ROLLIN, Rollin, rollin. . . . Endorsements for Governor Perry just keep rolling in!

Organizations all across Texas are speaking up to support Governor Rick Perry’s bid for reelection. Whether it’s creating the best state economy in the nation, strengthening Texas families, or protecting human life, Governor Perry’s principled initiatives have garnered tremendous endorsements in the last several days from several groups and individuals: Texas Municipal Police Association, Texas Chemical Council, and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.

The Governor also received endorsements from RNC Committeewoman Cathie Adams, Texas Right to Life, Houston Realty Business Coalition, Texas Apartment Association and Texas Republican County Chairman Association President Linda Rogers and pro-life advocate Carol Everett.

Rick Perry Visits Lubbock!

When Governor Perry stopped in Lubbock he was greeted by over 200 proud Texans who share his vision for Texas!

ELECTION DAY!!!!!

Update:

 
” You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away men’s initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.
 
—Abraham Lincoln—

 

Hello my fellow freedom loving Americans!!  The day is finally here, election day 2008.  I am in Clovis, NM helping to get out the vote (GOTV).  I will be writing about updates here in NM.  Please feel free to comment below about other areas of the country!  Lines, problems, issues, results lets share the knowldge of what is happening at the ground level.

Problem or Solution?

Amarillo Threat Letters

Chase Bank Hoax Threat Letters form Amarillo!

Federal authorities say more than 30 threat letters were sent to JP Morgan Chase banks around the country, all postmarked last Saturday, October 18, in Amarillo, Texas.

An FBI spokesperson said the letters all contained a powder substance that appears to be harmless. Additional testing is underway.

Full Story

God Bless Joe the Plumber!

To those of you who watched the final Presidential debate Wednesday night you heard of a man called Joe the Plumber. Well here he is Joe Wurzelbacher from Ohio. Joe wants to pursue the American dream and own his own plumbing business. I searched the web for video clips of Obama’s conversation with Joe. The first hit was a 7 (SEVEN) minute clip of Obama’s attempt at an explanation of how his tax plan would impact Joe. By the end of the clip it is difficult to tell which end is up. Here is a shorter clip where Joe the Plumber is actually speaking to Neal Cavuto about his discussion with Obama.

And the Democrats think the average American is stupid. Joe the Plumber hit the nail on the head!  (Or should I say found the leak in the pipes) “Spread the wealth around” is SOCIALISM!!!!

During the presidential debate both candidates referenced Joe and how their tax policies would impact his dreams of owning a small business.

McCain: Joe wants to buy the business that he has been in for all of these years, worked 10, 12 hours a day. And he wanted to buy the business but he looked at your [Obama's] tax plan and he saw that he was going to pay much higher taxes.

You were going to put him in a higher tax bracket which was going to increase his taxes, which was going to cause him not to be able to employ people, which Joe was trying to realize the American dream.

Now Senator Obama talks about the very, very rich. Joe, I want to tell you, I’ll not only help you buy that business that you worked your whole life for and be able — and I’ll keep your taxes low and I’ll provide available and affordable health care for you and your employees.

And I will not have — I will not stand for a tax increase on small business income. Fifty percent of small business income taxes are paid by small businesses. That’s 16 million jobs in America. And what you want to do to Joe the plumber and millions more like him is have their taxes increased and not be able to realize the American dream of owning their own business. Full Transcript of Debate

 

WHY VOTE REPUBLICAN?

This is just some food for thought sent to me by a friend. . . . . . . . .

I’m voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.

I’m voting Democrat because I believe freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.

I’m voting Democrat because, when we pull out of Iraq, I trust that the bad guys will stop what they’re doing because they now think we’re good people.

I’m voting Democrat because I believe that people who can’t tell us if it will rain on Friday can tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years, if I don’t start driving a Prius.

I’m voting Democrat because I’m not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies, so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.

I’m voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as the government sees fit.

