NDP 3rd CD Organization Blog

999 does not work

2011-10-13T07:23:00.000-05:00

Could Cain’s 9-9-9 tax plan really work?
■ No, says a former Treasury official, calling the proposal “a distributional monstrosity.”T RIBUNE W ASHINGTON BUREAU WASHINGTON — Herman Cain’s 9-9-9 tax plan sounds simple enough: Eliminate the existing tax code and replace it with a 9 percent tax on personal income, a 9 percent business tax and a 9 percent national sales tax.But could it work?That question has been posed to tax policy experts since Cain unveiled the plan last month. It was a topic that dominated Tuesday’s debate in New Hampshire.Cain insists that the plan would immediately jump-start the economy by putting more money into people’s pockets.But Bruce Bartlett, a Treasury Department official under President George H.W. Bush who studied Cain’s plan and wrote an analysis Tuesday for the New York Times, said Cain “offers no evidence for this assertion; it is simply put forward as self-evident.” Bartlett called the plan “a distributional monstrosity.”He wrote: “The poor would pay more while the rich would have their taxes cut, with no guarantee that economic growth will increase and a good reason to believe that the budget deficit will increase.”That’s because two of Cain’s three 9s — the income tax and a national sales tax — would disproportionately affect the 47 percent of tax filers who don’t pay any federal income tax under the current system — many of whom are elderly or poor.The extra money paid by those people would in effect subsidize the huge tax cut for wealthier Americans who currently pay as much as 35 percent in federal income tax.As for the middle class, the 9 percent sales tax might discourage purchases on nonessential items. Or, as Cain has suggested, it might encourage them to buy used goods instead, which he would exempt from the tax.There would be no exemption proposed for necessities like groceries. That means poor people who can afford to spend only on basic needs would see their cost of living increase 9 percent.Cain has argued that wage earners would save considerably because his plan would abolish the payroll taxes that pay for Social Security and Medicare.“You have to start with the biggest tax cut a lot of Americans pay, which is the payroll tax, 15.3 percent,” the former Godfather’s Pizza CEO said, defending his plan at the Tuesday debate. “That goes to 9 percent. That is a 6-percentage-point difference.“And the prices will not go up. So they have got a 6 percentage point difference to apply to the national sales tax piece of that.”But what Cain did not mention is that employers currently pay half the payroll tax. Under Cain’s plan, employers would save their half of payroll taxes while workers would pay a higher percentage in the form of income tax.The plan could also discourage hiring and wage increases. Companies would be allowed to deduct purchases they made from other businesses before calculating how much of the company’s revenue would be subject to the tax. But Cain’s plan would provide no such deduction for wages.“If you’re the shareholder, you’re going to get a huge increase in your dividends,” Bartlett said Wednesday in an interview. “But if you’re a worker, sounds to me like he’s saying I get a deduction for buying a machine to replace a worker, but I get no deduction for hiring a worker.”Plus, he said, it would encourage employers to find new, taxfree ways to pay employees.“What’s to stop a company from paying its employees by leasing their cars and homes for them and even buying their food and clothing?” Bartlett wrote. “That would reduce (the employer’s) taxable revenue.”The plan also faces political challenges. At a time when the Republican Party is especially negative toward any expansion of the government’s reach, Cain’s proposal would create a whole new category of federal tax.The U.S. Treasury took in about $2.2 trillion last year, most of it from four main categories of federal taxes: income taxes paid by individuals and corporations; taxes on wages; taxes on inheritances; and excise taxes on goods such as alcohol and tobacco.A Bloomberg News analysis estimated that Cain’s plan would have been $200 billion short had it been in place in 2010. The plan would have raised $922.1 billion from the national sales tax, $912.7 billion from the individual income tax and $127.7 billion from the business tax, according to the Bloomberg analysis.Cain’s campaign on Wednesday provided Bloomberg’s Steven Sloan with an analysis done by Fiscal Associates Inc. It suggested that the plan would collect as much money as is raised under the current system.

Pipeline News

2011-10-06T06:20:00.001-05:00

KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE Legislators to sit down with TransCanada■ A majority of state senators are in favor of a special session on the issue, Speaker Mike Flood says.B Y MARTHA STODDARD AND JOE DUGGAN WORLD-HERALD BUREAU LINCOLN — Speaker of the Legislature Sen. Mike Flood of Norfolk announced Wednesday that key state lawmakers will meet next week with a top Trans-Canada official.Flood, an accomplished negotiator, said he wants to see whether the two groups can find common ground concerning the route of the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline.But he also said it appears a majority of state senators favor calling a special session to enact legislation regulating the pipeline.TransCanada’s proposal to build the pipeline across Nebraska’s environmentally sensitive Sand Hills has prompted a groundswell of opposition in the state and across the country.The Sand Hills overlie the Ogallala Aquifer, which supplies the bulk of Nebraska’s drinking and irrigation water.Flood’s announcement comes as the battle over the pipeline grows more heated.Three environmental groups sued the federal government Wednesday for allowing work to start before the project has reSee Pipeline: Page 2
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Pipeline: Three environmental groups file lawsuitContinued from Page 1 ceived final approval. The groups named the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. State Department in a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Omaha. The lawsuit claims that the agencies have allowed TransCanada, the project sponsor, to mow a pathway for the pipeline before the State Department has given final authorization. Such work, when completed before a project’s approval, violates the National Environmental Policy Act, said Noah Greenwald, a staff member of the Center for Biological Diversity. “For that company to have already begun work on the route makes a mockery of the public process,” he said, noting the two public hearings the State Department hosted in Nebraska just last week. The center and Friends of the Earth, both national organizations, joined with the Western Nebraska Resources Council to file the legal challenge. They have asked for a declaratory judgment calling the site preparation work illegal and seeking an injunction to stop it. State Department officials are expected to decide before the end of the year about issuing a permit for the 1,700-mile pipeline, which would carry tar-sand oil from western Canada to refineries on the Gulf Coast of Texas. With the federal review nearing an end, Flood said he understands that time is “of the essence” for action by the state Legislature. But he wants to make sure lawmakers act thoughtfully and have done their homework first. That includes looking into questions about the state’s legal authority regarding an international project and about constitutional limits on state regulation. It also includes talking with constituents to find out what Nebraskans want. “I think this process will unfold itself in the next couple of weeks,” Flood said. He took issue with those, including Gov. Dave Heineman, who have accused the Legislature of a lack of leadership on the pipeline issue. “No one in this branch of government is hiding,” Flood said. “As speaker, I am here to assure the citizens of Nebraska: Your Legislature will be responsible and will act responsibly.” Next Tuesday’s meeting will be a key milestone along the way. Alex Pourbaix, TransCanada’s president of energy and oil pipelines, has agreed to attend on the company’s behalf, Flood said. Flood asked three senators to attend: Sen. Chris Langemeier of Schuyler, the Natural Resources Committee chairman; Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton, who has drafted legislation that could become the starting point for a special session; and Sen. Kate Sullivan of Cedar Rapids, who introduced the lone piece of pipeline legislation passed during the regular legislative session. Sullivan’s bill requires crudeoil pipeline companies to reclaim any land disturbed by construction or operation of such a project during its lifetime. Shawn Howard, a TransCanada spokesman, said the company was happy to participate in the meeting. “We look forward to presenting our views and, also, to listen to what others have to say,” he said, while noting that the pipeline route was chosen “based on facts, careful environmental studies and very deliberate considerations.” In commenting on the lawsuit, Howard said TransCanada has not started construction, as the plaintiffs allege. He said the company mowed the grass as part of its commitment to protecting the federally and state endangered American burying beetle. Company officials have said TransCanada spent hundreds of thousands of dollars moving the beetles, which inhabit a limited area that falls on the pipeline’s path. Mowing the roughly 100-foot-wide path through the grass-covered dunes was done to discourage the beetles from returning to the habitat where they were trapped and moved. “We will put our position on this matter to the court in Nebraska,” Howard said. Spokesmen for the Fish and Wildlife Service and the State Department said Wednesday that they were reviewing the complaint and were not ready to comment. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit said they learned about the site work from a recent World-Herald article revealing that TransCanada hired biologists to capture and relocate the burying beetles. A TransCanada official told The World-Herald the early work was done to avoid a two-year delay in the project. “It was not being done for the benefit of the environment. It was being done for the benefit of the corporation,” said Amy Atwood, a lawyer from Portland, Ore., who helped prepare the lawsuit. The company has said that the pipeline would be the safest ever built and that moving the route would needlessly delay the project. The environmental groups said the early site preparation work is just another sign the State Department intends to grant a permit for the project. They have called upon the president to make the final decision instead

