Vote in the Primary on August 30th

Pat Jehlen is a hard-working, straight-talking progressive Democrat with the courage of her convictions and years of experience fighting for working families in Massachusetts. She has served as the State Representative for the City of Somerville for the past 14 years, and she has the experience, vision, and determination to stand up and fight for the families of this district as our next State Senator.

House Party - Cookout
For Representative Pat Jehlen
Hosted by Lori Gardinier & Jared Ingersoll
Sunday, June 12th

12:00 – 2:30 pm
165 Arlington Street, West Medford
Meet Representative Jehlen & learn about opportunities to support her campaign for the Senate.
(Contributions appreciated but not required)

Bring your family, neighbors, questions & ideas!
Inflatable bouncer for the kids!

http://www.gardinier.net/event/

Woo-hoo, can I get a bounce, too?

Good luck to Pat!

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Hhhmmmmm, never heard of this person . . . however

1.) Here's her present MA state rep .gov website
http://www.mass.gov/legis/member/pdj1.htm

2.) Here's an issues oriented questionnaire that she answered
http://www.vote-smart.org/npat.php?can_id=BS022864

3.) Here's how various organizations rate her voting record
http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=BS022864

4.) And here's her "official" bio
http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=BS022864




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woosh, who is running against Massachusetts State Representative Patricia Jehlen (D, Somerville) for the Middlesex County 2nd State Senate District seat? The primary special election is being held on August 30, 2005, and the general election on September 27, 2005.

This special election is being held, I understand, because the seat is vacant due to the death of Massachusetts state Senator Charles E. Shannon, Jr.

Second Middlesex County State Senate District includes:
http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eledist/sen02idx.htm

MEDFORD - (all)
SOMERVILLE - Ward 1, Precincts 2, 3; Ward. 2, Precincts 2, 3; Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Winchester - (all)
WOBURN - Ward 2



________________________________________________________

"May 17, 2005
(Ex-U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert C.) Reich endorses Jehlen for state senate
by Neil W. McCabe


"The man who served in the Clinton cabinet as labor secretary, and whose unsuccessful 2002 campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor led to the founding of the Progressive Democrats of Somerville May 9 endorsed the state senate candidacy of State Rep. Patricia D. Jehlen.

Robert C. Reich, now a professor at Brandeis University, said he is impressed by Jehlen’s commitment to progressive causes. “She has spent her adult life fighting for education funding, better jobs, affordable healthcare, and a fair playing field for working families.

"'Pat Jehlen is the kind of principled, progressive Democrat we need in the State Senate,' he said.

"Reich said, 'She has been a leader on child labor issues, raising the minimum wage, and boosting local aid to help cities and towns. I believe Pat will be a great Senator on Beacon Hill, and I hope everyone in the district will join me in supporting her in the special election.'

"'It means a great deal to me to have Secretary Reich’s support for my State Senate campaign,' said Jehlen, who is running for the Democratic nomination to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of Charles E. Shannon Jr.

"The primary is scheduled for Aug. 30 and the special election is scheduled for Sept 27.

"Jehlen said she is grateful for Reich’s support. 'He is a role model for me, and a true champion of working families. His commitment to improving the lives of families and working people is unparalleled. I am honored to have his support.'"

http://somervillenews.typepad.com/the_somerville_news/2005/05/

________________________________________________________


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There was an older thread when Jehlen announced that named a couple of suspects, including someone from Shannon's office, but I don't know specifically.

I do know that Shannon ran uncontested last gereral election, so perhap the same thing will happen again.

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OK, woosh, thanks. I don't think (but haven't checked if) anyone has filed as yet. Hhhmmmmm, maybe I should check the MA Secty of State's Office. My curiosity is getting the better of me. LOL

(another *kick*)

Medford's Michael Callahan seeks district senate seat
Thursday, June 23, 2005

Governor's Councilor Michael J. Callahan of Medford officially announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Second Middlesex District state senator.

Before a crowd of more than 300 people at his Somerville kickoff event at Good Times Emporium, Callahan stated that people have asked him why he would take on the challenges of being a state senator. His answer is simply that he feels that he can make a difference given his experiences, both personally and professionally.

