Nevada State Democratic Party http://nvdems.com/ en Copyright 2012 2012-05-16T20:50:24+00:00 Heller: My Support for Ryan Plan to End Medicare No Secret {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Heller press release today reconfirms support for Ryan plan to turn Medicare over to private insurance companies

 

Las Vegas, NV – No Dean, after voting twice  to end Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies, your support for the Ryan plan is definitely NOT a secret.  In a press release today, Senator Dean Heller said, "I have voted on Republican budgets in the past.  It’s no secret where I stand…” And for once, Heller is actually right – we do know where he stands. 

 

Heller first voted for the Ryan budget in the House last year, then voted for it again in the Senate after he was appointed to replace Senator John Ensign.  Heller even said he was "proud" to be the only member of Congress at the time to vote twice for the proposal.  

 

But don’t just take our word for what the Ryan plan does to Medicare.  Take the Wall Street Journal’s, which said the plan “essentially ends Medicare,” or Reuters, which said the plan “would have ended Medicare,” or NPR which said a key part of the Ryan plan is “ending Medicare as we know it.”

 

“Dean Heller is absolutely right that Nevadans know where he stands on the Ryan plan to end Medicare – with private insurance companies, not Nevada seniors,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “Instead of focusing on putting Nevadans back to work, Dean Heller has voted twice to turn Medicare over to private insurance companies to pay for taxpayer giveaways to Wall Street corporations shipping American jobs overseas and Big Oil companies making record profits.  Nevadans will have a clear choice in this election between Shelley Berkley, whose priorities are creating jobs and protecting Nevada seniors, and Dean Heller, who has voted to dismantle Medicare by raising healthcare premiums for seniors by approximately $6,000 a year.”

]]> 2012-05-16T19:50:24+00:00 VOTE ALERT: Dean Heller to Cast His Third Vote For Ryan Plan To End Medicare {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} FLASH BACK:

 

Heller said he was “proud” to be the only member of Congress to vote twice for original Ryan budget that turns Medicare over to private insurance companies

 

Review-Journal: Heller said he will “campaign” on the Ryan budget

 

Wall Street Journal: Ryan budget would “essentially end Medicare”

        

Reuters: Ryan budget “would have ended Medicare”

 

NPR: Key part of Ryan budget is “ending Medicare as we know it”

 

 

Las Vegas, NV – Tomorrow, Senator Dean Heller will cast his third vote for a Ryan budget that ends Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies. 

 

Last year, Heller said he was “proud” to be the only member of Congress able to vote twice for the original plan, first in the House, then again in the Senate.  Heller even said he would “campaign” on his plan to turn Medicare over to private insurance companies to pay for taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil companies making record profits and Wall Street corporations shipping American jobs overseas.

 

The Senate is set to vote on the budget at approximately 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT tomorrow.

 

Who: Senator Dean Heller

 

What: Heller to cast his third vote to end Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies

 

When: TOMORROW, May 16th, 2012 at approximately 4 pm ET / 1 pm PT

]]> 2012-05-15T21:45:22+00:00 As Berkley Co-Sponsors Bill to End Breast Cancer, Heller Restricts Access to Cancer Screenings {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – Today, Shelley Berkley announced she is co-sponsoring legislation that will work to end breast cancer by 2020.  In contrast to Berkley’s efforts to end breast cancer by the end of the decade and increase women’s access to preventative healthcare, Senator Dean Heller has repeatedly voted to slash funding for programs that provide women access to breast and cervical cancer screenings while voting to protect taxpayer giveaways to corporations that ship American jobs overseas and Big Oil companies making record profits.

 

·         Heller has voted multiple times to end funding that Planned Parenthood uses to perform preventative, life-saving procedures critical to women’s health – including breast cancer exams and mammogram referrals. 

 

·         Just this year, Heller voted for the Blunt Amendment, legislation that would have restricted women’s access to contraception, mammograms, and cervical cancer screenings.  If passed, the Blunt Amendment could cost potentially 170,000 women in Nevada access to preventative healthcare. 

 

·         This week, he joined Washington Republicans in holding Nevada students hostage to a student loan rate hike on July 1stunless the extension of the current rates is paid for by gutting funding for women’s health services like breast and cervical cancer screenings.

