And The Hill

Teachers union: Trump's comments encourage school bullies
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump
is promoting a “climate of bullying” in schools, the head of a teachers union supporting Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton
said Thursday.
Teachers call it the “Trump effect.”
They say Trump’s rhetoric encourages violence and racism — not only on the campaign trail, but also in the classroom.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Donald Trump appeals to the worst elements of our society,” American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten told reporters Thursday. His rhetoric “is really creating bullying and violence in schools."
Teachers have their work cut out for them to “help an entire generation of children recover from the hateful rhetoric he has aimed at immigrants, Muslims, Black Lives Matter activists,” Weingarten said.
“It is influencing our children and their behavior in schools, and making it much, much harder for us,” she said.
The AFT, the nation’s second-largest teachers union, endorsed
Clinton last July.
Weingarten attacked Trump’s education policy Thursday during a press call organized by the Clinton campaign.
Not only has Trump’s rhetoric stirred bullying in schools, Weingarten said, but teachers are also concerned by his call for the elimination of the Education Department and his association with an allegedly fraudulent university.
"Donald Trump has a history of attacks on education and teachers,” said Rep. Mark Pocan
(D-Wis.), a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, who was also on the press call.
Trump suggested he “may cut Department of Education,” during an interview with “Fox News Sunday
” last October.
More recently, Trump said he would “largely eliminate”
the Education Department, but “you maybe want to have a little bit of tentacles out there.”
The presumptive Republican nominee is also facing criticism over the now-defunct Trump University, which is accused of defrauding real estate students. A lawsuit against the school is making its way through the courts.
Pocan accused Trump of "profiting off students and their futures."
He added, "Dangerous Donald is only looking out for himself."
TAGS:Hillary Clinton
, Donald Trump
, Mark Pocan
From: TJ Helmstetter
>
Date: Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 9:06 PM
To: TJ Helmstetter
>, Comm_D
>
Subject: Re: Ed Week: Randi Weingarten: Trump's Rhetoric has contaminated schools
Great Daily Caller story minus the ridiculous headline

Teachers Union: Trump Is To Blame For School Bullying
[Photo of Blake Neff]
BLAKE NEFF
The head of one of America’s largest teachers unions said Wednesday that Donald Trump is creating “bullying environments” in schools nationwide that will take decades to repair.
Randi Weingarten, president of the 1.6 million member American Federation of Teachers (AFT), made her remarks during a conference call with reporters set up by the Democratic National Committee.
“What we’ve seen with Donald Trump is that there is now a new phenomenon in schools called the ‘Trump Effect,'” Weingarten said. “It will take decades to overcome the way Donald Trump speaks and promotes violence, xenophobia and racism. This is creating bullying environments in schools across the country.” (RELATED: Clinton Spins Bullying Question To Bash Trump)
“As teachers, we’re going to have to work harder to help an entire generation of children recover from the hateful rhetoric that Trump has aimed at immigrants, Muslims and Black Lives Matter protestors,” she added.
Trump has been connected to some alleged bullying incidents in school, though this sometimes consists of schools or activists classifying Trump support as de facto bullying. In February, a high school in Indiana sparked a scandal
when students at a basketball game taunted an opposing school by waving a blown-up photo of Trump’s face chanting “Build a wall.”
Weingarten also denounced Trump on a variety of other educational matters, slamming him for his role in Trump University and for advocating the abolition of the Department of Education.
“It’s a disaster to our nation if Trump is selected president,” she said.
Read more: #ixzz47pjRu3R0
From: TJ Helmstetter
>
Date: Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 4:08 PM
To: Comm_D
>
Subject: Ed Week: Randi Weingarten: Trump's Rhetoric has contaminated schools
Randi Weingarten: Donald Trump's Rhetoric Has Contaminated Schools
By Andrew Ujifusa
on May 5, 2016 3:53 PM

Forget Donald Trump's plans to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education or allegations of fraud against Trump University: The real estate executive has already poisoned public schools, according to American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, by fostering a toxic environment that encourages bullying.
In a conference call with reporters on Thursday, Weingarten blasted the real estate executive for his "xenophobia" and his "promotion of violence." And she said that it's too late to turn back the clock on the negative effect he's already had on public schools.
"My point is, he's already done tremendous damage to education," Weingarten said during a conference call with reporters. "He's created an environment of scapegoating and demonizing. It is influencing children and it is influencing behavior in schools. It is making it much, much harder for us." [electionslug_2016_126x126.jpg]
Is there anything to back up Weingarten's assertion? Last month, my colleague Evie Blad covered a survey conducted by the Southern Poverty Law Center showing that most teachers say their students—many of them Muslim or the children of immigrants—have expressed fears about their fate after the election
. And 40 percent said they're afraid to teacher their students about the election. However, that survey was not scientific.
There have also been reports of incidents like Donald Trump's name being chanted by fans
at a Wisconsin high school soccer game, along with "build that wall" and racial slurs. (Trump has pledged to halt illegal immigration from Mexico by building a wall along the southern border, and by making the Mexican government pay for it.) But in general, it's hard to statiscally identify exactly how Trump has or has not broadly influenced the climate of public schools.
Make no mistake, Weingarten and Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan, who was also on the call, blasted Trump for his other positions on education too. Weingarten said she was not surprised that one of Trump's high-profile surrogates is New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican who has said teachers' unions need a punch in the face
.
"What we're seeing is the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party be anti-teacher and anti-public education," the AFT president said.
Donald Trump hasn't taken many in-depth positions on K-12 during the campaign. But he has taken a few (relatively) clear positions on K-12
. He wants to eliminate the Common Core State Standards—something the federal government cannot do. And as Weingarten noted, he's said he wants to either severely cut or eliminate the Education Department—at the same time, he declared in March that education is one of the top three priorities for the federal government
.
You might remember that both the AFT and the National Education Association moved pretty quickly to endorse former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination. That did not sit well with some members of the two unions, who thought that there ought to have been more consideration of Democratic candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.
So it's not surprising that Weingarten in particular would come up swinging against Trump quickly and vigorously, now that he's the presumptive nominee.
TJ Helmstetter
Deputy Director of Regional and Specialty Media
Democratic National Committee
202.863.8022 – desk
973.464.9224 – cell
HelmstetterT@DNC.org


CHC statement coming soon focusing on that Obama administration will specifically be targeting women & children in June (per Reuters)
Sent from my iPhone
On May 13, 2016, at 11:24 AM, Manriquez, Pablo
> wrote:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 12, 2016
CONTACT:
Juan_Pachon@menendez.senate.gov
Sen. Menendez Condemns Reports of Continued Immigration Raids
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement in reaction to press reports indicating plans of a month-long series of nationwide immigration raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Reports indicate that the raids will target mothers and children and minors who have turned 18 years old, are mostly from Central America and who entered the United States after January 1, 2014. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted similar controversial immigration raids in January which resulted in the apprehension of 121 immigrants, mostly women and children from Central America who arrived to the United States fleeing the region’s violence.
"At a time when we should be standing up for the values and ideals we hold as Americans and against the xenophobic rhetoric being propagated by Donald Trump's party, it is truly disheartening to read reports of a possible new round of deportation raids further targeting Central American mothers and children in the U.S. who recently fled their homelands to avoid a certain death.”
"As I've said before, trying to send a message of deterrence by forcefully removing desperate individuals who may very well have a valid protection claim is not only ill-advised, it is disturbing and un-American.  The Northern Triangle nations of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala have the highest murder rates in the world, and we must recognize that this is a humanitarian crisis being caused by those who believe it is better to run for their lives and risk dying, than stay and die for sure."
"Instead of eagerly deporting vulnerable populations, we should be addressing the root causes of this urgent hemispheric crisis by providing alternative safe havens in the region, expanding refugee resettlement programs, and forging new partnerships that will create security, peace and safety for families in their native countries. Now is simply not the time to turn a blind eye to the desperate reality facing these mothers and children, and the Administration's cruel insistence on addressing this crisis strictly through the lens of border security and immigration enforcement will continue to fail and contradicts their commitment to remove felons and not families.“
"I will continue to fight to protect our nation's long tradition of standing up for refugees around the world.  We must prioritize fair and meaningful due process for these Central American children and families who are seeking asylum.”
On January 21, 2016, Senator Menendez and twenty one Senate Democrats and 146 House Democrats sent letters to President Obama denouncing the first round of immigration raids.
Sent from my iPhone


We'd like replace the second bullet under the CBS poll with this bullet. The "note" in the new bullet indicates the problem that we don't have the right data. It's a long bullet but it's factually correct. Thoughts?
·         The poll showed that more than 80 percent of Democrats would vote for either Secretary Clinton or Senator Sanders in the general election. According to an accompanying story in the New York Times, “Democratic resistance is less widespread than it was in the 2008 primary. While 72 percent of Mr. Sanders’s supporters say they would vote for Mrs. Clinton this fall, a Times/CBS News survey taken in early May 2008 found that only 60 percent of Mrs. Clinton’s supporters said they would vote for Barack Obama in the general election.” [Note: neither the New York Times story nor the poll itself provided what percentage of Secretary Clinton’s supporters would vote for Senator Sanders if he became the nominee]
DNC Talking Points: Democrats Overwhelmingly United
Polls continue to show that Democrats are overwhelmingly united and excited about both of our candidates.
By and large we’ve had a great primary, with substantive candidates whose vision to move America forward lines up with the values of the American people.
And we’re going to come out of our convention more unified and stronger than ever, while Republicans are disillusioned and discouraged with their dangerous and divisive candidate, Donald Trump, and the rest of their party.
Just look at the new poll today from CBS/New York Times:
·         A new CBS/NYT poll
shows that Democrats are more united today than in May of 2008, disproving the myth of Democratic disunity heading into the 2016 election.
·         The poll showed that more than 80 percent of Democrats would vote for either Secretary Clinton or Senator Sanders. 72 percent of Senator Sanders’ supporters said they would vote for Secretary Clinton, and 78 percent of Secretary Clinton’s supporters said they would vote for Senator Sanders. In May of 2008, polling found only 60 percent of Clinton supporters said they would vote for then-Senator Obama, who was eventually elected to a landslide victory.
·         Furthermore, the poll shows that 80 percent of Democrats are “mostly hopeful” about the future of the Democratic Party, as opposed to Republicans, who are split 55%-43% between “mostly hopeful” and “mostly discouraged” about the future of the Republican Party.
This echoes what we’ve seen in exit poll after exit poll after exit poll:
Indiana
:
·         Three-quarters of Democrats in the state say they’ve been energized by the nomination contest between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. But nearly 6 in 10 Republicans say they think their party has been divided by the battle being fought by billionaire Donald Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut
:
·         Democratic voters, unlike Republicans, said the primary season had energized their party. Two-thirds or more of Democrats who cast ballots in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Connecticut said their party was more energized, while less than one-third said it was divided, exit polls showed.
New York
:
·         Almost 6 in 10 New York Republican voters say their party has been divided by the nomination process, while only 3 in 10 Democratic voters say the same about their party's primaries. Less than 4 in 10 GOP voters say they've been energized, exit polls show, compared with two-thirds of Democratic voters who say that about their side.
It’s clear that heading into the 2016 elections, Democrats are united and energized, while Republicans are disillusioned and discouraged with their dangerous and divisive candidate, Donald Trump, and the rest of their party.


