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By Is
“There was never a good war, or a bad peace.” – Ben Franklin, 1783
Yesterday, on the anniversary of those words written by Ben Franklin, the House voted to spend an additional $33 billion in war funding in Afghanistan; an additional $33 billion for what can now be seen as nothing but a “monstrous maze,” as Maureen Dowd wrote this morning in the New York Times.
As a Senator in the 1960’s, and a presidential candidate in 1972, I agonized and crusaded against the terrible blunder that was the Vietnam War. I prayed and hoped that we would learn from the error of our ways and never again put young Americans’ lives at risk to support corrupt regimes.
Today, I see that my prayers and hopes remain woefully unanswered. The situation we as a country face in Afghanistan is untenable. Our brave troops – sons and daughters; fathers and mothers – are fighting an unseen enemy in a strategy built on quicksand. They are risking everything in an ambiguous mission with no definable end. And they are dying in the name of nation building over there.
Yesterday, I was proud to watch Congressman Jim McGovern, one of my closest friends, speak up against the expansion of funding, and urge his colleagues to do the same. As Jim has said consistently, we should be spending billions on nation building here at home; not on a corrupt and inefficient government over there.
The documents leaked this week showing the incompetence and corruption of the Afghanistan government only further demonstrates why it is so important to bring our men and women home. But the five Republicans fighting for a chance to run against Jim this fall are all opposed to setting a firm date for withdrawal. They want a stronger military presence in the Middle East, and have advocated decimating services that matter to people—services that could be financially supported if we weren’t spending additional billions on an awful war.
Those aren’t policies we can tolerate. Jim needs your help to ensure he can continue the crusade to bring our troops home. I urge you to donate at JimMcGovern.com/donate, and endorse Jim by visiting JimMcgovern.com/endorse-Jim.
Jim has been one of the few consistent voices against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Earlier this year, he introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill calling for a flexible timetable for withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan as a matter of national security and fiscal responsibility. He has consistently voted against funding for escalating the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and voted against the initial authorization of force in Iraq in 2002.
On this day 45 years ago, our country announced a massive troop expansion in Vietnam—an expansion that led us nowhere but deeper into a predicament that took us years to escape from.
Jim is one of the true champions for peace in Congress, and this is as important a campaign as he has ever had. Your donation will allow him to continue to fight aggressively against the war, and to represent values that matter to all of us. Please donate today at JimMcGovern.com/donate.
Thank you,
Senator George McGovern
Filed in: Uncategorized
By DuncanArsenault
WORCESTER, MA—Congressman Jim McGovern and the Reelect Jim McGovern Committee announce the next in a series of organizational meetings for supporters and volunteers from the following communities. Voters in the Franklin area are invited to come meet Congressman McGovern, your local Field Organizer and additional campaign staff, and find out how you can get involved in the campaign.
For more information, contact Scott Lieber at ScottL@jimmcgovern.com, call him at 508-795-1998 or visit www.jimmcgovern.com.
For residents of Franklin, Holliston, Medway, Plainville, Wrentham
July 25th:
The Rome
4 East Central St
Franklin, MA
7-8:15 PM
Filed in: Uncategorized
By Re-Elect McGovern Committee
Hello-
Since my first campaign, I’ve treated the voters of the 3rd District with respect. To me, respect means not taking your support for granted. As such, I’ve always worked aggressively to represent my district. And, with five Republicans and one independent vying to run against me this fall, I’m campaigning the same way—aggressively, and vigorously.
I’ve opened a campaign headquarters, hired a full campaign staff, redesigned my website, ordered signs, and am planning a full media campaign. It’s important that I’m able to make the case for why I deserve reelection and what important work remains to be done. But aggressive campaigning takes resources.
That’s why I’m asking you to support me by making a donation to my campaign before the federal fundraising quarter deadline of Wednesday, June 30.
Make no mistake—my opponents are also working hard. They’ve followed me around to official district office hours, held a press conference outside of my Congressional office, and advocated decimating services that matter to people. One candidate has called for eliminating the Department of Education; another answered a question about the BP oil spill with “drill, baby, drill.”
Meanwhile, I pledge to continue to stand for the things that matter to all of us: jobs and economic growth; more help for our veterans; better education at every level; and meaningful reform of Wall Street.
Please make a donation to my campaign before the federal fundraising quarter deadline of Wednesday, June 30.
Every donor counts—I’m proud of my wide range and number of supporters, and am aiming to hit 100 new donations by the end of the month.
Whether it’s $10, $20, $50, or $500, your donation by midnight on Wednesday, June 30 will send a message to each of my opponents. With your help, I will continue the fight: to create more jobs; to get our economy back on track; for human rights, and for the causes that matter to you and me.
Please donate before Wednesday June 30th at midnight.
