Gary Peters On Iraq

From the 9th District forum, Gary Peters responds to a question about what to do in Iraq. Interesting, Joe Knollenberg doesn't even think Iraq is an issue, since there is not one word about it on his web campaign web site.

Oakland Press publishes response to article

This morning's Oakland Press published my response to Saul Anuzis' press conference regarding Gary Peters' teaching position at Central Michigan University. If Saul's mouth is moving, he's lying.

Our next Congressman from the 9th District

This is Gary Peters' opening statement at the 9th District forum on February 13, 2008.


Gary Peters' closing statement at the 9th District forum on February 13, 2008.

Gary Peters, Joe Knollenberg and Nancy Skinner on Global Warming

Gary Peters on global warming

Here's Joe Knollenberg on the environment and global warming.


Here's Nancy Skinner on global warming.
(Just Kidding)

Gary Peters Showing some Courage on Health Care

Last night the 9th District Democratic Committee held a forum between Gary Peters and Nancy Skinner. In this video Gary Peters addresses health care in America, endorsing a Medicare for all plan. Since Joe won't come out in public and debate Gary Peters, here's the next best thing.



Here's what Joe has to say on health care


Here's Joe's Health Care Plan

Joe's not even good to animals

This guest opinion appeared in the Oakland Press today, addressing Joe Knollenberg's record on animal cruelty. I wonder if Joe has a dog and whether he kicks it for fun. Joe even wants to process sick cows for human consumption. Thanks, Joe, we appreciate your concern for our health. Maybe you want to revisit your health care plan.

GUEST OPINION
Knollenberg repeatedly fails to curb animal cruelty

By Michael Markarian

Special to The Oakland Press

Almost no one defends cruelty any longer, and it would be hard to understand the motivation of a lawmaker who voted against efforts to crack down on the inhumane treatment of animals.

After all, animal welfare is widely recognized as a social virtue. Oakland County readers may be surprised, then, that Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Hills, stubbornly refuses to let go of the ugly past. Sadly, he has amassed one of the worst records on animal cruelty issues in Congress. Throughout his career in Washington, he has opposed modest and common-sense animal welfare reforms.

He has time and again opposed efforts to halt the slaughtering of America's horses for export to Europe and Asia so the animals' meat could be consumed as a delicacy. His position is at odds with the important historical place horses have occupied in our culture. They helped Americans settle this country.

While horses are not food animals, even livestock deserve basic humane treatment -- but Knollenberg has voted to deny such protections and play Russian roulette with our food supply. He sought to continue processing "downer" cattle -- animals who are too sick or injured to walk to slaughter, and are often dragged with chains, ropes, bulldozers, and forklifts. These downer cows pose a greater threat of spreading "mad cow disease," or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), because they may go lame due to illness or neurological disease. Of the 15 known cases of BSE-infected animals discovered in North America, at least 12 involved downer animals.

Animals in the wild don't fare any better with Knollenberg. Last year, he voted to allow wealthy American trophy hunters to shoot polar bears in the Arctic -- where they face threats from global warming and vanishing ice floes -- and bring their heads and hides back across the border to America. It is already illegal to hunt these polar bears for sport in Alaska, so trophy hunters skirt the spirit of U.S. law by killing polar bears abroad.

The Safari Club International gives out a "Bears of the World" hunting achievement award to individuals who shoot four of the eight species of bears in the world, and that awards program drives competitive killing of polar bears.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has made a preliminary finding that polar bears should now be listed as "threatened" with extinction.

It wasn't the first time Knollenberg had taken aim at wildlife. He voted to allow the trophy shooting of bears over piles of grease and jelly doughnuts on national forests and other federal lands, and the use of steel-jawed leghold traps and wire neck snares on national wildlife refuges -- inhumane and unsporting practices opposed by responsible hunters. He even voted against two measures that would have protected dolphins from drowning in tuna nets.

Even with a ballooning deficit, and even though he says he's a fiscal conservative, Knollenberg believes in giving government hand-outs to industries that abuse animals. He voted to use your tax dollars to promote the trophy hunting of elephants in Africa, and to give a $2 million annual subsidy to the luxury mink coat industry.

Of all 15 Congressional districts in Michigan, the Ninth District has the most members of the Humane Society of the United States. Knollenberg's opposition to the most modest animal welfare reforms, especially in light of the humane-minded constituency he represents, is just perplexing.

Citizens of the Ninth District, and the nation's animals, deserve better treatment.

Michael Markarian is president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. He writes the blog "Animals & Politics" online at www.michaelmarkarian.org.

