Clearwater 4 Congress Blog

4th of July Parade

2006-07-20T10:03:00.000-04:00

Campaign memories

2006-05-04T12:47:00.000-04:00

Here you can share your thoughts about the campaign, your favorite memories, your hopes for the future, etc.

Please post a comment-- you can do this anonymously, without registering at Blogger.

Thank you, Gretchen!

2006-05-04T12:43:00.000-04:00

The campaign may be over, but the fight goes on-- for an end to the war in Iraq, no new unnecessary wars, jobs with justice, health care for all, etc., etc.

This is your chance to thank Gretchen for running, for fighting, for caring about all these things. Gretchen has been going nonstop for months, sacrificing financially, emotionally, and otherwise, to make this run. Words can't express how proud I am of her, how much I admire and appreciate her. But we can try-- so please post a comment (you can do this anonymously, no need to register with Blogger) and let her know how you feel.

Get Out The Vote!

2006-04-30T10:55:00.000-04:00

Who could resist if this crew came knocking?

Volunteers are mobilizing all over the district to get out the vote for Gretchen Clearwater... Don't forget to vote on Tuesday if you haven't already done so. And come to the Primary Night Party Tuesday night!

Vote Early!

2006-04-25T13:47:00.000-04:00

Early voting is underway-- I voted yesterday (contact us if you have questions about how you can vote, early or otherwise). And let me tell you, voting for Gretchen felt better than any vote I think I've ever cast. I voted for Gretchen because I know that she would be a true Representative of her constituents: someone who puts the interests of the people of the 9th district first. Someone who will vote to end the war in Iraq. Someone who will vote to keep us out of another disastrous war in Iran. Someone who will vote for universal health care. And workers' rights. And women's rights. And human rights. Someone who will stand up for her values and not be silent in the face of injustice.

On another note: be listening to your favorite radio station for Gretchen's radio ad (also available on this blog; see earlier post). It starts airing today on some stations (including in Bloomington) and tomorrow on some others.

And one last time: please consider writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper, explaining why you're voting for Gretchen!

Spreading the word in New Albany

2006-04-21T17:31:00.000-04:00

Gretchen recently spent an evening in New Albany meeting with some progressive voters. We had a great time and definitely made some friends, as illustrated by the picture below!

And an update on the radio ad: we will be ON THE AIR in at least 3 (and perhaps as many as 5) radio stations starting on Tuesday. These stations include ones in the New Albany area, the Columbus-Seymour area, and the Bloomington area. Keep your ears open!

Gretchen's first radio ad

2006-04-18T14:52:00.000-04:00

You can click here to listen to Gretchen's first radio ad of the campaign. The ad will be running soon on a radio station near you.... we'll keep you posted on where to listen.

By the way, speaking of radio, listen to Gretchen tonight on WFHB's Interchange program if you're in the Bloomington area.

And in other news, Gretchen spoke at last night's candidate forum, sponsored by the Monroe County Democratic Party. I'm quite disappointed that the Herald-Times chose not to cover the event, even though they had run an announcement about it a few days before. Why is Bloomington's local paper so uninterested in local politics? Someone should write a letter...

If any of you were at the forum, please write a comment telling us what you thought about it!

Upcoming events this week (partial listing):
tonight, 6:00, WFHB Interchange
Wednesday evening: Gretchen in New Albany
Thursday: Gretchen at candidate forum at North Harrison High School
Friday: house party in B'ton, also JJ dinner in Seymour
Saturday: Gretchen in Perry County and Brown County, campaign volunteers at Bloomington Farmer's Market

See you on the trail!

The Clock's Ticking... Who Will Stand Up for American Workers?

2006-04-17T16:10:00.000-04:00

Gretchen Clearwater will. That was the message Gretchen and several volunteers took last week to Clarksville's Colgate workers.

Colgate has announced that it's closing the plant, which makes most of Colgate's toothpaste (among other products), and moving most of its production to Mexico, with the rest going to Tennessee (a 'right-to-work', aka right-to-exploit-workers, state).

