FOURTH DISTRICT DEMOCRAT

DEMOCRATIC OFFICIALS TAKE PART IN HEALTH CARE DAY OF SERVICE

Oklahoma City, OK (June 30, 2009) – Citing hunger as one of Oklahoma's biggest health crises, the Oklahoma Democratic Party's Central Committee completed a week-long donation drive for local charity Infant Crisis Services with a tour of the ICS facility on Saturday.

"The mission of the Democratic Party is rooted in helping those less fortunate and binding our communities together.  Infant Crisis Services carries that out every day by making sure that children in our state have access to life's basic necessities," said ODP Chairman Todd Goodman.

Joined by several members of the party's Central Committee, Goodman dropped off several dozen items for ICS, including cans of formula, diapers, baby food and clothing.  He also presented the charity with about $1,000 raised from Democratic supporters.

Goodman noted that the Democratic Party held the donation drive during the current nationwide discussion on the need for health care reform.

"A big part of discussing reform is finding out what the real problems are, with real people in our state," he added.  "Infant Crisis Services told us that though they are helping about 1,000 babies every month, it's only a fraction of those who could use their services.

"In Oklahoma, more than one in four children under the age of five is in danger of going to bed hungry.  That's a serious health crisis for our state, and we all need to do what we can to support organizations such as ICS who are working to turn that problem around."

The ODP Central Committee held the donation drive as a part of Saturday's National Health Care Day of Service, a project created by Organizing for America to raise awareness of the urgent need for health care reform and to improve vital health care services on a local level.

Several other Democratic groups held service events around the state, including blood drives in both Enid and Oklahoma City and a health care awareness canvassing in Payne County.

"We are so grateful to Infant Crisis Services for taking us through their incredible new facility," said Goodman.  "They do wonderful work for our community, and I look forward to continuing to support their mission."

Members of the Oklahoma Democratic Party Central Committee drop off donations at Infant Crisis Services on Saturday.  From l-r: Carl Downing (OKC), Jim Kiper (OKC), Nicole Kirkpatrick (Norman), Tim Mauldin (Norman), Rae Weese (Tulsa), Betty Simmons (Lawton), ODP Chair Todd Goodman, ODP Secretary James Baggett, Infant Crisis Services Coordinator Caitlin Buchner, and ODP Vice-Chair Lauren Guhl. [Click here for larger picture]

 

Oklahoma Democratic Party
4100 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105

ODP OFFICIALS TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL HEALTH CARE DAY OF SERVICE

Oklahoma City, OK (June 25, 2009) – As a part of Saturday's National Health Care Day of Service, officials in the Oklahoma Democratic Party will be delivering donations and taking a tour of Infant Crisis Services.

"The mission of the Democratic Party is rooted in helping those less fortunate and binding our communities together.  Infant Crisis Services carries that out every day by making sure that children in our state have access to life's basic necessities," said ODP Chairman Todd Goodman.

"Furthermore, since ICS recently moved in right up the road from our party headquarters, we want to make sure that we're being a good neighbor and supporting their work."

The service day will cap off a week-long drive for donations to ICS at the Democratic Party Headquarters.  ODP will be collecting donations for the drive up until the Saturday morning tour.

AT A GLANCE

WHO:  Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Todd Goodman and ODP Central Committee
WHAT:  Donations drop-off and tour of Infant Crisis Services, Inc.
WHEN:  Saturday, June 27, 2009 | ODP officials will pack up donations beginning 9:30 am; tour at 10:00 am
WHERE:  Start at ODP Headquarters, 4100 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City | Tour at Infant Crisis Services, 4224 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City

For more information or any inquiries, please contact Karina Henderson at 405.427.3366.
 

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HOLMES SAYS INHOFE OUT OF TOUCH WITH OKLAHOMANS

April 8, 2008

Despite the deepening housing crisis, Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe voted yesterday for the second time this year to block the Foreclosure Prevention Act. Inhofe sided with special interests and a tiny faction of Senators in opposing the bill that would help struggling families keep their homes, stem falling home values, assist communities harmed by foreclosures to recover, and help families avoid foreclosures in the future. The cloture vote passed 92 to 6 by an overwhelming bipartisan majority.

