Democracy for America endorses Patricia Jehlen . . .

[TaleWgnDg]

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I received an email from Democracy for America in which they've endorsed Massachusetts State Representative Patricia Jehlen (Democrat) for the http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eledist/sen02idx.htm">Second Middlesex County State Senate District: MEDFORD (all); SOMERVILLE Ward 1, Precincts 2, 3, and Ward 2, Precincts 2, 3, and Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; Winchester (all); WOBURN, Ward 2.

The Massachusetts Special Election primary will be held on August 30, 2005, and the general election will be held on September 25, 2005. This special election is being held due to a vacant seat as a result of the death of Massachusetts state Senator Charles E. Shannon, Jr. (Democrat).


"Who heads Democracy for America?

"James H. Dean, Chairman

"As the chair of Democracy for America (DFA), Jim Dean is committed to carrying on what his brother, Governor Howard Dean, started - strengthening grassroots participation; and the recruitment and election of fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidates to all levels of government. This is a long-term investment that will pay off if we are willing to stand up for what we believe in and support candidates at every level of political office."

. . . more at http://www.democracyforamerica.com/about.php

Democracy for America endorses Pat Jehlen

"Dear Supporter (of Democracy for America):

"Pat Jehlen has the experience, vision, and determination to stand up for all the families of the 2nd Middlesex District as State Senator.

"Jehlen first became involved in politics when two teenagers broke the window of her Somerville home. With the help of her neighbors, Pat formed a local civic group that opened a teen drop-in center to reduce neighborhood crime.

"But that was only the beginning of her commitment to community improvement. She went on to help organize a city-wide school volunteer program and a local civic reform group.

"During her fourteen years as a state representative, she has fought for education funding, universal health care, marriage equality and the needs of working people and families. She serves as Chair of the Elder Caucus and Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. She is co-founder of the Progressive Legislators' Group, and was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Massachusetts Senior Action Council and the Women's State-Wide Legislative Network.

"In the wake of State Senator Charlie Shannon's death, Pat Jehlen has vowed to continue the presence of a strong, progressive voice -- an unwavering voice that will represent all the families of the 2nd Middlesex District.

"Pat Jehlen has earned our respect -- and a place on our DFA-List:

"http://www.patjehlen.org/endorsements.shtml

"Across the country -- outside the Beltway, working in state government, city halls, and local offices -- a new generation of leaders is taking shape. These leaders fight for our values and share our commitment to responsive, progressive government.

"We support real leaders, and celebrate their accomplishments. That's why we have the DFA-List. But that support is only as good as you make it. Visit Pat Jehlen's website, and help her in any way you can:

"http://www.patjehlen.org

"Democracy for America stands ready to help leaders like Pat Jehlen and the rest of the DFA-List. They set an example worth telling Washington to watch -- and follow. Please join us for a conference call with Rep. Jehlen on Wednesday June 29th at 5:00 PM. Sign up here:

"http://www.democracyforamerica.com/jehlen

"Thanks for helping our next generation of leaders succeed.

"Sincerely,
Jim Dean
Democracy for America"


Other endorsements of Pat Jehlen include (keep checking for updates):

GROUPS

Boston Teachers Union
Cambridge-Area Democracy For America
Citizens for Participation in Political Action (CPPAX)
Clean Water Action
Commonwealth Coalition
Democracy for America
Freedom to Marry Coalition of Massachusetts
GALLAN (Gay and Lesbian Labor Activists Network)/PAW/AFL-CIO
GREY2K USA
Mass. Clean Water Action Vote Environment
MassEquality
Mass Federation of Teachers
Mass NOW
Massachusetts Peace Action
NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts
National Association of Social Workers/MA PACE
Neighbor to Neighbor
OutSomerville
Progressive Democrats of Somerville
SEIU Local 3, National Conference of Firemen & Oilers
SEIU Local 509
SEIU Local 615
SEIU Local 2020
Somerville Teachers Association
UNITE HERE
UAW Region 9A


