Suddenly Doolittle Wants Troop Withdrawal in Iraq

Oh my, oh my, how times have changed. Suddenly, John Doolittle has changed his view on Iraq. How can that be? Does he want to change subjects? Nowadays, most Republicans don't care to talk much about Iraq. But for Doolittle, Iraq ain't the worst thing in his world, the FBI investigation is his real problem. So, yeah he might actually be a Republican who might want to talk about Iraq. Changing his tune, so that it is more alligned with that of the electorate might be part of that as well.

So, let's compare Doolittle today and Doolittle a little while ago (something which the Sacramento Bee in its article failed to do).

Here's what he's saying now:

But Thursday, Doolittle characterized the war as a "quagmire" and said America should soon step back to a training and advisory role for Iraqi forces.

"We've got to get off the front lines as soon as possible," Doolittle told a gathering at the Rocklin City Hall chambers. "And in my mind, that means something like the end of the year. We just can't continue to tolerate these kinds of losses."

Doolittle added in an interview: "I don't want to keep having our people dying on the front lines. I am increasingly convinced that we never are going to succeed in actually ending people dying (in Iraq). I think it's going to be a constant conflict ... and if that is going to happen ... it needs to be the Iraqis dying and not the Americans."

Here's what he said in October 2006, less than an a year ago:

Doolittle said he would vote for war in Iraq again "if the same facts were before me" because it has meant protection for the United States.

Doolittle rolled religious beliefs into Iraq, noting that the Bible tells him Armageddon will take place the Middle East.

"I don't know how long it's going to go," Doolittle said. "It's a kill or be killed world unfortunately. I don't know how to solve the problem but it's better to be on the offensive than sitting here and letting people be killed."

Hmm, seems like Armageddon has passed us by. Fascinating, how Doolittle's world turns, ain't it?

Thankfully, there's an alternative to Doolittle.

Visit Charlie Brown's website to learn more, and you can contribute to Charlie here.

Donate to Charlie Brown & 15% Will Go to Tahoe Fire Victims

Last night I received a fundraising email from the Charlie Brown for Congress campaign stating that 15% of online donations will go to the Sacramento - Sierra Red Cross to help the victims of the Angora fire in South Lake Tahoe (which is in California's 4th congressional district).

Now, for those of you who don't know it, Charlie Brown has done something similar before. At the end of the previous fundraising quarter in March he pledged to give 10% of contributions to local veteran aide groups. The donations were distributed to the Sacramento Stand Down, Nevada County Stand Down, and Sierra College Veterans Club in mid April.

This is in stark contrast to the actions of Congressman John Doolittle who's practise it was to give 15% of all contributions to his wife. Charlie in contrast is giving money to the community in his district.

Here's the fundraising email:

As you know, the upcoming June 30th FEC deadline is a very important benchmark for our campaign. But it pales in comparison to what's happening right now in Lake Tahoe, where thousands of our neighbors are facing a devastating wildfire.

That's why between now and the FEC deadline of midnight on June 30th, we will be donating 15% of all contributions made through our online ActBlue page to the Sacramento- Sierra Red Cross--to help area residents who have been affected by this horrible tragedy.

CLICK HERE to Contribute Now! (15% of your donation will help Tahoe Area Fire Victims).

CLICK HERE for a list of groups who are helping those displaced by the fire, and information about how you can help.

Together, we've shown that leadership is about much more than just affecting policy in Washington. It is also about mobilizing our collective strength to address real life problems here at home. In other words, leading by example.

A few months ago, our "no veteran left behind" campaign did much more than provide needed funds to area organizations helping veterans and families in need. It set an example that others have followed- both inside an outside of politics. Veterans and families in need across America, not just in our own community, have been the beneficiaries.

The events of this week demand that we lead by example once again.