"Instead of helping Oklahoma homeowners, Inhofe voted again with the special interests today," Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman Ivan Holmes said. "When an overwhelming bipartisan majority voted to help homeowners, Inhofe turned his back on his colleagues, his own party and the people of Oklahoma," Holmes added.
Oklahoma homeowners are seeing their home equity vanish before their eyes. Home prices nationally are down over 10 % from a year ago, and in the last three months have fallen at twice that rate. Ten percent of all homeowners now have mortgages for more than their homes are worth. [Wall Street Journal, 3/26/08; New York Times, 2/22/08]

"As the mortgage crisis costs Oklahoma families, Inhofe votes to do nothing..again," Holmes said. The Foreclosure Prevention Act would give homeowners property tax relief, help responsible homeowners refinance subprime mortgages, and give tax credits to buyers of homes in foreclosure to jumpstart the housing market. It would also help communities turn over foreclosed properties so that they don't sit unoccupied, attracting crime and blight and further hurting homeowners. "Inhofe earlier tried to block the Senate from even debating the merits of the bill, and now he is one of only six Senators to object to the bill," Holmes said. [Vote 93, 4/8/08; Vote 35, 2/28/08]

Without help in the next two years over 20,000 Oklahomans could lose their homes. Because each foreclosure brings the value of the neighboring homes down that means Oklahomans would lose another 427 million in the most important investments they have, their homes.

COLLEGE STUDENTS GET NEEDED HELP - INHOFE VOTES AGAINST IT

OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma's U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe should explain why he chose to protect wealthy bankers when he could have voted for a popular bill to increase financial aid for college students, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Ivan Holmes said today.

Inhofe was one of only twelve U.S. Senators who voted against a bill that President Bush says he will sign to expand access to college student loans and grant assistance for thousands of low income students. The expanded assistance is paid for by cutting almost $20 billion in excessive fees to banks and other lenders who make student loans. The Senate approved the measure, 79-12, and it passed the House of Representatives, 292-97.

"By making the student loan program about college students instead of the banks, the Democratic Congress has made a big difference for parents and students who struggle to put enough money together to pay for college," Holmes said.

The bill that was sent to the President reduces interest rates on federally backed student loans to poor and middle-income students from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent over the next four years. It also increases the maximum Pell grant, which goes to the poorest college students, from $4,310 a year to $5,400 by 2012. It also establishes a loan forgiveness program for college graduates who work for ten years in certain public service professions, such as teaching or nursing.

The student assistance package also reduces the federal deficit. By cutting generous subsidies to banks and other lenders that were contracted by the Bush Administration to administer the student loan program, the bill offsets costs of the student loan expansion and dedicates approximately $750 million for deficit reduction.

"Inhofe continues to paint himself as a 'true' conservative and deficit hawk, but his rhetoric doesn't match his actions and this vote once again proves it. Inhofe could have voted to reduce the deficit and help average families, but instead he sided with the banking industry," said Holmes. The latest Federal Election Commission report indicates that Inhofe received $10,000 from the American Bankers Association PAC so far in 2007.

"More Oklahoma students will have access to a college education in the years ahead no thanks to Jim Inhofe," Holmes said. "Oklahomans demand to know when Jim Inhofe is going to stop pandering to special interests and start helping working families."

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Democratic Party, Student Loans

FORUM FOR DEMOCRATIC ACTION/RICE US SENATE KICKOFF by Tim Mauldin,PhD

"

Andrew Rice for U.S. Senate

Kickoff Event

Wednesday, Sept. 5^th

State Sen. Andrew Rice, D-Oklahoma City, will formally announce his candidacy for U.S. Senate on Wednesday, Sept. 5.  Rice has scheduled press conferences in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. 

"I have listened to folks all across this state about their hopes for the future and their opinions about Washington and one thing has become clear to me," Rice said.  "Oklahomans are ready for a change.  "They believe Washington is broken and they deserve a clear choice for U.S. Senate in 2008."

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

4 pm

Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters

Krumme Center

4100 N. Lincoln Blvd.,

Oklahoma City, Okla.

