This morning Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS), Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL), Obama Campaign Senior Strategist Robert Gibbs and DNC Advisor Jamal Simmons held a conference call with reporters to discuss the McCain-Palin campaign's promise of more of the same we've gotten from President Bush for the past eight years - and their promise, if elected, of carrying out a third Bush term.

For audio of today's conference call please click here: http://www.democrats.org/page/-/audio/calls/ConfCall090408.mp3

For more information contact Mike Czin at czinm@dnc.org or 651-292-1847.

PALIN: "In fact, I told Congress -- I told Congress, 'Thanks, but no thanks,' on that bridge to nowhere."

REALITY: PALIN WAS FOR THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE BEFORE SHE WAS AGAINST IT.

October 2006: Palin Supported Bridge To Nowhere. In 2006, Palin was asked, "Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?" She responded, "Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist." [Anchorage, 10/22/06, republished 08/29/08]

2006: Palin: Don't Allow "Spinmeisters" To Turn Bridge To Nowhere Project "Into Something That's So Negative." "Part of my agenda is making sure that Southeast is heard. That your projects are important. That we go to bat for Southeast when we're up against federal influences that aren't in the best interest of Southeast.' She cited the widespread negative attention focused on the Gravina Island crossing project. 'We need to come to the defense of Southeast Alaska when proposals are on the table like the bridge and not allow the spinmeisters to turn this project or any other into something that's so negative,' Palin said." [Ketchikan Daily News, 10/2/06]

REALITY: PALIN ONLY ANNOUNCED OPPOSITION TO ONE "BRIDGE TO NOWHERE," STILL SUPPORTS THE OTHER ONE

Palin Refused to Fund Ketchikan Bridge, But Did Not Stop Funding for Knik Arm Bridge. "Among the earmarks: $449 million for what critics have ridiculed as two 'bridges to nowhere' -- one in Ketchikan and one across Knik Arm in Anchorage formally named Don Young's Way. Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, also a Republican, last month refused to use any more money for the Ketchikan project, redirecting it for other purposes." [Anchorage Daily News,11/11/07]

As Recently as June, State Asking for Cost Estimate Proposals for Knik Arm. "An independent party will be called in to look at one of the most elusive aspects of a proposed bridge linking Anchorage and Mat-Su: the price tag. Gordon Keith, regional director for the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, said his office will be putting the job of estimating the cost of the controversial project out for bids in coming weeks. He said the task of coming up with a price could cost up to $200,000 and take up to 3½ months. 'The issue keeps swirling around, so we thought it best to go ahead and do an independent estimate,' he said. The cost to get the estimate is going to be high 'if you want to do it correctly,' he said. The cost of a span reaching across Knik Arm from Anchorage to Point MacKenzie has ranged over the years from $450 million to $1 billion, depending on what kind of bridge is envisioned and what starting date is plugged into the formula… Randy Ruaro, a special assistant to Gov. Sarah Palin, said the administration, even in the face of the recent lengthy report from the bridge authority, was having trouble getting an accurate picture of everything that is involved in the project, of the timing of the phases, and of the costs. He said the independent estimate is expected to answer those questions. Mary Ann Pease, spokeswoman for the authority, said she welcomes the effort to get updated costs." [Anchorage Daily News, 6/22/08]

PALIN: "I'm not going to Washington to seek their good opinion - I'm going to Washington to serve the people of this country."

REALITY: PALIN HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF USING HER PUBLIC OFFICE FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES

Frontiersman Editorial Criticized "Cronyism and Political Maneuvering" in Wasilla City Hall. A Frontiersman editorial wrote, "Palin promised to change the status quo, but at every turn we find hints of cronyism and political maneuvering. We see a woman who has long-since surrendered her ideals to a political machine." [Frontiersman editorial, 2/7/97]

Critics Complained That Palin's Hiring of Public Works Director Was a Political Reward. Frontiersman columnist Paul Stuart wrote, "Some local political observers in Wasilla are complaining Mayor Sarah Palin's recent appointment of Cindy Roberts to the $55,000-a-year post of public works director was nothing but a political reward. They maintain Roberts has no engineering training and no work experience to make up for the deficit. Admitting Roberts has no engineering expertise, Palin said the city will contract out engineering services. But the Wasilla mayor says Roberts' management experience in the public and private sector made her rise above other candidates." [Frontiersman, 9/24/97]

Police Chief Accused Palin of Politically-Motivated Firing. "Wasilla got a new police chief Thursday, one who said he will bring to the job a philosophy of personal freedom that doesn't include his predecessor's support of limiting bar hours…'I don't think the answer to crime is restricting people's freedom more and more.' Fannon is replacing Irl Stambaugh, whom the mayor fired in January. Palin said she did not think Stambaugh supported her administration...Stambaugh has sued the city, alleging Palin fired him because local bar owners and the National Rifle Association asked the mayor to do so. Stambaugh wanted the city to adopt earlier bar closings as a way to combat alcohol-related traffic accidents, according to the complaint." [Anchorage Daily News, 3/28/97]

As Mayor, Palin Used City Resources For Her Lt. Governor Campaign. In her 2002 Lt. Governor bid, then Wassila Mayor Palin used city employees, telephones, computers, fax machines for campaign fundraising and literature. On her candidate registration form, she used her City Hall fax number, and her mayoral e-mail address. Records show that Wasilla city property was used to contact supporters, donors, media contacts, and media purchasing. [Anchorage Daily News, 7/21/2006]


PALIN: "someone who has fought against corruption and the failed policies of the past..."

