The Greg Pettis for the California 80th Assembly District Campaign has announced that U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA) will headline a fundraiser for the campaign on Saturday, May 24, 2008.  Pettis has served with distinction for more than 13 years on the Cathdral City Council, also serving previously as Mayor Pro-Tem, and is presently the leading Democratic candidate for the 80th AD.  Pettis was one of the first openly-gay electeds in the Coachella Valley and has solid support in the LGBT community amongst local, state, and National electeds.

Rep. Frank has served in Congress since 1981.  He is the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.  Previously, he was a Massachusetts State Representative and an assistant to the Mayor of Boston.   Frank has also taught at several Boston area universities.

In 1998, Frank founded the National Stonewall Democrats, the national gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democratic organization.  In 2004, and again in 2006, a survey of Capitol Hill staffers published in Washingtonian magazine gave Frank the title of the “brainiest”, “funniest”, and “most eloquent” member of the House.

As of May 2007, Frank is one of two openly-gay members of Congress, the other being Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), who has also endorsed Pettis for the CA 80th AD (see BlogActive.com for its listing of the closeted gay members of Congress who regularly vote to harm their own clan).

Frank’s blunt stance on outing certain gay Republicans has become well-publicized, dubbed “The Frank Rule” – that it is acceptable to out a closeted gay person, if that person uses their power or notoriety to hurt gay people.

More below the flip…

Others co-hosting the Frank fundraiser include Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, Palm Springs Councilwoman Ginny Foat, Palm Springs Councilmember Rick Hutcheson, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, Equality California, The Bottom Line Magazine, the Palm Springs Democratic Club, and the Desert Stonewall Democratic Club.

Mayor Pougnet was elected to the Palm Springs City Council in 2003, and was elected its second openly-gay Mayor in November 2007.  Pougnet serves on numerous boards and committees, including President of the Mizell Senior Center, chairman of the Coachella Valley Association of Government’s Energy Conservation subcommittee, board member of the Valley Action Group, and a member of the Palm Springs Unified School District Advisory Committee.  He was also co-chair of the Citizens Task Force for Mountain and Foothill Preservation and Planning.

Pougnet lives in Palm Springs with his partner of 15 years, Christopher Green.  They became the father of twins, Beckham and Julia in April 2006.

Councilmember “Ma” Foat has been a businesswoman, activist and community volunteer in a variety of settings prior to and following her elections to Palm Springs City Council as its first openly-lesbian Councilmember.  In addition to Councilmember, Foat serves as Human Resources Committee Member of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, Alternate to the Riverside County Transportation Commission, Member of the League of California Cities, Member of the Sub Committee on Neighborhood Involvement, Member of the Sub Committee on Convention Center Opening, and Member of the Sub Committee on Indian Oasis.

Councilmember Hutcheson was first elected to Palm Springs City Council in November 2007.  Hutcheson is a former-member of the Palm Springs Planning Commission, former-member of the Palm Springs Police Advisory Board, founding board member of the Old Las Palmas Neighborhood Organization, and former-member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development Block Grants in Palm Springs.

The Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund is the nation’s largest LGBT political action committee and the only national organization dedicated to increasing the number of openly LGBT elected officials at all levels of government. Since 1991, the Victory Fund and its national donor network have helped hundreds of openly LGBT candidates win election to local, state and federal offices.  The Fund provides strategic, technical and financial support to openly-LGBT candidates and their campaigns.  Victory Fund staff of political professionals help to recruit and vet qualified candidates, train them, and assist them in raising the crucial funds required to run for office.  In addition to providing funding from its political action committee, the Victory Fund cultivates a national network of donors whose commitment to the Victory Fund mission results in vital support for our endorsed candidates.

Equality California (EQCA)was founded in 1998, and celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2008, commemorating a decade of building a state of equality in California.  In the past ten years, EQCA has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation.  EQCA endorsed Pettis for the 80th AD as Pettis fully supports the principles of the organizaiton.  Pettis has a long history of fighting for equal rights for all residents of the Coachella and Imperial Valleys, unlike his three opponents who either oppose full equal rights for all including Marriage Equality or equivocate on their support.

The Palm Springs Democratic Club (PSDC) is a growing group of concerned and committed citizens who are taking an active and vocal role in the political process.  The founders of PSDC created the club as a section 527 organization in July 2006.  PSDC focuses on Palm Springs because it is the home of its members

We focus on Palm Springs because it is our home — where we live out fundamental family values and care deeply about our loved ones, friends, neighbors, community and livelihood.  Currently, we have more than 100 members, are chartered under the auspices of the Riverside Democratic Committee and guided by a nine-member Board.

PSDC endorsed Pettis for the 80th AD because he best represents their guiding principles of

Social equality and equal opportunity, guided by a conviction that government should be used to pursue both.

A safe, secure America, fair wages, universal healthcare, first-rate education systems accessible to all, environmental policy that sustains the planet and human life on it.

A belief that the only role for the United States in world affairs is to practice foreign policy that reflects fundamental tenets of our Constitution, goodness of our citizens and irrevocable commitment to continuity of human existence.

A belief that we can best achieve these principles by actively working for them in our own city.

A belief that the government and citizens of Palm Springs face growing challenges in addressing homelessness, healthcare, environmental and energy matters, housing, development and quality of life issues.

A belief that activism and involvement in political processes are fundamental responsibilities of citizenship.

A community of Palm Springs Democratic registered voters where all can express their beliefs, promote their values and actively pursue a progressive society within our city.

A focus on voter registration and turnout because these are proven, direct methods to influencing outcome of elections.

PSDC Co-Chair David Pye, PSDC Co-Chair Sandy Eldridge, PSDC co-founder Lisa Arbalaez, and PSDC Secretary Peter East, amongst other PSDC activists, are all energetically, and sometimes frenetically, involved in the Pettis for Assembly campaign.

The Desert Stonewall Democratic Club organization is devoted to advancing equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.  DSD supports the Democratic Party and Democratic candidates who support this mission.  DSD endorsed Pettis for the 80th AD as the only candidate working to realize equality for all:

To educate the LGBT community and people who are supportive of it about the vast differences that exist between the two major parties on the issues of concern to our community;

To lead our party to improve its record on issues of importance to our community, and to work for the nomination of Democratic candidates from the local to national level, including qualified openly LGBT candidates who will be fully supportive of our fight against bigotry and intolerance;

To encourage our community to support and vote for Democratic candidates who are committed to defeating homophobia and prejudice; and

To work with local LGBT Democratic clubs and individuals to encourage and foster the creation of new clubs.

Pettis’ support in the National, State, and local LGBT communities include but is not limited to:

National:

U.S. Representative Barney Frank (D-MA)

U.S. Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)

State:

The Entire LGBT Caucus in Sacramento including

CA State Senator Christine Kehoe

CA State Senator Sheila Kuehl

CA State Senator Carol Migden

Ca State Assemblyman John Laird, Chair LGBT Caucus

CA State Assemblyman Mark Leno

Local:

Palm Springs City Councilmember Ginny Foat

Palm Springs City Councilmember Rick Hutcheson

Cathedral City City Councilmember Paul Marchand

Desert Hot Springs City Councilmember Karl Baker

Organizations and their Leaders:

Desert Stonewall Democratic Club

Vice-President Desert Stonewall Democrats Roger Tansey

Treasurer Desert Stonewall Democrats Bob Silverman

Secretary Desert Stonewall Democrats James Reynolds

Membership Chair Desert Stonewall Democrats Lynn Worley

Public Relations Chair Desert Stonewall Democrats Donald W. Grimm, Ph.D.

