Dave Ribar, Applied Rationality

What does Rep. Howard Coble have against mothers and Mother's Day. On Wednesday, the House considered H.Res. 1113, "celebrating the role of mothers in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day?"

The resolution expresses a straightforward and uncontroversial sentiment. It also seems like the type of matter that the House could address quickly. The House does after all have many other important issues to consider, including two wars, an oil shortage, a ballooning deficit, a foreclosure crisis, and a faltering economy. In fact, just a week earlier, President Bush had criticized Congress for not acting on economic and energy legislation, complaining that Americans are "looking to their elected leaders in Congress for action. Unfortunately, on many of these issues all they're getting is delay."

By Marjory Holder

I didn’t start life as a Democrat. Instead, I followed my parents very much like any young elephant.

Three things happened to change that.

The first happened in 1968 at a meeting of the Young Republicans where a good friend of mine suggested we raid the local Democratic headquarters and steal a pile of their election material to throw it away. I don’t know if the others went ahead with the plan, but I refused, and that was the end of the active phase of my membership in the GOP.

I did, however, continue to vote Republican for a while.

For one thing, fiscal responsibility has always appealed to me. I keep my own checkbook balanced and I think the federal government should, too.

Opposes Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to protect victims of discrimination

Elizabeth Dole today voted against the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act which would ensure that victims of pay discrimination can hold their employers accountable under existing anti-discrimination laws. Dole’s vote comes one day after Equal Pay Day, which highlights the disparity in wages between women and men – currently at 78 cents to the dollar in North Carolina.

“The last thing hardworking North Carolina families need is a paycheck further slashed by discrimination, but Elizabeth Dole passed on guaranteeing equal pay for equal work today,” DSCC spokesman Matthew Miller said. “With Elizabeth Dole’s record, it’s no wonder she voted against holding people accountable today, but that’s exactly what the voters are going to do to her in November.”

Members of Democratic Women of Wake County are looking forward to the 38th annual Jefferson-Jackson Breakfast. It will be held at the Sheraton Capital Center Hotel, 421 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh on Saturday April 26th. The breakfast will feature great speakers and updates from party leaders; and it will provide opportunities to meet candidates, visit with old Democratic friends, and make new friends.

This year we are proud to present prominent surrogates for both candidates seeking the Democratic Party nomination for President of the United States.

The Democratic Women of Wake County will hold their 38th annual Jefferson-Jackson Breakfast on April 26.

The State Party has changed the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner to May 2 to accommodate unprecedented turnout.

Representative Melanie Wade Goodwin will make history in 2008.

When the General Assembly convenes for its legislative short session in May, Representative Goodwin will be a new mom .... again. Wayne, Melanie and (soon-to-be big sister) Madison are pleased to announce they are expecting a family addition in late April. Representative Goodwin will be the first woman legislator in North Carolina history to be expecting a child while in office.

The Goodwins view this baby to be an opportunity for families all across North Carolina.

"With the significant majority of state budget dollars going to public education, as well as to promote and protect families and children, I believe having legislators with young children is vital to the lawmaking process," said Goodwin, "and I'm pleased to be doing my part." She added, "Not only does it mean young families and young parents are directly represented when public policy is made, it also encourages these young parents to become active in the public policy process themselves."

Jennifer Loven, Associated Press

President Bush vetoed legislation Wednesday that would have expanded government-provided health insurance for children, his second slap-down of a bipartisan effort in Congress to dramatically increase funding for the popular program.

It was Bush's seventh veto in seven years - all but one coming since Democrats took control of Congress in January. Wednesday was the deadline for Bush to act or let the bill become law. The president also vetoed an earlier, similar bill expanding the health insurance program.

Bush vetoed the bill in private.

In a statement notifying Congress of his decision, Bush said the bill was unacceptable because - like the first one - it allows adults into the program, would cover people in families with incomes above the U.S. median and raises taxes.

Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi will present a public lecture as part of Meredith’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Presidential Lecture Series.

Speaker Pelosi will discuss the accomplishments and current work of the New Direction Congress. After the event Speaker Pelosi will take questions from the audience.

Speaker Pelosi will hold a press conference with North Carolina Congressmen Brad Miller and David Price following the question and answer session.

“I want to thank Meredith College for their hospitality in hosting today’s event. It’s a pleasure to welcome Speaker Pelosi to my home district to highlight the accomplishments and future goals of the Democratic Majority,” said Congressman Miller.

The following was written by Leslie Hubbard of Clayton, NC.

In NC we're a little spoiled. We have Democratic Party leadership that truly respects and appreciates the little guys.

Last year was the first Sanford-Hunt Dinner, a low-dollar fund raiser (30/plate) that honors two outstanding former NC Governors, Terry Sanford and Jim Hunt. According to Jerry Meek, this low-dollar event is now the most profitable fund raiser of the year for the Party. Those who Host and Sponsor and "beFriend" this event -- the big guys -- have their priorities in order. Kudos and Thank you to them all.

But that's not really what I wanted to tell you about.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek made this statement:

"Margaret Rose Sanford was truly the First Lady of North Carolina for almost half a century. In addition to her lifetime supporting her husband in his political and academic endeavors, Mrs. Sanford will be remembered for her strong support of philanthropic and artistic causes. The Sanfords embodied all that is good in our State and their moderation helped lead us through some of our most turbulent times. On behalf of the North Carolina Democratic Party, our thoughts are with the Sanford family, especially James Terry Sanford Jr. and Betsee Sanford, during this time."