REALITY: PALIN SERVED AS DIRECTOR TO 527 ORGANIZATION LINKED TO INDICTED SEN. TED STEVENS, HAS NOT CALLED FOR HIS RESIGNATION

Palin Served As Director for 527 Linked to Indicted Senator Ted Stevens. "Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin began building clout in her state's political circles in part by serving as a director of an independent political organization organized by the now embattled Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens. Palin's name is listed on 2003 incorporation papers of the 'Ted Stevens Excellence in Public Service, Inc.,' a 527 group that could raise unlimited funds from corporate donors. The group was designed to serve as a political boot camp for Republican women in the state. She served as one of three directors until June 2005, when her name was replaced on state filings." [Washington Post's The Trail, 9/1/08]

After Stevens Was Indicted, Palin Refused to Call for His Resignation. "Gov. Sarah Palin today said indicted U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens 'has dedicated his life to the betterment of the state' and said she couldn't say yet whether he should resign. Speaking to reporters in her Capitol office at 12:30 p.m., Palin said the federal indictment 'rocks the foundation of our state.' Asked whether Stevens should quit the Senate, Palin said she hadn't had a chance to fully read the 28-page indictment and said it 'would be premature at this point' to call for Stevens to resign, as she did in the case of state Sen. John Cowdery, R-Anchorage, after he was recently indicted on federal charges including bribery." [Anchorage Daily News, 7/29/08]

REALITY: PALIN IS UNDER INVESTIGATION, HAS AN ETHICS COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST HER

JULY 2008: Legislature Voted to Appoint a Special Counsel to Investigate Palin Abuse of Power Claim. In July 2008, the Alaska State Legislator voted 12-0 to approve $100,000 for a special investigation into claims Palin fired a former state official because he would not fire a state trooper, who was involved in a bitter custody battle with Palin's sister. The legislator's intent was to investigate the events surrounding the termination of former Dept. of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan and potential abuses of power and improper action by Palin and her administration. [KTVA 11, 07/28/08]

August 2008: Ethics Complaint Filed Against Gov. Palin. In August 2008, former state House member Andree McLeod" filed against Gov. Sarah Palin and her staff today with the Attorney General's Office. It accuses the governor's office of using its pull to get a Palin supporter hired to a [Department of Transportation] job in Fairbanks." McLeod said " Executive branch employee shouldn't be getting involved in the recruitment process unless it's based on merit,' said Andree McLeod, who wrote the complaint based on a series of e-mails between members of Palin's team…The complaint accuses Palin, her acting chief of staff and others of breaking executive ethics branch and hiring rules. It centers on the hiring of surveyor Tom Lamal, who once co-hosted a Palin fundraiser, for a state right-of-way agent job in Fairbanks." [McLeod Ethics Complaint; Anchorage Daily News, 8/6/08; Anchorage Daily News, 8/7/08]


PALIN: "Along with fellow reformers in the great state of Alaska, as governor, I've stood up to the old politics as usual, to the special interests, to the lobbyists, the big oil companies, and the good-old- boy network."

REALITY: PALIN HAS A LT. GOVERNOR WHO IS A FORMER OIL LOBBYIST, HIRED WASILLA'S FIRST FEDERAL LOBBYIST (A FORMER STEVENS STAFFER) & HAD THE SUPPORT OF ENTRENCHED ALASKA POLITICIANS DURING HER 2006 RACE.

Palin's Oil & Gas Appointee Is Former Lobbyist for TransCanada. "Marty Rutherford, who leads Gov. Sarah Palin's gas pipeline team, made $40,200 in 2003 while consulting in Juneau for a pipeline subsidiary of TransCanada. TransCanada is one of the companies bidding for a state license to build a pipeline to carry gas to market from Alaska's North Slope. It's not a disqualifier, but the past connection deserves a second thought." [Anchorage Daily News editorial, 12/15/07]

Palin "Counting on Her Lieutenant Governor Candidate... Former Oil Lobbyist" to Help Win Oil Industry Support. "The defiantly grass-roots nature of the campaign may have distanced her from certain traditional centers of power in Alaska. The oil industry is one -- but the campaign says it is counting on her lieutenant governor candidate, Parnell, a former oil lobbyist and legislator, to help there." [Anchorage Daily News, 10/24/06]

Palin's Former Chief of Staff is Stevens' Campaign Manager. "Monegan says pressure came from those around Palin, including former Palin chief-of-staff Mike Tibbles, Department of Administration Commissioner Annette Kreitzer, and director of boards and commissions Frank Bailey. Tibbles, who is now the campaign manager for Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, said Friday he couldn't comment on whether he spoke to Monegan about Wooten." [Anchorage Daily, 7/19/08]

As Mayor, Palin Hired a Washington Lobbyist to Help Get Earmarks for Wasilla - Lobbyist Was Former Chief of Staff for Indicted Senator Ted Stevens. "And as mayor of the small town of Wasilla from 1996 to 2002, Palin also hired a Washington lobbying firm that helped secure $8 million in congressionally directed spending projects, known as earmarks, according to public spending records compiled by the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste and lobbying documents. Wasilla's lobbying firm was headed by Steven Silver -- a former chief of staff to Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, a key proponent of the bridge project." [USA Today, 8/31/08]

