-212. [HR 1591, Vote #186, 3/23/07]

Under Weber’s Leadership, Sharp Rise in City Contracts with Local Businesses Owned by Women, Minorities and Disabled Vets

Percentage of local small firms awarded construction projects jumps from 3% in 2009 to 26.2% in 2012

SAN DIEGO – Dr. Shirley Weber, candidate for the 79th state Assembly district and Chair of the Citizen’s Equal Opportunity Commission (CEOC), reported today that under her leadership the City of San Diego has dramatically increased the number of contracts awarded to local small businesses owned by women, minorities and disabled veterans. Weber has long been focused on supporting local businesses and creating good-paying jobs in her community.

“As we battle back from the worst recession in recent history, I am proud to report that city contracting for local small businesses is on the rise, helping to create good-paying jobs and put our friends and neighbors back to work,” Weber said. “Small businesses are engines of growth for our economy, and they create the kind of jobs that support families, send kids to college and provide for a decent retirement. As Chair of the CEOC, I made delivering for our community my first priority, and I’m proud to announce that we’ve made real progress.”

For fiscal year 2012, over $63,500,000 in construction contracts were awarded to local small, emerging, women, minority and disabled veteran owned businesses, representing 26.2% of all construction contracts awarded – a huge increase over the 3% awarded to such firms in 2009.

At a presentation to the City Council’s Rules Committee, the Commission’s work received bipartisan praise.

“Thank you for your leadership, Dr.  Weber,” said Council President Tony Young. “This is a huge win for the City of San Diego,”

Councilmember Kevin Faulconer noted that the Commission’s work was about participation and about jobs.

“To see these numbers increase is a job well done,” he said.

Since her appointment as chair the CEOC, Dr. Weber has played a pivotal role in its success. The CEOC monitors and evaluates the Equal Opportunity Program of San Diego, advises the mayor, city council and the City Services Commission, and assists the City in the recruitment of competent historically under-represented individuals/businesses and promotes the San Diego as an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals and firms desiring to contract with the city.

About Dr. Shirley Weber
Born to sharecroppers in Hope, Arkansas, Shirley Weber has lived in California since the age of three. Educated in our state’s public schools, she received her BA, MA and PhD from UCLA by the time she was 26. A respected community advocate known for her work on closing the academic achievement gap, Dr. Weber is the former President of the San Diego School Board. She currently serves as the mayor’s appointee and Chair of the Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission, where she has created jobs by tripling the number of small businesses contracting with the city of San Diego. Dr. Weber is also a professor at SDSU, and has lived in the 79th Assembly District for over 30 years. 
To learn more, visit http://www.drweber4assembly.com.

LGBT Weekly: U-T San Diego publishes questionable mayoral poll

The net of all this is simply that Doug Manchester and the U-T are trying to build a narrative that DeMaio is in the lead. Okay. Thanks Doug, Filner supporters are more motivated than ever. I am sure Filner will use your data to ensure that his supporters vote early and often. In the end, the U-T will be totally discredited.  Already those who are progressive in our community have stopped paying any attention to the U-T editorial pages. Is Manchester trying to drive the U-T out of business to develop the land its offices sit upon? This questionable poll definitely moves Manchester closer to that goal.

Read the article here.

Chairman John Burton on the Passing of Senator George McGovern

We are deeply saddened by the passing of American luminary and former Democratic Presidential nominee George McGovern. George was a personal friend who inspired action and reform. In 1972, I co-chaired his California delegation to the DNC with Dolores Huerta and Willie Brown.

George was a bona fide war hero and decorated bomber pilot during World War II. He was an early and vocal opponent of the war in Vietnam and fought, as early as the 1960s, for the U.S. to transition from a wartime economy to a peacetime economy.

Finally, George is the one person most responsible for reforms to the delegate selection process to the Democratic National Convention. Before 1968, delegates were picked two to three years in advance of the convention. Now, all rank and file Democrats have a voice in electing theirdelegation to the DNC.

George was a warrior for peace, an unmatched intellect and a great American. Our thoughts and our hearts go out to his three daughters: Ann, Susan and Mary and their children.

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Recent Poll Shows Filner Lead Over DeMaio By Three Points

Congressman has a slight lead (44% to 41%) in the vote question and is more popular than this Republican opponent

San Diego, CA -- (Sunday, October 21, 2012) – A recent poll conducted of likely San Diego voters shows Congressman Bob Filner leading Councilman Carl DeMaio 44 to 41.