"At a young age I had the honor of serving my country in the United States Army in Vietnam, where I learned that through perseverance all obstacles can be overcome. This experience also instilled in me the belief that no veteran of the United States Armed Forces should be left homeless or without proper medical care. We must ensure that the families of those defending our nation are not short-changed because of the sacrifices of their loved ones.

Callahan advised the crowd his campaign for State Senate was focused on three major areas of concern health care, jobs and education.

We must provide affordable health care to all citizens, especially the senior citizens and children of the commonwealth" said Callahan.

When elected he plans to file legislation to create the Family Dependent Care Act, which would provide for funding, education, training and support for families that are faced with the difficult task of caring for loved ones who have been stricken by disease or illnesses such as Alzheimer's, which he knows about from his own background of caring for someone with this illness.

"I spent six years caring for my mother, an Alzheimer's patient. I personally experienced how little help was available to victims and their families. I remember how it felt not to have support services or a central source of information. This legislation is needed as a first step in developing the necessary support services to assist people in need," stated Callahan.

Callahan also told the crowd that by sending him to the state senate, "voters will have a strong voice for job creation and economic development, looking at the economic condition of our state we know that unemployment has more than doubled during the Republican administration. I am dismayed at what is happening to people who are now working at a lower rate of pay than before. It is time we put the working men and women of Massachusetts back to work and give them a fair working wage. My record on this issue speaks for itself, as assistant to the racing commissioner I worked with other state and local officials to save and restore over 10,000 jobs through the reopening of Suffolk Downs. This reopening revitalized the area and had a great economic impact. The working people of the Second Middlesex district need a state senator who will fight to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to get a good paying job and the dignity that goes along with it."

Callahan also stated his strong commitment to improving our educational system.

"There is nothing more important than a good education. Everyone must be afforded the tools to have the opportunity to succeed and excel. Among these tools is the need to increase funding for higher education, support for early education programs such as kindergarten development grants and the strengthening of teacher recruitment and retention programs," he said. "I strongly believe that the main job of a state senator is to help people. Whether it is helping to resolve a crisis in the racing industry, working to resolve consumer complaints at the Medford Consumer Commission, helping to solve a constituent problem while I was a Administrative Assistant in the State Senate or responding to a citizens needs while serving as your Governor's Councilor the past seven years, I believe helping people on a case by case basis is the best way I can make sure our government works for you."

Callahan is currently serving as a member of the Massachusetts Governor's Council, and is a member of the Medford Consumer Advisory Commission. He served as legislative assistant to former state senators Denis K. McKenna and John W. Bullock and is a United States Army Vietnam Veteran. Callahan attended St. Francis of Assisi in Medford (First graduating class), Medford High School, North Shore Community College and Northeastern University.

he has helped those of us in the racing industry, as well as all the union workers in the state, all the time.

Pat Jehlen has a more narrow agenda.

That's why I LIKE MIKE.

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Geez, I looked him up . . . nothing. Absolutely zip. Is he an . . . attorney, Kathy? Or am I confusing him w/ someone else.

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Here are some local news clips:

http://somervillenews.typepad.com/the_somerville_news/2005/06/slavitt_endorse.html

I never heard of him.

next to the Neighborhood restaurant. And he's an Alderman in Somerville.

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Okay. Got him. Yup. He's who I thought he is . . . here's his photograph on the City's website:


William A. White, Jr., Republican,
Somerville, Massachusetts, Alderman-at-Large

I don't think he'll cause too much trouble against Patricia Jehlen, Democrat, in her run for the state Senate seat in the 2nd Middlesex. Nope.

Thanks, Kathy.

_______________________________________________________________________________________



.

I promise.

and I will do everything possible to defeat Pat.

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Uuummm . . . in past elections, Jehlen has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO, Massachusetts chapter. That is when Pat ran for her present seat as state representative of the 27th Middlesex County.