The Usual Alaska Suspects - Ted Stevens, Don Young, And Lisa Murkowski Fundraised For Palin. "Will we see Ted Stevens stumping for Sarah Palin? Palin said this morning that Stevens appeared at a fund-raiser for her in Ketchikan and gave a speech about 'moving Alaska forward.' But does that mean he'll pop up in any advertisements? (Remember his arguably pivotal role at the end of the Knowles and Murkowski Senate race?) Palin said she doubts it and hasn't asked… She said Don Young came to one of her fund-raisers two days ago, and she expects Lisa Murkowski at an upcoming event. Tonight she planned to talk with John Binkley, who she says is writing a letter to his supporters on her behalf, and she planned to meet with Frank Murkowski tomorrow morning." ["The Trail" blog, Anchorage Daily News, 10/13/06]

In Her 2002 Campaign for Lieutenant Governor, Palin Raised 'About 10 Percent Of Her Campaign Fund' From Veco, An Oil Company At the Heart of Federal Investigation. "While mayor of Wasilla, Palin ran for lieutenant governor in 2002. She gathered $5,000 -- or about 10 percent of her campaign fund -- from Veco officials or their wives along the way." [Anchorage Daily News, 9/6/06]


PALIN: "I signed major ethics reform."

REALITY: PALIN SIGNED WEAK ETHICS REFORM BILL

Palin Signed Ethics Reform Legislation That Anchorage Republican Bob Roses Said Didn't Go Far Enough. "An ethics reform package for state officials was signed into law Monday by Gov. Sarah Palin, just minutes after a former state representative was convicted on seven federal extortion and bribery counts. Palin said the law will help re-establish trust between the public and elected officials by improving on existing statutes. … Ethics reform had been a recurring theme throughout Palin's election campaign, and she pushed hard for the bill to become a bipartisan effort in the Legislature this session. She said she remains determined to clean up Alaska politics. … Rep. Bob Roses, R-Anchorage, who succeed Anderson in the Legislature when Anderson didn't seek re-election in 2006, said the law didn't go far enough. Campaign contributions should be available for immediate public scrutiny, he said, and all contributions should be reported, even those below the current $1,000 threshold. 'Quite frankly, I thought some of the things should have been a little tighter than what they were, but this is a first step,' he said." [The Associated Press State & Local Wire, 7/10/07]

REALITY: PALIN IS INVOLVED IN ETHICS INVESTIGATIONS OF HER OWN

AUGUST 2008: Ethics Complaint Filed Against Gov. Palin Over Alleged Involvement in Hiring a Campaign Contributor. In August 2008, former state House member Andree McLeod" filed against Gov. Sarah Palin and her staff today with the Attorney General's Office. It accuses the governor's office of using its pull to get a Palin supporter hired to a [Department of Transportation] job in Fairbanks." McLeod said " 'Executive branch employee shouldn't be getting involved in the recruitment process unless it's based on merit,' said Andree McLeod, who wrote the complaint based on a series of e-mails between members of Palin's team…The complaint accuses Palin, her acting chief of staff and others of breaking executive ethics branch and hiring rules. It centers on the hiring of surveyor Tom Lamal, who once co-hosted a Palin fundraiser, for a state right-of-way agent job in Fairbanks." The complaint is available at http://community.adn.com/sites/community.adn.com/files/McLeod Ethics Complaint1.pdf [Anchorage Daily News, http://community.adn.com/adn/node/128527, 8/6/08; Anchorage Daily News, http://www.adn.com/front/story/486163.html, 8/7/08]

• In 2006, Tom Lamal Hosted Palin Campaign Fundraiser, He and His Wife Gave Palin $1,500. According to a Palin for Governor website events list, Tom Lamal hosted a fundraiser for the Palin campaign in North Pole, near Fairbanks. Campaign finance records show that Lamal and his wife gave Palin $1,500 in 2006. [McLeod Ethics Complaint; APOC]

July 2008: Special Counsel Appointed Last Month to Investigate Palin Abuse of Power Claim. In July 2008, the Alaska State Legislator voted 12-0 to approve $100,000 for a special investigator to begin an investigation into claims Palin fired a former state official because he would not fire a state trooper who was involved in a bitter custody battle with Palin's sister. The legislator's intent was to investigate the events surrounding the termination of former Dept. of Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan and potential abuses of power and improper action by Palin and her administration. [KTVA 11, 07/28/08]


PALIN: "And I championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress."

REALITY: ALASKA HAS REQUESTED $589 MILLION IN PORK SINCE PALIN TOOK OFFICE & AS MAYOR, SHE HIRED WASILLA'S FIRST FEDERAL LOBBYIST TO SECURE EARMARKS FOR THE TOWN.

