Oakland Press Endorses Gary Peters

This is huge. The Oakland Press that has a penchant for endorsing Republicans, especially incumbent Republicans has endorsed Democrat Gary Peters in the race for the 9th Congressional district. Will wonders never cease. Way to go, Gary!

Are You Kidding, Joe?

In an article in today's Oakland Press, Joe Knollenberg criticizes Gary Peters for not revealing how he would have voted on the economic bailout. But at the end of the article there is an interesting quote. Knollenberg is actually repeating the theory that by living in Alaska, which is next to Russia, that gives Sarah Palin foreign policy experience. Oh, my god, Joe, are you kidding me? Sarah Palin is being called a "cancer on the Republican party" by fellow Republicans. Are you sure you want cancer, Joe? Even conservative columnists are panning Palin and our Congressman, Joe Knollenberg thinks she's "exciting." I think Joe is thinking with something other than his brain when he says she's "exciting."

ENOUGH

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Oakland Press: Opposition to Knollenberg well founded

GUEST OPINION

Opposition to Knollenberg well founded

Bruce Fealk of Rochester Hills, is a businessman and local political activist.

Last month the Oakland Press editorial board took me to task for my recent guest column about Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfi eld Hills.
The board and Knollenberg’s professional letter writers focused entirely on the wrong issue. I wasn’t criticizing Knollenberg’s urging women to do self exams and to get their mammograms.
My point was the hypocrisy of Knollenberg sponsoring a health conference for women when he has such a terrible voting record on health issues. Knollenberg has a 0 rating from the National Breast Cancer Coalition and voted against expanding a successful government program that provides health care coverage for millions of low income children (SCHIP). Knollenberg did vote to extend the program. Even when the majority of his colleagues voted to expand the program to cover an additional 10 million children, Joe voted against it.
The issue for millions of Americans is that they don’t have any health-care coverage. Families across Oakland County and this country live in fear that they will have a major health issue that they won’t be able to afford to get treated because they have no insurance.
Knollenberg’s “wellness” proposal won’t help those people.
Oakland County residents are hurting because of $4 gas, lack of health coverage and an uncertain economy. The Bush/Knollenberg economy is a dismal failure.
Knollenberg should start talking about issues that really matter to Americans, like a health care program that makes it so that every American can take their children to a doctor.
Health care should be a right in America, not a privilege of only wealthy congressmen and women.
Knollenberg should do something about the outrageous profits of America’s oil companies that continue to rip Americans off at the pump and the speculators that are driving prices up, regardless of supply.
He should think about what it does to our soldiers being sent into a war zone three, four and five times and what it does to their families.
Knollenberg should vote for funding to screen every soldier for posttraumatic stress disorder so we can try to prevent the unprecedented number of suicides being committed by our soldiers.
He should vote to stop funding a war that our president lied us into and is charging hundreds of billions on our Bank of China credit card to support. Our great-great-grandchildren will be working to pay off that debt. Republicans have not been fiscally responsible.
Those are some of the real issues. Why isn’t Knollenberg talking about them?
Why won’t Knollenberg come out in public and let his constituents ask him about his record on important issues and his plans to solve the problems facing them?
Knollenberg has had almost 16 years to make the lives of his constituents better. My life isn’t one bit better.
Other people have noticed Knollenberg’s voting record on health care issues, too:
2007 American Academy of Family Physicians gave Knollenberg a 0 rating;
2007 Children’s Health Fund gave Knollenberg a 0 rating;
2006 American Public Health Association ranked Knollenberg with a 0 rating; 2005-2006 AIDS Action Council rated Knollenberg with a 0 rating; and 2005-2006 American Nurses Association ranked Knollenberg with a 0 percent. Those are failing grades in anyone’s book. Disclaimer: I do not work for MoveOn.org or Knollenberg’s opponent.