 

“While Shelley Berkley is fighting to eliminate breast cancer by the end of the decade, Dean Heller is voting to slash funding for breast cancer screenings and mammogram referrals at the same time he’s voting to protect taxpayer giveaways to Washington special interests like Big Oil executives making record profits," said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “Those are the wrong priorities.  Nevada’s women know they can count on leaders like Shelley Berkley, who has a track record of prioritizing Nevada families ahead of Wall Street corporations shipping American jobs overseas.”

 

]]> 2012-05-10T16:57:52+00:00 NV Dems Statement on President Obama’s Support of Marriage Equali {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"}

 

Las Vegas, NV – Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Roberta Lange released the following statement praising President Obama’s announcement that he supports marriage equality:

 

 

“I commend President Obama for announcing his support for marriage equality today.  President Obama has made equal rights for all Americans a cornerstone of his Administration and today’s announcement further highlights his tremendous leadership on this issue.  The Obama Administration has taken historic steps to end discrimination, including repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, signing historic hate crime legislation, and ensuring hospital visitation rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients and their loved ones.  President Obama’s commitment to ending discrimination stands in stark contrast to corporate layoff specialist Mitt Romney, who is not only opposed to civil unions, he actually believes we should amend the U.S. Constitution to prevent committed gay and lesbian couples from marrying.  Nevadans have a clear choice in this election between President Obama, who is committed to moving the country forward by creating jobs and ending discrimination, and Mitt Romney, whose federal marriage amendment would be the first time the nation amended the Constitution to deny Americans equal rights."

]]> 2012-05-09T19:10:34+00:00 One Year After Appointment To Senate, Heller’s Misplaced Priorities Clear {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Heller continues to prioritize Wall Street, Big Oil, and private insurance companies over Nevada’s middle class

 

Las Vegas, NV – One year ago today, Dean Heller was appointed to the United States Senate to replace Senator John Ensign. For the last year, he has represented the state in Washington – taking votes, making statements and attending events -- each time going on the record about what his priorities are. His first year in the United States Senate gives voters not just a clue – but a clear indication of what his priorities are – and who he is standing up for.  

 

The answer?  It’s not middle-class families. 

 

If you look back at his report card for the year, Dean Heller has sided with Wall Street instead of Nevada’s middle-class families almost every time he’s had the opportunity:

 

·         Dean Heller became a senator on May 9, 2011.  On May 17 – 8 days after he was sworn into office -- he took his first major vote.   It was to protect billions of dollars in taxpayer giveaways to the oil industry.  This was his eighth vote in Congress against repealing taxpayer handouts to Big Oil.  Then, on May 11 – two days after being sworn in and six days before this vote– a lobbyist for oil company BP, a beneficiary of taxpayer-funded subsidies, cosponsored a high-dollar fundraiser in his honor.  Obviously, their investment had the intended effect.  This wasn’t his last vote to protect unnecessary Big Oil giveaways – he took his ninth vote to that effect several weeks ago.

·         Before his appointment – as a member of the House -- he voted in favor of the Ryan Budget plan – legislation that would dismantle the Medicare system and turn it over to private insurance companies.  On May 25 – two weeks after becoming a Senator and eight days after his latest Big Oil vote – Heller became the only member of the United States Congress to vote for the plan twice, something he said he was “proud” to do.

 

It wasn’t soon after that, that Heller began alienating Nevada’s Latino community with his out-of-touch views on immigration.  Heller began his Hispanic outreach efforts by snubbing the Latin Chamber of Commerce and refusing to meet with them. But it’s not just the fact that he doesn’t show up. It’s the positions he’s taken:

 

·         As Senator, Heller reconfirmed his opposition to the DREAM Act – legislation that allows children brought to this country through no fault of their own to earn a pathway to legal status through service in our military or a college education.  He has expressed opposition for the need for new legislation like comprehensive immigration reform, and supports extreme immigration laws like those in Arizona and Alabama.

 

And finally, throughout his last year as an appointed senator -- Heller has reconfirmed his true colors on women’s issues.  

·         As a member of the House, he voted twice against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and voted twice against the Paycheck Fairness Act.  As a member of the Senate, he supported the Blunt Amendment, which restricted access to basic women’s health services like contraception and breast cancer screenings.

 

The Senate will soon vote on the Paycheck Fairness Act once again.  Given that Heller is already on record twice voting against the legislation, we don’t have to guess which side he’ll come out on this time around.