I’m voting Democrat because I believe three or four pointy headed, elitist liberals need to rewrite the Constitution every 20 few days to suit some fringe kooks who would NEVER get their agendas past the voters.

I’m voting Democrat because I believe that when the terrorists don’t have to hide from us over there, they’ll come over here, and I don’t want to have any guns in the house that I might have to use to shoot them.

I’m voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry whatever I want.  I’ve decided to marry my horse.

I’m voting Democrat because I believe oil companies’ profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn’t.

BBB- ($700) Billion Bailout Bill!

It is a sad day for America. This is one time in my life that I am ashamed to be from Texas. For anyone who knows me they might think that is impossible. So why do I feel betrayed by my elected leaders? The approval by the United States Senate, including Texas Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison, and John Cornyn, of the 700 BILLION dollar TAX PAYER paid bailout. The final vote, 74 to 25, passed this piece of socialist legislation to the House.

As Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., a leading conservative, said the step is “leading us into the pit of socialism.” I hate to admit that Sen DeMint is correct.

This bill started out at 3 pages and increased to 450 pages. That what government does – it adds and takes instead of working the problem.

As a Rush Limbaugh listener said, “We have a crisis of confidence in government but not in the market.”

America THIS is your opportunity to make the difference! In the House of Representative the last vote was 205 for and 228 against. Only 12 TWELVE 12! votes are needed to pass this bill through Congress. Stand up for what you believe in! Contact your congressman! Take two minutes to email them or give them a call to vote NO on the $700 Billion Bailout Bill!

This is not over as Ronald Reagan said, “We fought, we dreamed and the dream is still with us.” The possibility of a keeping this country great is still alive. America needs your help!

MORE INFO

“The additional 341 pages in the Senate version have nothing to do with the bailout per se, but instead are an energy bill and a tax bill. In short, the Senate version is the same as the failed House version, but with the addition of (1) the irrelevant FDIC provision, and (2) other unrelated legislation. And the House version was just a 110-page expansion of the Paulson’s original two-and-a-half page proposal that had lots of extra window-dressing, but little in the way of new substantive provisions that are actually mandatory, enforceable, and monitorable. This means that the Senate version of the bailout bill has the same flaws as the original Paulson bill.” – Economic Populist

Sarah Palin- On the Record

The website On the Issues has a detailed list from A to Z about the issues and VP Nominee Sarah Palin’s stance. To see “full quotes,” “other candidates” or “background” info you will have to visit the site On the Issues.

Sarah Palin on Abortion

Click here for 11 full quotes on Abortion OR other candidates on Abortion OR background on Abortion. Rejected sympathy for Down’s Syndrome son, as gift from God. (Aug 2008) Opposes embryonic stem cell research. (Aug 2008) Every baby is created with a future and potential. (Aug 2008) Safe Haven bill: allow surrendering newborns without penalty. (Feb 2008) Adoption is best plan for permanency for foster care kids. (Oct 2007) Pro-life. (Nov 2006) Choose life, even if her own daughter were raped. (Nov 2006) If Roe v. Wade got overturned, let people decide what’s next. (Oct 2006) Opposes use of public funds for abortions. (Oct 2006) Pro-contraception, pro-woman, pro-life. (Aug 2006) Only exception for abortion is if mother’s life would end. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Budget & Economy

Click here for 6 full quotes on Budget & Economy OR other candidates on Budget & Economy OR background on Budget & Economy. Control spending by request if possible; by veto if needed. (Sep 2008) $7 billion savings plan for education & transportation. (Dec 2007) Reduced general fund spending by $124 million. (Mar 2007) Aim to reduce general fund spending by $150 million. (Jan 2007) Firm believer in free market capitalism. (Nov 2006) Coordinate state tourism marketing but no additional funding. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Civil Rights