Middle Eastern Wars

2011-10-06T06:17:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON (AP) — One in every three U.S. veterans of the post-9/11 military believes the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not worth fighting, and a majority think that after 10 years of combat America should be focusing less on foreign affairs and more on its own problems, according to an opinion survey released Wednesday.The findings highlight a dilemma for the Obama administration and Congress as they struggle to shrink the government’s huge budget deficits and reconsider defense priorities while trying to keep public support for remaining involved in Iraq and Afghanistan for the longer term.Nearly 4,500 U.S. troops have died in Iraq and about 1,700 in Afghanistan. Combined war costs since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have topped $1 trillion.The poll results presented by the Pew Research Center portray post-9/11 veterans as proud of their work, scarred by warfare and convinced that the public has little understanding of the problems that wartime service has created for military members and their families.The survey also showed that post-9/11 veterans are more likely than Americans as a whole to call themselves Republicans and to disapprove of President Barack Obama’s performance as commander in chief. They also are more likely than earlier generations of veterans to have no religious affiliation.The Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan organization that studies attitudes and trends, called the study the first of its kind.The results were based on two surveys conducted between late July and mid-September. One polled 1,853 veterans, including 712 who had served in the military after 9/11 but are no longer on active duty. Of the 712 post-9/11 veterans, 336 served in Iraq or Afghanistan. The other survey polled 2,003 adults who had not served in the military.Asked for a single word to describe their experiences, the war veterans offered a mixed picture: “rewarding,” “nightmare,” “eye-opening,” “lousy.”There are about 98,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan, where the conflict began with a U.S.-led invasion on Oct. 7, 2001.The Pew survey found that veterans are ambivalent about the net value of the wars, although they generally were more positive about Afghanistan, which has been a more protracted but less deadly conflict for U.S. forces. One-third of post-9/11 veterans said neither war was worth the sacrifices; that was the view of 45 percent in the separate poll of members of the public.Fifty percent of veterans said Afghanistan was worth it, whereas the poll of civilians put it at 41 percent.Among veterans, 44 percent said Iraq was worth it. That compares with 36 percent in the poll of civilians.Pew said its survey results found “isolationist inclinations” among post-9/11 war veterans. About 60 percent said the United States should concentrate on problems at home. In a Pew survey conducted earlier this year, a similar share of the public agreed.

Pipeline bill

2011-10-04T07:25:00.000-05:00

Bill would require state OK of pipeline routes Sen. Dubas hopes proposal will persuade colleagues to support special session
B Y JOE DUGGAN WORLD-HERALD BUREAU LINCOLN — Oil pipeline routes in Nebraska would require state approval under a proposed bill intended to rally support for a special legislative session on the controversial Keystone XL project.Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton emailed a copy of the Oil Pipeline Siting Act to her legislative colleagues Monday and planned to follow up this week with phone calls to press for a special session.“We have a very short timeline here,” she said. “If we don’t do something before the end of the year, there’s not much chance we’ll have any ability to interact with this particular project.”She referred to the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline, which would carry 700,000 barrels of oil daily from the tar-sand region of western Canada to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. She and other elected officials, including Gov. Dave Heineman, want the project rerouted to prevent possible contamination of groundwater supplies beneath the Nebraska Sand Hills.Because the project crosses an international border, the U.S. State Department will decide whether the pipeline is in the national interest. Department officials have said they intend to make a decision by the end of the year.TransCanada, the project’s sponsor, insists that the proposed route is the most cost-efficient of several paths that were considered. Spokesmen say the comSee Pipeline: Page 2 CONTINUING COVERAGE >> Sen. Johanns says emails show that the State Department has already decided to approve the pipeline. Page 2A >> Read more at Omaha.com/ topics/pipeline
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Pipeline: Senator says she thinks colleagues may be open to sessionContinued from Page 1 pany has committed to make the Keystone XL the safest pipeline ever built. The Dubas bill would require TransCanada and other large pipeline builders to submit applications to the Nebraska Public Service Commission, which would have eight months to review the route and make a decision. Approval would give the applicant the power to use eminent domain to obtain right of way for the pipeline. Other provisions of the bill would require recommendations from eight other state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Natural Resources, the Game and Parks Commission and the Department of Revenue. The Public Service Commission also would be required to hold public hearings on proposed pipelines. The $517,000 annual cost of the bill would be covered by fees to pipeline applicants and would not require taxpayer dollars, Dubas said. The bill would require pipeline applicants to identify “unusually sensitive groundwater areas” near proposed routes. In addition, they would have to report the number of jobs anticipated for construction and operation of the pipeline, with an estimate of how many employees would come from outside the state. Currently, two underground oil pipelines cross the state: One runs through eastern Nebraska and another follows a stretch of the Platte River. Neither pipeline crosses the Sand Hills. Sen. Ken Haar of Malcolm, who worked with Dubas on the bill, said it gives Nebraska a way to protect its unique interests when a project is national in scope. Haar also has been working to convene a special session through a poll of legislators, which has never been done. It would require 33 of 49 lawmakers to agree to the special session. An informal poll of 48 state senators reached last week by The World-Herald found seven in support of a special session, nine against and 32 undecided. Nearly all the undecided senators said they wanted to see a bill. “It gives me hope that senators are keeping an open mind and waiting for something to form an opinion about,” Dubas said. While Dubas, Haar and other senators will work the phones this week, it’s safe to say Trans-Canada will, too — the company has hired Walt Radcliffe, one of Nebraska’s most influential lobbyists, to fend off a special session. Although the governor could call the special session himself, he has been unwilling to do so. Instead, he has encouraged Nebraskans who want the pipeline rerouted to make their views known to the U.S. State Department. State Department hearings last week in Lincoln and Atkinson drew hundreds of comments from supporters and opponents. In an interview Monday with The World-Herald, Heineman said he must be convinced that Dubas has the votes to pass the bill before he calls lawmakers back to the State Capitol. The governor also acknowledged that he and other state leaders should have reacted much sooner to the pipeline. Heineman did not take a firm stance against the Sand Hills route until several weeks ago. “We’re very late to this game. I don’t think there is any question Nebraska should have done something years before,” he said. The governor also said Monday that he still questions whether Nebraska has the authority to pre-empt the State Department, which already has determined that the proposed route is appropriate. For that reason, he argued that pressure needs to be applied on President Barack Obama. Dubas said Monday that she believes the state has clear constitutional authority to decide the pipeline’s route. That’s a change from the last legislative session, when she held the view that pipeline siting authority rested solely with the federal government. “It just started to bubble up to the surface that maybe states have more rights than we were led to believe,” she said. “It became more clear to me that we did have this authority.”

100% Idiot.

2011-10-03T19:46:00.001-05:00

Michele Bachmann Thanks Supporter Who Says He'd Rather Vote For Charles Manson Than Barack Obama

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) thanked an Iowa radio show listener who said he'd rather vote for Charles Manson than President Barack Obama.
Bachmann appeared on Des Moines-based WHO Radio with Simon Conway, a conservative radio show, on September 26 for an interview and to take questions from listeners. One caller told Bachmann that he had attended several rallies and thanked her for signing a t-shirt. After the host asked him to ask a question, he said that the president was a "walking nightmare" who was "blowing up our country."
"I would vote for Charles Manson before this guy," he said. "But I’m pulling for you big time, all the way, go Michele!"
"Thank you for saying that," she replied

Why not Nebraska?

2011-10-03T19:42:00.001-05:00

Minimum Wage Raised In Four States, Washington First To Top $9

WASHINGTON -- Four states have announced that they will be raising their minimum wage rates for 2012, led by Washington state, which will become the first in the country with a minimum wage over $9 per hour.
The 37-cent bump in Washington will hike the wage to $9.04, or $1.79 per hour more than the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The raise will mean an additional $770 annually for a full-time minimum-wage worker in the state.
Workers will also see a modest hike of between 28 and 30 cents in Colorado, Ohio and Montana, as well as in Oregon, which announced a wage raise on Sept. 15. In those states as well as in Washington, the higher rates trump the federal rate. The new raises are all due to cost-of-living adjustments written into state wage laws. Similar hikes are expected to be announced next month in Arizona, Florida and Vermont.
Tsedeye Gebreselassie, staff attorney at the National Employment Law Project, an advocacy group for low-wage workers, said that the raise once again sets Washington state apart from others in its progressive approach to the minimum wage.
"This shows the value of indexing," Gebreselassie said. "The reason it's $9.04 is that it's been keeping up with the cost of living over the years."
Advocates for low-wage workers argue that in addition to helping the working poor make ends meet, higher minimum wages help pump money into local economies, since such workers often have no choice but to spend their entire paychecks.
Washington passed an initiative in 1998 that tied the minimum wage to the national consumer price index, assuring that the lowest wages would rise in tandem with inflation. Some states have since followed suit, although the federal minimum wage does not include a cost-of-living adjustment.
The Washington minimum wage initiative was written by Jeff Johnson, president of the Washington State Labor Council, an affiliation of unions and labor groups. Johnson told HuffPost that despite the Washington minimum wage being the highest rate of its kind in the nation, there are many areas of the state where it doesn't amount to a living wage. Even so, he called the impending bump "the one bright spot on our horizon" in a down economy and dismal job market.
"At least these low-wage earners will maintain their purchasing power and go purchase things," Johnson said. "The money will go right back into the economy."
A number of states passed laws with cost-of-living adjustments after Washington did in 1998, although not as many states as advocates like Johnson had hoped. Most states continue to set their rates at the federal minimum, which Gebreselassie said has been stagnant for years. The $7.25 federal rate works out to a salary of about $15,000 and is well below the living wage for many states. Gebreselassie said the federal rate would now be over $10 if it had kept pace with inflation over the years.
"A lot of people are shocked when they realize it's $7.25 an hour," she said. "There's a lot of catching up to do."
Several states, including Maryland and Illinois, have recently considered adding cost-of-living adjustments to their minimum wages, often prompting an outcry from the business community. Business owners argue that requiring them to pay higher wages will force them to cut their number of positions, pushing jobs into neighboring states.
Backed by the state Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Republicans even mounted an unsuccessful campaign to roll back their state's cost-of-living adjustment, arguing that it would lead to job growth.
Johnson said many businesses grumble when Washington hikes its minimum wage each year, but that so far the cost-of-living adjustment doesn’t seem to have sent many jobs over the border.
"Washington state has one of the highest rates of growth in small business and retail," he said. "It doesn’t seem to be stopping these people from creating new businesses

New Administrator

2011-10-03T19:36:00.003-05:00

Hello fellow Democrats I have taken over running the CD3 blog. Please feel free to get on the blog and write what you think about what I and others put up. Put your own stuff on this blog if you wish. Please don't trash any fellow democrats. We are all on the same side. Getting after Tea Party fools is ok though. thanks Bud Pettigrew, Chair of Chairs NDP, SEC.