Steering Committee Member Desert Stonewall Democrats Bob Mahlowitz

Steering Committee Member Desert Stonewall Democrats Richard Oberhaus

Steering Committee Member Desert Stonewall Democrats Greg Rodriguez

Steering Committee Member Desert Stonewall Democrats Robert Lee Thomas

Steering Committee Member Desert Stonewall Democrats Lynn Worley

Political Action Committee Member Desert Stonewall Democrats Bond Shands

Desert Stonewall Democrats Member Bill Cain-Gonzales

Equality California

HRC Board Member Andy Linsky

Inland Stonewall Democratic Club

Co-Chair Palm Springs Democratic Club Sandy Eldridge

Co-Chair Palm Springs Democratic Club David Pye

Secretary Palm Springs Democratic Club Peter East

San Diego Democratic Club

Victory Fund

Below is the announcement for the Frank fundraising event:

Andy Linsky

HRC Board of Directors*

and co-hosts

Mayor Steve Pougnet

Hon. Ginny Foat

Hon. Rick Hutcheson

Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund

Equality California

The Bottom Line Magazine

Palm Springs Democratic Club

Desert Stonewall Democrats

Invite you to meet

Congressman Barney Frank

and to join him in supporting

Greg Pettis

For California State Assembly (80th AD)

Saturday May 24th 2008 at 5 O’clock

Location for the Cocktail Reception at the home of Andy Linsky will be provided with a confirmed reservation

Suggested minimum contribution: $100 per person

Sponsor: $500 ~ Co-Host: $1000

Computer Generated; Labor Donated. © 2008 | Pettis for Assembly 2008 | P.O. Box 2692 Cathedral City, CA 92235-2692 | FPPC ID# 1285158

Contributions are not tax deductible for income tax purposes.

Limits to this campaign are $3600 per person, company or PAC

Reservations: [email protected] or (760) 841-3189

For more information, or to contribute online:

http://www.gregpettis.com/dona…

Harvard-educated Greg Pettis, in his 14th year as Cathedral City Councilman and Democratic candidate for the 80th Assembly District to replace the termed out, thank God, Bonnie Garcia (R), has unparalleled credentials in the Progressive Democratic Movement.

Pettis has served on the City Council of Cathedral City for the last 13 years.  During that time, he helped change a city that was once a place to drive through into a place where 50,000 people work, live, shop and live their dreams.

In addition to his duties on City Council, Pettis has worked on a wide range of committees designed to improve the lives of Californians and those in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys.

Pettis dealt successfully with environmental issues from Salton Sea restoration to serving on the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Board to helping to negotiating the Multi Species Habitat Act which will guide future growth in the region in a more sustainable way.

In addition, Pettis has been working on transportation issues through the Riverside County Transportation Commission and the National League of Cities Transportation Policy Committee, helping to identify mass transit solutions that will help combat climate change.

Pettis was the first openly-gay elected official in Riverside County and has worked to bridge the gap between communities and to provide leadership to other gay candidates who have the desire to serve in public office but needed encouragement and mentorship.

Pettis is a member of Howard Dean’s Democracy for America and has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Azusa Pacific University and completed the Senior Executive Program in State and Municipal Government from the JFK School of Government at Harvard.

More below the flip…

As a Progressive Democratic Assemblyman, Pettis will move the progressive movement forward in the Coachella Valley, has substantial support from local Progressive Democrats, has positions and policies fit into the broader Progressive Democratic Movement, and has a campaign that is people-powered.  In its editorial endorsement, The Desert Sun highlighted Pettis’ progressive bona fides:

…Cathedral City Councilman Greg Pettis stands out because of his ties to the Coachella Valley.

Pettis, 52, is a strong political tactician.  His strong suit is organization.  He communicates well with his constituents.  Navigating the state capitol scene will be critical to his – and the valley’s – success, but we believe he understands Sacramento and can hit the ground running there and that is what we need.

We also are confident Pettis would be visible in the district after being elected – and that is an important part of the job…

…Pettis has been in office 14 years as a Cathedral City councilman. He knows the Coachella Valley best.  He has strong relationships with local officials and understands local issues.

He has built a solid record of achievement while on the council, and we believe he is electable and will be effective in Sacramento…

…he does understand our issues and, of all Democratic candidates, he is he best choice to represent the needs of the Coachella Valley.

He plans to focus on bringing needed transportation infrastructure to our valley, as wells as more jobs to the Coachella and Imperial valleys, better school funding and expanding incentives for green and renewable energy sources.

Pettis said he also will work on health insurance coverage for all Californians. He wants all children younger than 18 to be covered by expanding programs. He would push to expand tax credit programs to create more affordable housing and work to stabilize interest rates to fend off more foreclosures.

The endorsement of the California League of Conservation Voters , highlights Pettis’ credentials in the environmental movement.  CLCV’s Southern California Director, David Allgood announced in February 2008, that CLCV endorsed Pettis for the 80th Assembly District seat:

“While there are many good candidates running for this seat, Greg Pettis’ long history of involvement on improving air and water quality, forward-looking smart growth planning and commitment to combating global climate change is what earned him our Board’s trust,” said David Allgood, CLCV Southern California Director.

“We were particularly impressed with forward-looking legislation Greg has implemented like Cathedral City’s Green Building Standards which require new construction in Cathedral City to be 10-15 percent above state efficiency standards to help reduce water use, his tireless work negotiating the Multi-Species Habitat Plan to manage growth in the desert and his vote to install solar panels to provide all electricity needs for City Hall.”

“Additionally, his Pettis Plan for Progress takes a thoughtful look about how Sacramento can act locally while leading globally.”

In addition, Pettis’s campaign for the 80th AD is actively supported by innumerable local Progressive Democrats and Democratic organizations.  Thus far, Pettis has been endorsed by every local Democratic club that has endorsed, including the Desert Stonewall Democratic Club, the Pass Democratic Club, the Inland Stonewall Democratic Club, the Desert Hot Springs Democratic Club, the San Diego Democratic Club, the San Diego Democratic Women’s Club, and the Palm Springs Democratic Club.  President Desert Hot Springs Democratic Club Will Pieper, Vice President Desert Hot Springs Democratic Club Chuck McDaniel, Treasurer Desert Stonewall Democrats Bob Silverman, President Pass Democratic Club Jacquelyn Atwood, Vice President Pass Democratic Club Betty McMillion, President Sun City Democratic Club Arnie Kamisky, and Riverside County Democratic Central Committee Alternate Kira Klatchko have also endorsed Pettis for 80th AD.

Local electeds endorsing the Pettis campaign include former-candidate for the 80th Assembly District Mary Ann Andreas, Palm Springs Councilmember Ginny Foat, Palm Springs Councilmember Rick Hutcheson, Palm Springs Unified School District Trustee Meredy Schoenberger, Desert Hot Springs Councilmember Karl Baker, Cathedral City Councilmember and Candidate for Cathedral City Mayor Paul Marchand, Cathedral City Clerk Pat Hammers, former-Coachella Mayor Juan DeLara, Coachella Councilmember Gilbert Ramirez, Jr., former-Brawley Mayor Orbie Hanks, El Centro City Councilmember Sedalia Sanders, El Centro School Board Trustee Diana Newton, and former-Rancho Mirage City Councilmember Jeanne Parrish.

Progressives amongst the tribes who have endorsed Pettis include Pechanga Band of Lisueno Mission Indians Vice Chairman Andrew Masiel and Morongo Band of Mission Indians Vice-Chair Mary Ann Andreas.  In addition, Pettis has across-the-board support with local unions including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Building Trades of California, the California AFL-CIO, the Cathedral City Professional Firefighters, San Bernardino/Riverside Counties Central Labor Council, San Diego/Imperial Counties Central Labor Council, Teamsters, Joint Council 42, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 440.

In another coup, the Progressive Majority endorsed Pettis on March 3, 2008.  Here are portions of the Press Release announcing the Progressive Majority support:

PETTIS ENDORSED BY PROGRESSIVE MAJORITY…

Cathedral City Councilmember Greg Pettis scored the endorsement of local and national progressive leaders last week, picking up the support of Progressive Majority and the Palm Springs Democratic Club in his race for the 80th Assembly District.

This is Pettis’ third major endorsement in the last week, having just secured the recommendation of the San Diego/Imperial County Central Labor Council as well.

Christopher Honey, California political director for Progressive Majority, said, “Greg Pettis has a fourteen year record of putting progressive principles into action.  He doesn’t just say what he will do for local communities; he can point to real accomplishments for people living in the Valley. Accomplishments like bringing the first union hotel to Riverside County – meaning good jobs that provide healthcare and a living wage…”

…Pettis touted his Plan for Progress as one of the key reasons for the groups’ support. “While my 14-years of experience as a City Councilmember has given me the ability to be effective from my first day in office, having a roadmap is key to accomplishing the goals of universal, affordable and accessible health care, a healthier long-term job market thanks to quality schools and a healthier environment,” he said.

