Ogonowski has Delusions of Grandeur

We all remember Jim Ogonowski, yes? The would-be Congressman from the MA-05 special election? Despite a 45-51% loss to newly elected Representative Niki Tsongas, Jim's decided that the life of a public servant is the life for him, and is beginning preparations to run again.

This time though, he's aiming a little higher:

"Republican Jim Ogonowski, who narrowly lost a congressional race to Niki Tsongas in October, is preparing to challenge U.S. Sen. John Kerry, The Associated Press has learned.

[...]

"We started a movement," the retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel said. "After my campaign ended, I've been very active throughout the state. I want to continue my public service."

All things considered, he didn't utterly crash and burn in MA-05, despite his obnoxious pandering with SCHIP and general demeanor. But.. really, Kerry? I understand the need to make certain incumbents don't go unchallenged - Long-term Campaign Strategy 101, don't let their war chest grow unchecked - but this is a waste of an otherwise viable candidate on the part of the GOP. That, or he really is that optimistic. In either case, I suppose I shouldn't complain too loudly..

In any case.. get ready for Round Two with Ogo the Uppity, SCHIP, and illegal immigration. Who knows? Maybe he's got a shot:

"Kerry, 64, has $9.5 million in his campaign account, compared to the $65,000 Ogonowski has left over from his congressional run."

Good luck, Jim.

Former Republican Representative Supports the Wrong Troops

I had myself a pretty decent Wednesday, for a hump day, anyway. I felt accomplished, motivated, and sated in my work day, and managing to make it another 24 hours without breaking any New Years Resolutions.

But honestly, I felt some sick, twisted sense of glee when I stumbled upon this:

"A former congressman and delegate to the United Nations was indicted Wednesday as part of a terrorist fundraising ring that allegedly sent more than $130,000 to an al-Qaida and Taliban supporter who has threatened U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan.

The former Republican congressman from Michigan, Mark Deli Siljander, was charged with money laundering, conspiracy and obstructing justice for allegedly lying about lobbying senators on behalf of an Islamic charity that authorities said was secretly sending funds to terrorists.

A 42-count indictment, unsealed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., accuses the Islamic American Relief Agency of paying Siljander $50,000 for the lobbying — money that turned out to be stolen from the U.S. Agency for International Development.

[...]

In the indictment, the government alleges that IARA employed a man who had served as a fundraising aide to Osama bin Laden.

The indictment charges IARA with sending approximately $130,000 to help Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, whom the United States has designated as a global terrorist. The money, sent to bank accounts in Peshawar, Pakistan in 2003 and 2004, was masked as donations to an orphanage located in buildings that Hekmatyar owned."

Maybe it's the partisanship ecstatic over the misfortunes of the GOP. Maybe it's that I bleed blue. Maybe I'm just a terrible human being. But there's a refreshing sense of vindication and comeuppance in seeing something like this break after 6 years of blathering misguided patriotism, claims of Democratic 'traitorous' intent and a lack of Troop Support.

Seriously though, folks. No one is safe from the corrupting influence of terrorism. This man has waged war with the "forces of darkness." Former Rep. Siljander has been an upstanding fundamentalist member of the radical right; if they get to him, then the terrorists have already won.

/snark

South Shore Kickoff!!

Hey Guys,

The South Shore Kickoff is going to be Saturday September 15 2-4 pm at Walloston Beach in Quincy,MA

Food, Beach Games, and a guest speaker from the NH State Party

Not to mention a great way to make new friends!!

Looking forward to seeing all of you

Ray Bennett
UMD College Democrats
South Shore Director

Global Warming - How Many More Signs Do We Need?

There was a report today in the Metro (Boston Edition) that says the oil companies are funding research to counter the widely believed theory of Global Warming. It is great to see that Al Gore is standing up against the oil companies and fighting back. I think we can assumer that there is little doubt in most policy makers minds that global warming exists and yet the oil companies still want to ensure that there profits are protected.

My counter argument comes from today's weather. In NEW YORK CITY, downtown NEW YORK CITY, including Manhattan and JFK International Airport, there was a TORNADO WARNING. A TORNADO WARNING In downtown Manhattan and La Guardia International Airport. If that is not global warming, I don't know what is? When are we going to get the idea that Mother Nature has a way of making things right?

I would like to see the oil companies contradict that and Hurricane Katrina and the increased intensities in hurricanes, massive droughts, extreme monsoons, wildfires and everything else that encompasses global warming. If the oil companies win then I guess we better get used to the heat, and Tornado's in downtown New York City.

UPDATE:
The national weather service has confirmed that a Tornado did touch down in Brooklyn, up to 3 times! http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/08/08/nyc.weather/index.html Now there is proof!

Boston Phone Bank for Niki Tsongas!

Hi everyone,

I hope everyone is having a great summer.
This summer, I have been interning with the Niki Tsongas Campaign. Niki is running for the 5th Congressional District which was recently vacated by Marty Meehan. The Primary is on September 4 th, only a few weeks away.


I strongly support and believe in Niki's candidacy for many reasons. Her commitment to end the War in Iraq, to making affordable healthcare available for all Americans and her experience in higher education as the Dean of External Affairs at Middlesex Community College- the largest community college in the Commonwealth, are just a few. In addition, when Niki is elected she will be the first female Member of Congress representing Massachusetts in 25 years. I encourage you to visit her website at nikitsongas.com or call me directly if I can provide you with any information about her background and/or policy positions.

I am writing to ask you to join us at our Boston phone bank on Tuesday nights. There are only 3 Tuesdays left before the Primary!

Niki Tsongas Boston Phone Bank
Tuesdays 6-8:30pm
O'Neill Associates
31 New Chardon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114


Please email me and let me know if you will join me on Tuesday. Also, I would greatly appreciate it if you forward this email to at least 5 people in your address book today.

I hope you join me in working towards electing Niki Tsongas to Congress

My Best,
Ray Bennett
U_R1Bennett@umassd.edu

Confirming what we knew all along...

This great viral video, "Huffington Post: Max Blumenthal: Generation Chickenhawk: With The College Republicans" investigates a fascinating disconnect in the ideology and actions of many College Republicans. It asks attendees of the National College Republicans Convention, some of the most staunch supporters of the war in Iraq, "If you support this war so strongly, why don't you enlist?"

Bill Clinton Single Handedly Revives Smashmouth's Career

http://hillaryclinton.com/video/36.aspx

Well done Sopranos spoof. Check the home page for the cliff hanger result.