Susan G. Komen Foundation Stops Funding for Planned Parenthood

This was disappointing news:

I wanted to share some extremely discouraging news from a partner and longtime ally for women's health.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation has announced that it will stop supporting lifesaving breast cancer screening for low-income and underserved women at Planned Parenthood health centers.

It's a deeply disappointing decision — made even more alarming because politically motivated groups and individuals determined to undermine women's access to care appear to have successfully intimidated the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to withdraw this critical support.

Over the past five years, Komen funds have enabled Planned Parenthood health centers to provide nearly 170,000 clinical breast exams and referrals for more than 6,400 mammograms. These cancer detection and prevention programs saved the lives of women who often had nowhere else to turn for care.

But when anti-choice groups began criticizing the Komen Foundation for partnering with Planned Parenthood, the foundation ended its support for Planned Parenthood health centers.

Adam Lang for Philly GOP Delegate

One of my favorite Philadelphia Republicans, Adam Lang, is running to be a national delegate.  Why is he one of my favorites?  Adam is trustworthy, kind, thoughtful, steadfast in his beliefs but not dismissive of those who think differently, and has a great sense of humor.  If you are a Republican in his district, I encourage you to give him your consideration.

Details:

Adam Lang has announced he is seeking one of three Delegate positions to the 2012 Republican National Convention in the Pennsylvania 2^nd Congressional District.

“While I predominantly focus on local Philadelphia area issues, we do suffer from ‘trickle –down politics’ at the national level,” says Adam Lang.  “I will go to the Convention to push for policy platform issues that are important to residents in the Philadelphia area as well as other urban areas in the United States.”

Adam Lang believes that the Republican Party needs to focus on market and data based solutions, infrastructure, on strong enforcement of civil liberties, tax reform for simplicity and fairness,  and a role of limited government, but not anti-government.

While Adam Lang has personal policy views he has been developing over the years while being a reform activist in Philadelphia, he also knows government is about serving people.

“Leading up to the Convention, I plan to host several town halls for residents in Philadelphia and Montgomery County  to come and share their beliefs and needs so we can focus on the areas we agree on and what we can and need to tackle.”

Adam Lang lives in North Philadelphia where he has been an active member of his civic association for several years.

For further information, contact Adam Lang directly or through his website at www.adamlang.com.

Obama Now Ahead at Cafe Press

Cafe Press, the online store that lets individuals set up merchandise with their own logo, etc., on it, has been keeping track of the sales of merchandise promoting the presidential candidates.  Ron Paul has been the long time frontrunner.  However, since the State of the Union address Obama t-shirts, mugs, and such has surpassed Paul.  In 2008 Cafe Press merchandise sales predicting Barack Obama's win.  If you'd like to keep track, the site has a 2012 Meter Graph, updated weekly.

In the interests of disclosure let me admit to buying from Cafe Press from time to time but so far nothing presidential.  I have two mugs, one says "I'm not Sy Snyder" and the other has Jane Austen's picture on it with the slogan "What Would Jane Blog?"  I couldn't really pass up either of those. 

Prez O in Favor of STOCK Act

from the inbox:

In the State of the Union Address, the President laid out a blueprint for an economy built to last, where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules – especially those who have been sent here to serve the American people.

 

Last week, the President called on Congress to pass a bill that makes clear that Members of Congress may not engage in insider trading.  No one should be able to trade stocks based on nonpublic information gleaned on Capitol Hill. So we are pleased the Senate is one step closer to passing the STOCK Act. While there’s more work to be done to eliminate the corrosive influence of money in politics, this is an important step to repair the deficit of trust between Washington and the American people. We urge Congress to pass this bill, and the President will sign it right away.

Can carried interest be next?  (That's the rule that lets people pay a lower tax rate on hedge fund and capital gains money than is due on salaried earnings)

Background on Photo ID Laws

NPR has an excellent background article on the photo id laws, "Why new photo id laws mean some won't vote," by Corey Dade (1/28/2012) who they impact, and why.  While it is true you need a state issued id to drive and do other things that are fairly common activities for many of us, there is a sizable percentage of the population that does not drive or do any of the other things that require a photo id.