BRUCE FEALK

Peters Hits Knollenberg on Energy Policy

Ah, the good old days. When George W. Bush took office the price of gas was $1.70. Why in the world does Joe Knollenberg think we'll trust him and his constant companion, George W. Bush on a real energy policy to bring down prices now? I will admit, the Republican "energy plan" has been good for Bush's buddies in the oil industry and have produced record profits.
This is a quote from George W. Bush in 2001. "I worry about the fact that hard working people are paying high prices at the pump; it concerns me a lot," the president said recently. "I also say we need to build more refining capacity. We need more supply." Isn't that the same thing he said last week? Sounds to me like Joe Knollenberg and George W. Bush need some new material.

Driving into Debt?
May 23, 2001

Traveling by car these days will cost you more this summer-- at least $1.70 a gallon for gas. That's the average price at the pump this month, up 13 percent from just a year ago.

An estimated 30 million drivers will hit the road for Memorial Day weekend. If each one buys just a gallon of gas, they'll have spent about 51 million bucks. Click here for the rest of the article.

Joe Knollenberg embarrassed by Justin Zatkoff and College Republicans

This post showed up in a conservative blog, bconservative.blogspot.com. It's interesting because it seems to point out that the chair of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans, Justin Zatkoff has become somewhat of an embarrassment to the Joe Knollenberg campaign. Zatkoff offered in a video he recorded to pay expenses for students to travel to Rochester, Michigan to help Joe Knollenberg's campaign knock doors. The video has been removed after some inquiry from The Michigan Review, a conservative newspaper. You can read the article here. You can read the full post from bconservative.blogspot.com here. You can view Zatkoff's video here even though Zatkoff took it down. I captured it before he removed it.

I wonder if Joe will acknowledge that Zatkoff's efforts were possibly breaking campaign finance law and tell voters that his "volunteers" are actually being paid to knock doors for Joe Knollenberg.

218 Days

Since Joe Knollenberg was invited to appear in public to answer questions and has refused to appear and answer questions.

Oakland County targeted by Democrats against Knollenberg

Gary Peters' race against 8-term incumbent Joe Knollenberg is getting lots of attention at the national level from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Peters has been added to the Red to Blue program for Democrats who have the best chance to unseat incumbents. Peters and Mark Schauer have the best will be targeted with financial resources to help take out Republican incumbents. Michigan is one of the only states with two candidates in the Red to Blue program. Peters task is made a little harder, in that Knollenberg has a bigger war chest, but he has enthusiastic supporters in Michigan and across the country. If you want to help out with a little financial support of your own, CLICK HERE. Today is the reporting deadline for the campaign and Peters would appreciate your donation.

Knollenberg, Bishop and Garfield to attend Rochester Chamber Legislative Update meeting 4/11

It looks like Joe Knollenberg may finally come out of hiding and answer a few questions from the public. On April 11 he will attend the Rochester Chamber of Commerce Legislative update meeting at the OPC in Rochester and the topic will be health care. You can even submit questions in writing to the chamber ahead of time. I know I have a few questions for Joe. How about you? I hope Joe doesn't chicken out and send Shawn Ciavattone, like he did last year.

Rochester Chamber spotlights health care at April 11 Legislative
Update
Health care legislation will be the focus of a special Rochester
Regional Chamber of Commerce forum next month.

The event is the Chamber’s annual Legislative Update. It runs 8-10 a.m.
on Friday, April 11 at the Older Persons’ Commission, 650 Letica Drive,
Rochester. Light refreshments will be served at 7:30 a.m.

Guest speakers at the Legislative Update, which is open to the public, are Congressman Joe Knollenberg, State Sen. Mike Bishop and State Rep. John Garfield. They will brief the audience on their respective areas of government and then tackle health care and health insurance matters. Audience members will be able to question the lawmakers following their updates.

“We hope the community joins us for this event,” says Sheri Heiney, the Chamber’s executive director. “The Legislative Update is a wonderful opportunity to hear and question our local legislators about the state of our government.”
People can also submit questions for Knollenberg, Bishop and Garfield to the Chamber by e-mailing Jennifer Fulton at jenniferf@rrc-mi.com.