Please be aware that it says that 15% of all contributions through Charlie's ActBlue page will go to the Tahoe fire victims. So, I'm not sure if this also applies to other ActBlue pages raising funds for Charlie. I'll ask the campaign and update once I've heard back from them.

Charlie Brown Added to Blue Majority Fundraising Page

I just read on MyDD that Charlie Brown has been added to the Blue Majority fundraising page. This is a significant development. In the last election cycle Charlie Brown wasn't on this page which raised thousands of dollars for Democratic candidates. This should not only raise additional funds for Charlie but also raise national awareness for his campaign as the blogs who make up Blue Majority - Daily Kos, MyDD, and the Swing State Project - will surely increase their coverage of Charlie Brown's campaign against John Doolittle. This is another sign of confidence in Charlie's campaign and a very good sign for his chances against Doolittle.

Doolittle Compares Himself to Duke Lacrosse Players

After giving up his seat on the House Appropriations Committee yesterday, Congressman John Doolittle today had the audacity to compare himself to the Duke lacrosse players during a press conference:

I have been an effective representative for the region and shall continue to be one despite this situation. Finally I will just say that if there is anything we should have learned from the Duke lacrosse case, it is that the destruction of the reputations of innocent people can occur when the government, the press and the public jump to unfounded conclusions. I ask everyone to withhold judgment until the all facts are known and the truth can prevail.

It's really time that this disgrace of a Congressman leaves not only the Appropriations Committee but Congress itself. However, Doolittle stated he will not resign and will run for re-election:

First I would like you to know I have no intention of resigning from Congress and I have every intention of running for reelection again. Over past last two days the support I have received from colleagues in the House and elected officials from my district has been overwhelming.

Well, you can actually do something about forcing Doolittle out of Congress. You can support Charlie Brown in his attempt to succeed Doolittle. In the last election Brown gathered 46% of the vote compared to Doolittle's 49% in a heavily Republican district.

Help Charlie Brown by contributing to his campaign and by voting for him at the DFA Grassroots All-Star contest.

Read the entire transcript of the press conference here. You'll notice that Doolittle declines to answer most questions. And here's the audio.

Doolittle Gives up Appropriations Committee Seat

John Doolittle must know he's in real trouble now:

Rep. John Doolittle, facing escalating legal uncertainties because of his connection to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, announced Thursday that he is stepping down from his position on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Doolittle is the only California member of the panel's Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee which allocates money for flood control projects. His departure comes just as the Congress is ramping up work on improvements to Folsom Dam necessary to bring 200-year
flood protection to Sacramento and other levee improvements along the Sacramento River.

Doolittle requested a temporary leave of absence in a letter to House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-OH.

"I understand how the most recent circumstances may lead some to question my tenure on the Appropriations Committee," Doolittle said. "Therefore I feel it may be in the best interest of the House that I take a temporary leave with seniority from this committee until this matter can be resolved."

Clearly, Doolittle is no longer capable of serving the interests of his constituents. It's time Doolittle resigns.

Charlie Brown would represent California's 4th congressional district honorably. You can help Charlie succeed in a very easy way. Click here to vote for Charlie in the DFA Grassroots All-Star contest.

Doolittle's Home Raided by the FBI

Congressman John Doolittle's home in Virginia was raided last Friday. Breaking from the Sacramento Bee:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the Virginia home of Rep. John Doolittle and his wife Julie on Friday, executing a search warrant for materials related to Julie Doolittle's company, Sierra Dominion Financial Services.

The raid apparently is in connection with the ongoing federal investigation of the political corruption scandal stirred by Jack Abramoff, a one-time Republican star who had a close relationship with the Roseville Republican.

Republican Party sources told The Bee the raid occurred on Friday as a former Doolittle staff member and lobbying colleague of Abramoff, Kevin A. Ring, abruptly resigned his job with a Washington law firm, raising the prospect that the FBI was focusing on Doolittle.

The article also has a run down of all the Doolittle scandals in case you're not up to date.