Clearly, with Pettis’ experience in the local, state, and National Progressive Movement, his governmental and organizational skills, his support in the West Valley, East Valley, and Imperial Valley, his plan to improve the local economy, schools, environment, and healthcare system all contribute to make Pettis the most formidable Democratic candidate for the 80th AD.  Add to this the fact that Pettis has outraised and outspent all of his Democratic opponents combined in the most recent electronic filings, and outraised his presumptive Republican opponent as well, Pettis is poised to not only take the Democratic nomination for the 80th AD, but also bring the District into the Democratic column in November 2008.

Richard Oberhaus, Campaign Manager of the Greg Pettis for 80th Assembly District Race, notified BlueBeaumontBoyz today that Pettis had obtained the endorsement of The Desert Sun.  Pettis, Cathedral City Councilman for over 13 years, former Mayor Pro-Tem of Cathedral City, and Progressive Democratic Candidate for the CA 80th Assembly District, achieved what few, if any, previous Democratic candidates for State Assembly have accomplished in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys: Pettis obtained the solid endorsement of The Desert Sun.

Pettis has been viewed as the leading Democratic candidate by most observers in the 80th AD, obtaining endorsements from all of the Democratic Clubs who thus far have endorsed in the current race, from most of the Democratic electeds, from all of the Democratic electeds who have endorsed in the West Valley (Desert Hot Springs, Palm Springs, Cathedral City), and from the most active unions and locals in the district.  In addition, Pettis has raised more money in each of the last electronic reporting periods than all three of his primary opponents combined.  Pettis has also spent more money during each reporting than all of his opponents combined.  Finally, Pettis has also raised more money during the last electronic reporting period, February, than his the presumptive Republican nominee, Gary Jeandron.

The surprising aspect of the endorsement of The Desert Sun is that not once have they previously endorsed Pettis during any of his Cathedral City Council races.  In addition, The Desert Sun ritualistically endorses Republicans for higher office, including President/Vice-President, U.S. Congress, and CA Senate and CA State Assembly.  Only during the California State-wide races, do they stray from the Bush/Cheney/Bono Baxely Mack/Battin/Garcia fold when they endorse Sen. Diane Feinstein (D) and Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) for the U.S. Senate and others for State-wide office.

More below the flip…

The Desert Sun went beyond a bland endorsement and emphasized Pettis’ ties to the Coachella Valley communities, his organizational skills, his constituent service record, and his potential ability to ‘hit the ground running’ in Sacramento following the November elections.

Highlights of the TDS endorsement follow:

The Democratic candidates for the 80th Assembly District don’t differ widely on the issues, but Cathedral City Councilman Greg Pettis stands out because of his ties to the Coachella Valley.

Pettis, 52, is a strong political tactician.  His strong suit is organization.  He communicates well with his constituents.  Navigating the state capitol scene will be critical to his – and the valley’s – success, but we believe he understands Sacramento and can hit the ground running there and that is what we need.

We also are confident Pettis would be visible in the district after being elected (BlueBeaumontBoyz note: unlike absentee Congresswoman Mary Bono Baxely Mack) – and that is an important part of the job.

Pettis is one of four Democrats vying for the 80th Assembly District seat in the upcoming June 3 primary…

…Pettis has been in office 14 years as a Cathedral City councilman.  He knows the Coachella Valley best.  He has strong relationships with local officials and understands local issues.

He has built a solid record of achievement while on the council, and we believe he is electable and will be effective in Sacramento.

While Pettis is good at playing politics, he has not been a councilman who has stood out in the crowd. He is not a top leader among officials in the valley.  He’s not a “go-to guy.”

That’s his downside.

But he does understand our issues and, of all Democratic candidates, he is (the) best choice to represent the needs of the Coachella Valley.

He plans to focus on bringing needed transportation infrastructure to our valley, as (well) as more jobs to the Coachella and Imperial valleys, better school funding and expanding incentives for green and renewable energy sources.

Pettis said he also will work on health insurance coverage for all Californians.  He wants all children younger than 18 to be covered by expanding programs.  He would push to expand tax credit programs to create more affordable housing and work to stabilize interest rates to fend off more foreclosures…

Pettis’ ties to the Coachella Valley are solid and complete.  According to the Pettis for Assembly website Pettis was born and raised in Duarte, California and has lived in Cathedral City since 1979.  After nearly 15 years in the hospitality industry, Greg ran for and won his seat on the Cathedral City Council in 1994.

Over the last 14 years, Greg has been instrumental in creating an economically vibrant community in Cathedral City with strong neighborhoods and a thriving downtown to attract good paying jobs as well as union jobs to Cathedral City.

The fact that Pettis has strong relationships with local officials is a given.  Pettis works well with both Democrats and Republicans on Cathedral City Council and in his other community activities as well.  Pettis has been endorsed for the 80th AD by Palm Springs City Councilmember Ginny Foat, Palm Springs City Councilmember Rick Hutcheson, Desert Hot Springs City Councilmember Karl Baker, Cathedral City Councilmember Paul Marchand, former-Cathedral City Councilmember Sarah Digradi, Cathedral City Clerk Pat Hammers, former-Rancho Mirage City Councilmember Jeanne Parrish, former-Coachella Mayor Juan DeLara, El Centro City Councilmember Sedalia Saunders, and Coachella City Councilmember and former-Candidate for the 80th AD Gilbert Ramirez, demonstrating the depth and breadth of his support amongst electeds in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys.

Pettis has also obtained the endorsement of every Democratic Club which has thus far endorsed in the 80th AD, including the Desert Hot Springs Democratic Club, the Desert Stonewall Democratic Club, the Inland Stonewall Democratic Club, the Palm Springs Democratic Club, the Pass Democratic Club, the San Diego Democratic Club, and the San Diego Democratic Women’s Club.  None of the local Democratic clubs has endorsed any of Pettis’ rivals for the Democratic nomination.

Pettis has also worked well with the local Democratic club leadership and has received the endorsements of the President of the Desert Hot Springs Democratic Club Will Pieper, the Vice-President of the Desert Hot Springs Democratic Club Chuck McDaniel, the Treasurer of the Desert Stonewall Democratic Club Bob Silverman, Desert Stonewall Democratic Club Steering Committee Member Donald W. Grimm, Ph.D., the Co-Chair of the Palm Springs Democratic Club Sandy Eldridge, the Co-Chair of the Palm Springs Democratic Club David Pye, co-founder of the Palm Springs Democratic Club Lisa Arbalaez, former co-chair of the Palm Springs Democratic Club Robert Lee Thomas, the President of the Pass Democratic Club Jacqueline Atwood, the Vice-President of the Pass Democratic Club Betty McMillion, Riverside County Democratic Central Committee Alternate Kira Klatchko, and former candidate for the 80th AD Mary Ann Andreas.

At the pre-convention endorsement proceedings in Moreno Valley prior to the California Democratic Party convention in San Jose, Pettis obtain more than 70% of the votes of the local party leaders to obtain the endorsement for the 80th AD race.  It was only due to a parliamentary procedure backed by literally only a relative few recalcitrants that revoked that endorsement.  Nevertheless, that action only served to strengthen the resolve of the Pettis campaign and his support amongs good Democratic activists in the Coachella and Imperial Valleys.

The Pettis campaign has also received endorsements from most of the local progressive unions and their leadership because of his strong support for union and labor rights.  Pettis has the endorsement of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the Building Trades of California, the California AFL-CIO, Cathedral City Professional Firefighters, San Bernardino/Riverside Counties Central Labor Council, San Diego/Imperial Counties Central Labor Council, Teamsters, Joint Council 42, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 440.  These are the unions who put progressive Democratic activist boots to the ground during local election campaigns.

Regarding potential work as a State Assemblyman in Sacramento, Pettis demonstrates that he already has strong ties to that body with his endorsements from State Assembly Speaker Pro-Tem Sally Lieper, State Assemblyman Mike Eng, State Assemblyman John Laird, State Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, State Assemblyman Mark Leno, State Assemblyman Ted Lieu, former-State Assemblyman Paul Koretz, and former-State Assemblyman Fran Pavley.  Given his relationships in the State Assembly, Pettis is poised to ‘hit the ground running,’ not having to learn either the ropes of the Assembly or the politics of Sacramento.