saying independents in closed primaries are "disenfranchised"


FYI-
From: Finley, Ben (NBCUniversal)
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 11:39 AM
To: DNC Press
Subject: **MSNBC Rev. Sharpton Request for Chairwoman DWS - Friday**
Hi all,
I wanted to check in to see if we could schedule a 5-6 minute taped interview with DNC Chairwoman Wasserman-Schultz for Rev. Sharpton's Sunday morning MSNBC show this week?
We were hoping to set something up at 615pm-ET Friday from a nearby studio uplink to discuss the Democratic Party unifying against Donald Trump, his pattern of disrespect towards women and how the Democratic Party divide plays into the GOP's favor.
Please let me know if her schedule would allow?
Many thanks-b.
Ben Finley
Producer, MSNBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza, 227 E
New York, NY 10112
212-664-1545
917-414-9689
Ben.Finley@nbcuni.com
Twitter: @BennyFinz


With edits. Moving to RR2
Assemblyman Diegnan
Hi everyone and thank you for joining the call. This is Assemblyman Pat Diegnan, and I serve as the Chair of the Education Committee.
We're here to discuss Teacher Appreciation Week, but first I'd like to open this call by saying a few words about Donald Trump.
This week, Donald Trump became the nominee of the Republican Party. It wasn't an accident. Republican leaders paved the way for Donald Trump with their divisive rhetoric, harmful policies, and obstruction of progress, and much of it started in this state.
Before the Tea Party, and before the Donald, there was Chris Christie - a man who tore down those who disagreed with him, stood in the way of progress, and put political retribution before the people of the state.
It's ironic that Mr. Trump locked up the nomination on Teacher Appreciation Week, since Christie's disgraceful behavior toward teachers and public employees paved the way for Donald Trump to become the nominee of the Republican Party.
Over and over again, Governor Christie has tried to devalue the teaching profession and squeeze those who work so hard to shape our children's future. At a time when Americans are concerned about stagnant wages, Christie suggested last year that teachers should be making minimum wage
, after he vetoed and stood against
minimum wage increases.
Trump has vowed to cut the Department of Education and has continually fleeced students through his fraudulent Trump University scheme.
Thankfully, our state has resoundingly rejected these the Trump-Christie agenda. Governor Christie's approval ratings have plummeted to 26 percent since he endorsed Trump. To put that in context - that's only two points better than Richard Nixon's approval rating on the day he resigned from the presidency.
New Jersey has seen the consequences of Governor Christie's attacks on public education. We cannot allow the Trump-Christie agenda to be implemented on a national level. Our children's' future is just too important.
Now, I would like to introduce someone who has always been a champion of educators, NJEA President Wendell Steinhauer.
Wendell Steinhauer
Hi everyone, and thank you Assemblyman. As some of you may know, I taught in the Riverside public schools for 27 years. In my time at the NJEA, I've seen first-hand Chris Christie at work.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and Governor Christie has been anything but appreciative of teachers and our work his entire tenure in office. We all remember when he slashed the state education aid by more than $1 billion in his first year in office, leading to thousands of layoffs.
Or when he made reneged on his promise to fund public employee pensions, despite his promise to do so at the negotiation table.
Or when he suggested violence against teachers and teachers unions; he has made multiple references to punching us.
It is certainly no surprise to us that Chris Christie is supporting Donald Trump for President, they are two peas in pod. But when it comes to teachers, we cannot allow what Governor Christie has done to New Jersey to spread to the rest of the country, especially now that Trump is the standard bearer of the Republican party.
Trump is on record saying that he would cut the Department of Education, and he's fleeced students for years with his fraudlent Trump University.
We simply can't imagine what would happen to education under Donald Trump, with Chris Christie whispering in his ears. under this Republican president, where Governor Christie's dangerous ideas and policies would surely be allowed to spread nationally.
We are calling out these dangerous ideas and gross misconceptions and asking voters to take a stand against them.
Thank you. I would like to now turn it over to [3rd speaker]
Speaker #3
Thank you XXXX, and as mentioned, I am XXXX.
Before Donald Trump was even thinking about running for President, Chris Christie was writing the book on squeezing teachers and hurting working families here in New Jersey.
In addition to his attacks on teachers - a profession dominated by women - just this week, he vetoed an equal pay bill that would have guaranteed equal pay for women.
With a record like that, it makes sense that Chris Christie was one of the first politicians in America to support Donald Trump, the most misogynistic and anti-woman presidential candidate in modern history.
While Chris Christie has mostly saved his vitriol for teachers, public workers, and his political appointees, Donald Trump has been an equal opportunity offender,  referring to to women as "dogs," "slobs," "fat pigs," and "disgusting animals
," attributing a reporter's questions to her menstrual cycle, and saying that women who have abortions should be "punished."
Is this who we want to lead the country? Dangerous Donald Trump with Crass Chris Christie right by his side? I think that most New Jerseyans and most Americans would look at that and shudder.
Trump and Christie are cut from the same cloth. New Jersey is well aware of Christie's bullying tactics, reneging on promises made at the negotiation table, slashing funding for education. And all indicators suggest that Trump would mimic those policies on the national level. We have an obligation to stop Trump and protect the country from that future.
Thank you.


Watch here
From: Miller, Lindsey
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 10:28 PM
To: Comm_D; djtspeaks@hillaryclinton.com
Subject: Lewandowski on Fox
VP Stakes:
Most important thing is someone who can take over as president
Understands process and can get 100 day agenda done - cut taxes, reduce deficit, trade deals
Not gender or geography as biggest issues but who would be best partner
Five or six possibilities?
Small group of people. Trump will decide if he can work with them
Reaction to Paul Ryan?
Trump and Ryan have lots in common - balanced budget, tax cuts to middle class. Everyone in GOP agrees. How we get there? Not sure
Sabotage by Ryan?
Trump nominee, he will be head of party. Important to understand he sets the agenda in November and onward
Team is bigger now
-Small but efficient. More delegates, going to be nominee, but you have to grow. We're going after Clinton machine. Candidate Trump will expand the map. We're putting new states in play, MI, NY, MA, Indiana. In Washington state, he had 22,000. Message is resonating.
Rick Perry was on. Said supporting Trump no-brainer. Team of governors - one of them maybe? Team of rivals for SOS, Defense?
I don't want to get too far ahead of it. Great governors out there who are CEO of states. Need to follow that model, like Rick Scott in Florida. Jindal in Louisiana. Something to be said for balanced budget requirements.
Two areas where conservatism federally successful, under Reagan and under Gingrich contract. People feel betrayed by DC. Time for a national campaign where everyone runs on set of principals?
Good idea but you have to understand DC broken for 30 years. Reason Trump successful is because blue collar people want change. Trump can fundamentally change system. Trump has raised issues where opponents said you can't do that, but then they all take his side 3 weeks later.
When Trump said I'll announce 14 people for Supreme Court to show conservatives he is serious, wouldn't that give people comfort knowing what will happen in first 100 days?
He's laid out priorities on the campaign trail. He's done more events and media than anyone. Laid out people he would consider - Pryor, Diane Sykes (sp?). Difference is we have presidential candidates that can appoint up to 5 justices that can fundamentally change the way America works. It's not up to judges to legislate from bench.


[SigDems]
Luis Miranda, Communications Director
Democratic National Committee
202-863-8148 - MirandaL@dnc.org
- @MiraLuisDC
From: Paustenbach, Mark
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2016 6:05 PM
To: Freundlich, Christina; Miranda, Luis
Subject: Draft Video Topper
NEW DNC VIDEO: Trump Won't Let Anyone See His "Beautiful" Tax Returns
A new DNC video launched today highlights Donald Trump's refusal to release his tax returns, as well as his false claim that voters would learn nothing from them. The video makes it clear that Trump is not being honest with the American people and lacks the temperament to occupy the White House.
While he previously didn't have any problems releasing what he called his "beautiful" tax returns, Trump is now backtracking on that commitment. The American people ought to know whether Trump has been paying his fair share and how much he would benefit from his own reckless tax plan. The new DNC video is being made available online and as an online ad in key markets around the country:
WATCH


Donald Trump Hires C.O.O. for Growing Campaign Finance Operation
Donald J. Trump has hired Eli H. Miller, deputy finance director for Senator Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential bid, as the chief operating officer for his growing finance operation.
Mr. Miller's hiring, confirmed by three Republicans with knowledge of the decision, comes as the Trump operation is moving its focus to a general election campaign
, and working to quickly raise the as much as $1.5 billion Mr. Trump has said he may need for the fall.
Though Mr. Trump has so far largely self-funded his campaign, pouring in around $40 billion of his own money for the primaries, he and his team have signaled that the New York billionaire will begin fund-raising for himself, as well as for the Republican Party, as he heads into what is likely to be a general election matchup against Hillary Clinton.
Mr. Miller
, who worked as a lead advance man for Mitt Romney's 2012 campaign, joined Americans For Prosperity as its Ohio state director after Mr. Romney's loss, where he became close to Corey Lewandowski, who now manages the Trump campaign.
Mr. Miller was spotted leaving the Republican National Committee with Mr. Lewandowski on Monday, after a day of briefings, and on Tuesday joined Steven Mnuchin
, the campaign's national finance chairman, in New York at Trump Tower for a meeting with Mr. Trump himself, according to someone briefed on the discussions.
Mr. Trump is still viewed skeptically by many Republican donors, and Mr. Miller's pedigree, having worked for Mr. Romney and Mr. Rubio - two party leaders - could help the New York real estate magnate gain credibility in the donor community.
Neither the Trump campaign, nor Mr. Miller, responded to repeated emails and phone calls about Mr. Miller's new role.