Will Joe Vote to Spy on Americans

Now that the Senate has approved the FISA bill that will give the telecom companies retroactive immunity to continue spying on American, it's up the the House to stand their ground to prevent this travesty of justice and clear breaking of the law by the Bush administration and the telecom companies.

I'm watching to see how Joe Knollenberg votes, whether he'll stand up for the Constitution or stand up for our criminal president and vice president. No one needs immunity if they didn't commit a crime. When will we hold Bush and Cheney accountable for their crimes against the country? We're watching, Joe.

Republicans Know No Shame

This article appeared in the Oakland Press this morning. Talk about making much ado about nothing. Republicans also plagiarized the John Ashcraft 2006 campaign, when John created a milk carton asking where Joe Knollenberg was. Knollenberg is rarely in the district and never conducts public town halls or forums where all 9th District residents are invited to ask Joe Knollenberg about his votes in Congress.

I personally called all of the members of the CMU Board of Trustees and not one had been made aware of even one complaint from a student that takes Gary Peters' class.

Also, it should be known, Dennis Lennox is not even in Gary Peters' class.

Let's focus on the real issues here. This issue is just a trumped up attempt to bring negative publicity to a public servant that has served Michigan residents honorably and capably and he is more than able to replace Joe Knollenberg in the U.S. Congress.

Will Joe endorse John (100 years in Iraq) McCain?

I just found this great video that speaks to a what John McCain would do if he were to be elected president. 100, 1000 more years in Iraq, who knows how many casualities and catastrophic injuries.

Following Joe's Money

I wonder if Joe's vote against the mine safety legislation has anything to do with where Joe Knollenberg is getting his campaign contrubutions from. What do you think?

Ms. Stephanie Salvagno COALPAC - National Mining Assoc. 101 Constitution Ave NW # 500 East Washington, DC 200012133		11/05/2007	500.00
			500.00
	Receipt
Ms. Stephanie Salvagno MINEPAC - National Mining Assoc. 101 Constitution Ave NW, #500 East Washington, DC 20001		11/05/2007	500.00
			500.00
	Receipt

Ms. Beverly Marshall Duke-Energy PAC 422 S. Church Street, PB05D Charlotte, North Carolina 282420001		10/27/2007	1000.00
	Treasurer		1000.00
	Receipt

Mr. Jeff Hogg RJ Reynolds PAC 1201 F Street, #1000 Washington, DC 20004		12/12/2007	1000.00
			2000.00
	Receipt

This is unconscionable. The S-Miner Act would:

* Help prevent disasters. It would add new safeguards for a dangerous practice called “retreat mining.” It would strengthen standards to contain explosions and fires inside mines. It strengthens the enforcement hand of the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, in part by giving the agency subpoena authority. It increases certain penalties against mine operators that violate the law. And it creates a miner ombudsman’s office to handle safety complaints from miners.

* Improve emergency response in the event that a disaster does occur. The legislation more clearly defines MSHA’s responsibilities and authority at the scene of a disaster. It requires MSHA to develop a plan to better coordinate with state and local authorities. It establishes rules for independent investigations of mining disasters. And it would improve safety technology in the mines, including better tracking and communications equipment, more reliable air supplies, and the installation of refuge chambers where trapped miners can safely await rescue.

* Reduce long-term health risks facing miners. The legislation updates standards to combat black lung disease and to reduce miners’ exposure to other deadly health risks, such as asbestos. It also strengthens rules to better inform miners of the health risks they face.

Now we know why Joe voted no.

Eccentric Covers 9th District Fund Raising

Dollars adding up quickly for 9th House candidates
By Greg Kowalski
Staff writer

In the race for the U.S. 9th House seat, Gary Peters may be winning the battle of the bucks, at least on the Democratic side of the ticket.

On Thursday, Peters announced he "has received more contributions to date than any previous candidate to take on Republican Joe Knollenberg."

Peters said he raised $183,414 last quarter for a total of $401,217.

"Whether it's people I meet at house parties and club meetings or the nearly 1,000 individuals that have contributed to our campaign, every day I see momentum building for our grass-roots campaign," Peters said in a prepared statement.

It isn't clear how much ahead that puts him against rival Democrat Nancy Skinner, who said a tally of donations hasn't been made yet. "I've been getting small donations from around the county," Skinner said. (Skinner ended the quarter with $6700 cash on hand.)

In 2006, when Skinner ran against Knollenberg, she raised a respectable $420,000 during the length of the campaign and came within 15,000 votes of beating the incumbent Knollenberg.