CDO3 Blog has a new administrator.

2010-05-20T22:38:00.002-05:00

Tom Havelka, Associate Chair of the NDP 3rd CD, is taking over the duties as the webmaster of the CDO3 website and blog. Brian T. Osborn, the creator and past webmaster, is turning over the keys and wishes Tom well in continuing these services to the Democrats in Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District.

NDP-SCC Rules Committee Proposed C&B Changes

2010-03-13T16:37:00.000-06:00

Lanny Munson, Chair of the NDP-SCC Rules Committee and NDP Parliamentarian, has released a set of proposals for changes to the NDP Constitution and Bylaws that will be considered at the NDP State Convention in Columbus this summer. Since many of these changes would affect the way the CDO3 and the CD3 Caucus are run, it would be to the benefit of every member of the 3rd CD Organization to look them over and discuss them in this forum.

The proposed changes can be found on the CDO3 website at http://www.nebraskademocratscd3.org

Valentine meeting January 2010

2010-01-21T07:13:00.000-06:00

NEBRASKA THIRD DISTRICT DEMOCRATS VALENTINE MEETING AGENDA
JANUARY 30, 2010

LOCATION: CEDAR CANYON RESTAURANT. 112 NORTH MAIN STREET.

8:30-9:00 Check in.

9:00- 10:00 Business meeting.
.

Break.

First Speaker: Kate Bolz of Appleseed. “Steps toward a Strong Future. Work force Challenges and Opportunities for Nebraska”.

Second Speaker: Peggy Lippert, MSW, LCSW, Activists, Consultant, Act Now Inc. “Think, Register, Vote”.

Third Speaker: Julie Driscoll, Chicago News Hounds Reporter. “Fox News is Not Real News”

Lunch:

Fourth Speaker: Jane Kleeb. Change That Works Nebraska. “Health Reform, How We Got There and What We Need To Do Next”

Fifth Speaker: Chuck Hassebrook. Board of Regents. “A Rural Agenda for Nebraska.”

Head line Speaker: The Honorable Tim Walz Congressman of Minnesota. (A Former Resident of Valentine)
He will be introduced by Mr. Tom Brown Lincoln County Democrats Treasurer.

Nebraska Third District Congressional Candidate Rebecca Davis will be at the meeting. Secretary of State Candidates Kris Pierce and Janet Stewart will also be at the meeting and will be holding meet and greets at Cedar Canyon Restaurant the night before.

Go home-Clean up.

Any one with an interest in government, politics, and history is more than welcome to come. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, all are welcome. This meeting is free to the public. The only cost would be lunch furnished by Cedar Canyon Restaurant.

NOTE: Only Third District Democrat residents will be allowed a vote during the business portion part of the meeting. Contact information Below:
Position
LD
First Name
Last Name
Email
City
Home Phone
CDO3 Chair
41
Marion
Bahensky
mbahensky@msn.com
St. Paul
308-754-4454
CDO3 Assoc. Chair
22
Tom
Havelka
guest@megavision.com
Columbus
402-276-6601

CHAIR OF CHAIRS 43 Bud Pettigrew anbpettigrew@msn.com Valentine 402-376-1708

NSAA to women, 'We don't need you."

2009-12-08T22:13:00.000-06:00

Since 1926 not one woman has been elected to the NSAA Board of Control. Unqualified? Dr. Jim Tenopir, Executive Director of the NSAA, gave testimony before the Legislature's Education Committee in Lincoln 23 October 2009.

Read the Education Committee's transcript here.

Valentine meeting January 2010

2009-10-20T09:35:00.003-05:00

Hello my fellow Democrats. Has I promised at the Alliance meeting I would give you an up date on scheduling for the Third District Democrats first 2010 meeting which will be held in Valentine. The meeting will take place on Saturday January 30,2010. It will be held at the meeting room of Cedar Canyon restaurant. The restaurant will also take care of the meal. We get to use the meeting room free of Charge. Many people have asked me about the agenda. I am working on getting speakers and work shops set up. We have two semi conformed. I won't announce who they are;until they are 100% tied down. Many of you have sent in suggestions for many speakers. Thank you for doing so. Please keep it up. I have contacted every person you have suggested. Some can't come. Some cost a tremendous amount of money from the cheapest of 500.00$ to the most expensive of 30,000 $. WOW! If you want those speakers please find me the funds to pay for them. The two most asked about speakers are Senator Ben Nelson and Congressman Tim Walz. Both have been contacted. Both I believe want to come. It is a matter of scheduling . Hopefully we will hear soon from them about their availability. If any of you at any time wish to talk to me about this meeting please contact me. anbpettigrew@msn.com or 402-376-1708, 402-322-0227. Bud Pettigrew NDP Chair of Chairs.

Just a quick up date. Senator Nelson emailed today. He will not be able to come to the meeting. He is scheduled to go somewhere else.

NDP State Central Committee passes two important resolutions

2009-10-08T00:32:00.000-05:00

Nebraska Democratic Party State Central Committee
Supports a Public Option

Lincoln, NE--- The Nebraska Democratic Party’s Central Committee weighed into the Health Care Reform debate with a nearly unanimous vote to support a Public Option.
The action took place Saturday at the Central Committee Meeting in Fort Omaha Metro Community College.

The Nebraska Democrats' resolution is set forth below.

Public Option Resolution

WHEREAS, the heath care system of the United States is in crisis, with almost fifty million Americans lacking any health insurance, tens of millions more lacking adequate coverage, and millions more who do have private coverage paying increasingly unaffordable premiums, resulting in inadequate access to care and premature death, illness, or financial ruin for millions of Americans; and

WHEREAS, public polls show that a majority of Americans want health care reform to offer the choice of a robust public option in order to inject real competition into the marketplace and, in the words of President Obama, “keep the insurance companies honest:” and

WHEREAS, some in the healthcare insurance industry and their allies have organized and funded groups of extremists to disrupt efforts on the part of the majority and administration to discuss the issue with the American people reasonably, and have demonstrated an unwillingness to compromise in any way to pass meaningful health care reform;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Nebraska Democratic Party urge our members of Congress to vote for such health care reform proposals that contain a robust public option at all stages of the legislative process including conference and reconciliation, and encourage legislators to pass such reform;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Nebraska Democratic Party shall send a copy of this resolution to all members of Congress who represent any of our members.

Nebrask Democratic Party State Central Committee Unanimously
Condemns Status at Beatrice State Developmental Center

Lincoln, NE--- The Nebraska Democratic Party’s Central Committee unanimously adopted a strongly worded resolution condemning the situation at the Beatrice State Developmental Center. The action took place Saturday at the Central Committee in Fort Omaha Metro Community College.

The Nebraska Democrats called for the Beatrice State Developmental Center to become re-certified for Federal Medicaid funds and to comply with the July 2008 Settlement Agreement with the Department of Justice.

The Resolution emphasized that the neglect and miss-management will cost Nebraska taxpayers $56 million dollars. Last month, the State lost its appeal. It will take at least two years to get re-certified

“Heineman is personally and directly responsible for the gross mismanagement of the BSDC,” said State Chair Vic Covalt. “He signed the Settlement Agreement to protect the patients down there, yet more deaths have occurred. Heineman is a bad governor who continues to fail our most needy citizens and all Nebraska taxpayers.”

The resolution also called for criminal investigations of significant incidences of neglect and abuse of the Developmentally Disabled.

The State entered the settlement agreement after a Department of Justice Lawsuit was filed alleging the conditions at BSDC unconstitutionally violated the Individual rights of patients.

The latest Expert Report filed last week in Court states that there is still much to be done to restore BSDC to the fine institution it was before Johanns and Heineman became governors.