 

“Whether it’s his first major vote in the Senate to protect Big Oil, his second vote to dismantle Medicare, his positions on legislation like the DREAM Act, his support for the Blunt Amendment, or his opposition to the Paycheck Fairness Act – Dean Heller’s first year as a United States Senator has proved one thing:  he is out of touch with Nevada’s middle-class – particularly Nevada’s seniors, Latinos and women,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zac Petkanas.  “Nevada voters are evaluating both candidates based on one criterion: who will stand up to the corporate special interests in Washington to fight on their behalf.  Dean Heller first year as a United States Senator has given them a very clear choice in this election.” 

]]> 2012-05-09T18:28:30+00:00 Heller Only Supports Student Loan Rate Extension if it Cuts Funding for Cancer Screenings {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Heller will only keep college affordable if he can simultaneously restrict women's access to preventative health services

 

Las Vegas, NV –Today Senator Dean Heller demonstrated where his priorities are by only supporting the extension of current student loan rates if it's paid for by restricting basic health services for women.  The legislation Heller is co-sponsoring would slash funding for breast and cervical cancer screenings in order to pay for extending the current student loan rates. 

 

While Heller will only stop the doubling of student loan rates on July 1st if it’s paid for by restricting women’s access to cancer screenings, Shelley Berkley has co-sponsored legislation that will protect students by rolling back taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil companies making record profits.  Heller has voted at least nine times to protect these handouts. 

 

“Dean Heller again made clear today that his priorities are restricting women’s access to cancer screenings and protecting taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil, not keeping college affordable for Nevada students,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “While Dean Heller will only extend current student loan rates if it means gutting funding for cancer screenings, Shelley Berkley is fighting to stop the coming rate hike by ending taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil companies making record profits.  Nevadans have a clear choice in this election between Shelley Berkley’s commitment to creating jobs and helping students afford college, and Dean Heller’s pro-Wall Street, anti-middle class agenda that prioritizes restricting women’s access to cancer screenings over Nevada’s students.”

]]> 2012-05-08T16:23:17+00:00 Tarkanian Campaign Gives Third Response on Illegal Corporate Contribution…But Not the Money Back {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – Over the weekend, the Danny Tarkanian for Congress campaign gave its third response regarding the numerous irregularities – including an illegal corporate contribution - in their FEC report, irregularities that resulted in the Nevada State Democratic Party filing a complaint with the FEC.

 

The problem with all three explanations – none of them address the illegal corporate contribution Tarkanian received or the hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign debt that disappeared from Tarkanian's last report..

 

Explanation number 1:

 

Tarkanian Political Director Tim Williams: “We are going to look into it. We are talking about a process question. We are going to sit down and look at it and talk to the FEC and take care of it.” [Las Vegas Review-Journal, 5/2/12]

 

 

Explanation number 2:

 

Danny Tarkanian, himself: “They say that we didn’t attribute the name of the member to those and if it is the case – I haven’t had a chance to go over it, because as I mentioned I was gone for two days. I got back on a late red-eye last night. If there was then all you do is fill in a name; it’s a clerical error at worst.” [KXNT, Live and Local with Kevin Wall, 5/3/12]

 

 

Explanation number 3:

 

  

Tarkanian Campaign Spokesman Michael Chamberlain: “After we complete our review of the complaint and the facts, any errors in the reports will be remedied immediately, and any other issues will be full rectified. We take the reporting requirements and campaign finance rules seriously…” [Nevada News Bureau, 5/5/12]

 

 

Hey Danny – a corporate contribution is not a “process question.”  It is not a “clerical error.”  It’s illegal.  So, if you are taking the “reporting requirements and campaign finance rules seriously,” why don’t you return the ILLEGAL corporate contribution, and accurately disclose your campaign debt while you’re at it?  We'll be waiting...  

]]> 2012-05-08T14:41:48+00:00 Register Now for the 2012 State Convention! {title_permalink="blog/entry/"} {title_permalink="blog/entry/"} See below for a message from Nevada State Democratic Party State Chair Roberta Lange announcing details for the 2012 State Convention.

 

Dear Delegate,

As a delegate to the State Convention, I wanted you to be the first to receive the details for our convention. I am happy to announce that our convention will be held June 9th and 10th at Bally's Las Vegas. We will also hold a very special Welcome Reception on Friday evening June 8th at Bally's Skyview Ballroom.