Other recent headlines at the Sacramento Bee:

Former Doolittle aide abrupty quits

Doolittle campaign still in debt

Doolittle's going down. At this point it's uncertain whether he'll actually make it to election day next year or whether he'll have to resign before that. Either way, Charlie Brown is gonna need all the resources he can get, so consider donating to Charlie's campaign and vote for him at the DFA's Grassroots All-Star contest.

Charlie Brown Gives 10% of Contributions to Veterans Groups

You can give 15% of the contributions you received to your wife (and not tell your contributors) or you can give 10% of the contributions you received to Veterans Groups and let people know in your fundraising letters. Charlie Brown chose to do the latter:

Lt. Col. Charlie Brown Will Distribute Funds to Local Veterans Support Groups at Press Conference in Roseville on Today

Brown asks Politicians, Businesses, and Individuals to “lead by example on troop support”

Roseville: Retired USAF Lt. Col. Charlie Brown will be presenting financial contributions to a number of local veterans support organizations at an event scheduled for this morning (11 a.m.) at the Roseville Veterans Memorial Hall.

The event comes just days after Brown’s son deployed for his fourth rotation to Iraq , and in the wake of growing concerns about the wide spectrum of post-combat aftercare needs confronting veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan .

“We’ve all heard the troubling trends concerning PTSD, homelessness, suicide, divorce, and the myriad of other challenges that have faced past and current generations of veterans,” Brown said. “Many people may not be aware of the vital role that local groups play in delivering services to those in need, and how much they count on the support of private donors and volunteers.”

“This event is about highlighting their work, their needs, and what others can do to help,” Brown added. It’s about the shared obligation of people of all stripes—politicians, businesses, and individuals--to come together, put their money where their mouth is on troop support, and address a common challenge that will be with all of us for decades to come---no veteran left behind.”

Brown, who is exploring the possibility of a second run for Congress in 2008, issued a challenge to supporters back on March 13th to help raise $25,000 online by the end of the month, with 10% of all proceeds going to support local community based organizations that serve veterans and their families. Monday’s event will distribute the funds generated by that campaign to the Sacramento Stand Down, Nevada County Stand Down, and Sierra College Veterans Club.

Joined by other local veterans, Brown and representatives from each organization will deliver brief remarks at the event.

Lt. Col. Brown spent 26 years in the Air Force, and was a candidate for Congress in California ’s 4th District in 2006. His wife Jan is also a veteran, and his son is currently deployed to his fourth rotation in Iraq with the Air Force.

WHO: Lt. Col. Charlie Brown, Area Veterans, Representatives from Sacramento Stand Down, Nevada County Stand Down, and the Sierra College Veterans Club (including 2 recently returning veterans of the Iraq War).

WHAT: Check Presentation to local Veterans Support Groups with Press Interview Opportunities

WHERE: Roseville Memorial Veterans Hall, Front Steps, 110 Park Drive , Roseville

WHEN: Monday, April 16, 2007, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Charlie Brown's Son Re-Deployed to Iraq for the 4th Time

CA-04 congressional candidate Charlie Brown's son was re-deployed to Iraq today for the 4th time. Charlie wrote a very moving and powerful post about this over at Daily Kos. It is up on the rec-list as I write. His post has also been front-paged at Calitics.

Here it is in its entirety:

Most Americans woke up this morning ready to read the morning paper, listen to the news, and check their computer to see what the day would bring.

Jan and I woke up knowing that today our son deployed for his fourth rotation in Iraq. We woke up knowing that for the next several months, the last thing we do at night and the first thing we do in the morning will be checking the internet for news out of a war zone...for word from our son.

We are in the minority: parents, spouses, and friends with a loved one in Iraq. Knowing from experience about the true cost of war, we questioned the justification and execution of this policy before it was popular. We learned first hand about the lack of proper equipment before others read about it in the newspaper. We checked prices for top quality body armor to send our son while the GOP led Congress fiddled. And long before the Walter Reed scandal broke, we followed the aftercare problems facing our troops, their families, and surviving dependents as our son talked about the injured and dead his unit flies out of Iraq.

