Steel Mill's success depends on Georgetown Port dredging

It will begin... Again.

The news officially came today. The steel mill, sitting right in the center of the city, will be reopening in October. Maintenance will be the first to re-enter the plant in order to get the mill prepared to produce. By the beginning of the new year, people should see the steel mill producing.

ArcelorMittal - Georgetown will be making steel again really soon.

But, he (James Sanderson) said,"in order to keep the steel mill open we're going to have to get that port dredged."

My father tells the truth. If the port doesn't see dredging in a few years, you can assume the steel mill will not be favorable to the higher-ups because of lack of access. Exporting our product, importing resources would be key to the steel mill.

However, it's going to take politicians to believe in Georgetown as much as the workers do in order to get the funding. So, who's first to make it happen?

Latest Georgetown GOP mailer argues gasoline tax, but has questionable image

Finally.

The Georgetown GOP's latest mailer takes aim against a possible increase in the gasoline tax - a suggestion made in response to how the state would fix state roads.

This month, members of the Tax Realignment Commission -- or TRAC -- voted unanimously to propose raising the gas tax by 5 cents a gallon to generate $150 million more a year for road repair. Currently 16 cents a gallon, the lowest in the Southeast, the fuel tax has not been changed since 1987.

Yes. The Georgetown GOP is wasting paper - and their donors' money -  on mailers to tell you about a five-cent increase to the lowest gasoline tax in the region. I am safe to say they do not favor better roads for the people of SC 108, unless of course you live in private developments. 

Here's the mailer:  

Now, look closely...

Out of the possible images to sell your point, you'd think they'd not use the one above. Offensive? Yes. 

When are the Democrats going to stand together and fight against such imagery that could be subliminal messaging? I hope to see plenty doing so really soon.

Free Halloween Gift Packets!

In honor of Halloween, we want to send you a FREE gift package!  As seen in the picture below, we have biodegradable Halloween bags, "Treat Kids and Vote" pumpkin stickers, and "Kids Need Our Vote" posters.

We are offering this in a set of 500 bags, 1000 stickers, and 50 posters.  If are you interested please click here and fill out our form!

First come first served!

Homeland Insecurity ...Why new investments in children and youth must be a priority for the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress

South Carolinians: We Need Your Support

The two candidates for governor have very different ideas of what kind of governor each wants to be.  One wants to be governor of the United States and one wants to be governor of South Carolina.

Today we learned that Nikki Haley has been traveling and holding fundraisers all over the country. Just like her mentor Mark Sanford, she would rather focus her attention on every state other than South Carolina.  Now that South Carolinians are beginning to learn who the real Nikki Haley is, it’s no surprise she has been forced to leave the state to raise money from out-of-state contributors.

Read more about National Nikki: The Sun News: Haley makes out-of-state fundraising appearances

Vincent Sheheen is proud that 96% of his financial support comes from South Carolinians because he believes that this election should be about South Carolina and restoring trust in the governor’s office.

We are now just 34 short days from Election Day.  Our television ads have been on the air for nearly a month and our end of September deadline is TODAY!  We need your help to keep those ads on the air so we can make a statement on November 2nd that South Carolina cannot be ignored.

COME JOIN YOUR FELLOW DEMOCRATS TONIGHT FOR BAR B Q AND ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY, SEPEMBER 30
COME JOIN YOUR FELLOW DEMOCRATS FOR BAR B Q AND ENTERTAINMENT

6-9PM AT HEADQUARTERS  1515 BUTTS ST IN GEORGETOWN

Your democratic party needs you!!

 

Volunteers needed to make phone calls

At

Georgetown county democratic headquarters

1515 Butts Street

Steelworkers union hall

 

Come for as much time as you can donate

 

Regular Headquarters hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10-2pm

Tuesday, Thursday 2-6pm

 

IF YOU PREFER TO MAKE CALLS FROM HOME

WE WILL DELIVER LISTS AND PICK UP

this election is so very important

We need to work for

Victory on November 2!

Kevin Ryan will not discuss education

By Marie-Odile Postic -- Special to the Blog

Kevin Ryan and the Georgetown County GOP have resorted to the same negative campaigning that we all dread. It is also my understanding that to date Ryan has declined to discuss education issues at the forum planned by the school board for administrators, teachers, parents and the public.

