Space called out by progressive blogs on FISA; Mitakides on right side of issue

Zach Space was called out big time today on the big progressive blogs. Specifically, FDL named Space as one of the six worst Democrats on FISA for his pledge to stand with Republicans on the measure. I haven't followed Space's work closely, and I know he has some big fans in Ohio, but I know he's on the wrong side of this issue. Maybe his Democratic constituents can write him and set him straight.

FDL says this is part I only of the effort, with part II targeting Republicans. One of the first they target should be Bush lackey Mike Turner. Mitakides stated her position on telecom immunity during the primary, telling me in my interview with her that she opposed blanket immunity.

I support the FISA bill as passed by the House. I am against blanket, retroactive immunity. I understand the intent of the Feinstein Amendment (which seeks to determine whether some telecoms acted in “good faith” believing their actions were legal. However, giving the power of that determination to the FISA court keeps a cloud of secrecy over the issue. Unless the Senate can provide a better alternative, the House version should stand.

Prophetic quote, because in fact the House is working on a compromise modeled along the Feinstein amendment Jane talked about, allowing telecoms to argue their case in a FISA court. As Jane says, it's too secretive, but that seems to be where the House negotiators are now, as it's reported by the Times:

Instead of blanket immunity, the tentative proposal would give the federal courts special authorization to hear classified evidence and decide whether the phone companies should be held liable. House Democrats have been working out the details of their proposal in the last few days, officials said, and expect to take it to the House floor for a vote on Thursday.

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Ohio 3rd: Two New Mitakides Interviews

Thrilled to see and interview with Jane Mitakides on the great Ohio Daily Blog. I'm jealous but then again unlike me Jeff actually knows how to conduct an interview, so of course the results are better than mine.

An excerpt:

YDS: Since you aspire to be a legislator, I have to ask this. Who would you regard as your role model, the person you would look to as an example for how to conduct yourself in that role?

JM: That's an interesting question. There are a couple of people who come to mind. Certainly, the late [U.S. Sen.] Paul Wellstone, in his conduct and dedication, I think he was just a living example of a person who understands the difference between politics and public service. His politics were far more liberal than mine, but as a role model, as a person who fought to do the right thing and represent the people of his district, certainly Paul Wellstone.

And Daniel Patrick Moynihan is another thoughtful, intelligent person who served our country so well.

Go read the whole thing.

Another interview with the Greek News posted on the Mitakides for Congress site. Reposted below.

But first: A little business to conduct. I've created an Act Blue page to support Jane. If you can afford $5 or $500 please drop by and make a contribution.


By Vicki J. Yiannias

Voters in the 3rd Congressional District of Ohio gave Democrat Jane Mitakides a resounding victory on March 5. Jane won more than 54% of the votes cast in OH-3 Democratic primary, more than the other candidates combined.

Jane Mitakides, a successful businesswoman and community activist who was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, has been married for 25 years to John Mitakides, a dentist who has practiced in the Dayton area for over 30 years.

“This isn’t just about picking the Democrat,” she said to the media after her victory, “It’s about picking the winner in November. The people of this district want a representative who will listen to their ideas and find solutions to the challenges they face everyday. That’s what I plan to do in this campaign and in Congress.”

“With the primary behind us, it’s time to come together and focus on the serious issues facing our families,” said Mitakides, adding, “It’s time to end the era of no-bid contracts and ‘pay-to-play’ politics and put our community first.”

Mrs. Mitakides took some questions from The Greek News on the major points in her campaign message of “renewed opportunity and real solutions to challenges including the economy, fair trade, education, and healthcare.” The questions address these issues as well as border control and the Iraq war. The interview began with her opinion on trade policies and the problem of NAFTA in Ohio.

TGN: Do you think NAFTA should be renegotiated?

JM: Unlike some border states, Ohio has seen no substantial benefit from NAFTA, just jobs lost. We need fair trade, not just free trade policies. In Congress, I will only vote to ratify trade deals that include enforceable environmental and labor standards. While I understand the importance of free trade and reject isolationism, I also know first-hand the challenges faced by American workers and their families, many of which live right here in my district, who have lost their job to unfair trade deals like NAFTA and CAFTA.

TGN: What are your specific ideas to change the health insurance program?