Let her know it was good that she pivoted back to key message on every question. I thought it went fine. How'd it look to you?
Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S®4, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: "Paustenbach, Mark"
Date: 05/03/2016 7:06 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: Comm_D
Subject: DWS on CNN / New Day
~7:53am this morning
Thanks,
Mark
Mark Paustenbach
National Press Secretary &
Deputy Communications Director
Democratic National Committee
202.863.8148
paustenbachm@dnc.org


Below:
1. Advisory
2. Letters
3. Op-ed
For Planning Purposes Only
May XX, 2016
Contact: [Name], [Number/Email]
*MEDIA ADVISORY*
TOMORROW, [DATE] at [TIME] ET: Labor and Business Join Forces to Call for Increase in Infrastructure Investments
[CITY]- Our nation is in the midst of a worsening infrastructure crisis, but Republicans in Congress have refused to act to ensure safety on our roads and bridges. This week is National Infrastructure Week, which highlights the common interests of labor and business in calling for additional investments in infrastructure. Tomorrow, Democrats and leaders from the business and labor communities will call on GOP lawmakers to stop blocking bills that would fund much needed internal improvements for our country.
Join XXX, XXX, and XXX TOMORROW, [DATE] at [TIME] to call on [insert Republican Member of Congress] to fund maintenance on [INSERT STATE]'s public roads and bridges.
WHO: Labor and Business Leaders
WHAT: Press Conference on Infrastructure Funding
WHEN: TOMORROW,  [DATE], [TIME]
WHERE: [LOCATION]
For more information, please contact [state party comms director].
###
For Immediate Release
May XX, 2016
Contact: [Name], [Number/Email]
Labor and Business Leaders Call on Republican Lawmakers to Fund Much-Needed Infrastructure Improvements
[City]- Underfunding of public roads and bridges in the United States have put residents in danger of transit accidents on a daily basis. Yet Republican lawmakers like [INSERT GOP MEMBERS OF CONGRESS] repeatedly refuse to invest in our nation's infrastructure. Labor and business leaders gathered today to call for funding to address this serious matter in honor of National Infrastructure Week.
"As a business owner, I find it unconscionable that our congressman has failed to make sure our roads and bridges are safe," said XXXX. "It's not a partisan issue to properly fund our transportation network, but he is making it one and putting his constituents in danger in the process."
If Hitting House Member:
In 2012, XXXX supported a transportation bill that was strongly opposed by safety and environmental advocates. It would have covered only five percent of the funds needed to pay for the entirety of national mass transit repairs.
If Hitting Senator:
XXXX has repeated blocked bills to fund national infrastructure repairs. In 2011, XXXX blocked President Obama's plan to allocate $60 billion in for much-needed highway, rail, transit and airport repairs and construction. And in 2015, XXXX helped defeat an amendment that would have allocated $478 billion in infrastructure investment while remaining deficit-neutral.
"If the roof of your house is leaking, you try to fix it immediately instead of waiting for the whole thing to cave in," said XXXX. "[SENATOR or MEMBER]'s actions simply don't make sense. He is putting our lives at risk for refusing to act."
###
Letter 1
Editor
Under President Obama, we've seen 14 million new jobs created. But we can do even more if Republicans in Congress would agree to invest more in infrastructure projects - not only repairing our crumbling roads and bridges, but also wiring rural America and installing green energy infrastructure. These investments are what's needed to create even more jobs while making our nation stronger.
Infrastructure shouldn't fall victim to partisan political games. Investing in roads, bridges, railroads, and airports is fundamental to our economy. Expanding broadband internet access and installing wind and solar panels in communities across the country will build a stronger future and create millions of jobs. Investments in wiring rural America, in particular, would pay off in spades by allowing rural families to grow their businesses online, tapping into e-commerce in order to provide for their families.
Simply put, investing in infrastructure helps lift up hardworking families. When Republicans block infrastructure spending, they kill jobs, make our roads and bridges less safe, and block hardworking Americans from gaining internet access. We need to focus on efforts to grow America-not limit our progress because of political strife.
Sincerely,
XXX
Letter 2
Editor:
The backbone of our country is our infrastructure. As our transportation networks crumble, public life suffers. Looking towards the future, I am concerned that our country is falling behind.
All investments in our infrastructure double as an investment for our country's residents. Transportation is a vital engine of our economy, ensuring people can get to their jobs and that goods can get from businesses to customers. While we allow our bridges and roads to fall into disrepair, we are failing to meet the needs of our growing population and economy.
Recent opportunities to improve our nation's infrastructure have been thwarted by the political games of the Republican Party in Washington. On the other side of the aisle, Democrats are invested in creating jobs at home by ensuring our transportation network is safe and efficient, and by going a step further. Democratic efforts to invest in projects such as high-speed rail, renewable energy, and broadband internet would create millions of jobs while ensuring that our nation stays on the cutting-edge.
Previous generations recognized the necessity of infrastructure innovations and now is our opportunity to pay the same progress forward. Let's put our family members, friends and neighbors to work and build the transportation network of tomorrow.
Sincerely,
XXX
Editor:
As National Infrastructure Week kicks off, I am calling on Republican politicians including our representative, XXX, to stop blocking investments that would repair our crumbling infrastructure and create jobs. Our nations' aging highways, bridges, and water systems are in urgent need of repair, but the Republicans continue to oppose the necessary investments which make our transportation system safer, create jobs, and alleviate congestion in and around our major cities.
The water crisis in Flint, Michigan is the most overt example of the GOP's willingness to cut costs without any regard for the impact their ill-conceived decisions may have on a community. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder appointed the emergency mangers who decided to draw water from the polluted Flint River, and then Congressional Republicans doubled down on their failure by refusing to approve the funding needed to replace Flint's corroded pipes.
Ignoring a problem won't solve it. The AFL-CIO, the Chamber of Commerce and other groups recognize the need to repair, improve, and expand America's crumbling infrastructure. It's time for the GOP to do the same.
Sincerely,
XXX
Editor:
National Infrastructure Week isn't the sexiest of causes to celebrate - that much I know. But what I also know is this: infrastructure is fundamental to our economy and our daily lives. Think about it: every day we use bridges, roads, and airports to get around; every day we use the internet to connect with the world; and every day we use products that were created in factories and arrived safely to the stores we bought them in.
However, our nation's infrastructure is crumbling. We need to make investments quickly or risk paying the consequences. Both Democratic candidates for president have detailed plans for investing in infrastructure that would create millions of jobs and give Americans the 21st century transportation network they deserve.
Republicans have had their way obstructing new investments in infrastructure for years. We need to elect leaders up and down the ballot who understand our prosperity can only grow when we have the infrastructure to support it.
The presumptive GOP nominee, Donald Trump? He hasn't a clue. In fact, as it relates to infrastructure, the only concrete thing
we've heard he'll do is build a "great wall" to keep out rapists and other criminals who are apparently making their way over in droves. Seriously. As Trump even declared at a campaign rally in Tampa, Florida, "You watch, and that wall will go up like magic."
Our country doesn't need a wall. What we need are bridges, and we need them now more than ever.  [We need to take out reference to the wall. Please tweak.]
Sincerely,
XXX
Sample Op-Ed
Investing in Our Future, Investing in Infrastructure
This week is National Infrastructure Week - an opportunity to pay a little more attention to how the infrastructure we often take for granted matters in our daily lives, and how much investing in infrastructure improvements can contribute to economic growth and our long-term prosperity.
Politically, there's a clear divide on this issue. Nothing will ever force us to invest tax dollars in roads, airports, bridges, ports, our electric grid, internet, and drinking-water systems, and thanks to the Republican Party, we often don't.
For years, the Republicans at every level of government have largely succeeded in obstructing legislation that would put tax dollars into infrastructure, usually justifying their obstruction by calling those projects wasteful government spending.
In 2011, Republicans blocked a plan to spend $60 billion on infrastructure as part of president Obama's American Jobs Act. In 2012, House Republicans introduced a five-year transportation bill that was strongly opposed by safety and environment advocates. And in 2015, Senate Republicans blocked a $478 billion infrastructure bill.
Here in [STATE] (Include State-specific points about how State/Congressional Republicans obstruct/oppose infrastructure investments to reward wealthy with tax cuts)
What these Republicans will never admit, though, is that the short-term savings they like to brag about when they get their way are actually costing you, your family, and the economy in the long term.
Traffic jams, airport delays, repairs after catastrophic collapses, power failures, and the human and health care costs that come with infrastructure failures like what we've seen most recently in the Flint, Michigan water crisis, are all a tremendous drag on our economy.
The America Society of Civil Engineers has calculated that over the next decade, the deterioration of our infrastructure will cut payroll growth by 2.5 million jobs and $4 trillion of gross domestic product
in lost sales and higher costs.
That's why we need strong Democratic leadership at every level of government, especially here in [STATE]. (State-specifics of Democrats fighting for/advocating for infrastructure investments.
The issue of infrastructure spending is also a critical part of the current presidential election, with the same clear contrast between the two parties.
Although he pays the idea lip-service and says he's in favor of infrastructure repair, Donald Trump's hollow rhetoric doesn't add up. His tax plan alone would cost the American economy $9.5 trillion dollars - leaving no room for any meaningful new investments in infrastructure repair without serious and devastating cuts to other vital government programs.
But Democrats are offering smart, substantive ideas that make good economic sense. Both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have plans to create jobs through repairing our bridges and roads, building high-speed rail, installing solar and wind energy equipment, and wiring rural America.
And what's the GOP offering What's Trump got? Tax cuts for the wealthy built on cuts to the services and infrastructure working families depend on to climb the economic ladder. a plan to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.
Labor and business agree that we need to repair, improve, and expand America's crumbling infrastructure. Yet Republicans continue to block infrastructure spending that would create jobs, make roads and bridges safer, shorten commutes, and improve internet access for millions.
We need to put America to work building bridges, not walls. We must elect Democrats up and down the ballot in November.


