Photos from MoveOn Health Care Reform Vigil

According to MoveOn, "On September 2, 2009, over 60,000 MoveOn members gathered at 350 vigils around the country with one message: We Can't Afford to Wait for health care reform that includes a real public option."

You can see photographs from these vigils here.

Here are some photos from the vigil held in Pittsburgh at Flagstaff Hill:








And, a couple of familiar faces to our blog readers: Georgia Blotzer (who was one of the speakers) and Sue from Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents.


Kudos to WPXI for covering the Pittsburgh vigil.

Also, I find it interesting that so many candidates whom I have supported in primary elections who lost their bids are now health care reform advocates (Howard Dean, Chuck Pennacchio, Georgia Berner and Georgia Blotzer). Guess I'm just drawn to the do-gooder, activist types.

Blotzer was handing out leaflets from www.WPaSinglePayer.org .
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Some notes for today's primary election

The ADB has a press release from Councilwoman Smith.

Slag Heap considers what a Zappala Peck win would mean.

Infinonymous notes that Ravenstahl can't even be trusted with taking care of the beer.

The Pittsburgh Comet finds that Tony Ceoffe ♥ scofflaws.

I will be voting for Patrick Dowd for mayor and Hugh McGough for Court of Common Pleas and cribbing from Progress Pittsburgh's Big Endorsement List (among other lists) for judicial votes (Barbara Behrend Ernsberger, Joe Williams, Susan Evanshavik DiLucente, Alex Bicket, Philip Igneizi, Anne Lazarus).

If I was in District 2 I'd vote for Georgia Blotzer, if I was in district 4 I'd vote for Natalia Rudiak, if I was in District 8 I'd vote for Bill Peduto, if I was in Wards 9 & 6 I'd vote for Susan Banahasky, and if I had to choose between Motznik and Diven I'd get a really big hammer and a really big steel spike and drive it into my own head.

I'll be poll watching all day, so no more posts from me today until fairly late (if any), so I'll say it now:

GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!
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Ravenstahl, Smith & Reilly Falsely Claim Post-Gazette Endorsements

Pittsburgh's in the middle of an epidemic, folks, but it ain't the Swine Flu. It's mendacious pols with misleading fliers which make it appear as if the Post-Gazette endorsed them when that is in fact A BIG FAT LIE.

Only yesterday the P-G ran an editorial blasting City Councilwoman Theresa Smith for her deceptive fliers which claimed a P-G endorsement when they had in fact endorsed Georgia Blotzer for Council District 2...twice. Now the P-G reports that Lil Mayor Luke and Patrick Reilly are in on the act. They all juxtapose the Post-Gazette logo on their fliers to make it appear as an endorsement. (Is their some dank basement or dark alley where these folks meet to compare notes on how best to lie to voters?)

Let's review:

The P-G endorsed Patrick Dowd for Mayor, not Lukey Steelerstahl Bathroomstahl WTFenstahl Ravenstahl.

The P-G endorsed Georgia Blotzer for City Council District 2, not Theresa Smith Kail-Smith Smith.

The P-G endorsed Natalia Rudiak for City Council District 4, not Patrick "Who?" Reilly.

http://www.dowdformayor.com

http://www.georgiaforcouncil.com

http://nataliarudiak.com
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Post-Gazette Slams Councilor Smith for False Flier

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette makes it clear that they did not endorse Theresa Smith in the race for Pittsburgh City Council District 2 -- they endorsed Georgia Blotzer -- twice.

They had to make it clear as Smith has been distributing completely misleading fliers to voters:

Campaign fliers being distributed by city Councilwoman Theresa Smith in her bid to be renominated in Tuesday's primary have left a bad taste in our mouths here on the Post-Gazette Editorial Board.

[snip]

Nonetheless, after voters chose Ms. Smith, we published a congratulatory message welcoming her to council and wishing her well in the tasks ahead. It is that editorial that Ms. Smith has reproduced on campaign material, under the headline: "Endorsed Democrat for City Council." It is true that she was backed by the local party committee, but the reprinting of our editorial below it suggests to many that she was endorsed by the newspaper.

So we'll reiterate. The Post-Gazette endorses Georgia Blotzer for City Council because we believe she is the strongest candidate for District 2 Democrats and would best serve the city as a whole.

Read the full editorial here.

Kudos again to Bram for posting the fliers!