JM: There are 43 million Americans who do not have health insurance. That is simply unacceptable. Health care costs more in America as well – nearly double the cost of other countries, per capita. Working families are struggling to afford the most basic health insurance while those without any insurance are often crippled by the debt caused by necessary but expensive medical procedures. In Congress, I will support a health care plan that provides for universal coverage and lowers healthcare costs for small businesses and individuals.

TGN: What are your specific plans for veterans’ affairs?

JM: When America’s brave young men and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, we must ensure that America is fulfilling our promise to them when they return home. In Congress, I will work to update the GI Bill of Rights so that it meets the needs of the 21st century to offer expanded education, training, housing benefits. We must also ensure that all of the components of the armed services are guaranteed equal access. This includes the National Guard and Reserve forces who have served this country in combat operations.

I will also work tirelessly to ensure that the 1.8 million veterans who are uninsured in this county have access to quality and affordable healthcare. We must also cut the red tape and streamline the system so that our veterans are no longer forgotten in the backlog of claims that exist today. We must not overlook the emotional needs of those returning from war, as well.

Of every issue I face, there is none that I feel more passionate about than keeping our promises to our veterans. My family has a long history of military service and I will work tirelessly to help our veterans receive the benefits they have earned in the service of our country.

TGN: What is your opinion of the present status of US involvement in the Iraq war; do you support a pullout of troops? If so, at what rate and timetable?

JM: Our brave men and women in uniform rid Iraq of a terrible dictator, and now it is the Iraqi people and leaders who must stand up and seize the opportunity they have been given to create a free and functioning Iraq. We must bring these brave young men and women home in a way that is both responsible and safe. We must refocus our efforts from a military offensive to a diplomatic one, working to bring stability to the region while bringing our American heroes home. It is past time for the Iraqis to take responsibility for their country and begin seeking long-term solutions to the divisions within their county.

TGN: Since Ohio is a border state, what are your opinions on border security? Is Ohio protecting its border?

JM: The Ohio-Canadian border stretches 158 miles through the middle of Lake Erie.

I support the Northern Border Initiative, which is a collaborative law enforcement effort lead by the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Division of Ohio Homeland Security. Created by Governor Strickland, the initiative provides the resources necessary to protect Lake Erie and the citizens of Ohio. While there are relatively few travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada, there is a need to ensure that those who cross any of our borders are doing so legally, to curtail drug trafficking and any possible terrorist activity. That is exactly what this imitative achieves and why I will continue to support it.

The Mitakides for Congress Campaign has unveiled a television and radio spot, both of which can be found on the Campaign’s website, www.Jane08.com. The campaign plans to open campaign offices and continue building on an already-strong grassroots organization.

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Mitakides for Congress: This is a Dem-leaning district

With the primary settled, it's time to get down to the business of defeating the Bush enabling, ethically challenged Mike Turner. I posted a piece a few weeks ago arguing that the Ohio 3rd was, far from a safe GOP seat, in play. We started in 2006 to turn Ohio blue, but my little corner of it is painfully red. Now, with a well funded campaign and a great candidate in Jane Mitakides, it's time to turn the rest of Ohio blue.

Following up on my earlier post, some of the numbers from the Democratic primary are encouraging. Here's a look at some of the voting from the counties that make up the Ohio 3rd.

In Warren County, in spite of 41,377 to 12,440 advantage in registrations, 28,683 R ballots were cast as opposed to 27,855 D. It's also important to note that 77,000 Warren County voters are registered as non-partisan.

In Clinton County, the results were more lopsided, but the Republican advantage of 6,807 registered voters to 2,062 Democrats is dwarfed by the total number of independent voters at over 17,000. When we look at ballots cast in the primary, the number of voters identifying with each party is evened out at 5,066 to 6,005. Clearly a large number of independent voters lined up with the Democrats in the primary.

In Highland County, a similar pattern emerges. Although the total number of registered partisans isn't available in their summary report, 5223 Republican ballots were cast for president as opposed to 5611 Democratic votes for president.

Meanwhile, in Montgomery County, a whopping 96,000 ballots were cast for the Democrats, while only 41,000 were cast for Republicans.