Click here for 13 full quotes on Civil Rights OR other candidates on Civil Rights OR background on Civil Rights. Vetoed bill denying benefits to gays, as unconstitutional. (Aug 2008) ADA brings expanded freedom to Americans with disabilities. (Jul 2008) Recognize Juneteenth to celebrate the end of slavery. (Jun 2008) HIV/AIDS among Alaska Natives is public health crisis. (Mar 2008) Recognize Martin Luther King holiday. (Jan 2008) Comply with same-sex partner benefits despite disagreement. (Dec 2006) Marriage only be between and man and a woman. (Nov 2006) Value our cultural diversity. (Nov 2006) Prefers term “anti-rural” to “anti-Native”. (Nov 2006) Special legislative session on same-sex health benefits. (Nov 2006) Ok to deny benefits to homosexual couples. (Aug 2006) No spousal benefits for same-sex couples. (Jul 2006) Top priorities include preserving definition of “marriage”. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Corporations

Click here for 2 full quotes on Corporations OR other candidates on Corporations OR background on Corporations. Governor must act as effective CEO on behalf of Alaskans. (Nov 2006) Encourage small business growth by reducing business taxes. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Crime

Click here for 12 full quotes on Crime OR other candidates on Crime OR background on Crime. Establish “FBI Day” to support fighting global crime. (Jun 2008) Register sex offenders; & investigate internet sex crimes. (Jun 2008) Victims’ rights are critical to “justice for all”. (Mar 2008) We are tough on crime and beefing up law enforcement. (Jan 2008) Collect DNA samples from felons. (Jun 2007) Gang members on probation must wear electronic monitors. (Jun 2007) Maximum sentence for first-degree murder by police. (Apr 2007) If legislature passed death penalty law, I would sign it. (Nov 2006) Strong public safety presence, via police, courts & prisons. (Nov 2006) Death penalty for adults who murder children. (Oct 2006) No special hate-crime laws; all heinous crime is hate-based. (Jul 2006) No expansion of gambling in Alaska. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Drugs

Click here for 6 full quotes on Drugs OR other candidates on Drugs OR background on Drugs. Highway fatalities down because of strict drunk driving laws. (Aug 2008) Maintain alcohol sale database; bar giving alcohol to minors. (Jun 2007) Questions cruise ship gambling, under casino gambling ban. (Oct 2006) Opposes legalizing marijuana, but meth is greater threat. (Aug 2006) Smoked marijuana when it was legal under Alaska law. (Aug 2006) Top priorities include gangs & drugs; they harm family life. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Education

Click here for 22 full quotes on Education OR other candidates on Education OR background on Education. Teach creationism alongside evolution in schools. (Aug 2008) Supports teaching intelligent design in public schools. (Aug 2008) 294 Alaska public schools progressed under NCLB. (Aug 2008) School debate should focus on accountability. (Jan 2008) Committed to providing strong education, including morals. (Jan 2008) Budget funds education, but will to work is also critical. (Jan 2008) Court ruling against NEA: state adequately funds education. (Jun 2007) Fully fund K-12 and support early funding of education. (Jan 2007) Supports $20 million needs-based aid for U. Alaska. (Nov 2006) Forward-fund K-12 schools to allow better planning. (Nov 2006) Supports charter schools, home schools, & other alternatives. (Nov 2006) Target early education programs to at-risk groups. (Nov 2006) Alignment between parents, teachers, schools, & business. (Nov 2006) Faith-based materials ok in homeschooling. (Nov 2006) ABC method: back to basics, plus patriotism & ethics. (Nov 2006) Supports parental choice for what is best for their children. (Nov 2006) Don’t push school boards on creationism but allow discussion. (Oct 2006) I believe we have a creator; and many theories of evolution. (Oct 2006) Support charters & home schools; not private school vouchers. (Oct 2006) Let parents opt out of schoolbooks they find offensive. (Jul 2006) Parents know best, about school spending & school age. (Jul 2006) Pledge of Allegiance with ‘Under God’ is good enough. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Energy & Oil