Blog Reactions:

Councilwoman Smith: Lying Her (Bleep) Off , The Pittsburgh Comet

Pittsburgh City Councilor Theresa Smith's Deceptive Fliers, 2 Political Junkies

Friday: In the Hands of Hobbits..., The Pittsburgh Comet

PG edt blasts Smith camp, Early Returns

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Obligatory Disclaimer: As mentioned before, I've been paid by the Georgia for Council campaign to create and maintain her web site: http://www.georgiaforcouncil.com/

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Pittsburgh City Councilor Theresa Smith's Deceptive Fliers

Bram at The Pittsburgh Comet has posted a flyer from Theresa Smith who is running in the primary election on Tuesday for City Council in District 2. He points out that the flyer makes it seem as though Smith won the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The P-G endorsed Georgia Blotzer (both for the May 19th primary as well as in the shockingly low turnout February special election which Smith won):

Blotzer in District 2: She's the best council choice for the Democrats
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Active choice: Blotzer deserves a seat on City Council
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Moreover, Smith's flyer also misleads voters about what funding she has secured.

Naturally, she's the Committee endorsed candidate.

[sigh]

On the brighter side, Georgia Blotzer has won the endorsement of Michael Lamb.

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Obligatory Disclaimer: As mentioned before, I've been paid by the Georgia for Council campaign to create and maintain her web site: www.georgiaforcouncil.com
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Around the Burgosphere

The Reformation is making a comeback with the re-launch of City Councilman Bill Peduto's Reform Pittsburgh Now site (he even nails his theses to the virtual door).

Progress Pittsburgh notes a need for election workers in Pittsburgh's 7th and 8th Wards for the May 19th primary.

Progress Pittsburgh (again) and The Pittsburgh Women's Blogging Society report on yard sign thuggery against Natalia Rudiak and Susan Banahasky (I also hear that Georgia Blotzer supporters are facing intimidation when putting up her signs in their own yards and it sure as hell is not coming from the Rob Frank camp).

Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents gives a queer perspective on the City Council District 6 race.

The Pittsburgh Comet "Will Make You Talk About Pat Ford If It's The Last Thing This Blog Does," dammit! (You go, Bram!)

The Busman's Holiday's April 22nd post is relevant anew as Lil Mayor Luke dodged the making his schedule public question one mo' time at this week's mayoral debate. Bonus points to Lukey for blaming it all on Dowd instead of Mayo asking the question. Meanwhile, Early Returns gets all hairy over the debates.

The City Paper interviewed local bloggers Bram and Matt H on print vs. blogs and agendas (which we blogged on here).

The Angry Drunk Bureaucrat provides a sneak peak at web-based permitting.

View from the BurghChair interviews, uh, everyone!

And, A Spork in the Drawer takes on Pooh.
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EVENTS!

April 16, 2009

Susan Banahasky for Magistrate Benefit
Host: Banahasky for District Magistrate
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2009
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: Coca Cafe
Street: 3811 Butler Street
City/Town: Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Description:
Lawrenceville, Polish Hill & Bloomfield for Banahasky. Please join us in support of Susan Banahasky Candidate for District Magistrate. Suggested Contribution: $25, $50, $100. Please join us for drinks and appetizers @ Coca Café. Please RSVP to Aaron Sukenik at aaron@susanformagistrate.com or (412) 452-8823. Checks Made Payable to: Friends for Susan Banahasky. This is Susan's only fundraising event. If you can't make it, please contribute @ http://susanformagistrate.com/donate


April 17th, 2009

Carmen Robinson Appearance
Date: Friday, April 17, 2009
Time: 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Sisters Beauty Supply
Street: 100 5th Ave
City/Town: Downtown Pittsburgh, PA

Description:
Carmen Robinson for Mayor. Public Appearance. http://carmenformayor.com/


April 19, 2009

McGough4Judge "30 Day Rally to Win" with Lenora Nemetz & Billy Price
Host: Hugh McGough
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2009
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Pgh Center for the Arts (Shadyside)
Street: 5th & Shady Aves
City/Town: Pittsburgh, PA