However, Pat Jehlen is now running in the Special Election primary on August 30, 2005 for the 2nd Middlesex County State Senate District seat (which includes MEDFORD all Wards, all Precincts; SOMERVILLE Ward 1, Precincts 2, 3, and Ward 2, Precincts 2, 3, and Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; Winchester all Wards, all Precincts; and WOBURN Ward 2. See, http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eledist/sen02idx.htm ).

Her endorsements so far are (which may be updated later):

Groups

Mass Federation of Teachers
Somerville Teachers Association
Boston Teachers Union
MassEquality
Freedom to Marry Coalition of Massachusetts
OutSomerville
GALLAN (Gay and Lesbian Labor Activists Network)/PAW/AFL-CIO
Neighbor to Neighbor
Progressive Democrats of Somerville
UAW Region 9A
Mass NOW
The National Association of Social Workers/MA PACE
Commonwealth Coalition
Citizens for Participation in Political Action (CPPAX)
SEIU Local 3, National Conference of Firemen & Oilers
SEIU Local 509
SEIU Local 615
SEIU Local 2020
GREY2K USA
Massachusetts Peace Action
UNITE HERE


Individuals

Robert Reich, former U.S. Labor Secretary
Congressman Barney Frank
Sen. Harriette Chandler
Rep. Ruth Balser
Rep. Deborah Blumer
Former Rep. Paul Demakis
Former Rep. Carol Donovan
Rep. Gloria Fox
Rep. Anne Gobi
Rep. Jay Kaufman
Rep. Kay Khan
Rep. Steve Kulik
Rep. Liz Malia
Rep. Anne Paulsen
Rep. Doug Petersen
Rep. Byron Rushing
Rep. Tom Sannicandro
Rep. Carl Sciortino
Rep. Ellen Story
Rep. Frank Smizik
Rep. Bill Straus
Rep. Pat Walrath
Rep. Marty Walz

"Time and time again we have counted on Pat Jehlen and her leadership inside and outside of the State House to help improve the lives of working people throughout Massachusetts. She has been there for us as we fought for good wages and benefits for all families and walked with us on picket lines. We admire her principled commitment to the issues important to all families: quality education, affordable healthcare, fair wages, affordable housing and the equitable treatment of all of Massachusetts' residents. Pat has always stood with us, and we know she will continue to stand up for us as a State Senator. We are proud to stand with her today as she runs for State Senate,"
- Rocio Saenz, President of SEIU Local 615.

"You have been with the working people on picket lines, in support of the minimum wage, in fights for immigrant rights, union rights and worker rights in general. I wish we had more like you."
- Warren Pepicelli, Manager/Vice President UNITE HERE

http://www.patjehlen.org/endorsements.shtml






Uphold Goodridge same-sex marriage Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision;
place no discrimination in our Massachusetts constitution!




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is an anti-union organization.

Pat is with the unions on the easy issues.

On the hard ones she disappears.

I am trying to persuade my fellow members of the Greater Boston Labor Council (AFL-CIO) to withhold any endorsement of Pat. When the trade unions needed her on the building of a Mall to create jobs in Somerville, she was on the other side, but we won.

The AFL-CIO has gone on record in support of expanded gaming at racetracks in Massachusetts, Pat has been one of our most vocal opponents.

In 2000, the AFL-CIO spent nearly $750,000 to defeat an anti-union ballot question to ban dog racing in the state. Thousands of Union jobs were at stake. Pat sided against us, and worked against us, but we won.

Labor endorsements should be for candidates who side with Union jobs, both in the public and private sector, not social issues. Let those groups who espouse a position on social issues make those endorsements.


Pat Jehlen is no friend of labor, and her votes and positions on the issues near and dear to the hearts of working people in this area, especially in the private sector unions and building trades, prove it.

will be quick and dirty "big box" retail architecture and provide union jobs only during construction. Afterward it'll employ "sales associates" at teeny increments above minimum wage and no benefits.

If the AFL-CIO thinks this is a good idea, I'm for the SEIU schism.

Meanwhile, the one time I actually saw Pat Jehlen in action, she was here in the downtown office building I work with, trying to persuade the facilities manager that unionized janitors would improve our workplace. (I snuck her in on my ID card, and caught a moderate ration of shit for it.) I don't think she's lacking in labor cred.