Over $589 Million in Federal Pork Requests During Palin's Tenure as Governor. According to Citizens Against Government Waste, www.cagw.org, under Palin's tenure as Governor the state of Alaska has asked for $589,599,715 in pork barrel projects. [2007 and 2008 Pig Book, www.cagw.org]

• Alaska Has Sought 31 Earmarks Worth $197.8 Million in Next Year's Federal Budget. "But under her leadership, the state of Alaska has requested 31 earmarks worth $197.8 million in next year's federal budget, according to the website of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), the former chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee." [LA Times, 9/1/08]

As Mayor, Palin Hired a Washington Lobbyist to Help Get Millions in Earmarks for Wasilla - Lobbyist Was Former Chief of Staff for Indicted Senator Ted Stevens. "And as mayor of the small town of Wasilla from 1996 to 2002, Palin also hired a Washington lobbying firm that helped secure $8 million in congressionally directed spending projects, known as earmarks, according to public spending records compiled by the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste and lobbying documents. Wasilla's lobbying firm was headed by Steven Silver -- a former chief of staff to Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, a key proponent of the bridge project." [USA Today, 8/31/08]

• Under Palin, Wasilla Received $26.9 Million in Earmarks. "As mayor of Wasilla, Palin made regular trips to Washington seeking federal aid. The city received $26.9 million in earmarks during her tenure from fiscal year 2000 to 2003, according to the nonpartisan Taxpayers for Common Sense, which tracks pork barrel spending." [LA Times, 9/2/08]

McCain Criticized Earmarks that Palin Sought as Mayor. "Three times in recent years, McCain's catalogs of "objectionable" spending have included earmarks for this small Alaska town, requested by its mayor at the time -- Sarah Palin… In 2001, McCain's list of spending that had been approved without the normal budget scrutiny included a $500,000 earmark for a public transportation project in Wasilla. The Arizona senator targeted $1 million in a 2002 spending bill for an emergency communications center in town -- one that local law enforcement has said is redundant and creates confusion. McCain also criticized $450,000 set aside for an agricultural processing facility in Wasilla that was requested during Palin's tenure as mayor and cleared Congress soon after she left office in 2002. The funding was provided to help direct locally grown produce to schools, prisons and other government institutions, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense, a nonpartisan watchdog group." [LA Times, 9/3/08]


PALIN: "I took on big oil."

REALITY: PALIN IS VERY COZY WITH THE OIL INDUSTRY

Sierra Club Director Carl Pope Said "No One is Closer to the Oil Industry Than Governor Palin." "No one is closer to the oil industry than Governor Palin," said Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club in comments reflecting the views of a cross section of environmental activists. They cite her eagerness to embrace expanded offshore oil development, her lawsuit against further protection of polar bears so as not to hinder oil drilling in Alaska's ice-filled waters and her ardent support to allow oil companies into the Alaska wildlife refuge. [Associated Press, August 30, 2008]

Palin Took $13,000 from Lobbyists Representing the Oil Industry in Her 2006 Campaign for Governor. The lobbyists who donated to her campaign represent a range of industries, including oil and gas, tobacco, education and the Native Alaskan community. "She's fought oil companies and party bosses and do-nothing bureaucrats and anyone who puts their interests before the interests of the people she swore an oath to serve," Mr. McCain said Friday at an Ohio rally to introduce her as his running mate. But since Mrs. Palin leads a major oil-producing state, that industry is one of her top donors. She collected nearly $13,000 from lobbyists who represent oil and gas industries in her primary and general campaigns, according a review of her campaign donations and 2006 registered state lobbyists. [Washington Times, September 1, 2008]

As the Republican National Convention continues in St. Paul, MN, tonight, the Democratic National Committee today released a new web ad called "90 Percent Bush." The video highlights John McCain's record of voting with George W. Bush 90 percent of the time. Straightforward images illustrate what 90 percent really means, showing how John McCain is just more of the same.

To see the new ad "90 Percent Bush" click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsJlSTcWqpQ

"In a year when Americans want change, McCain is offering more of the same," said the DNC's Brad Woodhouse. "John McCain has voted with President Bush 90 percent of the time, and Americans can't afford more of the same failed Bush policies for another four years."

Tonight, Mitt Romney added his name to the list of Republicans working to distorting the record on John McCain's promise of more of the same.

RHETORIC: "We need change all right - change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington! We have a prescription for every American who wants change in Washington - throw out the big government liberals and elect John McCain."

REALITY: MCCAIN HAS SUPPORTED BUSH'S BIG BUDGETS AND GOVERNMENT EXPANSION

McCain Voted for 4 of 6 Bush Budgets Adding Up To $9.8 Trillion. McCain supported four of the five Bush budgets that the Senate voted on from 2001-2006. McCain: Y. [2001 Senate Vote #98; McCain Voted to Table, 2002 Senate Vote #134; 2004 Senate Vote #58; 2005 Senate Vote #114; 2006 Senate Vote #74]

According To White House, Federal Spending Under Bush Grew By 46.5 Percent From 2001 Through 2007, Or $867 Billion Dollars. Total outlays by the Budget Enforcement Act between 2001 and 2007 grew by $867 billion, or 46.5 percent, according to White House Historical Budget Tables. [White House Outlays from FY 2009 Historical Tables, Budget of the United States Government, Table 8.1, http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/fy2009/sheets/hist08z1.xls, accessed 9/3/08]

RHETORIC: "The right course is the one championed by Ronald Reagan 30 years ago, and by John McCain today. It is to rein in government spending and lower taxes..."