Click here for 32 full quotes on Energy & Oil OR other candidates on Energy & Oil OR background on Energy & Oil. Produce more of our own oil & gas, for national security. (Sep 2008) Gas pipeline:history’s largest private-sector infrastructure. (Sep 2008) More pipelines; more nukes; more coal; more alternatives. (Sep 2008) Claimed major triumph: $500 million subsidy for gas pipeline. (Aug 2008) Global warming affects Alaska, but is not man-made. (Aug 2008) Resource rebate: suspend AK 8-cent fuel tax for one year. (Aug 2008) Gasline Inducement Act: 1,715-mile natural gas pipeline. (Aug 2008) Commercialize Alaska’s North Slope natural gas. (Aug 2008) Appointed an Alaska oil and gas commissioner. (Aug 2008) To win, GOP must push energy independence. (Aug 2008) Agrees with Obama on more Alaska oil & gas production. (Aug 2008) Windfall oil profits tax prevents investment. (Aug 2008) Lift moratorium on offshore drilling. (Jul 2008) Convinced McCain to drill offshore; not yet on drilling ANWR. (Jul 2008) Exxon-Mobil should pay $507 million for Exxon Valdez spill. (Jul 2008) Unlock ANWR; we’re ready, willing and able to contribute. (Jun 2008) Energy relief plan: $100 per person monthly, for oil & gas. (May 2008) Bush is right: drill ANWR & develop our own supplies. (Apr 2008) Fully fund for the Petroleum Systems Integrity Office. (Feb 2008) $250M for proven alternative energy, including wind & hydro. (Jan 2008) Gas pipelines are approved if they meet Alaska’s needs. (Jan 2008) National energy policy not an either/or proposition. (Nov 2007) Fund cellulosic biofuel research in Farm Bill. (Oct 2007) Submitted legislation to build natural AGIA gas pipeline. (Mar 2007) Stranded Gas Development Act no longer applies. (Nov 2006) Get ANWR open. (Nov 2006) Chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. (Nov 2006) Pursue gasline plan that is best for ALL Alaskans. (Nov 2006) Met with producers and employee groups for pipeline deal. (Oct 2006) Firm start date as part of gasline incentive offer. (Oct 2006) Opposes natural gas reserves tax–it’s not earned income yet. (Oct 2006) Analyze potential costs associated with climate change. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Environment

Click here for 12 full quotes on Environment OR other candidates on Environment OR background on Environment. Opposed protections for salmon from mining contamination. (Aug 2008) Sue US government to stop listing polar bear as endangered. (Aug 2008) We must encourage timber, mining, drilling, & fishing. (Jan 2008) Wolf predator control is important for subsistence hunters. (Sep 2007) Feds shouldn’t list beluga whales as endangered. (Aug 2007) Provide stability in regulations for developers. (Jan 2007) Convince the rest of the nation to open ANWR. (Jan 2007) Fish platform: “Resource First” philosophy. (Nov 2006) Rail provides critical link for business development. (Nov 2006) Supports “Roads to Resources”: subsidized access to mines. (Oct 2006) Don’t duplicate effort in monitoring cruise ship emissions. (Oct 2006) Don’t amend AK constitution for rural subsistence fishing. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Families & Children

Click here for 5 full quotes on Families & Children OR other candidates on Families & Children OR background on Families & Children. Special-needs children will have her as a friend & advocate. (Sep 2008) 17-year-old unmarried daughter is 5 months pregnant. (Sep 2008) Praised by pro-life groups for keeping Down syndrome baby. (Aug 2008) Recognize the vital role of family child care homes. (Mar 2008) Opposes explicit sex-education programs. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Foreign Policy

Click here for 3 full quotes on Foreign Policy OR other candidates on Foreign Policy OR background on Foreign Policy. Visiting injured soldiers in Germany was trip of a lifetime. (Sep 2008) Get Ukraine into NATO, and maybe Georgia. (Sep 2008) Peace Corps strengthens US ties abroad & enriches US at home. (Jan 2007)