Thank you in advance for your help and your continued support.
Sincerely,
Jim McGovern
Text “McGovern” to 69302 to sign up for text updates from my campaign!
JimMcGovern.com | Facebook.com/McGovernForCongress | Twitter.com/RepJimMcGovern | YouTube.com/McGovernForCongress
Filed in: Fundraisers
By Re-Elect McGovern Committee
Congressman Jim McGovern announced today the hiring of two new campaign staffers, signaling his intent to mount an energetic re-election campaign for Congress representing the Massachusetts Third Congressional District. Campaign Manager Ed Augustus and Director of New Media Scott Zoback join current Finance Director Matt Pacheco on the campaign staff.
“I’ve always represented my constituents aggressively, and I plan to run this campaign with the same strength and fervor,” said McGovern. “Clearly, people are looking for strong leadership, and this excellent leadership team will help ensure that I can continue to work for change; for families and small-business owners; for new jobs; for better education; for meaningful reform on Wall Street; for clean and green industries; and for the protection of Social Security and Medicare.”
Augustus has left his position as Executive Director of the Children’s Defense Fund of California in order to return to Massachusetts and manage McGovern’s re-election campaign. Augustus formerly ran McGovern’s successful 1998 re-election campaign and subsequently served as his Chief of Staff from 1999 through 2004. In 2004, he was elected to the MA State Senate representing Worcester and served two terms before relocating to California for his current job. He will be responsible for managing and coordinating all aspects of the re-election campaign.
“Ed’s unrivaled knowledge of the district, his keen political instincts, and his vast campaign management experience will be invaluable,” said McGovern.
“Quite simply, there is no one who works harder or does more for his constituents than Jim McGovern,” said Augustus. “His dedication to those who need his help most is unparalleled at any level of government, and that’s exactly what the 3rd Congressional District needs.”
Zoback comes to the campaign from the office of Massachusetts State Senator Harriette Chandler, where he served as Communications Director. Prior to working for Senator Chandler, Zoback was a reporter and editor with Worcester Magazine, where he developed Worcester’s first major news blog and drove the paper’s political and feature coverage. He comes to the campaign with a wide knowledge and understanding of new media, including the blogosphere, social networking, and online advertising.
“Scott’s skill and adeptness in this rapidly changing arena will greatly enhance how we communicate our message,” said McGovern.
“Jim McGovern’s commitment to his district, to human rights, and to doing what is right is unparalleled,” said Zoback. “I’ve long been proud to have him as my Congressman, and look forward to working towards another successful campaign and term.”
Filed in: News
By Re-Elect McGovern Committee
WORCESTER, MA – May 3, 2010 – The International Union of Police Associations, the New England PBA, and NEPBA Worcester Local 911 – Worcester’s Police Officers, formally endorsed Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-3) in his bid for reelection today, signaling support for strong and effective leadership.
“For the past 13 years, Jim McGovern’s name has been synonymous with public safety,” said Local 911 head Steve Gunnerson, who was joined by NEPBA Executive Director Jerry Flynn at the announcement at Worcester Police Headquarters.
McGovern said that he was gratified that the union, which endorsed Republican Scott Brown in the special election for Senate, had voted to back him in this fall’s election.
“I’ve always been dedicated to the public safety officers who work tirelessly day in and out to protect our communities,” said McGovern.
“I’m proud and humbled that Local 911 has recognized my commitment to them, and given me this vote of confidence for the next two years.”
Since his election in 1996, Congressman McGovern has been a staunch supporter of legislative efforts to protect public safety officers and maintain strong public safety departments in communities throughout his district.
A few of McGovern’s recent key legislative accomplishments include:
- Cosponsor of the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act that would extend collective bargaining rights to state and local public safety officers. It would serve as the minimum for states that have lesser collective bargaining rights and not preempt states that have stronger rights.
- Consistently supported and advocated for the full funding of the COPS program to its authorized levels. Since 1994, that effort has put 100,000 cops on the streets, increasing the nation’s police ranks by 20%
- Original cosponsor of the bill that authorized appropriations for the Byrne JAG program through FY 2012. This federal-crime fighting grant program allows individual departments target where they need the resources most to keep their communities safe.
- Original cosponsor of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program, which has provided over 818,000 new, bullet resistant vests to officers across the country.
McGovern said that he would continue his legislative efforts and work to “ensure that good officers like these can continue to do their jobs effectively.”
Filed in: News
By Re-Elect McGovern Committee
Dear friend,
As we enter April, I want you to know that I intend to run a strong and aggressive campaign for re-election, and I need your help.
Already, my six opponents in this year’s election are focusing their campaigns around a vow to ‘repeal’ meaningful health insurance reform — reform that is set to improve the lives of millions of our fellow citizens.