The convention is our opportunity to elect delegates to the Democratic National Convention, elect members to our executive board, form our central committee, and craft our party's platform. It is also our chance to show Republicans we are organized and ready to re-elect President Obama, elect Shelley Berkley to the U.S. Senate, take back the majority of our House delegation, and keep our majorities in the state legislature. At the convention, you'll hear from Democratic leaders from across the state who are fighting to create jobs and protect Nevada seniors from Republicans focused on ending Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies.

The convention is a little over a month away so don't wait to register. Click the link below to purchase your tickets for the convention and reception and to find out additional information about the State Convention!

 

Eventbrite - Nevada State Democratic Convention

 

I know many of you will be traveling from across the state to join us. We have set-up a special room rate at Bally's. There are limited rooms available at our negotiated rate of $169.00 a night. Our room block expires on May 18th. To book your rooms you can call 1-800-634-3434 and give the code SBNDS2 or you can book online by clicking here.

I hope you are as excited as I am about our State Convention. I will be in touch soon with more updates.

Thanks for all you do for Nevada,

Roberta

Roberta Lange
Chair
Nevada State Democratic Party

]]> 2012-05-07T20:07:33+00:00 NV Dems Statement on NV GOP State Convention Today {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"}

Las Vegas, NV – Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Roberta Lange released the following statement in response to the 2012 Nevada Republican Party State Convention this weekend:

 

“What you are seeing today is that even Nevada Republicans are deeply divided over corporate layoff specialist Mitt Romney's pro-Wall Street, anti-middle class agenda. While President Obama is fighting to create jobs here in America, Mitt Romney shipped jobs overseas both in the private sector and as Governor of Massachusetts.  As a corporate CEO, Romney shipped American jobs to places like Mexico and China and as Governor of Massachusetts, he outsourced state jobs to India, all while Romney invested his own wealth in a secret Swiss bank account. Nevadans will have a clear choice in this election between President Obama, who is committed to creating middle class jobs, and Mitt Romney, who is pushing for more special tax breaks for Wall Street corporations that ship jobs overseas.”

]]> 2012-05-05T21:32:39+00:00 NV DEMS UNVEIL THE OFFICIAL T-SHIRT OF THE 2012 NV GOP STATE CONVENTION {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"}

T-shirt requested by Romney, Heller and Heck campaigns to acknowledge the canceled keynote speech by the architect of their plan to end Medicare

 

 

 

Sparks, NV – Today, the Nevada State Democratic Party unveiled the official t-shirt of the 2012 Nevada Republican Party State Convention. After the scheduled keynote address by Rep. Paul Ryan (yes, the Medicare one) was canceled, then back on, then canceled again, the Romney, Heller and Heck campaigns joined together and demanded there at least be some type of acknowledgement of the architect of their plan to end Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies.

 

So – here’s what we’ve got:  

 

   

 

Yep.  A t-shirt.  Made by some company overseas thanks to generous taxpayer giveaways Romney, Heller and Heck all support.

 

 

As to whether or not the previously scheduled “Future of Medicare” roundtable discussion with Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney’s surrogate, Dean Heller and Joe Heck will still happen now that Ryan, Heller, and Heck have canceled – TBD.

 

To order the shirt, contact the Nevada Republican Party at 702-258-9182.  

]]> 2012-05-05T14:47:18+00:00 NV Dems Congratulate Ron Paul Supporters for Agreeing to Limit Their Delegates to the RNC Convention {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"}


 

Las Vegas, NV – The Nevada State Democratic Party released the following statement in support of the reported agreement Ron Paul supporters have reached with the Romney campaign to limit their delegates to the Republican National Convention:

 

“We congratulate Ron Paul supporters for agreeing to limit their delegates to the Republican National Convention, putting party unity and their faith in Mitt Romney ahead of their principled beliefs such as opposition to TARP and the Federal Reserve and their support of the gold standard.”

]]> 2012-05-04T18:10:47+00:00 BAD TIMING FOR GREG BROWER: HUD Secretary Visits Nevada to Discuss Robo-signing Settlement {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"}

 PLUS: MUST-WATCH NEW ONLINE EXTENDED VERSION OF EXPLOSIVE EXPOSE ON GREG BROWER'S ROBO-SIGNING SCANDAL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=excus7Bd2BI&feature=youtu.be

 

 

Las Vegas, NV – Talk about bad timing. United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Shaun Donovan is visiting Las Vegas today to discuss with Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez-Masto the Obama Administration’s historic settlement on robo-signing.