I don't need one to buy SEPTA tickets or access my bank accounts or get and use a credit card.  The id I use at my job would not be considered a state issued id.  If I didn't travel by air or drive I could probably get along very easily without one.  I do have a copy of my birth certificate but I don't think it is a raised seal copy -- I'd have to send off for that and since the hospital is on the other side of the country it could take a while to get one.  People born at home with midwives attending, especially before birth certificates were more widely required could have trouble getting an accurate certificate.  A paper trail may be especially difficult for women who would also need to provide proof of name changes due to marriage, or people who have been using a stepfather's name without having been legally adopted.  It's a sticky wicket.

Don't Forget "Ready to Run" Feb. 4th

Don't forget to register for Ready to Run in Philadelphia on Saturday Feb. 4th.  This nonpartisan campaign training event is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics.  There are two tracks, one for women who are ready to run now and another for women who think they might like to run in the future.  Featured presenters include Chris Jahnke who has worked with Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama, and Nancy Bocskor, a nationally known fundraising expert.

A few years ago I heard Bocskor speak at a campaign training event and learned a great deal from her.  This is an inexpensive ($100) day long session.  I encourage all those who plan on running or think they might run in the future, or just want to network and make contacts, to attend.

Hack!

Someone spammed my email contacts over the weekend.  If anyone of you received a blank email with an ad link in it I apologize.  I changed my password and hope that it will not happen again.  Apologies to all involved.

Two Patrick Murphy Notes

Patrick Murphy, former congressman for Pennsylvania's 8th district (primarily Bucks Count), is running for Attorney General.  There are a couple of interesting notes about him and his campaign this week:

Murphy is scheduled to give the keynote address at the NARAL Pro-Choice America will mark the 39th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Roe v. Wade with an annual dinner in Washington, D.C. 

Later this week Murphy is expecting an endorsement from Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.

McCaffery Bows Out of AG Race

You may have already heard, but Dan McCaffery has decided to end his campaign for Attorney General.  That leaves former Congressman Patrick Murphy and Kathleen Kane. 

Here is McCaffery's statement:

Dan McCaffery, Democratic candidate for the office of Pennsylvania Attorney General, today announced the cessation of his campaign, effective immediately.

"It is with a clear conscience and more than a twinge of regret that I announce today the end of my campaign for Attorney General of Pennsylvania," said McCaffery.  "After much soul searching this past weekend and a series of honest conversations with my family and closest political advisors, I reached the inescapable conclusion that the current configuration of this race and the economic circumstances of the time make it extraordinarily difficult, if not impossible, to continue to mount a viable campaign.  I am also deeply concerned that the Democratic Party and the state’s proud labor community are split in their allegiances; we need to be unified in order to be well-positioned to win the Attorney General seat in the November General Election.  I exit this campaign with my head held high and my heart full of gratitude for the many people who support and believe in me.  I will continue to be a strong voice within the state Democratic Party and pledge to work tirelessly to make sure the Democratic nominee wins the election in November.  The office is simply too important not to be our top priority.  I wish Patrick Murphy and Kathleen Kane all the best as they continue their pursuit of the Democratic nomination for Attorney General.”

McCaffery also made an impassioned plea to the remaining Democratic candidates and the state party itself.

"America's middle class is hurting and Pennsylvanians have not been spared," McCaffery added. "We have been hurt by banks, we have been abused by insurance companies, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and so many other reckless business sectors run amok. It is my sincere hope that the Democratic candidates take up the mantle and defend Pennsylvania's middle class. Corporations have been given more than a few breaks and a considerable helping hand from our federal government. It's time to give our state's struggling middle class a break and the Attorney General can and should play a significant role in making it happen."

CNN's SOTU Snafu

I was multitasking during the State of the Union address, mostly with my eyes on my laptop screen, with the tv set for CNN.  At one point when I looked up Attorney General Eric Holder was being identified as HHS Secretary Kathleen Sibelius.  Maybe the camera had just cut away from her.  The chryon came down shortly after I saw it.  Someone must have realized the error.  It was one of those comical "um ..... no" moments.

You can watch a video of the speech at:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2012 .  A transcript isn't up yet but probably will be shortly.  I thought it was a good speech.

Schwartz Statement on SOTU

from the inbox:

U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s State of the Union address. 

“Tonight, President Obama addressed the importance of reigniting the American dream and ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to succeed if they work hard and play by the rules.