In a representative sample of 400 likely voters were surveyed within the last week, Filner led DeMaio in a head-to-head match-up in the mayor’s race and was the more popular candidate in this contest.

For Filner, 40 percent of the respondents hold a favorable view of the Congressman with only 31 percent viewing him unfavorably. DeMaio is viewed favorably by 36 percent of the respondents while 36 percent offer unfavorable ratings.

The poll sheds a very different perspective than the results of a survey published recently in U-T San Diego. The newspaper has unapologetically boosted the mayoral aspirations of Republican candidate DeMaio, who has enjoyed lavish praise in the newspaper’s pages and benefited from the financial support of its publisher and downtown developer, Papa Doug Manchester.

“The poll clearly shows voters recognize that DeMaio’s extreme agenda is the wrong way for San Diego and that Bob Filner is an effective fighter for the middle class who shares the city’s priorities and values. He’ll get San Diego working again and change our city for the better,” said Evan McLaughlin, spokesman for the San Diegans for Bob Filner for Mayor 2012 committee. “The results also suggest that DeMaio has hit a ceiling and Filner isn’t close to hitting his.”

The Grove Insight survey was conducted using professional interviews and the respondents closely mirror the San Diego electorate in terms of gender, party registration, race and ethnicity and geography.

For more information or to interview Lisa Grove of Grove Insight, please contact San Diegans for Bob Filner for Mayor 2012 spokesman Evan McLaughlin at (619) 850-2790 or SanDiegansForBobFilner@gmail.com.



Questions, as they were posed in the Grove Insight survey, are below:
Dates: Oct. 14-17, 2012
N=400

If the November 6th, 2012 General Election for San Diego Mayor were held today and the candidates were:
[ROTATE NAMES]
__ Carl DeMaio [duh-MY-oh], Businessman, City Councilmember
__ Bob Filner, U.S. Congressman, Educator
for whom would you vote or are you undecided? [IF CANDIDATE IS NAMED, ASK:] Would you say you support
[NAME OF CANDIDATE] strongly or not so strongly? [IF UNDECIDED, ASK:] If you had to vote today, toward
whom would you lean?

DeMaio, strongly .........................................................32       --> 41
DeMaio, not strongly ....................................................5
Undecided, lean DeMaio ..............................................4
Undecided ...................................................................15
Undecided, lean Filner .................................................4
Filner, not strongly .......................................................8
Filner, strongly .............................................................32      --> 44

I’m going to read you a list of people and groups. After each, please tell me overall, do you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, neutral, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable impression of ….

Candidate      Very Fav  Swhat Fav  Neutral Swhat Unfav  Very Unfav  No Opinion  Never
Carl DeMaio       21            15               10             12                 24                 14              5
Bob Filner           24            16               10             14                 17                 15              4

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Peters Calls for ‘No Budget, No Pay’

“If Congress can’t balance the budget, they don’t get a paycheck.”

 San Diego – In a new 30-second television advertisement launched today, congressional candidate Scott Peters says he supports the concept of ‘No Budget, No Pay’ as a way to hold representatives accountable for doing their jobs, which includes working together to pass a federal budget.

“Congress’s inability to reach agreement on a federal budget caused America’s credit rating to be downgraded for the first time in our history. It led us to this fiscal cliff that threatens jobs, our economy and even national security,” said Peters.

“Yet Congressman Bilbray counts the draconian cuts forced by sequestration as a hallmark example of  bipartisan work,” he added. “I think it’s a disaster; I say members of Congress shouldn’t get paid if they don’t do their jobs.”

In the ad, Peters says, “It’s time Congress worked for us. I say – no budget, no pay.  If Congress doesn’t do their job and balance the budget – they don’t get a paycheck.” 

The process known as sequestration resulted from the inability of Congress to compromise and reach agreement on a federal spending plan. The draconian across-the-board cuts, supported by Brian Bilbray, could mean the loss of 30,000 defense-related jobs in San Diego County alone, as well as the loss of billions of dollars of investment in science and research. These together could cripple San Diego’s economy.

“Congress is broken. To change it, we need to change the people we send there, and we need to hold our representatives accountable,” he said.

Peters is running to unseat entrenched incumbent and former lobbyist Brian Bilbray. Bilbray is a millionaire who collects a $174,000 per year salary and two taxpayer-funded pensions.