 

Donovan’s visit comes only days after Nathan Baca with the KLAS I-Team in Las Vegas reported on Nevada State Senator Greg Brower doing legal work for Lender Processing Services (LPS), a firm under investigation by Nevada's Attorney General for engaging in “robo-signing,” a practice that according to CNN “is believed to have been responsible for thousands of wrongful foreclosures nationwide in the past years.”  According to a previous report by KLAS, LPS “has its hands in tens of thousands of Nevada home evictions and foreclosures.”

 

Something tells us Brower won’t be at today's meeting between the attorney general and the secretary. 

 

But if you haven’t seen Nathan Baca’s extended interview with Brower, please see below.  Brower doesn’t exactly look pleased about being asked whether or not he did legal work for LPS...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=excus7Bd2BI&feature=youtu.be

 

Transcript:

 

Nathan Baca: Sen. Brower; Nathan Baca, Channel 8. We have some urgent issues we have to clear up. Last we talked on the phone, which was Feb. 13th, you told me about your involvement with the LPS lawsuit. What sort of involvement do you have with Snell and Wilmer regarding the LPS lawsuit?

State Sen. Greg Brower: I have no involvement.

Baca: You have no involvement whatsoever?

Brower: No.

Baca: Now…

Brower: But I’m…but I’m. I’m not…Look, we’re in the middle of a hearing…

Baca: No, but I’m curious…the reason why I need to…

Brower: No. You don’t need to do anything. We are in the middle of a legislative hearing. So, let’s…if you want to talk at some point, let’s make arrangements to do that.

Baca: OK.

 

Brower: But you can’t interrupt a hearing.

 

Baca: Well, the hearing isn’t called right now.

 

Brower: Well, we’re about to start it. The chairman is about to gavel us in…

Baca: Could you at least take a look at this and explain this to me?

Brower: I don’t know what this is.

Baca: It’s a letter from you.

Brower: OK. To John Kelleher.

Baca: It says you’re involved in this case.

Brower: OK. I’m not involved in this case.

Baca: But why are you saying that you are?

Brower: Well, this is a letter I sent to Jon Kelleher quite some time ago in anticipation of a meeting that I facilitated between LPS and his office. That’s it. I’m not involved in any litigation, or case that’s pending.

Baca: But you’ve also visited the office as well?

Brower: I have. Yeah.

Baca: So, I’m still trying to understand your stance on robo-signing. Is robo-signing legal and permissible, or is it illegal? What would you like to tell the voters?

Brower: Well, that’s a legal question I’d be happy to get in to in some other context. I don’t know what the context for your question is. I just don’t know where you are going with this.

Baca: Very well. Thank you very much.

Brower: Yeah, I mean this is…

Baca: I’ve just been having a very hard time reaching you…

Brower: Yeah.

Baca: And Sandy as well. I mean, every time…I’ll call your office, but we need to talk.

Brower: Well, we don’t need to talk.

Baca: I would like to talk to you.

Brower: Well, I’m sure you would. A lot of reporters do, but…

Baca: OK.

Brower: Let’s do this in a professional way where you make an appointment and we talk and you just don’t try to interrupt a committee hearing.

Baca: I did make an appointment, but it was cancelled by your office.

Brower: Did you make an appointment with me?

 

Baca: Sandy.

 

Brower: You want to interview Sandy?

 

Baca: No, I want to interview you. Thank you very much, state senator.

 

Brower: Let’s make arrangements so we can talk and not interrupt a committee hearing.

 

Baca: Very well.

]]> 2012-05-03T19:33:44+00:00 One Election Year Vote Can’t Erase Anti-Woman Record {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Roberta Lange released the following statement after Senator Dean Heller cast an election year vote to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act:

 

“One inconsistent, out-of-character vote seven months from an election cannot erase Senator Heller’s votes to gut millions of dollars in domestic violence assistance, to restrict access to birth control, and to kill equal pay for equal work legislation."

]]> 2012-04-26T20:21:11+00:00 MEDIA ADVISORY: PAUL RYAN (YES, THE MEDICARE ONE) TO HEADLINE NV GOP CONVENTION IN SPARKS {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} For Immediate Release

CONTACT: NV Republican Party, 702-258-9182

April 23, 2012

 

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

 

NV GOP State Convention, May 5 – May 6 in Sparks

 

PAUL RYAN (YES, THE MEDICARE ONE) TO HEADLINE NV GOP CONVENTION IN SPARKS

  

TBD PHOTO OP: Romney Surrogate, Senator Dean Heller, Rep. Joe Heck, & Danny Tarkanian on the same stage as Rep. Paul Ryan

 

Media Credentials: RSVP to the Nevada Republican Party, 702-258-9182

 

Las Vegas, NV – Today, the Nevada Republican Party is “proud” to announce the architect of the Republican Budget plan to end Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies will headline the Nevada Republican Party State Convention in Sparks, Nevada scheduled for May 5-6.