Bahensky, Havelka elected CD3 leaders

2009-10-04T15:51:00.000-05:00

Howard County Chair, Marion Bahensky, and Platte County Chair, Tom Havelka, were elected to the positions of Chair and Associate Chair by the 3rd CD Caucus at the Nebraska Democratic Party State Central Committee meeting in Omaha on Saturday, Oct. 3rd. The two replace Lisa Hannah and Brian Osborn at the helm of the 3rd CD Organization. Hannah and Osborn resigned from their positions during the CD3 Caucus at the past NDP SCC meeting, held in June, in a deal brokered by NDP State Chair, Vic Covalt.
According to the CDO3 Bylaws, accepted at the CDO3 meeting in McCook last June, Bahensky and Havelka will share the duties of leading the 3rd CD Organization with equal authority. Ms. Bahensky, currently also the Treasurer of the CDO3, has indicated that she intends to continue to hold the office of CDO3 Treasurer until her replacement is elected at the next CDO3 meeting, to be held in Valentine in 2010.

Introspection

2009-08-29T14:23:00.002-05:00

I have often called for us Democrats in Nebraska to raise our voices and question what is wrong with our party - why it is that we fail to get Democrats elected almost anywhere but in Lincoln and Omaha. We recently lost one of our 3rd CD representatives to the SCC to the Republican Party. Yesterday, Jim Esch, the CD2 candidate for Congress in 2006 and 2008 left our party. It is time to ask WHY? It is time for us to ask ourselves, as Democrats, who are we, where are we going, and how do we want to get there?

Today I received a very thought provoking email from another good Nebraska Democrat. I like that his analysis reaches into the historical perspective to ascertain what has gone wrong, and what we need to do in order to fix it. I welcome everyone to participate in this discussion, I heartily encourage it. For by sitting on our hands, playing follow the leader, and continuing the path we've been on will guarantee us the same results we've been achieving.

Brian T. Osborn - Chair, Phelps County Democrats

The email I received:

We've often remarked on how the NDP is dysfunctional. As W. Don Nelson likes to say, "beyond dysfunctional." If you accept the premise that a political organization justifies its existence in a democracy by electing its candidates to public office, then the performance of the NDP over the last dozen or so years puts it in the first or second percentile out of the 100+ state organizations in this country.

You can't do that poorly unless there are many serious problems. In fact, it is extremely difficult to have enough problems to fail so spectacularly in accomplishing goals.

But if I had to reduce the problems of the NDP to just one or two fatal flaws, absolute obstacles that prevent success, I would point to the following:

1- In 1960, the Kennedy campaign inaugurated the "battleground states" strategy, the concept that focusing resources on states that were easier to win and ignoring the states that are problematic, was a great way to leverage time and money in a campaign (Nixon, by contrast, campaigned in all fifty states). It worked spectacularly. Although Kennedy barely won the popular vote, he racked up a huge win in the electoral college. Back then, the Democrats had the solid South and could squeeze out the big population Northern states to create landslide potential, bypassing states (like Nebraska) that had the lowest ROI (return on investment). While Kennedy was salting away the presidency, my cousin was being pushed out as the last Democrat to win in the West.

That's the same thing the NDP does. They are derisively characterized as CREOL (Committee to Reelect in Omaha and Lincoln) because they put all their resources into the two population centers -- the low-hanging fruit -- to create a strategy that results in a Tale of Two Cities.

But there are two things wrong with this approach. In the first place, the "battleground" strategy is an electoral college strategy, not a strategy to win the popular vote. Nebraska elections are decided by the popular vote, not by winning just winner-take-all population centers. If the CDs were winner-take-all, like the states in the electoral college, Nebraska's strategy would make sense. But it's not, it's popular vote that counts, and the strategy of conceding 91 rural counties -- essentially half the state -- does not and never will work. The NDP will never win statewide elections until it becomes a statewide party.

Incidentally, Howard Dean showed another flaw in the "battleground states" strategy. It turns out that the lack of attention to some states creates a solid block for the only party that campaigns there. This was not as clear when the South was solid Democratic, but when the South changed parties after the 1964 Civil Rights Act, it became clearer. Howard Dean recognized that in 2004 and began to reform the national Democratic Party to adopt a full fifty-state program -- and the dramatic turnaround in 2006 and 2008 proved that his approach was correct. The "battleground" strategy has been shown to be a short-term strategy that has long-term deleterious consequences. The same in true at the state level. Winning in Lincoln and Omaha cannot in the long-run produce results at the state level -- we need a 93-county strategy (a real one, not a DINO one).

Interestingly, wizards like Achelpohl, who stood to benefit from the fifty-state strategy, were outspoken advocates for that approach at the national level. But Achelpoh never had the brains or insight to realize that what he was so in favor of at the national level, because it generated resources for Nebraska, had a state-level analogue. He just didn't get it.

2- You cannot build a Democratic Party -- a true opposition party -- when the leader of the party finds it inimical to his self-interest to have a Democratic alternative in the state. Ben Nelson calls all the shots. Vic Covalt and Vince Powers work for him. And it is not in his self-interest to have an energized and activist Democratic base, because it is contrary to his electoral strategy.

Nelson's campaign plan is to nail down the Democrats -- as the Party used to take the Solid South for granted -- and then work to win enough Republican and Independent vote to give him a majority. As Don Nelson, his campaign guru, liked to express it, Nelson's battle plan is to get all the Democrats, most of the Independents, and 1/3 of the Republicans. To do that, he will have to go as far to the right as he needs to go to get votes from the cons.

From Nelson's point of view, this strategy has proved to be extremely effective. In 1996, when he was still Governor and extremely popular in Nebraska, he had his drain pan handed to him by Chuck Hagel in his first run for the seat in the Senate vacated by Democratic Senator Exon. In 2000, he ran against Don Stenburg, the AG, (a pretty weak candidate) and won by the razor-thin margin of 10K votes. In 2006, he ran against the well-funded conservative Pete Ricketts, who defeated Stenburg in the primary and then spent $19 million. He started the race up thirty points, won the race by thirty points (and never endorsed a single Democratic candidate). If you look at it strictly from Nelson's point of view, things could not be working better.

The price we pay is suppression of the Democratic base. There has to be a cohesive and uniform subservience of the Dems to the man who supported and voted with George Bush more than any other Democrat in the United States. If there was a vigorous debate in the NDP, there might be a primary challenger than would force Nelson to adopt positions closer to the national party, and this shift would cost him votes in the general against a Republican. His game plan does not want that problem, and the result is that grassroots activism -- the enthusiasm of the base -- is rigorously suppressed.

The effect of putting a lid on Democratic activism is that the entire party, except for Nelson, is completely enervated. All the oxygen is sucked out of the room. You see that in so many ways, not the least of which is the destruction visited on other Democratic candidates (Esch, Hahn, Kleeb) who complain bitterly about their second-class treatment. For example, in 2006, when Nelson was running the so-called combined campaign and Esch was struggling to compete against Terry in CD2, the Party spent most of its money on the DA race in Douglas County -- $20,000. If this had been spent on radio ads for Esch . . . ? No NDP money was given to Kleeb, Hahn or Esch.

If the candidates feel like they are getting screwed -- and they are -- then is it any wonder we have no recruitment? They can see, or at least sense, what is happening. They have no chance to win. This is not a political party, like the one they have in Iowa for example (where the Righties are at least as far out as the cons in Nebraska -- hell, we don't have anyone as far right as Steve King, yet in Iowa they passed a bill permitting gay marriage).

It's a cult of personality, not a political party.

29 years

2009-08-26T14:39:00.001-05:00

From: "BUD PETTIGREW" <

Local: Wed, Aug 26 2009 10:00 am
Subject: 29 Years
WOW! Ted Kennedy is dead. I like many people find that hard to believe , even so all the signs said it was going to happen. I could go on and on about all the great works he did for our country. I believe he changed America for the good more than any person in my life time. More than any President, more than his brothers. He did good, thanks Senator.
I think about where he was through out his life. When I was freshman in college, Senator Kennedy decided to run for President. Camolet was going to come back, I was excited. Ted Kennedy was the first of many losers I voted for in my life time. Did that make Ted Kennedy a loser? No, America was the biggest loser because he did not become President. I was just a kid then and Kennedy was the age then I am now. I did not realize then how hard it is to climb that ladder of life. Think about Ted Kennedy. He had a lot of advantages that he was born with. So why work so hard? Most know the arrows that were thrown at him. Deaths of his brothers, his drinking problems. Divorce, not becoming President. The thing I think about is the human side that I shared with him. I like him, like all of us; have their own personal life. Some things you don't want the world to know. Because he was GREAT everything about him was an open book. Everything about him was news, true or un true. I have had negative things about me come out and it is no fun. It happened to him every day. Think of all the stories that were not true about him. It had to hurt, I know it has hurt me when things are said about me that are not true. You want to lash back and get even right away. Time heals but you have scars. Ted Kennedy had a lot of scars, yet it never stopped him from being a GREAT American. That is why he worked so hard.
So what did Ted Kennedy teach me and America more than anything. Well when I was born, America was a segregated nation. His work changed that. Young people today who I complain about a lot for the most part do not care about race or that other nonsense that so many of us knew. In March of 1980 I was playing pool at a college hang out with some friends. One guy was drunk and foul mouthed. Next to us was a couple, a black guy and a white gal, on a date having fun. The Guy asked my friend to watch his language around a lady, just like any one on a date with some they care about would do. . My drunk friend said "any woman who goes out with a nigger is no lady" I was shocked and ashamed but I did nothing. I did not know what to do. I knew a lot of people thought that way. Ted Kennedy did lot to change that. I don't think you would hear that today with out something happening. Because that couple just left. Do you think they would leave now? America is better because of Ted Kennedy. Think how we believed in 1962 when he became a Senator and what we believe now when it comes to civil rights.
So in 29 years when I am the same age Senator Kennedy was when he died, what will America look like? Well the path is lighter now because of Ted Kennedy. It is up to all of us to keep it bright.