For more information, about Scott Peters’ campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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Former NBA Superstar, Sportscaster Bill Walton Endorses Peters for Congress!

SD Businessman, Philanthropist Says Congress Needs a Problem Solver Like Peters

San Diego – Former pro basketballstar and NBA sports commentator Bill Walton endorsed Scott Peters for Congress in front of dozens of volunteers at the Peters headquarters this morning. Walton, a San Diego native, is currently the Executive Chairman of Connect SD Sport Innovators. He was in 2009 named one the top 50 sportscasters of all time and is also nationally recognized for his philanthropy. He has received the NBA Retired Players Humanitarian Award and just yesterday completed a 620-mile cycling journey down the California coast to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

“Congress is mired in gridlock because too many of our elected leaders are more concerned with party politics instead of with finding solutions,” said Walton. “I’ve known Scott and his work for years and I know him to be a different kind of leader. He’s a great man with an extraordinary abundance of integrity and credibility. He’ll put the people of San Diego first,” he added.

Walton, an independent, is one of the leaders of the Movement to the Middle that formed in the spring of this year after Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher left the Republican Party to become an independent. Fletcher is also backing Peters over Bilbray.

“Bill was a world-class athlete, and he’s an extraordinary San Diegan who has used his celebrity to do great things for our community,” said Peters. “He has a huge heart to match his stature and personality and he’s put these traits to good use toward helping others. I’m honored to have his support.”

Walton made the endorsement in inspiring, heartfelt remarks in front of a group of about 35 volunteers who were headed out to walk precincts for Peters, lead by San Diego City Councilman Todd Gloria, who has also endorsed Peters candidacy.

Peters is running in California’s newly drawn 52nd Congressional District to unseat 12-year incumbent Brian Bilbray. For more information about Scott’s campaign to change Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

One of the Most Admired, Accomplished Leaders in SD to Endorse Scott This Morning!

Local Celebrity, and former World-Class Athlete, Urges San Diegans to Back Peters for Congress

When:         
TODAY, Saturday, October 20, 2012, 10:30 a.m.

What:          
An accomplished San Diegan, and beloved local celebrity, will announce his endorsement of Scott Peters for Congress! The announcement will be made in front of a crowd of dozens of volunteers who will head out to walk precincts immediately following the announcement.

This very important endorsement will demonstrate more across-the-board appeal and support Peters has in his campaign to unseat long-term incumbent Brian Bilbray – bipartisan support from across the spectrum Bilbray can’t claim.  Tomorrow’s announcement will be a tremendous boost to the Peters campaign.

Where:        
Peters for Congress Campaign Headquarters
4715 Viewridge Ave., Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92123

Contact:      
MaryAnne Pintar, 619-252-9923, maryanne@scottpeters.com

IVN: Op-Ed:Should US Attorney Laura Duffy Resign over Conflict?

The Hatch Act is the Federal law prohibiting Federal employees from participating in elections. The “release” of the “private” email is a pretty transparent tactic to protect Duffy from charges that she has violated at least the spirit, if not the letter, of the Act.

But, the revelation that she also gave money to DeMaio is a smoking cannon. Laura Duffy is not just a federal employee; she is the U.S. Attorney. The issue isn’t that she violated the Hatch Act. The mayor’s race is technically nonpartisan and therefore exempt from the Hatch Act, but California now has nonpartisan Open Primaries. Meaning that, technically, the Hatch Act no longer applies to any California elections except that for President.
 
Yet, the U.S. Attorney’s office has, as recently as this summer, enforced the Hatch Act against an Orange County Social Services Agency employee who administered federal funds and had sought to run for office in Southern California. He was forced to withdraw, even after his name was placed on the ballot.

There is room for argument concerning rank and file federal employees and the question about how far away from the “electioneering” line they should stay. But, the U.S. Attorney has to enforce these laws. In this case, Duffy has not only crossed the line of appropriate behavior by participating in the election. She has added an element of sleaze to the story by participating in what appears to be an orchestrated leak of a “private” email clearly designed to benefit the candidate she has supported financially.

Read the full article here.

10News - Complicated trail of campaign contributions shows complex relationships

From 10News:

For example, public campaign filings show San Diegans for Reform in opposition to Bob Filner received nearly 70 percent of its donations – $276,000 since June – from the Lincoln Club of San Diego.

The Lincoln Club's biggest donor in the last two months was the Manchester Financial Group headed by developer and U-T San Diego owner Doug Manchester.