 

The convention will be held at John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks.  Seniors will pay a special admission rate of $6,000 in honor of the additional out-of-pocket healthcare costs seniors would pay under Ryan's plan.

 

Rep. Ryan will pose for a photo-op on stage with Romney’s surrogate, Sen. Heller, Rep. Heck, and Danny Tarkanian following a roundtable discussion on the future of Medicare. Logistics are still being confirmed.

 

Who: Rep. Paul Ryan, Sen. Heller, Rep. Heck, Danny Tarkanian and Romney Surrogate

 

What: Nevada Republican Party State Convention & Roundtable on Future of Medicare

 

Where: John Ascuaga's Nugget

1100 Nugget Avenue

Sparks, NV 89431

 

When: Saturday, May 5th – Sunday, May 6th

 

Media Credentials: RSVP to the Nevada Republican Party, 702-258-9182

 

 

###

]]> 2012-04-23T17:44:11+00:00 Ruben Kihuen Responds to RNC Chairman Reince Priebus: In Your Dreams (Act) {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Calls Out RNC Chairman for Last-Minute, Token Hispanic Outreach Effort & GOP’s Out-Of-Touch Record on Latino Issues

 

 Las Vegas, NV – State Senator Ruben Kihuen released the following statement in response to the Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus’ damage control press call paying lip service to the party's non-existent Latino outreach efforts on behalf of Republican candidate Mitt Romney:

 

“Given Mitt Romney's support for Wall Street millionaires paying a lower tax rate than middle-class workers like teachers and nurses as well as his pledge to veto the DREAM Act, it’s no wonder the RNC has finally realized they have a problem with Hispanic voters and have pushed the panic button.  However, no amount of conference calls or token, last-minute outreach efforts will change the fact that Mitt Romney is wrong for Latino families.

 

“On behalf of Nevada’s Hispanic community, my message to RNC Chairman Reince Priebus is this: in your dreams.   When Nevada’s Latino community goes to the polls this November, they will have a clear choice between President Obama’s commitment to creating jobs and passing comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act, and a Republican like Mitt Romney who would be the most extreme Republican presidential nominee on immigration issues in modern history.”

]]> 2012-04-16T20:21:08+00:00 NOT Breaking News: At 3pm PT Heller Set to Vote to Protect Billionaire Tax Breaks Today {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – After voting with private insurance companies to dismantle Medicare, voting for taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil companies making record profits, and voting for tax breaks for Wall Street corporations shipping American jobs overseas, it isn’t surprising that Senator Dean Heller will again stand with Wall Street billionaires over Nevada families when he votes against the Buffett Rule in the Senate today.  The Buffett Rule would end special tax breaks that allow millionaires and billionaires to pay a lower tax rate than middle class Nevadans. 

 

“After repeatedly voting with private insurance companies, Big Oil companies making record profits, and Wall Street corporations shipping American jobs overseas, once again Dean Heller will prioritize Wall Street billionaires over Nevada families when he votes today to let billionaires continue to pay a lower tax rate than teachers and nurses,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “While Dean Heller is protecting special tax breaks for Wall Street billionaires, Shelley Berkley is fighting to create good-paying, middle-class jobs.  Nevadans have a clear choice in this election between Shelley Berkley’s commitment to putting Nevadans back to work, and Dean Heller, who thinks Wall Street CEOs should pay a lower tax rate than a Nevada middle-class families.”

]]> 2012-04-16T18:21:12+00:00 BREAKING VIDEO: Heller Supports Millionaires Paying Lower Tax Rates Than NV Teachers, Nurses {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Heller comes out against Buffett Rule that ends special billionaire tax breaks

 

See the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJwga92XFs8 

 

Las Vegas, NV – Last night, KLAS Las Vegas reported that Senator Dean Heller came out against the Buffett Rule, legislation that would end special tax breaks that allow millionaires and billionaires to pay lower tax rates than middle class families.  