Sarah Palin on Free Trade

Click here for 5 full quotes on Free Trade OR other candidates on Free Trade OR background on Free Trade. Trade important to Alaska, but keep Alaska residents first. (Sep 2008) Allow wineries to ship by mail within state. (Jun 2008) International markets and companies trust Alaska. (Apr 2008) Exempt Alaskan cruise ships from customs rule changes. (Dec 2007) Record-high exports; growth of 12.6% since last year. (Feb 2007)

Sarah Palin on Government Reform

Click here for 13 full quotes on Government Reform OR other candidates on Government Reform OR background on Government Reform. Shook up the good-ol’ boys network with major ethics reform. (Sep 2008) Vetoed nearly half a billion dollars in wasteful spending. (Sep 2008) McCain: She’s a soul-mate who implemented ethics reform. (Aug 2008) Killed “bridge to nowhere” project as unneeded. (Aug 2008) Supported infamous “Bridge to Nowhere”; now criticizes it. (Aug 2008) Individuals make better decisions than government. (Aug 2008) Fight “bridge to nowhere” and all earmarks. (Jul 2008) VECO scandal & Stevens indictment shows need for GOP cleanup. (Jul 2008) Comprehensive ethics reform: change politics as usual. (Jul 2007) Presented comprehensive ethics bill in early 2007. (Mar 2007) Sell previous governor’s jet on eBay–it’s impractical. (Dec 2006) Attended numerous debates & did not avoid any unnecessarily. (Oct 2006) Supports state funding for Gravina Island bridge. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Gun Control

Click here for 5 full quotes on Gun Control OR other candidates on Gun Control OR background on Gun Control. Hunts and fishes, as did her father. (Aug 2008) Hunts as much as she can; freezer-full of wild game. (Aug 2008) Supports ending D.C.’s 32-year-old ban on handguns. (Jun 2008) Lifelong NRA member & champion of right to bear arms. (Feb 2008) Supports Constitutional right to bear arms. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Health Care

Click here for 7 full quotes on Health Care OR other candidates on Health Care OR background on Health Care. Signed up as organ donor; Alaska leads the states. (Apr 2008) Health care must be market-and business-driven. (Jan 2008) Take personal responsibility for personal health & all areas. (Jan 2008) Doctors should manage health care, not bureaucracies. (Jan 2008) Personal responsibility & choices key to good health. (Jan 2008) Flexibility in government regulations to allow competition. (Nov 2006) More affordable health care via competition. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Homeland Security

Click here for 12 full quotes on Homeland Security OR other candidates on Homeland Security OR background on Homeland Security. Energy is a foundation of national security. (Sep 2008) Only a very small percent of Islamic believers are extreme. (Sep 2008) Agrees with Bush Doctrine, if enough legitimate intel. (Sep 2008) Focus on fighting Al-Qaeda terrorists, not on reading rights. (Sep 2008) Strong military and sound energy. (Aug 2008) Armed forces, including my son, give us security and freedom. (Jan 2008) Ask all candidates “Are you doing all you can for security?”. (Oct 2007) Visits Kuwait; encourages Alaska big game hunting to troops. (Sep 2007) Obligation to support our troops, even if criticizing war. (Jun 2007) Proclaim “Loyalty Day” to reaffirm loyalty to America. (Apr 2007) Promote from within, in Alaska’s National Guard. (Nov 2006) Let military personnel know how much we support them. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Immigration

Click here for 6 full quotes on Immigration OR other candidates on Immigration OR background on Immigration. Has not often expressed views on illegal immigration. (Aug 2008) OpEd: Palin is sick to death of this immigration nonsense. (Mar 2008) Address jointly with Canada the border security challenges. (Jan 2007) Immigrants want more vocational training & senior assistance. (Oct 2006) Took no action on Alaska’s “sanctuary cities”. (Sep 2006) Tightened restrictions on illegal alien’s drivers licenses. (Sep 2006)