CDO3 Bylaws

2009-08-24T03:20:00.001-05:00

BYLAWS
of the Third Congressional District Organization
of the Nebraska Democratic Party
(as accepted in McCook, NE on June 6, 2009)

I. Name

The name of the Organization shall be the Third Congressional District Organization of the Nebraska Democratic Party (3rd CDO).

II. Mission Statement

The 3rd CDO shall serve as an advocate for persons in Nebraska’s Third Congressional District (3rd CD), promote full participation within the Nebraska Democratic Party (NDP) and serve as a forum for discussing and formulating positions on issues of importance to the 3rd CD.

III. Membership

Third CD delegates and alternates to the NDP State Convention shall automatically become members of the 3rd CDO. All NDP State Central Committee (SCC) members and all Democratic County Officers from the 3rd CD shall also automatically become members of the organization.

IV. Organization Officers

A. The elected officers of the 3rd CDO shall be: Chair, Associate Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. The 3rd CDO officers shall constitute the 3rd CDO Executive Committee. Election of officers shall be made without discrimination and shall be consistent with NDP policy.

B. The Chair and the Associate Chair shall share authority and responsibilities. The Chair and Associate Chair shall execute the policies of the 3rd CDO. The Chair and Associate Chair shall be elected for two-year terms at the 3rd CD Caucus meeting during the NDP State Convention. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected during the first 3rd CDO meeting following the NDP State Convention and shall assume office prior to adjournment of that meeting.

C. The Chair and/or Associate Chair shall plan, organize and preside at all 3rd CDO meetings; maintain general management over the activities of the 3rd CDO and coordinate, with the organization, any additional duties or responsibilities.

D. The Associate Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair when the Chair is unable to fulfill such duties. If the position of Chair becomes vacant, the Associate Chair automatically becomes the Chair according to the NDP Constitution - Article 5-D. CD Chairs or Associate Chairs shall be replaced by election in their respective CD Caucuses of the NDP SCC following notification of the vacancy.

E. The Secretary shall distribute notices of 3rd CDO meetings; maintain minutes of these meetings and the 3rd CDO correspondence; and keep a current set of bylaws and any amendments. A sign-in sheet will be used for attendance at each meeting.

F. The Treasurer shall be in charge of the record keeping of all 3rd CDO funds. All 3rd CDO funds shall be used to benefit the 3rd CDO.

G. The Executive Committee shall have the responsibility for handling urgent and needed organizational business between meetings.

V. Meetings

A. Meetings of the 3rd CDO shall be held at least quarterly, wherever possible. The meetings shall rotate throughout the CD. If at all possible, notice shall be given where the next meeting will be held at the current meeting. Notice of these meetings shall be given to each member at least two weeks prior to the meeting. Only members in good standing may vote.

B. Special meetings may be called by a majority of the 3rd CDO Executive Committee, or 25 voting members in good standing. Notice of meetings shall be given at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

C. A quorum shall consist of all members present at the meeting. All business matters shall be decided by a majority vote, unless otherwise specified by these bylaws. There shall be no proxy voting.

VI. Elections

A. Officer elections will be held biennially in even numbered years. The Chair and the Associate Chair shall be elected for two-year terms at the 3rd CD Caucus meeting during the NDP State Convention. The Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected during the first meeting of the 3rd CDO following the NDP State Convention and shall assume office prior to adjournment of that meeting.

B. Balloting shall take place by secret ballot unless the body decides otherwise by a 2/3 vote. Each candidate shall appoint a teller to handle the counting of ballots.

C. Nomination of officers shall be made without discrimination, and be broadly representative. Nominations may be made from the floor. A member may nominate him/her self.

D. Any vacancy among the 3rd CDO officers will be filled at the next 3rd CDO meeting after the vacancy occurs with the exception of the office of Chair, which will be filled immediately upon its occurrence by the accession of the Vice Chair.

E. Any 3rd CDO officer may be recalled for reasons defined in the NDP Constitution Section 2. - Removal of Congressional District Officers. A meeting to consider removal of 3rd CDO Officers shall be called upon petition of 25 percent of the members of the 3rd CDO. An officer may be removed by a majority of those members present at the meeting. Grounds for removal shall be the same as for NDP officers.

VII. Committees

A. The organization may form and appoint committees to perform various functions. The duties, membership, and responsibilities of those committees will be outlined at the time of formation.

B. Any funds needed to perform the duties of a committee should be approved by the organization at the time of the formation.

VIII. Amendments

A. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the 3rd CDO membership attending a 3rd CDO meeting, provided that written notice of any proposed amendments have been mailed or emailed to all members at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which any amendment is to be considered.

B. The bylaws shall be reviewed annually and may be revised during the first meeting of each calendar year.

C. These bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the 3rd CDO membership attending a 3rd CDO meeting, provided that written notice of any proposed amendments have been mailed or emailed to all members at least one month prior to the meeting at which any amendment is to be considered.

IX. Parliamentary Authority

The most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, shall be the Parliamentary Authority for the 3rd CDO. In any conflict between Robert’s Rules of Order and the NDP Constitution and Bylaws and/or the law of the State of Nebraska, NDP Constitution and Bylaws or the law of the State of Nebraska takes precedence.

Resignations of 3rd CD Chair and Associate Chair

2009-07-05T22:13:00.007-05:00

The Chair and Associate Chair of the 3rd CD resigned during the 3rd CD Caucus meeting in Grand Island on June 27. Transcriptions of their speeches, with accompanying audio follows:
--------------------

BRIAN OSBORN - (click here for audio)

For those of you who remember, back during our State Convention, I got up and I promised you that I would do something, and that was to give each of you a voice in this party. Unfortunately, I have a very strong voice, and I feel that my voice has just as much right to be heard as anyone else’s and I probably stepped on a few toes while doing that.

I’m sorry if I’ve offended anyone. I think that most of the time I have kept my comments to things that were pertinent to the 3rd Congressional District and the 3rd Congressional District Organization. I’m not real good on diplomacy. I admit that. But I think that for our Nebraska Democratic Party to become a strong organization we need more people with strong voices, and we need more freedom for everyone to speak what’s in their hearts and on their minds, and that is what I have fought for for the past year, and that is what I will continue to fight for from now on, only in another capacity.

I am resigning as the Associate Chair and I understand that Lisa will be resigning as the Chair. We’ve had some differences, some of them on ... I’d say most of them concerning what the 3rd Congressional District Organization is supposed to be. I go by what is written in the Nebraska Democratic Party Constitution and Bylaws. Others go by what their interpretation of those are. I will always defend the Constitution and Bylaws of the Nebraska Democratic Party over my own personal beliefs, first and foremost.

But I am not going to silence my personal opinions, because I am a Democrat, I am proud to be a Democrat, and I will continue to be a Democrat. And, for me, that means being a loud-mouthed ... whatever you want to call it.

I thank you for having given me the opportunity to serve you the best that I could. And believe you me, I will continue to do so.

--------------------

LISA HANNAH - (click here for audio)

I did a pre-written statement so I’m just going to read it off, and before I do so I just want to point everybody out that my father and my husband are here today So I think its important.

Last year I offered my candidacy (pardon me).

Last year I offered my candidacy as 3rd District Chair because a number of people encouraged me to do so. They cited my skills in messaging and organizing and urged me to use those skills for the benefit of the 3rd District and efforts to elect Democrats. It was an honor to be asked, and an honor to be elected.

Although I was aware of an undercurrent of bad feeling generated by a few people in our district I had not experienced problems working with them as individuals or as a group prior to my election and never even considered it an issue. The problems began almost the day I was elected and continue to this day. Whether it’s been philosophical, procedural or practical, or its been long range goals, or details on correspondence, or meeting plans - the attacks have been vicious, baseless, mean spirited aimed to undermine my own position and the ability to perform the duties as district chair as stipulated in the Nebraska Democratic Party’s Constitution and Bylaws. Furthermore in trying to seek out how to resolve the matters through the proper channels the requests were denied or ignored.

When one is the target of the politics of personal destruction it is painful and it effects a person, their health and their life. But its one thing if just I ____ effected, its another if it affects something greater. I recognize that what has been directed at me effects not only the 3rd District but the Nebraska Democratic Party as a whole. I’ve always believed the party is an idea much greater than just the individual, it’s the sum of its parts And as long as that atmosphere exists progress can never be made, I believe the only option at this point is to end the dysfunctional atmosphere. Therefore I here offer my resignation as District Chair.