As a retired teacher and the grandmother of six students attending public schools in Columbia, I think there are few issues more important to our state and our local community than education, and I can think of no good reason one should not participate.

Negative campaigning and refusing to make public appearance shows no leadership or respect.

Mulvaney's Edenmoor Boondoggle

More on this: Blog on Indian Land Boondoggle

Letting people know Republican extremism will be called out

Did you all read the Georgetown Times today? Did you all see how a Georgetown GOP chair, who has a gubernatorial race to worry about and local races as well, poked around on my blog and made a news story about it?

Yeah, you can't make this stuff up here in South Carolina. But, I wanted to let the people know that Republican extremism will not get a free pass by me.

May I remind people the mailer was sent to pander to people for votes, based on extremism by calling attention to "lesbian" Linda Ketner. Not just Linda Kenter, but "lesbian" Linda Ketner. So, who uses the fear doctrine to generate votes?

Georgetown GOP.

It's not going to work, guys and gals. You see, when you begin to realize I am not beholden to a Party, you'll know I am my own entity. Sending a letter to the Democratic Party chair in Georgetown is going to accomplish what exactly? A slap on the hand?

Get real. I will not apologize for stating my opinions, defending people that are constantly attacked and who only want to experience the same concept man and woman cannot get right. Hey, Mark Sanford!

So, remember this. The extremism used by Republicans is all you see, voters. It's the strange mailers, the scary ads, the fear, etc. Nothing amounts to what they would actually DO for you. Nothing tells you their plans for helping the jobless. Nothing in those mailers tell you what a Republican can do for South Carolina that effects the working people, the families or the people needing help.

No, we get told to vote for the GOP or get this. Vote for us and we'll protect you from this. How so? By protecting corporations like BP and Halliburton from being subpeonaed? By repealing Wall Street Reform? By repealing health care reform?

It's all backwards. It's about returning power back to the filthy rich. It's about not having a middle class in this country.

So, let the Georgetown GOP tell African-Americans they are for them - when they never visit the "hood" in Georgetown. Let the Georgetown GOP put words in my mouth when I never called anyone a homophobic bigot. Let the Georgetown GOP worry about a blogger, a former Dem chair and an unemployed father stating opinions that are there for the taking. Gee, I must be powerful for them to rip from my blog, make a press release and take up residence on the front page of a paper.

People, this should show who exactly the GOP are concerned about - and it isn't you.

House Republicans insult 9/11 first responders

I find it insulting that Republicans consider helping the 9/11 first responders as a "big-government entitlement program that would boost taxes and kill jobs." Gee, I suppose the affects of toxins KILLING the people who helped others in dire need doesn't compute to the "compassionate" GOP.

The bill would provide free health care and compensation to rescue and recovery workers who fell ill after working in the trade center ruins. That's right, Republicans consider helping these people nonsense, an unwanted expense. 


Figures. The GOP love to wrap themselves around such patriotic people, then shove them off the cliff to die when it comes time to take care of them for giving to their fellow American - without knowing what the hell they were getting into. 


Thanks, GOP. You all kinda sealed your own death certificate on this one. It's OK for you all to receive that "free" health care, but I don't remember seeing any one of you in the rubble looking for Americans hurt or killed on 9/11. 


Stay classy.

Jim DeMint denies women their place in history... Literally

Jim DeMint, South Carolina's version of Napoleon, is holding up a decade-long effort to build a women's history museum in the capital. Really.

Sens. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Jim DeMint, R-S.C., have placed a "hold" on a bill that would sell land near the Smithsonian Institution for the National Women's History Museum. A "hold" is a Senate practice that prevents bills from passing with unanimous consent — and implicitly threatening a filibuster.

The senators say their concerns are financial: Though the museum would pay fair market value for the land, the group has raised little money. And they said the new institution would duplicate more than 100 similar museums — some of which already get taxpayer subsidies.

The House passed the bill last year. Unless the Senate takes it up soon, supporters will have to start over with a new Congress next year.

That's right, folks. Jim DeMint holds back women from their proper place in history.

JANE DYER – EDUCATION EVENT IN EASLEY

EASLEY, SC (Sept. 29) As part of an ongoing series of policy talks throughout the Third Congressional District, candidate Jane Dyer spoke on the issue of public education Tuesday outside of Easley High School, her alma mater. 

