Even Republicans Love The Pork

Just a quick picture, from a Pew Research poll conducted from July 29 to August 1, of where the Republican party, the Tea Party and Sarah Palin have failed even more than Barack Obama in their messaging:

Americans love pork. Even the GOP voters.

The sound you just heard in the back of your mind was an entire line of right wing gobbledygook talking points extremism thought being flushed down the toilet.

[update] Jed Lewison provides a little more insight in to how this really is more likely to play out in elections:

Sorry, tea party: Voters prefer government project

If you look at the net impact of each hypothetical on a liklihood of support (in other words, subtracting the less likely number from the more likely number), you get, in order:

1. Government projects: +39%

2. Barack Obama: -1%

3. Candidate is neither Dem nor GOP: -6%

4. Tea party: -9%

5. Sarah Palin: -20%

So it turns out that the tea party's austerity message is a lead balloon for the GOP. Instead, voters want somebody representing them who will deliver the goods for their district. Even among Republicans, voters are just as likely to support a candidate who delivers government projects and money to their district as one who has the backing of the tea party.

Moreover, it turns out the election really isn't about any one national figure, but if it were, it would be Sarah Palin that was a detriment -- not President Obama.

[update deux] And, yes, no doubt that Pork has more political pull across the spectrum than Sarah Palin does. But none of this should come as a surprise given that we already knew that Socialism is as popular as the Tea Party. < smirk >

A Politician That Might Just Do What He Promises?

A Middletown Township, Pennsylvania, politician telling you he has done nothing for the last 6 years:

"Nobody does nothing better than Steve Young"

H/T the Smirking Chimp and I have to wonder if this is even real?

[update] Holy crap! It might just be for real and he is a Democratic candidate, at that. Otherwise he has been running this gag since at least May:

Poll watchers are expecting the largest election turnout in ever in Bucks County. The poll watchers who expect that are mostly in the Republican Party and we know how many things they’ve gotten right lately.

Today, I will be facing my toughest campaign, if not my first. To be sure I am running unopposed, but unless you or anybody, including myself, come out and votes for me, I cannot move on to the November election when I expect to be running opposed. Some may scoff at the dire need for votes when running unopposed, but those are people who don’t understand the power of write in votes nor the infamous 2000 presidential race when Al Gore ran against pretty much nobody and lost. Let us not let the Middletown Township auditor primary race end up being decided by the Supreme Court. America, nor Middletown Township cannot bear another unnecessary war.And, while my race is obviously the most watched in Middletown Township, I also ask you to consider the other decisions you will be making today and ask you to make the right one.

This is just too funny!

Jon Stewart on Healthcare

The Daily Show's Jon Stewart takes a look at the healthcare successes of the Democrats:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Democratic Super Majority
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Ron Paul Interview

(h/t GottaLaff :)

Blue Dog Mike Ross Real Estate Scandal?

Via TomP at dKos, Rep. Mike Ross is getting his first taste of promised push-back for going against what the majority of Americans want:

ProPublica is reporting that Blue Dog Congressman Mike Ross (DINO-AR) "sold a piece of commercial property in 2007 for substantially more than a county assessment and an independent appraisal say it was worth."

Who did he sell it to? An Arkansas-based pharmacy chain with an interest in defeating universal health care.

Ross sold the real estate in Prescott, Ark., to USA Drug for $420,000 -- an eye-popping number for real estate in the tiny train and lumber town about 100 miles southwest of Little Rock.

"You can buy half the town for $420,000," said Adam Guthrie, chairman of the county Board of Equalization and the only licensed real estate appraiser in Prescott.

ProPublica: Mike Ross Raises Eyebrows With Healthy Haul

But it's not just $420,000. There is an extra almost 1 million dollars that went to the Rosses in the deal. The total value of the transaction is between $1 million and $1.67 million.

Any other Blue Dogs or Money Party candidates in Congress want to reconsider selling out Americans to the health insurance and pharmaceutical corporations? If we don't hear from you, you will very likely hear from us...

Update: Rachel Maddow gives the story a little love:



Crooks and Liars has a statement from Ross on this "Gotcha Politics" traditionally called bribes.

Stump and Stumper

After announcing her latest in a long line of quits and on the heels of another in a long line of ethics complaints aimed at her, Sarah Palin inexplicably offered up her witch hunting maverickiness in aid and comfort of "socialist/commie/pallin'around with terrarists" candidates in the conservative coalition of the Democratic party:

The former Republican vice-presidential nominee and heroine to much of the GOP's base said in an interview she views the electorate as embattled and fatigued by nonstop partisanship, and she is eager to campaign for Republicans, independents and even Democrats who share her values on limited government, strong defense and "energy independence."

If the "much of GOP's base" that thinks she makes a good candidate for president, all 33% of the ever declining GOP base, aren't as excited about this as the American people in general are then I don't know what will get them going?

But would there be any takers on Palin's career stumpabilities from the Democratic party's conservative bench?

Democrats reject palling around with Sarah Palin

Interviews with a number of the most conservative Democrats in the House and Senate induced an awkward, stare-at-your-shoes unease when the prospect of appearing with Palin was posed.

Some of the members lunged for elevators, others moved to get into meetings (or at least behind closed doors), and a few just chuckled nervously and replied in a clipped fashion that reflected an immense desire to not discuss the topic at any length.

Not asked for reaction to this recent development in her non-political future, Sarah Palin's answer was anything but stumped:

h/t Tengrain for the image.

Senator Arlen Specter Dumps the GOP

Holy Crap! Senator Arlen Specter dumps the GOP for the Democratic party:

Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter shocked the political world Tuesday by jumping from the GOP to the Democratic Party – likely handing President Obama an EZ-Pass to drive his agenda on Capitol Hill.

The sudden move, coming as the veteran lawmaker already faces a fierce 2010 primary challenge from the right in the Keystone State, all but gives Democrats and Obama a roadblock-free Senate, putting them on the cusp of a 60-vote majority.