INDIVIDUALS

Robert Reich, former U.S. Labor Secretary
Congressman Barney Frank
Sen. Harriette Chandler
Sen. Susan Tucker
Rep. Ruth Balser
Rep. Deborah Blumer
Rep. Tony Cabral
Former Rep. Paul Demakis
Former Rep. Carol Donovan
Rep. Gloria Fox
Rep. Anne Gobi
Rep. Jay Kaufman
Rep. Kay Khan
Rep. Steve Kulik
Rep. David Linsky
Rep. Barbara L'Italien
Rep. Liz Malia
Rep. Anne Paulsen
Rep. Doug Petersen
Rep. Byron Rushing
Rep. Tom Sannicandro
Rep. Carl Sciortino
Rep. Ellen Story
Rep. Frank Smizik
Rep. Bill Straus
Rep. Pat Walrath
Rep. Marty Walz




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[TaleWgnDg]

1. Here's what ex-U.S. Secty of Labor Robert Reich says about Pat

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Here's what ex-U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich says about Pat:


"Pat Jehlen is the kind of principled, progressive Democrat we need in the (Massachusetts) State Senate."
- Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor




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[louis c]

2. Pat Jehlen Joins Jeb Bush and the Christian Coalition

in voting against expanded gaming at racetracks (Slots). (Roll call vote on April 15, 2003).

Pat accepts the endorsement of an anti-union special interest group, Grey2K.

Pat Jehlen will feel the sting of the hotly political building trades unions in greater Boston for her opposition to the building of a new mall in Somerville, just as her political partner, Ex-Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay felt it last year.

As a result, she will be denied the AFL-CIO endorsement on July 11 despite a 94% AFL-CIO voting record.

You see, we've all caught on to her. She's always there on the easy issues. The ones all of us join in on, like supporting the janitors and the teachers.

But the hard ones, like marching with the Boston Police, or joining forces against her special interests in putting slots at racetracks or developing land that a few NIMBYs oppose, she takes a hike.

Mike Callahan is with the Unions all the time, on the easy issues and the hard ones.

He might not have a progressive record on the social issues, but he's there for the working men and women of the district on the economic ones. Not just some of the time, but all of the time.

Pat Jehlen should lose, just like Dorothy Kelly Gay did, in the Primary.

[woosh]

4. I lived in Union sqaure during all of this

and there was huge opposition to that Mall, not just a few NIMBYs. Just look at what happened over near Wellington Station with that Home Depot/Costco megalopolis, and it's clear that the right decision was made.

If anything, she stood up against the business lobby when she voted against the Mall.

[louis c]

5. You mean the Union Lobby

Don't you?

Go ask Laborers Local 22, IBEW Local 103, the Carpenters and the plumbers if it was the business lobby.

Go ask Ex-Mayor Gay if it was the right decision.

I think not.

How about the anti-Union Grey 2K endorsement?

[woosh]

7. Are you actually defending dog racing?

[louis c]

8. Absolutely

Are those of us in the racing industry any less honorable at our union jobs than any one else?

Jehlen has consistently voted against the racing industry, and the slots that are needed to allow it to survive, and with it the opportunity to save thousands of union jobs, and creating more. In addition, it can save many public sector jobs as well as provide much needed property tax relief.

A few years ago, Pat joined in trying to pass question 3 to abolish dog racing in Mass., the AFL-CIO worked hard to defeat that measure, and we won.

Let's look at our "progressive Democrat" and see who she matches up with on this issue (of Slots and racing).

The Weekly Tirade by Scotty Kowall..."The thing I hate most is a hypocrite....the latest hypocrite is Jeb Bush....Governor Bush has come out against slot machines at horse tracks and dog tracks.."

http://www.comedyzine.com/tirade401.html

Jeb and Jehlen, a cute couple.

Now the other side of the ledger. Governor Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania. Remember Rendell, he was the pro-union Democratic National Chairman when we used to win national elections in this party.

Read "Rendell continues to plug slots/(property) Tax Cut Program."

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05102/486851.stm

Mike Callahan and I are on the Union Democratic side of this issue, which side are you and Jehlen on?

By the way, say hi to Jeb for me, will 'ya, if he's up here campaigning for Patricia.

[TaleWgnDg]

9. "louis c," I've read your rantings about another candidate long . . .

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"louis c," I've read your rantings about another candidate long . . . enough in this thread about Patricia Jehlen. It's apparent that you are on your own personal vendetta about your own candidate.