The Desert Sun is also accurate in portraying Pettis as ‘knowing our issues.’  Pettis makes it clear that he will work diligently to improve the quality of life of not only residents of the District, but also all Californians by working to bring healthcare and benefits to all children under the age of 18, by working to improve the local and state economies, and by protecting the enviroment.  More specifically, according to his website, Pettis has been a regional leader throughout the Coachella Valley, working on issues that impact the Inland Empire and all of California including:

(1) Negotiating the Multi-Species Habitat Plan to guide sustainable growth

(2) Serving on the Salton Sea Authority

(3) Conducting Town Hall forums on the future of health care in California

More on the relevance of the endorsement of The Desert Sun and its impact on the race shortly.  This writer has left messages for Greg Pettis, Candidate for the 80th AD, Richard Oberhaus, Campaign Manager, President of the Desert Stonewall Democrats George Zander, Co-Chair of the Palm Springs Democratic Club Sandy Eldridge, but has not to date had their response to this exciting news.

(Xposted from www.mydesert.com)

January 10, 2008 – Palm Springs Village Fest Voter Registration and Presidential Candidate Information Tabling at Palm Canyon & Arenas, Palm Springs, CA, Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Adult beverages enjoyed thereafter at the local pubs).

A cool desert night saw multitudes of proud, progressive, Democrats and throngs of supportive locals, visitors, and prospective voters.  The trend is clear…red-to-purple-to-blue.

The Democratic clubs were represented as usual with Desert Stonewall Democratic Club (DSD) staffing the tables thanks to George Zander, President of DSD, and Bob Silverman, Treasurer of DSD.  Remember, the montly meeting of the DSD Democratic Club occurs on Saturday, January 12, 2008, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Desert Pride Center, 611 S. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs.  Re full disclosure, BluePalmSpringsBoyz iz a member of DSD.  Eleanor Jackson staffed the Democrats of the Desert Democratic Club table.

More below the flip…

Paul Clay, teacher and an announced candidate for the CA 45th Congressional District to replace Mary Bono Baxely Mack, absentee Congresswoman, R-CA, discussed his congressional campaign and recent progress towards the party nomination.

Proud progressive Democrats discussed the recent victory in the New Hampshire primary of Sen. Hillary Clinton.  The excitement was tangible as activists discussed the pros and cons of the Clinton, Sen. Barack Obama and former-Sen. John Edwards campaigns for President.  Activists also discussed the absence of Gary Jeandron, candidate for the Republican nomination for the CA 80th Assembly District from the dedication of the Cathedral City monument to its soldier fallen in Iraq yesterday.  Interesting.

Back to Village Fest. Tracy Turner, Vets for Peace, helped stir the discussion concerning Mary Bono Baxely Mack’s (R-CA) support for Pres. Bush’s failed Iraq occupation policies. He discussed the Vets for Peace plans for ongoing vigils and marches. More on anti-occupation efforts as information becomes available.

Gene Stillman and others staffed the John Edwards for President table (re full disclosure, BlueBeaumontBoyz iz a John Edwards for President supporter).  They distributed position papers from the John Edwards for President campaign, provided campaign buttons and bumper stickers, signed up volunteers for the Edwards for President Campaign, and solicited voters to register to vote.  They discussed Edward’s strong standing in the delegate counts thus far (see CNN.com for totals including the Super Delegates).  Other Democratic Party activists staffed tables for the Hillary Clinton campaign (Wayne and Frank, Greg Rodriguez and his sons) and the Barack Obama campaign (Ed Grubman, Charlotte Murphy, M.D., and others).  Zander noted that at one time, 41 people surrounded the DSD, DoD, Edwards, Clinton, Obama, and Kucinich tables while only two women sat lonely and despairing at the Republican booth.  So very sad, and telling, indeed.

We registered eighteen voters last night, including one change of party affiliation from the darkside to the Democratic party and two changes from the Libertarian party to the Democratic party and Decline to State.  Moderate and progressive Independents and Republicans continue to express their distaste for the callous disregard for the U.S. Constitution of the Bush cabal, the failing occupation effort in Afghanistan and in Iraq, the war profiteering of the Bush cronies in business and industry, the regressive social policies of the Bush/Cheney administration, the faltering economy, and the drain on the Federal treasury as the Bush/Cheney miscreants funnel funds to their cronies in big business, especially to the oil and gas, insurance, defense, and pharmaceutical industies. Now Independents and Republicans are voting with their feet by moving quickly to the Democratic Party!

Zander, Silverman, Turner, Murphy, and yours truly attended the Unofficial Drinking Liberally (UODL) after-party at Bongo Johnny’s on Arenas in Palm Springs! Ever celebrating the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs turning deeper shades of purple and blue!  But, still, beware the dying beast.

Re full disclosure, BlueBeaumontBoyz is a supporter of Greg Pettis’ amazing campaign for the CA-80 Assembly District seat.

I received this Press Release from the Greg Pettis for CA-80 Assembly District, a seat occupied by the termed-out potty mouth Repugnant Bonnie Garcia.

For Immediate Release  November 27, 2007
For More Information  Richard Oberhaus 760-413-7938

PETTIS LAUNCHES BID FOR ASSEMBLY WITH DISTRICT-WIDE TOUR AND WEB LAUNCH

El Centro – Veteran Cathedral City Councilmember Greg Pettis officially kicked off his campaign for the open 80th Assembly District seat today, surrounded by supporters in front of the El Centro Regional Medical Center and Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

Pettis pledged to use his two decades of experience, building relationships and working on issues that benefit families to create a healthier California.

“I’m launching my campaign in front of a hospital because it is the symbol of hope for a better tomorrow. It’s time to extend that hope to the 6.5 million uninsured Californians as well as individuals and businesses who are struggling each week with the high cost of health care,” Pettis said.

Pettis’s Press Release continues:

“A healthy California doesn’t stop with just the health care issue,” Pettis added, “but also a healthy economy and environment and schools that give our children the opportunity to live their dreams close to their roots.”

Pettis’ campaign launch coincided with the launch of his campaign website at www.gregpettis.com, where viewers can view videos and read about the Pettis Plan for Progress.

“Over the last 10 years, I’ve been working with Greg in Sacramento to improve Imperial County’s transportation system. As a member of the Assembly, I know he’ll give the Valley the priority we deserve,” said El Centro City Councilmember Sedalia Sanders.

“From his 13-years on the City Council in Cathedral City to his work on the Salton Sea Authority to building new parks for our kids, he brings a reservoir of practical experience making government work for our corner of the state, said Palm Springs City Councilmember Ginny Foat.

Pettis is considered the Democratic frontrunner in the race to replace Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia, who will be stepping down due to term limits. He has raised more money hand has more donors than all the other Democratic candidates combined based on the last filings with California’s Secretary of State.

He has also won the endorsements of the San Bernardino/Riverside County Central Labor Council, Building Trades of California, Democracy for America, Victory Fund, Desert Stonewall Democrats, Cathedral City Professional Firefighters; State Controller John Chiang and former State Controller Steve Westly; State Board of Equalization Member Judy Chu; State Senators Carol Migden, Christine Kehoe, Sheila Kuehl and Darrell Steinberg; and Assembly members John Laird Lloyd Levine and Mark Leno.

Democrats now outnumber Republicans by 9%, i.e., 13,000 voters in the 80th AD.  This district, with its open-seated status, will be in the top-two most contested seats in the State in the General Election.

Re full disclosure, BlueBeaumontBoyz is a supporter of Greg Pettis for CA 80th Assembly District and blogs under the nom de plume BluePalmSpringsBoyz in mydesert.com.

Tonight, at the Campaign Kick-Off tonight, the Greg Pettis campaign for the CA-80 Assembly District previewed its new website at www.gregpettis.com which will be officially launched tomorrow, November 27, 2007.  Then, Cathedral City Council veteran and Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Pettis officially launches his bid for the 80th State Assembly District seat.  The CA-80th AD seat is currently held by Repugnant Bonnie Garcia.

The Campaign Kick-Off Event tonight at the Cathedral City Public Library was extremely well-attended and included presentations by Pettis, Richard Oberhaus, Campaign Director, and Pettis’ campaign consultant.  Those in attendance included elected officials, political activists, media representatives, and campaign volunteers.

