Former insurance lobbyist (Emerson) continues to raise hundreds of thousands from lobbyists and corporate PACs

Southeast Missourian | Jonathan Feifs | February 1, 2010

Contribute to Tommy's campaign today via Wes's Act Blue page.

Rolla, MO -- During the 4th quarter of 2009, former Army Green Beret Tommy Sowers raised $179,127, 98% of which came as contributions from individuals. In stark contrast, incumbent and former insurance lobbyist Jo Ann Emerson once again relied on her special interest friends, raising nearly half her money from corporate PACs and special interest groups.

Sowers said, "Emerson does not represent Southeastern Missouri. She still represents the city where she was born and raised: Washington, DC. People here tell me they are tired of business as usual in Washington. The lobbyists and special interests behind Emerson are exactly what people here are sick of."

Veterans, National Security Leaders Stand Up For Clean Energy In New Repower America TV Ad

As the nation prepares to celebrate Veterans Day and honor the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, the Alliance for Climate Protection’s Repower America campaign today released a new television ad featuring veterans and national security leaders in their own voices calling for bold action now on clean energy and climate change to strengthen America’s national security.

With a hat tip to Geaux for finding the link:

On Saturday, October 17, 2009 General Wesley Clark spoke to Kentucky Democrats at the annual Jefferson-Jackson DInner. The Hillbilly Report captured his speech.

Courtesy of the Hillbilly Report

We have been organizing gatherings all across Arkansas to build up support for clean energy legislation and to encourage our elected officials to become leaders in ending the climate crisis. If you haven't been able to attend one yet, I hope you will join us at Operation Free's event in Little Rock, Arkansas.

General Clark was appointed today to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

Washington, DC – Today, President Obama appointed 28 members to the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. This accomplished group of citizens representing a broad range of backgrounds, interests, and professions are responsible for recommending a group of exceptional men and women to the President for selection as White House Fellows. The commission will be chaired by John Phillips, a partner at Phillips and Cohen Law Firm. Cheryl Dorsey, President of Echoing Green, will vice-chair the commission. A full list of commissioners and their biographies can be found at the link below.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-Announces-Appointments-to-the-Presidents-Commission-on-White-House-Fellowships/

With Israel On Her Heels, Gillibrand Races To Raise

By Elizabeth Benhamin | The Daily Politics | NY Daily News

www.nydailynews.com /blogs/dailypolitics/ 2009/03/with-israel-on-her-heels-gilli.html

With the first-quarter fundraising deadline looming, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is making a last-minute push for campaign cash in hopes a big first filing will help discourage any would-be 2010 primary challengers.

Wesley Clark: What I've Learned

Esquire | December 18, 2008 | By Ryan D'Agostino

The retired general offers new options for the American military: diplomacy and the prospects of a commander in chief without a military background.

The Boys Club camp director was a former Army guy. One day, when I was a counselor, fourteen years old, he said, "I want all the counselors to the pool. Today we're going to do Follow Me off the Diving Board." He did front flips, back flips, gainers, cutaways--I mean, he was really good. And people would say, "But, but, but Jimmy, I don't know how to do a back flip." He said, "Get up there and try it." And you did it.

Slobodan Milosevic was just as smart as a five-year-old. Five-year-olds have an uncanny way of getting into your psyche, your self-esteem. They think way ahead to get what they want--they're capable of extraordinary strategic planning. Milosevic anticipated your motivations, and he played them.

A few days after 9/11, I went to see Rumsfeld. He said, "I've read your book." He had it on his desk, Waging Modern War. He says, "I'm going to tell you one thing: Nobody is going to tell us who we can bomb and where." Well, he missed the point. In my experience, in bringing coercive diplomacy to bear against Slobodan Milosevic, no bomb strike was more important than maintaining NATO's cohesion. The cutting off of any other alternative through diplomacy and the ultimate consequences that NATO could bring to bear against a small country--that brought the success.

A commander in chief with military experience might be able to prod a conservative military into thinking more imaginatively. You can say, "Shoot, I know how to do that. You can do aerial refueling, you don't need a base there."

But in the cold analysis of national power, when somebody says, "The Russians have moved into Georgia, what should we do?" the fact that you feel a personal relationship with people wearing a uniform, and hug 'em the right way--that doesn't necessarily mean you're going to make a wiser decision about the use of U. S. national power.

General Wesley Clark, Karl Rove faceoff at Univ. of Buffalo (Video)

Debate date: September 26, 2008 | Transcript by RegNYC

Article excerpts from The Buffalo News | Jay Rey | NEWS STAFF REPORTER

It wasn’t Obama-McCain, but Western New York had a pretty good debate of its own Friday night at the University at Buffalo. On one side was Karl Rove, Republican strategist and former White House deputy chief of staff.

On the other side was retired Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark, who had sought the Democratic Party’s nomination in 2004.

The two launched this year’s Distinguished Speakers Series in Alumni Arena with a bang, by debating some of the same contentious issues the presidential candidates faced, such as the economy, a $700 billion government bailout, health care and the war in Iraq.

Each started with five minutes for opening comments on his party’s slant.

“We are blessed to be citizens of this country,” Rove said. “There is something called the American Dream and people around the world want to share in it. Never lose sight this is the greatest country in the history of the world.”

“We’re a nation in trouble,” Clark said. “We need new ideas, and we need new leadership for America.”

Links to the Video of the Debate after the Jump