"I have not been out there in full force," Skinner said last week. But she did take comfort in that she placed first in the Democracy for Action Internet poll, which rated her as the leading progressive candidate among 98 Congressional races across the country in a preliminary count.

"Money alone isn't going to do it," Skinner said.

Perhaps. But Knollenberg came up with his own figures, which cannot be taken lightly. He has rased more than $1.4 million in 2007.

"The Knollenberg campaign raised the most money it has since 2002," a Knollenberg campaign statement stated. It was, he noted, "a particularly strong showing for a non-election year, during which time candidates typically raise fewer dollars."

Still, with the primary in August and the general election in November, the campaign money-raising season is still young.

Joe Knollenberg's promise, Fewer Jobs, More Wars

With John McCain now the presumptive Republican nominee, let's stop a minute and think about what a John McCain presidency would be about, especially were there to be more Republicans like Joe Knollenberg, who has supported the war in Iraq consistently. I don't think it's a pretty picture. Joe's choice for the Republican nomination, Mitt Romney, pulled out of the race yesterday. Will Joe support John (100 more years in Iraq) McCain?

Joe, can you help me figure this out

I was looking at my tax bills going back to 2003, and there's a recurring charge for $275. What exactly is that for and how do I get it removed from my bill?

Joe, this is what ONE day in Iraq will buy

Gary Peters wants to get the U.S. out of the war in Iraq and start pulling our troops out immediately. Joe Knollenberg wants to stay indefinitely and has been willing to support President Bush's disastrous policy in Iraq that has killed almost 4,000 American soldiers, affecting untold families and 30,000 soldiers seriously injured, maimed and suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. It's time to elect a Democrat to Michigan's 9th Congressional District.

Keith Olbermann On Telecom Immunity

Are you listening, Joe?

GOP, Dems to pour money into hot races

GOP, Dems to pour funds into 2 hot races

February 1, 2008

By KATHLEEN GRAY

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Voters in two congressional districts -- one in Oakland County and one that stretches from Washtenaw County to Battle Creek -- will be the focus of hotly contested, expensive races featuring veteran Democratic challengers against incumbent Republicans.

Former state Sen. Gary Peters, a Bloomfield Township Democrat, has raised more than $400,000 to challenge U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg of Bloomfield Township, but Knollenberg has raised three times as much -- about $1.4 million through Dec. 31, according to campaign finance reports filed Thursday

Peters had about $359,000 still available, while Knollenberg, who has represented the district cutting a wide swath across Oakland County since 1993, had more than $1 million available. Peters was the state's lottery commissioner before leaving to take a teaching post at Central Michigan University.

"This is a race that's going to have to be very well-funded. But raising money is not going to be an issue for us," said Peters' campaign spokeswoman, Julie Petrick.

Knollenberg, first elected in 1992, won by a 51%-47% margin in 2006 against Royal Oak Democrat Nancy Skinner. He spent $2.6 million on his 2006 race compared with Skinner's $364,000.

Peters Raises Record Amount in Michigan's 9th

Peters raises record amount in Michigan's 9th

Oakland County, MI- Gary Peters continues to build overwhelming momentum in his bid for Congress in Michigan's 9th District. Peters has received more contributions to date than any previous candidate to take on Republican incumbent Joe Knollenberg and has garnered early key endorsements. Peters garnered support from almost 1000 individuals in the district including support from Republicans and Independents.

"Whether it's people I meet at house parties and club meetings or the nearly 1000 individuals that have contributed to our campaign, every day I see momentum building for our grassroots campaign. Our working families in Oakland County are fed-up with Washington and the direction of this country. Our message of change, fighting tooth and nail for jobs, and putting Oakland County first has really struck a chord."

Gary Peters is widely regarding for having a hands-on approach to solving local problems. He has a record of results and independence -- turning the lottery around, cutting taxes, holding the line on spending, and creating economic opportunity for the middle class.

In addition to his strong fundraising, Peters has received a flood of endorsements. Last week Peters received the full support and endorsement of the Michigan Association of Police Organizations, which represents over 14,000 police officers in Michigan. Peters has also recently received the endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers in Michigan as well as the Service Employees International Union, the fastest growing labor organization representing over 80,000 workers in Michigan. Peters has also received one of the earliest endorsements of the Michigan AFL-CIO which represents over 600,000 workers and 59 unions across the state.