Delaware Democrats elect convention delegates
[ Esteban Parra
, The News Journal5:40 p.m. EDT May 7, 2016

[Tom Carper]Buy Photo
(Photo: ESTEBAN PARRA/THE NEWS JOURNAL)
24CONNECTTWEET
LINKEDIN
4COMMENTEMAILMORE
The state Democratic Party elected its 2016 Pledged National Convention Delegation Saturday.
More than 240 Democrats met at Delaware Technical Community College's Terry Campus in Dover to see which 21 party faithful will represent them at the Democratic National Convention being held July 25 through the 28 in Philadelphia.
"Is it good to be a Democrat?" Sen. Tom Carper asked the group, which responded with a loud: "Yes."
Carper rallied the Democrats, reminding them what values good leaders have.
"Whether you are for Bernie [Sanders] or Hillary [Clinton], we've got two wonderful people running," Carper said. "We are blessed."
Delaware has a total of 31 delegates heading to the convention. Ten are superdelegates, who are automatically seated because they are party leaders or elected officials. They are not beholden to the choices of the state's electorate. But the 21 delegates selected Saturday are assigned to represent either Clinton or Sanders.
Jordan Hines, 27, of Bear, went to the caucus out of interest and to support friends seeking to go to the convention.
"This is important because any election is important for our future," he said, adding the delegates play a big part in the convention.
Elected Saturday:
*   Eight subdivision-level delegates pledged to Clinton; Italo Carrieri-Russo, Sean Finnigan, Erik Raser-Schramm, Betsy Maron, Courtney McGregor, Margaret Fuller, Sandy Taylor and Mitch Crane.
*   Six subdivision-level delegates pledged to Sanders; Glen Schmiesing, Janet Selden, Colby Owens, Douglas Drummond, Valarie Thompson and Catherine Ciferni.
*   Wilmington Council President Theo Gregory as a party leader and elected official delegate for Sanders.
*   Senate President Pro Tem Patricia Blevins, D-Elsmere, to be a party leader and elected official delegate for Clinton.
*   Three at-large delegates pledged to Clinton; Christofer Johnson, Rep. Debra Heffernan, D-Bellefonte, and Lydia York.
*   Two at-large delegates pledged to Sanders; Mona Parikh and Terri McIvor.
Gregory, who said this was his first time being selected as a delegate, is eager to head to the convention to listen to Sanders' message.
"I just hope that the Democrats are victorious in November," he said, adding he didn't mind if Sanders or Clinton wins. "Just as long as it's a Democrat."
Buy Photo
Wilmington Council President Theo Gregory was elected a party leader and elected official delegate for Bernie Sanders. (Photo: ESTEBAN PARRA/THE NEWS JOURNAL)
Delaware Republicans elected their convention delegates last month.
Nearly all of Delaware's 16 delegates to the national GOP convention in Cleveland are committed to supporting Donald Trump even if the convention's nominee-picking process goes past a first ballot, Trump campaign chairman Rob Arlett said last month.
Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.com or Twitter @eparra3.


Im on for research
From: Bhatnagar, Akshai
Sent: Friday, May 06, 2016 4:44 PM
To: Oslund, Joseph
Cc: Roberts, Kelly; Comm_D
Subject: Re: Sunday shows
I'm on for video.
On May 6, 2016, at 2:27 PM, Oslund, Joseph
> wrote:
Zeke Miller
@ZekeJMiller
Inbox: Palin and McCain back-to-back on @CNNSotu
this week
From: Roberts, Kelly
Sent: Friday, May 06, 2016 8:29 AM
To: Comm_D
Subject: Sunday shows
Trump MTP taping today
SUNDAY SO FAR - CNN's "State of the Union": Gov. Jan Brewer, Amanda Carpenter, Nina Turner, Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.)
--NBC's "Meet the Press": Chuck Todd tapes Trump today at Trump Tower
--ABC's "This Week": George Stephanopoulos talks to Trump
--CBS' "Face the Nation": Taping Hillary in Oakland today
--"Fox News Sunday": Brit Hume, Julie Pace, Kimberley Strassel, Charles Lane
Sent from my iPhone


Fox says Clinton has not responded to their requests to set a date.
What is the DNC view of the status of the debate? And having approved it as part of the expanded schedule months ago, what is the DNC position on whether the debate should take place?
Thanks again
Sent from my iPhone
On May 21, 2016, at 3:07 PM, Miranda, Luis
> wrote:
Hi Anne, off the record, there's just no update. Ultimately it depends on the candidates.
From: "Gearan, Anne"
>
Date: May 21, 2016 at 2:48:17 PM EDT
To: "Paustenbach, Mark"
>
Subject: Re: June 6 debate?
Thanks but.... What is really happening? Background fine.
Sent from my iPhone
On May 21, 2016, at 2:44 PM, Paustenbach, Mark
> wrote:
Hi Anne,
Thanks for your note and for reaching out.
The DNC will continue to facilitate negotiations with both of our candidates.
Best,
Mark
Mark Paustenbach
National Press Secretary &
Deputy Communications Director
Democratic National Committee
202.863.8148
paustenbachm@dnc.org
On May 21, 2016, at 7:43 AM, Gearan, Anne
> wrote:
Hi Mark,
Could you please let me know whether the DNC still plans to hold a final debate?
Is time and place set? Have both campaigns agreed? If not, what is the delay in arranging this?
I'm told the broadcast host, Fox, has set the above date in San Francisco.
We plan to write something today.
Thanks
Anne
Sent from my iPhone


Hi everyone,
Attached is a script for the video we’re making for Comms to release tomorrow AM — it goes through Trump’s evolution on the subject of releasing his taxes returns and ends with calling on him to release ‘em. Let me know if this looks good or if you have any flags and thank you thank you!


I will send it to scheduling.
Sent from my iPad
On May 5, 2016, at 9:24 AM, Manriquez, Pablo
> wrote:
Re-upping this. I really think we should lock this one in. 2M devout California listeners is a big deal audience.
On May 4, 2016, at 5:21 PM, Manriquez, Pablo
> wrote:
Hi Team: We need a decision on this ASAP or they’re going to bump DWS for Howard Dean…which is fine if she can’t make it but 2M listeners is a legit regional radio powerhouse.  Thanks!
On May 4, 2016, at 2:08 PM, Manriquez, Pablo
> wrote:
Roger, see below —
On May 4, 2016, at 12:57 PM, Manriquez, Pablo
> wrote:
WHO: DWS and Rebecca Acosta
WHAT: Live or pre-recorded one-on-one interview discussing state of the race in the context of the California Primary to air on the radio station KSCO AM 1080 / 104.1 FM. The audience for the Costa Report is reportedly 2 million listeners and 250k social media followers. The interview will be long-form for 30 minutes and, according to the show’s producer: "It would be an opportune time for her to be on and reach out to a talk radio audience that would open to another perspective on the Congresswoman's life and career.”  The radio station will promo DWS’s interview across several local marketing opportunities to be deployed before and after interview as a means to hype their conversation with DWS.
WHEN: We have 3 options, all on 12 May --
*   Live interview scheduled in between 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Pacific Time) with various breaks in between.
*   A recorded interview between 9:00 - 10:00 am (Pacific Time).
*   A recorded interview between 10:00 - 11:00 am (Pacific Time).
WHERE: At her convenience.
Pablo Manriquez
Democratic National Committee
Phone: 202.572.5488
Email: pablo@dnc.org
web: democrats.org
Twitter: @Pablo_DNC
Pablo Manriquez
Democratic National Committee
Phone: 202.572.5488
Email: pablo@dnc.org
web: democrats.org
Twitter: @Pablo_DNC


From: Hillary for America Press
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 3:17 PM
To: Hillary for America Press
Subject: NEW VIDEO: Four Things Donald Could Be Hiding In His Tax Returns

NEW VIDEO: Four Things Donald Could Be Hiding In His Tax Returns
There’s no good explanation for why Donald Trump continues to refuse to release his tax returns.  Today, Hillary for America is releasing a new web video: Four Things Donald Could Be Hiding In His Tax Returns
to highlight the serious questions that have been raised by the media, Democrats and Republicans alike, and Americans across the country about what Trump could be hiding in his tax returns.
VIDEO: Four Things Donald Could Be Hiding In His Tax Returns
For the past forty years, every Democratic and Republican presidential nominee has released their tax returns.  Hillary Clinton has released her tax returns every year since 1977 and the last eight years are available online here
.
###
For Immediate Release, May 18, 2016
Contact: press@hillaryclinton.com
PAID FOR BY HILLARY FOR AMERICA
Contributions or gifts to Hillary for America are not tax deductible.
Hillary for America, PO Box 5256, New York
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "NationalPress2016" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to nationalpress2016+unsubscribe@hillaryclinton.com
.


Luis --
I was elected to Congress in 1972. Now, in 2016, I marvel at how far
we've come as a country.
I know I don't have to tell you, Luis. The progress we've made in
women's rights, civil rights, and environmental safety has been
monumental. But we've got so much more work to do because the
fact is, there are folks in this country who want to turn back all the
progress we've made that's made our country more just, fair, and
prosperous.
Luis, we can't let that happen. We've come too far and made a
difference in too many people's lives to go back now. We've got to
keep going forward.
Today, I'm asking you to join the fight to move forward. Pitch in $3
or whatever you can before the end of the month, and help elect
Democrats who share our values:

Thanks, Luis. Thanks for every single moment that you're
fighting this good fight. It means so much.
Joe
**************************************************************
Paid for by the Democratic National Committee,  430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington DC 20003 and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Contributions or gifts to the Democratic National Committee are not tax deductible.
**************************************************************
This email was sent to mirandal@dnc.org.
If this isn't the best email address at which to reach you, update your contact information at  Our email list is the best way we have of staying in regular contact with supporters like you across the country and letting you know about the work President Obama and other Democrats are doing. Visit  to unsubscribe from our supporter list. If you like staying in touch, but want to receive only the most important messages, go here:  Go here to unsubscribe from our supporter list:  but if you leave, it will be harder for you to stay involved in the organization that you've been such a critical part of. This organization is powered by you, and we'd love to hear your ideas. Send us any comments, criticisms, or feedback:  or just reply to this email! Thanks for supporting President Obama and other Democrats.