Gary Peters is out to win,for all of us. Kevorkian out for himself

Running as an independent, Jack Kevorkian won't win, but he could be a factor in a close race. Based on the stories in the papers yesterday, Kevorkian's only reasons for running are selfish ones. Gary Peters is out to help provide the change we need in Washington. I have no doubt Kevorkian is in to stay, given his quotes in the stories I've seen. I also believe the votes he does get will come from independents and Democrats. So, what do Democrats have to do to make sure Gary Peters is our representative, work even harder for Gary Peters to make sure the few thousand votes Kevorkian pulls from Peters are not the margin of victory for Joe Knollenberg. Every phone call, every door knocked, every dollar donated have to count. We have to make sure Gary's message gets out effectively by every method available.

How can you help? Click here to make a donation to Gary's campaign, NOW!

Parolee Kevorkian seeks seat in House
Assisted-suicide advocate to push forindividual rights

BY KATHLEEN GRAY • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER •

March 25,2008

"I have never been a political person. I have only voted once in mylife," he said, during a rambling news conference Monday in Southfieldin which he quoted a range of historical figures that included Alexis de Tocqueville and Frederick Douglass.

Kevorkian plans to run as an Independent candidatein the 9th Congressional District, for a seat that is held by U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Township.
Kevorkian promised to stay in officeonly two years if elected.

"I'm 79, almost 80," he said. "That's old."

His goal is to raise awareness of the Ninth Amendment, which says rights spelled out in the Constitution do not diminish rights that aren't specifically spelled out.

Kevorkian coverage over the top

This is getting ridiculous. I guess the Kevorkian story was a novelty, but giving this guy as much press as he's received when there is a real race between Gary Peters and Joe Knollenberg is over the top. Kevorkian has never held elective office and has no experience in raising money, putting together an organization, gathering volunteers, and all the aspects of a real campaign. How about asking him his views on the war, the economy, the foreclosure crisis, now the debt crisis in general. I haven't seen one piece of responsible journalism on this story. Has Kevorkian done anything other than pick up a piece of paper at the Clerk's office?

Oakland Press Letters address Bush/Knollenberg Political Terrorism

Sunday's Oakland Press included two letters to the editor urging Democrats to stand up to the political terrorism of the Bush regime.

Joe wants to let George listen to your conversations and read your e-mail

The FISA vote occured just moments ago. Of course, Joe Knollenberg voted against the bill without immunity for the telecom companies, and by extension immunity for the George W. Bush regime. However, even without Joe's vote, the bill passed without immunity, 213-197. Joe is on the wrong side again.

It's ok for George W. Bush to break the law and invade our privacy, according to Joe Knollenberg. Way to go, Joe. According to Joe, treasonous acts, like outing a CIA agent is OK, reading our e-mail is OK, tapping our phones is OK, even though all these things can be done legally, Joe Knollenberg thinks George W. Bush and his fellow criminals at the CIA and the NSA should be able to violate our civil liberties at will. We can be safe and not give up our civil liberties, but Joe Knollenberg thinks we don't deserve civil liberties.

It's time for Joe to go.

Democrat takes House seat formerly held by Dennis Hastert

In a stunning development, Bill Foster (D)defeated Jim Oberweis (R). The NRCC invested 20% of its cash on hand trying to retain this seat and failed. Why am I mentioning this here? Because it bodes well for Gary Peters defeating Republican Congressman Joe Knollenberg. Oakland county is a 50/50 district and trending more Democratic every election cycle.

568 of 568 Precincts Reporting - 100%

Bill Foster (D): 53% (52,010)
Jim Oberweis (R): 47% (46,988)

Chris Van Hollen, chair of the DCCC, sent the following statement via e-mail last night.

"Congratulations to Bill Foster on his victory tonight. Bill Foster’s victory in the seat that was held by Speaker Hastert sends a political shock wave across America this election year. It is a stunning rejection of the Bush Administration, its Republican allies, and presidential nominee John McCain. Republican candidates learned tonight that Senator McCain, who campaigned with the Republican nominee, cannot save them from defeat this November against strong Democratic challengers, even in districts that voted overwhelmingly for President Bush.

"Despite spending 20 percent of the their cash on hand, the NRCC was unable to hold a seat easily won by President Bush and held by Speaker Hastert for 20 years. Americans of all political stripes are rejecting Republicans’ divisive, status quo politics and turning to Democratic candidates for change. I am grateful to Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Barack Obama, and the Illinois Democratic delegation and candidates for encouraging the people of this district to vote for change by supporting Bill Foster.