Peters, who has been outspoken about our need for change in Oakland County, raised $183,414.00 last quarter, bringing the total funds raised of the campaign to $401,217, and has a cash on hand balance of $359,366. The Democrat who ran against Joe Knollenberg last cycle raised just under $24,000 in her end of the year filing in 2006. Peters has also exceeded David Fink, the top raising Democrat to challenge Knollenberg, who to date in Q4 of 2001 had amassed just under $370,000 thousand.

Troy Eccentric Letters Support Gary Peters

These two letters appeared in the Troy Eccentric letters and both make very good points regarding the stance Nancy Skinner is making regarding her candidacy.

Support for Peters Troy Eccentric letters

I am writing to object to the characterization of Gary Peters' congressional campaign as "Hinging on outsiders" or "anointed" by the party ("Congressional election could hinge on outsiders," Jan. 10) or "disenfranchised" ("Disenfranchised Dems steam over primary ballot," Jan. 13).

My name was mentioned as an early endorser for Gary's campaign, which I am happy to strongly emphasize, but it has nothing to do with party affiliation and everything to do with the fact that I have known and worked with Gary since he was first elected to the state Senate in January 1996.

He came to a meeting of the Bloomfield Hills Legislative Action Network, which was a group of parents who lobbied our Lansing delegation on both sides of the aisle to support our public schools. Gary made ongoing efforts to stay informed and seek out our opinions on issues effecting our district. As a 10-year member of the Bloomfield Hills Board of Education, I had the opportunity to work with Gary on many issues during his tenure in the Senate. I have worked with his wife, Colleen, for 10 years to support the work of Lighthouse of Oakland County.

I resent Nancy Skinner's inference that I am a tool of the Democratic Party. She doesn't know me and has never sought my endorsement. I am not a party activist and was not even present at the meeting Jan. 10 where the discussion took place.

Cynthia von Oeyen

Bloomfield Hills

Process was fair

In reading your Jan. 13 article, "'Disenfranchised' Dems steam over primary ballot," I was very disappointed by Nancy Skinner's comments that endorsements for her opponent in the congressional race were somehow rigged by the Democratic Party.

I am a member of the Service Employees International Union, which endorsed Gary Peters recently. Our process was driven by our membership. We held a town hall meeting of our members with Skinner and Peters. In fact, all three candidates were invited, including Congressman Joe Knollenberg (he declined).

We ask that the candidates "Walk A Day In The Shoes" of our members in order to earn our endorsement. Peters and Skinner both did such, shadowing a Farmington Hills home care worker and Royal Oak city employees, respectively. Lastly, we asked candidates to fill out a detailed questionnaire on issues affecting our members and required them to participate in a thorough screening before our Political Directors Committee. From this multistep process, we found that Gary Peters had a stronger grasp on the issues and had already built an impressive campaign structure aimed at winning in November. Any suggestion that our endorsement process was a foregone conclusion or that it was rigged is a disservice to our membership and the time they spent.

Chuck Bonar

Joe, we need to end the war, not more tax cuts

Joe Knollenberg has a new entry on his blog. Joe has introduced. Here's the language.
Tax Relief for Families and Small Business

by Rep. Knollenberg

January 25th, 2008

Yesterday I was proud to introduce H.R. 5126, the Family Security and Small Business Stimulus Act of 2008. Our economy has slowed down and for the sake of families in Michigan, it is critical that we take action in Washington to help. Enabling families and small businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money instead of sending it to the IRS is a valuable first step. My bill will do this in three ways: permanently cutting the lowest income tax bracket from 10% to 5%; sending all taxpayers an advance payment of this tax-cut; and allowing small businesses to expense more of their purchases.

Joe and his Republican collegues seem to think tax cuts are the answer to every problem. While no one likes to pay more taxes, a tax cut in a time of economic crisis, when our national debt is $9 TRILLION, we are fighting a war that is costing $12 billion a month, a tax cut will only multiply the crisis. A more sensible approach would be to invest in America's infrastructure providing good paying jobs to our citizens, who in turn pay taxes and improve the overall economy. The wealthiest American do not need a tax cut, but those citizens going through foreclosure need more than a tax rebate check to solve their problems.

Maybe if we end the fiasco in Iraq and use the money being poured down the rat hole there we can start to solve the economic crisis in America.

Call Joe, Tell Him Spying on Americans is Against the Law

Watch This Video:

Farmington Hills Office 30833 Northwestern Hwy Suite 100 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 Phone: (248) 851-1366 Fax: (248) 851-0418 Washington Office 2349 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5802 Fax: (202) 226-2356