Elected officials in attendance, included Ginny “Ma” Foat, Palm Springs City Councilwoman, Paul Marchand, Cathedral City City Councilman, Pat Hammer, Cathedral City City Clerk, and Karl Baker, Desert Hot Springs City Councilman-elect.  Political activists in attendance included George Zander, President of the Desert Stonewall Democrats, Bob Silverman, Treasurer of the Desert Stonewall Democrats, and Chuck McDaniel, President of the Desert Hot Springs Democratic Club.  Other political activists included Bob Mahlowitz, Chair of the Palm Springs Office of Neighborhoods, Robert Marchand, Chair of the Cathedral City Public Arts Commission, Sonia Marchand, Jono Hildner of the victorious No on C pro-environment campaign, Roger Tansy, Bill Cain-Gonzalez, and many others.

Media representatives included a reporter from The Desert Sun, The Observer and BluePalmSpringsBoyz, bloggers from mydesert.com, and BlueBeaumontBoyz.

Pettis discussed the strengths of his campaign, including strong financial backing, sizable electoral base, significant relevant experience, and support in the Hispanic and Latino communities.  Pettis reported that his campaign has already raised more monies than that raised by all of his Democratic opponents combined!  Pettis also reported significant electoral support in each of his election campaigns in Cathedral City, one of the largest cities in the 80th AD.  Amazingly, Pettis garnered even more support in the Hispanic and Latino communities during his last re-election campaign than he did in the Anglo community!  Pettis reviewed his primary campaign themes including:

• Health Care: Affordable and Accessible Medical Coverage for All Californians
• Economy: Good-paying Jobs and Opportunities for All Californians
• Clean and Safe Environment

Regarding health care, Pettis said:

“It’s time to extend the hope of affordable and accessible health care to the 6.5 million uninsured Californians as well as to individuals and businesses who are struggling each week with the high cost of health care.  California also requires a vibrant economy, clean and safe environment, and superior schools that give all of our children the opportunity to live their dreams.”

More below the flip…

Pettis has already won the endorsements of the San Bernardino/Riverside County Central Labor Council, Building Trades of California, Democracy for America, Victory Fund, Desert Stonewall Democrats, Cathedral City Professional Firefighters; State Controller John Chiang, former State Controller Steve Westly; State Board of Equalization Member Judy Chu; State Senator Carol Migden, State Senator Christine Kehoe, State Senator Sheila Kuehl, State Senator Darrell Steinberg; and Assemblyman John Laird, Assemblyman Lloyd Levine and Assemblyman Mark Leno, Palm Springs City Councilwoman Ginny “Ma” Foat, Cathedral City Councilman Paul Marchand, Desert Hot Springs City Councilman-elect Karl Baker amongst many others.

In a related event, a Media Advisory from the Greg Pettis Campaign indicated that the official announcement of Pettis’ candidacy for the CA 80th AD will occur in two stages, one in El Centro tomorrow morning and the second in Palm Springs in the afternoon.

DATE:  November 27th, 2007
TIME:  10:00 AM
LOCATION:  1318 South Imperial Ave., El Centro (across from El Centro Regional Medical Center)

TIME:  2:30 PM
LOCATION:  E Tachevah Dr & N Avenida Olivos, Palm Springs (Outside of Desert Regional Medical Center)

Greg Pettis will officially launch his bid for the open 80th Assembly District seat. Pettis is a Democrat who has served 13 years on the City Council in Cathedral City. He will be joined by 80th District leaders and supporters.

The 80th Assembly District encompasses eastern Riverside County and all of Imperial County including the communities of Blythe, Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Springs, and Westmorland.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Campaign Manager Richard Oberhaus

760-413-7938

Kakie Urch, reporter from The Desert Sun, indicated today that

Cathedral City Council veteran Greg Pettis on Tuesday will officially launch his bid for the 80th State Assembly District seat currently held by Bonnie Garcia.

Pettis and his campaign plan two events, one in El Centro and one in Palm Springs, to kick off the campaign for the Democrat who has been on Cathedral City Council for 13 years.

In Palm Springs, Pettis will make his announcement at 2:30 p.m. outside to Desert Regional Medical Center at E. Tachevah Drive and North Avenida Olivos.

In El Centro, the announcement will be across from El Centro Regional Medical Center at 1318 South Imperial Ave.

Garcia, a Republican cannot run for re-election to the Assembly seat because of statewide term limits.

Mary Bono, sometime Congresswoman for the CA-45 Congressional District has been renowned for her absentee voting system.  No, I do not mean that she has developed a better method for Vote By Mail for Nationwide distribution.  Rather, Bono has identified a way to marginally represent her Riverside County District by masking her many missed procedural and bill votes.  Seems that Bono did not get the memo from Nancy Pelosi, D-CA regarding increasing the hours of the Congressional work week.  Also, it seems that Bono is much more interested in registering herself on Connie Mack, R-FL, than registering her opinion on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

To summarize, Bono obviously takes the same amount of vacation time that the rest of the Congress takes during Congressional recesses.  In addition, Bono obviously feels it necessary to take additional time.  Bono took addional vacation time during the Congressional work week of March 5-9, 2007, and again during the work week of June 6-9, 2006.  I fathom that Bono needs more than average amount of downtime from her strenuous voting schedule.

Being her employer, I do not recall that Bono ever provided me with a medical excuse or explanation as to why she takes so much time off.  As a former supervisor at one of the biggest retail concerns in the country, if someone kept Bono’s work schedule, I would have to give the requisite reprimands and then suspension and then termination.  At present, I am a sole practitioner.  I do not take this much time off, and I work for myself!!!  Jesus!!!

Bono missed 43 votes in 2007, 38 in 2006, and 19 in 2005.  Seems that as the Republican spirits declined during 2005 – 2006, so did Bono’s.  Or maybe she just became busier trying to justify herself to her constituents?  Also, please note how often during the corrupt Republican regime in the House, Bono missed days on Tuesdays (the first day of their work week) and Thursdays (the last day of their three-day work work)!!!  In my profession, the issue of substance abuse is considered when employees consistently miss the first day of the work week.  In politics, as with Fred Thompson, the alternative hypothesis is laziness.

Paul Clay, Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives CA-45 has indicated that he will raise voters’ expectations rather than lower them, will vote rather than miss votes on the floor, and will adequately represent the interests of all peoples of the Coachella Valley rather than the monied few.

The following is a list from The Washington Post of Missed Votes by Mary Bono/Congress Votes Database/

Date / Vote / Bono Position / GOP opinion / DEM opinion

10/30/07 (Tuesday) Vote 1013: H RES 773: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 3867) to Update and Expand the Procurement Programs of the Small Business Administration, and for Other Purposes. Not Voting No Yes

10/24/07 (Wednesday) Vote 997: H RES 764: Providing for Consideration of H.R. 505, Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2007. Not Voting No Yes

9/10/07 (Monday) Vote 866: H RES 643: 9/11 Commemoration Not Voting Yes Yes

9/10/07 (Monday) Vote 865: H RES 257: Supporting the Goals and Ideals of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Not Voting Yes Yes

8/4/07 (Saturday) Vote 824: On Motion to Adjourn Not Voting Yes No

8/2/07 (Thursday) Vote 816: H R 3161: Making Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2008, and for Other Purposes. Not Voting None Yes

8/2/07 (Thursday) Vote 815: H R 3161: Making Appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Programs for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2008, and for Other Purposes. Not Voting Present Yes

7/31/07 (Tuesday) Vote 776: H R 3161 Not Voting Yes No

7/31/07 (Tuesday) Vote 775: Call in Committee Not Voting Present Present

7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 686: H R 3043: Making Appropriations for the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2008, and for Other Purposes Not Voting No Yes

7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 685: H R 3043: Making Appropriations for the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2008, and for Other Purposes Not Voting Yes No

Other missed votes:

7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 684: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 683: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 682: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 681: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 680: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 679: H R 3043 Not Voting No No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 678: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 677: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes Yes
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 676: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 675: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 674: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 673: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No
7/19/07 (Thursday) Vote 672: H R 3043 Not Voting Yes No

