John McCain missed a crucial vote yesterday that Sen. Mikulski described as a "a call to arms for America's women!"

Barack Obama was there. Hillary Clinton was there.  But McCain didn't bother to show up to vote.

Senator Mikulski had it exactly right. And I am happy to do what she proposed, and encourage you to do the same:
"We're going to tell everybody about this ignominious vote that just
occurred...The women will get it..."

We are going to make sure that women across American know that John McCain chose to skip the Senate vote yesterday and helped block the bill that would make it easier for women and others to sue their employers over unequal pay.  John McCain is in lockstep with the Bush Supreme Court, standing for discrimination in the workplace and standing with George Bush who has threatened to veto changes that would help protect women in the workplace.

This isn't the first time that John McCain has turned his back on women. Twice, McCain voted to deny equal pay rights for millions of women in America, as part of a supposedoverhaul of minimum wage laws that would have actually removed existing protections for many workers.  [2005 Senate Vote #258, 10/19/2005; 2006 Senate Vote #180, 6/21/2006]

Women are the majority of the American population, and more than 55% of the registered voters in our country.  If Senator McCain continues his record of turning his back on women, he can be sure that women will turn their backs on him come November.  

Women can't afford a third Bush term.  Women can't afford John McCain, who offers nothing more.

This weekend I had some fun as part of a "Prius Parade" urging the use of hybrid vehicles and showcasing Roger Berliner a Montgomery County (MD) Council Candidate.  It was fun stopping at local supermarkets and winding through the district with our car-top signs.  We didn't drive far (with an eye on conservation) but we saw lots of people on a beautiful afternoon and had fun!  I highly recommend this for our candidates wanting to make a statement about energy and global warming.   Roger's running against the only republican member of the Montgomery County Council. Check him out on his website: www.rogerberliner.com

I got great ideas, suggestions and confidence from my friends at MYDD and KOS last Friday and I appreciate all the help.  
My time on Fox last night was moved up and expanded which was actually a good thing.  

I started off a little slower then I would have liked but then got my stride and felt that I was pretty aggressive as we went along.  I didn't waiver from the point that this President is like the "boy who cried Wolf" -- he has a huge credibility problem for good reason.

All I know is that I pushed the publisher of a chain of Oregon websites to write an editorial criticizing me.  
Take a look!
http://www.glendaleoregonnews.com/...

If you can, why don't you drop them a line!

I haven't been editorialized against since the Clinton days, I must have said something right!

Again, thanks everyone!

I know they will want me to talk about the "News of the Day", but what do you think?

I'm frequently on Fox holding up the "FAIR" side and I would love your input.  I know none of you watch -- for good reason -- but remember...  every moment I am speaking --the other side isn't.

So, if you were me, what do you think I should be talking about -- I've gotten some great ideas on KOS this afternoon, but wanted to touch base with my friends at MYDD, too.

Just like everyone else, I can tell you that my stop in Ohio was great!  Other than a trip through Cincinnati with the Kerry Campaign, this was my first trip back in a very long time.  As a University of Cincinnati graduate, who got her start in politics in Cincinnati, it was good to be part of this amazing ground effort.  

The Hackett team can be proud of the energy that has been garnered.  Democrats in Southern Ohio haven't had a race like this one in years.  It was obvious from the local team that they are ready for a fight. It is the local people who made this race and when we win it is their victory.

As a pro-choice Democratic leader, the notion of Sandra Day O'Connor leaving the Court hits me right at the gut level.  

But, there are so many other issues of concern, too.  Earlier this week I wrote a piece on my personal thoughts about the stem cell debate. Unfortunately, this is just one of the issues where a change on the court could be an earthquake of major proportions.

From the diaries--Chris

Last week I had the opportunity to lobby on the Hill with a coalition of social service agencies on a bill that would have devastating effects on many of our non-profits. I thought that many of you would also be concerned about this legislation.

Raise concerns about Nonprofit "Reform"

The Senate Finance Committee has launched an initiative to reform laws governing 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations - a category that includes many social service agencies, and many national organizations.  The House Ways and Means Committee seems to be following suit in also investigating the non-profit sector.

Also posted at DailyKos.  ( Hope this works - remember I am new to this posting business!)
Susie's thank you