Thanks
----- Original Message -----
From: Mark Paustenbach
To: JENNIFER EPSTEIN
CC: MirandaL@dnc.org
At: 09-May-2016 12:26:29
Jen, Here’s the fundraising email we did last week with Sanders. Best, Mark
From: "Democrats.org"
Reply-To: democratic party
Date: Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 8:23 PM
Subject: Add your name to say you're ready to beat Donald Trump
We've got to defeat Donald Trump. Add your name if you're in to elect a Democratic president in November.
ADD  MY NAME


Love, love, love the strategy.
Sent from Donna's I Pad. Follow me on twitter @donnabrazile
On Apr 25, 2016, at 10:09 PM, Elias, Marc (Perkins Coie)
> wrote:
Yes.  We are appealing and should win at the 4th circuit
--
Marc E. Elias
Perkins Coie LLP
700 13th St, NW
Washington, DC 20005
202-434-1609
melias@perkinscoie.com
@marceelias
Sent from my iPad
On Apr 25, 2016, at 10:07 PM, Donna Brazile
> wrote:
Can we put out a statement?
Sent from Donna's I Pad. Follow me on twitter @donnabrazile
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jennifer Farmer
>
Date: April 25, 2016 at 10:01:39 PM EDT
To:
>
Subject: Court Declines to Overturn North Carolina’s Monster Voter Suppression Law: Groups to Appeal Decision
Reply-To:
>
[
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     Contact: Jennifer Farmer, 202-487-0967
April 25, 2016                                                                                Email: jfarmer@advancementproject.org
Court Declines to Overturn North Carolina’s Monster Voter Suppression Law: Groups to Appeal Decision
RALEIGH, NC – Today the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina ruled that H.B. 589, a monster voter suppression law, does not violate the Voting Rights Act or the Fourteenth, Fifteenth or Twenty-Sixth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The court chose instead to uphold a restrictive and discriminatory measure, which has already significantly burdened voters of color in the state. We intend to seek relief for provisions including the expansion of voter challenges, the elimination of same-day registration, the rollback of a week of early voting, a ban on the use of out of precinct provisional ballots, the removal of a successful preregistration program for 16- and 17-year-olds and a restrictive photo ID requirement. The current injunction on the law’s proscriptions of same day registration and out of precinct voting – which has been in place since 2015, will remain in effect until June. Advancement Project, along with co-counsel from Kirkland & Ellis, LLP and attorneys Irving Joyner and Adam Stein, challenged H.B. 589 on behalf of the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP. The groups will hold a media conference call on Tuesday, April 26 at 11:30 am EST to discuss the decision, and conference call details are forthcoming. A partial statement is outlined below:
“The continuation of H.B. 589’s restrictive provisions is an affront to democracy, and we intend to appeal the decision,” said the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP and architect of the Forward Together Moral Movement. “Through widespread actions, rallies, marches and protests, we have said all along that we would accept no less than unabridged access to the ballot for all eligible voters. Just like those who carried on before us, we will continue our movement challenging regressive and discriminatory voter suppression tactics on behalf of African Americans, Latinos, seniors, students and all those for whom democracy has been denied.”
“In abridging voting rights for African Americans and Latinos, H.B. 589 turns back the clock to our nation’s terrible Jim Crow past,” said Advancement Project Co-Director Penda D. Hair. “In a democracy, voting should be free, fair and accessible for all eligible voters. H.B. 589 tactically targets the provisions that once made North Carolina among the states with the highest turnout in the nation. This progress was especially clear among African-American and Latino voters, who came to rely on measures like early voting, same-day registration and out of precinct provisional ballots to ensure their voices were heard. By specifically targeting the very measures that were most used by people of color – in addition to imposing a restrictive photo ID requirement – the legislature sought to disturb the levers of power in North Carolina. This fight is not over. This is just one step in a legal battle that is going to continue in the courts to ensure that the Voting Rights Act protects voters against discriminatory voting measures like H.B. 589.”
“The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals understood the ways in which H.B. 589 would impact voters of color in North Carolina, and previously enjoined portions of this law,” said Advancement Project Senior Attorney Denise Lieberman. “Now with even more evidence of the measure’s discriminatory impact on voters of color, we intend to once again take our case to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.”
“North Carolina’s suppressive voting law was exactly the type of regulation that the Voting Rights Act was written to combat,” said Advancement Project Senior Attorney Donita Judge. “Had this law been subjected to federal preclearance, it simply never could have passed. Now, countless voters, especially voters of color, are at risk of losing their voice in our elections. This is unacceptable in a democracy.”
# # #
Advancement Project is a multi-racial civil rights organization. Founded by a team of veteran civil rights lawyers in 1999, Advancement Project was created to develop and inspire community-based solutions based on the same high quality legal analysis and public education campaigns that produced the landmark civil rights victories of earlier eras.
Disclaimer: This email was sent to info@brazileassociates.com
Meltwater Group, 225 Bush St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
[Unsubscribe]
________________________________
NOTICE: This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you have received it in error, please advise the sender by reply email and immediately delete the message and any attachments without copying or disclosing the contents. Thank you.


Good
From: Freundlich, Christina
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2016 12:55 PM
To: RR2
Subject: good for research -- kasich dropout statement
For Immediate Release
May 4, 2016
Contact - DNC Press 202-863-8148
DNC Chair's Statement on Reports That John Kasich is Suspending his Campaign for President
"With Governor Kasich out of the race, any remaining hope the GOP had of concealing its true colors behind his comparatively friendly-faced candidacy has evaporated. But make no mistake, the extreme policies for which he has long fought, are virtually indistinguishable from those of Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and the rest of the modern Republican Party.
"Under Kasich, Ohio's job growth has trailed the national average for 40 straight months. He promised to fight any federal increase in the minimum wage. And he has one of the most extreme anti-choice records of any governor in the country, having signed legislation that shut down half the abortion clinics in his state.
"For years, Republican leaders have employed a divisive political strategy to compel people to vote out of distrust, suspicion and hate - rewarding those at the top and denigrating women, minorities, the LGBT community and more in the process. The result is the cynical, divided, bickering Republican base we see now. Today, the only energy left in the Republican primary isn't for anything, it's against everything that doesn't line up with their extreme views. The obstruction and broken government we're seeing in Washington is the result.
"The contrast couldn't be more stark. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are fighting for the American people - for higher wages, for more opportunity, for a level playing field and for a brighter future. Our voters are energized, enthusiastic, and optimistic because our candidates are committed to moving America forward. And that's why we're going to win on Election Day in November."
###


One of his longest speeches I've seen in a while
Repeatedly brought up the need to get to 1,237 and that he only cares about the 1st ballot
Trump Rally in Hagerstown MD at 4pm
Maryland jobs down
- Happens to correlate with Congressional vote to allow China into WTO
- Manufacturing jobs disappearing
Build a wall
- Believe me, that wall will be built
Unfair system
- Abraham Lincoln couldn't have broken 50% with 17 people running
- Don't care about 2nd-3rd ballots
- Cruz is a liar. Never dealt with someone who can lie like that
My folks were meeting with the RNC.
- Boats and yachts waiting to take delegates around. I want to become a delegate
- Cruz is wining and dining. He is bribing people essentially
- Cruz can't do it on the first ballot. I only care about the first ballot
Dishonest media
- Might be even worse than lyin' Ted
Kasich
- Blames "phony" poll for forcing him to campaign in FL instead of OH
- He's a nice guy, but he shouldn't running
Self-funding
- Spent the least, but am winning
Again talks about how many companies he has in Delaware
Did well in the South even though Cruz was supposed to
- Threatens to move to AL if he doesn't win Maryland
- Evangelicals don't like Cruz
Cruz is working really hard to-- I don't want to use the word 'bribe'-- to bribe delegates
- They are trying to steal it on the 4th ballot from the guy who was on the cover of TIME magazine as part of the biggest political movement
- If it goes to a 2nd or 3rd ballot, I'm winning by millions of votes
Kasich winning a little bit over Hillary
- Hasn't had any negative ads
- I have 55,000 negative ads run against me: "It has to be true, I saw it on Fox"
Probably will win all 5 states on Tuesday
- Complaining about unfair system in PA
Crooked Hillary Clinton vs the Communist
- This guy [Bernie] is crazy
- He wants to take 100% of your money in taxes
- If you look at his tax return, maybe that's why he made so little
- I really want to 'fight' Hillary
- Election between Crooked Hillary and Wonderful Donald would have the highest turnout
They talk about changing personality and looking presidential
- I think I look really good
- Says he thinks he looks better than Kasich
- I knocked out all of these people, no one else did
- I don't like Cruz now, but in a few weeks, I think he'll be my best friend
- You think this is easy? Ranting and raving
Like my opponents after they are defeated
- I beat Jeb and Walker who were supposed to win
- Compliments Marco
We have to be careful about changing
- Would be a shame if we became presidential and started losing
- Nobody is the history of political parties has had so many opponents
Nikki Haley was against me
- Turned out to be an asset because she is weak on borders
Unfair to say you need the 1,237
- Very hard when you had all these people running
- "Think I'm gonna get there. So I'm not complaining about it. Although I am."
- I don't get what Kasich is doing. If he wasn't in the race in NY, I would have got 90%
Cruz is buying all these delegates
- Can you imagine if we got to a 3rd or 4th ballot and he won?
If I lose, I don't think you're ever going to see me again
- These other politicians are vicious to each other, then when one loses, they say the other one will be great
On the cover of TIME magazine with you people
- I think I have great hair. No bald spot
Can't build the wall if you don't vote for me on Tuesday
Can you imagine if someone with millions of votes less got the nomination?
- We don't want violence, but we have the most loyal supporters
Doesn't matter unless we win
- We have to beat Crooked Hillary
- She's as crooked as they come
Carrier Air Conditioning
- Trump says if he were president, not one company would leave the country
- Some might leave the state, but that's different, that's OK because we love our country
- Don't need incentives to keep them here (loans, abatements, etc.), just threaten to tax them
- China and Mexico are abusing us
Trade
- Trump admits tariffs will make products more expensive: "Maybe a little, maybe a lot."
- We will create millions of jobs, so it washes out
- Watching a bully getting beat up is almost more said than watching a normal person
We don't have many protesters anymore because we dealt with them properly
- We might have to get some of our own so they show the crowds
Says some people have said such vicious things
- My mom would cry if she was still around
- Now these same people want to endorse
Build the wall
- It will be taller than the ceiling
- I build great buildings. Buildings are harder to build than wall
Putin said great things about me
- Why would I disavow it? I agree
Lindsey Graham
- He's a nice guy, but was upset because I beat him so badly
- He keeps endorsing people and they keep losing
We need unpredictability
You're going to go vote on Tuesday
- We need a mandate
- We're like fighters. If we knock them out, the judges don't matter
- We will take out Hillary. We will hit her hard. We haven't focused on her yet
Win, win, win
________________________________________
From: Sarge, Matthew
Sent: Sunday, April 24, 2016 3:58 PM
To: Comm_D
Subject: Video Request: Trump Rally in Hagerstown MD at 4pm
On MSNBC Shift