Description:
The McGough for Judge Committee Invites You To A "30 Day Rally to Win" @ Pittsburgh Center for the Arts in Shadyside. Special Musical Appearances by Lenora Nemetz & Billy Price. RSVP: Campaign@mcgough4judge.com or 412-441-7677. In this last month, we need to hit the streets, get on the phones and help Hugh spread his message of integrity, ability, experience and excellence to the voters of Allegheny County. But before we put on our running shoes, we want to gather together, celebrate and show our support for Hugh. There will be refreshments, incredible music, and of course, the best candidate for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Hugh Fitzpatrick McGough. http://www.mcgough4judge.com/


April 20, 2009

Steel-City Stonewall Democrats Mayoral Debate Party
Host: Steel-City Stonewall Democrats
Date: Monday, April 20, 2009
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location: There Video Lounge
Street: 931 Liberty Ave.
City/Town: Pittsburgh, PA

Description:
The April 15th KDKA Mayoral Debate has been canceled. So, we will be moving the Debate Party to the 20th of April when the local ABC affiliate WTAE has scheduled a debate to be aired between 7 PM & 8 PM. All 3 candidates (City Councilman Patrick Dowd, Mayor Ravenstahl, & Carmen Robinson) will be participating in the debate. Free food & pizza. RSVP: lance@steel-city.org or 412-728-5262.


April 21, 2009

P2 Happy Hour: Endorsement Excitement!
Host: P2pac
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: 900 Cafe & Lounge
Street: 900 Western Avenue
City/Town: Pittsburgh, PA

Description:
Please join P2pac as it unveils its first group of endorsed candidates ever! The evening at 900 Cafe & Lounge will include P2tini's, good conversation, and the annoucement of who the P2pac has chosen to endorse for the May 19th primary election. Come and bring your friends for some politics and cocktails on the Northside. A $10 contribution is suggested; all funds raised at this event will go directly to support endorsed candidates. 900 Cafe & Lounge is a non-smoking establishment. It is accessible by the following buses: 16A, 16D, and 500. Phone: 412-586-7794


April 27, 2009

A Taste of Thailand: Fundraiser for Patrick Dowd
A delicious way to bring leadership now to Pittsburgh
Host: Patrick Dowd for Mayor of Pittsburgh
Date: Monday, April 27, 2009
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location: Silk Elephant
Street: 1710 Murray Ave
City/Town: Pittsburgh, PA

Description:
Join us as we support Patrick Dowd and enjoy Thai Music & Dancing, Thai Cooking Demonstration and Thai Food (Tapas, Noodles and Salad Stations). Tickets: Adults $35, Students $20, Children (3-14 years old) $10. Please reserve tickets at:
https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=25673 Instructions:
Enter your total ticket amount in Step 1 in the "Other" Box. In Step 3, complete contact information and enter "SILK" as event code. Please contact Anne McCafferty at 412-760-5337 with any questions.


May 2, 2009

An Evening with Braddock Mayor John Fetterman and Patrick Dowd
Host: John Fetterman, Chris Schultz, and the rest of the Host Committee
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Braddock’s Elks Lodge 883
Street: 420 Library Street
City/Town: Braddock, PA

Description:
John Fetterman, Mayor of Braddock, invites you to a party to benefit the Patrick Dowd for Pittsburgh campaign. Join the current mayor of Braddock and future mayor of Pittsburgh for a fun night of music by Zombo, food and more. Suggested donation is $20 per person. Checks are payable to Citizens for Patrick Dowd. You can also donate online at http://dowdformayor.com/ Please include code “fetterman” on the check or on-line donation event code field. Host Committee: Regina Anderson, Randy Francisco, Robert Hampshire, Jodi Hirsh, Kevin Gannon, Dutch MacDonald, Betsy Magley, Christian Manders, Nathan Martin, Lindsay Patross, Eve Picker, Kathy Risko, Chris Schultz, Justin Strong, Hon. Chelsa Wagner, Abby Wilson. Email: eve@nowall.com


Other Candidates who can use your $ & shoe leather:

Georgia Blotzer, Pittsburgh City Council District 2
http://www.georgiaforcouncil.com/

Natalia Rudiak, Pittsburgh City Council District 4
http://nataliarudiak.com/
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Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and Campaign Finance Reform

Georgia Blotzer, Democratic candidate for Pittsburgh City Council District 2, released the following statement on campaign finance reform yesterday:

"My opponent in this election, Councilwoman Kail-Smith, is a cog in the special interest machine that has put so much of Pittsburgh up for sale. From her rabid support for the unremarkable policy initiatives that have done so little for the West End to her fixation on the type of politics that arranged her special election victory, Theresa Smith represents more of the same. Her recent obstruction of commonplace campaign finance reform and her acceptance of tens of thousands of dollars in large contributions now proves that."