The truth doesn’t only set you free, it strengthens your resolve to fight for what’s right.

Like many other veterans and military parents, my wife (who served as an Air Force Nurse) and I have borne the burden of far more truth than is typically presented to the general public. We learned about contractor fraud from an auditor I used to fly helicopters with who monitors contracts in Iraq---about the slower than reported progress on Iraqi civil infrastructure projects from a Marine civil engineer who was stationed in Iraq---about our long since discredited intelligence on the war from people on the ground who I worked with during my own 26 year military career. And, as a longtime subscriber to ‘professional’ military publications, I learned years ago that the military has not been quiet about the problems it is facing--you just had to know where to look, and you had to be willing to listen to the experts on the ground.

Now that this information is more public, most Americans disapprove of U.S. policy in Iraq, and are justifiably outraged over the care given to our troops when they come home.

Welcome to our world.

We thank those of you reading this for caring, for working to spread the truth, and for helping to elect a new Congress in 2006 that is fighting for change. That’s what "supporting the troops" is all about, but it is only a beginning.

Representatives like my 2006 opponent John Doolittle are still voting to send people like my son into combat without proper equipment, training, or a plan for success. They are still refusing to make personal sacrifices to support our armed forces, or hold the administration and Iraqi politicians accountable for results instead of rhetoric.

I suppose that’s easy to do as long as it’s someone else’s child fighting and dying, but it is not the American way, and it is certainly not patriotism.

We need good people in the military, and we owe those who serve the benefit of competent civilian leadership, and seamless aftercare when they become veterans. Families like ours know this truth all to well. We know that resolving these issues at a human level is not about having all the answers---it’s about having the right priorities and the courage to ask the right questions.

We are proud of our son and the troops who protect our beloved country. They truly are our best and brightest.

And that’s why Jan and I are as determined as ever to ensure we have a government that cares as much as we do about the safety and success of our men and women in uniform.

Be safe son. And come home soon.

Charlie Brown, Lt. Col. USAF Ret.

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Matt Stoller Interviews Charlie Brown

Matt Stoller of MyDD has recently interviewed Charlie Brown. Watch it:




Now, I've read the story about how Doolittle treats the troops, in this case Charlie's son, but it's pretty interesting to hear it from Charlie himself.

Help Charlie Brown beat Doolittle:

Contribute to Charlie.

Visit Charlie Brown's campaign website.

Help Charlie Brown Beat Doolittle

Charlie Brown is making it up to you. Do you want to see Doolittle defeated? Then you have to act. Here's an example what it's all about:

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Last week, the House passed an Emergency Supplemental Bill that would improve veterans healthcare services and military readiness, repair Walter Reed Army Medical Center, direct more resources to fighting a resurgent Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan, and establish a timetable for ending U.S. involvement in Iraq’s civil war.

In addition to voting against the measure, John Doolittle also voted to strike language from the bill that would restrict the deployment of U.S. troops who are wounded, not properly equipped, or un- trained---a violation of basic military guidelines that exposes thousands of brave servicemen and women to preventable death. Click Here to read our release.

I'm sure by now you have heard of the magic March 31st fundraising deadline. How could you not have as you're probably getting just as swamped by presidential campaign emails as I do.

Hovever, this is a special race. It's a difficult race and it requires everyone's attention, no matter where you live between Sacramento and the Sierra, or even beyond that. The fact is that Doolittle is one of the most corrupt members of Congress. Charlie Brown got him below 50% in November. And he can beat him in 2008.