Dyer took the opportunity to praise public school district in the Third Congressional District for what she calls “success stories and innovations.” These included magnet schools in science and technology, mentoring programs for teenage girls, and alternative education settings for at-risk students. 

With her high school calculus teacher Pat Chang at her side, Dyer talked about what public education has meant to her life – and what she hopes it will mean to voters this November.

“Public school is one of the cornerstones of our nation,” she said, adding: “Because of public education, I have had great opportunities in my life.”

Dyer majored in engineering at Clemson University. She was also a member of the Air Force ROTC program, becoming Clemson’s first female Air Force pilot. She is now a pilot with FedEx.

Chang described Dyer as a hard-working and responsible student. “You know she’s going to do what she says she’ll do,” Chang remarked. 

Dyer pointed out differences between her views on education and those of her opponent, Jeff Duncan (R-Laurens). Duncan was a co-sponsor in the South Carolina General Assembly of a bill to push private school choice. The proposal, which did not pass, would have given public money to families who already have their children in public school. 

Duncan has also accepted money from groups and individuals associated with Howard Rich, a New York libertarian who has funded pro-voucher candidates in South Carolina. 

Dyer said she supports families’ right to choose private school – but she believes public money should stay in public schools.

Teachers and other public education backers “should watch very closely and make sure they know where candidates stand on the idea of taking money out of the public system and giving it to private schools,” she said.

NOW President Delivers Gift and Message to Alan Simpson: Don't Cut Social Security

NOW President Terry O'Neill delivered on a promise when she presented Fiscal Commission Co-Chair Alan Simpson with 1,500 baby bottle tops this morning and promptly asked him to step down from the commission.

After Simpson insulted those who depend on Social Security -- many of them older women, children and people with disabilities -- by referring to the program as "a milk cow with 310 million tits," NOW came up with its "Tits for an Ass" campaign. The organization put out a call to its supporters, and they responded enthusiastically with donations to help buy baby bottle nipples in bulk to give to Simpson.

"We needed to send him this message in person, and we wanted to make it memorable," said O'Neill. "We can't have someone with obvious animosity toward women and seniors making important decisions on Social Security. This commission is supposed to be developing ways to reduce the national debt, which, by the way, has nothing to do with Social Security. But Mr. Simpson is bent on weakening a federal program that prevents many women retirees from living in deep poverty."

Women make up the largest group of elderly who live in poverty, and a cut in Social Security or raising the retirement age will only make things worse. Throughout their lives, women on average are paid less then men; in addition, they often work at part-time jobs or take extended leave from the workforce to raise children. As a result, women are less likely to have pensions, investments or life savings, making them extremely vulnerable in retirement.

"A cut to Social Security is a cut to the middle class. Mr. Simpson should know that the middle class is in a precarious position in this country, with millions in danger of falling into poverty," said O'Neill. "Asking women -- heck, asking anyone! -- to accept a cut in their Social Security benefits or to continue working into their 70s is no way to reduce the national debt, and it certainly is not the answer to strengthening the system."

O'Neill concluded: "Since it is clear that Mr. Simpson does not intend to step down from the Fiscal Commission, NOW will continue to urge President Obama to remove the Social Security foe from his influential position. And we will continue to educate women's rights and economic justice supporters about the threats to Social Security and what is at stake."


View video of O'Neill making her delivery to Simpson
View photos of the accompanying demonstration

SC Conference of Local Education Foundations

Register for  the Only Gathering of Foundations Supporting South Carolina Public Schools

Third Annual SC Conference of Local Education Foundations Date: October 19, 2010 Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Join others interested in improving their communities through stronger schools! The SC Conference of Local Education Foundations brings together charities, educators and businesses throughout South Carolina dedicated to increasing community support for public schools. It's especially useful for communities thinking of starting education foundations or looking to strengthen existing foundations. The conference enables individuals to share solutions and ideas to build a strong network of local education foundations across South Carolina. This year's conference is organized by South Carolina Future Minds (formerly Palmetto Horizon) -- the statewide hub of private support for South Carolina public education, with the help of the Alliance for Quality Education in Greenville and The School Foundation in Florence. For the complete agenda, click here. Venue: SC Department of Archives and History 8301 Parklane Road Columbia, SC 29223  [Get Directions]

Cost:  Tickets include directory of SC Local Education Foundations, continental breakfast reception and lunch with SC Education Superintendent candidate's Frank Holleman and Mick Zais. $35 per person, $100 for 3 tickets before Oct. 12. $45 per person after Oct. 12 Click here to register Thanks to Edison Learning and Blue Bell Ice Cream for being sponsors.

