Hi FriendThere is a new group that just started on Facebook that I thought Organizing for America members may be interested in joining. Please see United Against Racism -
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/354956/80588439?m=9dc74a6eUnited Against Racism
posted by David Apperson
Enlarge USA TODAY file photo A statue of "Honest John" Burke, governor from 1907 to 1913, stands in front of the North Dakota's state capitol building in Bismarck. North Dakota had the highest rate of public corruption convictions won by federal prosecutors from 1998 through 2007.
North Dakota, it turns out, may hold that distinction instead.
Federal authorities arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday after a wiretap allegedly recorded him scheming to make money on his appointment to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama. Blagojevich, a Democrat, ran for election in part on cleaning up after his predecessor, Republican George Ryan, who was convicted in 2006 of racketeering, bribery and extortion.
"If it isn't the most corrupt state in the United States it's certainly one hell of a competitor," Robert Grant, head of the FBI's Chicago office, said Tuesday.
On a per-capita basis, however, Illinois ranks 18th for the number of public corruption convictions the federal government has won from 1998 through 2007, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Department of Justice statistics.
Louisiana, Alaska and North Dakota all fared worse than the Land of Lincoln in that analysis.
Alaska narrowly ousted Republican Sen. Ted Stevens in the election in November after he was convicted of not reporting gifts from wealthy friends. In Louisiana, Democratic Rep. William Jefferson was indicted in 2007 on racketeering and bribery charges after the FBI said it found $90,000 in marked bills in his freezer. Jefferson, who has maintained his innocence and will soon go to trial, lost his seat to a Republican this year.
But North Dakota?
Don Morrison, executive director of the non-partisan North Dakota Center for the Public Good, said it may be that North Dakotans are better at rooting out corruption when it occurs.
"Being a sparsely populated state, people know each other," he said. "We know our elected officials and so certainly to do what the governor of Illinois did is much more difficult here."
Morrison said the state has encouraged bad government practices in some cases by weakening disclosure laws. North Dakota does not require legislative or statewide candidates to disclose their campaign expenses.
The analysis does not include corruption cases handled by state law enforcement and it considers only convictions. Corruption may run more rampant in some states but go undetected.
Michael Johnston is a political science professor at Colgate University in New York — which is ranked just after Illinois for corruption convictions. Johnston, who has studied political corruption for 30 years, said places such as Illinois gain a bad reputation that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
"Expectations build up … and you replicate those expectations when you get to the top of the ladder," Johnston said. "It gets repeated."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-12-10-corruptstates_N.htm?se=yahoorefer
[Yes North Dakota and believe it or not South Dakota too. Both Dakotas are neck and neck when comparing in corrupted practices. It is my opinion SD should be the front runner being that they are much closer knit then ND will ever be. The closer the knit, the more likely, cover up's.
Is it surprising to know that smaller counties have the most corruption over the bigger counties? It's the truth. It is why it is important the FBI randomly investigate these counties to assure government funds are not used inappropriately.
Key is for the FBI to randomly choose. Randomly choosing keeps those who would cheat, honest. A government official would never know what county is next. Never knowing who is next is a good deterrant, he/she would refrane from defrauding the government, automatically]
Kade
Bruce Charles Wenger, 54, who served 31 years in the Army and now is a criminal defense lawyer in Hudson, Wis., made his annual pilgrimage to Sturgis on his Harley. He wore shoulder-length white hair and a black leather vest over his bare chest."As a career military man, it sickens me that our boys are dying in Iraq," Wenger said heatedly. "It's pointless. That's why I'm supporting Obama."
Obama supporters decorated a truck and participated in the Brookings Fourth of July parade.
The Obama truck was decorated with American flags and banners, red, white and blue ballons, and lots of Obama signs. It was a lot of fun decorating the truck and the entry was a great success.
Originally posted on SD Watch http://www.southdakotawatch.net
Wow.That's about all I can say. In a heated exchange at tonight's S.D. Democratic Executive Board meeting in Oacoma, Hillary Clinton delegate Malcolm Chapman said--and State Chair Jack Billion confirmed--that the Clinton campaign offered a major fundraiser to the state party in exchange for two superdelegate votes.Chapman noted that he had almost "cut the deal" with the Clinton campaign. Billion said the price was "too high." He also said non-office holding superdelegates like him had to give a lot of consideration to Sen. Tom Daschle's, Sen. Tim Johnson's, and Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin's position on the race as they are major financial benefactors to the local party.I'll post more as I learn more.
(Originally posted on SD Watch at http://www.southdakotawatch.net)
Technorati Tags: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Malcolm Chapman, Jack Billion, superdelegates, South Dakota
This will include coverage of the selection of seven additional delegates from South Dakota to the national convention in Denver.