REALITY: MCCAIN CANNOT AFFORD HIS IRRESPONSIBLE TAX PLAN

McCain's Tax Cuts Will Either Explode The Federal Deficit Or Require "Unprecedented Cuts" In Federal Spending On Domestic Programs. "Sen. John McCain is proposing tax cuts that would either cause the federal deficit to explode or would require unprecedented spending cuts equal to one-third of federal spending on domestic programs. Once thought of as a deficit hawk, the near-certain Republican presidential nominee is now putting more stress on the traditional Republican orthodoxy of tax cuts." [Wall Street Journal, 4/22/08]

McCain Will Not Come "Anywhere Close" To Paying for His Tax Cuts. McCain's promised "savings in government spending he promises will not come anywhere close to paying for the tax cuts. Mr. McCain once bravely argued against Mr. Bush's tax cuts, because there was no cash to pay for them; with the government already running a big deficit, and no progress on reining in spending on health care and pensions, it would be odd to junk that prudence now. America can ill-afford another profligate Republican; and once again directing most of the benefits to the well-off is tone-deaf politics." [The Economist, 4/19/08]

RHETORIC: "Liberals would replace opportunity with dependency on government largesse. They would grow government and raise taxes to put more people on Medicaid, to work requirements out of welfare, and to grow the ranks of those who pay no taxes at all."

REALITY:MCCAIN HAS RENEGED ON PROMISE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET AND ONLY PROMISES TAX CUTS FOR WEALTHY AMERICANS

McCain Backed Away From Commitment To Balance The Budget. "Mr. McCain -- who said in February in Wisconsin that he would balance the budget by the end of his first term as president -- seemed to reconsider that on Tuesday, saying at a news conference later in Villanova that 'economic conditions are reversed' nd that he would have a balanced budget within eight years. His economic aides said they could pay for all the tax cuts with spending cuts." McCain's chief economic advisor, Doug Holtz-Eakin, also said that it would take two terms. [New York Times, 4/16/08 nytimes.com; Boston Globe, 4/15/08, boston.com]

2008: Tax Policy Center: McCain's Tax Plan Is Not For the Middle Class. Despite McCain's claims that he would help the middle class, "it turns out that middle-class families would do better under Obama (who would cut their taxes by $1000 in 2009) than McCain (who would cut them by only $300). McCain, who once opposed President Bush's 2001 and 2003 tax cut as a give-away to the rich, but now embraces them, has designed a plan more consistent with the New McCain than the old." In a McCain tax regime, "the top 20% of taxpayers get a 3% reduction in after-tax income in 2009, while the lowest-earning 60% would get less than 1%." [Tax Policy Center, Urban Institute and Brookings Institution, 6/12/08, http://taxvox.taxpolicycenter.org/]

RHETORIC: The right course "is to pursue every source of energy security, from new efficiencies to renewables, from clean coal to non-CO2 producing nuclear, and the immediate drilling for more oil off of our shores!"

REALITY: MCCAIN HAS REPEATEDLY OPPOSED INVESTING IN RENAWABLE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

McCain Voted At Least Five Times Against Renewable Energy Mandates. [2005 Senate Vote #141, 6/16/2005; 2002 Senate Vote #59, 3/21/2002; 2002 Senate Vote #58, 3/21/2002; 2002 Senate Vote #55, 3/21/2002; 2002 Senate Vote #50, 3/14/2002]

McCain Voted At Least Seventeen Times Against Renewable And Alternative Fuel Mandates. [2005 Senate Vote #139, #138; 2004 Senate Vote #74, #73; 2003 Senate Vote #317, #209, #207, #206, #204, #203; 2002 Senate Vote #91, #88, #78; 1994 Senate Vote #255, 8/3/1994; 1992 Senate Vote #150, #27,#18]

RHETORIC: "Is government spending - excluding inflation - liberal or conservative if it doubles since 1980? - It's liberal! We need change all right - change from a liberal Washington to a conservative Washington!"

REALITY:BUSH-MCCAIN ECONOMIC POLICIES HAVE INCREASED GOVERNMENT SPENDING BY 64% SINCE 2000

During the Bush Presidency Total Federal Government Outlays Increased By 64%--Far Outpacing Inflation. Congressional Quarterly wrote that total defense spending under President Bush, "increased by 106 percent from fiscal 2000 to 2008, all other spending rose 55 percent. Overall, total outlays were projected in February to exceed $2.93 trillion in the current fiscal year, a 64 percent increase from $1.79 trillion in 2000. That far outpaces the 27 percent inflation in prices over the past eight years." [Congressional Quarterly, 7/27/08]

Federal Spending Per Household Grew More Than 13 Times Faster Under President Bush Than It Did Under President Clinton; Fastest Recorded Since 1960. According to the Heritage Foundations analysis of White House Historical Budget Numbers, Federal Spending per household grew the highest under President George W. Bush, to $22,630 in 2007 dollars. This was a jump of $2,590, the highest jump among all the presidents since John F. Kennedy in 1960. Growth in per household spending grew only $194 under President Bill Clinton, the smallest recorded increase. [Heritage Foundation Analysis, heritage.org, accessed 9/3/08]

RHETORIC: "I spent 25 years in the private sector. I've done business in many foreign countries. I know why jobs come and why they go away. And I know that liberals don't have a clue."