"I now find my political philosophy more in line with Democrats than Republicans," Specter announced on his campaign Web site.

I really thought he would become an independent...

[update] Via William K. Wolfrum, The batshit loopy GOP base lays its cards on the table:

From Twitter, Erick Erickson of Red State - which is truly the base of the GOP these days - had this to say about Arlen Specter’s move to the Democratic Party:

Guess now that Larry Craig is gone & Specter realized there was no teabagging at the #teaparty, he had to go Dem for Frank to fondle him.

Today’s conservatives - if someone upsets you, call them gay.

Truly dealing from the bottom of the deck on a sinking ship of fools...

Party in Pittsburgh this August

Okay! They may get some work done at the Netroots Nation too..

Taking place Aug. 13-16 in Pittsburgh. You can start by submitting your ideas on what to work on. And if you want to register to attend go here. Here are the rising registration costs below:

Registration is quick and easy! To begin, simply enter your e-mail address and select a registration level.

STANDARD REGISTRATION ($275)
With your generosity and the support of our sponsors and donors, we are able to offer subsidized registrations on a first-come, first-served basis. Our $175 and $225 introductory prices are sold out. We currently have a limited number of registrations offered at $275; when those are gone, the price for standard registrations will increase to $325.

BENEFACTOR REGISTRATION ($800)
The Benefactor Registration represents the full unsubsidized cost to attend Netroots Nation. Registration fees cover only 40 percent of our conference costs. With your generosity and the support of our sponsors and donors, we can continue to offer reduced rates so activists of every age, background, and economic bracket are able to join us in Pittsburgh. If you're interested in fully supporting Netroots Nation and allowing us to offer lower rates to others, we encourage you to register at this level.

The Still Shifting Political Landscape

Gallup has the longer explanation of this map. Red no more has the shorter one:

you could call this "What will a 50-state strategy buy?"

Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska and Nebraska. That's it. And even Nebraska gave one of its electoral votes to Barack Obama.

According to the Gallup poll out today, only these 5 states have a statistically significant majority who self-identify as Republicans. Stunning, just stunning. As a former Republican myself, I could certainly see this coming as every rational, intelligent and moral person was pretty much driven screaming from the party.

Ten more states are toss-ups. So much for the permanent Republican majority, I guess!

All told, 29 states and the District of Columbia had Democratic party affiliation advantages of 10 points or greater last year. This includes all of the states in the Northeast, and all but Indiana in the Great Lakes region. There are even several Southern states in this grouping, including Arkansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky.

What does that leave our Republican friends?

In contrast, only five states had solid or leaning Republican orientations in 2008, with Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Alaska in the former group, and Nebraska in the latter.

The most balanced political states in 2008 were Texas (+2 Democratic), South Dakota (+1), Mississippi (+1), North Dakota (+1), South Carolina (even), Arizona (even), Alabama (+1 Republican), and Kansas (+2 Republican).

Welcome to liberal America...

And remember that the political landscape is still shifting further and further left.

Alan Grayson On Oxy-Rush

Via DownWithTyranny, and frickin' hilarious:

The members of Congress I was able to coax into commenting didn't just talk about Limbaugh locution. Alan Grayson, the outspoken member from Orlando, as usual, wasn't mincing words: "Rush Limbaugh is a has-been hypocrite loser, who craves attention. His right-wing lunacy sounds like Mikhail Gorbachev, extolling the virtues of communism. Limbaugh actually was more lucid when he was a drug addict. If America ever did 1% of what he wanted us to do, then we'd all need pain killers."

Yeah. Some Politicians know what they are doing.

The Tennessee GOP is stunned and freaking out!

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

No one saw this coming!

The Republicans -- who had just finally won control of the State House for the first time in 40+ years – were suppose to elect their Speaker of the House today. And failed!

Anaxamander has the details in his/her diary. The Tennessee State House has 50 Republicans and 49 Democrats. Well, Rep. Kent Williams (R-TN) got the support of all 49 Democrats plus his own vote to put himself in the Speaker’s chair.

The TNGOP is freaking stunned and freaking out!

Sorry... Couldn't help myself. :D

Medical Mafia Plans Continued Reign of Terror

So says the LA Times:

The answer, say leading groups of businesses, hospitals, doctors, labor unions and insurance companies -- as well as senior lawmakers on Capitol Hill and members of the new Obama administration -- is unprecedented government intervention to create a system of universal protection.

I find it hard to believe that all of these groups really have reached a consensus on how to proceed with the health insurance companies next round of "Hits" through their "Death By Spreadsheet" reign of terror on American citizens.

When health care insurance companies pay off the politicians to help continue the murderous reign of terror that is Death By Spreadsheet those two have officially joined in an unholy marriage to the medical mafia.

Let's take a look at single payer universal health care support... where the real consensus lies:

15,000 physicians urge enactment of single-payer system
A group of over 15,000 U.S. physicians has called on President-elect Barack Obama and the new Congress to “do the right thing” and enact a single-payer national health insurance plan, a system of public health care financing frequently characterized as “an improved Medicare for all.”

snip

“A solid majority of physicians endorse such an approach,” Young said. “An April 2008 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows 59 percent of U.S. physicians support national health insurance. Opinion polls show two-thirds of the public also supports such a remedy. Now, with strong political leadership, this reform is within reach.”