* * * * *

Forum for Democratic Action

Thursday, Sept. 6^th

Justin Wert, University of Oklahoma political science professor, will discuss his book, "Habeas Corpus and the Politics of Individual Rights", Thursday, September 6th, at the Forum for Democratic Action, Santa Fe Cattle Co. Steakhouse, 760 N. Interstate Drive, Norman.  The event is open to the public.

The dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and speakers start at 7:00.  The cost is $12 for a full dinner or $10 for a soup/salad dinner, including tip and contribution to the Democratic Party.  The forum meets the first Thursday of each month at the steakhouse.  For more information, contact Deb Kirsner, 360-4481

Technorati Tags: RICE, WERT, DEMOCRAT

ODP Financial Snapshot

EDITOR: THANKS TO 4TH DISTRICT CHAIR TROY GREEN FOR SHARING THIS INFORMATION.

Central Committee Members: Here is a brief snapshot of the current financial picture at the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Jana Harkins, ODP Treasurer, plans on having a more detailed report at our August 18 meeting and will then begin to send monthly statements with more information. In the meantime, Ivan wanted you all to see the latest. Balance on Accounts Federal: $10,046.67 State: $3,553.83 Levin: $7,712.60 Outstanding Debt 2006 Debt: $44,000 2004 Debt: $55,000 Total Debt: $99,000 Regular Monthly Expenses: $9,500 Please let us know if you have any questions. Thanks and take care! Jeremy Hendricks Communications Director Oklahoma Democratic Party 4100 N. Lincoln Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Office: (405) 427-3366 Fax: (405) 427-1310 www.okdemocrats.org www.dnc.org jhendricks@okdemocrats.org

AUGUST CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEETING by Troy Green

EDITOR: THANKS TROY FOR KEEPING US INFORMED!

Was wanting to let those of you who were unable to make the Central Committee meeting Saturday a few things  that went on. I will send a more complete copy of the minutes as soon as I receive them.

There was talk of a Central committee retreat but nothing was set as to a time or date.

The Carl Albert Dinner is set for the 20th of October location to be announced latter.

The state Party will have a booth at the State Fair Sept 13--23 volunteers are welcome.

Finances were discussed and the party still need supporters.

There is a task force being formed  to look at changes to the Party bylaws and Constitution. These changes will be presented to the delegates at the delegate convention in February.

There was a lot of discussion on the Veterans motion . This is about letting the Veterans group have a seat on the central committee. The veterans group or committee of the State party will organize a federation and present this to the convention in Feb. If approved then they will be given a seat on the committee. So  if any Veterans would like to support this effort and be on the committee or just want to voice their support please contact the ODP .

There was talk about the delegate convention on February 23 . If you have questions there is a area on the ODP blog that covers the delegate selections process.

There was talk of having the Central Committee meeting in Tulsa and possible in the western part of the State at some point. If you would like to make suggestions please contact the ODP headquarters. Chair Holmes makes the determination as to location.

Other than reports from the committee members this is about it.

I hope this will let you know a little of what is going on in your party.

                  Troy Green Chair District 4

Technorati Tags: Oklahoma, Democratic Party, Central Committee

GIULIANI A SERIAL EXAGGERATOR?

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Is Giuliani A Serial-Exaggerator Now?

First he exaggerates his adoption record:

Giuliani may have put a special emphasis on increasing adoptions during his 8 years as mayor, but he may not have been all that successful.

A review of an official New York City document conducted by Factcheck.org looking at adoptions over a ten-year span shows that although Giuliani increased adoptions at a rate higher than his predecessor David Dinkins, adoptions under Giuliani declined five out of the last six years he was in office. Perhaps the former mayor is overstating his accomplishments just a bit.

Then he exaggerates the mood in New York before he took office:

Giuliani actually said before he became mayor of New York, people were afraid to go outside, or even buy groceries. What?? I am a native New Yorker and can tell you, I was never afraid to buy groceries. True, crime went down under Giuliani, the subways became safer, but afraid to buy groceries? That's a stretch -- one Giuliani, I suppose, hopes middle America will buy.