I walked with them myself. Those are the easy causes.

When Pat has to stand up and face off against her ultra-liberal base, that's when she takes a walk.

Did she walk with the Police, as I did (and Mike Callahan?).

She was going to shut down all racetracks in 2002, when she joined forces with ultra-Conservative Susan Pope (R-Wellesley) to object to unanimous consent that could have cost Massachusetts literally thousands of jobs of hard working men and women, including over a thousand union jobs. She was doing the bidding of Grey2K. She backed off after enormous Union pressure was put on her.

As far as SEIU is concerned, the SEIU 615 endorsement went over real big with Wonderland Dog Track members of that Union. They were just thrilled to share a web site with an organization that is "dedicated to abolishing greyhound racing in America".

It's time that Union endorsements go to people who really stand up for working men and women, and get away from worrying about issues that belong in another forum.

were being unrealistic in their demands. So what if the plans called for
"big box" type of stores?

It would be one thing if the stores were being built in newly developed areas, or if people were being displace to make way for development.
But, that's not the situation here. The Assembly Square mall, was an aging mall before, and it's still an aging mall now. The usage of the land would have been unchanged.

These days any mall that has hopes of succeeding need "big box" anchor stores in order to attract other business and customers.

Denying access to IKEA and other large retailers because they're unsightly or because the jobs created will be "sales associates" at teeny increments above minimum wage and no benefits", makes no fiscal or business sense.

The "minimum wage and no benefits" jobs will just be moved elsewhere...
which is just what IKEA did with the result of Somerville losing about
$1,000,000 per year in property taxes.

one of us.

Anyone But Jehlen

That sounds a bit Borgish (as in "you will be assimilated"). :smoke:

I am a 21 year union member if that's what you mean.

Union issues aside, I have other problems with Jehlen as my rep in the Statehouse.

I'd sooner eat cat shit with a knitting needle than vote for her.

is against Jehlen.

I'm a 52 year old Union member. I broke into this conversation a few days ago.

I'm working with the anti-Jehlen coalition at the Greater Boston Labor Council.

My term for you as one of us was accurate in that I, too will do anything within legal boundaries to prevent Pat Jehlen from winning this Senate seat.

And that's from a president of a local union.

for someone else's campaign.

Why don't you just pump your own candidate? This is a really classless move.

I represent a Union of racing employees. If we didn't have someone, like Jehlen who wants to take our jobs away, in this race, we would sit it out.

If Pat wants us to lose our jobs, we certainly don't want her to get a promotion.

This is about an issue, not a personality.

If you can't defend her position that's one thing, but I've been far from classless in my responses.

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"louis c," I've read your rantings about another candidate long . . . enough in this thread about Patricia Jehlen. It's apparent that you are on your own personal vendetta about your own candidate.

You do not seem to appreciate that the subject matter of this thread is introducing Massachusetts state Representative Patricia Jehlen in her candidacy for the 2nd Middlesex Senate District. As such, kindly take your candidate's postings elsewhere. At the very least appreciate etiquette in this thread started by woosh. Yeah, you heard me correctly, etiquette. Ever heard of it?

All that being said, I feel it necessary to reply to your postings by reiterating that Patricia Jehlen has a 95% positive union rating from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO office as well as many additional union endorsements, despite your protestations about greyhound gambling and a Mall gone awry in your view.

Bottom line? Try another thread. Start your own. Any response by you in this post, will further imbue your mindset and purpose amongst Massachusetts DUers.




"Time and time again we have counted on Pat Jehlen and her leadership inside and outside of the State House to help improve the lives of working people throughout Massachusetts,” said Rocio Saenz, President of SEIU Local 615. “She has been there for us as we fought for good wages and benefits for all families and walked with us on picket lines. We admire her principled commitment to the issues important to all families: quality education, affordable healthcare, fair wages, affordable housing and the equitable treatment of all of Massachusetts' residents. Pat has always stood with us, and we know she will continue to stand up for us as a State Senator. We are proud to stand with her today as she runs for State Senate."
http://www.patjehlen.org/pressrelease060605.shtml



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My position against Pat Jehlen is not personal.