3rd CD Chair and Associate Chair Resign

2009-06-27T21:26:00.003-05:00

The 3rd CD Chair, Lisa Hannah, and the 3rd CD Associate Chair, Brian Osborn, both tendered their resignations today during the 3rd CD Caucus meeting at the State Central Committee meeting in Grand Island. Elections will be held at the next SCC meeting to replace them.

Thanks

2009-06-21T20:55:00.002-05:00

Hello Third District Democrats. I have a great big thank you for your support this year and for honoring me with the Third District, Bob Kerrey Outstanding Democratic Volunteer of the year award.
Bud Pettigrew

Sen. Nelson oversimplifies health care debate

2009-06-12T23:00:00.003-05:00

The following is a letter to the editor, written by Box Butte County Democratic Party Chair, Rich Schommer, that was published in the Alliance Times Herald. - Brian T. Osborn

In Wednesday’s Times Herald an excerpt from an Omaha World Herald
editorial presented a deceptive over simplification of the debate
activists are having over Senator Ben Nelson’s position on health care
reform. While it’s true one group, Change Congress has pointed out
that Nelson has received over two million dollars in campaign
contributions from those connected to the insurance industry, the idea
they are seeking a “government funded” health insurance option is
false. All the activist groups I know of are seeking to get Nelson to
support the same public option for health insurance that the President
is calling for. A public option would not be government funded. It
would be an alternative to the present insurance companies - much like
Nebraska’s public electrical utility companies where we enjoy some of
the lowest rates in the nation.

The fundamental problem with Senator Nelson's position on health care
reform is his long history in the insurance industry. While his
experience in the insurance industry qualifies him as something of an
"expert" in the field, it's precisely that experience that contributes
to his inability to contribute productively to the debate on a public
option in the health care legislation. It's that old "can't see the
forest for the trees" syndrome. Nelson's long association with the
present health insurance model seems to have rendered him incapable of
recognizing that the present situation doesn't require readjusting
that old model. It requires a complete paradigm shift.
Health care can no longer be locked into a private for-profit system.
That for profit model is the root cause of the present crisis.
Virtually all of the insurance companies had their origins as
non-profit mutual aid compacts at a time when hospitals were also
non-profit entities. The system that has evolved through
privatization of those insurance plans and hospitals has produced a
model where fleecing the general population is the norm for both the
insurance companies and the hospitals.
Reform will require insurance companies to stop concentrating on
methods to delay and deny payment for claims, and hospitals to stop
manipulating claims to maximize their billing to insurance companies.
In addition it is going to require regulation of the pharmaceutical
companies & the medical equipment companies. They can no longer be
allowed to manipulate doctors and hospitals into prescribing and
purchasing over priced drugs and equipment that contribute little to
the successful treatment of patients, but add exponentially to the
costs for services.
Senator Nelson needs to shed himself of the present insurance industry
model. He needs to come to the conclusion that health care can no
longer be viewed as a collection of inter-related businesses. We have
reached a point where health care can no longer be viewed as an
industry; it must be seen as a basic human right.

JUNE 6 - McCOOK - Be There!!!

2009-06-01T14:09:00.002-05:00

Against all odds, Democrats from across the 3rd District fight lonely and out-numbered political battles every day. The flag of our cause has never been born by strong committees; we have never known the luxury of a heavy war chest; and we are sometimes overlooked by our own within the State.

Instead, more often than not, the cause of the Democratic Party in the 3rd District has been born by the individual. This is an individual who shows no fear of being the lone voice of dissent at work, at school, in the media, at church, and sometimes even at home. These are individuals whose beliefs are so near to their core that they can put every ounce of their strength into their candidate’s campaign, lose to ridiculous bumper-sticker slogans, and yet, the following day, start thinking about the next campaign.

No group in all of politics has more heart than one 3rd District Democrat. It is because of these individuals that the 44th Legislative District Democrats of Southwest Nebraska are most honored to host the quarterly meeting of the 3rd CDO in McCook. Our sincerest hope is that we get the privilege of meeting ALL of those individuals from across the State who have, through their tenacity, kept the Democratic Party in the 3rd District for so many, many years. We firmly believe that if all of us, as individuals, achieve unity under the flag of the 3rd CDO we can become a viable force in State politics.

At this point in time, it would seem imperative that we maintain high percentage turnouts to these events in order to counter balance our small numbers if we are ever to achieve viability. For those attending, we have prepared a little gift basket that includes, among other things I’m told, coupons from local merchants. We encourage you to stay the weekend and enjoy the beauty on our rivers, reservoirs, and nature.

A complete list of area events will be available. Though motel space is usually plentiful, there are several statewide events going on in McCook this weekend. If rooms are a problem, call me- I will find you a Democratic host family who will be glad to put you up. We in the 44th appreciate the time and travel that some of you will undergo, but most of all we appreciate and thank you for keeping the Democratic Party alive and well in the 3rd District.

Hope to see you soon!
Al Dunworth Project Coordinator 970-630-9879

DON'T FORGET! - CDO3 meets in McCook on June 6

2009-05-30T11:59:00.001-05:00

Please attend this meeting if at all possible. We need you.
The 3rd District Organization has been in existence for a couple years without bylaws or delineated goals and responsibilities. We need to find ways to strengthen county parties, develop leaders, recruit candidates for public office, and improve communication within and without the district. We can overcome our traditional handicap of isolation and distance by means of the internet. I have some ideas to present at the June 6 meeting, which you can accept, improve, or replace, but nothing can be done unless we have a substantial representation of 3rd District counties. Our next meeting may not be until fall, so we will go more months without action unless we have a good turnout next Saturday. Let’s add to the election successes of Omaha, Lincoln, and Obama.

Thanks.

Marion Bahensky
Treasurer, CDO3
Howard Co. Chair
308-754-4454

County Chairs handbook

2009-05-21T08:36:00.003-05:00

Has I promised when I ran for Chair of Chairs. I have written a County Chairs handbook. This handbook is not inclusive. It's intent is for this to be living document that you will add to as your term of office goes on. Hopefully there will be some bit of information in this handbook that can help every Chair. I am sure that additions could be added daily. I will have copies for the June 6th meeting in McCook, and the Grand Island meeting June 27th. If you wish me to email you a copy please email me at anbpettigrew@msn.com. Let me know your name and what county you are the Chair of. I want to keep a good record of who has this information. At any time you have questions please let me know. You can email me at the above email or phone; 402-376-1708 or 402-322-0227

Bud Pettigrew
Nebraska Chair of Chairs

Ask Senator Nelson to stand with Nebraska's Democrats and the working class.

2009-05-08T14:53:00.001-05:00

Letter to Sen. Ben Nelson

2009-05-05T15:44:00.005-05:00

I received this from an old friend, M. Wayne Power. I worked for him in Holdrege way back before I went to the Navy and, although no longer living in the 3rd CD, he has plenty of ties to it. He has asked me to help him in a quest to at least attempt to get our sole Democratic representative in Congress from the State of Nebraska, Sen. Ben Nelson, to reconsider the way he has been voting.

I concur with Mr. Power, in that those of us in Nebraska, and those of us within the Nebraska Democratic Party, that consider ourselves Liberals haven't a single voice from Nebraska that will stand up for us. Three House representatives and one Senator are all very conservative Republicans. Must we just roll over and accept the fact that, even though we Liberals probably represent at least 20% of the voting populace in this state, the only Democrat that could represent us ... won't?

Mr. Power also has a very thought provoking blog at http://mwaynecomments.blogspot.com/ I would hope that you take some time to read it, and to reply to his articles. Wayne is retired, has plenty of time, and loves to debate the issues he has presented there.

Brian T. Osborn
3rd CD Associate Chair

Brian
Below is a copy of an e-mail that I have sent to Senator Nelson. Help me out with this. You know way more real Progressive Democrats that I do. I'm asking all of my progressive friends that I can think of to copy the text of this communication, sign it and forward to Ben Nelson and to advise me when they do it. If every true Progressive in the State will do this maybe, just maybe we can get his attention. Give me your thoughts on this. Thanks

http://bennelson.senate.gov/

Senator Ben Nelson
This communication is to protest your conservative voting record and failure to support President Obama's legislative agenda. Progressivepatriots.com awarded you a Progressive Action score of 6 which means you voted to support a slate of progressive actions only 6% of the time during the 110th Congress. You also had a right-wing index score of 75. A score of 75 means that you acted to support a slate of conservative wrongheaded policies in the 110th Congress 75% of the time. You ran for your office of Senator as a Progressive Democrat. You have and are failing to support the progressive causes that the voters that elected you desire. I sincerely request, actually demand that you change your stance of supporting the oligarchy which financed you campaign and start supporting the needs and desires of the grass roots Progressive democrats of Nebraska and the rest of the Country. The overwhelming 2008 election results which totally discredited the failed policies of the Conservative Republicans should convince you that the voters are fed up with the politics of the past. If you hope for any future support from me or thousands of others like me you will start supporting the progressive agenda.
Yours truly,
Wayne Power

3rd CD Organization Bylaws Proposals

2009-03-17T23:42:00.003-05:00

If you are an authorized delegate to the 3rd CD Organization, you may leave your suggestions for changes to the proposed set of bylaws that were accepted by the CDO3 body at the Mar. 14th meeting in Broken Bow by going to: http://ndpcdo3-bylawsproposals.blogspot.com/

Chair of Chairs

2009-03-15T11:45:00.003-05:00

Hello, my name is Bud Pettigrew. I am the new Chair of Chairs for the Nebraska Democratic Party. I want to be a helpful tool for all the counties in Nebraska. I am taking a listening and speaking tour this summer. I have allready set up six events to speak at for the upcoming summer. If you would like me to visit please contact me. If at any time you would like to talk to me please feel free to do so. Please contact me at:

Email: anbpettigrew@msn.com
Cell: 402-322-0227
Home: 402-376-1708

I hope to hear from you. Bud Pettigrew

VICTORY???