REALITY:ROMNEY'S FIRM LAID OFF NEARLY 400 WORKERS

Romney's Firm Reaped $100 Million While Bain Laid Off 385 Workers and Plunged Ampad into Bankruptcy. In 1992, the Mitt Romney-run Bain Capital invested $5 million into the purchase of American Pad & Paper (Ampad) from Mead Corp., which, at the time, had $11.3 million in debt and sales of $106.7 million. By 1999, Bain had closed two Ampad plants, laid off 385 Ampad workers, and plunged the company $392 million into debt. Controversy surrounding the layoffs in Indiana derailed Romney's failed U.S. Senate bid in 1994, and more angry workers haunted his run for governor of Massachusetts in 2002. Allegations of insider trading conspiracy surfaced in 1998 as a result of optimistic financial forecasts published in Ampad's annual report in 1997, despite sales repeatedly slipping for Ampad--including a loss of $78 million in 1998--as hefty returns for Bain investors rolled in. Heavy acquisitions, foreign price competition, and debt eventually sunk Ampad, and creditors forced it into bankruptcy in 2000. All told, Bain partners and its investors had made over $100 million. [The Boston Globe, 6/26/07]

Tonight, John McCain has picked Rudy Giuliani to give the keynote speech for his convention on "Reform" night. Here's Rudy's real record of reform:

CRONYISM AND CORRUPTION

Citing "Corruption, Favoritism and Cronyism," City Comptroller Referred Giuliani Welfare Contract Award to DA and Federal Investigators. City Comptroller Alan Hevesi rejected Giuliani's welfare to work contract awards to Maximus citing "corruption favoritism and cronyism." Hevesi even referred the contracts to the Manhattan District Attorney and federal investigators because of "corruption of the process." Maximus has ties to Giuliani, including a subcontract with Opportunity America, which is led by Richard Schwartz, a former Giuliani aide and its spokeswoman, Colleen Roche, is a former Giuliani press secretary. The contract would have paid Maximus more than the company had asked for. And records showed that Maximus was given a head start over other bidders - allowing the company to prepare its bid before competitors were even aware of the program. [New York Times, 2/3/00; New York Times, 2/4/00; New York Times, 3/23/00]

Giuliani Hired Family, Friends and Cronies for City Jobs. "…The Mayor has given jobs to campaign supporters and officials of the parties that backed him. He has hired at least three dozen members of his paid campaign staff, 16 district leaders from the Republican and Liberal Parties, assorted campaign volunteers, and relatives and in-laws of the Mayor himself or his political allies." [New York Times, 8/8/94]

Giuliani Appointees Had History Of Corruption. Russell Harding, the head of the Housing Development Corporation under Giuliani, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to embezzle, mail and wire fraud and possession of child pornography after he was accused of spending at least $400,000 in public funds on himself and friends - for a car, vacations to Hong Kong and Canada, magazine subscriptions and other items. Frederick J. Patrick, who held high-level posts in the New York City Correction Foundation during Giuliani's administration and who Giuliani later named commissioner of juvenile justice and deputy commissioner of community affairs in the Police Department, pleaded guilty in 2003 to looting the New York City Correction Foundation. Patrick, who spent the stolen money on collect calls he accepted from inmates, some of which officials have said involved phone sex, was sentenced in June 2004 to a year and day in federal prison. [AP, 3/15/05; New York Times, 8/4/06]

FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES

Giuliani Strongly Recommended Kerik to The White House. on at least two occasions Giuliani made a personal for Kerik to replace Tom Ridge as Seceretary of Homeland Security. Kerik, a longtime Giuliani aide currently faces a "16-count federal indictment" related to unethical . [CNN.com, 12/2/04; New York Times, 11/10/07]

BREAKING CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAW

Giuliani's 1997 Campaign Broke the Law and Was Fined Over $240,000 -- Second Largest in History of NYC Campaign Finance Board. In September 1997, the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) found that Giuliani's mayoral campaign broke the city's campaign finance law and fined the Giuliani campaign $220,000. The CFB found that Giuliani's campaign accepted more than $300,000 in illegal contributions mostly from developers and other doing business with the city. The fine was the second largest levied by the Board since it was created in 1988. In October 1997, the CFB fined Giuliani's campaign an additional $23,490 for accepting additional contributions larger than city law permits. [New York Times, 9/19/97; New York Times, 10/24/97]

AUTHORITARIAN

Giuliani Has Long Record Of Tangling With Any Oversight. "The auditing incident illustrated another worrisome pattern, Giuliani's critics say: an aversion to oversight. The mayor had tangled with McCall for two years, ordering agencies to stop sharing information with the comptroller and kicking auditors out of two agencies. The court battle took place after the city ignored 17 subpoenas McCall issued to obtain records from six agencies." [Congressional Quarterly Weekly, 12/16/07]

Giuliani, With A History Of "Manipulating The Levers of Government," Will Push "The Expansions of the Executive Branch" Further. "As that drama was unfolding, however, so was a quieter story, driven by Giuliani's instinct and capacity for manipulating the levers of government. His methods, like those of the current White House, included appointments of yes-men, aggressive tests of legal limits, strategic lawbreaking, resistance to oversight, and obsessive secrecy. As was also the case with the White House, the events of 9/11 solidified the mindset underlying his worst tendencies. Embedded in his operating style is a belief that rules don't apply to him, and a ruthless gift for exploiting the intrinsic weaknesses in the system of checks and balances." [Washington Monthly, Editorial, 11/07, http://www2.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2007/0711.morris.html]