As a matter of fact, I agree with her on many issues.

I just feel that a public official that wants to take my job, and those jobs of men and woman that I represent away, that I will do all that is right to defeat that individual.

Please defend her on her positions that I disagree with, rather than to tell me to "shut up", in so many words.

On edit: P.S. over 1,000 posts next to my name means I've been here (DU) a long time, and the gold star means that I contribute financially to this forum. I know the rules. This is a discussion forum, and I will continue to post, and enlighten my DU Friends in a proper manner.

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I received an email from Democracy for America in which they've endorsed Massachusetts State Representative Patricia Jehlen (Democrat) for the http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eledist/sen02idx.htm">Second Middlesex County State Senate District: MEDFORD (all); SOMERVILLE Ward 1, Precincts 2, 3, and Ward 2, Precincts 2, 3, and Wards 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; Winchester (all); WOBURN, Ward 2

Democracy for America endorses Pat Jehlen

"Dear Supporter (of Democracy for America):

"Pat Jehlen has the experience, vision, and determination to stand up for all the families of the 2nd Middlesex District as State Senator.

"Jehlen first became involved in politics when two teenagers broke the window of her Somerville home. With the help of her neighbors, Pat formed a local civic group that opened a teen drop-in center to reduce neighborhood crime.

"But that was only the beginning of her commitment to community improvement. She went on to help organize a city-wide school volunteer program and a local civic reform group.

"During her fourteen years as a state representative, she has fought for education funding, universal health care, marriage equality and the needs of working people and families. She serves as Chair of the Elder Caucus and Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. She is co-founder of the Progressive Legislators' Group, and was named "Legislator of the Year" by the Massachusetts Senior Action Council and the Women's State-Wide Legislative Network.

"In the wake of State Senator Charlie Shannon's death, Pat Jehlen has vowed to continue the presence of a strong, progressive voice -- an unwavering voice that will represent all the families of the 2nd Middlesex District.

"Pat Jehlen has earned our respect -- and a place on our DFA-List:

"http://www.patjehlen.org/endorsements.shtml

"Across the country -- outside the Beltway, working in state government, city halls, and local offices -- a new generation of leaders is taking shape. These leaders fight for our values and share our commitment to responsive, progressive government.

"We support real leaders, and celebrate their accomplishments. That's why we have the DFA-List. But that support is only as good as you make it. Visit Pat Jehlen's website, and help her in any way you can:

"http://www.patjehlen.org

"Democracy for America stands ready to help leaders like Pat Jehlen and the rest of the DFA-List. They set an example worth telling Washington to watch -- and follow. Please join us for a conference call with Rep. Jehlen on Wednesday June 29th at 5:00 PM. Sign up here:

"http://www.democracyforamerica.com/jehlen

"Thanks for helping our next generation of leaders succeed.

"Sincerely,
Jim Dean
Democracy for America"



"Who heads Democracy for America?

James H. Dean, Chairman

As the chair of Democracy for America (DFA), Jim Dean is committed to carrying on what his brother, Governor Howard Dean, started - strengthening grassroots participation; and the recruitment and election of fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidates to all levels of government. This is a long-term investment that will pay off if we are willing to stand up for what we believe in and support candidates at every level of political office."

. . . more at http://www.democracyforamerica.com/about.php





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all hold the same position on expanded gaming at racetracks, they're against them.

Some good company for a progressive.

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"louis c," I've read your rantings about another candidate long . . . enough in this thread about Patricia Jehlen. It's apparent that you are on your own personal vendetta about your own candidate.

You do not seem to appreciate that the subject matter of this thread is introducing Massachusetts state Representative Patricia Jehlen in her candidacy for the 2nd Middlesex Senate District. As such, kindly take your candidate's postings elsewhere. At the very least appreciate etiquette in this thread started by woosh. Yeah, you heard me correctly, etiquette. Ever heard of it?

All that being said, I feel it necessary to reply to your postings by reiterating that Patricia Jehlen has a 95% positive union rating from the Massachusetts AFL-CIO office as well as many additional union endorsements, despite your protestations about greyhound gambling and a Mall gone awry in your view.

