A challenger for Bob Casey?

Via Politico:

Pennsylvania Republicans may finally be closing in on a viable recruit to take on Democratic Sen. Bob Casey: wealthy businessman Steve Welch.

Welch met with National Republican Senatorial Committee officials this week in Washington, POLITICO has learned. People familiar with his thinking say Welch is considering a run more seriously than when GOPers first tried to recruit him earlier in the year.

Welch made a run for Congress last year but aborted his efforts when Jim Gerlach got back into the race. You can still see Welch's campaign website here.
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Satan Sandwich Passes Senate

The Shit Satan Sandwich passed in the Senate 74 to 26.
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Do you want fries with your sugar-coated Satan sandwich?

You want fries with that?
Via the examiner.com:

While the president seemed to breathe a deep sigh of relief that a deal was struck, members of the Democratic caucus were less than enthusiastic about the plan. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver dismissed the deal as “a sugar-coated Satan sandwich” and “a shady bill.”

Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ.), co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said, “This deal trades people’s livelihoods for the votes of a few unappeasable right-wing radicals,” adding that “the lesson today is that Republicans can hold their breath long enough to get what they want.”

No surprise

Hmm, the DSCC looks fairly prophetic right about now, no?


(From October 2010)
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A very unlame duck

Via Talking Points Memo:

Senate Passes... Everything

Today in the Senate, they passed (by unanimous consent) the defense authorization bill that Republicans held up over objections to repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell just two short weeks ago; they passed by a voice vote the 9/11 First Responders Health bill that had been the subject of so much drama and debate; and they passed by a 71-26 vote the START nuclear treaty with Russia despite Republican objections to that as well.

And now, for good measure, they are currently voting to confirm Mary Helen Murguia to be a judge in the Ninth Circuit.

Thanks, Bernie!

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)spent nearly nine hours today criticizing the extension of the tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. He received assistance from Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) [really?!].

Here's a bit of it courtesy of Crooks And Liars and Think Progress:

A Message

A message to a Congress who could somehow even consider extending tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires while they've already let emergency unemployment benefits insurance compensation lapse for millions during a time of record unemployment (not to mention during the holiday season):

NSFW

That is all.
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EVENTS!

December 1, 2010

Unemployment Benefits Lapse Protest

WHERE: Your local congressperson's office/senator's office.
WHEN: Now
WHAT: Via Susie Madrak @ Crooks And Liars: "Here's what I suggest for anyone who's losing their unemployment payments this week: Grab a blanket and a pillow, and head on over to your local congressperson's office -- or, if you live in a big city, go to your senator's office. Tell them you can't afford to turn on the heat, and you're going to camp out in their waiting room until the congressman or senator has time to talk to you. And since you don't have money for food, either, I suggest you loudly solicit the staff and incoming visitors for cash.

Because I am so goddamned sick of these bastards and the protected little bubbles in which they live. It's time we did what we could to remind them of the consequences of everything they've done -- or failed to do."

(OK, not an actual event, but it should be.)


December 2, 2010

No Millionaire Bailout

WHERE: Downtown, 425 Sixth Avenue (Map) Pittsburgh, PA 15219
WHEN: Thursday, December 2nd, 12:00 PM
WHAT: Via MoveOn: "All across the country, we're organizing "No Millionaire Bailout" speak-outs on Thursday, December 2. We'll all share our own reasons for opposing the extension of the Bush tax breaks for the rich, and then ask our members of Congress to tell us where they stand.

[snip]

"In fact, two million jobless Americans will lose unemployment between Thanksgiving and Christmas unless Congress renews the program.1 So much for "Happy Holidays."

It's just plain immoral to cut off people in need while handing out tax breaks for the rich. And it's especially heartless this time of year."

R.S.V.P. HERE


Councilman Peduto’s Third Annual Holiday Fête


WHERE: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Fifth & Shady Avenues (Map)
WHEN: Thursday, December 2, 2010, V.I.P Reception: 7:00PM - 8:00PM, Holiday Party: 8:00PM - 10:30PM
WHAT: V.I.P Reception: Live Music by The Joe Negri Trio, Performance by The Renaissance City Choirs, Complimentary Valet Parking, Full Open Bar, A Taste of Pittsburgh Featuring The East End's Best Restaurants And More! Suggested Contribution: $250 per person.

Holiday Party: Performances by The Deryck Tines Gospel Singers, Live Music by The Old E. Allstars, Dancing with D.J. Doug Marshall, Local Brews, Wine & Snacks. Suggested Contribution: $50 per person.

More details here. Pay at the door (cash or check) or via card here.
(Disclaimer: Yes, I am a member of Peduto's cyber staff.)


UPDATE:

December 5, 2010

Chevy Road to the Playoffs Steelers Tailgate Party/Holiday Drive for CHS

WHEN: Sunday, December 5, 2010 6-10pm, 6pm: Tailgate Party Starts, 8:20: Kick Off Steelers Vs. Ravens
WHERE: Double Wide Grill, East Carson and 24th Streets, South Side, Pittsburgh 15203
WHAT: "Come down to Double Wide Grill to watch the Steelers game, test drive Chevy vehicles, donate gift cards to CHS and win prizes

Please consider bringing an extra gift card to donate to the CHS Holiday Drive (http://www.chscorp.org//Holiday%20Giving.htm ) Scroll down for additional gift card info.
Everyone who attends will receive an entry to the raffle for Steeler’s Gift BAskets and Double Wide Gift Certificates. For each $5 in gift cards donated your will receive another raffle entry."

RSVP @ Facebook here.


December 12, 2010

Rock for Anne Feeney: Benefit Concert & Tribute at Mr. Smalls

WHERE: Mr. Smalls, 400 Lincoln Ave, Millvale,
WHEN: Dec. 12, doors open 6 PM. $20 donation
WHAT: "Anne Feeney, a stalwart of Pittsburgh Folk Music, has been touring relentlessly for close to a decade, spreading her gospel of peace, love and justice. Now Anne has been stricken with small-cell cancer on her lungs and heart. She not only has no stable source of income, but has an avalanche of medical bills her insurance does not cover. Come together for a diverse night of music to help support Anne Feeney in her time of need. Friends and bands are donating all of their services and Mr. Smalls Theatre is donating their music venue so all proceeds will benefit Anne Feeney.

See an All-star cast of Pittsburgh Musicians in a Tribute to Anne Feeney. Featuring Billy Price, Joe Grushecky, Liz Berlin of Rusted Root, Justin Sane of Anti-Flag, Hermie Granati, Mike Stout and the Human Union, Newlanders, Tres Lads, Joe Munroe. Special guest appearance by Anne Feeney, and many who have accompanied her."

Tickets Online: www.ticketweb.com/mrsmalls • Charge by phone: 866.468.3401. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Senator Jim Ferlo/Mikhail Pappas. For more information: 412.621.3006 or senatorferlo@gmail.com
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AP calls it for Toomey

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