Frank Holleman: Debating the Future of Public Education

Frank has debated his opponent on several occasions since the primary, and the choice is clear. View two of the key debates or listen to the debate on SCETV radio to see for yourself!

Frank supports....	His opponent...
...reform of public education.	...supports millions of dollars of private tuition tax credits that would undercut public education and inevitably raise taxes for other taxpayers.
...quality early childhood education.	...supports blocking the expansion of kindergarten for four year olds.
...getting South Carolina to the forefront of public school reform in America.	...opposes South Carolina even competing for critical national grants or participating in the Common Core standards.

 

The Endorsements Have Begun!

Frank has been endorsed by the Conservation Voters of South Carolina and by the South Carolina Education Association. View a video about Frank's work to protect South Carolina's natural heritage.

 

 

Now is the Time to Step Up!

Did Georgetown County Council Republicans break anti-tax pledge?

Let's look at the story first...

Despite public opposition, Georgetown County passed third reading Tuesday night on a millage increase.


Following on the heels of a heated public hearing on the issue, Council heard from Administrator Sel Hemingway that the results of not passing a millage increase would mean continued shortfalls in the county’s budget for years to come.


Originally, the county was looking at a $2.9 million shortfall in the budget, if the millage was not increased, Hemingway said.


With some readjustments, the figure went down to about $2.2 million, Hemingway said.


“The consequences of not taking this action is this loss in revenue will be recurring in nature,” Hemingway said.


“If you do not raise the millage, you will lose $2.2 million in revenue. Next year, you will be $2.2 million short again, and the year after.

So, Republicans on Georgetown County Council voted to increase the millage. This is a GOP-dominated board, one that GOP Chair Tom Swatzel proudly proclaimed when Austin Beard was elected - sealing the deal.

Now, you and I know I support the millage increase. How else are you to maintain budget needs when people already benefit from so many tax cuts as there are. The state level has cut taxes so much, they can't even fund a radio show for the blind anymore.

Glad to see Republicans who voted for the increase realize the importance of generating revenue. However, I cannot help you when your boss slaps your hand for doing so.

House Seat 108 Candidates stress their support of Georgetown’s port

Democratic incumbent Vida Miller and Republican challenger Kevin Ryan vie for your votes this November to represent District 108. This year, a major issue has grown over time to the point where no one can ignore it: The Port of Georgetown dredging.

Years have gone by without seeing drastic improvements to our port. There have been no improvements and money has been hard to come by. South Carolina’s First District Congressman Henry Brown has repeatedly said he’d find the funding the port needs to dredge the channel the appropriate depth of 27 feet. However, the $8 million he’s proposed hasn’t been seen.

Sixth District Congressman James Clyburn has proposed $16 million, but again, this money has yet to be seen. The U.S. Senate would have to approve the budget – where the requests are located.

So, that leaves District 108, where the port is located, and its potential representatives. How does Miller stand on the issue?

"I have been in constant contact with Congressman Clyburn's office regarding funding for the dredging of the Port of Georgetown and will continue to do so. Recently, at a meeting with Congressman Clyburn in Georgetown with port leaders, ship owners,  the Pilotage Commission and local leaders, the Congressman committed to using his leadership to find $16 million in funding to help our port.  Also, the General Assembly passed port reform legislation and I amended the legislation to include leadership from the Ports Authority to protect Georgetown."

How strongly does Miller feel about the port?

"As it was stated at this meeting, ‘As the Port goes, so does Georgetown’. We have industry waiting to locate at the Port contingent on dredging. The dredging of Georgetown port is not an option and I will continue to work with our Congressional Delegation and state leaders to insure this project is completed."

Kevin Ryan, on the other hand, had this to say about the port issue.