Granted, this is a primary, and there are crossover voters, and there's no guarantee that the Democrats voting for president in this primary are going to vote Democratic in the fall congressional race. Over 20,000 Democratic ballots didn't register a vote for the congressional primary, and those voters have to be brought on board. But when you look at these numbers, it's hard to accept the conventional wisdom that this is a solidly Republican district. In the current environment, and with the history of 06 in mind, the Ohio 3rd is very winnable for the Democrats.

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Ohio 3rd: Mitakides' First Ad

Here's Jane Mitakides' first ad.

I think it's a terrific ad. It does a few important things at this stage in the primary:

1. It teaches people her name. I think her name recognition is pretty good anyway, because she ran in 04, but I hear people pronounce it wrong a lot. (watch the ad to learn the pronunciation)

2. She looks serious, and if I can use the word this way, "congressional" in the way that presidential candidates are said to look "presidential." She plays the part well.

3. Great voice. She sounds convincing and strong.

4. She even manages a shot at Turner when she says, "end the days of no-bid contracts." Unfortunately, I'm not sure enough people will quite get it. The eventual nominee needs to hang that story around Turner's neck over and over, and it's never too early to start. It's also never too early to start tying George Bush's name to Mike Turner. After a while, it should be automatic: When people hear Mike Turner, they should think "George Bush."

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Dayton Daily Publisher: Republican Shill

(UPDATE: Visit Daytonology for more on the DDC and their partisan leanings.)

Mike Turner's wife, Lori, CEO of Turner Effects, pulled the company out of the Dayton Development Coalition's marketing effort yesterday.

Tom Beyerlein of the DDN has done a terrific job of reporting on this story. So it's unfortunate that Lori Turner took a cheap shot at him in her resignation letter, and it's also unfortunate--disgusting, actually--that Doug Franklin, publisher of the DDN and Beyerlein's boss, decided to carry water for the Turners by defending them in print.

(However, Beyerlein missed a major aspect of this story: Turner was recently turned down for a seat on the House Appropriations Committee. More on that in a sec.)

Turner went after Beyerlein personally, accusing him of in accurate reporting. Today's front page story includes the following quote from Turner's letter to the DDC:

"During the past several weeks, the Dayton Daily News has knowingly and publicly misrepresented my involvement in the Dayton Development Coalition community branding process..."

That's a cheap shot, especially since, as Beyerlein notes in the article, she doesn't specify how she was misrepresented, and she didn't respond to his calls for comment. Without defending her accusation, Lori Turner's assertions are little more than playground name calling.

But what disturbed me most about the article wasn't Lori Turner's predictably weak facing saving parting shot, it was Publisher Doug Franklin's ridiculous quote defending the Coalition.

Franklin said: "I think everybody involved has been well-intentioned to advance the Dayton region. And while everything was done aboveboard, I think people have to understand there was a perception — and I emphasize perception — of conflict."

It's interesting that Franklin's quote is inserted in this manner. There's no context, no lead in, such as, "asked about the conflict, Franklin said," etc. Since Franklin is Beyerlein's boss, it leads me to wonder whether Franklin's comments were inserted at his instructions. There's no way to know, since Beyerlein isn't going to say, but the simple lead in of "Franklin said:" is curious, to say the least.

It's also curious because the publisher of the DDN is going out of his way to defend the Turner's actions in the quote. "I emphasize perception." Well, sorry to disagree with you Mr. Franklin, but it isn't simply a matter of perception. Maybe you should read your own paper, and start with Mary McCarty's excellent column on the subject:

But these circumstances are far from ordinary. In 2006, the Dayton Development Coalition chose — without competitive bidding — the Turner Effect as the lead branding contractor. The company has been paid more than $300,000 so far. Former Development Coalition staffer Evan Scott, who coordinated the project, explained that the Turner Effect was "the only local firm with the capacity to do the job."

Really? Dayton is so small-town there's only one competent marketing firm? Kind of goes against the branding concept, doesn't it?

"That argument is ludicrous," said M.J. Leman, president of the Beavercreek-based Implications marketing, communications and Web development firm. "And it's flat-out inexcusable that it was not put up for bid, when there are several good firms with more expertise in brand design or brand strategy. They had to know it was going to create the appearance of being a slush fund for Mike Turner."