You do not seem to appreciate that the subject matter of this thread is introducing Massachusetts state Representative Patricia Jehlen in her candidacy for the 2nd Middlesex Senate District. As such, kindly take your candidate's postings elsewhere. At the very least appreciate etiquette in this thread started by me as OP. Yeah, you heard me correctly, "etiquette." Ever heard of it?

All that being said, I feel it necessary to reply to your postings by reiterating that Patricia Jehlen has a 95% positive union rating from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO office as well as many additional union endorsements, despite your protestations about greyhound gambling and a Mall gone awry in your view.

Bottom line? Try another thread. Start your own. Any response by you in this post, will further imbue your mindset and purpose amongst Massachusetts DUers.




"Time and time again we have counted on Pat Jehlen and her leadership inside and outside of the State House to help improve the lives of working people throughout Massachusetts,” said Rocio Saenz, President of SEIU Local 615. “She has been there for us as we fought for good wages and benefits for all families and walked with us on picket lines. We admire her principled commitment to the issues important to all families: quality education, affordable healthcare, fair wages, affordable housing and the equitable treatment of all of Massachusetts' residents. Pat has always stood with us, and we know she will continue to stand up for us as a State Senator. We are proud to stand with her today as she runs for State Senate."
http://www.patjehlen.org/pressrelease060605.shtml



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[louis c]

11. No, I Won't

The truth about Patricia will be posted as I see fit.

I have not violated any of the rules of this forum, and my opinions are not personal, but issues that pertain to her positions.

If Pat's 95% AFL-CIO voting record does not get her our endorsement on July 11th, will you say that I have a point?

P.S., if you don't want responses to your posts, maybe you should try mailing post cards.

[woosh]

3. Jehlen was a supporter of Howard Dean

So no surprises there. The last I heard Jehlen was up 8 points in the polls.

She has my vote.

[louis c]

6. 8 points, ya alright

whose poll, Grey2K?

Without the AFL-CIO endorsement, she's had it.

[TaleWgnDg]

10. "louis c," please see my post #9 (above) . . .

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Congressman Barney Frank Endorses Pat Jehlen

Somerville – Massachusetts 4th District Congressman Barney Frank today announced his endorsement of Pat Jehlen in the 2nd Middlesex District State Senate special election.

"I'm pleased to endorse Pat Jehlen for the State Senate," said Congressman Frank. "She has been an effective, principled leader in the fight for social justice as a Representative, and I know she will be especially valuable as a member of the (state) Senate. Her constituents and the Commonwealth will be very well-served by her election."

Congressman Barney Frank will headline a fundraiser for Rep. Jehlen on Monday, August 8.

. . . more at . . . http://www.patjehlen.org/pressrelease062105.shtml







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[louis c]

12. Her Public Positions

on the racing industry, her votes of April 15, 2003 against Slots at racetracks, her attempt to prevent a racing bill in January 2002, her position to end greyhound racing in Massachusetts are all positions that have made many of the members that I represent lose their jobs.

In addition, her continued positions on these issues jeopardize the entire local union that I represent, and I intend to work against her, and those like her, in every political forum at my disposal, including DU and the Greater Boston Labor Council.

I am not against her because of her position on "Gay Rights." As a matter of fact, she holds the same position as I do, even though I am a heterosexual.

I oppose Pat Jehlen because she wants me and my friends to lose our jobs, union jobs, and that has a higher priority for me.

[louis c]

13. Greater Boston Labor Council Endorsement for this Seat is Due on Monday

July 11th.

I know Pat Jehlen is seeking this coveted endorsement.

She has a 94% AFL-CIO voting record.

However, there are many in the group that wish to with hold that endorsement for various reasons, including her opposition to the racing industry. I happen to be against her.

Let's see how this turns out. A no endorsement recommendation will be viewed as a serious set back to the Jehlen campaign.

[louis c]

14. GBLC

No AFL-CIO Endorsement for Jehlen.

[louis c]

15. By the way, DFA

I see your Jehlen response is overwhelming.


Estimated crowd, 2.

That's right, TWO.

http://dfa.meetup.com/167/events

July 16 phone bank is 1.

What an overwhelming group of supporters. I see Pat is catching on.

After this post, I'm sure some phony numbers will appear on that web site.