Murray Waas reports in the National Journal that President Bush knowingly lied to the American people in his State of the Union speech regarding the infamous Iraqi aluminum tubes. We all know that the American intelligence community was split on whether the tubes were for WMD or not. That intelligence rift famously led to the outting of CIA operative Valerie Plame. But Bush was also aware of this intelligence rift, chose to ignore certain intelligence agencies (including the CIA) and lied to convince the country to go to war. Among the most damaging information in Waas' report: "Bush had been directly and repeatedly apprised of the deep rift within the intelligence community over whether Iraq wanted the high-strength aluminum tubes for a nuclear weapons program or for conventional weapons." Maybe the censure movement isn't dead after all. Check out the full article here.

Governor Schwarzenegger has put his first reelection ad on the air, and the San Jose Merc reports that he hired Alex Castellanos of National Media to help with campaign advertising (San Jose Mercury News, March 28, 2006). If you're not familiar with Castellanos' work, here's a preview of what Schwarzenegger has brought to California:

Race Baiting
Castellanos created a 1990 ad against then-North Carolina Senator Harvey Gantt that was designed to heighten racial tensions and create a backlash against Gantt. The ad, called "Hands," criticizes Gantt for supporting affirmative action and suggests that minorities are stealing jobs from higher-qualified white workers due to racial quotas. You can see the ad here.

Attacking Veterans
Castellanos was also responsible for the now infamous ad attacking then-Senator Max Cleland for his voting record on National Security. The ad said that Senator Cleleand didn't have "the courage to lead." (Washington Post, October 22, 2002) The ad did not mention that Senator Cleland had lost an arm and both legs while fighting for his country in the Vietnam War.

Questions for Schwarzenegger
The Governor chose to bring Castellanos and his misleading, sleazy attack ads to California. CYD would like to know:
Why does Governor Schwarzenegger support attacks on our veterans?
Why does Governor Schwarzenegger support campaign tactics that increase racial tension?
Why does Governor Schwarzenegger support misleading political attack ads?

"Duke" Cunningham left big shoes to fill--but no need to worry, Republican Candidate Roach is definitely stepping up by violating campaign finance laws before he is even elected!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * MARCH 23, 2006 * CONTACT: JESS DURFEE, (619) 750-5377

DEMOCRATS FILE FEC COMPLAINT AGAINST CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE
'Personal Note' Attributed to Roach's Wife Violates Disclosure Laws

SAN DIEGO – The San Diego County Democratic Party today filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against V. Eric Roach, a candidate in the 50th Congressional District special election. The complaint states that Roach used an allegedly personal letter from his wife to avoid federal campaign law requirements. “Eric Roach is hiding behind his wife and breaking federal law,” said Jess Durfee, Chair of the County Democratic Party.

“Voters in the 50th District deserve a Member of Congress who will serve them with openness and honesty, and Mr. Roach’s deceptive advertising does them a real disservice.” Sent to voters earlier in March, the mailer in question did not disclose that it was authorized and paid for by Roach’s campaign, as required by law. In fact, every effort was made to look like the letter was sent not by the millionaire candidate, but by his wife – from the folksy letterhead to the faux-handwritten printing.

The Democrats’ complaint reads, in part: “Beyond the issue of enforcement of 2 U.S.C. § 441d(a), which requires disclaimers on all ‘public communications,’ Mr. Roach’s mailer is an example of deceptive paid communication that would lead a reasonable person to believe that he or she had received a personal note from the wife of a candidate. This type of misleading communication is at the heart of the original rationale for disclaimer requirements.”

In the race to replace the criminally corrupt former Rep. “Duke” Cunningham, the Democratic Chair emphasized the importance of restoring public trust to Congress – starting with an honest campaign. “Voters in this special election deserve better than deceptive, dishonest, and illegal advertising,” Durfee said. “Our candidates need to be held to the highest standard of ethical conduct, and the Democratic Party will continue to monitor any potential illegal activity.”

I am pleased to announce that the San Diego County Young Democrats have been honored with the "Club of the Year" award from the San Diego Democratic Party. Sonia Diaz, our Political Action Chair was also honored with the "Volunteer of the Year" award. The awards will be formally presented at the 26th annual Eleanor and Franklin D. Roosevelt Dinner on April 22 in downtown San Diego. We are proud of our accomplishments this past year and look forward to expanding our club and continuing our innovative programming for San Diego young Democrats.

Thanks to all of those who have supported us!!

Alissa Nadel
Secretary
San Diego County Young Democrats

Last week CYD endorsed Gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides traveled to college campuses (Berkeley, Sacramento State, and UCSB) to talk about his education reform plans--rolling tuition fees, finding new funding sources for education and putting counselors back on campuses.

The Daily Cal, Daily Nexus and State Hornet all did good recaps of the events.

I was lucky to go to the Berkeley event--and as usual Phil did a great job reminding me of exactly why we can't afford a to keep a steroid filled Republican egomaniac around for one more minute--when, much like a hybrid, there's an alternative that is so much better--a smart, innovative, thinker who will actually lead California...

Post by Chris Roa of Orange County Young Democrats

Former Bush White House Aide Caught Stealing

Former Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy Claude Allen, who suddenly reigned last year, was arrested Friday for a, “retail theft scheme.” The scheme consisted of stealing items from stores such as Target and Hecht’s and then taking them back with a receipt and asking for a receipt. Allen has received over $5000 refunds last year through this scheme. Allen earned $161,000 a year when he was working at the White House. Allen tied with Karl Rove, Andrew Card, and Stephen Hadley for the highest income of any White House employee. Allen was also nominated to the Federal Circuit Court by Bush. Allen’s participation in this plot to steal from retailers demonstrates a lack of morality and judgment which is deeply concerning when found in high level advisors to the President of the United States.

DFA Training:

Have an impact in 2006

"The DFA training was very comprehensive, informational, and inspirational. There was no fluff... just reality about running an effective campaign." --Mayor Val Keehn, Saratoga, NY

Mar. 18-19: Stockton, CA (Rep. Pombo's District)

The DFA Training Academy is a unique opportunity to work closely with top-notch political operatives and experienced grassroots veterans on the fundamentals of developing a message, communicating with voters, and building the army of volunteers needed to win.

We have the power to change this country, but the forces lined up against us are powerful. That's why we need to train. The more peopleat the grassroots who know how to run and win elections means the sooner we can put our country back on track. So, join a DFA training today:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/training

Over 4,000 activists have graduated from the DFA Training Academy in the last two years - and they are on the front lines of the fight today. One of those graduates is Val Keehn who recently wrote:

"The two-day DFA training that I attended this past summer inCazenovia, NY was very comprehensive, informational, andinspirational. There was no fluff.....just reality about running an effective campaign. The one message that stuck with me throughout my own campaign was 'campaigns are won door-to-door and face-to-face with the voters.' DFA had a huge impact on my attitude as a candidate."

Val took the strategies and tactics she learned home to her campaign in Saratoga Springs. Today, she is "Mayor Valerie Keehn." And her success is just a taste of what's in store for 2006.

So, if Sam Alito on the Supreme Court upsets you as much as it does me, I hope you'll sign up for a DFA Training Academy event near you today. Running the best campaign possible is a prerequisite to victory. And training is essential for running a great campaign.

You have the power, now get the skills.

I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,

Arshad Hasan, DFA Training Academy Coordinator