Hiring the congressman's wife, Leman said, provides exactly the wrong kind of branding for the Miami Valley: "It tells people you have to have connections to make it in this town."

Turner Effect's choice for the campaign is a problem because the DDC lobbies Turner on behalf of the community. And with community development the wealthy benefactors of the DDC benefit. That isn't the perception of a conflict of interest, it's a real conflict of interest. I don't know Doug Franklin's politics but he seems awfully interested in defending the Turners' integrity. It might have been better if he had let Pete Luongo speak on behalf of the Coalition, even if his company is one of Mike Turner's largest contributors.

If Turner had been selected for a spot on the House Appropriations Committee, which he had sought, the conflict of interest might have drawn more attention, and perhaps that explains the timing of Lori Turner's decision more than the DDN's reporting. The Hill lists Turner as one of the Republicans who had been turned down for the seat. Too bad Turner wasn't asked about this--even though his response would be predictable enough. Or, maybe the timing was based on the fact that the DDN and local bloggers like David Esrati, who has questioned Turner Effect's work in other areas, were getting a little too close to a bigger story.

In a separate piece on the Dems' response, Jane Mitakides said, "They knew there would be political blowback, I think what they misunderstood was the amount of the blowback." The always blunt David Esrati was quoted also: Turner's resignation also "doesn't change the fact that Get Midwest/Be Midwest stinks" as a slogan.

That about sums it up. This whole story stinks.

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Turner Can't Be Beaten? Wrong: Ohio 3rd In Play

It's time to turn out Turner

The Dayton Daily News endorsed Jane Mitakides yesterday in the Democratic primary.

But in doing so, they declared her post-primary campaign DOA.

Among their reasons (Democrats who chose not to run), to be sure, is the assumption that Rep. Turner has a virtual lock on his office. Some congressional seats in Ohio are considered by the professionals to be in play, including some that have been consistently Republican before. But not this one.

Not so fast.

The editorial board dismissively concedes that Mitakides has the "best chance" against Turner. But what about all of the evidence that the Democratic party is gaining strength in Ohio?

As Mitakides points out on her just-started website (and yes, the site needs work), Ted Strickland won solid majorities in all parts of the Ohio 3rd district except Warren County.

In fact, Democratic candidates posted solid gains throughout the state of Ohio in 2008. The political landscape continues to favor Democrats. Has the Dayton Daily noticed that Democratic turnout is overwhelming in all of the primary states so far--even Florida, where delegates aren't being counted? Is it hard to believe that Democratic gains will continue into the Ohio 3rd?

Let's look at what else Turner has working against him:

-The Ohio Republican Congressional delegation is weak and getting weaker.

-Turner has no signature legislation and has had little impact on the House: he's not a leader, and carries little if no clout in Washington.

-The GOP is unlikely to have an exciting nominee upticket to turn out the GOP base.

-Turner has been one of the most pro-war, pro-Bush legislators in Congress.

The Democrats' challenge in this campaign will be to make Turner defend his stance on the war and the Bush agenda. If voters can be reminded of who Turner really is, and what he really stands for, he is vulnerable. But for the Dayton Daily to suggest that he is unbeatable is ridiculous. Turner, I'm sure, is worried, as should any Republican be who is facing the voters in 08. He doesn't have a single success he can point to.

It's time to turn out Turner.

Additional note: Someone at the DDN is obviously reading IMO. The paper discussed Esrati's interview with Into My Own (without attribution of course), referring to his response to my question about who he supports in the presidential campaign:

Online, Mr. Esrati has said that when he takes those tests one sees occasionally about which presidential candidate one shares the most views with, he comes up with Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich. He thinks this is mainly because of his views on Iraq. He says the war there was "concocted to bolster the bottom line of the military industrial complex."

Thanks, guys... keep reading.

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Five Questions With Jane Mitakides, Candidate in Ohio's 3rd

Jane Mitakides ran a good but ultimately unsuccessful campaign in 04 against Mike Turner, and sat out in 06 while Richard Chema took a turn. Now she is back and seeks the Democratic nomination to run against Turner again.