"I am very committed to revitalizing the Port. I realize how important of an asset it is to our community and how it will hinder our ability to retain and create jobs and economic development if it does not get dredged. I have been in communication with various individuals including the Port director, members of the State Ports Authority Board, SPA staff, Congressman Brown’s office and others. You probably know that the Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining the shipping channel and so it becomes a federal issue. I will fight tirelessly to make sure that our current (and future) congressional delegation understand and recognize the importance of allocating the funds to bring the depth back to 27 feet. Equally important is stressing Georgetown’s importance to the State Ports Authority. They must realize that the ports system, not just Charleston, is necessary to our state. We are fortunate to have two SPA board members here in the community and I keep in touch with them regularly."

What will Ryan do if the federal level ignores us?

"If we fail to secure federal funds to complete the dredging, I would be willing to explore options to allocate state funding to the project. I understand there are issues with this due to the federal oversight of the dredging, but it is something to be explored if necessary. Lastly, I will work to make sure that any state permitting or administrative processes (SPA, DHEC, etc.) regarding the dredging are expedited."

It seems both candidates have the Port of Georgetown as a high priority. One has been already involved in the legislative process and the other is wanting in on the action. This November will prove to be very decisive in whether or not it’s all talk or walking the walk.

Americans United Say IRS Should Investigate Oklahoma Church That Endorsed Gubernatorial Candidate

The Internal Revenue Service should investigate an Edmond, Okla., church whose pastor endorsed a gubernatorial candidate from the pulpit, says Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Pastor Paul Blair of Fairview Baptist Church endorsed Republican hopeful Mary Fallin from the pulpit during services Sept. 26.

Federal law prohibits all 501(c)(3) non-profit groups, which includes houses of worship, from intervening in elections by endorsing or opposing candidates for public office.

“When churches become cogs in any candidate’s political machine, they ought to lose their tax exemption,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “I urge the IRS to investigate this matter and apply the law.”

In a complaint filed with the IRS today, Lynn said the facts are clear.

“Blair is a top official and paid staff member of Fairview Baptist Church,” wrote Lynn in the letter. “He was speaking to the congregation in his official capacity and during a church meeting. As such, his candidate endorsement from the pulpit constitutes an official endorsement by the nonprofit religious organization itself.”
Lynn noted that this is the second time Blair has flouted federal law. In 2008, Blair endorsed U.S. Sen. John McCain for president from the pulpit.

Blair issued the endorsements as part of “Pulpit Freedom Sunday,” an annual event sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF). The ADF, a Religious Right legal group founded by TV preachers, prods pastors to openly defy the law by endorsing or opposing candidates from the pulpit.

To counter the ADF’s church electioneering scheme, Americans United maintains a Web site called Project Fair Play (www.projectfairplay.org) that educates religious leaders and the American public about what houses of worship may and may not do in the political arena. As part of the project, Americans United reports pastors who violate the law to the IRS.

Americans United is a religious liberty watchdog group based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, the organization educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom.

Drinking Liberally meets Thursday

We're at JD's steakhouse in Pawleys Island, as usual. Look for us in the bar around 6pm.

Don't forget that we're still collecting food items for the Baskervill Food Pantry, so pick up a little something extra at the grocery store.

By the way, I received a campaign mailer the other day from the County GOP that made me so mad I was...well...beyond words I could print here. It was from the 08 when gay marriage was an issue and pictures Vida Miller standing next to "lesbian activist" Linda Ketner. Not Congressional Candidate Ketner, but scary "lesbian activist" Ketner. Guess they didn't get the memo about Ken Mehlman.

If you got this same mailer, I urge you to send it back to the return address with whatever message you see fit. The politics of fear is alive and well, unfortunately.

Let's toast to more positive days ahead.

Serenity now......oooohhhhhmmmmm.......

Rita

Heather Beaven: Anytime. Anywhere. Any way.

“Where in the district is John Mica?” is the question that lingers as I speak to voters.


While most District 7 voters know his name, after 18 years in Washington, it’s likely you also know his voting record. And that may be why he’s been avoiding the district and avoiding debating me.

Is John Mica working to create jobs for out of work Americans? NO.


Is John Mica in our school districts, making sure that students have the resources they need to learn and go on to college? NO.


Is John Mica in the Gulf and on our beaches, making sure that BP and the Oil Industry are working to clean up the environmental mess and help put folks back to work? NO.


