Help WesPAC Help Democrats Win!

Roll Call: General Clark Ready to Do Battle for Shulman (NJ)

May 13, 2008 | Roll Call

Already a darling of the Democratic establishment on Capitol Hill, psychologist Dennis Shulman picked up the endorsement of former presidential candidate and retired Gen. Wesley Clark in his bid to claim the Democratic nomination and challenge Rep. Scott Garrett (R) in November.

In a statement released over the weekend, Clark said Shulman’s unique background makes him an inspirational candidate, especially during an election year in which change has become the key theme.

"Growing up blind and overcoming family financial struggles to become an accomplished psychologist, educator, and rabbi, Dennis embodies what we all hope to be as Americans and his voice will be a powerful force for change in Congress,” Clark said.

We need veterans like Ashwin Madia, Tim Walz, and Leonard Boswell in Congress to lead us out of Iraq and to support our troops. Click here to donate to their campaigns today!

It's no surprise that a war veteran, Senator Jim Webb, has led the fight in expanding the GI Bill to give our troops the education benefits they were promised. Those who have worn the uniform know first-hand how much our troops have sacrificed and what it takes to support members of the armed forces.

That's why it was critical our community helped elect Jim Webb in 2006, and it's also the reason I'm backing three veterans who are running for Congress this fall. Though 30,000 Americans have signed a petition in support of Senator Webb's GI Bill, our opponents are already weakening the bill because it is too "generous" for our troops. We need more veterans in Congress who will help bring our soldiers home from Iraq and stand up for those who have defended our nation.

Join me and support veteran candidates Ashwin Madia, Tim Walz, and Leonard Boswell by donating to their campaigns today!

http://www.actblue.com/page/3vets

Ashwin Madia

Ashwin Madia is running in Minnesota's 3rd Congressional district, and his candidacy presents a prime opportunity for Democrats to pick up this open seat. As an Iraq War veteran, Ashwin Madia knows as well as anyone the importance of getting our troops out of Iraq and safely home. He spent seven months in Iraq, working with U.S. officials, European Union and United Nations representatives, and Iraqi judicial officers to strengthen the Iraqi criminal justice system.

Ashwin's extensive experience in Iraq would bring a needed perspective on our nation's interests in the Middle East. We need his voice in Congress, and with your early support he'll win this fall.

Help send Ashwin to Congress -- click on the link below to donate to his campaign today!

http://www.actblue.com/page/3vets

Tim Walz

Two years ago, Representative Tim Walz defeated a six term incumbent Republican in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. As a 24-year member of the Army National Guard, Tim understands the need to increase education benefits for our soldiers and has co-sponsored the House version of Senator Webb's GI Bill.

But Karl Rove and the National Republican Congressional Committee have named Tim as a top target for 2008. Already, well-funded special interest groups have launched misleading TV ads against Congressman Walz because he continues to stand up to the Bush Administration and its failed policies.

Help Tim Walz fight against the GOP's attacks and win a second term. Donate to his campaign today!

http://www.actblue.com/page/3vets

Leonard Boswell

In 2006, WesPAC helped Leonard Boswell fight off a "swiftboat" attempt on him in Iowa, and our efforts helped re-elect Leonard. As a 20-year veteran of the Army, he too supports an expanded GI Bill for our veterans and has pushed for increases in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

We can't afford to lose a true American hero like Leonard in Congress, and we can't take it for granted that the right-wing won't smear him again this November.

Help re-elect Congressman Boswell by donating to his campaign now!

http://www.actblue.com/page/3vets

The insight of those who serve in the armed forces is too often lost in our nation's dialogue about foreign policy, health care, education, and veterans issues. With your support, we'll strengthen the voices of those who have risked their lives for our country by sending 3 veterans to Congress in 2008.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

Help Andrew Rice keep up his momentum -- click here to donate to his Senate campaign today!

Like me, Andrew Rice never thought he'd run for office. But Andrew's life took a dramatic turn when his older brother was killed in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The tragedy redirected Andrew on a course of public activism, first with the surviving families of 9/11 and later with a successful run for State Senate in Oklahoma.

Today, he's challenging Republican incumbent Senator James Inhofe in Oklahoma, who has blindly supported the Bush administration's failed war policies in Iraq. Andrew's campaign is gaining momentum every day, but he needs your help to defeat Inhofe this fall.

Help send a new leader to the Senate from Oklahoma -- click on the link below to donate to Andrew Rice's campaign today!

http://www.actblue.com/page/helpandrew

Andrew has spent his entire life helping others less fortunate than himself. He holds a Master's Degree in Theology, and has worked in Sri Lanka and Thailand to help fight disease and hunger. As a State Senator, Andrew added 38,000 Oklahoma children to a government-sponsored health insurance program and helped create a task force to tackle the problem of hunger in Oklahoma.