SECRETIVE

Secrecy: Giuliani Even Denied Information On Denials. "The Giuliani administration is intensively secretive, routinely denying any request for public information (including The Sun's request for the number of requests the administration has denied). The New York Times and the Daily News have had to sue the city to get public information." [Baltimore Sun, 10/27/97]

Openess Of Government A "Public Flashpoint." "The disclosure and credibility of public information has been a public flashpoint through Giuliani's two terms as mayor, which end Dec. 31." [New York Times, 5/19/01]

Howard Dean's cross country "Register for Change" bus tour will continue to campaign through the Midwest this week. After a stop in Milwaukee, WI earlier today the tour will head to Madison, WI this afternoon for another event. The bus tour will then continue to tour the Midwest with stops in Minnesota - host state of the Republican National Convention - Iowa and Missouri.

The Register for Change tour has made dozens of campaign stops in key states throughout the country in the run up to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO. 

The cross country, "Register for Change," bus tour started in George Bush's backyard in Crawford, Texas in mid-July. The tour continues to build on the overwhelming enthusiasm and voter turnout seen during the primaries as Democrats mobilize and organize voters for the fall election.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Madison, WI
REGISTER FOR CHANGE VOTER REGISTRATION RALLY IN MADISON
100 Block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Madison, WI
Event Time: 3:45 PM
* For more information contact Caroline Ciccone at CicconeC@dnc.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

Minneapolis, MN
REGISTER FOR CHANGE VOTER REGISTRATION EVENT IN MINNEAPOLIS
Augsberg College
Urness Hall Lawn (Rain Location: Foss, Lobeck, Miles Center)
2211 Riverside Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN

Event Time: 12:30 PM

* For more information contact Caroline Ciccone at CicconeC@dnc.org.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

Des Moines, IA
REGISTER FOR CHANGE VOTER REGISTRATION EVENT IN DES MOINES
Drake University
Olmstead Center
2507 University Ave
Des Moines, IA

Event Time: 12:15 

* For more information contact Caroline Ciccone at CicconeC@dnc.org.

Iowa City, IA 
REGISTER FOR CHANGE VOTER REGISTRATION EVENT IN IOWA CITY
Kautz Plaza, located at Trowbridge Hall (between Market St and Jefferson St)
Iowa City, IA 

Event Time:  4:00 PM

* For more information contact Caroline Ciccone at CicconeC@dnc.org.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

Columbia, MO 
REGISTER FOR CHANGE VOTER REGISTRATION EVENT IN COLUMBIA
University of Missouri, Columbia
East Side of Hearnes Center
600 E Stadium Blvd.
Columbia, MO 

Event Time: 10:30 AM

* For more information contact Caroline Ciccone at CicconeC@dnc.org.

St. Louis, MO
REGISTER FOR CHANGE VOTER REGISTRATION EVENT IN ST. LOUIS
St. Louis University
NW Corner of Grand Blvd. and Laclede Ave.
St. Louis, MO

Event Time:  2:30 PM

* For more information contact Caroline Ciccone at CicconeC@dnc.org.

On the heels of President Bush passing the torch to the one candidate who has consistently promised more of the same failed Bush policies, the Democratic National Committee today launched a new website called www.JustMoreOfTheSame.com. 

The website features web videos and research on John McCain's support for the Bush agenda and his promise of more of the same., including McCain bragging about voting for the Bush agenda more than 90 percent of the time and noting that he agrees with President Bush on the transcendent issues of the day.  The site also shows President Bush returning the favor, saying he'll do whatever it takes to help John McCain win and calling him the best candidate to "carry forth his agenda."  Even President Bush knows that John McCain wouldn't change Bush's economic policies.

"While America needs change now, John McCain has voted with George Bush 90% of the time and is promising more of the same on everything from the economy to Social Security and health care," said Democratic National Committee spokesman Damien LaVera.  "Americans can't afford four more years any more than we can afford to take a 10% chance on change."

To visit DNC's new website, click here: www.JustMoreoftheSame.com.

This morning Obama Campaign Senior Strategist Robert Gibbs and DNC Advisor Jamal Simmons held a morning briefing call with reporters to discuss the McCain campaign's promise of more of the same.  

Last night, President Bush passed the torch with a ringing endorsement of John McCain and Sarah Palin.  Bush, like all of last night's speakers completely ignored the economy, demonstrating just how out of touch the Republican Party is with the challenges facing working families.

For audio of today's conference call please click here: http://democrats.org/page/-/audio/calls/ConfCall090308.mp3.

For more information contact Mike Czin at czinm@dnc.org or 651-292-1847.

Memorandum

To: Interested Parties
From: Obama Campaign Senior Strategist Robert Gibbs & DNC advisor Jamal Simmons
Date: September 3, 2008

Re: Daily Message Memo: More of the Same

================================================================ 

Last night, President Bush enthusiastically passed the torch to the man who has voted with him 90% of the time and is promising to continue this President's legacy for the next four years. As President Bush said last night, if you liked the last eight years "the man we need is John McCain."  The President--like the rest of last night's speakers--completely ignored the economy, but in the last month, both have said the "fundamentals of our economy are strong." No wonder 64 percent of Americans are "very" or "somewhat concerned" that John McCain "would pursue policies that are too similar to what George W. Bush has pursued."