Organizations and Government
Bodies Endorsing HR 676

Medical Organizations

1. American Medical Student Association (AMSA) (link)

2. Falls City Medical Society, Kentucky

3. Kentucky Psychiatric Medical Association

4. Health Care for All Texas (link)

5. National Health Care for the Homeless Council (link)

6. Health Care for the Homeless, Inc. (link)

7. American Association of Community Psychiatrists

8. American Medical Women’s Association

9. National Medical Association

10. American Nurses Association

11. American Public Health Association

12. California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee

13. National Association of Social Workers

Faith Organizations

1. Assembly of the Urban Caucus of the Episcopal Church

2. General Board on Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church

3. Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

4. Church Women United

State Governments

1. Kentucky House of Representatives

2. New Hampshire House of Representatives

Local Governments

1. Erie, PA

2. Baltimore, MD

3. Morehead, KY

4. Warren County, TN

5. Wilmington, DE

6. University City, MO

7. Lorain, OH

8. Oberlin, OH

9. Lorain County, OH

10. Louisville, KY

11. Santa Cruz, CA

12. Tuskeegee, AL

13. West Hollywood, CA

14. Ithaca, NY

15. Wilkinsburg, PA

16. Cortland County Legislature, NY

17. Bloomington, IN

18. Ulster County, NY

19. Indianapolis City-Marion County Council

20. Allegheny County, PA

21. Austin City Council, TX

22. Chicago, IL

23. Alachua County, FL

Political Organizations

1. Woolwich, Maine Democratic Committee

2. Single-Payer Action Network (SPAN), Ohio

3. Chester County Pennsylvania Democratic Committee

4. Meyerland Area Democratic Club , Houston, TX

5. West University Area Democrats, Houston, TX

Civic/Community Organizations

1. League of Women Voters

2. Americans for Democratic Action

3. US Public Interest Research Group

4. OWL

5. Peace, Living Wage, Universal Health Care Coalition (Wilmington, DE)

6. Women’s Community Cancer Project (Cambridge, MA)

7. Patriots for Change (Chagrin Falls, OH)

8. Consumer Federation of America

9. Consumers Union

10. National Council of Senior Citizens

11. National Family Farm Coalition

12. The U.S. Conference of Mayors

13. American Library Association

14. Results

Labor Organizations

State AFL-CIOs:

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland-District of Columbia
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Resolutions endorsing HR 676, Universal Single Payer Health Care, have been passed by the following union organizations:

1. Duluth (Minnesota) AFL-CIO Central Labor Body

2. American Federation of Government Employees Local 2028, Pittsburgh, PA, representing 1,700 nurses, other professionals & service workers at two Veterans Administration Hospitals

3. Plumbers and Steamfitters HVAC, Local 188, United Association, Savannah, GA.

4. United Steelworkers of America, Local 1693, Louisville, KY, amalgamated local representing 1,700 workers

5. Local 2322, United Automobile Workers, representing 3,800 workers in Holyoke, Massachusetts

6. Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Local 37083, Seattle, WA

7. Local 576, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), Louisville, KY

8. United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 630, West Palm Beach, FL

9. Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), National Convention, Oct. 2003

10. Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), National Convention, May 2006

11. Jefferson County Teachers’ Association (National Education Association), representing teachers in the public school system, Louisville, KY

12. American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 2629, AFL-CIO, representing Louisville Metro Government Employees, Louisville, KY

13. Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Hammond, IN

14. Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical, Energy International Union (PACE) Local 5-2002, Louisville, KY

15. United Steelworkers of America, Local 6787, representing over 3,000 steelworkers in Burns Harbor, IN

16. Local 506, United Electrical Workers, Erie, PA, representing 4,000 workers at GE.

17. Plumbers, Steamfitters, and Refrigeration Fitters, Local 393, AFL-CIO, San Jose, CA.

18. California State Pipe Trades Council, United Association, AFL-CIO, Sacramento, CA

19. Local 576 Laborers’ International Union Retirees’ Council, LIUNA, AFL-CIO, Louisville, KY

20. Nurses Professional Organization, Louisville, KY

21. Independent State Store Union (ISSU) Harrisburg, PA

22. Local 2320, United Automobile Workers, Chicago, Illinois, representing nearly 4,000 workers across the country, primarily in legal services and human services.

23. Washington Chapter 10, The Retired Public Employees’ Council of Washington, AFSCME, Convention September 2004.

24. Steelworkers Active Organization of Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 31-9, Chicago, IL

25. Local 3310, Communications Workers of America (CWA), representing workers at Bell South in Louisville, KY

26. St. Joe Valley Project Jobs with Justice, South Bend, IN

27. United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers (UE), Pittsburgh, PA

28. American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), Chicago/Midwest Region

29. California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, Oakland, CA

30. National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), Branch 84, Pittsburgh, PA

31. Local Lodge 794, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Albuquerque, NM

32. South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, San Jose, CA, April 2005

33. Community Action Program (CAP), 3rd & 4th Areas, Kentucky, United Automobile Workers (UAW)

34. Community Action Program (CAP), Southern Indiana, United Automobile Workers (UAW)

35. Local 1375, United Steelworkers of America (USWA), Warren, OH, April 19, 2005

36. Western Connecticut Central Labor Council, Waterbury, CT

37. Local 619, Graphic Communications Conference/IBT, Louisville, KY

38. Local 409, Plumbers and Pipefitters, United Association, San Luis Obispo, CA

39. Local 6355, Communications Workers of America (CWA), Missouri State Workers Union

40. District Council 62, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) representing public employees in Indiana and Kentucky, October, 2005.

41. Kentucky State AFL-CIO, Convention, October 2005

42. Local 6000, United Auto Workers (UAW), State of Michigan Employees, Region 1A, Retiree Chapter

43. Local #36, Sheet Metal Workers, St. Louis, Missouri

44. New York Professional Nurses Union (NYPNU), New York, NY

45. Central New Mexico Labor Council, Albuquerque, NM

46. Building and Construction Trades Council of St. Louis, AFL-CIO, St. Louis, MO

47. Washington State Alliance for Retired Americans

48. Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO Central Labor Council

49. Southeast Missouri Building and Construction Trades Council, Cape Girardeau, MO

50. District Council 5, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFSCME, St. Paul, Minnesota

51. Local 2222, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Boston, MA. Representing 4000 Verizon workers in the Greater Boston area.