Then his record on taxes while he was mayor:

Critics say the ad exaggerates - and strictly speaking, they're right. After all, while the mayor of New York is an exceptionally powerful executive, there's little he can do about taxes without cooperation from the City Council and the State Legislature.

Iowa Republicans Choose None of the Above

Iowa Republicans remain skeptical of their Presidential candidates:

King was not surprised to hear about a Washington Post poll Sunday morning showing that only 19 percent of Iowa Republicans are "very satisfied" with their party's field of presidential candidates, compared with 53 percent of Iowa Democrats who said the same about their party's choices.

King said the poll accurately reflects feelings among his fellow Republican voters. "They're just really not engaged with any of the first-tier candidates," he said.

The apathy reflects the Republican front-runners' differences on conservative issues, including opposition to abortion and support for limited government and lower taxes, King said.

Ed Hertko, a West Des Moines physician, said he remained undecided after the debate. "Nothing here caused me to pick out one guy and say, 'Yes, he is the individual.'"

Technorati Tags: Giuliani, Exaggerates, Democrat

ODP ANNOUNCES NEW FOCUS ON VETERANS ISSUES

All Democratic Veterans Invited to Attend Meeting

Oklahoma City, OK -- Dr. Ivan Holmes, Chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, is proud to announce the revitalization of the State Party’s Veterans Affairs Committee. Ron Wasson and Dr. Katherine Scheirman, Co-Chairs of the Committee, invite all Democratic Veterans to attend the first planning meeting on Saturday, July 21. The meeting will be held at the Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters in the George Krumme Center, 4100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City at 10:00 a.m.

“With the erosion of military and veteran’s benefits and the loss of life in Iraq under Bush’s Republican Presidency we believe it is now more important than ever to support our military personnel, who have fought so bravely for our country,” said Wasson.

Dr. Scheirman went on to add, “We will focus on addressing the needs of our military members and veterans who have been forgotten by the Republicans. In addition, the Veteran’s Committee will be active in helping Democrats get elected in 2008 to restore the promised benefits and ensure the troops injured in Iraq and Afghanistan wars get the medical and psychological care they need and have earned”.

The Veteran’s Committee is also planning a “Support the Troops” event, which will be held on Tuesday, August 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma Democratic Party Headquarters. Leading up to the event the ODP will be collecting donations that will be packed and shipped to our troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Please drop off your donations at the ODP or contact (405) 427-3366 for more information. You can also visit the ODP’s blog, www.okbluenotes.blogspot.com, for a complete list of requested donations.

"BUSH'S ARROGANCE IS A SLAP IN THE FACE OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

Dr. Ivan Holmes, State Democratic Party Chair Comments

on the Commutation of Libby's Prison Sentence

Oklahoma City, OK - Today, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes criticized President Bush for commuting the prison sentence of convicted top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Jr.

"President Bush's decision to commute the 30-month sentence for Libby illustrates that the President has no respect for the law," stated Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Ivan Holmes.

"President Bush is telling the American people that his political cronies are above the law, even when it comes to obstructing justice, perjury and endangering the life of former C.I.A. agent Valerie Plame. This is the wrong message to send to the country and the world."

After Bush cited his concern for the suffering of the Libby family for his reason to commute the sentence, Holmes commented, "The President's concern for Libby's family does not consider the pain, distress and injustice experienced by Valerie Plame and her family. Nor does he consider that Mr. Libby's actions put many other lives in danger by outing a C.I.A. agent. These are men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect America, yet they can't even count on their own Commander in Chief."

"Sadly, this action is consistent with a Presidential Administration that will accept no blame for their misdeeds, like starting the war in Iraq based on false information and not being willing to withdraw our troops who are truly paying the price for Bush's arrogance."

"America can no longer afford the corruption that has riddled this presidency over the last seven years. Thankfully the Democrats have a strong field of candidates ready to restore honor and dignity to the White House and put America back on track."

"By the time Bush leaves office he will have cemented his place in history as one of the worst presidents ever," Holmes concluded.

--  ODP --

Paid for by the Oklahoma Democratic Party, 4100 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73105,

Technorati Tags: Democrat, Oklahoma, Holmes, libby