"Gathering signatures and meeting voters during my listening tour has taught me many things about Pittsburgh, and what the residents of District 2 want in a councilmember. I am pleased to accept the suggestion of a West End neighbor in announcing my new campaign slogan:

"Georgia Blotzer: Some things aren't for sale."

City Councilor Bill Peduto has also been pushing for reform for YEARS:

Councilman William Peduto first sponsored campaign finance reform legislation in City Council in 2004 and re-introduced and passed legislation in 2008, prior to a mayoral veto. Councilman Peduto now plans to amend the Mayor and County Executive’s proposal to include three key provisions. First, an elimination of all no-bid contracts. Second, donation limits that are significantly lower than currently proposed and comparable to similarly sized cities. Finally, public access to political contributors and contracts.

“Comprehensive campaign finance reform is an essential first step in the effort to reform City government,” said Councilman William Peduto. “I will not vote for any legislation that does not include these three key provisions.”

He held a post agenda meeting on campaign finance reform on Tuesday.

Mayoral candidate Patrick Dowd in response to yesterday’s post agenda on Mayor Luke Ravenstahl’s campaign finance bill, called the Ravenstahl bill “a hollow gesture that falls short of real reform.”

From his press release:

Last year, Ravenstahl vetoed a bill supported by a majority of council that imposed federal contribution limits, $2,300 per person per cycle, on municipal elections. Since his June veto, Ravenstahl has raised approximately $500,000 according to public filings.

“Luke’s attention to reform is a year late and $500,000 short,” Dowd said. “When the council passed sweeping reform in June, he blocked it, only so city contractors could keep funneling cash into his campaign."

Ravenstahl’s current proposal is a watered down version of the legislation he vetoed last year. It allows for double the limit for individual contributions, and fails to provide for transparency in electronic reporting.

More importantly, Ravenstahl's legislation places no restrictions on the awarding of no-bid contracts to contributors. In light of recent press coverage, this means the legislation fails to address the rampant pay-to-play politics currently going on in Pittsburgh.

In response to what he termed a “complete failure of leadership” on campaign finance and eliminating the appearance of impropriety in contracting, Dowd outlined his campaign finance reform agenda:

In a Dowd Administration

1) I will introduce comprehensive, common sense campaign finance legislation that is tied to federal contribution limits within the first 100 days;

2) I will end the practice of awarding no-bid contracts to campaign contributors;

3) I will ensure that every contract over $25,000 will be competitively bid;

4) As an incumbent Mayor, I will not solicit campaign contributions from any firm that does business with the City of Pittsburgh or its Authorities;

5) I will make all finance reports electronically available to the public on the state and county filing dates;

6) I will ensure the creation of and integrate searchable electronic databases of all city contracts and all campaign contributions of all city elected officials;

7) I will publish my public schedule on the city's website so that any Pittsburgher can see who I am meeting with.

Bob Mayo has a chart offered by Peduto during City Council's meeting on the topic which compares the Onorato-Ravenstahl proposal to limit political contributions to campaign finance reform in other cities. It demonstrates how seriously out of whack the O-R plan is.

The Post-Gazette reports that "Facing a potential train wreck of competing campaign reform concepts, city and county council members may create a joint committee to hash out legislation that would cap political donations to candidates, possibly even in borough and township races."

I wish I could be hopeful...
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Obligatory Disclaimer: As mentioned before, I've been paid by the Georgia for Council campaign to create and maintain her web site: www.georgiaforcouncil.com

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Unofficial Results for Pittsburgh City Council District 2 Special Election

Via: http://www.alleghenycounty.us/elect/200902sp/el45.htm

SUMMARY REPORT Allegheny County Unofficial
Run Date:02/03/09 Pittsburgh Council District 2
RUN TIME:09:14 PM February 3, 2009

PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 41) . . . . . 41 100.00%
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 25,071
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . 2,609
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . 10.41%

Straight Party
Vote for not more than 1
Democratic (Dem) . . . . . . . . 288 67.29%
Republican (Rep) . . . . . . . . 41 9.58%
Independent (Ind). . . . . . . . 30 7.01%
Schubert for Council (Sfc). . . . . 69 16.12%