Bottom line? Try another thread. Start your own. Any response by you in this post, will further imbue your mindset and purpose amongst Massachusetts DUers.




"Time and time again we have counted on Pat Jehlen and her leadership inside and outside of the State House to help improve the lives of working people throughout Massachusetts,” said Rocio Saenz, President of SEIU Local 615. “She has been there for us as we fought for good wages and benefits for all families and walked with us on picket lines. We admire her principled commitment to the issues important to all families: quality education, affordable healthcare, fair wages, affordable housing and the equitable treatment of all of Massachusetts' residents. Pat has always stood with us, and we know she will continue to stand up for us as a State Senator. We are proud to stand with her today as she runs for State Senate."
http://www.patjehlen.org/pressrelease060605.shtml



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By the way, you can ask Rocco Saenz how his members at Wonderland Dog Track appreciate his endorsement of Jehlen. I have heard that there's a little dissension in the ranks of 615.

I guess that can happen when the union you pay dues to endorses a candidate that wants to take your job away. (Grey2K website .."dedicated to abolish greyhound racing in America"). Grey2K endorsed Jehlen. SEIU 615 represents workers at a dog track. I bet you can see the problem that could cause.

louis c, while I can certainly respect your right to defend yourself and your fellow workers against a threat to your livelihood, I do feel that you've miscategorized Rep. Jehlen's opposition.

From what I understand, Rep. Jehlen supports unions but opposes greyhound racing. In this instance, her feeling that greyhound racing is tantamount to animal abuse takes priority over her support for labor and unions. This does not mean that she is patently anti-union, simply that not all circumstances can be boiled down to such a solitary perspective.

it certainly can. It would be like saying a politician is for the Auto Workers, but just against building cars.

She is also against slots at racetracks. Every AFL-CIO in America favors this position. Our livelihoods in the racing industry depend on it. She has also opposed this legislation.

Unions must stick together. Let me give you an example.

I lobby long and hard for my members on slot machine legislation. Our contract has linkage to this, should it become a reality. It just so happens that we have bi-partisan support. We have many Republican Legislators in favor of our position. We also have some very liberal Democrats on our side, and vice-versa. Rep. Reinstein (D-Revere) is pro-choice and pro-gay marriage and for us wholeheartedly. Rep. Linsky is very liberal, but like Jehlen, opposed to our jobs. Susan Pope a Conservative Republican, is our most outspoken critic in the House and Jehlen's ally on this issue. So, you see, this isn't about party affiliation, or even ideology. However, it is about our survival, and we intend to fight for our jobs.

However, I cannot, in good conscience, endorse a legislator that favors my union, but wants to, say, privatize the MBTA. That means he, or she, wants to take away my union brothers' and sisters' job. I expect my other union leaders will feel the same way. I might not endorse against him or her, but I will not support a politician who favors the loss of a single union job. I will fight hard, as the President of my local, against ANY politician, left, right, or center, who wants to abolish our jobs.

Pat Jehlen is in that category, only from the left. You see, when it comes to working people losing their jobs, I make no distinction about party or ideology.

Now, you have the Crux of my speech before the Labor Council on July 11th, when we debate this recommendation for endorsement.

I hope my position is clear.

To take your argument to its extreme conclusion, you're saying that you'd support assasins if they were union, regardless of whether or not you had a moral objection to the function of their job?

I know it's a ridiculous example, and I'm certainly not trying to compare greyhound racing or slot machines to murder. However, there are those who feel strongly that such activities are harmful to both animals and people.

I don't suggest that you vote to endorse a politician with whom you disagree. However, your characterization of Rep. Jehlen as "no friend of labor" is rather narrow and neglects to account for the many times when she has been on the side of workers.

favors slots.

Are you opposed to the lottery?

If you are, then watch the Union uproar.

I have to agree with you, though. Your example is "ridiculous".

By the way, every one of her Democratic opponents are on our side, as well as having perfect records on labor.

We'll see how she fares on Monday.

Check out who the Jehlen ally is on this issue

http://www.comedyzine.com/tirade401.html