Sarah Palin on Jobs

Click here for 6 full quotes on Jobs OR other candidates on Jobs OR background on Jobs. Alaska Construction Academy: 2,520 students learn skills. (Aug 2008) Leverage job-training dollars thru voc-tech curriculum. (Nov 2006) Focus Workforce Investment Board on vocational careers. (Nov 2006) Praised the Red Dog zinc mine for bringing rural jobs. (Oct 2006) Department of Fish and Game is under-funded. (Oct 2006) Unions should get member permission for political donations. (Jul 2006)

Sarah Palin on Principles & Values

Click here for 31 full quotes on Principles & Values OR other candidates on Principles & Values OR background on Principles & Values. There is a plan for this world and that plan is for good. (Sep 2008) Small towns produced Harry Truman as V.P.; and produced me. (Sep 2008) Signed up for PTA; then ran for City Council; then Mayor. (Sep 2008) OpEd: shores up McCain as a conservative AND as a maverick. (Sep 2008) Before selection, questioned role of vice president. (Sep 2008) Miss Congeniality in statewide beauty pageant in 1984. (Aug 2008) Star high school athlete in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. (Aug 2008) Gained political prominence as a whistleblower. (Aug 2008) Shatter that glass ceiling once and for all. (Aug 2008) Trounced incumbent governor in 2006 on platform of reform. (Aug 2008) Fired controversial state trooper for threatening family. (Aug 2008) Voted “Miss Wasilla” in local beauty contest; eloped at 24. (Aug 2008) Husband left oil job to avoid conflict; now works for BP. (Aug 2008) Husband is part Eskimo; won Iron Dog snowmobile races. (Aug 2008) Investigated for firing ex-brother-in-law in custody battle. (Aug 2008) Raises kids with network of relatives, plus Todd as Mr. Mom. (Aug 2008) Had 6 months to adapt & prepare for Down syndrome baby. (Aug 2008) Studied journalism; ran for office to make a difference. (Aug 2008) Religion: non-denominational Bible-believing Christian. (Aug 2008) Independent prosecutor probing Cabinet firing. (Jul 2008) Replaced Public Safety commissioner based on lack of results. (Jul 2008) Denies all allegations in Department of Public Safety affair. (Jul 2008) Declare a National Day of Prayer in Alaska. (Apr 2008) Leadership is a responsibility to prepare for tomorrow. (Jan 2008) The Bible has profoundly influenced America. (Oct 2007) Recognize America’s historic and founding Christian heritage. (Sep 2007) Top priorities for AK include ethics & balanced budget. (Mar 2007) Decries “politics as usual” of attacking opponents. (Nov 2006) Endorsed by Sen. Ted Stevens. (Oct 2006) Endorsed by United Fishermen of Alaska (commercial group). (Oct 2006) Fight for freedom of religion and freedom of expression. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Social Security

Click here for 2 full quotes on Social Security OR other candidates on Social Security OR background on Social Security. Fund the Seniors Longevity Bonus Program. (Nov 2006) Home-based assistance more cost-effective than institutions. (Nov 2006)

Sarah Palin on Tax Reform

Click here for 9 full quotes on Tax Reform OR other candidates on Tax Reform OR background on Tax Reform. Raising taxes hurts small business and hurts jobs. (Sep 2008) Elected mayor based on tax cut promise. (Aug 2008) As mayor, cut property taxes & increased sales tax. (Aug 2008) $60M annually for municipal revenue sharing. (Mar 2008) Eliminate taxes that inhibit business. (Jan 2008) Repeal “nuisance taxes” including the tire tax. (Jan 2007) Mitigate impact of new $50M annual cruise ship tourism tax. (Oct 2006) No income tax; no taking the people’s dividends. (Oct 2006) Would support a seasonal sales tax, but no income tax. (Oct 2006)

Sarah Palin on Technology

Click here for 3 full quotes on Technology OR other candidates on Technology OR background on Technology. Supports $130M in research investment in U. Alaska. (Nov 2006) Efficient transportation system is vital to our economy. (Nov 2006) Alaska needs a state funded highway program. (Nov 2006)

Obama’s Voting Record

These votes show Obama’s “six years in the Illinois Senate—before coming to Washington, D.C., as a U.S. senator.”