Andrew's record stands in strong contrast to that of Senator Inhofe, who has voted against veterans' health care funding, against funding for troops in the field including armored vehicles, and has blocked an increase in medical care funding for active duty military personnel.

We need more leaders like Andrew Rice in the Senate -- click on the link below to contribute to his campaign today!

http://www.actblue.com/page/helpandrew

Already, Inhofe's failure to represent the needs of Oklahoma is costing him votes. Recent polling by Pete Brodnitz of Benenson Strategy Group found that when Oklahoma voters hear positive statements about Rice's values, agenda and background, they favor him over the incumbent by a 43% to 41% margin. And while Oklahoma has long been dismissed as a "red" state, Andrew's commitment to a new direction for America is gaining traction across the state among voters who are weary of Inhofe's extremist politics.

Let's prove the media and our opponents wrong, and show that Oklahoma is ready to send a Democrat to the Senate. Contribute to Andrew's campaign today!

http://www.actblue.com/page/helpandrew

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

I'm grateful for all you've done to change the course of our country and send countless progressives to Congress these past four years. But the 2008 elections are coming up soon, and we need to take the White House and increase our majorities in Congress. Contribute to WesPAC in celebration of our Fourth Anniversary today!

Click to Contribute >>

The Clark Community and WesPAC didn't start with me. It was born out of a group of people who wanted to restore our nation's security and prosperity, address the threats facing America without sacrificing our civil liberties, and fight the unwise policies of the Bush Administration.

It's with the help of people like you that I founded WesPAC and that we have come to change the course of this country. As we celebrate WesPAC's fourth anniversary this month, I'd like to take a moment and look back on what we have accomplished together, and thank your for standing by me these past four years:

The Draft Clark movement started in 2003 with just a handful of activists -- only five years later, our organization includes over 300,000 activists working to increase our Democratic majorities in Congress and bring new leadership to Washington.

Your energy and commitment to our country has helped change the course of our nation both internationally and domestically. Americans across the country are frustrated with our strategic blunders in the Middle East, a weak economy and an administration that has failed to represent the interests of the people. That's why we started a campaign to stop war with Iran, sent over 25,000 emails to Congress urging our Representatives to get Ed Shultz's show on Armed Forces Radio, and have sent more than 260,000 emails to our nation's leaders demanding change in Washington.

Time and again, the WesPAC community has fought for a shared purpose to strengthen our national security, stand by our veterans, and make sure that the government is representing the interests of all Americans. But I alone could not have had the impact that we as a community have had on our nation -- instead it has taken the work of thousands of people like you to make our voice heard.

Of course, what I'm most proud of is our success in sending countless Democrats to Congress. Since 2004, I've asked you to help progressive candidates across the country, and together we have raised over 1.5 million dollars for over 100 candidates. Raising 1.5 million dollars takes more than just one person -- it takes the support of a community, and you are part of a community that has propelled countless Democratic candidates to victory at election time.

With your help, we've done great work so far for the 2008 elections, but we can't take it for granted that we'll come out on top in November. We're facing a Republican Party that is willing to do anything to cling to their seats in Congress, and our opponents are already throwing mud at progressive candidates. It's critical that we win the White House and increase our margins in Congress to move our sound economic and foreign policies forward.

Help us continue to support progressive candidates for the 2008 elections -- click here to donate today!

We've come a long way since WesPAC was founded four years ago. I'm grateful that you've joined me in our mission to bring new leadership to Washington and repair our nation's image in the world. And with your help, we'll succeed by leaps and bounds in 2008.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

Why is John McCain silent on passing a new GI Bill for our 'new greatest generation?" Tell John McCain to do the right thing and co-sponsor the new GI Bill.

Click to sign the petition>>

McCain must lead the charge

A new GI Bill needs his support, yet the war-hero candidate appears reluctant.

By Wesley K. Clark and Jon Soltz | Los Angeles Times | April 10, 2008

Sen. John McCain served his nation with honor in Vietnam, and he is right to be proud of his service. But by hedging on whether he will support a "GI Bill for the 21st Century," he is casting doubt on his own commitment to the newest generation of American heroes.

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, sponsored by Sens. Jim Webb (D-Va.) and Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), will restore the promise of a cost-free education to those who serve in the military. The original GI Bill transformed American history, providing education for returning soldiers. The GI Bill not only recognized our nation's moral duty for the enormous sacrifices of our World War II veterans, but it helped create America's middle class and spurred decades of economic growth for our country. Economists estimate that the original bill returned anywhere between $5 and $13 for every dollar we spent on it. But the original GI Bill has become woefully outdated, to the point where the average benefit doesn't even cover half the cost of an in-state student's education at a public college.