52. South Central Federation of Labor, Madison, Wisconsin

53. Local 675, United Steelworkers (USW), Carson, CA, representing workers in Southern California and Nevada

54. Greater St. Louis Labor Council, AFL-CIO, St. Louis, Missouri

55. Allegheny County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Pittsburgh, PA

56. Division 4, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), Rail Conference, IBT, Toledo, OH

57. Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), Chapter 20-20, Aliquippa, PA

58. Local 2320, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Manchester, NH

59. Local 2321, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), North Andover, MA

60. Local 2322, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Middleboro, MA

61. Local 2323, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Cranston, RI

62. Local 2324, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Springfield, MA

63. Local 2325, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Northborough, MA

64. Local 2326, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Essex Junction, VT

65. Local 2327, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Augusta, ME

66. Kentucky Jobs with Justice, Louisville, KY

67. Lorain County AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, Lorain, OH

68. Beaver-Lawrence Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Beaver, PA

69. Troy Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Troy, NY

70. Southwestern Illinois Building & Construction Trades Council Collinsville, IL

71. United University Professions, Local 2190 AFT, New York State United Teachers Albany, NY

72. Cleveland AFL-CIO Retiree Council, Cleveland, OH

73. Toledo Area Jobs with Justice, Toledo, OH

74. Washington State Machinist Council, International Association of Machinists District #160 (IAM), Seattle, WA

75. Greater Louisville Building & Construction Trades Council, Louisville, KY

76. Pittsburgh Airman Lodge 1044, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM), Pittsburgh, PA

77. Santa Clara & San Benito Counties Building & Construction Trades Council, San Jose, CA

78. Local 21 NABET/CWA, National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians (NABET)/Communications Workers of America (CWA), Albany, NY

79. Massachusetts State CAP Council, United Auto Workers (UAW)

80. 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, MD, DC, NY State, MA
New York, NY

81. AFSCME Retiree Chapter 36, Los Angeles, CA

82. Local 829 United Steelworkers (USW), Owosso, MI

83. Local 2-591 United Steelworkers (USW), Riverview, MI

84. PEF/encon Albany Steward Council (Public Employees Federation/encon) representing Professional, Scientific and Technical employees at the New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Albany, NY.

85. North Central Florida Central Labor Council, Gainesville, FL

86. Ashtabula AFL-CIO Retiree Council, Ashtabula, OH

87. Ashtabula AFL-CIO Labor Council, Ashtabula, OH

88. Cleveland Painters District Council 6 Retiree Council, Cleveland, OH

89. Local 1000, American Federation of Musicians (AFM), New York, NY

90. Local 524, International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE), lens Falls-Saratoga, NY

91. Greater Westmoreland County Labor Council, Greensburg, PA

92. AFSCME Retirees, Chapter 1184, Sub-Chapter 109, Northwest Ohio

93. Albany Central Federation of Labor, Albany, NY

94. Butler County United Labor Council, Butler, PA

95. Solidarity Committee of the Capital District, 302 Centre Dr, Albany NY 12206

96. International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 17, Seattle, WA

97. North Shore Federation of Labor, Cleveland, OH

98. Local 6000, United Auto Workers (UAW), Michigan State Employees, Lansing, MI

99. Local 196, United Steelworkers (USW), Trenton, MI

100. Local 825, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), River Edge, NJ

101. Steelworker Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 36-1, Gadsden, AL

102. Tri-County Council of Labor, AFL-CIO, Henderson, KY

103. Greater Bangor Area Central Labor Council, Bangor, ME

104. Pittsburgh Chapter, Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), Pittsburgh, PA

105. Philadelphia Chapter, Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), Philadelphia, PA

106. Organization of Staff Analysts (OSA/RT), New York, NY

107. District Council 37, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) New York City, NY

108. United Steelworkers (USW) Region X Spring Conference, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, March 2006.

109. Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, State Convention, April 6, 2006.

110. Branch 3126, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), Royal Oak, MI.

111. San Francisco Web Pressmen & Prepress Workers Union Local 4N, IBT/Graphic Communications Conference

112. Ohio State Legislative Board, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET), Rail Conference, IBT, Columbus, OH

113. Greater Louisville Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Louisville, KY, April 2006.

114. Steelworker Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 9-36 F 5, Cape Coral, FL

115. Steelworker Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 9-UR 7, Hickman, KY

116. Steelworker Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 36-2, Gardendale, AL

117. Steelworker Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 9-ABG 1, Kingsport, TN

118. Steelworker Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 9-UR 1, Harvest, AL

119. Steelworker Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter Local 200 Retirees, Iuka, MS

120. Theatrical Protective Union (TPU) Local One, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage
Employes, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts (IATSE), New York City,
Westchester and Putnam Counties

121. Toledo Area AFL-CIO Council, Toledo, OH

122. Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation, Newburgh, NY

123. District 1199P, SEIU, Harrisburg, PA

124. Local 1155, UAW, Birmingham, AL

125. Lodge 1145, IAM, Selkirk and DeWitt, NY

126. Local 2334, AFT, Professional Staff Congress-CUNY, New York City, NY

127. Dayton, Springfield, Sidney, Miami Valley AFL-CIO Regional Labor Council, Dayton, OH

128. Bergen County Central Trades & Labor Council, Paramus, NJ

129. Local Lodge 141, International Association of Machinists (IAM), representing airline workers at Northwest, United, Southwest, and Alaska. Detroit, MI

130. Local 1549, AFSCME, representing 19,000 clerical and administrative workers for the City of New York

131. Local 1180, Communications Workers of America (CWA), New York, NY

132. Retirees Association of District Council 37, AFSCME, New York, NY

133. Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) Chapter 30-18, Plymouth, Indiana

134. United Steelworkers, USW District 7, Sub-District 4, Northern Indiana

135. United Steelworkers, USW Local 12775, Portage, Indiana

136. International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU), San Francisco, CA, International Convention, May, 2006