"Voters of all political stripes responded to Bill Foster’s commitment to change. With his unique background as a respected scientist and a successful businessman, Bill Foster will be a tremendous asset to our Democratic Caucus, as we continue fighting to strengthen our economy and ease the squeeze on America’s struggling middle class families."

Activist faces charges after scuffle with police

Activist faces charges after scuffle with police
By Sandra Armbruster
Eccentric Staff Writer

A Rochester Hills Democrat claims that his arrest Monday at a meeting of the Troy-Clawson Republican Forum was politically motivated.

“I did nothing wrong. I will be vindicated,” said Bruce Fealk.

Fealk faces three charges of assaulting a police officer, trespassing, and hindering and resisting arrest. All are misdemeanors punishable by a 90-day sentence, if convicted.

Fealk’s attorney, Paul Stevenson, said Fealk will have to make a court appearance in the case by March 12.

Troy Police confirmed the incident happened, but would not name Fealk as the person arrested, since he was allowed to post a bond and not face an arraignment on what are disorderly conduct charges.

The arrest at the Troy Community Center came after Fealk tried to videotape a forum meeting that featured a panel discussion on Black History Month and civil rights.

Lt. Gerry Scherlinck said a forum “representative told him that it (videotaping) was not allowed. He refused to stop, leave.”

At that point, the community center manager was summoned by forum organizers, who reportedly told Fealk that he would have to stop or leave the building.
Police were called, Scherlinck said, who reiterated that he would have to stop videotaping.

“He refuses, and there was a struggle between him and a police officer,” according to Scherlinck.

Stevenson said that incidents, such as Fealk’s, are sometimes used “to try to criminalise political activity and political speech.” In this case, he said, the city attorney may deem the incident doesn’t merit the “time and taxpayer’s dollars” to pursue.

A political activist, Fealk has actively campaigned against Republican Congressman Joe Knollenberg from Bloomfield Township.

According to 9th District Republican Committee Chairman Glenn Clark, Fealk has a record of harassing local elected officials, which prompted forum organizers to call the authorities.

In a Rochester Hills parade, Fealk wore a papier mache head of Knollenberg. He also has demonstrated in front of Knollenberg’s house.

“Mr. Fealk is a radical political activist who knows no boundaries,” Clark said in an e-mail.

Clark says that Fealk is raising funds and campaigning for Democrat Gary Peters, who is challenging Knollenberg for the 9th U.S. House seat. He also called for Peters to say whether he is “with Fealk or against him.”

“I support him (Peters), but I’m not working for him,” Fealk said. He later said that Clark “was technically right, I have raised money for him...But as a citizen, I’m not connected with him.”

The incident was “totally unfair and totally political,” he said, adding that he has contacted the American Civil Liberties Union.


sarmbruster@hometownlife.com | (248) 901-2585

How Greeen is Joe?

Today's Metro Times has an article, "How Green is Your Candidate?" Mike Brownfield, Joe Knollenberg's campaign manager feels Joe is being unfairly graded.

But Mike Brownfield, Joe Knollenberg's (R-Bloomfield Hills) campaign manager, says the league's scorecard is.

"This is just another politically motivated hit job by a group with a long-standing record of attacking Republicans," he says. Knollenberg has supported cleaning up the Rouge River, protecting the Great Lakes and improving Oakland County's drinking water during his career — actions and positions that are not reflected in the league's scorecard. "Frankly, it's shocking that they don't consider any of that work," Brownfield says.

To read the National Environmental Scorecard for 2007, go to www.lcv.org/scorecard.

Skinner drops bid for Congress in 9th District

Skinner drops bid for Congress in Oakland County

2/25/2008, 5:29 p.m. ET The Associated Press

ROYAL OAK, Mich. (AP) — Democrat Nancy Skinner is no longer running for Congress in Oakland County.

The former radio talk show host lost to Republican Representative Joe Knollenberg in a close race in 2006.