 

“I agree with President Obama’s call that to grow our economy, our focus has to be on ensuring that Americans have the skills and education necessary for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Our tax policy must work to support entrepreneurship, manufacturing and innovation, which are at the core of our economic vitality. We must invest in essential infrastructure from broadband to bridges, and continue to do the work necessary to get our fiscal house in order.

 

“We must build a nation where the opportunity for success is available to all Americans and our middle class is able to prosper. 

 

“I urge my Republican colleagues to work with President Obama and Democrats to find common ground to meet our obligations as a nation and make the right investments for our future. The American people cannot afford to wait.”

Chester Upland Teacher at SOTU

The guest list for the First Lady at tonight's State of the Union speech included a woman from Pennsylvania:

Sara Ferguson

Teacher, Columbus Elementary
Parkside, Pennsylvania

 

Sara Ferguson teaches literacy and math at Columbus Elementary, and has worked for the Chester Upland School District for 20 years.  She is a third generation educator in Chester Upland, and a proud product of that district.  When the Chester Upland School District faced bankruptcy earlier this year in light of severe state budget cuts, Ms. Ferguson vowed to continue teaching even without being paid, saying “we are adults; we will make a way. The students don’t have any contingency plan. They need to be educated, so we intend to be on the job.”

Former Inky Reporter to WSJ

Peter Nicholas who covered Philadelphia politics for the Inquirer in the 1990s has gone round and round through the journalistic trombone and is now headed to the Wall Street Journal where he will join the DC political staff.al race.

PA Wind Energy

from the inbox:

Wind energy industry leaders, environmental advocates and policymakers gathered in the Capitol today to announce the launch of ChoosePAWind and the coalition’s new website – choosepawind.com – which touts the economic and environmental benefits of wind power for Pennsylvania.

 

“The wind energy industry is growing in Pennsylvania and creating jobs,” says Jim Spencer, President and CEO of EverPower, one of the wind farm developers and operators who helped conceive and launch the coalition.  “Wind is an important part of a diverse energy solution for Pennsylvania. Alongside natural gas, solar and other locally sourced options, Pennsylvania's commitment to wind is another example of how our state is leading the national movement to produce more domestic energy. “

 

The website, which shows options for several operators and energy suppliers, also shows Pennsylvania energy consumers how to “ChoosePAWind.” Individual consumers can choose suppliers that feature 100% PA wind, and large energy users can work with a number of PA wind producers on renewable energy credits supporting only in-state wind projects.

 

More than 17 wind farms are currently operational in Pennsylvania, with 23 more in development, generating jobs, property taxes, and revenue for communities across the state.  The wind energy industry is bigger than the wind energy providers. In Pennsylvania, it also encompasses a strong manufacturing presence in the state and many other industry suppliers.

 

In 2010, the latest year that figures are available, between 3,000 and 4,000 people are employed directly or indirectly in wind energy industry jobs. Millions of dollars are paid in land leases and property taxes by wind energy producers.  While these economic figures are impressive, it’s important to note the long-term environmental gains:  Wind turbines cause no emissions and use virtually no water. 

 

“Americans have grown more aware of where their energy comes from, and by purchasing Pennsylvania wind power, Pennsylvanians interested in renewable energy can choose a source that’s literally from their backyard,” says David Takash, Vice President of Sales, Gamesa, a global wind energy leader that has its U.S. headquarters and two manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania.

 

Wind power has the potential to provide 6.4% of Pennsylvania’s energy needs, powering more than a million homes.

 

If the Pennsylvania wind industry grew to its full potential, wind turbines could prevent over 6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. It would take 1,100 acres of forest to remove that amount of carbon dioxide.

World Class Philly Summit

from the inbox:

Don't miss the 2012 World Class Summit!

Over the past two years, more than 1,000 cross-sector leaders have brought their energy and passion for Greater Philadelphia to World Class conversations about what's most important for our shared future. Since last spring's release of the 2026: Future Histories of Greater Philadelphia report, the Economy League has been building consensus among regional leaders around a clear framework that will focus and guide strategic collaboration and ensure a world class future for Greater Philadelphia.