3/9/07 (Friday) Vote 135: H R 720: Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 Not Voting No Yes
3/9/07 (Friday) Vote 134: H R 720: Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 Not Voting Yes Yes
3/9/07 (Friday) Vote 133: H R 720 Not Voting Yes No
3/9/07 (Friday) Vote 132: H RES 229: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 720) to Amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to Authorize Appropriations for State Water Pollution Control Revolving Funds, and for Other Purposes Not Voting No Yes
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 131: H RES 202: Providing for the Expenses of Certain Committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Tenth Congress. Not Voting No Yes
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 130: H R 700: To Amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to Extend the Pilot Program for Alternative Water Source Projects. Not Voting Yes Yes
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 129: H R 700: To Amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to Extend the Pilot Program for Alternative Water Source Projects. Not Voting Yes Yes
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 128: H R 700 Not Voting Yes No
3/8/07 (Thursday) Vote 127: H RES 219: Providing for Consideration of the Resolution (H. Res. 202) Providing for the Expenses of Certain Committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Tenth Congress Not Voting No Yes
3/7/07 (Wednesday) Vote 126: H R 710: Charlie W. Norwood Living Organ Donation Act Not Voting Yes Yes
3/7/07 (Wednesday) Vote 125: H R 569: Water Quality Investment Act Not Voting Yes Yes
3/7/07 (Wednesday) Vote 124: H R 569: Water Quality Investment Act Not Voting Yes Yes
3/7/07 (Wednesday) Vote 123: H R 569 Not Voting Yes No
3/6/07 (Tuesday) Vote 122: H RES 149: Supporting the Goals of International Women’S Day Not Voting Yes Yes
3/6/07 (Tuesday) Vote 121: H RES 98: Honoring the Life and Achievements of the Late Dr. John Garang De Mabior Not Voting Yes Yes
3/5/07 (Monday) Vote 120: H R 497: The Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act Not Voting Yes Yes
3/5/07 (Monday) Vote 119: H R 995: To Amend Public Law 106-348 to Extend the Authorization for Establishing a Memorial in the District of Columbia to Honor Veterans Who Served in the Armed Forces Not Voting Yes Yes

2/6/07 (Tuesday) Vote 77: H R 386: Yakima-Tieton Irrigation District Conveyance Act Not Voting Yes Yes
2/6/07 (Tuesday) Vote 76: H R 161: Bainbridge Island Japanese American Monument Act Not Voting Yes Yes

11/15/06 (Wednesday) Vote 523: H RES 1078: Congratulating the St. Louis Cardinals on Winning the 2006 World Series Not Voting Yes Yes
11/15/06 (Wednesday) Vote 522: H R 5585: Financial Netting Improvements Act Not Voting Yes Yes

6/28/06 (Wednesday) Vote 331: On Motion to Adjourn Not Voting No No
6/22/06 (Thursday) Vote 318: H RES 323: Supporting the Efforts to Increase Childhood Cancer Awareness, Treatment, and Research Not Voting Yes Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 250: H R 5522: Making Appropriations for Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs for the Fiscal Year Ending September 30, 2007, and for Other Purposes Not Voting Yes Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 249: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 248: H R 5522 Not Voting No No
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 247: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 246: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 245: H R 5522 Not Voting No No
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 244: H R 5522 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 243: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/9/06 (Friday) Vote 242: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 241: H R 5252: Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 240: H R 5252: Communications, Opportunity, Promotion, and Enhancement Act of 2006 Not Voting No Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 239: H R 5252 Not Voting No Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 238: H R 5252 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 237: H RES 850: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5252) to Promote the Deployment of Broadband Networks and Services Not Voting Yes No
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 236: H R 5522 Not Voting No Yes
6/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 235: H RES 850: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5252) to Promote the Deployment of Broadband Networks and Services Not Voting Yes No
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 234: S 2803: Mine Improvement and New Emergency Respose Act Not Voting Yes Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 233: H R 5449: To Amend Title 49, United States Code, to Modify Bargaining Requirements for Proposed Changes to the Personnel Management System of the Federal Aviation Administration Not Voting No Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 232: H R 5254: Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act Not Voting Yes No
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 231: H R 5254: Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act Not Voting No Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 230: S 193: Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act Not Voting Yes Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 229: H R 5521: Legislative Branch Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 228: H RES 842: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5254) to Set Schedules for the Consideration of Permits for Refineries Not Voting Yes No
6/7/06 (Wednesday) Vote 227: H RES 842: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5254) to Set Schedules for the Consideration of Permits for Refineries Not Voting Yes No
6/6/06 (Tuesday) Vote 226: H R 5441: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/6/06 (Tuesday) Vote 225: H R 5441: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 Not Voting Yes No
6/6/06 (Tuesday) Vote 224: H R 5441 Not Voting Yes No
6/6/06 (Tuesday) Vote 223: H R 5441 Not Voting Yes No

5/24/06 (Wednesday) Vote 200: H R 5427 Not Voting No Yes

4/26/06 (Wednesday) Vote 103: H RES 774: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 5020) to Authorize Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2007 for Intelligence and Intelligence-Related Activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for Other Purposes Not Voting Yes No

3/2/06 (Friday) Vote 18: H RES 702: Providing for the Consideration of H.R. 4167, National Uniformity for Food Act Not Voting Yes No

2/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 7: H R 4297: Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act Not Voting No Yes
2/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 6: H RES 657: Honoring the Contributions of Catholic Schools Not Voting Yes Yes
2/8/06 (Thursday) Vote 5: H RES 670: Congratulating the National Football League Champion Pittsburg Steelers for Winning Super Bowl Xl and Completing One of the Greatest Postseason Runs in Professional Sports History Not Voting Yes Yes

6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 282: H R 2745: Henry J. Hyde United Nations Reform Act Not Voting Yes No
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 281: H R 2745 Not Voting No Yes
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 280: H R 2745 Not Voting No No
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 279: H R 2745 Not Voting No No
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 278: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes No
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 277: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 276: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 275: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/17/05 (Friday) Vote 274: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 273: H RES 324 Not Voting Yes No
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 272: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 271: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 270: H R 2745 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 269: H RES 315: Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 2863), Department of Defense Appropriations, Fy 2006 Not Voting Yes No
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 268: H R 2862: Science, State, Justice, and Commerce Appropriations, Fy 2006 Not Voting Yes Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 267: H R 2862 Not Voting Yes No
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 266: H R 2862 Not Voting No Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 265: H R 2862 Not Voting No Yes
6/16/05 (Thursday) Vote 264: H R 2862 Not Voting No Yes

November 8, 2007 – Palm Springs Village Fest Voter Registration and Candidate Information Tabling at Palm Canyon & Arenas, Palm Springs, CA, Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Adult beverages enjoyed thereafter at the local pubs).

Cool desert nights and progressive, Support-the-Troops/Stop-the-Insanity Democrats.  Milling crowds of locals, visitors, and prospective voters.  Village Fest was knee-deep in conferees from the United States Conference on AIDS 2007 (USCA) as well as attendees at Leather Pride Weekend.  I was approached assertively by two military people who angrily questioned my ‘Support the Troops/End the War’ position.  The male trooper expressed his concerns about stopping terrorism in Iraq and early withdrawal of troops meaning making insignificant the loss of thousands of U.S. military lives in Iraq.  I tried to educate both about the nature of the Occupation of Iraq and its present Civil War.  In addition, I was able to point out that the assault on Iraq was initially about avenging Sadaam Hussein’s alleged assassination plot agains George H.W. Bush and about securing a vast oil supply in the Middle East.  Also, the pointless loss of U.S. soldier’s lives lies at the feet of the warmongers in the Bush Administration (e.g., Bush, Cheney, Rice, Rumsfeld, Gates, Pace, etc.).  We need to communicate with our troops and educate them that they are pawns in the service of a vengeful, cruel, incompetent despot.  And I do not mean S. Hussein.

The Democratic clubs were well represented as usual with Desert Stonewall Democrats staffing one table thanks to George Zander, President of the Club and Bob Silverman, Treasurer.  The Democrats of the Desert staffed another table thanks to Eleanor Jackson, and the Palm Springs Democrats staffed another table as well.

Progressive Democrats were rejoicing in the resounding victories in Tuesday’s elections across the Coachella Valley.  More specifically, we discussed the win of Steve Pougnet for Mayor of Palm Springs, Rick Hutcheson for Palm Springs City Council, Karl Baker for Desert Hot Springs City Council, Craig Ewing for Desert Water Agency, and No on C.  Democrats were also excited about the prospect of John Williams winning the second Palm Springs City Council seat following the counting of the additional Vote By Mail ballots and a possible recount of the overall votes.