137. Retirees Council, Bergen County Central Trades and Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Paramus, NJ

138. American Postal Workers Union (APWU), Michigan State Convention, May, 2006

139. Local 544, United Auto Workers (UAW), Fisher Body, West Mifflin, PA

140. Northern Kentucky Central Labor Council, Covington, KY

141. CIRSU, New York, NY

142. Local Union 1183, United Automobile Workers, Newark, DE

143. North Bay Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Santa Rosa, CA

144. Greater Glens Falls Central Labor Council, Glens Falls, NY
Warren, Washington, Hamilton, and Northern Saratoga Counties

145. Local 50, Plumbers and Steamfitters, United Association (UA), Northwood, OH

146. Local 668, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Harrisburg, PA

147. North Florida Central Labor Council, Jacksonville, FL

148. District Lodge 112, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Jacksonville, FL

149. Pima Area Labor Federation, Tucson, AZ

150. Florida State Alliance for Retired Americans

151. Lodge 721, IAM, Jacksonville, FL

152. Austin Central Labor Council, Austin, Texas

153. Unified Union Partners, made up of union presidents from VISN 4 (Veterans Integrated Service Network) which includes 10 Veterans Administration hospitals and several VA community based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) in PA, Wilmington, DE, and Clarksburg, WV.

154. United Automobile Workers, International Union Convention, June 2006

155. Plumbers Local Union #17, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA), Memphis, TN

156. Western Kentucky AFL-CIO Area Council, Paducah, KY

157. San Francisco Central Labor Council, San Francisco, CA

158. National Education Association (NEA), July 2006

159. Connecticut AFL-CIO, June 2006

160. Local Union 295, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA), Daytona Beach, FL

161. Ohio AFL-CIO, July 19, 2006, at Convention in Cincinnati

162. Central New York Labor Council, Utica, NY

163. Local 2313, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Hanover, MA

164. Hawkeye Labor Council, Cedar Rapids, IA

165. Plumbers, Pipefitters and Service Technicians Local 502, United Association of Journeymen and
Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada,
Louisville, KY

166. Local 1L, Amalgamated Lithographers of America, Graphic Communications
Conference/International Brother of Teamsters (GCC/IBT Local 1L), New Jersey

167. Central Trades & Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Cape Girardeau, MO

168. Local Union 136, Plumbers & Steamfitters, United Association, Evansville, IN

169. San Bernardino/Riverside Counties Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, Riverside, CA

170. United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting
Industry of the United States & Canada (UA), International Convention, August 9, 2006

171. Washington-Orange-Lamoille Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Montpelier, VT

172. North Dakota AFL-CIO, Bismarck, ND, State Convention, August 2006

173. Delaware State AFL-CIO, Newark, DE, endorsed August 2006

174. Washington State Labor Council, representing 500 local unions with 400,000 members, endorsing
resolution passed at State Convention, August 2006, Seattle, WA

175. Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), Chapter 11-3, St. Louis, MO.

176. Local 547, International Union of Operating Engineers, Detroit, MI

177. Mercer County Central Labor Council, Mercer County, NJ

178. South Carolina State AFL-CIO, 50th Annual Convention, September, 2006

179. Local 3, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Pittsburgh, PA

180. Burlington County Central Labor Union, Riverside, NJ

181. Wyoming State AFL-CIO, Cheyenne, WY

182. Vermont State Labor Council AFL-CIO, Montpelier, VT, September 2006, State Convention

183. National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), International Union, Washington, DC

184. Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), State Convention, September 2006

185. Champlain Valley Labor Council, Burlington, VT

186. North West Washington Central Labor Council, Bellingham, WA

187. Florida AFL-CIO, Tallahassee, FL

188. Essex-West Hudson Labor Council AFL-CIO, Newark, NJ

189. Local 9, Plumbers and Pipefitters, UA, Englishtown, NJ

190. Local 995, United Steelworkers (USW), Follansbee, WV

191. Jackson/Hillsdale Counties Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Jackson, MI

192. Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, State Convention, September 2006, Milwaukee, WI

193. Local 6186, Texas State Employees Union/Communications Workers of America, (TSEU/CWA)
Austin, TX, September, 2006

194. West Central Florida Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Tampa, FL, Oct. 3, 2006

195. West Virginia AFL-CIO, Charleston, WV

196. Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council, Harrisburg, PA

197. Southern Maine Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Portland, ME Oct. 4, 2006

198. Ohio Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR), State Conference, Oct. 9, 2006

199. Branch 82, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Portland, OR

200. South Dakota AFL-CIO, State Convention, Oct. 7, 2006, Sioux Falls, SD

201. Wabash Valley Central Labor Council, Terre Haute, IN, Sep. 20, 2006

202. Branch 104, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), Lawrence, KS

203. North Carolina State AFL-CIO, Convention Resolution 14, September 2006

204. West Virginia Brooke-Hancock Central Labor Council, Newell, WV

205. Boulder Area Labor Council, Boulder, CO

206. Passaic Central Labor Council, Clifton, NJ

207. Local 327, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), August, ME

208. Chicago & Midwest Regional Joint Board, UNITE HERE, Chicago, IL

209. Hudson County Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, Jersey City, NJ

210. Missouri AFL-CIO, Jefferson City, MO

211. White River Central Labor Council, Bloomington, IN

212. District Council 1, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT), Denver, CO

213. Minnesota AFL-CIO, November 29, 2006

214. Michigan State AFL-CIO Women’s Council

215. Local 8498, United Steelworkers (USW), Winston-Salem, NC

216. United Labor Council of Reading and Berks County, Reading, PA

217. Massachusetts Nurses Association, Quincy, MA

218. Greater Madison County Federation of Labor, Granite City, IL

219. Rochester and Vicinity Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Rochester, NY

220. Local Union 176, United Steelworkers (USW), Rochester, MI

221. Local Union 314, United Steelworkers (USW), Detroit, MI

222. Local Union 389, United Steelworkers (USW), Detroit, MI

223. Local Union 2659, United Steelworkers (USW), Southgate, MI

224. Local Union 9491, United Steelworkers (USW), Hamburg, MI

225. Middlesex County AFL-CIO Labor Council, North Brunswick, NJ

226. Northeastern Oklahoma Central Labor Council, Tulsa, OK

227. Rochester and Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, encompasses 10 county region,
parent body of 4 labor councils {Rochester and Vicinity (Monroe), Steuben-Livingston, Northern Finger Lakes (Wayne, Ontario), and Chemung-Yates}, Rochester, NY

228. Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE), St Paul, MN

229. Local 73, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Chicago, IL

230. Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (IBEW)

231. Monroe/Lenawee County AFL-CIO Council, Monroe, MI

232. Local 2164, United Auto Workers (UAW), Bowling Green, KY

233. Local 264, Transport Workers Union (TWU), New York, NY

234. New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), New York

235. Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1589, Long Beach, CA

236. Local 2779, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Gainesville, FL

237. Detroit A. Phillip Randolph Institute, Detroit, MI

238. Greater Lansing Labor Council, Lansing, MI, Feb. 7, 2007

239. Local 5668, United Steelworkers (USW), Ravenswood, WV, Feb. 5, 2007

240. Central Maine Labor Council, Waterville, ME

241. Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP), Conshohocken, PA

242. Northeast Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, Franklin, Clinton, & Essex Counties, Plattsburgh, NY

243. Local 546M, Graphic Communications Conference, GCC/IBT, Cleveland, OH
244. Southern Dakota County Labor Council, Apple Valley, MN

245. Texas Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA) Austin, TX

246. Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council, Cincinnati, OH

247. Retirees Club, Local 848, United Auto Workers (UAW), Grand Prairie, TX

248. Maine State Building & Construction Trades Council, Clinton, ME

249. Capital District Area Labor Federation, 11 NY counties including Albany, Schenectady, Troy,
Glens Falls, and Saratoga. Albany, NY

250. District 3, Missouri Nurses Association (MONA), St. Louis, MO

251. Committee of Presidents, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), Washington, DC

252. Western Maine Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, Lewiston, ME

253. AFM Local 802, Association of Musicians of Greater New York, New York, NY

254. Smith County Central Labor Council, Tyler, TX

255. Savannah Regional Central Labor Council, Savannah, GA

256. Southern Iowa Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Ottumwa, IA

257. New Jersey State Industrial Union Council, Edison, NJ

258. International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council #4, Cheektowaga, NY

259. San Mateo County Central Labor Council, Foster City, CA

260. UAW Local 909, United Automobile Workers, Detroit, MI

261. International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) District Lodge 34,
Columbus, OH

262. Central Connecticut Labor Council, Meriden, CT

263. Local Lodge 956 IAMAW, Archbold, OH

264. Western Maryland Central Labor Council, Cumberland, MD

265. Local 28 United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC), Missoula, MT

266. Local 2222 Communications Workers of America (CWA), Annandale, VA

267. Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO, Riviera Beach, FL
268. Maine State AFL-CIO, Bangor, ME

269. Local 862, UAW, Louisville, KY

270. Maine Council of United Steelworkers USW representing 22 locals in Maine

271. Michigan State Association of Letter Carriers, MSALC, NALC

272. Teamsters Local Union 559 (IBT), South Windsor, CT

273. Northern Virginia Central Labor Council, Annandale, VA

274. Local 1120 Communications Workers of America (CWA), Poughkeepsie, NY

275. Wichita/Hutchinson Labor Federation of Central Kansas, Wichita, KS

276. Greater Green Bay Labor Council, Green Bay, WI

277. Arkansas AFL-CIO, State Federation, Little Rock, AR

278. Local 561 Transport Workers Union (TWU), Virginia Gardens, FL

279. CANEL Lodge 700 International Association of Machinists (IAM) Pratt & Whitney,
Higganum, CT

280. International Association of Machinists District 26, Connecticut & Rhode Island

281. Connecticut State Council of Machinists of the IAMAW, CT

282. Greyhound Lodge 759 IAM, Jacksonville, FL

283. Local Lodge 1502, IAMAW, Superior, WI

284. Local Lodge 621, IAMAW, Ashland, WI

285. Local 3106, CWA, Jacksonville, FL

286. Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO, Annapolis, MD

287. SEIU—United Healthcare Workers West, Oakland, CA

288. American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada, 97th Convention, June 2007

289. Washington County Central Labor Council, Kewaskum, Slinger, Fond du Lac, WI

290. United Steelworkers, District 7, Sub-District 1, Chicago, IL

291. Big Sky Central Labor Council, Helena, MT

292. American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 212, Milwaukee, WI

293. San Antonio AFL-CIO Council, San Antonio, TX

294. Greater Hartford Central Labor Council, Hartford, CT

295. United Steelworkers (USW), Local 9777, Bridgeview, IL

296. United Steelworkers (USW), Local 1899, Granite City, IL

297. United Steelworkers (USW), Local 1636, Aurora, IL

298. Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council, Olympia, WA

299. Texas AFL-CIO, Austin, TX

300. Southwestern District Labor Council, Huntington, WV

301. Westchester/Putnam Counties Central Labor Body, AFL-CIO, White Plains, NY

302. Texas Building & Construction Trades Council, Austin, TX

303. El Paso Central Labor Union, El Paso, TX

304. Utah Jobs with Justice, Salt Lake City, UT

305. Big Bend Chapter, Northwest Florida Federation of Labor, Tallahassee, FL

306. Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Des Moines, IA

307. Local 477, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Miami, FL

308. Monongalia-Preston Labor Council, Morgantown, WV

309. Local 1445 United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), Dedham, MA

310. International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Upper Marlboro, MD

311. Local 40, United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners (UBC), Cambridge, MA

312. Arizona AFL-CIO, Phoenix, AZ

313. Alliance for Retired Americans, Washington, DC

314. Local Unions attending the Regional Council of United Steelworkers (USW)
in 11 western states, AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, Sept. 10, 2007

315. Tennessee AFL-CIO, Convention September 2007

316. Pierce County Central Labor Council, Tacoma, WA

317. Central Ohio Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Columbus, OH

318. Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Central Labor Council, Springfield, MA