2008-12-02T16:30:00.002-06:00

Well it has been one month since Senator Obama became President Elect. It was a great victory for America. The one thing is for certain there will be change, it will be positive and if it does not work God help us! On the State level what did we win? Yes we got an Electoral vote for Obama, it makes me grin and some times chuckle to think of the Right wing kooks out there trying to figure out how they lost Omaha. My neighbor who bases most of his votes on what side the candidates are on gay marriage told me the other day that Omaha is not "REAL" Nebraska. I said to him quoting Sara Palin only make you dumber. He had no clue what I was talking about. But I am off my topic. Our victory is shallow. We still are a GOP state. How did Dr. Kleeb a good, smart, honest man loose? Why did the people who voted for Obama not vote for him? Looking over the voting stats, it looks like they voted for President and then left. What the !@#$ is that all about? We should not be back slapping ourselfs too hard. In two years we have major problems. 1. Who will we run for Governor? How about Congress? Out here in the Third District we have the worst Congressman in the Congress, even Republicans say this. So how did Smith get 70%+ of the vote? I say we need to get orgainized now. After the Holidays we need a 3CDO meeting. Everyone needs to be there. We need a spirited debate on what needs to be done. The old ways are not working. We need to make changes NOW! We can't wait! Then we must have follow up meetings through the district every two or three months. We need a blueprint and must adjust it when something does not work. Don't worry about credit or blame. Do like FDR did in the 30's keep trying until something does work. Do like Obama is doing now, get all rivals on the same page. We can Change our District and our State, look at some GOP states like Ohio,Florida, etc. If they can we do it we can also. But sitting on our one electoral vote victory(Omaha) and never getting ready for the next election, meeting just at State Conventions and telling ourselfs how smart we are will not cut it. I used to Coach and teams that fail to prepare NEVER WIN! I am tired of losing how about YOU!!

Once To Every Man And Nation

2008-08-20T21:59:00.001-05:00

This Poem was written in 1845 by James R. Lowell. It was a protest against the war with Mexico. It's message is very powerful especially today.

Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;Some great cause, some great decision, offering each the bloom or blight,And the choice goes by forever, ’twixt that darkness and that light.
Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust,Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;Then it is the brave man chooses while the coward stands aside,Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.
By the light of burning martyrs, Christ, Thy bleeding feet we track,Toiling up new Calv’ries ever with the cross that turns not back;New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth,They must upward still and onward, who would keep abreast of truth.
Though the cause of evil prosper, yet the truth alone is strong;Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong;Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown,Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own.

Columbus Days Parade

2008-08-11T17:13:00.003-05:00

The Platte County Democrats turned out on Sunday, August 10th, to march in the Columbus Days Parade. Jay Stoddard, our Democratic candidate for Congress from the 3rd CD, was on hand with his lovely wife, Dorothy.

The local Democrats carried their banner and sported buttons, stickers and placards for Stoddard, Kleeb and Obama as they distributed candy to the hundreds of children along the route. Jay and Dorothy sat on the back of Jay's classic 1983 Buick Riviera, waving to the crowd. Brian Osborn, 3rd CD Associate Chair, was at the wheel.

It was a great time for all. The weather was perfect, and the refreshments at 'Signatures', following the parade, were good and cold.

Cherry County Democratic Party Jamboree

2008-08-11T16:55:00.006-05:00

The Cherry County Democrats held a Democratic Party Jamboree in Valentine over the weekend of August 8-9. Democrats from around the 3rd CD gathered to socialize, hear from some of their party representatives, enjoy some good food and fun, and participate in a couple of workshops. Highlight of the event was a visit by Scott Kleeb, Nebraska's Democratic candidate for the United States Senate.

Speakers included Jim 'Doc' Moore, the new NDP Chair of Chairs; Brian Osborn, Associate Chair of the 3rd CD; Marion Bahensky, President of the Nebraska Democratic Women; and Jerry Reynoldson, former Senatorial Aide to Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, of Nevada.

Workshops were held on writing effective letters to editors and how to create a web page for your county.

Scott Kleeb was on hand Saturday afternoon to address the gathering. His comments ranged from the issues of health care and energy to how his campaign was coming along. Scott answered a variety of questions from those in attendance. Bud Pettigrew, Cherry County Chair, presented Scott with a cake in honor of his upcoming birthday.

County Fair Photos

2008-07-24T20:28:00.003-05:00

Please send in your best photos and comments from your county fair parades and booths. We'll put them on a page over on the 3rd CD web site.
Here is one I took with my cell phone of three of the nicest ladies in Phelps County. They had all kinds of swag for the fairgoers: flyers, buttons, pencils, pens, bottle openers, candy, and the biggest treat of all for the kids . . . helium balloons.

Just email them to Daisy Fay.

Being a PRO

2008-07-23T22:08:00.002-05:00

I have been a teacher for over the last 20 years. many things have changed in that time period. Think about it Reagan was President when I started teaching. The economy was a mess. Oh I guess some things never change when the GOP is in charge. One thing that should never change is good taste and professionalism in dress. If you know your history in the 1968 Presidential election was the first time a lot of young people got involved in elections and the campaigning aspect of it. We are seeing that today. Just like the slogan "Get Clean For Gene" Which was in reference to young people cleaning up and getting haircuts, shaving, and dressing a professional, responsible matter. This was in support of their candidate Gene McCarthy who was running an underdog race for the Presidency. They wanted to make a good impression on the voters . Well that is still important today. I understand it is hot outside that , Americans are more lax on dress standards. That does not make it right. If you are working in a campaign, dress the professional part. No baggy pants. No mid driffs showing. No crack attacks. Nothing wrong with men wearing ties. Ladies looking respectful. Many of my students look god awful, to be honest with you. When I was coaching there was a dress code for MY athletes. They were representing the school and ME. So should all workers remember you are representing the candidate and all Democrats. That includes ME. Please think about it. It is important.

Vic Covalt Reconnecting Nebraska's Democrats

2008-07-21T12:27:00.006-05:00

There is a very good article, penned by the AP's Anna Jo Bratton, about incoming Nebraska Democratic Party State Chair, Vic Covalt. She states, "The 55-year-old longtime Democrat ran unopposed for the position at the party’s state convention in June, seeking the job because of what he sees as a disconnect between the state party, the county parties, and the Democrats who aren’t involved in either."

You can read the entire article here:
at the Lincoln Journal Star

or here:
at the Columbus Telegram

Happy Birthday President Bush??

2008-07-06T14:18:00.003-05:00

Today July 6th is President Bushes 62nd birthday. The way I understand it. President Bush was a heavy abuser of booze and cocaine.
He awoke from a 40th birthday party with a very bad feeling. He decided to get his act together and soon was involved in politics. He became the second son of a President to become President of the USA. Because of the many mistakes of the WORST President in the History of the USA, George W. Bush many thousands of Americans will not have a birthday. Or if they have a birthday it will be a sad birthday. Just think how many Americans would not died in Iraq or been disabled in Iraq if Bush had stuck to his fun loving ways. If only he had stayed a drunk. How many of the Katrina victims would have their troubles past them, if Bush would have kept up his Coke habits. How many Americans would be better off if some over aged party animal had not decided to grow up? It is hard to believe that saving one person from self destruction could cause so many problems for so many other people. Life is strange and we wish no ill health on any one. But this one time what would have been best for America?

3CD Secretary

2008-06-25T11:03:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone in the Third District. My name is Bud Pettigrew. I am the County Chair of Cherry County. I am also the 43 LD Delegate. I like you am very fired up about this years election. During the State Convention Brian Osborne was elected to The Vice Chairperson slot for our Congressional District. Lisa Hannah was elected Chairperson. We are lucky to have them. At our next meeting in Columbus this August or September, we will have to elect a new Secretary. Since Brian used to have that position. I am throwing my hat into the ring to say I will be running for that office and I ask that you will vote for me. If at any time you would like to talk to me ,please contact me. 402-376-1708, anbpettigrew@msn.com I have a platform of ideas I would like to tell you about that I believe I could get done in conjection with our other officers and all of the hard working Democrats of the third district. Ever since we went to having meetings every three months, so much has been done for our party. So when we have our meeting in a couple months I will speak to all of you in detail on these ideas. For now here is a short version.

1. Has Secretary I wish to contact newspapers with written editorials that favors the Democratic Party. I would like to write four before the November elections. I would need the help of the County Chairs with the names of papers, emails, and or address. Please bring them to our next meeting.