Now he needs your help. Anything will do. $100, $50, $10, even $5. See how your money would help Charlie:

• $50 buys enough gas to travel between events in Roseville and Quincy.
• $100 pays for more than 100 Brown for Congress Campaign Buttons.
• $250 pays for 500 Brown for Congress Bumper Stickers.
• $500 pays for a mailing to nearly 1,000 people.
• $750 pays rent for one month at our soon to be re- opened campaign offices.
• $2300 pays a full-time field organizer to help register new voters in the 4th CD for one month.

This will be one of the most crucial congressional races in 2008. Make sure, Charlie has the resources he needs. You can contribute now through the Turn Tahoe Blue ActBlue page.

Charlie Brown: Doolittle Anti-Troops Vote "Completely Indefensible"

Yeah, I know I've been focusing a bit much on Nevada recently. So, here's an update what's going on on the California side of Lake Tahoe:

Charlie Brown is ready to run again against Doolittle and is busy raising donations (you can contribute through the ActBlue form on the right or go directly to the Turn Tahoe Blue ActBlue page). On why he's running again:

Despite a recent PR offensive designed to convince us otherwise, it is disappointing to note that on each of these key issues Rep. Doolittle has stood for the status quo instead of solutions.

Many have asked if I'm planning to run again. In 2006, I learned how much money and manpower it takes to put together a winning campaign, and how having those resources in place as early as possible is crucial for anyone seeking to take on an entrenched and well-funded incumbent like Doolittle.

That’s why I’ve recently re-formed my campaign committee--to see if enough support exists to warrant another candidacy, and why I am asking you to consider making a contribution to Charlie Brown for Congress today.

So, it's basically up to you. You want Charlie to run and win against Doolittle? Then contribute now!

Today, Charlie's campaign released another press release, this time on the most corrupt Congressional Failure, otherwise known as John Doolittle and his vote against the troops:

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee passed the FY’07 Emergency Supplemental Spending Bill (H.R. 1591), which would fund military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, improved veterans healthcare services and military readiness, repairs to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and restore a crucial stream of funding to rural schools across the Western United States.

Rep. John Doolittle voted against the measure, which ties future U.S. aid to Iraq to a series of benchmarks laid out in a January 10^th speech by President Bush. He also voted to strike language that would restrict the deployment of U.S. troops who are wounded, not properly equipped, or un-trained---offered as an amendment by the Committee’s ranking minority member, and Doolittle’s fellow DOJ corruption probe target Rep. Jerry Lewis.

The vote comes amidst mounting sectarian violence in Iraq , a resurgent Al Qaeda organization in Afghanistan , recent government reports describing the U.S. military at its lowest state of readiness since Vietnam , a VA system that is being overwhelmed by the influx of 1.6 million new veterans, and revelations of substandard conditions at military health facilities serving wounded combat troops.

“Time and again, John Doolittle votes to send young people into combat while denying them the tools they need to succeed in their mission and the quality aftercare they’ve been promised, commented Lt. Col. Charlie Brown. ”Leaving those who defend America exposed to preventable death, and our military unprepared to deal with future security threats is beyond irresponsible---it’s completely indefensible.”

It's a shame Doolittle won another two years in Congress. However, Charlie managed to get him below 50% and it's obvious that Doolittle is a top target in 2008. You can help beat him!

"Open Congress" Launched

After Congresspedia, the Sunlight Foundation has launched another great tool: Open Congress

Open Congress is an awesome tool for anyone interested in what goes on in Congress. Here you can actually learn more about bills, members of Congress, committees, etc.

You can find out that Dean Heller actually voted 'Aye' on a resolution to support "the goals of International Women's Day", that Dianne Feinstein is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, that the top contributor to both Harry Reid and John Ensign is MGM Mirage, that Barbara Boxer recently sponsored a "bill to provide all low-income students with the same opportunity to receive a Pell Grant by suspending the tuition sensitivity provision in the Pell Grant program", and that John Doolittle most often votes with Rep. Jean "Mean" Schmidt of Ohio.

This is an awesome tool, try it.