Records also show a $65,000 donation in May to Carl DeMaio for Mayor 2012 from the Republican Party of San Diego. That happens to be the same amount donated to the party by Manchester in March.

Much of this is now possible because of the Supreme Court's 2010 decision.

Read the article here.

Four More Community Newspapers in 52nd Endorse Peters for Congress

La Jolla Light, Rancho Bernardo Journal, Poway News Chieftain,
Carmel Valley News All Back Peters Over Bilbray 

San Diego – Four more newspapers in the 52nd Congressional District have endorsed Scott Peters for Congress over 12-year incumbent Brian Bilbray, the Peters campaign announced today. The endorsement from Main Street Media, which publishes several community papers throughout San Diego County, called Peters a consensus builder with new ideas who will deliver results for San Diego. Peters is running to unseat Bilbray in California’s newly drawn 52nd Congressional District.

The Main Street Media newspapers that endorsed Peters this week include: the La Jolla Light, the Carmel Valley News, the Rancho Bernardo 4S Ranch News Journal and the Poway News Chieftain, which also distributes within Scripps Ranch.  Their endorsement is particularly significant because these communities are among the highest voter turnout areas within the new 52nd Congressional District.

Their endorsements, which ran on their editorial pages, said, “Though Bilbray has served in the House for 12 years, his career lacks luster…a consensus builder willing to ‘cross the aisle’ with new ideas and no party agenda is needed. Scott Peters promises to be that kind of representative and we believe him.”

“Readers trust their community newspapers a great deal because they know and cover the issues that impact their daily lives and are closest to home, ” said Peters. “I’ve had the honor of representing many of these communities as a City Councilman and City Council President. They know I share their values and that I’ll get things done for them.”

Peters was also endorsed this month by the San Diego Jewish Journal. The Tierra Times and San Diego CityBeat have also endorsed Peters over Bilbray; both endorsed Peters in the primary.

For more information about the Scott Peters for Congress campaign, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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FACT CHECK: Romney Would Raise Taxes on Middle Class Families To Pay For Tax Cuts For The Wealthy

Mitt Romney tonight said he wouldn’t raise taxes on middle class families, but we know that’s not true. As independent, non-partisan analysts have highlighted, to pay for his plan that would give $250,000 tax cuts to multi-millionaires and billionaires, Mitt Romney would have to cut popular tax deductions that middle class families rely on, like the mortgage interest and charitable deductions. Romney has promised to end tax cuts for college and families, raising taxes on 18 million working families. Paying for Romney’s tax cuts means the average middle class family with kids would see their taxes go up by $2,000 a year.

ROMNEY’S TAX PLAN WOULD RAISE TAXES ON THE MIDDLE CLASS TO PAY FOR TAX CUTS FOR THE WEALTHY

Reuters Headline: “Romney Tax Plan Helps Rich, Hurts Middle Class-Study.” [Reuters, 8/1/12]

Boston Globe Headline: “Mitt Romney’s Tax Plan Would Offer Big Cuts To Millionaires, Raise Taxes On Middle Class, Brookings Analysts Say.” [Boston Globe, 8/1/12]

Washington Post Editorial: The Tax Policy Center Found That Under The Romney Plan “Even If Every Loophole For The Top Brackets Were Closed, There Wouldn’t Be Enough Revenue. The Middle Class Would Have To Pay More.” “The Tax Policy Center (TPC), a joint venture of the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, examined Mr. Romney’s claim and found that, even if every loophole for the top brackets were closed, there wouldn’t be enough revenue. The middle class would have to pay more.” [Editorial, Washington Post, 8/21/12]

If Romney’s Tax Plan Was Paid For, Families With Kids Who Make Less Than $200,000 Would See An Average Tax Increase Of $2,041. [Tax Policy Center, On The Distributional Effects Of Base-Broadening Income Tax Reform, p. 18, 8/1/12]

If Romney’s Tax Plan Was Paid For, The Top 0.1% Would See An Average Tax Cut Of $246,652. [Tax Policy Center, On The Distributional Effects Of Base-Broadening Income Tax Reform, p. 19, 8/1/12]