319. Local 689 Amalgamated Transit Union, Washington, DC

320. Local 194 International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers AFL-CIO, Milltown, NJ

321. United Steelworkers Local 12-593 (USW), Magna, UT

322. Springfield and Central Illinois Trades and Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Springfield, IL

323. Coastal Bend Central Labor Council, Corpus Christi, TX

324. Local Lodge 112, International Association of Machinists (IAMAW), Center City, MN

325. New York State Public Employees Federation (NYSPEF), affiliated with AFL-CIO, AFT,
and SEIU. Convention, September, 2008. Albany, NY

326. South Florida AFL-CIO, Doral, FL

327. United Association Local 699, Sprinkler Fitters and Apprentices, Seattle, WA

328. Greater Boston Labor Council, Boston, MA

329. Michigan AFSCME Council 25, Lansing, MI

330. Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice, Ashland, OR

331. Portland Community College Faculty Federation, AFT Local 2277, Portland, OR

332. Oregon AFL-CIO, Salem, OR

333. Public Service Workers Union, UE Local 160, Williamsburg, VA

334. C. W. Post Collegial Federation, Local 3517, NYSUT, AFT, Brookville, NY

335. Ohio State Council of Machinists, IAMAW, Cleveland, OH

336. Georgia AFL-CIO, Atlanta, GA

337. AFSCME Council 36, Los Angeles, CA

338. District 7, United Steelworkers of America (USW), Chicago, IL

339. National Legislative Committee for the Tenth Quadrennial Constitutional Convention, United
Transportation Union (UTU)

340. Oklahoma AFL-CIO, Oklahoma City, OK

341. Charleston Central Labor Council, Charleston, SC

342. American Postal Workers Union Local 458, Portland, ME

343. Kansas AFL-CIO, Topeka, KS

344. Illinois Federation of Teachers Universities Council

345. University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100 IFT/AFT/AFL-CIO, Chicago, IL

346. Colorado AFL-CIO, Denver, CO

347. Branch 4374, South Macomb Letter Carriers, NALC, Roseville, MI

348. Indiana AFL-CIO, Indianapolis, IN

349. Local 2-540 United Steelworkers USW, Alma, MI

350. Long Island University Faculty Federation, Local 3998, NYSUT/AFT, Brooklyn, NY

351. Southern Colorado Labor Council, Pueblo, CO

352. Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA

353. Local 502, Coastal Carolina Association of Professional Musicians, AmericanFederationofMusicians (AFM), Charleston, SC

354. Transport Workers Union, Local 564 TWU, El Segundo, CA

355. Branch 14, National Association of Letter Carriers NALC, Louisville, KY

356. Local 5 International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), Portland, OR

357. Oregon Area District Council, ILWU, Portland, OR

358. Portland Jobs with Justice, Portland, OR

359. Local 1535 AFSCME, Baltimore, MD

360. Northwestern Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Toledo, OH

361. United Academics, AAUP/AFT Local 4996, University of Alaska System, Anchorage, AK

362. Local 2026, Faculty and Staff Federation of Community College of Philadelphia (AFT) Philadelphia, PA

363. Alabama AFL-CIO, Montgomery, AL

364. Local 1837, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Manchester, ME

365. United Automobile Workers Local 3303 (UAW), Butler, PA

366. California Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Oakland, CA

367. Retiree Chapter, Local 3303 UAW, Butler, PA

368. Local 3, University Professional & Technical Employees, UPTE-CWA 9119, Santa Cruz, CA

369. Juneau & Vicinity Building and Construction Trades Council, Juneau, AK

370. Minnesota State Council of Machinists, IAMAW, Vadnais Heights, MN

371. Local 1421, United Electrical Workers (UE), Pomona, CA

372. New Jersey State Federation of Teachers (AFT), Edison, NJ

373. Local 32 BJ, SEIU, Baltimore, MD

374. Local 31-N, GCC-IBT Teamsters, Baltimore, MD

375. International Organization Masters, Mates, & Pilots, AFL-CIO, Linthicum, MD

376. UNITE-HERE Mid Atlantic, Baltimore, MD

377. Baltimore Francis Stu Filbey Area Local, American Postal Workers Union (APWU),
Baltimore, MD

378. Local 8-1165, United Steelworkers (USW), Baltimore, MD

379. Alaska AFL-CIO, Anchorage, AK

380. California Federation of Teachers (AFT), Burbank, CA

381. International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers (IFPTE), AFL-CIO,
Silver Spring, MD

382. Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA), AFLCIO, Washington, DC

383. Local 900, United Steelworkers (USW), Rumford, ME

384. Communications Workers of America Local 9423 (CWA), San Jose, CA

385. United Steelworkers of America Local 10-1, USW, Linwood, PA

386. Office and Professional Employees International Union, OPEIU, NY, NY & Washington, DC
387. Tri-County Labor Council, Mount Upton, NY