She was expected to face former state lottery commissioner Gary Peters this year in the Democratic primary in the 9th District, which includes parts of Oakland County.

Skinner announced her decision to withdraw Monday.

She says Democrats need to rally behind Peters, who was beating her in fundraising. Skinner says a costly primary would have jeopardized Democrats' chances of beating Knollenberg in November.

Knollenberg is a major target for Democrats.

Skinner says she will devote more time to her consulting business and appear as a commentator on cable TV shows.

Bruce Fealk's testimony to the State Senate Subcommittee on Funding Higher Education

On Friday, February 22, 2008, I drove 4 hours round trip and spent approximately 3 hours on campus at Alma College to have an opportunity to respond to Dennis Lennox's ridiculous assertion that the state delay funding CMU's education budget in response to the hiring of Gary Peters as the Griffin Endowment professor in the political science department.

Birmingham Eccentric: Peters Sides with Workers

Peters sides with workers

Gary Peters has taken a stance for the working man, calling for economic changes in Oakland County and lashing out at Rep. Joe Knollenberg, his Republican rival for the 9th U.S. House seat.

"I will be a strong voice for the working men and women of Oakland County and will fight to bring and protect high-paying jobs and ensure health care is available," Peters said Wednesday at the Pipe Fitters Local 636 in Farmington Hills.

Peters was joined by Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen. Several workers were also in attendance to share their stories of struggle.

"Congressman Knollenberg has partnered with the Bush administration in leveling a disastrous economic policy that has undermined the rights of workers, dished out incentives for companies to invest oversees, and stood idly by, watching the exodus of thousands of Michigan jobs," Peters said.

"Gary Peters is a proven problem solver with a record of results for working families. No one will fight harder on behalf of his constituents and for every Michigan job," Van Hollen said. "Whether it's voting to outsource American jobs or blindly supporting the Iraq war, Joe Knollenberg is one of President Bush's most loyal rubber stamps and is out of touch with the struggles and priorities of working families in this district."

Peters and Van Hollen were joined by Dan Pier, who after 31 years of working for Farmer Jack grocery store lost his job.

"Our current congressman believes that Michigan jobs can not be saved," Pier said. "I do not agree with this. Our present situation calls for someone who will work for us in Washington and in Oakland County and not sit idly by as companies undercut wages and prices while our jobs disappear. We need a change in leadership and I know that Gary Peters will put the priorities of working men and women in Oakland County first."

Detroits News Covers Van Hollen Campaigning with Gary Peters

Dems step up efforts to unseat Knollenberg

Democratic candidate Gary Peters, party leader join forces at local rally in bid to oust GOP veteran.

Gordon Trowbridge / Detroit News Washington Bureau

FARMINGTON HILLS -- Democrats on Wednesday previewed their line of attack in what promises to be one of the nation's hottest congressional races, when a top party campaign official came to Oakland County promoting Gary Peters' bid to unseat veteran Rep. Joe Knollenberg.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, stopped with Peters at a Pipefitters & Steamfitters Local 636 to rally organized labor support before attending a Peters' fundraiser later in the day. Van Hollen, whose job is to expand Democrats' narrow House majority, said the combination of a changing Oakland County district and Knollenberg's support of President Bush make the seat ripe for a takeover.

"If you look at the political constituency here, it's one we think is very up for change," Van Hollen said. The fact that Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Hills, won a narrow 2006 victory over a relatively unknown and underfunded challenger, and Democratic polling showing Knollenberg with a low approval rating, "make it pretty clear that there's a huge amount of discontent with the incumbent," Van Hollen said.

The DCCC heavily recruited Peters, the former state lottery commissioner, to challenge Knollenberg, despite the fact that the 2006 challenger, Nancy Skinner, is running again this year. Skinner held Knollenberg to just 52 percent of the vote despite having almost no name recognition when the race began.

In addition to Van Hollen, Rep. Rahm Emanuel of Illinois, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus, has traveled to Michigan to help Peters raise money, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has a spring visit planned. The DCCC's aid means fundraising assistance and the possibility of independent advertising in support of Peters as the election nears.

CLICK HERE for the rest of the story.