From: CT Dems Press  On Behalf Of CT Dems Press
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2016 4:26 PM
To: Wei, Shu-Yen
Subject: CT Dems' Statement On Speaker Sharkey's Announcement
[Image removed by sender.]
For Immediate Release
May 16, 2016
Contact: Leigh Appleby
(860) 818-1824
lappleby@ctdems.org
CT Dems' Statement On Speaker Sharkey's Announcement
Hartford, Ct. - Connecticut Democratic Party Chairman Nick Balletto released the following statement on the news that Speaker Brendan Sharkey will not seek re-election.
"Brendan Sharkey is a dedicated public servant who has not shied away from making the tough choices necessary to keep Connecticut moving forward. I am particularly proud that - facing a difficult fiscal situation - Speaker Sharkey, along with Governor Malloy and legislative leaders, passed a budget that puts our state on a path toward long-term stability. Through it all, he has put his constituents first, fighting for regionalism and other issues important to Hamden. I want to thank Speaker Sharkey for his service to our state. I look forward to continuing to work with the Speaker and future House Democratic Caucus leaders to make sure we re-elect Democratic majorities in the House."
Copyright © 2016 Connecticut Democratic Party, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the Connecticut Democrats press list.
Our mailing address is:
Connecticut Democratic Party
30 Arbor Street
Suite 404
Hartford, CT 06106
Add us to your address book
unsubscribe from this list
update subscription preferences
[Image removed by sender. Email Marketing Powered by MailChimp]


Attachment didn't come through can you resend
From: Khan, Ali
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2016 9:02 PM
To: Kay Brown
Cc: Bonosky, Garret; Alvillar, Raul; Miranda, Luis; Walsh, Tom; Kate Houghton
Subject: Re: letter from Delegate to DWS
+Luis, Tom, Raul and Kate.
Thank your help and responsiveness, Kay!
Sent from my iPhone
On May 12, 2016, at 5:14 PM, Kay Brown
> wrote:
HI.  Hal Gazaway is the chair of HD 19.  He generally has been helpful to us in dealing with the insurgency.  He wrote and sent out the 2nd attachment (letter to delegates) yesterday - I had no idea he was going to say what he did about DWS.  Then, today he brought me the letter to DWS (first attachment).
He said, if she were to address these issues in the first 5 minutes of her talk Saturday night, it might reassure people and keep them from walking out.  He said he's asking people to hear her out and give her a chance.
I said I would pass this on.  I don't know anything about the issues he is raising in this letter.
Kay
Kay Brown, Executive Director
Alaska Democratic Party
Direct 907-258-3074
Cell 907-529-6970
kbrown@
akdems.org
Paid for by the Alaska Democratic Party * www.alaskademocrats.org
* Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.


Apologies.
But 2 more articles with embedded video
(4 articles total now)

From: Sarge, Matthew
Sent: Wednesday, May 04, 2016 12:57 PM
To: Comm_D
Subject: Video Request: Trump Daily Mail Interview
Additional video clips from interview:
Donald Trump will personally brief reporters at the White House once or twice a month in the White House, he said Monday during a wide-ranging interview, painting his hoped-for presidency as a chance to be a 'cheerleader' for the United States on the world's biggest stage.
The billionaire also said he would be a solid joke-teller at the White House Correspondents Association's annual dinner, a forum that has cast him as a comedic target in recent years.
Trump told DailyMail.com that he wants to spice up the Republican National Convention with some of the television production values that helped rocket his 'Apprentice' franchise to the top of the ratings.
He pledged to continue the Obama administration's policy of using unmanned military drones to eliminate terror leaders overseas.
And he promised not to tear up first lady Michelle Obama's vegetable garden for a place to practice his golf skills in between Oval office meetings.
'I won't be building a chipping green,' Trump said.
The Republican presidential front-runner, sat down with DailyMail.com in Indianapolis as he geared up for a final day of campaigning before Tuesday's all-important Indiana primary election.
He said he was reluctant to talk about military strategy, citing a need to remain 'unpredictable,' but agreed that using drone warfare to clear the ISIS terror army from the Middle East is a tactic he would continue as president.
'I have to do what's right. I will do what's right. As far as drones are concerned, yes. To take out terrorists,' he said.
'But the only thing is, I want them to get it right. But to take out terrorists, yes, I would think that that is something I would continue to do.'
'As far as beyond that, I don't want to talk about it,' Trump cautioned, 'because I do want to be unpredictable in a sense. I don't want the enemy to know exactly where I'm coming from.'
Asked if he would commit to holding press conferences 'once or twice a month,' he said 'I think it's something that I would do,' describing Q-and-A sessions with reporters as a way to 'cheerlead' for the nation.
'You know, our country needs a cheerleader. President Obama has not been a cheerleader,' he said.
Obama famously finished his first term in office with fewer press conferences under his belt than any president since Ronald Reagan.
'When it's appropriate, I would certainly be - I would certainly hold press conferences,' he said, noting his own unusual habit of taking questions from the media following most of his primary election victories.
'I would be inclined because I want the country to know what's going on. There'll be times when I think getting the word out is a very positive thing,' Trump said.
That, he said, would include showing up at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinners, something President Barack Obama has done consistently in order to throw some comic shade at his opponents.
Trump would use a joke writer, he agreed.
'I think I'd be good at it. I think I'd do a good job. I would,' Trump said, chewing it over.
'I tell jokes. I would only tell a clean joke, of course.'
Asked for an on-camera sample, Trump declined, chuckling: 'No, no, I won't tell you one now.'
He chose not to attend The April 30 dinner in Washington this year, watching instead from home as Obama and TV comic Larry Wilmore roasted him.
He explained later that he didn't trust reporters to cast him as someone who can laugh at himself.
But being on stage dishing out the insults, DailyMail.com reminded the real estate tycoon, is different from painting on a good-natured grin and enduring a lengthy ribbing.
'Yeah,' he replied. 'Well, I've been on stage.'
Trump has leaned heavily on stagecraft to orchestrate his transition from reality television businessman to politician.
He said Monday that the Republican National Convention must become more like 'The Apprentice' if it's going to keep up with him.
'I thought the Republican convention last time, which was one of the least-watched conventions in the history of conventions, was very boring,' he said of the 2012 event held in Tampa, Florida.
'It was - there was no excitement. It was visually poor.'
'It was also in Hurricane Alley! I mean, you know they had some very bad storms. It was a rough time,' he recalled.
'I think we're going to really have something that's going to be visually good,' he predicted. 'And most important, we're going to give the right message.'
Trump complained that the GOP leadership decided against using an 'Apprentice' spoof video it spent heavily to produce for the 2012 convention - a clip that featured him 'firing' Barack Obama.
'I did something that would have been exciting if they had put it on. But they decided not to,' he complained.
'I was, as you know, a big star of "The Apprentice," and I did a "You're fired" to a lookalike, an Obama lookalike. And they thought it was a little bit controversial. I thought it was great.
'The person who did it was a top filmmaker, and he thought it was phenomenal. And they spent a lot of money making this. The whole thing was ridiculous.'


Can I get a transcript of the interview, especially the different aspects of the Muslim ban? Thanks again. - Mark
Mark Paustenbach
National Press Secretary &
Deputy Communications Director
Democratic National Committee
W: 202.863.8148
paustenbachm@dnc.org
From: Berns, Jeremy
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2016 5:23 PM
To: Comm_D; DJTspeaks@hillaryclinton.com
Subject: RE: Video Request: Pierson on CNN now
Pierson:
Trump will release taxes after the audit is complete
Its not G Stephanopoulos's business until the audit is finished
Q: Is he moving toward the center?
No not at all
He hasn't backpedaled on his Muslim ban. People in media he is saying he is, that's not the case
Heard ban included all Muslims, but it didn't. it never included American Muslims living abroad. That has been complete media spin and proven false
Q: Should there still be a Muslim ban with only a few exceptions?
Muslim ban was an immigration policy. We were talking about people who we don't know. We know the mayor of London and King Abdullah
People who we don't know need to go through
Pierson said the ban didn't include Muslim tourists
Q: Never meant tourists would be banned
It never included every Muslim. It was an immigration policy
Q: Ban on Muslim tourists?
If they couldn't be identified, then yes.
If they did have paperwork, those would be the exceptions
Q: He called it a total and complete shutdown
Yes, that was an immigration policy. Not going to let the media twist this
Q: Audio specialist thought John Miller had DJT's voice
Don't know who that person is or who paid that person
Need to know why this is national news. This isn't newsworthy
Looking forward to CNN of HRC laughing about getting off a child rapist
Q: If he lied about it to Guthrie when it was, I think that raises it to another level
But I think Trump would be the expert on if it is Trump.
One audio specialist said it was him and I never heard of him.
We have serious problems, we have ISIS. And we are talking about a People Mag interview
Q: Did he have someone on his staff named John Miller or Barron
Looking into it. Not him on the audio, doesn't sound like him.
This is why people go to Facebook for news
Q: Wolf: it would be news if he lied on national television to people about it
HRC representing a child rapist should be news
This whole thing is made up
Q: He did testify that he has used a fake name
Name you are referring to is Barron. This is Miller, not the same thing
This isn't news, this isn't a news story
From: Berns, Jeremy
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2016 5:10 PM
To: Comm_D; DJTspeaks@hillaryclinton.com
Subject: Video Request: Pierson on CNN now