Colgate apparently felt that it just couldn't afford to do business here in Indiana, with workers who earn $22 an hour or so. It can afford, mind you, to pay its CEO, Reuben Mark, an average of 47 million dollars a year for the past few years. Yep, that's right, forty-seven MILLION. Per. Year.

But paying American workers a decent wage? And health care? Even a modest pension? That's way too much to ask, apparently.

These are among the results of the free trade agreements which have been crafted and implemented by Republicans and Democrats alike. Anyone remember Ross Perot, who during the debate over NAFTA famously said that we'd hear a "giant sucking sound" of jobs going to Mexico? He was denounced as a nutcase at the time. He doesn't sound so nutty now.

Is unrestricted free trade good for America? Well, it depends on how you define your terms. If by "America," you mean big multinational corporations like Colgate, then the answer is yes. If by "America," you mean multi-millionnaire CEOs like Reuben Mark, then the answer is yes.

But if you define America the way Gretchen Clearwater does, as the workers, the middle class, the vast majority of the population, then the answer is clearly no.

That's why Gretchen has pledged NEVER to support trade agreements that send our jobs overseas. And NEVER to vote for agreements that don't include worker protections in foreign countries. What we have right now is a race to the bottom-- lower wages, fewer benefits, less chance of earning a living for your family. And at the same time, we have an ever-increasing gap between average workers' wages and CEO salaries.

The Bush Administration's only response is to try to make the tax cuts for the rich permanent.

We can do better. And if Gretchen Clearwater is in Congress, we'll have one more voice for sanity, for the workers who made America great, and against the corporate lobbyists.

We made a lot of friends at the plant (the folks from the union put a yard sign in front of the Union Hall, as seen above) and in Clarksville/Jeffersonville (yard signs are sprouting up there too!). People seemed to really appreciate having a candidate for Congress talk to them, in person, about their concerns. Gretchen was also well received the next night at a meet the candidates forum at the VFW hall.

The campaign continues to pick up support and enthusiasm from all over the district. It's not too late to contribute or volunteer, get a yard sign, and tell your friends to vote on May 2nd!

Yard Signs Sprouting Up All Over

2006-03-25T22:52:00.000-05:00

Every day, it seems like the yard signs are multiplying. They're blue, they're pretty, they're THE style for this spring. And best of all? We deliver! Just contact the campaign to get yours.

This is definitely a Clearwater street-- did the yardsigns reproduce?

The latest polls indicate that snowmen and snowwomen support Gretchen Clearwater... If the snowmen don't last till May 2nd, at least the yardsign will! Get yours today!

Updates and fundraising plea

2006-03-15T23:12:00.000-05:00

Lots going on in the coming weeks:

Next week, catch Gretchen on WFHB radio 91.3 on Tuesday at 6:00.

Then, come to the benefit concert featuring two awesome Bluegrass / Old Time bands at the Monroe County Historical Museum. 8:00, Friday the 24th, $9.00 admission.

And bring 5 friends to hear Gretchen on Saturday the 25th at the Monroe County Library Auditorium, 4:00. Should be a big crowd.

Click here to read my latest DailyKos diary.

And please, please-- consider donating to the campaign. In these last few weeks, we really need the funds to get our message out. Everything you can give will help, whether it's 9 dollars or 900. And please pass the word on to your friends.

One last thing: YARDSIGNS, get yer yardsigns! They're popping up all over the place! We've got lots of them, so get yours soon-- you'll be the envy of your neighbors. Contact the campaign or drop by the office.

Gretchen in Jasper, Other News

2006-03-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

I went with Gretchen to Jasper on Saturday (March 11). Gretchen spoke at a senior citizens home there and met a number of the residents afterward (pictures will be here eventually). She also was in Jasper the previous week to attend a Dubois County Democratic Party event. Jasper is a very interesting town, with a proud German heritage. We had some great German food on our way out of town at the Schnitzelbank.

I also wanted to post a couple of good articles on other blogs which mention Gretchen and the campaign.

The author of "Down With Tyranny" lauds Gretchen for having a website (and campaign) "filled with passion and idealism" and "positions on issues." (this article also appeared on the influential MyDD blog)

And this Illinois blogger has endorsed Gretchen on her page, along with progressive candidates from around the country.