ROMNEY’S TAX CUTS WOULD REQUIRE DEEP CUTS TO POPULAR TAX BENEFITS

Tax Policy Center: Assuming Romney Pays For His Tax Plan By Cutting Deductions Would Put On The Table Provisions Like Mortgage Interest, Child, And Charitable Contributions. From a Tax Policy Center analysis of Romney’s tax plan: “Given these assumptions, it may be useful to point out which tax expenditures we are assuming are ‘on the table’: employer provided health insurance and fringe benefits; the partial exclusion of social security benefits; above-the-line deductions like moving expenses; education-related benefits and tax credits; the deductions for medical expenses, state and local taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions; child- and dependent-related tax credits like the child care credit, earned income tax credit, and child tax credit; and other items listed in the appendix.” [Tax Policy Center, On The Distributional Effects Of Base-Broadening Income Tax Reform, 8/1/12]

DeMaio calls out for help!

Date: Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:07:42 -0500

From: Tommy Knepper   Tommy@CarlDeMaio.com
Subject: Supporters Needed at Debates!


DeMaio Volunteers,

A few additional debates we need folks for

Thursday October 18 7-815pm: Kensington-Talmadge Debate

Location: Kensington Community Church - 4773 Marlborough Drive San Diego CA 92116

For this one, either RSVP to me or simply show. Bring you cheering hat!


Tue, October 23, 5:30pm – 6:30pm

USD CEPAL Mayoral Forum on Education

USD Mother Rosalie Hill Hall

If you are interested in this debate you must RSVP to me, so I can have your ticket and parking pass distributed. We only have 10 slots so email me quickly!

There will be a reception following this event with adult beverages and networking opportunities.

###

Gas Prices Soar As Brian Bilbray Stands with Gas & Oil Industry

San Diego – Today the Scott Peters for Congress campaign called on Congressman Brian Bilbray to give voters the real facts about his cozy relationship with the oil and gas industry. The Congressman is holding a news conference today to ‘talk the talk’ about rising gas prices. But when it comes to ‘walking the walk’, Mr. Bilbray has repeatedly turned his back on the middle class and stood up for profitable oil companies.

“Congressman Bilbray has taken $230,000 dollars from the oil and gas industry; in return he’s supported huge subsidies and tax breaks for these corporations which have never been more profitable,” said Peters campaign Communications Director MaryAnne Pintar.

“While rising gas prices put the squeeze on family budgets, Mr. Bilbray hasn’t done a thing to provide relief at the pump,” she added.  “He’s been too busy protecting billions in taxpayer subsidies for oil companies while protecting the Wall Street speculators who drive up the price of gas.”

Instead of acting to reduce gas prices, Mr. Bilbray has acted in his own self-interest, voting repeatedly with Tea Party leaders to protect the bottom lines of Big Oil companies that are posting record profits.  He even voted against cracking down on Wall Street speculators that manipulate the market and drive up gas prices for California families.

“His campaign message is ‘re-elect me. I have 12 years of seniority and know how to work the system.’ What he’s really saying is he knows how to make the system work for him, not for the voters,” said Pintar.

BACKGROUND
 
Gasoline Prices in California Set Record. “The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in California reached $4.671…The price jump, the Energy Department said, left California motorists paying an average of 84.4 cents a gallon more than they were at this time last year.” [LA Times, 10/10/12]

Congressman Bilbray Took Over $200,000 from Oil and Gas Industry. Bilbray has taken $235,218 from the oil and gas industry while in Congress. [opensecrets.org, accessed 10/15/12]
 
Congressman Bilbray Voted to Protect Tax Breaks for Big Oil. On April 15, 2011, Bilbray voted to protect special interest tax breaks, such as tax breaks for big oil companies. “the Ryan plan secures no deficit-reduction contribution at all from closing special interest tax breaks, such as breaks for big oil companies.” [H Con. Res. 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 4/20/11]
 
Congressman Bilbray Voted to Make it Easier for Speculators to Manipulate Oil Prices. House Republicans voted against increasing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission budget by $11.8 million for enforcement against oil and gas speculators. [HR 2112, Vote #458, 6/16/11; Congressional Record, H4312, 6/16/11]
 
Congressman Bilbray Voted for a Budget that Pads Big Oil’s Pockets with Senseless Subsidies. In April 2011, Congressman Bilbray voted for the FY12 Republican budget, which secured no deficit-reduction contribution at all from closing special interest tax breaks, such as tax breaks for big oil companies. [H Con Res 34, Vote #277, 4/15/11; Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 4/20/11]
 