If they are looking anything on topics specific to labor or education, we can work on those as well.
From: Miranda, Luis
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2016 11:38 AM
To: Dacey, Amy; Dillon, Lauren
Subject: RE: Trump
Yes. We shared the below with state parties yesterday and will send to John.
Dangerous Donald Trump Lacks the Judgment or Temperament to be President
Donald Trump's recklessness would hurt our economy, diminish our standing in the world, and make our communities less safe. Trump is dangerous, and he lacks the judgment or temperament to be president.
His impending nomination is a reminder that for years the Republican Party has elevated extreme voices, using divisive campaigns that sought to exploit unfounded fears for political gain. And just like Republicans in Washington have done for years, Dangerous Donald is only looking out for himself. His plans would benefit those at the very top and would drag our country back to where we were when the last Republican president left office losing 800,000 jobs a month. The American people can't afford to let him bully his way into the Oval Office.
Dangerous Donald Trump has already damaged America's relationships across the globe. His record of denigrating women has only gotten worse throughout this campaign, at the same time that his divisive rhetoric has made our communities less safe. And his business record is riddled with embarrassing failures that make it clear the American people can't afford to let him get anywhere near the White House.
National Security: Even as a candidate, Dangerous Donald has damaged America's relationships across the globe. In the White House, he would undeniably make America less safe.
*         Donald Trump has no foreign policy experience and rather than seeking the advice of well-respected experts, Trump relies on his own misinformed ideas and in his own words, on his "good brain."
*         Trump has falsely claimed that he knows "more about ISIS than the generals" and recommended that the U.S. military commit international war crimes.
*         Trump's threat to pull back from our most important military alliances
like NATO, pull aid from our allies like Israel, and his gushing praise for dictators would put our country on a dangerous path.
*         Trump has refused to rule out using nuclear weapons on European territory, and wants to allow countries that don't currently have nuclear weapons to get them, reversing long-held goals of international nuclear disarmament.
Wrong on Women: Dangerous Donald has a decades-long record of denigrating women and promoting misogyny. His policies would make it harder for women to make their own choices when it comes to their healthcare or their career.
*         Trump once said you had to  treat women "like s**t" and has spent decades doing so himself by calling women names - "fat pig," "slob," or "bimbo" - and saying a man needs a woman to support him at home rather than always be "griping and bitching."
*         Trump would take away a woman's right to make her own healthcare choices and has said women who had abortions should be punished - but not the doctors that performed them - and opposed exceptions for health of the mother because he thought women would use a cold as an excuse to have an abortion.
*         Trump thinks ensuring equal pay for women should just be left up to "the marketplace" and once suggested family leave policies should actually be scaled back and noted pregnancy was "an inconvenience for a business." Trump complained that when he employed mothers, they were not giving him "100 percent."
Divisive and Dangerous: Dangerous Donald exploited racial anxieties and cultural fears in the pursuit of getting elected - to the point where his rallies have sparked violence against people of color, protestors, and the media.
*         Trump spouts hateful and dangerous lies about Muslims and called to surveil mosques, to ban Muslims from entering the country and to create a database of all Muslims in America - including U.S. citizens - and could not answer when pressed on how this would be any different from Nazi Germany.
*         Trump called Mexican immigrants "rapists" and criminals and said they brought disease into the country, said you needed to check if Native Americans were "real Indians," and claimed that a "well-educated black has a tremendous advantage" - but apparently not an advantage in finding housing in Trump properties, because in the 1970s, the Trump Organization was sued for discriminating against Blacks and Puerto Ricans.
*         Trump has been endorsed by former  KKK leader David Duke, and his candidacy has been used as a recruiting tool for the white supremacist movement, which is no surprise since Trump refused to disavow David Duke and the KKK four times in one interview.
*         Trump has fostered violence against protestors at his rallies, suggesting that a Black Lives Matter protester maybe "should have been roughed up," promising to pay the legal fees if someone would "knock the hell" out of a protester and reminiscing about the old days when a protester would be "carried off on a stretcher."
*         Trump repeatedly threatened the First Amendment by calling to "open up" libel laws so he could sue reporters whenever they printed a story he did not like, made it a practice of banning media outlets he did not like from covering his rallies, and thought "closing" parts of the Internet was a rational strategy to combat ISIS.
Bad at Business, Bad for the Economy: Though he plays the part of a wealthy and successful businessman, Dangerous Donald's real life record is riddled with embarrassing failures and cheap schemes designed to turn a quick buck at the expense of everyday Americans.
*         Despite his tough talk on trade deals and the loss of American jobs, Donald Trump manufactured his clothing line in countries he rails against, like China and Mexico.
*         Dangerous Donald owes everything to the tens of millions of dollars in loans and bailouts he received from his family.
*         Dangerous Donald's businesses have repeatedly gone bankrupt, leaving investors, contractors and small businesses holding the bag for his disastrous business decisions.
*         During one of his business bankruptcies, his personal finances were at the mercy of banks who put him on an "allowance" of $400,000 per month.
*         His Trump "University" fleeced thousands of Americans simply looking to get ahead.
*         Trump's unfounded predictions
of recession under President Obama and warnings against investing in the stock market are reckless.
*         Economists have actually predicted Trump's policies could start an international trade war and even destabilize the global economy
.
*         Trump's tax plan would overwhelmingly benefit the rich while costing the country $9.5 trillion to implement -- more than any other Republican plan proposed. It also violates his pledge not to increase the national debt.
*         Trump actually said at one of the Republican Party's debates that "wages are too high" and opposed raising the minimum wage
*         Trump wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would jeopardize health care for 20 million Americans who've been able to get coverage under Obamacare.
Republicans couldn't unite against him and failed to stand up to him during their primary because they were playing to the same extreme base of their party. Democrats will be united and hold Donald Trump accountable every day until November 8th.
[SigDems]
Luis Miranda, Communications Director
Democratic National Committee
202-863-8148 - MirandaL@dnc.org
- @MiraLuisDC
From: Dacey, Amy
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2016 11:37 AM
To: Miranda, Luis; Dillon, Lauren
Subject: Fwd: Trump
Is there something you guys can work on to get him...
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: "John Ost, Political"
>
Date: May 5, 2016 at 10:45:25 AM EDT
To: Amy Dacey
>
Subject: Trump
At request of DNC, RW is doing some press today re: Trump. We've been working with TJ.  Question: who can we connect with to get more background/research re: Trump?   We want to shift gears and spend more time educating our members
Hope all is well.
Sent from my iPhone
________________________________
This e-mail and any attachments are confidential and are intended solely for the named addressee(s). If you are not a named addressee, you should not copy, alter, post, forward, distribute or disseminate the contents of the e-mail or attachments. When responding, please refrain from including information such as social security numbers, passwords, and other sensitive types of data in non-encrypted emails and non-password protected email attachments. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the individual and do not necessarily represent those of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).


Outgoing call to +1 (202) 664-7609 (Other)
Duration: 07 Minutes 14 Seconds
+1 (202) 664-7609
Other:  +1 (202) 664-7609
Microsoft Lync


Trump Adviser Barry Bennett on Bloomberg's Masters of Politics
- Says Trump might speak every night of the GOP convention
- Likens Trump's political talents to Bill Clinton
Jeff Weaver also on the same episode


Kate is going to be our political person on the ground. I am connecting her with the contacts that Jen is getting me.
- TP
On May 13, 2016, at 12:37 PM, Miranda, Luis
> wrote:
I spoke to Scott Arceneaux. He’ll lean on Kay for the state party to be more assertive in taking ownership over the fact that they’re happy to have the DNC there. Ryan is putting together points on her record as a progressive and what the DNC has been doing to strengthen state parties and build national infrastructure that he’ll get to Scott, and Scott to Kay, for them to talk positively about why she’s coming in advance. Also mentioned to him that Begich should introduce the Chair.
Luis Miranda, Communications Director
Democratic National Committee
202-863-8148 – MirandaL@dnc.org
- @MiraLuisDC
From: Kate Houghton
Sent: Friday, May 13, 2016 12:16 PM
To: Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Cc: Tracie Pough; Miranda, Luis; Banfill, Ryan; Bonosky, Garret; Alvillar, Raul; Moore, Colby; Khan, Ali; Maureen Garde
Subject: Alaska Update
Importance: High
DWS -
I spoke with Kay who is the Executive Director at the Alaska Democratic Party.  She cannot tell us what level of “enthusiasm” folks have on the ground but she has taken meetings with a few people who are of the “Trump-style” enthusiasm (aggressive and angry).
There will be 550 people seated at the dinner.  Of those about 50 are expected to walk out. However, they do want to stay for dinner  so we are switching your slot in the speaking program from the end to during the dinner.  This adjustment will not be made public.
There are no mags at the event and I have told them not to purchase any.  The event is barely breaking even and it will also be difficult to find them at the last minute.  The Mayor’s Office will be assigning an Officer to be with you.  As you know this is pretty standard practice and I will make sure to speak with the Officer in advance about how you like to be staffed at events.
The state party is aware that Shelby will be in the audience and that you will not be addressing any of the questions from the letter.  The Chair of the party in her opening remarks will make sure to tell everyone that this is a civil event and that they are looking forward to hearing about the national Democratic work happening to support whoever will be the nominee.  Signs have also been banned from the event.
Please let me know if you want additional follow up.
Thank you,
Kate
Kate Yglesias Houghton
Director | Chair’s Office
Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol Street, SE | Washington , DC 20003
202-479-5102 (office) | @thedemocrats


Watch here
-----Original Message-----
From: Sarge, Matthew
Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2016 4:07 PM
To: Comm_D
Cc: DJTspeaks
Subject: Video Request: Newt Gingrich on Fox News
Was on Sunday Morning Futures


Great - thanks!
From: Miranda, Luis
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 12:25 PM
To: Walker, Eric; Paustenbach, Mark; Manriquez, Pablo
Subject: RE: Trump called latina miss america "Miss Housekeeping"
I'll push to him
Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S(r)4, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: "Walker, Eric"
>
Date: 05/20/2016 12:22 (GMT-05:00)
To: "Miranda, Luis"
>, "Paustenbach, Mark"
>, "Manriquez, Pablo"
>
Subject: Trump called latina miss america "Miss Housekeeping"
Missed it in my initial watch here, but she says in addition to being called "miss piggy," she was called "miss housekeeping". Happens at 1:25

Can one of you pitch to Adrian or someone else in Latino press?
I think this could blow up pretty big.
Thanks.
Eric Walker
walkere@dnc.org
732-991-1489
@ericmwalker