On February 2, we invite you to join us as we debut three overarching priorities for a World Class Greater Philadelphia, introduce aspirational goals that will drive the creation of Global Positioning Strategies for the region, and announce several exciting partnerships that will drive World Class collaboration in 2012.

See www.economyleague.org/

A Quick Look at Bob Brady's 2011 FEC Reports

Normally I stay out of Philadelphia politics.  When I was going over the quarterly FEC reports for the collar counties I dipped into the reports for Philadelphia’s congressional representatives.  A few things surprised me so I’ve done a little more digging.  Here are some observations on the reports from 1st district Congressman Bob Brady’s campaign, from the post-general 2010 election, year end 2010, first, second, and third quarter 2011 reports.  To provide some context, I found a Dec. 20, 2010 article by Brad Bumstead and Mike Wereschagin in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “Campaign expenses: chocolates, meals, flowers, club dues,” that looks at the 2010 FEC reports statewide.

As always I encourage residents of the district and other interested parties to review the reports for themselves, at www.fec.gov.  A standard caveat on these reports:  I am not a lawyer or an accountant and apologize in advance or any errors or misconceptions.

No Little People.  In most reports you have contributions that are itemized and unitemized.  The unitemized reports are under a particular threshold (I think it is $250) over the length of an election cycle.  Donations over that amount are itemized, with the donors’ names, address, occupation and employer listed.  Unitemized donations are folks like me, who might send in $50.00 or attend a $35.00 fundraising picnic, the so-called “little people.”  Congressman Brady has no little people.  Over the five reports I reviewed there were relatively few unitemized donations, $600 in the post-general, none in the year end, $175 in the first quarter, none in the second or the third.  Over almost an entire year he received only a total of $775 in unitemized donations.  That’s really surprising.  Congressman Brady’s money comes from larger individual donations and from PACS, although it is more from individuals than PACs.    

Bob Brady, Car Guy.  Bumsted and Wereschagin noted that Brady spent $34,000 on car leases over the year they reviewed.  I found similar expenses.   His car lease payments for the post-general were $2,623, year end $550, first quarter $5,528 in lease payments plus fees for a  lease buyout and a new lease for $4,484, second quarter $5,208, third quarter $5,208.  That’s a total of $23,601.   Granted, it’s a savings of nearly $11,000 from Bumsted and Wereschagin but, yowza! That’s a lot to spend on cars.  You could buy two nice used cars for that amount, or one really nice new one.  I looked at car leases in the Sunday paper a couple of weeks ago and you could lease a Cadillac Escalade for $800 a month.  I don’t know what you can get for $5,208 a month, but it has to be at least two vehicles.  And they might be  gas guzzlers because he spends a lot on gas, too.  In the post general the campaign spent $160.00 on gas, none in the year end, $1,100 in the first quarter, $920 in the second, and just under $2,000 in the third quarter.  He loyal to Sunoco and Lukoil.  Sunoco returns the sentiment, as their PAC donated $7,000 so far this year.   A 2009 article by Tom Infield, “How Bob Brady thrives and survives,” in the Inquirer (8/25/2009) notes that Brady drives home from Washington most days.   That might explain the gas costs and why he makes regular payments to NJ EZ Pass ($400 in the first and second quarters, $585 in the third).  

Lawyers and accountants and bears, oh  my!  In the quarterly reports there are some notable payments for legal and accounting services.  In the first quarter it is $4,000 for accounting, $5,000 for legal.  In the second it was $3,000 each.  In the third it was $11,000 for legal and $3,000 for accounting.  The accounting fees might be for FEC compliance, $19,000 in legal fees seems like a little more than general campaign matters would require.   The campaign also makes regular payments to a fundraiser.  In the post general she was paid $9,500, $21,000 in the first quarter, $10,000 in the second quarter, and $10,500 in the third quarter. 

Real Estate Matters.  The campaign paid $4800 to a company for a year's worth of office rent.  Interestingly his campaign website (www.bobbrady.us) lists as the mailing address something that seems to be in a residential area, and it is also listed as the address for his treasurer and his fundraiser.

There are a few other odds and ends but I’ll leave a little mystery for the curious to discover on their own.  (Someone named Meehan donated in the second quarter.  It’s a common name, but still, ….)

If you are interest in learning more about the congressman, his congressional web site is brady.house.gov; campaign site is www.bobbrady.us