Vic Gainer, of the recently defunct Vic Gainer for Palm Springs City Council campaign slunked past the tabling without a word, probably embarrassed that we had discovered that he registered as a member of the American Independent Party after none of the Democratic Clubs endorsed his candidacy.

More exciting details below the flip…

Paul Clay, declared Candidate for the CA-45 Congressional District, raised awareness about his candidacy.  Amalia Deaztlan, Campaign Director for Manuel Perez, Vice-President of the Coachella Valley Unified School District and Candidate for the CA 80th Assembly District also spent time with the Democratics discussing the recent election victories and Perez’ prospects in the 80th.

Tracy Turner, Vets for Peace, helped stoke the fires of intelligent discussion and activism.  He discussed their plans to march in the Palm Springs Veteran’s Day Parade, Sunday, November 11, 2007.  More on anti-occupation efforts as information becomes available.

We had representation at the tables from the Sen. John Edwards campaign, i.e., yours truly, Captain of the Palm Springs for Edwards One Corps Chapter.  I distributed position papers from the John Edwards for President campaign, provided campaign buttons and bumper stickers, signed up volunteers for the John Edwards for President Campaign, and solicited voters to register to vote.  We discussed Edward’s surprisingly strong standing in the Iowa caucus polls and his strength in the recent candidate debates.

Wayne and the boyz staffed the Sen. Hillary Clinton table.  Dave and his wife and Dave Huntzinger spearheaded the Sen. Barack Obama table.  The Obama people were active in collecting information from potential volunteers.  Bob Morris of the Draft Al Gore campaign circulated petitions to get Nobel Prize Winner Gore on the 2008 California Democratic Primary ballot.

We also registered 8 voters last night, including two changes of party affiliation from the Dark Side.  Moderate and progressive Republicans have long had enough of the incompetence, ineptitude, and callous disregard for the truth of the Bush Administration.  Now they are voting with their feet by moving quickly to the Democratic Party!

Zander and his friends, Tim, Renee, and Caesar, Silverman, Morris, Turner (Vets for Peace), Clay and yours truly attended the Unofficial Drinking Liberally (UODL) after-party at Bongo Johnny’s!  Then, Zander, Tim, Renee, Caesar, Turner, and yours truly slipped over to Hunter’s Video Bar to trip the progressive light fantastic, celebrating yet another day in turning the Coachella Valley blue!

The figures for FundRace 2008 Q3 (Third Quarter Ending September 30, 2007) have been released from the Federal Elections Commission.  According to 2decide.com, the Republican Candidates for President raised the following amounts during Campaign 2008 Q3:

Romney:  $18.4 million
Thompson:  $12.8 million
Guiliani:  $11.6 million
McCain:  $5.7 million
Paul:  $5.3 million
Huckabee:  $1.0 million
Brownback:  $0.9 million
Tancredo:  $0.8 million
Hunter:  $0.5 million

The leading Candidates in the FundRace 2008 Q3 Nationwide are Romney, Thompson, and Giuliani.  The two leading fundraisers are therefore both archconservatives on the National level.  However, Romney’s fundraising is artificially inflated (just like his poll numbers) due to his loan to himself in the amount of $8.5 million.  Nevertheless, two of the top three fundraisers are still archconservative by any standard.  Huckabee, Brownback, Tancredo, and Hunter raised very little funds in comparison to the others.

In the Coachella Valley (i.e., Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Coachella, and Indio), the Republican Candidates for President raised the following amounts during Campaign 2008 Q3 see BlueBeaumontBoyz’ Coachella Valley: Republican FundRace 2008 Q3

McCain:  $17, 213
Giuliani:  $17, 125
Romney:  $10, 685
Thompson:  $1,725
Paul:  $1,100
Brownback:  $1,000
Huckabee:  $0
Hunter:  $0
Tancredo:  $0

The leading Candidates in FundRace 2008 Q3 in the Coachella Valley are McCain, Giuliani, and Romney.  Thompson, Paul, Brownback, Huckabee, Hunter, and Tancredo raised nothing or next to it during Q3.

Although McCain leads the pack in the Coachella Valley during Q3, he lagged significantly behind the leaders Nationwide.  On the other hand, although Thompson was in the top two fundraisers Nationwide during Q3, he lagged behind significantly in the Coachella Valley.

Of note, the leading fundraisers in the Coachella Valley are seen as more moderate than those on the National level.  Therefore, the leading fundraisers on the National level are probably out-of-step with the Coachella Valley, being more conservative than this area.  This may cause a problem for Republicans locally should one of the more conservative Republicans win the nomination.

The Finance Report for Campaign 2008 Q3 is now in for the Coachella Valley, thanks to HuffingtonPost.com FundRace 2008.  Much has already been written about the declining amounts given to the Republican campaigns as compared to Campaign 2004.  In fact, some bloggers have indicated that Business in particular has been abandoning the Republican party this election cycle, for instance, refer to today’s post on HuffingtonPost.com at Fundraising Trends Democratic in Key Senate Races.

“With third quarter fundraising totals trickling in, the Senate electoral landscape continues to look optimistic for Democrats.

“Political insiders cite at least seven Senate seats currently held by Republicans as potentially up for grabs in 2008. In each of those contests Democratic challengers finds themselves either well positioned in the polls or well stocked in their campaign coffers.”

In addition, Jeanne Cummings writes on Politico.com at Business Abandons GOP for Democrats:

“Lag, lag, lag. That’s all you hear these days regarding Republican fundraising compared with the Democrats’.

“Now we can add a new word: abandoned.”

Check in the following to see the meager totals racked up in the Coachella Valley for the Republican candidates this quarter (Q3).  Also, check the information below to see what your neighbors contributed.

As you probably know already, the Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area is a must-see destination for Presidential campaigns.  What you probably don’t know, that, at least in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, and Coachella, Fred Thompson raised $0.00 during Q3 and only 4% of the total raised by Republicans Coachella Valley-wide.  (It seems that he is as lazy at the money trough as he is on the campaign trail.  Also, Thompson barely beat Ron Paul in the fund race in the Coachella Valley).  So much for the Thompson factor thus far.

When considering the donations to Republican Presidential candidates in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Coachella, and Indio, John McCain raised $17,213, I.e., 35% of the total raised.  Rudy Giuliani raised $17,125, 35% of the total.  Mitt Romney, the theofascist, gay-bashing, flip-flopping reactionary, raised only $10,685, 22% of the total.  Thompson (4%), Ron Paul (2%), and Sam Brownback lagged behind in the FundRace 2008.

What follows is the all-important money trail.  See below the flip to understand who your neighbors support, and, indirectly, what they probably think of you, your politics, and your beloved country.

Coachella Valley Grand Total Q3:  $48,848

Sam Brownback:  $1,000  (2%)
Rudy Giuliani:  $17,125  (35%)
John McCain:  $17,213  (35%)
Ron Paul:  $1,100  (2%)
Mitt Romney:  $10,685  (22%)
Fred Thompson:  $1,725  (4%)

Click for below the flip….

Palm Springs Total Donations Q3:  $1,895

Giuliani lead in donations made in Palm Springs during Q3 (41%).  McCain (31%) and Romney (28%) followed in amount of donations.  Brownback, Paul, and Thompson were non-factors in the Palm Springs donations race during FundRace 2008 Q3.

Sam Brownback:  $0  (0%)
Rudy Giuliani:  $775  (41%)
John McCain:  $585  (31%)
Ron Paul:  $0  (0%)
Mitt Romney:  $535  (28%)
Fred Thompson:  $0  (0%)

Palm Springs Zipcode:  92262

Tim Bone, Real Estate, Foxx Development, 212 N Sunset Way, Palm Springs Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $500

William O’Connell, Retired, 1047 Tamarisk Road, Palm Springs
Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $275

Palm Springs Zipcode:  92263

Not a single Republican Donor Q3

Palm Springs Zipcode:  92264

Arthur Mcintire, Real Estate, Foxx Development, 2990 Calle Loreto, Palm Springs Q3/2007, John McCain $275

Anthony Phillips, Marketing, Self-Employed, 1756 Firestone Plaza, Palm Springs Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $250

Robert Cassidy, Retired, 2304 Los Patos Drive, Palm Springs Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $285

Marie Feliz, Retired, 2110 Southridge Drive, Palm Springs Q3/2007, John McCain $310

Cathedral City Total Donations Q3:  $500

Paul was the only candidate to raise money in Cathedral City during Q3 (100%).  Brownback, Giuliani, McCain, Romney, and Thompson were non-factors in the Cathedral City donations race during FundRace 2008 Q3.