The original GI Bill transformed American history, providing education for returning soldiers. Not only was this our nation’s moral duty for the unbelievable sacrifices of our World War II veterans, it helped create America's middle class and spurred decades of economic growth for our country. Why then is John McCain silent on passing a new GI Bill for our 'new greatest generation?" Tell John McCain to do the right thing and co-sponsor the new GI Bill. Click to sign the petition>>

Robert Lopez served 8 years in our military, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan as a tank commander. He was told he'd get his whole education bill paid for when he got out of the service. Mr. Lopez has fought and sacrificed for our country but like so many others, Mr. Lopez has faced the bleak reality of a government that has turned its back on its veterans.

That is why Senators Jim Webb and Chuck Hagel proposed the new GI Bill, which would bring back WWII-style standards of providing vets with full tuition, room and board. And that is why 51 senators have signed on, including 9 Republicans like John Warner, giving this GI Bill tremendous bi-partisan support.

But it isn't enough. Faced with unprecedented filibusters, the only way to ensure Senate passage of the GI Bill is to get 60 co-sponsors. So far, John McCain has refused. The same McCain who insists he supports our troops. The same McCain who is voting lockstep with the Bush administration (who have also resisted this bill). We need to get John McCain to do the right thing -- to sign now and signal to other Republican leaders that we should be strongly behind our vets.

Sign the petition to John McCain!

Click to watch the video!

The original GI Bill transformed American history, providing education for returning soldiers. Not only was this our nation's moral duty for the unbelievable sacrifices of our World War II veterans, it helped create America's middle class and spurred decades of economic growth for our country.

Why then is John McCain silent on passing a new GI Bill for our "new greatest generation?"

Robert Lopez thinks John McCain ought to stand in his shoes to know how difficult it is to be a vet and have to pay staggering education costs. THIS is your call to arms. Pass the video along and implore your friends to sign the petition.

Click here to watch the video and sign the petition today!

WesPAC, VoteVets.org and Brave New Films feel passionately about giving our veterans the support they rightly deserve. Our government owes our troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan the opportunity to receive full educational benefits. These patriots have fought hard for our government; it's time our government started fighting hard for them.

Sincerely yours,

Wes Clark, Robert Greenwald, and Jon Soltz

Mary, Carol and Darcy are running in tight races, and they need our help -- click here to donate to their campaigns before the March 31st deadline!

"It's going to be a bloodbath."

That's what National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman John Ensign promised Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu in her re-election race this fall. And we can expect this to be the playbook across the country.

That's why I wanted to make sure you help me support Mary and two other candidates that I am sure will be under nonstop attacks from the national Republicans this fall: Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) and Darcy Burner (WA-8).

Join me and give Mary, Carol, and Darcy the resources to fight back. Please contribute to their campaigns before the March 31st end of quarter deadline!

http://www.actblue.com/page/FightWithWes

Mary Landrieu

Mary is leading the fight to rebuild hurricane-damaged parts of Louisiana after the Bush Administration's mismanagement led to unbelievable delays and mistakes. She's taking George Bush head on, overriding President Bush's veto of a bill providing $7 billion to restore wetlands and rebuild levees after Hurricane Katrina.

Mary Landrieu is also trying to fix our priorities on national security. She has been a strong and persistent voice calling on the Bush Administration to focus on capturing the person actually responsible for 9/11: Osama Bin Laden.

Now, national Republican operatives want to take Mary out, making her race their #1 priority. Mary's voice is one we can't afford to lose this year. Donate to her campaign before the March 31st deadline!

http://www.actblue.com/page/FightWithWes

Carol Shea-Porter

Carol Shea-Porter is running for re-election in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District. As many of you know, Carol is a member of our Clark community, volunteering for my presidential campaign 4 years ago. After the 2004 election, I urged people to get involved, run for office and bring new leadership to the party. Carol did just that, and with our help beat the odds to become New Hampshire's first female member of Congress.

Carol is one of us, running a truly grassroots-driven campaign. She understands the need to engage the Middle East with diplomacy, provide better health care for all Americans, and take care of our veterans. But she's one of the Republicans' top targets this year, and her campaign is facing a tough election in November.

Help Carol Shea-Porter win a second term. Support her campaign before Monday's fundraising deadline!

http://www.actblue.com/page/FightWithWes

Darcy Burner

I have written to you before about Darcy Burner, who is running for Congress in Washington's 8th District. She comes from a military family, and her family background will bring a needed perspective on the war in Iraq and veterans issues to Congress.

Two years ago, Darcy lost a tight race to Republican Dave Reichert, but Darcy doesn't give up so easily. We helped her get close last cycle. It's time for us to put her over the top. George Bush and Karl Rove have already come to Washington to help her opponent. We have to respond.