Is John Mica in the Capitol, fighting to ensure that veterans receive the benefits, financial support and recognition they deserve? NO.

Help elect someone who will!

Voters have countless questions for their Congressman; they deserve face time with their elected officials as well as open debates before they cast their votes. Yet voters here can’t seem to find their Congressman these days. “Where in the district is John Mica?”


I have been asking these questions too, and a whole lot more. I believe that the people of the 7th District deserve some straight answers before Election Day. So, once again I say to John Mica:

Anytime. Anywhere. Any way.

Let's talk about the issues and not hide from them. The 7th District shouldn't have to go searching high and low to get answers or face time from their Congressman. Let’s debate in the district. You pick the time and place and I’ll be there. Period.


In fact, I’ve already been attending forums all around the district and will continue to do so whether John Mica agrees to show up or not. Recently, we’ve debated an empty chair at:

• Orlando Realtor Association and Central Florida Veterans Forum (Orlando, July 26)
  
• Children’s Home Society of Florida Forum (Winter Park, September 13)
  
• Moultrie Oaks Retirement Park Forum (St. Johns County, September 18)
  
• Daytona State College Candidate Day (Daytona Beach, September 22)

By continuing to hide from his voters, John Mica is showing blatant disregard for his constituents. But then again, based upon his comments about District 7, perhaps that’s to be expected:

WATCH: John Mica describes representing the 7th District as, "the shaft"
Between 11 and 13 minutes

We can elect more self-servants like John Mica and continue to get stuck with “more of the same,” or we can use our votes this year to demand better.

Help elect a candidate who wants to represent YOU!

The least we can do is have an open, televised debate about the issues that affect District 7 and its voters.



Sincerely,



Heather Beaven

PS: If you have not been able to catch me at an event in your area, please see my latest speech here.

You're Invited to Meet Vincent Sheheen

GRAND STRAND FRIENDS OF VINCENT SHEHEEN
CORDIALLY REQUEST THE HONOR OF YOUR PRESENCE
AT A FUNDRAISING RECEPTION FOR



TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH
6:00 PM until 7:30 PM

THE DUNES GOLF & BEACH CLUB
9000 NORTH OCEAN BOULEVARD
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA 29572


$1,000 • $500 • $250 • $100

  

Contributions of any size are much appreciated and are acceptable up to
$3500 per individual or business and $7000 per couple per election cycle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
803.272.0365 OR LAURIE@VINCENTSHEHEEN.COM

We Need Commonsense Earmark Reform

CREW, together with a coalition of groups working to make your government better, today announced five commonsense principles that address Congress's ongoing abuse of earmarks. 


It's been a tough process but we've gained real support from a bipartisan group of D.C. lobbyists and lawmakers. 

We're working together to make sure these principles aren't wishful thinking, but sound ideas that can be swiftly put in place to curb the abuse of earmarks by both parties. 


We all know earmarks are a real problem, but real solutions have been in short supply. Instead, politicians are grandstanding.

Adopting these commonsense reforms would decrease corruption while increasing Americans' confidence in Congress.
 

5 Principles for Commonsense Earmark Reform 1 Cut the cord between campaign contributions and earmarks by setting a $5,000 limit on earmarks for campaign contributors. 2 Bar legislative staff from fundraising, eliminating the link between campaign dollars and earmarks. 3 Increase transparency by creating a database tracking all earmarks, so the public has one centralized, easily accessible way to examine them. 4 Require the Government Accountability Office to randomly audit  earmark-funded projects, to ensure appropriate use of taxpayer money. 5 Insist that members of Congress certify that earmark recipients are qualified to handle the project.

"As a former member of the House Appropriations Committee, I saw both the best and worst of earmarking," said former Congressman Jim Walsh (R-NY). "I support this effort to make the process more transparent and Members more accountable." 


These reforms are one more way CREW is actively working to hold both parties accountable as we strive to build a better Washington, but we can't do it alone. Please consider a donation so that we can continue this very important work.


Thank you once again,


Melanie Sloan,
Executive Director

CREW

No-Show Nikki Blows Off Votes

COLUMBIA – South Carolina Democrats responded today to the SCGOP's latest dishonest attack against gubernatorial candidate Vincent Sheheen. The SCGOP accused Sheheen of purposely missing votes on the state budget, immigration, and the labor measure widely known as "card check".