As Mitakides explains below, things could be different this time around for the Democratic nominee. I want to thank Jane for taking the time to answer my questions. She responded favorably to a couple of my own personal "litmus test" questions, e. g., the FISA question below. Also, check out her extended answer to why this seat is favorable to a Democratic pickup.

Jane's site is up and running now, with more content every day.

The full interview appears below. In case you missed it, I also interviewed Jane's opponent David Esrati a few days ago. Charles Saunders is the third Democrat in the primary.

As for the last question: C'mon, Jane, you can tell the truth. Don't give the safe answer. You're an Edwards supporter, aren't you?! I can just tell.

1. Assuming you supported the other aspects of a FISA bill, would you vote for a bill that included telecom immunity?

I support the FISA bill as passed by the House. I am against blanket, retroactive immunity. I understand the intent of the Feinstein Amendment (which seeks to determine whether some telecoms acted in “good faith” believing their actions were legal. However, giving the power of that determination to the FISA court keeps a cloud of secrecy over the issue. Unless the Senate can provide a better alternative, the House version should stand.


2. You ran against Turner in 2004. What will you do differently this time if you win the primary? Are conditions more favorable now to make this a Democratic pickup?

As the unanimously endorsed (Montgomery County Democratic Party) candidate, I look forward to winning the primary. Following that, I intend to run a hard, competitive race district-wide.

Several factors make this race very different: Most important, it is proven that a Democrat can carry OH-3, because Ted Strickland carried it with 56% of the vote. Sherrod Brown did very well. The vote totals needed for me to win in each county ( Montgomery County is 75% of OH-3’s votes, Warren is 15%, Highland and Clinton are each 6%) were achieved by a Democrat just two years ago. When I ran in 2004, not one statewide office was held by the Democrats, now they ALL are, except one.

Moreover, if Democratic turnout is even slightly increased (Iowa was up 90%, New Hampshire 31%, South Carolina was DOUBLED, with no such matching enthusiasm on the R side), the race becomes highly winnable.

Also, women are turning out in record numbers, and the 18 to 30 demographic is breaking all records. With 12 colleges and universities in or near OH-3, that is an earthshaking development.

Challengers win when there is a shift in voting trends coupled with strong issues. My opponent is saddled with one of the most partisan voting records in the House, supporting the war over and over, voting for CAFTA, against rural Medicaid funding, and more. This is wholly out of step with this diverse, moderate region. Being a Bush rubber stamp was a plus in 2004, but it surely isn’t in 2008.

I think the voters understand that you can’t trust the Congress that created this mess to solve it.

Look at it like this: In January of 1932, if you had looked only at 10-year previous GOP performance as a formula, Roosevelt wouldn’t have had a chance in the November election. Voting patterns and important issues make the difference. I believe the Democrats are going to run the table.


3. What is your opinion of the economic stimulus package just passed by the House? Would you have voted for it? Why or why not?

I certainly support the stimulus bill, but I don’t believe it goes far enough. It misses seniors as well as relief for small and mid-size businesses, which need help if they are to grow and create jobs. We need a large, comprehensive plan, including funding for development of a “green collar” industry that would be perfectly suited for our area.

4. What are your goals as representative? What do you hope to accomplish for the Ohio 3rd?
My goals in the House include shifting our economic focus, and stimulating growth in America and OH-3 with a comprehensive plan as noted above. I will be a majority voice for Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

We must quickly address the home foreclosure issue, as part of an economic package. We need more than empty press releases about “Saving our Cities.” We need action.

We must educate our children, make college affordable, finally accomplish universal health care, keep our promises to our veterans and seniors, and confront the intertwined issues of oil dependency and global climate change. I also believe in fair trade, and in supporting industry in our country. It is a matter of national defense to keep strong manufacturing capability within our borders.

As a majority voice for OH-3, I will be able to speak up for investment in our region. An entire “green industry” will develop, and with our work force, resources, available land, technology and “tool town” history, we are the idea center for it.

All of this needs to be achieved with an equal focus on controlling spending. We need to invest in each other and our country, making choices wisely and with the best return, so that we have a genuine return to fiscal responsibility.

Most of all, I want to be a true representative, putting the needs of our community ahead of a partisan agenda.

5. Whom are you supporting the presidential race?

In the Presidential race, I’m supporting the Democrats!

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