Go to SD Watch at: http://tinyurl.com/634rkw
The link take you to a video talking about Native American's and how they are starting to be profiled higher than other elections.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWX23gsD8o4
Barack Obama did not grow up hunting and fishing, but he recognizes the great conservation legacy of America’s hunters and anglers and has great respect for the passion that hunters and anglers have for their sport. Were it not for America’s hunters and anglers, including the great icons like Theodore Roosevelt and Aldo Leopold, our nation would not have the tradition of sound game management, a system of ethical, science-based game laws and an extensive public lands estate on which to pursue the sport. Obama recognizes that we must forge a broad coalition if we are to address the great conservation challenges we face. America’s hunters and anglers are a key constituency that must take an active role and have a powerful voice in this coalition.
Through sheer luck, my friend and former Marine Lynn Hart of Flandreau invited Donna and I to accompany him and his girl friend (and my friend) Helen Gilbert, also of Flandreau, to Sen. Barack Obama’s Vets for Obama pancake feed at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds this morning.Finally, I met the Man Crush!And yes, he’s even dreamier in person!
BREAKING NEWS RIGHT NOW ON MSNBC TV:
MSNBC CALLS THE NOMINATION FOR OBAMA!!!!!!
HISTORY IS MADE PEOPLE!!!!!!
Hello all,
Tonight will be a night of historic proportions when Barack Obam hits the number (2118) to become the presidential nominee for the Democratic Party. As of now (6:35 EST), he is only 10 delegates from clinching the nomination, and it is almost a lock that will gain the requisite number of delegates, super and pledged.
Hillary Clinton has fought a very hard and tough campaign, whether we like it or not, and she may still be claiming some type of "victory", probably symbolic, as Obama passes such a threshold. As she speaks, we must accept her attempt to be proud and prideful of her campaign. This is a time for UNITY, we can't be spewing blogs of hate and anger, because it will simply continue to splinter our party.
Let's all take time and reflect our own unique part in this campaign, as well as what this campaign has stood for since day one. Whether you were original Obama supporter (awesome foresight), or joined the campaign when your candidate dropped out (like me-Jan. 30, woo!), or took your initial role in this movement when you casted your ballot for Obama, all of you have contributed a great deal to this grassroots movement we're calling a campaign. Congratulations, I am very proud and all of you should be too. This is a moment to cherish and hold on to for the rest of your life. YES WE CAN!!
Thank you all for everything!!
Barack at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota
Here in South Dakota, the polling locations close at 7:00 pm, but if you are in line, they must let you vote. We need everyone doing everything possible to get more voters out to vote right now!
In East River, South Dakota, there are 2 hours left to vote.
In West River, South Dakota, there are 3 hours left to vote.
Click here to find your Voting Location. Don’t forget to call your friends, family, and neighbors and encourage them to go vote for Barack right now!
If you have any problems voting, need more information on your polling location, or need a ride to the polls, call 1-866-675-2008, then press 4.
This race is extremely close, and we need everyone’s help in these final few hours!
AP is calling the nomination for Obama and MSNBC is reporting it!!!
This causes voters not to show up at the polls. We need to win tongiht. We need more votes!!! Please keep calling and working it to GOTV.
Montana and South Dakota we need you we honor you, please help us.
Yes We Can
To say that the reaction of HRC being channeled through Harold Ickes at the May 31 Rules meeting was mind-boggling to me is an understatement. He looked like a two-year old who had been told that he can't have ice cream for breakfast. The problem is that he's not two. Mrs. C's image in the eyes of the remaining uncommited superdelegates, IMHO, was not helped by that display of pique. Hillary Clinton is pitching a fit about FOUR Michigan delegates being, as Harold put it, "taken" from her and "given" to Senator Obama!!!! OH PLEASE!
That said, I am seriously praying for a massive turnout and voter support today of Barack in South Dakota (which last year tried unsucessfully to pass a law to oppose Roe v. Wade), and I am confident of a fantastic victory in Montana. GO South D.!!! You GO MONTANA!!! MUCH LOVE TO ALL OF YA!!!
Out of the over 1,000 phone calls I have made for the campaign maybe one of the most important ones I made was last night. I had reached an older woman in South Dakota and she told me supported Obama but that she wasn't going out to the polls today because she had heard that Obama had already clinched the nomination. When I had stressed to her that he had not and how crucial her vote was she stated that she thought her vote wouldn't count because of the fact that the South Dakota Superdelegates like Daschle had already decided for the voters of SD who their state was going to support. Of course I explained to her about the difference between delegates and Superdelegates and how she had a vital role in determining how many delegates that SD was going to send to the National Convention and how important that may end up being was. In the end she took what I was saying to heart and decided to go out to the polls today!
Too often I feel when I am calling on the day of the primary or the night before it isn't having an impact but obviously we have an significant role to fill in dispelling myths in SD. He hasn't wrapped this up quite yet and my friends we still have an urgent need today making calls. So if you can, please sacrifice at least half of your lunch and get out, an informed, vote today!
Barack sent out this email to South Dakotans this morning...