388. California School Employees Association (CSEA), AFL-CIO, San Jose, CA

389. Greater Santa Cruz Federation of Teachers AFT 2030, Santa Cruz, CA

390. Chemung/Schuyler Labor Assembly, AFL-CIO, Elmira, NY

391. Cayuga County Labor Council, Auburn, NY

392. United Transportation Union (UTU) International Convention, Cleveland, OH

393. University Professional and Technical Employees—CWA 9119, Berkeley & Los Angeles, CA

394. Local 1501, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Cockeysville, MD

395. The United Educators of San Francisco, CFT/AFT #61, CTA/NEA, San Francisco, CA

396. Local 773, United Association of Plumbers (UA), South Glens Falls, NY

397. Los Angeles County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, Los Angeles, CA

398. North Shore Central Labor Council, Lynn, MA

399. Local 223 Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), Dearborn, MI

400. Laborers Local #210, LIUNA, Cheektowaga, NY

401. Local 621, United Workers of America, Island Park, NY

402. UAW Local 3044, Rockport, IN

403. New Hampshire State Building and Construction State Council, Hooksett, NH

404. Chicago Teachers Union, Local 1 AFT/IFT/AFL-CIO, Chicago, IL

405. Local Union 1447, Amalgamated Transit Union, Louisville, KY

406. Steel Council of the United Auto Workers

407. Merrimack Valley Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, Lowell, MA

408. Local 543, International Association of Machinists (IAM), Baltimore, MD

409. Cattaraugus Allegany Counties Central Labor Council, Cattaraugus, NY

410. Southern Oregon Central Labor Council, Central Point, OR

411. Philadelphia Council of the AFL-CIO, Philadelphia, PA

412. National Writers Union UAW Local 1981, New York, NY

413. Central Labor Council of Humboldt-Del Norte Counties, Eureka, CA

414. NYSUT-Rensselaer-Columbia-Greene Co. BOCES Teachers Association, East Schodack, NY

415. Norfolk County Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Braintree, MA

416. Plymouth-Bristol Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Brockton, MA

417. North Carolina’s State Federation Unit of the American Federation of Teachers AFT/NC, NC

418. Field Staff Association FSA, Delmar, NY

419. Southern Oregon Area Local, American Postal Workers Union (APWU), Medford, OR

420. Brookline Educators Union, MTA, NEA, Brookline, MA

421. Crawford/Richland Central Labor Council, Mansfield, OH

422. Austin Community College/American Federation of Teachers, Local 6249, Austin, TX

423. Jefferson Elementary Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 3267, Daly City, CA

424. Indiana Federation of Teachers, Indianapolis, IN

425. Teamsters Local 805 IBT, Long Island City, NY

426. Local 716 United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters UA, Augusta, ME

427. International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Local 6 (ILWU), Oakland, CA

428. San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council, San Diego, CA

429. United Steelworkers Local Union 1026 USW, Canton, NY

430. Local 165 National Association of Letter Carriers NALC, Frewsburg, NY

431. AFT Seattle Community Colleges, Local 1789, Seattle, WA

432. Western NY Area Local 183, American Postal Workers Union APWU, Delevan, NY

433. GFT, Guam’s Local Union, affiliated with AFL-CIO as AFT Local 1581, Hagatna, Guam

434. United Steelworkers Local 207 L (USW), Findlay, OH

435. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 770 (IBEW), Glenmont, NY

436. IATSE Local 297, San Diego, CA

437. Kent-Ionia Central Labor Council, Grand Rapids, MI

438. Carpenters Local 22, United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners, San Francisco, CA

439. Ashland Area Central Labor Council, Ashland, KY

440. Pacific Coast Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association, San Francisco, CA

441. Michigan State AFL-CIO, Lansing, MI

442. Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 47, Monaca, PA

443. Service Employees International Union, SEIU, Washington, DC

444. GCC/IBT Local 612M, West Caldwell, NJ

445. Professional Staff Union Locals 751 and 754, Massachusetts Teachers Association, University of Massachusetts, Amherst and Boston, MA

446. Montana AFL-CIO, Helena, MT

447. American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Washington, DC

448. Colorado State Building and Construction Trades Council, Lakewood, CO

449. United Steelworkers (USW), Pittsburgh, PA

450. Greater Syracuse Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Syracuse, NY

451. Nebraska State AFL-CIO, Omaha, NE

452. Musicians Union Local 6, American Federation of Musicians (AFM), San Francisco, CA

453. AFSCME Local 1212; Child Care Providers Together, Des Moines, IA

454. AFSCME Local 3214, Albertina Kerr Center Employees of Lane County, Eugene, OR

There are a lot of things that you can try and tell me...

But don't try and tell me there is some kind of real consensus on an issue when there hasn't even been any real public discussions beyond the backroom dealings of lobbyists and government officials trading hush money for votes in support of continued Death By Spreadsheet.

Good stories, good data (PDF), via Health Care Now:

At a time when 47 million American people are uninsured and 80 million more Americans have inadequate coverage, these expressions of suffering–posted to our online petition–document the experiences of people in the midst of this health care crisis. In a society that can attribute 101,000 unnecessary deaths each year to problems with our health insurance system and lack of preventative care, these are the voices of just a few of the victims.

Plus, with single payer you save $350 billion a year. Really, what's not to like?

Unless the insurance company business model of denying care made you rich, of course. There' that.

The medical mafia that supports this kind of murder that goes on around you daily. They are criminals. Murderers. And none of them deserve to sit at the table to negotiate your life and health.

And yeah... I am talking to you too, Max Baucus, among many others.

If you want to know more about the man who holds the fate of healthcare reform in his hands, I urge you to read Ezra's excellent article about him, The Sleeper of the Senate, in the American Prospect.

Max Baucus is a key player and he happens to be in the thrall of the insurance lobby. They um, own him favor him.

He also happens to be the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.

His name is Max Baucus. He's a democrat from Montana, and I suggest you get to know this dude as well as AHIP knows and loves him.

Here's a link to Max's Open Secrets page, you decide where his heart resides.

If Max is anything, he's a wily politician. He talks about regulating the murderous insurance industry, but he doesn't say anything about what this regulation will look like. I trust common sense will prevail, and the plan will not be to have the insurance industry "regulated" by the same folks who regulated the criminals on Wall Street.

We will all be watching this all like hawks.

And we the people - the people that overwhelmingly support Single Payer Universal Health Care - expect real change, real savings and the end of the health insurance company reign of terror.

* In a New York Times/CBS News poll in February 2007, 64% said that the federal government should guarantee health insurance for all Americans.

* In October 2003, 62% of respondents to a Washington Post/ABC News poll said they preferred “a universal health insurance program, in which everybody is covered under a program like Medicare that’s run by the government and financed by taxpayers.”

* These findings were repeated in a 2007 Associated Press-Yahoo poll in which 65% supported a Medicare-for-all system.

There is the only real consensus that counts.