ABORTION

NO SB 230 (1997) To prohibit partial-birth abortion unless necessary to save the life of a mother and makes performance of the procedure a Class 4 felony for the physician.

NO HB 709 (2000) To prohibit state funding of abortion and induced miscarriages except when necessary to save the life of the mother. Excludes premature births from funding except to produce a viable child when necessary to save the life of a mother. Would permit funding in cases of rape or incest when payment is authorized under federal law.

NO SB 1661 (2002) A part of the Born Alive Infant Protection Package. Would create a cause of action of a child is born alive after an abortion and the child is then neglected through failure to provide medial care after birth.

CRIME

NO SB 381 (1997) To require prisoners to pay court costs for frivolous lawsuits against the state.

NO SB 485 (1999) To give no offer of “good time” for sex offenders sentenced to the County Jail. *Obama was the only vote against this measure

UNIONS

YES HB 3396 (2003) To make unionization easier by not requiring a secret ballot to organize if 50% of the eligible workers publicly sign a card of support for unionization.

YES SB 230 (2003) Entitles a teacher who is elected as an officer of the state or national teacher’s union to be granted a leave of absence for up to six years, or the period of time the teacher is serving.

YES SB 1070 (2003) Allows college graduate assistants who teach college courses be eligible to join a union.

CHILD PROTECTION

PRESENT SB 609 (2001) To restrict the location of buildings with “adult” uses (meaning pornographic video stores, strip clubs, etc.) within 1,000 feet of any public or private elementary or secondary school, public park, place or worship, preschool, day-care facility, mobile park or residential area.

NO HB 1812 (1999) To require school boards to install software on public computers accessible to minors to block sexually explicit material.

TAXES

NO SB 1075 (1999) To create an income tax credit for all full-time K-12 pupils in an amount equal to 25% of qualified education expenses up to a maximum of $500 per family.

YES SB 1725 (2003) To restore the Illinois Estate Tax.

YES SB 1733 (2003) To impose a Gas Use Tax on the purchase of natural gas from outside the state of Illinois for use or consumption in Illinois. Forces the delivering supplier to pay 2.4 cents per therm of gas, or the customer can elect to become a “self-assessing” purchaser and pay 5% of the purchase price or 2.4 cents per therm.

ELECTIONS

YES SB 1415 (2003) To create public funding for supreme court races.

GAY RIGHTS

NOT VOTING HB 581 (2003) Allows domestic partners to be allowed to assume the rights of a spouse or survivor with regards to pension benefits under the Chicago Teacher’s pension system.

NO SB 228 (1997) Changes the “Illinois Equal Opportunity Act of 1997″ to stipulate, notwithstanding any law to the contrary, any unit of government or school district that gives benefits to same-sex couples under any criteria must give equal benefits to heterosexual couples.

DRUGS

YES SB 880 (2003) To allow the purchase of 10 hypodermic needles from a pharmacy without a prescription.

PRESENT HB 2000 (4659) To establish a zero-tolerance drug-testing policy for Department of Corrections Employees

BUSINESS

NO SB 777 (1999) To end the unemployment insurance fund building tax.

NO SB 879 (1999) To end the minimum contribution tax rate for the unemployment system.

NO SB 795 (2001) To reduce employers’ minimum contribution insurance rate.

YES SB 796 (2003) To increase the Illinois minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $6.50 per hour.

by Amanda Carpenter Posted by the Clare Booth Luce Policy Institute