Zach--I wanted to get in touch with you one last time before tomorrow's primary. We've had a long journey together in South Dakota. For more than a year, you have been dedicated to the idea that when ordinary people come together, we can do extraordinary things. It was inspiring to see our movement in South Dakota this week, and it strengthens my faith that the American people -- not just here, but across the country -- are ready to stop settling for what the cynics tell us we must accept and start reaching for what's possible. This is our chance to make history. But the election is going to be close, and it's vitally important that you vote and bring your family and friends to vote with you. Find your polling place and vote tomorrow: http://sd.barackobama.com/SDlookup When Michelle and I talked about my running for president, one of the core goals we both had for this campaign was to leave the political process better off than we found it. That's just what you've done in South Dakota. And you refused to let the tired old tactics of the political status quo distract you from building this grassroots movement. If you get out and vote today or tomorrow -- and bring others to vote too -- our movement will continue to grow. The world will know that South Dakota stood up for a different kind of politics. And real change will be within reach. Find your polling place: http://sd.barackobama.com/SDlookup Thank you, Barack P.S. -- Here are a few details and rules that will help make the voting process run smoothly. Make sure to share these with your friends: Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Anyone in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote. You must present one of the following types of identification: (1) a South Dakota driver's license or non-driver identification card; (2) a passport or photo identification card issued by the United States government; (3) a tribal photo identification card; or (4) a current student photo identification card issued by a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, including a university, college, or technical school, located within South Dakota. If you are unable to present personal identification, you may complete an affidavit in lieu of showing personal identification.
Zach--
I wanted to get in touch with you one last time before tomorrow's primary.
We've had a long journey together in South Dakota. For more than a year, you have been dedicated to the idea that when ordinary people come together, we can do extraordinary things.
It was inspiring to see our movement in South Dakota this week, and it strengthens my faith that the American people -- not just here, but across the country -- are ready to stop settling for what the cynics tell us we must accept and start reaching for what's possible.
This is our chance to make history.
But the election is going to be close, and it's vitally important that you vote and bring your family and friends to vote with you.
Find your polling place and vote tomorrow:
http://sd.barackobama.com/SDlookup
When Michelle and I talked about my running for president, one of the core goals we both had for this campaign was to leave the political process better off than we found it.
That's just what you've done in South Dakota. And you refused to let the tired old tactics of the political status quo distract you from building this grassroots movement.
If you get out and vote today or tomorrow -- and bring others to vote too -- our movement will continue to grow. The world will know that South Dakota stood up for a different kind of politics. And real change will be within reach.
Find your polling place:
Thank you,
Barack
P.S. -- Here are a few details and rules that will help make the voting process run smoothly. Make sure to share these with your friends:
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Anyone in line at 7:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote. You must present one of the following types of identification: (1) a South Dakota driver's license or non-driver identification card; (2) a passport or photo identification card issued by the United States government; (3) a tribal photo identification card; or (4) a current student photo identification card issued by a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, including a university, college, or technical school, located within South Dakota. If you are unable to present personal identification, you may complete an affidavit in lieu of showing personal identification.
The intersection of Vote St. and Quest St. goes right through South Dakota
If you are in South Dakota, and need to find where to vote tomorrow, click here. You can also call 1-866-675-2008.
This is the crunch time where every minute counts. Our local offices are the best place to go if you want to get involved, but you can also call your nearest office and they can help you find a canvass near you—we need your help today!
KEVN reports...
Obama supporters continue door to door campaignVolunteers are going door-to-door passing out literature, posting signs, and trying to get the last of the undecided voters on the Illinois Senator's side. Richard Ptacek says, "There's an opportunity here to clarify some things. I think there are a lot of talking points out there that are not accurate and maybe today when I get out and meet some of these people I can help clarify some of those things or at least get them to look at it a little closer." Richard and his family from Piedmont have decided to spend their Sunday canvassing -- hoping to share with others their belief in Obama's ability to change America. Richard Ptacek says, "A lot of times a families politics do dived families. In our case it brings us together. So we're gonna take the time to go to work together to share our experience, strength and hope with others to."
Obama supporters continue door to door campaign
Volunteers are going door-to-door passing out literature, posting signs, and trying to get the last of the undecided voters on the Illinois Senator's side.
Richard Ptacek says, "There's an opportunity here to clarify some things. I think there are a lot of talking points out there that are not accurate and maybe today when I get out and meet some of these people I can help clarify some of those things or at least get them to look at it a little closer." Richard and his family from Piedmont have decided to spend their Sunday canvassing -- hoping to share with others their belief in Obama's ability to change America. Richard Ptacek says, "A lot of times a families politics do dived families. In our case it brings us together. So we're gonna take the time to go to work together to share our experience, strength and hope with others to."
If you are able, please join us for this extremely important day of reaching out to local voters, talking about Barack, and making sure they know where they are voting on Tuesday. We’ll provide all of the materials to make it easy, make sure you are comfortable and going out with a canvass buddy, and provide food and drinks to enjoy before and after you go out!
We need every voice speaking loud and clear about the importance of tomorrow’s vote in South Dakota—and if you are at home, and ready to make the difference, then please, get started making calls!