The race is sure to be tight again. Please contribute to Darcy's campaign and put her over the top in 2008!

http://www.actblue.com/page/FightWithWes

Americans are looking to Democrats to fix the mess created by the Bush Administration. They are looking for change, and they are looking to us to deliver it. Republicans know that their only chance is to drag us down into the gutter with relentless attacks and distortions.

We can't let them do it.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

In these final days before the Texas primary, I'm hitting the campaign trail for Hillary Clinton.

I hope you can join me at one of the following events.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2008

Meet and Greet with Hillary Clinton and Veterans
Waco Convention Center
100 Washington Ave
Waco, TX
1:30 pm

Veterans/Early Vote Rally with Hillary Clinton
Waco Convention Center
100 Washington Ave
Waco, TX
2:30 pm

Hillary Clinton El Paso Field Office
800 North Mesa
El Paso, TX
8:00 pm

Please add your voice to mine. Contribute to Hillary's campaign today!

Last Tuesday, more than 15 million Americans voted in Democratic primaries and caucuses across 22 states. In fact, Democrats outnumbered Republicans on Super Tuesday by a nearly 2-to-1 margin. It was an astounding display of democracy and a testament to the passion of Democrats and like-minded independents in this year's presidential primary.

As you know, I'm supporting Hillary Clinton for President. I could list countless reasons why, but I think one story about Hillary sums it all up.

After the war in Kosovo was over, she and the President flew in to meet the troops. I watched her engage with the privates, sergeants and the colonels. She knew the issues, she knew the personal aspects and she had their respect. In my talk with her, I could see she had followed the issues closely and was well in-tune with the military and diplomatic requirements. She could have been the Commander-in-Chief.

This race couldn't be closer -- and the stakes for our country couldn't be higher. Hillary is going to need millions of dollars to compete in the upcoming states, so I'm asking you to join me. Already, 75,000 people have contributed to Hillary since Super Tuesday. The time to act is now. Please contribute to Hillary today!

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/wesclark

Just think about what George W. Bush is leaving behind for the next President. Imagine walking into the Oval Office with a weakening economy, a broken health care system, fractured relationships with nations across the world, and of course, the mess in Iraq.

There is one candidate I know who can deal with these challenges right from Day One: Hillary Clinton.

The qualities I saw in Hillary that day in Kosovo are what we need today: Wisdom, compassion, intelligence, and moral courage.

I believe in Hillary deeply. I need you to stand with me -- right now. Make a contribution to Hillary's campaign today.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/wesclark

I spent 34 years in uniform because I love our country. After I retired, I saw this president take us needlessly into Iraq only to watch as our men and women in uniform made sacrifices while the war architects in the White House made none. I couldn't stand on the sidelines and do nothing.

In 2003, with your support, I ran for president. And though we were not successful, I know that our voices together made a difference.

Today, it's time to act again. But alone, I am just a single voice. So I am asking you to add your voice to mine. To help me send a message that our time is now. That we must act now to fix all that this administration has broken. That Hillary is the leader we need.

Please add your voice to mine. Contribute to Hillary's campaign and help her reach voters across America.

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/wesclark

Thank you for your support over all these years. It heartens me to know that we are still connected -- fighting for what is right for our families, our country, and our future. And that we are still united by something I said several years ago: We can do better. We will do better. And we will do it together.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

I'm ready to hit the campaign trail for Democratic candidates in 2008 -- click here to contribute towards our fundraising drive today!

2008 is critical.

We're finalizing our 2008 budget, and I need your help. My goal this year is to not only elect a Democratic president, but to also build working majorities in the U.S. House and Senate.

From bringing an end to the occupation in Iraq to providing health care to children, Republicans have obstructed important legislation at unprecedented rates. This must stop. We need to elect more Democrats to break this logjam.

Today, we're launching our 2008 Kickoff Fund. Our goal is to raise $20,080 by Friday. Please contribute to our 2008 fundraising drive today!

http://securingamerica.com/contribute

WesPAC has already endorsed numerous candidates for the 2008 cycle, and we're ready to make history again.

Can Rick Noriega be the next Jim Webb? Will Jon Powers be the next Joe Sestak?

We can answer these questions with a resounding "Yes" but only if we get out on the campaign trail to support them. We can't wait until election day. We must act now.

I'm ready to hit the campaign trail for Rick, Jon, and dozens of other candidates. I need your help to do it. Please contribute to our 2008 Kickoff Fund today.

http://securingamerica.com/contribute

I thank you for your previous financial support. You've made a difference. But there is still so much more we can do. To end the occupation in Iraq, to ensure every American has access to quality health care, to fight climate change, we must elect more Democrats.

That's why I am asking you to donate to WesPAC's 2008 Kickoff Fund. Make sure we reach our $20,080 goal by midnight Friday!

http://securingamerica.com/contribute

Thank you for your support.

Regards,

Wes Clark