Last night, McCain's friends talked about his "independence," but in reality John McCain wants to continue Bush's tax cuts for the top one percent and companies that ship jobs overseas, while offering nothing for more than 100 million middle class families.  John McCain thinks the fundamentals of our economy are "strong," despite the fact that millions of Americans are struggling with lost jobs and shrinking wages, fighting to keep their health care and their homes, and paying more for everything from gas to groceries.  Just yesterday, Senator Phil Gramm--the man who wrote John McCain's economic plan--again dismissed struggling Americans as "whiners."  

John McCain and his advisors don't get it.  American families can't afford four more years of the same failed policies and flawed politics.  

But, McCain's selection of Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate shows that more of the same is exactly what John McCain is offering.  He made a hasty, politically motivated decision to pick someone who would mollify the right wing of his party and who shares his view that the economic policies of George W. Bush are working and should continue.

McCain's selection of Governor Palin tells us a lot about his judgment.  She doesn't have the record of reform that McCain says she does, she supported the infamous Bridge to Nowhere she now claims to oppose, she cozied up to scandal-plagued Senator Ted Stevens, and hired a lobbying firm to secure millions in earmarks from Washington--a practice that John McCain criticizes on the campaign trail. And on top of that, she's under investigation in Alaska.
 
That tells us a lot about John McCain's judgment and the kind of decisions he makes. He wanted to make a statement by picking a running mate who looked like a "reformer" - but really he picked more of the same old politics.  We have a choice to make in this election. We can either choose a new direction for our economy and our country, or we can keep doing what we've been doing--and that's the course that Senator McCain and Governor Palin would have us follow.

Good afternoon,
In light of the situation along the Gulf Coast, the DNC has canceled this afternoon's Media Welcome reception in St. Paul. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families in the region.

If you have any questions or need any information, please feel free to contact me at LaVeraD@dnc.org.

Good Afternoon,

In light of Hurricane Gustav and the ongoing situation along the Gulf Coast, the DNC announced that it has canceled the tomorrow morning's news conference at the DNC's More of the Same Media Center in St. Paul. We continue to keep our friends and families in the area in our thoughts and prayers.

Damien

Damien LaVera
Deputy Communications Director
Democratic National Committee
LaVeraD@dnc.org

In light of the situation in the Gulf Coast, the Democratic National Committee announced that is has canceled its daily media briefing at the More of the Same Media Center on Monday, September 1. Additional scheduling updates will be provided when available.

After making dozens of campaign stops in key states in the run up to the Democratic National Convention, Gov. Howard Dean will take his "Register for Change" bus tour to Milwaukee and Madison, WI tomorrow.

The cross country, "Register for Change," bus tour started in George Bush's backyard in Crawford, Texas in mid-July. The tour continues to build on the overwhelming enthusiasm and voter turnout seen during the primaries as Democrats mobilize and organize voters for the fall election.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Milwaukee, WI
REGISTER FOR CHANGE VOTER REGISTRATION RALLY IN MILWAUKEE
Marquette University
Alumni Memorial Union
1442 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI

Event Time: 12:15 PM

* For more information contact Caroline Ciccone at CicconeC@dnc.org.

Madison, WI
REGISTER FOR CHANGE VOTER REGISTRATION RALLY IN MADISON
100 Block of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Madison, WI

Event Time: 3:45 PM

* For more information contact Caroline Ciccone at CicconeC@dnc.org

The Democratic National Committee today announced the program at the More of the Same Media Center for Day 1 of the Republican National Convention. The day will start with an 8:30 am breakfast followed by a 9:15 am press briefing featuring featuring Texas Rep. Chet Edwards, California Rep. Hilda Solis, and VoteVets Chairman and co-founder Jon Soltz. Additionally, the Obama for America campaign will hold a Camp Obama training to teach volunteers the best strategies to organize their towns and neighborhoods and turn Obama supporters out to vote on November 4.

Each day of the Republican convention, Democrats will outline John McCain's promise of more of the same failed Bush policies at the DNC at the RNC's More of the Same Media Center -- conveniently located directly across the street from the Xcel Energy Center at 411 Main Street. Breakfast will begin at 8:30AM, with the news conference beginning at 9:15AM. The news conference will be made available to outlets around the country via satellite. Reporters who attend the morning briefing will also receive updated flash drives pre-loaded with information related to that day's theme and convention speakers.

The following is a schedule of events and speakers at the DNC at the RNC's More of the Same Media Center (all times are Central):*

Monday, September 1, 2008 - Daily Breakfast and News Conference
WHO: Texas Rep. Chet Edwards, California Rep. Hilda Solis, and VoteVets chairman and co-founder Jon Soltz
WHAT: Daily News Conference
WHERE: More of the Same Media Center, 411 Main Street, St. Paul, MN
WHEN: 9:15AM (Breakfast served at 8:30AM)

Monday, September 1, 2008 - Obama for America Camp Obama Training
WHO: Hundreds of Volunteers
WHAT: Camp Obama training
WHEN: 11:00 AM
WHERE: Carpenters Union Hall, 710 Olive Street, St. Paul, MN

*Activities are subject to change depending on the situation along the Gulf Coast. Additional surrogates to be announced in the coming days. For more information contact Damien LaVera at laverad@dnc.org or 651-292-1847.