African-American women are more likely than all other women to die from breast cancer. Women of color in general are more likely to be diagnosed late and die from breast cancer, due in large part to poor access to early screening and treatment--which is precisely the type of programs Komen used to fund at Planned Parenthood.
In a story published earlier today on Colorlines.com, Akiba Solomon quotes Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards saying the cancer detection and prevention programs Komen funded "saved the lives of women who often had nowhere else to turn for care."
Below is an infographic from our archives that looks at just how deadly breast cancer is for women of color.
(Great catch from BOR community member Paul Rhea! - promoted by Katherine Haenschen)
Rick Perry's new ad in Iowa mocks Congressional Presidential candidates Santorum (google it!), Bachmann, Paul, and Gingrich for getting an annual salary of $174,000 paid for by American tax payers. However, the Texas Tribune points out that Perry him self is getting a gross annual salary of $240,000 paid for by Texas tax payers.
(Folks have asked what's going on up in Williamson County and Diana Maldonado's race. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
If the name Steve Hotze sounds familiar or makes your stomach turn, it's probably because last year he was responsible for a direct mail program which focused on fear mongering and gay bashing against now Houston mayor Anise Parker.
Now Steve Hotze has a new partner in his war against common sense, GOP candidate for House District 52 Larry Gonzales.
As it was reported on Right Wing Watch on June 15, 2010, Hotze is on a crusade on behalf of the radical right:
"...All aspects of life -- government, science and education -- to adhere to fundamental biblical beliefs. These beliefs include the following:
• A wife may work outside the home only with her husband's consent
• "Biblical spanking" that results in "temporary or superficial bruises or welts" should not be considered a crime
• Medical problems are frequently caused by personal sin
• Treatment of the "physical body" is not a doctor's highest priority
• Doctors have a priestly calling
• Physicians should preach to their patients because salvation is the key to their health
Larry Gonzales claims he's a moderate Republican but his alignment with radical right wing religious extremists seems to indicate otherwise. One can assume based on Gonzales's associations with Hotze that he is planning on running a campaign of hate and fear mongering instead about the real issues affecting the citizens of House District 52.
House District 52 Candidate Larry Gonzales has been touting his fundraising numbers from the last reporting period. However a closer look at the TEC report reveals that more than half of Larry Gonzales's donations came from one man, Houston home builder Bob Perry.
From Bay Area Houston Blog:
According to records at the Texas Ethics Commission, almost half of the $337,000 raised by Gonzales came from one person, Bob Perry. Of the $1.8 Million Perry has donated in 2010, $150,000 was donated to Gonzales and $90,000 was PAC related money. Only 1/3 of all of Gonzales donations came from individuals.
According to the latest TEC reports, Larry Gonzales raises $104,481 (April - June) from 79 donors and has $21,576.39 cash on hand. Bob & Doylene Perry gave $60,000 or 57.42% of the total amount reported. Also notable is Trevor Rees-Jones, President of Chief Oil and Gas also gave $10,000 or 10% of the total money raised by the Gonzales campaign.
Bob Perry is most notable for being a major contributor to 527 groups like 'Swift Vets and POWs for Truth' which mounted a massive PR campaign against John Kerry questioning his service in Vietnam. Perry Also heavily funded Brian Daniels who ran as the Republican candidate for HD-52 in 2008 and ultimately lost.
With such a large disparity in money raised between home builder Bob Perry and other donors, one might wonder who Larry Gonzales is really going to support in the Texas Legislature.
Meanwhile Democratic Incumbent Candidate Diana Maldonado won the fundraising battle raising $114,584.76 from 247 donors (April - June) and currently has $152,618.44 cash on hand.
My name is Paul Stempko, and on December 10th I filed my application to run for Chair of the Williamson County Democratic Party. As a fellow Democrat, I hope you will read this quick letter about why I am running and how we can work together toward a shared vision of a blue Williamson County.
I know you were as excited as I was about our victories up and down the ballot in 2008. Now going into 2010, the most important election year for Texas in generations, we must hold onto our successes, chart a path for gaining more ground in Williamson County and live up to our potential as a key player in statewide victories.
I've lived in Williamson County since 2002, having moved to Round Rock from St. Paul, MN with my wife Jessica and two daughters, Julia and Kelsey. I'm also the proud stepfather of Amanda, who lives in Denton with her husband Scott and two boys, Clay and Dillon. I've worked for 3M Company since 1981, holding positions in sales, marketing, business development and, currently, key account management.
While I was prepared for the climatic shock of moving from the cold north to the sunny, hot environs of Texas, I was not prepared for the political shock of moving into the Republican stronghold of Williamson County. However, it's been exciting to work with the WCDP these last seven years and be a part of the progress that we've made, culminating with the election of Diana Maldonado to the Texas House in 2008.
But there is so much more we need to do, and 2010 will be a pivotal year for Democrats in Williamson County. It is critical that we reelect Representative Maldonado to help us take back the Texas House of Representatives before the decennial redistricting process in the 2011 Legislative Session. We also have a real shot at winning two of the seats on the County Commissioner's Court and we are currently lining up great candidates in other races as well.
Democrats in Williamson County got their first look and list to Houston Mayor Bill White, at today's Taking Back Texas event in Round Rock. White is a candidate for U.S. Senate to fill the seat now held by Kay Bailey Hutchison. He spoke to a room full of Democrats in Williamson County today, laying out his record of service first as legislative assistant in Congress, then as Deputy Secretary of Energy in the Clinton Administration, Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, and now as the Mayor of Houston.
White was first elected Mayor of Houston in 2004 and has been reelected twice with overwhelming majorities, and bipartisan support - over 85% both times - and has an impressive record of accomplishments while in office. He had a great line in his stump speech stating,"I know the difference between victory and landing on an aircraft carrier", which brought the house down.
He also stated he's raised more money, just on the internet, than all the other candidates that are running for this office combined. He's got an impressive campaign so far, with a Central Texas coordinator already in place. Of course they would like anyone who is interested to go his web site, www.BillWhiteForTexas.com, and give the campaign your email address to stay informed.
Thanks to the WCDP Events Committee for planning this great event. We also understand that a similar event in Williamson County is being planned with John Sharp for next month. It's another sign that Democrats all over the state have taken notice of the Democrats success in Williamson County and know it's an integral part of the Democrats drive to "Take Back Texas".
Please Join State Representative-Elect Diana Maldonado for a Reception to Support the Williamson County Democratic Party PAC.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2008
United Heritage Center at the Dell Diamond
Brushy Creek Room
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Funds raised by this event directly benefit the Williamson County Democratic Party for a strategic plan being developed for the 2010 effort including keeping the Coordinated Campaign office open year round.
Please consider contributing at one of the Sponsorship Levels below and you will be recognized at the event for your generous help. Individual tickets are also available below.
For more information please email info@movingwilcoforward.org or call (512) 413 - 6953. Thanks for your support.