Member of Council DISTRICT 2
Vote for not more than 1
Theresa Smith (Dem) . . . . . . . 1,259 48.52%
Chris Metz (Rep) . . . . . . . . 239 9.21%
Georgia Blotzer (Ind) . . . . . . 639 24.62%
Brendan Schubert (Sfc) . . . . . . 450 17.34%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 8 .31%
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Pittsburgh City Council District 2 Special Election TODAY

It's not hard to agree with everyone that special elections aren't a big draw in general and today's in particular -- add temps in the 20's, snow, and a big frickin' Steelers Super Bowl Champions parade to the mix -- and you're likely looking at an exceptionally low turnout today in District 2.

That doesn't mean things haven't gotten heated in blog world, but I'm more concerned with this postcard from Allegheny County Democratic Committee (ACDC) Chair Jim Burn.

Let's agree from the get go that it's Burn's job to get endorsed democrats elected. Fine and dandy. But, I would like to think that he would want to do that in a way that is honest and does not demonize candidates other than his own.

The postcard reminds voters that Theresa Smith is the only candidate (currently) running as a Democrat. Fine and dandy and true.

However, it also states this:

She is running against a Republican and two third party fringe candidates.

Words have meaning. Here's the meaning of a couple:

THIRD PARTY
2 a: a major political party operating over a limited period of time in addition to two other major parties in a nation or state normally characterized by a two-party system

FRINGE
3 a: something that is marginal, additional, or secondary to some activity, process, or subject b: a group with marginal or extremist views.

1) Georgia Blotzer, candidate for Pittsburgh City Council, is running as an independent (small "i"). Running as an independent means that you are non-affiliated. It does not mean that you belong to a "third party." Additionally, most people know that Blotzer has been a Democratic Committee member who has long campaigned for Democratic candidates and who chose to run as an independent in this race which -- while having no democratic primary election -- could only have one candidate listed with a big D beside their name.

2) Georgia Blotzer both far outstripped her opponents (including Smith) in fundraising and she received the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. This means that she is not "marginal" or "secondary."

3) Given that Smith and Blotzer have nearly identical issues (Smith: "She plans to advance her efforts to develop programs to unite communities, maintain a strong police presence and reduce neighborhood blight." Blotzer's issue page: Safe Streets, Viable Housing, Responsible Development and Campaign Finance Reform.), Blotzer's views seem neither "marginal" or "extremist."

That is, unless of course, the ACDC -- being the only game in a one party town and clinging to their death grip on the purse strings -- believes that campaign finance reform is extremist.

Barring that, perhaps they can use their monies to buy Jim Burn a dictionary.

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Obligatory Disclaimer: As mentioned before, I've been paid by the Georgia for Council campaign to create and maintain her web site: www.georgiaforcouncil.com
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Someone had a really good week in District 2

First, candidate for Pittsburgh City Council District 2 Georgia Blotzer far outstripped her opponents in fundraising even though she had voluntarily set the lowest limits on campaign contributions. Second, she got the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The special election for Pittsburgh City Council District 2 will be held this Tuesday, February 3rd.

If, you'd like to get on board -- or just check out the candidate -- you can attend a Meet & Greet with Georgia tonight at Redbeard's:

What: Meet & Greet with City Council Candidate Georgia Blotzer
When: Friday, January 30th from 5:00-7:00 PM
Where: Redbeard's on Mt. Washington, 201 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh PA 15211 (Map)
What Else: Free appetizers and drink specials. Stop by the sign-in table to get your wristband

More info here.

Obligatory Disclaimer: As mentioned before here, I've been paid by the Georgia for Council campaign to create and maintain her web site:

www.georgiaforcouncil.com
I have not been hired/paid to blog for her.
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Pittsburgh City Council District 2 Special Election

You have until January 5th to register to vote in the Pittsburgh City Council District 2 Special Election to fill Dan Deasy's seat if you're not already registered. The election will be held on February 3, 2009.

There will be four names on the ballot:

Theresa Smith, Democrat

Chris Metz, Republican

Georgia Blotzer, a Democrat running as an independent

Brendan Schubert, a Democrat running under Schubert for Council

In the interest of full disclosure, I've been paid by the Georgia for Council campaign to create and maintain her website:

www.georgiaforcouncil.com


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