Let’s be clear about what their ‘repeal’ would really mean.
Repeal means eliminating tax breaks for thousands of Massachusetts small businesses and owners – the innovators and job creators – who will receive a credit to help cover the cost of insuring their workers.
Repeal means taking away a 50% discount on prescription drugs for thousands of Massachusetts seniors who will receive help to
pay for their premiums and a $250 rebate if they hit the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole” this year.
Repeal means keeping thousands of young adults up to age 26 off their parent’s health insurance.
And repeal means bringing back the most abusive practices of the insurance companies: denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition; dropping coverage when you’re sick and need it most; and instituting lifetime coverage caps.
Please make a donation to my campaign before the federal fundraising quarter deadline of Wednesday, March 31 at midnight – and send all six of my opponents a message by adding a ‘6′ to your contribution.
Whether it’s $6, $56 or $106, your donation will send a message to each of my opponents that we will fight to create new jobs and get our economy back on track, not repeal a law that ends abusive insurance company practices and reduces our nation’s debt.
With your help, I will continue the fight to get our economy back on track; for more help for our veterans; for better education at every level; and for meaningful reform of Wall Street.
I believe we need to get serious about investing in clean, green industries that can create millions of new jobs. I also believe we must protect Social Security and Medicare for our seniors and for future generations.
Please donate and add a ‘6′ before March 31st at midnight.
Thank you for your support and friendship.
Sincerely,
Jim McGovern
P.S. follow my campaign on Facebook. Become a fan today.
Filed in: Fundraisers
By Re-Elect McGovern Committee
Join Jim, family, friends and supporters as we March in Worcester’s St. Patrick’s day parade on Sunday March 14th. Marchers will meet at 11am at the intersection of Park Ave. and Mill Street.
Jim, Lisa, Patrick and Molly will be hosting lunch and an open house for marchers and supporters at their home, 393 Burncoat Street in Worcester, immediately following the parade . Call 508-795-1998 or email matt@jimmcgovern.com for more information.
Filed in: Campaign Events, Volunteer Opportunities
By Re-Elect McGovern Committee
The McGovern campaign has begun to collect nomination signatures to get Jim back on the ballot in the September primary. Massachusetts candidates for U.S. Congress are required to submit at least 2000 signatures from registered voters in their district in order to qualify for the ballot.
The signature driven is powered by volunteers like you. Jim needs your help! Please contact the McGovern campaign at 508-795-1998 or matt@jimmcgovern.com to learn more about the signature drive, volunteer or request nomination sheets.
Here are some helpful tips for collecting signatures:
- Congressman McGovern and every other candidate for Congress in Massachusetts must submit at least 2000 certified signatures to the Massachusetts Secretary of State in order to appear on the primary election ballot. A nomination signature is not an endorsement of the candidate.
- Each individual nomination form is specific to one city or town. For example, if you live in Worcester and sign the nomination form, all remaining signatures on that specific form must come from Worcester residents. Please take a moment to write in the name of your community in the ‘City or Town’ box at the bottom of the nomination form upon receiving it.
- Signatures from registered democrats and unenrolled voters are valid. If someone is unsure of their voter registration status or party affiliation, they should still be encouraged to sign.
- The nomination form includes a space for individual signature, address, ward and precinct. If someone is interested in signing but is unsure of their ward or precinct, please leave those areas blank and encourage them to sign and include their street address.
- Do not make any stray marks on the form. Please do not mark the ‘CHECK’ column.
- If you have not collected enough signatures to fill the form out completely (23), please send it back anyway.
- Please return your nomination forms to the McGovern campaign no later than Friday April 9th, 2010.
The return address for nomination forms is:
Re-elect McGovern Committee
PO Box 60405
Worcester, MA 01606
Thank you for your continued support!
Filed in: Volunteer Opportunities
By Re-Elect McGovern Committee
James Patrick McGovern after a spirited delivery - November 20, 1959
Date: November 20, 2009
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Location: 55 Pearl Restaurant, 55 Pearl Street, Worcester
Please join special guest U.S. Senator George McGovern along with family friends and supporters for Congressman McGovern’s 50th birthday celebration and fundrasier
Suggested contribution: $50 – one dollar for every year!
Donate now or make checks payable to “Re-Elect McGovern Committee”
RSVP: rsvp@jimmcgovern.com or call 508-795-1998
Filed in: Campaign Events, Fundraisers
By Re-Elect McGovern Committee
On Sunday morning, October 11, Congressman Jim McGovern participated in a roundtable discussion on ABC News ‘This Week.’ The panel discussed the War in Afghanistan and President Obama’s options, including Congressman McGovern’s bill requiring the Administration to submit an exit strategy.
For a video replay and transcript, visit ABC News ‘This Week.’
Filed in: News