We're always flattered and pleased to get endorsements from outside groups, though obviously the endorsement of 9th District Democrats is what we're really after!

Coming events: Gretchen speaks in Bloomington on March 25th at the Library. Also that week, there will be a bluegrass benefit concert to raise money for the campaign-- details coming soon! Also, Gretchen will be traveling to Dearborn County in the coming weeks.

Gretchen in Columbus

2006-03-05T15:00:00.000-05:00

We had a good trip to Columbus, despite the disappointing turnout for Gretchen's speech. We did have a very good interview with the Columbus Republic, which you can read by clicking here.

I've started to see our yardsigns sprouting up-- contact the campaign to get yours!

I also found this interesting site today: http://www.majormoves.org

It's an independent site providing info on why the Governor's transportation plan-- which involves selling the Indiana Toll Road and building a new-terrain I-69 which will also be a toll road-- is a bad idea for all Hoosiers.

Mark your calendars-- March 25th at the Monroe County Library, Gretchen will be holding a town hall meeting and Q&A session. And earlier in that week there will be 2 benefit concerts in Bloomington for the campaign (details to come soon).

Also, be sure to check out the main campaign page for info on the volunteer party at our new campaign headquarters-- even if you haven't volunteered yet, come on by!

Gretchen on WFHB

2006-03-03T10:44:00.000-05:00

Gretchen was interviewed live last night on WFHB's BloomingOut program. You can listen to a podcast of the show (her interview is right at the beginning) by clicking here, then clicking the "Play" button next to the March 2 show.

Speech at the PFC Forum

2006-02-24T17:42:00.000-05:00

Gretchen's speech today at the Progressive Faculty Coalition's Spring Forum was a big success-- she was interrupted several times by applause, and received a standing ovation at the end.

If not now, when?

If not us, who?

Join us tomorrow, Saturday the 25th, in New Albany, or help put together yard signs-- contact the campaign for more info or to help out!

Upcoming Events

2006-02-20T12:28:00.000-05:00

Be sure to read the previous post about Gretchen's recent speech in Madison.

Here are a couple of upcoming events:

-this Friday, February 24th, Gretchen will speak at a forum hosted by IU's Progressive Faculty Coalition. The event is at Wylie Hall, on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington, at 12 noon. Please come and hear Gretchen speak!

-this coming Saturday, February 25th, Gretchen will give a speech in New Albany, Indiana, at IU-Southeast, titled "It Doesn't Have To Be Like This!" It's at 2:00pm in the University Center North, Indiana Room. Bring a friend!

Contact the campaign if you'd like more info or if you want to join in.

Speech in Madison

2006-02-20T12:17:00.000-05:00

Gretchen's speech in Madison, Indiana, on Sunday Feb 19th was a success. The citizens who braved the brutal cold heard Gretchen talk about America's security and how it can be improved.

A spirited question and answer session followed the speech. Here's a link to coverage in the Madison Courier. For now, a few pictures (thanks to Daniela for taking them).

Gretchen on WFHB news

2006-02-17T09:18:00.000-05:00

Click here to listen to a WFHB (community radio) story which aired February 16th. The part of the newscast about Gretchen starts about halfway through, after all the Mike Davis stuff (you should be able to fast-forward).

The story is about our exclusion from the State Democratic Party's official website. It features a response from a spokesperson for the party. The response contains two misrepresentations. One is that this is the "centerpiece" of Gretchen Clearwater's campaign. That's utterly false. The issues are the centerpiece of Gretchen's campaign, as anyone who's ever heard her speak can tell you. This is one issue, albeit one with a larger symbolic importance-- the fact that the party leadership thinks they can choose who represents us.

The second thing: the spokesperson made a big deal out of the fact that Gretchen's supporters have pledged to support our opponent if he wins the primary. How is this newsworthy? We're good Democrats, and we will support our party's nominee. We hope and expect that nominee to be Gretchen Clearwater. But if it happens to be our opponent, then of course we'll support him against Mike Sodrel in November. Won't his supporters support Gretchen if she wins the primary? We certainly assume so. (Perhaps someone should ask, just to be sure.)