2. Phone old Chairs of Counties that are not working right now and try to lead a mini convention to get new leadership.

3. Help arrange that all Counties have a web page. Help get all Chairs training in how to build a web page.

4. Phone Hotels and Restaurants in towns we are meeting to help with costs of rooms, food, etc. Try to get some advertsing money. Contact Senator McGill of Lincoln she works for an Ad company. I will contact These places in Columbus as soon as I know when the meeting will be held.

5. Arrange to have a guest Speaker at every meeting.

6. If you give me your email I will forward pro Democratic party information as I come upon it on the web.

7. Try to get press to come to all of our meetings to talk to us do articles or broadcasts.

8. I will write a history of the Democratic Party in the Third District. I will need all the information you can get to me.

9. I will work to eliminate the factions in our party. We can argue, but we need to stay UNITED even if we don't always get along. I coached High School football. We must all be team players. NO bosses all workers.

10. Start a Third District Democratic Party interships to bring promising new people to our meetings and to build the future of our party. Please start thinking of these people, bring them to Columbus at our next meeting in September.

11. Start helping to sponsor ways to get money to our candidates in our districts.

2008-06-23T12:43:00.001-05:00

America - don't be a bully!

2008-06-16T10:09:00.004-05:00

I woke up today has I have for the last three weeks wondering if my oldest dog Shadow would still be alive . He has a bad back that he was born with; t is a disc disease that finally struck and the meds are not controlling it. I never realized how tough dogs are until I saw this little eight year old ten pound dog fight for his life.

Anyway, I was thinking about the Iraq war today - about the waste of blood and treasure - how America a country I love, like all of you, is suffering. I watched this video about the last days of World War II last night and was struck by how the military of Japan and Bush & Co. are so much alike. They both believed they were right and every one else was wrong. So our current leaders are like the fascists of Japan in the 40's. That is so sad.

The Japanese bombed us at Pearl Harbor and started a war. 20 years later JFK and RFK were being pushed to pre-strike on Cuba and start a war. They said no. They felt in the meetings during the Cuban Missile Crisis they knew how Tojo and other Japanese war leaders felt before Pearl Harbor. They were not going to be the first American leaders to start a war. NO! They left that gruesome detail to G. W. Bush & Co..

We, the Americans of today, are the first Americans to ever start a war. Remember when your Dad told you never start a fight, but if pushed into it WIN!. Well we got pushed into a fight with the Taliban, but we never finished it and won. Instead we violated every code we are taught We . . . AMERICA . . . the greatest country on this earth started a war.

Yes, I am guilty, all of us are guilty, maybe not has much as Bush and Cheney, but we are in the boat somewhere. We are just like the Japanese in the 40's. Well I am paddling to the shore of peace. I will do what it takes to get democrats elected and to stop this awful war. I owe it to my kids. So when I tell them to never start a fight but if pushed into one you must win. I want them to understand what that is about. Don't be a bully. Don't be a President Bush.

Submitted by Bud Pettigrew
Chair of the Cherry County Democrats

Jane Erdenberger - Candidate for National Committeewoman

2008-06-01T00:01:00.003-05:00

I really applaud the energy and progress 3rd CDO has made. It was a great opportunity for me to meet lots of the people I have been "talking with" by email -- and to tell them in person what a great job they are doing. (Speaking of which, I cannot for the life of me figure out how to post a "thank you" on your blog. What do I need to do? Or should I send it to you to post?)

*** Just email it to me, Daisy Fay, by clicking on my email link over there on the right under "Welcome," and I'll put it on there. ***

In connection with running for the position of National Committeewoman for the Nebraska Democratic Party, much as I might like to, I cannot make it to every County Convention to meet and greet all of the potential delegates to the State Convention, but I would like to ask them to vote for me when they have the chance.

Toward that end, I would really appreciate it if you would share this message with the attendees at the Phelps County Convention Sunday afternoon @ 3:00. You might even direct them to my “blog” for more information:

http://janeerdenberger.blogspot.com

I grew up in Omaha and was a tax and securities lawyer with the state’s largest law firm (Kutak Rock) for 22 years while raising my family (2 daughters; Christian graduated from UN-L and is now getting her Master’s Degree from Columbia University and Eleanor will graduate from UN-L in December). At the same time, I worked with my husband, Mark Hoeger, as he served as Executive Director of the Omaha Children’s Theater (we raised $8million for its renovation) and ran for two political offices.

While practicing law, I returned to school to get my teaching certificate and resigned from Kutak Rock in 2001 to teach social studies at Omaha North High Magnet School . I am a community activist for education and civil rights and a board member of the Omaha Education Association. I also serve on the board of the Nebraska Educational Finance Authority (issuing bonds to finance improvements at colleges and universities throughout the State).

I want to bring my organizational and fundraising skills -- and unbounded energy -- to the table as National Committeewoman for the Nebraska Democratic Party.

I am Jane Erdenberger and I approved this message J

Thank you very much – I look forward to seeing you in Fremont June 20 and 21.

Caucus vs. Primaries

2008-05-17T15:31:00.004-05:00

There has been a lot of discussion on other blogs about the inherent 'unfairness' of the caucuses over the results of the primaries. Those who support one candidate over the other will, of course, feel slighted if the candidate of their choice isn't given a 'fair' shake.

Let's hear what you have to say about it.

CDO3 to meet in North Platte on May 31

2008-05-11T23:52:00.003-05:00

The 3rd Congressional District Organization will meet on May 31st in North Platte. The meeting will take place at the McKinley Education Center, 301 W. F. Street. A map is available here.

This will be the last meeting before the counties hold their County Conventions between June 1 and June 10, and before the Nebraska Democratic Party meets in its State Convention in Fremont the weekend of June 20. Important training and information for all county chairs will be given out during the meeting. Speakers will include State Chair candidate, Vic Covalt, and National Committeewoman candidate, Jane Erdenberger. Another National Committeewoman candidate, Lynn Anderson, although unable to attend will send a message to be read at the meeting. There may be other speakers lined up later, so please check back in for updates.

Vince Powers, our current NDP National Committeeman, and a candidate for re-election, is talking about having a get-together on the Friday evening prior to the meeting somewhere in North Platte. More information on that will follow as it becomes available.

Next CDO3 meeting is March 29 in Grand Island

2008-03-02T16:50:00.003-06:00

After a very good turnout at the first meeting of the 3rd Congressional District Organization we will now meet to hammer down some of the things that we discussed then. Although there was the will to meet in a location further west, it has been decided, due to the difficulty in finding a meeting site to have it once again in Grand Island. It will be at the same site where we held our January 19th meeting: Grand Island United Veterans' Club, 1914 W. Capital Ave., Grand Island.

So far we have had confirmation from both Scott Kleeb and Tony Raimondo that they will be there. The other two candidates for the U.S. Senate, Larry Marvin, and James Bryan Wilson have been invited as well. This should create quite a bit of interest in the media so, if we in the 3rd CD want to put our best foot forward, it would be to our benefit to have as large a turnout as possible.

Good Turnout at first 3CDO meeting.

2008-01-20T17:35:00.002-06:00

There was a better than expected turnout for the first official meeting ever of any Nebraska Democratic Party Congressional District Organization. The 3rd CDO met at the Grand Island Veterans' Club on Saturday, January 19th with around fifty members in attendance. People came from as far away as panhandle counties - Scotts Bluff, Sioux, and Box Butte.

There was a lot of work to be done and a roomfull of dedicated Democrats were up to the task. Led by Third CD Chair, Jay Stoddard, and 3rd CD Associate Chair, Ramona Kufalk, throughout the morning, the assembled delegates reviewed the financial report, discussed some ongoing State Central Committee items, approved the continuation of the website and newsletter, then took a quick break from business to hear past 3rd CD Congressional Candidate, Scott Kleeb, talk about his future plans. The group then passed, by an overwhelming majority, a motion to recommend that the SCC abide by the NDP Constitution and Bylaws and return to alternating its meetings between the CDs on a regular rotation.

A Bylaws Committee was formed consisting of Brent Hultine, Ramona Kufalk, Jeremiah Quintin, and Carolee Koehn. An Events Committee consisting of Jan Osten and Mary Heusman was formed. Officers for the Organization were elected with Marion Bahensky as Treasurer and Donna Anderson as Assistant Treasurer. Brian Osborn was elected as Secretary. The NDP C&B provides that the NDP CD Chair and Associate Chair preside over the Organization.Marion was also appointed to edit the newsletter and Brian was appointed to continue as the webmaster.

The afternoon was mainly taken up with some comments by NDP Executive Director, Matt Connealy, about ongoing Democratic Party news and 3rd CD Field Organizer, David Wolfe, who spoke about the current status of the caucus organization and explained just how they would evolve on February 9th.

Polk County Chair, Duane Jones, delivered a presentation on his candidate of choice, Sen. Barack Obama; Dr. Steven Bennett, of Kearney, spoke on behalf of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton; Hall County Chair, Glen Murray, gave comments of support for Sen. John Edwards; and finally, Phelps County Chair, Brian Osborn, in the interests of fairness, said some words on behalf of Dennis Kucinich.