January 2008

Last night's debate was yet another reminder of why smooth talking Mitt Romney keeps wracking up the silver and bronze medals, but just can't seem to make it across the finish line. After losses in almost every critical state heading up to next Tuesday, Romney's campaign has apparently decided that his last hope is to try to re-brand himself yet again -- this time as an "authentic conservative." Full release

Today, U.S. Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA) endorsed Governor Mitt Romney to be the next President of the United States. Congressman Bilbray is Chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus and a San Diego native. Full release

Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today in reaction to news reports that gradual reductions in U.S. surge troops in Iraq could be halted this summer: "Halting the modest reduction in U.S. surge troop levels that has been underway in Iraq demonstrates the President's insistence on a war without end and will further undermine our military readiness." Full release

After successfully galvanizing young voters for the South Carolina primaries, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation's youth division, Black Youth Vote (BYV) will launch a Justice Speak Out College Tour in Alabama on Thursday, January 31, 2008. The town hall type forum aims to galvanize young voters around issues that impact them and ultimately increase youth participation in the Feb. 5 primary. Full release

The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) released a new study today showing that the proposed New York State minimum wage hike, HB 9168, is wildly ineffective at targeting those who need help the most. The study shows that nearly 50% of those who benefit from minimum wage hikes live in households earning at least three times the poverty level income and the majority of those affected are the 2nd or 3rd earner in their family. Full release

Officials in most states have done little to keep criminals and other dangerous people from easily obtaining guns, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. The new redesigned scorecards are being released today for all 50 states. Full release

Several families of the Virginia Tech massacre and Brady Campaign President Paul Helmke joined Senators Frank Lautenberg and Jack Reed on Capitol Hill today as the Senators announced the introduction of legislation that would strengthen the Brady background check system by closing the gun show loophole. Full release

Today Senator Kerry and Senator Levin (D-Mich.) aggressively pushed Administrator Steven Preston to rewrite a proposed rule that severely restricts opportunities for women in federal contracting. In a Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing the Senators interrogated the Bush Administration about its failure to increase opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Full release

This month, the New York City Council passed the "New York City Plastic Carryout Bag Recycling Law," requiring any store in New York City that uses plastic bags and occupies 5,000 or more square feet to establish an in-store recycling program for plastic bags. The legislation mirrors California legislation (AB 2449) passed in 2006, which also encourages in-store recycling by consumers. Full release

The following is a transcript of a speech by John Edwards: Thank you all very much. We're very proud to be back here. During the spring of 2006, I had the extraordinary experience of bringing 700 college kids here to New Orleans to work. These are kids who gave up their spring break to come to New Orleans to work, to rehabilitate houses, because of their commitment as Americans, because they believed in what was possible, and because they cared about their country. Full release

After reading a recent email by Michelle Obama to donors, accusing fellow Democrats of using "win-at-all cost-tactics" and of willfully distorting Senator Barack Obama's record, former White House Aide and democratic fundraiser, Kathleen Willey, penned an open letter of concern to the front-running candidate. Full release

A diverse coalition of faith leaders today wrote to each of the nation's governors to urge that they keep the promise of the 1998 state tobacco settlement and use more of the billions of dollars states are receiving each year to properly fund tobacco prevention programs. Full release

As the Presidential primary season reaches a climax with Super Tuesday, expect to hear reports about waves of push polls. Both the general public and targeted candidates are increasingly annoyed by push polls or political telemarketing, which often include negative -- even inflammatory -- information about a candidate. The media describe these telephone calls as "push polls" because they seek to "push" a certain candidate or position. Full release

President George W. Bush's call for action to address the nation's housing finance crisis and for resolution to illegal immigration drew support today from representatives of the nation's cities and towns. At the same time, officials from the National League of Cities (NLC) raised concerns about the lack of attention to many of the growing problems facing America's hometowns. Full release

To showcase how technology will be used in exciting new ways to engage Americans and make the 2008 Republican National Convention the most tech-savvy ever, convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino today announced that Ustream.TV will serve as the event's Official Live Video Streaming Provider. The announcement was made during a news conference broadcast live over the Internet using the Ustream.TV Web based video platform. Full release

Today in Tulsa, Senator John Edwards called on Congress to help states manage state budget deficits by providing $20 billion in immediate and direct relief to states. Full release

As the year's presidential election campaign shapes up to be one of the most unpredictable and dynamic political events in history, NBC News is making available its top political reporters and experts to answer pressing questions about Decision '08 from the nation's students and teachers. Full release