Congressman Bilbray Voted for 19 Percent Cut to Clean Energy Programs. Bilbray voted for the Ryan budget which included cuts to clean energy programs. “Clean energy programs would be cut by 19 percent over the next decade, derailing efforts to put a million electric vehicles on the road by 2015, retrofit residential homes to save energy and consumers money, and make the commercial building sector 20 percent more efficient by 2022.” [Office of Management and Budget, 3/21/12; H Con Res 112, Vote #151, 3/29/12]

Congressman Bilbray Voted Against Increasing Funding for Renewable Energy and Taking Away Funding for Fossil Fuel Research. In 2011, Bilbray voted against an amendment to increase funding for renewable energy and take funding away from fossil fuel research. Bilbray voted against an amendment that would increase funding for energy-efficiency and renewable-energy programs by $24 million and reduce funding for fossil-fuel energy research and development by $50 million. [Amendment, HR 2354, Vote #544, 7/12/11]
 
Bilbray Voted to Cut Funding for Renewable Energy Programs. In 2007, Bilbray voted in favor of an amendment to the fiscal year 2008 Energy and Water appropriations bill that would reduce funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs by $102 million. [HR 2641, Vote #509, 6/19/07]

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Republican Business Leader/Philanthropist Mel Katz Endorses Peters

Katz is the 4th former SD Regional Chamber Chair to Back Peters Over Bilbray

San Diego – The Scott Peters for Congress campaign today announced the endorsement of yet another prominent Republican business leader: Mel Katz. Katz is a highly regarded civic leader and philanthropist and the fourth former Chair of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce to back Peters in the race for the newly drawn 52ndCongressional District.

Katz said he is endorsing Peters over Republican incumbent Brian Bilbray because of Peters’ proven ability to lead and move San Diego forward.

“As San Diego City Council President and Port Commissioner, Scott Peters has a record of accomplishment, growing our economy by breaking through tough gridlock on important civic projects that have generated tens of millions of dollars for the region’s economy and created thousands of good-paying jobs,” stated Katz.

“Our country faces many challenges. San Diegans needs a leader who will put aside partisanship bickering to deliver results,” said Katz. “I have worked with Scott for years and have watched him tackle the tough issues. While we are members of different parties, he has always come to the table with a willingness to work together.”

As co-owner and executive officer of Manpower of San Diego, the top Manpower franchise in the nation, Katz is a prominent business leader in San Diego. An advocate for child literacy and education, Katz has been a leading force on important civic projects like San Diego’s new main library.

Katz is currently a second-term trustee on the University of California San Diego Foundation board and serves on three committees in this capacity: Stewardship, Development and Audit. He is a former Chairman of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the San Diego Library Commission, the San Diego Convention Center Corporation and the San Diego Workforce Partnership.

Katz endorsement adds to Peters’ growing list of bipartisan supporters including Independent State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, Republican Malin Burnham, and three other former Chamber of Commerce Chairs.

“Mel is a tireless advocate and philanthropist for San Diego; we’re lucky to have him and I’m honored to have earned his endorsement,” said Peters.

For more information about Scott Peters and his campaign to fix Congress, go to www.scottpeters.com.

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Lemon Grove Firefighters Endorse Gastil & Vasquez

Lemon Grove:  The Lemon Grove Firefighters, Local 2728 endorsed Council Member George Gastil and City Council candidate Racquel Vasquez to fill the two open seats in the City of Lemon Grove this November.

Gastil is seeking his second term on the City Council, while Vasquez, who currently serves as a City of Lemon Grove Planning Commissioner, is seeking her first.

“The Lemon Grove Fighters recognize Councilmember George Gastil’s commitment to ensuring safety in Lemon Grove,” said Brian Hayward, Union President Local 2728. “Together with Racquel Vasquez, both will help keep our city safe.”

The Lemon Grove Firefighters Association represents the firefighters that work in the City of Lemon Grove.

“I’m happy to be receiving the firefighter’s endorsement,” said Gastil. “During my first term on the City Council I have made a point of keeping public safety as our top priority.  Lemon Grove has joined with El Cajon and La Mesa to combine our fire and rescue services, and this has improved our service while also lowering costs.” he added.

“Firefighting is in an important part of ensuring that our neighborhoods remain safe,” said Vasquez.
“George and I are committed to working together to move our city forward.”

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George Gastil · Racquel Vasquez


for Lemon Grove City Council 2012


www.GeorgeGastil.com  |  www.ElectRacquel.com