Sam Brownback:  $0  (0%)
Rudy Giuliani:  $0  (0%)
John McCain:  $0  (0%)
Ron Paul:  $500  (100%)
Mitt Romney:  $0  (0%)
Fred Thompson:  $0  (0%)

Cathedral City Zipcode:  92234

Wayne Goff, Engineer, Self-Employed, 38295 Chuperosa Lane, Cathedral City Q3/2007, Ron Paul $500

Cathedral City Zipcode:  92235

Not a single Republican Donor Q3

Desert Hot Springs Total Donations Q3:  $400

Guiliani was the only candidate to raise money in Desert Hot Springs during Q3 (100%).  Brownback, McCain, Paul, Romney, and Thompson were non-factors in the Desert Hot Springs during FundRace 2008 Q3.

Sam Brownback:  $0  (0%)
Rudy Giuliani:  $400  (100%)
John McCain:  $0  (0%)
Ron Paul:  $0  (0%)
Mitt Romney:  $0  (0%)
Fred Thompson:  $0  (0%)

Desert Hot Springs Zipcode:  92240

Patricia McAlilster, General Manager, Albertsons Bakery, 65223 Dunes Pass, Desert Hot Springs Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $400

Desert Hot Springs Zipcode:  92241

Not a single Republican Donor Q3

Indian Wells Total Donations Q3:  see Palm Desert

Indian Wells Zipcode:  92210 (See Palm Desert Zipcode 92210)

Palm Desert Total Donations Q3:  $37,228

Giuliani lead in donations made in Palm Desert during Q3 (43%).  McCain (31%) and Romney (24%) followed in amount of donations.  Brownback, Paul, and Thompson were non-factors in the Palm Desert donations race during FundRace 2008 Q3.

Sam Brownback:  $1,000  (3%)
Rudy Giuliani:  $15,950  (43%)
John McCain:  $11,378  (31%)
Ron Paul:  $0  (0%)
Mitt Romney:  $8,900  (24%)
Fred Thompson:  $0  (0%)

Palm Desert Zipcode:  92210

Holly Merrigan, Real Estate Investments, Self-Employed, 45-395 Espinazo, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $2,300

Mike Salta, Retired, 75-203 Peppewood, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $2,000

Andre Horn, Retired, 75304 St Andrews Court, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $2,300

Molly Montgomery, Banking, El Paseo Bank, 78745 Montre Sereno Circle, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $500

Mary Milbach, Concierge, El Paseo Bank, 78145 Montre Sereno Circle, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $500

Dan Finnane, Retired, 46300 Amethyst Drive, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $2,000

Russell Davis, Attorney, Self-Employed, 45660 Paseo Coronado, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $500

Toni Peebler, Retired, 47200 W Eldorado Drive, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $2,300

Steven Pfrenzinger, 75395 St Andrews Court, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $1,000

Mary Kay Taylor, Retired, 75179 Pepperwood Drive, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $2,300

Robert Taylor, Retired, 75179 Pepperwood Drive, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $2,300

Palm Desert Zipcode:  92211

Frank Puhl, Retired, 448 White Horse Trail, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $342

Charles Hargreaves, Retired, 78253 Sunrise Mountain View, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $235

Joseph Henderson, Retired, 78226 Falsetto Drive, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $325

Nancy Hester, Retired, 471 Falcon View Circle, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $2,300

William Bone, 300 Eagle Dance Circle, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $1,000

Richard Wirth, Consultant, Self-Employed, 408 Links Drive, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $1,000

Palm Desert Zipcode:  92255

Thomas Noble, Developer, Noble & Co, PO Box 12950, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $4,600

Wesley Ahlgren, Vice-President, Arlington Communities, PO Box 13451, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $500

Palm Desert Zipcode:  92260

Dean Cockerill, Retired, 73577 Minza Way, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $550

Katharine Russell, Consultant, RWWR Associates, 73415 Pinyon Street, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $826

Robert Hess, Retired, 73430 Sunny Trail, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $300

Linda Blosch, Homemaker, 73299 Phoebe Court, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $250

Roberleigh Haig, Farm Broker, Self-Employed, 44489 Town Center Way, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $1,500

Marsha Martone, Marketing, Self-Employed, 44489 Town Center Way, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $250

Bette Poliquin, Homemaker, 49220 Sunrose Lane, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Sam Brownback $1,000

Brenda Jodoin, Operations, M.D. Access, 73-242 Joshua Tree Street, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $1,000

Steve Ladd, Retired, 72-651 Sun Valley Lane, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $2,300

Palm Desert Zipcode:  92261

Joshua Salama, President, Debbris of Palm Desert, PO Box 2157, Palm Desert Q3/2007, Rudy Giuliani $450

H. Marvin, PO Box 4776, Palm Desert Q3/2007, John McCain $500

Rancho Mirage Total Donations Q3:  $7,825

McCain lead in donations made in Rancho Mirage during Q3 (67%).  Thompson (16%) and Romney (10%) followed in amount of donations.  Brownback, Giuliani, and Paul were non-factors in the Rancho Mirage FundRace 2008 Q3.

Sam Brownback:  $0  (0%)
Rudy Giuliani:  $0  (0%)
John McCain:  $5,250  (67%)
Ron Paul:  $600  (8%)
Mitt Romney:  $750  (10%)
Fred Thompson:  $1,225  (16%)

Rancho Mirage Zipcode:  92270

Andrew Jessup, Car Dealer, Jessup Auto Plaza, 16 Ledgestone Lane, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, John McCain $1,000

Malcom Glover, Retired, 5 University Circle, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $300

Shirley Grief, Retired, PO Box 1394, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, John McCain $1,000

Michael Marix, Investor, Cornerstone Investors, L.L.C., 7 Big Sioux Road, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, John McCain $2,300

Leon Lauderbach, 26 Cornell Drive, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, John McCain $250

Joseph Kuzmanic, Businessman, Self-Employed, 17 Princeton Drive, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, John McCain $700

Raymond Edwards, Retired, 110 La Cerra Drive, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $450

Abe Siemens, Investor, Self-Employed, 47 Princeton Drive, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, Ron Paul $600

Helene Galen, Retired, 37791 Halper Lake Drive, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, Fred Thompson $1,000

Julie Rescigno, Retired, 4 Channel Court, Rancho Mirage Q3/2007, Fred Thompson $225

Coachella Total Donations Q3:  $0

None of the candidates raised any money in Coachella during FundRace 2008 Q3!

Sam Brownback:  $0
Rudy Giuliani:  $0
John McCain:  $0
Ron Paul:  $0
Mitt Romney:  $0
Fred Thompson:  $0

Coachella Zipcode:  92236

Not a single Republican Donor Q3

Indio Total Donations Q3:  $1,000

Only Romney (50%) and Thompson (50%) raised any money in Indio during FundRace 2008 Q3, though each only raised a platry amount.

Sam Brownback:  $0  (0%)
Rudy Giuliani:  $0  (0%)
John McCain:  $0  (0%)
Ron Paul:  $0  (0%)
Mitt Romney:  $500  (50%)
Fred Thompson:  $500  (50%)

Indio Zipcode:  92201

Not a single Republican Donor Q3

Indio Zipcode:  92202

Not a single Republican Donor Q3

Indio Zipcode:  92203

John Lowey, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments, 37482 Fossdyke Street, Indio Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $250

Pattie Lowey, Nurse, Doctor Vinita Verghese, 37482 Fossdyke Street, Indio Q3/2007, Mitt Romney $250

Gregston Young, Manager, W.D. Young, 38305 Jefferson Street, Indio Q3/2007, Fred Thompson $250
Rebecca Young, Homemaker, 38305 Jefferson Street, Indio Q3/2007, Fred Thompson $250