The nation's public health is at risk, as are the regulatory systems that oversee the nation's drug and device supplies, according to an FDA Science Board report being presented at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing today. The committee attributed the deficiencies to soaring demands on the FDA; and resources that have not increased in proportion to those demands. Full release

The American Seniors Association, the conservative alternative to the AARP, will hold a Presidential Candidate Forum on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. ASA has invited its members in the Tampa Bay area as well as other seniors to attend to interact with the candidates on the day of the Florida primary. Full release

MySpace, the world's most popular social network, and MTV, the leading global youth brand, along with the Associated Press, today announced "Closing Arguments: A Presidential Super Dialogue." The event will offer candidates polling above 10%* a final chance to address the nation -- particularly the energized and pivotal youth voting bloc -- in advance of Super Tuesday, an unprecedented moment in U.S. political history, when more than 20 states hold presidential primaries or caucuses. Full release

A new report by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital information industry, measures the substantial economic impact of these industries on the U.S. and global economies. The report, "Software & Information: Driving the Global Knowledge Economy," finds that these industries are tops in growth and jobs production. Full release

SIRIUS Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: SIRI) announced today it will hold its first ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender presidential caucus on January 31, 2008 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm ET on The Michelangelo Signorile Show on SIRIUS OutQ, the nation's only 24/7 LGBT radio channel. Representatives and supporters for Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards will share their candidates' platforms and views, take questions from callers, and engage in an open dialogue with SIRIUS' national audience. Full release

Mitt Romney has placed more television advertisements in the Florida Republican Presidential primary than any other candidate, but Rudy Giuliani has run more ads in January, The Nielsen Company reported today. Altogether, a total of 8,012 TV spots have been run between March 2007 and January 2008 in Florida by Romney (4,475), Giuliani (3,067) and John McCain (470). Full release

Americans are heading into one of the most important and unpredictable presidential campaigns ever. In response to the gravity of this election, Spongecell has launched a bipartisan election calendar -- 2008 Campaign Calendar -- to engage and encourage Americans to take action -- first through online communities where they "live" and, eventually, to participate in the caucuses, polls, voter registration, and all the events leading up to and including election day. Full release

GodTube.com, the website which set the record as the #1 fastest growing website in the U.S. according to ComScore during its first official launch month, announces it will conduct ongoing election polling for the 2008 presidential race. Religion has already taken center stage in this year's Presidential election, and GodTube.com allows concerned Christians to have a voice on important issues, such as the war in Iraq, abortion, and the economy. Full release

This is the WashingtonWatch.com federal legislative update for the week of January 28, 2008. In his State of the Union address Monday night, President Bush will emphasize the economic stimulus package and government surveillance powers. Full release

Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee announced the endorsements of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle, City of Plantation Councilman Jerry Fadgen and former chairwoman for Fred Thompson's presidential campaign in Broward County Barbara Collier at a news conference Friday morning in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Full release

AARP CEO Bill Novelli made the following statement about next Monday's vote on the health care reform bill, ABX 1 1 (Nunez & Perata) by the California State Senate Committee on Health: "On behalf of AARP and its 3.3 million California members, we strongly urge the members of the State Senate Health Committee to pass ABX 1 1 when it comes up for a vote next Monday. ABX 1 1 represents a major step toward ensuring that every Californian has quality, affordable health care." Full release

American POWs tortured by Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War today held a press conference to challenge the President to stop bending to Iraq's wishes and start listening to his own veterans and Congress. Rep. Bruce Braley led off the event, with former POWs Larry Slade and Jeff Fox representing the 17 American POWs and their families. Full release

"We are excited about the strong efforts in Denver to stop the construction of the Planned Parenthood abortion facility," said Judie Brown, president of American Life League.

"Planned Parenthood operates the largest abortion chain in the nation with 287 surgical and medical abortion facilities across the country," continued Brown. "It is attempting to open a huge abortion operation in the Denver suburb of Stapleton and local pro-lifers are working hard to stop it." Full release

A report released today by The Cornucopia Institute presents research indicating that new additives placed in infant formula are seriously endangering the health of some formula-fed newborns and toddlers. Full release

The following statement was issued today by Matthew L. Myers, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids: A new global survey released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds troubling rates of tobacco use, and even higher rates of exposure to secondhand smoke, among children around the world. According to the CDC, several findings of the Global Youth Tobacco Survey indicate that the global death toll from tobacco use, already the world's leading preventable cause of death, may be increasing even faster than thought. Full release

Presidential candidate Senator John Edwards (D) will speak on the College of Charleston campus on January 25, 2008 as part of the College of Charleston's Bully Pulpit Series on presidential communication. Full release

Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, and Donald W. Washington, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana, today announced the indictment of Jeremiah Munsen, 18, on federal hate crime and conspiracy charges for his role in threatening and intimidating marchers who participated in a civil rights rally in Jena, Louisiana, by displaying two hangman's nooses from the back of a pickup truck. Full release

Officials from ED in '08, a national campaign that calls on all presidential candidates to ensure American students will graduate from public school with the skills needed to compete in a global economy, will be available to analyze the South Carolina primaries and to discuss the role that the economy and education are playing in the 2008 election cycle on Friday, Jan. 25, 2008 in Columbia, South Carolina. Full release

The American people, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched a new $12.5 million HIV/AIDS initiative in Zimbabwe. The initiative, expected to dramatically increase access for women and children to vital HIV prevention services, will be implemented by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Full release

Politics, economics and public opinion have a powerful and persistent impact on the shaping of today's healthcare policy. Dr. Kevin Fickenscher discusses these important topics with former U.S. Senator David Durenberger. Healthcare Tech and the World is a unique digital audio series that brings a fresh perspective to healthcare leaders and the media regarding the issues and technology innovations in healthcare from industry experts around the world. Full release

The America's Promise Alliance (the Alliance) and Capital One today announced the winners of the 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People (100 Best) competition which identifies cities and towns nationwide that have made the well-being of children and youth a top priority. In its third year, 100 Best spotlights those communities that find unique and effective ways to ensure their young people receive the resources necessary to stay in school and succeed. Full release

House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) today commended the efforts of House Republicans in bringing forward substantive, straightforward ideas to spur long-term economic growth and create new jobs in America. Blunt issued the following statement: "Though much of the focus in Washington these past couple weeks has been on forging agreement on a short-term stimulus package, this Congress ought to be focusing on strategies for growing the economy in a way that not only helps American families pay their bills this month, but every month." Full release

In advance of the January 29 primary election in Florida, the nation's leading professional association for assisted living is challenging the presidential candidates of both parties to address the needs of America's aging population -- especially the "baby-boomers" who are turning 63 in 2009. Full release

The following is a transcript of remarks by President Bush in briefing with mayors on free trade agreements: "I'm so honored that mayors from around our country have come. First of all, I want to thank you all very much for serving. I've often said being mayor is a lot tougher than being President -- I don't have to fill the potholes and empty the garbage. (Laughter.) But I thank you for serving our country." Full release

FORTUNE announced that Navy Federal has been ranked 78 on the 11th Annual "100 Best Companies to Work For" list. The full list and related stories appear in the February 4 issue of FORTUNE, available on newsstands January 28 and at http://www.fortune.com on January 22. Full release

Five young gay guys, living together in an apartment complex where they all face decisions about their sex lives, sounds like the description of a television soap-opera. But it also describes the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's groundbreaking new HIV prevention/education campaign. Full release

Save Your World(TM) (http://www.saveyourworld.com) and Conservation International have achieved a significant milestone by saving 200,000 acres of rainforest in Guyana for one year. Full release

Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today after the Federal Reserve Board issued an emergency rate cut of a key interest rate by 3/4 of a percentage point: "Today's emergency rate cut by the Federal Reserve Board indicates a commitment across all levels of government to revitalize the economy, restore confidence in the markets, and help Americans struggling with soaring bills for gasoline, groceries, housing and home heating." Full release

The American Task Force Argentina (ATFA) and the U.S. Cattlemen's Association (USCA) announced today at a press conference that they have joined together in their efforts to insist that the U.S. government take stronger action against Argentina's pattern of defiance of international norms, from the country's debt repudiation to its unfair agricultural practices. Full release

The Justice Department today announced that it has reached a settlement in the first lawsuit ever filed by the Department alleging discrimination against Asian-American victims based upon its fair housing testing program. Under the consent decree filed today in federal court in Boston, defendant Pine Properties Inc. and six affiliated entities will pay up to $158,000 in monetary relief to victims and the United States. Full release.

Larry Cox, executive director of Amnesty International USA, issued the following remarks in response to today's sentencing of Jose Padilla to 17 years and 4 months for terrorism conspiracy charges. Full release.

There they go again, distorting the facts to promote their anti-consumer, tax-increase agenda," said Brett Thompson, President & CEO of The Wisconsin Credit Union League in reference to a press release by the Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) that suggested Community First Credit Union's lawsuit against the IRS for overpayment of taxes represents a larger attempt by Wisconsin credit unions to avoid paying taxes. Full release

President Bush marked the Martin Luther King Jr. King holiday by volunteering and calling on Americans to honor King's legacy by showing compassion on the holiday and throughout the year. Full release

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