Overall, a good story. The key thing is that Gretchen is traveling all over the district, talking about the issues that matter to folks in the 9th district. Won't you join in?

Historic Madison

2006-02-12T12:53:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, Team Clearwater volunteers were pounding the pavement in beautiful Madison, Indiana, spreading the word about Gretchen Clearwater's speech there, on Sunday February 19th, 1:30pm, at the Madison-Jefferson County Library.

All of the volunteers (some of whom hadn't been to Madison before) were struck by what a great city it is-- a gorgeous location overlooking the Ohio River, lots of historic homes and great shops, and above all, friendly, welcoming people.

Here are a few pictures we took while we were there...

the beautiful riverfront-- hopefully next time we're here it will be a bit warmer...

...great old storefronts, now occupied by unique shops, cafes, antique places, etc...

The Courthouse...

And last but certainly not least, the reason we were there-- here's one of the many blue leaflets we were given permission to put up in local businesses. This one's in the window of an excellent barbecue place some of us stopped at for lunch.

If you live in Madison or anywhere nearby, please do come to hear Gretchen's speech on Sunday Feb. 19th, at the Library-- entitled "Do You Feel Safer?" She'll be talking about how we can make our country more secure without compromising our values. See you there!

Recent media

2006-02-09T11:19:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of the media outlets that have recently run articles about the campaign (most just deal with Gretchen Clearwater's filing for the primary):

The Tribune (Seymour, IN)
White River News (Columbus, IN)
Brown County Democrat (Nashville, IN)

Please let us know if your local newspaper, TV station, or radio show mentions the campaign!

New DailyKos entry

2006-02-08T20:27:00.000-05:00

Click here to read my new diary entry on the DailyKos blog (a national Democratic political blog).

Lots of goings-on in the campaign: we need volunteers to help distribute flyers in Madison, IN, on Saturday-- to publicize Gretchen's speech on Sunday Feb. 19th at the Madison-Jefferson County Public Library at 1:30 pm. Gretchen will also be in Sellersburg this week for a Democratic meeting.

We are gaining momentum! Join Team Clearwater-- we need volunteers for all kinds of things. Whatever your talents and availability, we'll find you a job. And we can also use your donation of any amount, small or large. $9 for the 9th!

2006-01-27T09:32:00.000-05:00

Lots of press coverage of the campaign lately-- there was an article on Friday morning (1/27) in the Bloomington Herald-Times on Gretchen's candidacy, along with a story and brief interview Friday morning on WFIU radio. Coming soon, there will be a story/interview on WFHB. Let us know if you see coverage in your local media!

Indiana Democratic Party Leadership

2006-01-25T17:52:00.000-05:00

Please click here to read my diary on DailyKos (a political blog) about how the Indiana Democratic Party's leadership has decided that primaries aren't really necessary, and that they can save citizens the trouble of voting by picking candidates for us. If you're as outraged by this as I am, please take action. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper, write to, call, or e-mail Dan Parker, State Chair of the party, and support our campaign to return democracy to the people of the 9th district!

UPDATE: I'd like to state clearly that Baron Hill, our primary opponent, has nothing to do with the decision of whether to list Gretchen on the state party's website. If you're upset about this decision, you should contact Mr. Parker (see above). And by all means, you should be polite and respectful in your disagreement. We're all Democrats. And this is a positive campaign.

House Party

2006-01-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

We had a good house party last night-- Gretchen gave a heartfelt speech about her reasons for running and what she wants to do in Congress. There were a number of excellent questions from the people in attendance, and a definite mood of hope for the future.

Lots more house parties are scheduled in the coming weeks-- let the campaign know if you want to do one!

Gretchen Clearwater interview

2006-01-20T12:38:00.000-05:00

Click here to hear a podcast interview with Gretchen on a program called "Shades of Democracy." The podcast (what is a podcast? see here) is #21 on the website and the interview starts about halfway through.

Robert Shull, producer of Shades of Democracy, after interviewing Gretchen, said, "I think she would be a healthy change of temperment in the Congress."