The SCGOP might want to check their own candidate's record before they criticize one of the most productive legislators in office.  Records show that Republican gubernatorial hopeful Nikki Haley missed an overwhelming number of committee meetings and votes during her legislative career.  In fact, Haley missed every single meeting of the committee and subcommittees she was assigned to this year.  

As of May 31, she had also missed 53 percent of all roll call votes in the House. On March 15th, Haley skipped out on a series of budget amendments to attend political events in the Upstate.  Haley also missed key budget votes, including five roll call votes on amendments that cut funding for the State Museum, Arts Commission, Minority Affairs Commission, Human Affairs Commission and Sea Grant Consortium. 

South Carolina Democratic Party officials said the SCGOP's accusations against Sheheen show that they are desperate to distract voters from the real issues in this race and their flawed candidate.

"It's obvious that the Republican Party is grasping at straws in an attempt to distract voters from the fact that their candidate is a proven failure in the legislature. South Carolina voters are looking for leaders who can move our state forward and Nikki Haley isn't up to the task," said SCDP Chair Carol Fowler.

URGENT: Congress could miss the chance to help hungry kids

Right now, for the first time in 30 years, we have a chance to improve school lunches across this country. But Congress may let this chance slip by. Tell your legislator to stand up for hungry kids! Take Action

We’ve been talking about about the sad state of school lunches for years.  But now we finally have a chance to start making school lunches more nutritious and more accessible. The U.S. Senate recently passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which is an update of the Child Nutrition Act. Now, to get this bill to the finish line, the U.S. House is our next step--and we have to act today.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307) needs to pass before Congress finally adjourns.  Hungry kids can't wait.

*Tell to your Representative pass a good child nutrition bill that improves access to healthy food and doesn't significantly cut future food-stamp benefits for families:

http://action.momsrising.org/go/398?akid=2326.78548.ZtQT5Z&t=4

**Don’t delay, click that big red button right now—we all need speak out for food for our children.

What’s going on right now?

The U.S. House is now debating whether to update and re-authorize the Child Nutrition Act with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. It's a comprehensive update that would fund and update programs like the National School Lunch Program, Women Infants and Children (WIC), which provides access to nutritious foods to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) which helps ensure kids in child care get access to nutritious meals and snacks. This is critically important in today's economy as more and more families rely on school lunches, WIC, and CACFP as their only source of meals.[1]

Nearly 1 in 4 of U.S. children stand on the brink of hunger in the U.S. right now AND 1 in 3 children are obese or overweight.  Children can't afford for Congress to wait to update the Child Nutrition Act. [2],[3]

The proposed update to the Child Nutrition Act would make historic improvements in school and child nutrition that will help address both childhood hunger and obesity in our nation.[4]

Here’s that link again so you can urge your Representative pass a good child nutrition bill, The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307), that improves access to healthy food and doesn't significantly cut future food-stamp benefits for families:

http://action.momsrising.org/go/398?akid=2326.78548.ZtQT5Z&t=6

And please pass this link along to all of your friends and family by forwarding this email now. We all need to speak up if we’re going to change school lunches today!

Together we are a powerful voice for children and families.

- Sarah


[1] 2010, "Federal Child nutrition Programs are important to rural Households" Carsey Institute, University of New Hampshire (pdf)

[2]Goldstein, Amy,  2009, November, 17 “America's economic pain brings hunger pangs” Washington Post.

[3] Doane, Seth, 2010, January, 7 “Battling Obesity in America” CBS Evening News  With one third of children in the U.S. considered overweight or obese,  childhood obesity has tripled in the last thirty years.

[4] Black, Jane 2010, August, 5 "Senate passes child nutrition bill" Washington Post

Campaign Rally for Kim McMillan

Join us for a FREE Campaign Rally supporting

K�im McM�illan

F o r  M A Y O R  �   C l a r k s v i l l e

Tuesday  October  5th, 5 - 7 p.m.

997 South Riverside Drive

(former Thunder Road Automotive)

Come support Kim and enjoy BBQ with all the fixings!  (FREE --no charge to attend)

**Early Voting begins on October 13th**

For more information, call 931-553-8762