Clinton Charity Aided Clinton Friends
A $2 million commitment arranged by the nonprofit Clinton Global Initiative in 2010 went to a for-profit company part-owned by friends of the Clintons
[The Clinton Global Initiative acts as a matchmaker to arrange monetary commitments, often to nonprofits, that address global challenges. Here, former President Bill Clinton speaks at its February meeting in New York.]
The Clinton Global Initiative acts as a matchmaker to arrange monetary commitments, often to nonprofits, that address global challenges. Here, former President Bill Clinton speaks at its February meeting in New York. PHOTO: BRENDAN MCDERMID/REUTERS
By
JAMES V. GRIMALDI
May 12, 2016 4:53 p.m. ET
110 COMMENTS
HASTINGS, Neb.—The Clinton Global Initiative, which arranges donations to help solve the world’s problems, set up a financial commitment that benefited a for-profit company part-owned by people with ties to the Clintons, including a current and a former Democratic official and a close friend of former President Bill Clinton.
The $2 million commitment was placed on the agenda for a September 2010 conference of the Clinton Global Initiative at Mr. Clinton’s urging, according to a document from the period and people familiar with the matter.
Mr. Clinton also personally endorsed the company, Energy Pioneer Solutions Inc., to then-Energy Secretary Steven Chu for a federal grant that year, said people with knowledge of the endorsement.
The company, whose business plan was to insulate people’s homes and let them pay via their utility bills, received an $812,000 Energy Department grant. Mr. Chu, now a professor at Stanford University, said he didn’t remember the conversation.
The Clinton Global Initiative is a program of the Bill, Hillary and Chelsea Clinton Foundation. The foundation has been a focus of criticism this political season overdonations received from governments and corporations
that had business before Mrs. Clinton when she was secretary of state and that could be affected by decisions she would make as president. The foundation has said it “has strong donor integrity and transparency practices.”
The Clinton Global Initiative’s help for a for-profit company part-owned by Clinton friends poses a different issue. Under federal law, tax-exempt charitable organizations aren’t supposed to act in anyone’s private interest but instead in the public interest, on broad issues such as education or poverty.
“The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests,” the Internal Revenue Service says on its website.
Energy Pioneer Solutions was founded in 2009 by Scott Kleeb, a Democrat who twice ran for Congress from Nebraska. An internal document from that year showed it as owned 29% by Mr. Kleeb; 29% by Jane Eckert, the owner of an art gallery in Pine Plains, N.Y.; and 29% by Julie Tauber McMahon of Chappaqua, N.Y., a close friend of Mr. Clinton, who also lives in Chappaqua.
Owning 5% each were Democratic National Committee treasurer Andrew Tobias and Mark Weiner, a supplier to political campaigns and former Rhode Island Democratic chairman, both longtime friends of the Clintons.
The Clinton Global Initiative holds an annual conference at which it announces monetary commitments from corporations, individuals or nonprofit organizations to address global challenges—commitments on which it has acted in a matchmaking role. Typically, the commitments go to charities and nongovernmental organizations. The commitment to Energy Pioneer Solutions was atypical because it originated from a private individual who was making a personal financial investment in a for-profit company.
[
Asked about the commitment, foundation officials said, “President Clinton has forged an amazing universe of relationships and friendships throughout his life that endure to this day, and many of those individuals and friends are involved in CGI Commitments because they share a passion for making a positive impact in the world. As opposed to a conflict of interest, they share a common interest.”
A spokesman for Mr. Clinton, Angel Urena, said, “President Clinton counts many CGI participants as friends.” Mrs. Clinton’s campaign didn’t respond to a request for comment.
A Clinton Foundation spokesman, Craig Minassian, called the commitment an instance of “mission-driven investing…in and by for-profit companies,” which he said “is a common practice in the broader philanthropic space, as well as among CGI commitments.” Of thousands of CGI commitments, Mr. Minassian cited three other examples of what he described as mission-driven investing involving a private party and a for-profit company such as Energy Pioneer Solutions.
Ms. Eckert, one of those identified as a 29% owner of Energy Pioneer Solutions in 2009, didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Ms. McMahon, listed as another co-owner, said in an interview she didn’t know how the commitment to the company came to be made as she wasn’t involved. Ms. McMahon, 56 years old, described Mr. Clinton as “a family friend.”
Mr. Kleeb, who is the company’s chief executive as well as founder, said Ms. McMahon recruited Mr. Weiner as an investor. Mr. Weiner has a company, Financial Innovations Inc., that makes campaign souvenir items such as coffee mugs and pens. Mrs. Clinton’s current and 2008 presidential runs have paid Mr. Weiner’s firm about $4.2 million, federal reports show.
Mr. Weiner was among the first state Democratic officials to endorse Mr. Clinton for the presidency some 25 years ago. He has been a major donor to the Clinton Foundation and also to the campaign of Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, another Clinton friend, foundation and Virginia records show. Mr. Weiner declined to be interviewed.
The other 5% investor, Mr. Tobias, has been the Democratic National Committee treasurer since 1999. He said he spent $450,000 for equity in Energy Pioneer Solutions and lent it $650,000.
“With my modest initial investment, I wound up owning a small percentage of the company,” Mr. Tobias said in an email. “It grew, because ultimately, between loans and equity investments, I’ve wound up putting a little more than $1 million into this effort.”
Mr. Tobias, a best-selling personal-finance writer and long-standing Clinton Global Initiative member, said he invested “because I would love to see the world more energy-efficient and hoped to make some money doing that.” Records of the Clinton Foundation show he has given it between $250,000 and $500,000, the same donation level shown for Mr. Weiner.
The company’s Mr. Kleeb said he knew the DNC treasurer from his own runs for office and invited him to invest. Mr. Kleeb won Democratic nominations in Nebraska for the U.S. House in 2006 and the Senate in 2008, but lost. His wife, Jane Kleeb, led opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline and now heads a group called Bold Alliance opposing large fossil-fuel projects.
The Clinton Global Initiative, at a Sept. 23, 2010, gathering in New York, announced a $2 million commitment to Energy Pioneer Solutions
from Kim Samuel, a Canadian academic, philanthropist and a director and owner of the Samuel Group of Companies, which includes steel businesses. She appeared on stage.
[Julie Tauber McMahon, shown at an event in New York in 2014, owned 29% of Energy Pioneer Solutions.]
Julie Tauber McMahon, shown at an event in New York in 2014, owned 29% of Energy Pioneer Solutions. PHOTO: NICHOLAS HUNT/PATRICK MCMULLAN
A spokesman for Ms. Samuel, a longtime member of the Clinton Global Initiative, said she ultimately chose not to give the full $2 million.
This is a “personal financial matter and a personal investment,” said her spokesman,Alan Peck. “Following the initial September 2010 announcement and subsequent due diligence, the actual investment was $500,000 made by Ms. Samuel to Energy Pioneer Solutions on July 25, 2011.”
Mr. Tobias, the Democrats’ treasurer, said in an email a day after a Journal interview that he, too, contributed to the commitment. The 2010 announcement of it cited only Ms. Samuel.
Mr. Kleeb said the commitment announced was achieved, and he raised $2 million. He didn’t specify where the money came from.
The commitment was a late addition to the agenda for the September 2010 conference, internal Clinton Foundation documents reviewed by the Journal show.
According to one document, about two weeks before the conference, Ms. Samuel contacted an official in the Clinton Foundation’s commitments office and said Mr. Clinton wanted to feature her commitment to Energy Pioneer Solutions at that month’s gathering. Ms. Samuel’s spokesman didn’t respond to a question about that.
One of Mr. Clinton’s top advisers at the time, Doug Band, tried to prevent the commitment from being added to the agenda as an onstage event in the weeks prior to the conference, according to a document reviewed by the Journal.
The commitment was entered into a database on the Clinton Global Initiative website. A few months later, it was removed.
The reason was to avoid calling attention to Mr. Clinton’s friendship with one company co-owner, Ms. McMahon, and to protect the integrity of Mr. Clinton and the Clinton Global Initiative, according to people familiar with the matter.
The Clinton Foundation spokesman said the information was withheld at the request of Ms. Samuel, the announced provider of the commitment. Her spokesman didn’t respond to a question on that.
After the Journal asked about the absence from the database, the Clinton Foundation said it was making a policy change
and would publish all previously unpublished commitments and all future ones.
[Scott Kleeb, shown in 2008, founded Energy Pioneer Solutions.]
Scott Kleeb, shown in 2008, founded Energy Pioneer Solutions. PHOTO: NATI HARNIK/ASSOCIATED PRESS
At the U.S. Energy Department, which had a grant program to encourage innovative approaches to weatherizing low-income people’s homes, giving a grant to a for-profit company was rare but permitted, said T.J. Hansell, a former contractor to the agency who worked on the program. An Energy Department spokeswoman declined to comment.
An Energy Department news release in 2010 announcing a grant to Energy Pioneer Solutions called it “a women-owned small business,” repeating language in the company’s application, which the Journal obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Mr. Kleeb, the company’s founder and 29% owner, didn’t respond to a question on why it described itself as women-owned.
On occasion, Mr. Clinton has trumpeted the company’s work. Speaking in 2011 to an Omaha-based syndicated radio show called The Todd-N-Tyler Radio Empire, Mr. Clinton said: “There’s a group there called Pioneer Energy Solutions that retrofits housing—they’re in and out in a day…Eight hours and they’re out of there.”
Mr. Clinton also cited the operation, without naming the company, in his 2011 book “Back to Work.”
Mr. Tobias, the Democratic treasurer, said he discussed Energy Pioneer Solutions frequently with Mr. Clinton. “I wasn’t surprised that President Clinton was psyched about the potential for EPS and making America’s housing stock more efficient, cutting CO2 emissions and lowering consumers’ energy bills,” Mr. Tobias said.
Energy Pioneer Solutions has struggled to operate profitably. It lost more than $300,000 in 2010 and another $300,000 in the first half of 2011, said records submitted for an Energy Department audit. Mr. Kleeb noted that losses are common at startups.
The audit found deficiencies in how the company accounted for expenses paid with federal grant money, Energy Department records show. The company addressed the deficiencies, and a revised cost proposal was approved in 2011, said an Energy Department spokeswoman, Joshunda Sanders.
Recently, Mr. Kleeb laid off most of his staff, closed his offices, sold a fleet of trucks and changed his business strategy, promising to launch a national effort instead. “We are right now gearing up to start under this new model,” he said.
Asked if Energy Pioneer Solutions has ever broken even, Mr. Kleeb said, “We’re at that stage…We are expanding and doing well. We have partnerships, and it’s good.”
—Rebecca Ballhaus and Peter Nicholas contributed to this article.


Gabe said he'd be there. Alex wasn't certain. They both have your email and cell.
Mark Paustenbach
National Press Secretary &
Deputy Communications Director
Democratic National Committee
W: 202.863.8148
paustenbachm@dnc.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Miranda, Luis
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 12:44 PM
To: Banfill, Ryan; Paustenbach, Mark
Cc: April Mellody; Wartel, Jonae
Subject: RE: Chair is asking about press
We know that Alex Seitz Wald at NBC News/MSNBC and Gabe Debenedetti at Politico were both interested. But it's not our event so we don't know. Copying April Mellody who might have more info and Jonae at ASDC.
________________________________________
From: Banfill, Ryan
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2016 12:29 PM
To: Miranda, Luis; Paustenbach, Mark
Subject: Chair is asking about press
Who is expected media wise in Philly this afternoon?
Thanks,
Ryan
Sent from my iPad