 

“In Dean Heller’s Nevada, Wall Street billionaires would continue to pay a lower tax rate than struggling teachers and nurses,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “Once again Heller is demonstrating that he is siding with Wall Street billionaires, private insurance companies, and Big Oil companies making record profits  instead of Nevada's middle-class families.”  

]]> 2012-04-12T17:17:42+00:00 Heller Steps in it AGAIN While Berkley Continues “Prioritize Veterans” Tour in {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Heller touts new improvements at Reno VA Hospital that he voted to kill

 

Las Vegas, NV - As Shelley Berkley continues her “Prioritize Veterans” tour in Reno today, Senator Dean Heller again highlighted how out of touch he is with Nevada’s veterans.  KTVN in Reno reported last week that Heller toured the Reno VA Hospital and touted recent improvements to the facility.  Improvements that Heller – wait for it - voted to kill.  

 

In 2009, Heller voted against legislation that provided over $5 million in funding to upgrade the quality of care at Reno’s VA Hospital – upgrades Heller praised last week. 

 

KTVN went on to report that Heller said he has heard “nothing but positive comments” about the facility from veterans treated there.  We wonder how many positive comments he’s heard from Reno veterans about his vote to gut the hospital’s funding?

 

 “While Shelley Berkley is traveling Nevada highlighting the need to prioritize veterans, Dean Heller is playing to the cameras and praising improvements to veterans healthcare he voted to gut,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “In contrast to Heller’s misplaced priorities of putting Wall Street corporations shipping American jobs overseas ahead of Nevada’s veterans, Shelley Berkley is fighting to improve veterans healthcare and create jobs for our returning heroes.” 

]]> 2012-04-12T15:21:51+00:00 NV Dems Respond to Sandoval Reluctantly Endorsing Mitt Romney {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – The Nevada State Democratic Party released the following statement in response to Governor Brian Sandoval’s endorsement of Mitt Romney today:

 

“After all other alternatives were exhausted, Governor Sandoval reluctantly held his nose to endorse Mitt Romney.  It's no wonder he took so long given Romney's record of laying off workers to ship their jobs overseas, refusal to help families losing their homes and belief that Wall Street billionaires should pay a lower tax rate than teachers, police officers and janitors."

 

And now that Sandoval has endorsed Romney – here are some questions Nevadans deserve answers from Sandoval:

 

 

  • Does Sandoval support Romney’s position that the foreclosure crisis needs to “hit the bottom?” 

 

 

 

  • Does he support Romney's position to “get rid of” Planned Parenthood and restrict women’s access to contraception? 

 

 

 

  • Does he support allowing billionaires like Romney to pay a lower income tax rate than waitresses or housekeepers? 

 

 

 

  • Does he support Romney's pledge to veto the DREAM Act if elected?

 

 

Governor Sandoval, we await your reply.

 

]]> 2012-04-11T19:40:46+00:00 Will Joe Heck Defend Vote to Kill Thousands of NV Jobs at Today’s Jobs Fai {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – This morning, Rep. Joe Heck is hosting a jobs fair in Henderson.  What attendees aren’t likely to hear from Joe Heck is his… you know… actual record on job-creation. 

 

Last year, Heck voted for HR 1, legislation that would have killed at least 6,000 Nevada jobs and gutted investments in Nevada’s job-creating clean energy industry.  As if that wasn’t out-of-touch enough in the state with the highest unemployment rate in the country – the legislation would have cut $30 million in job training funds.  

 

Sorry Joe - hosting election year job fairs won’t hide the fact that when push comes to shove, you continue to side with Wall Street billionaires shipping American jobs overseas over unemployed Nevadans.

 

“Talking about jobs in an election year won’t make up for Joe Heck’s vote to kill thousands of Nevada jobs and gut millions of dollars in job training funds last year,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “If Joe Heck really cared about putting Nevadans back to work, he'd show it with his voting record in Congress -- not playing to the cameras with election year stunts." 

]]> 2012-04-11T14:32:33+00:00 BACKLASH: Media Calls Out Heller For Election Year Attempt To Mask True Beliefs on Medicare, Big Oil {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Face to Face Dana Gentry: "Senator Dean Heller has long opposed cutting subsidies and tax breaks for big oil companies. Now he’s in a race to retain a senate seat to which he was appointed and he’s changing his tune…”

 

KSNV's Hugh Jackson: "It's hard to see how voters can trust what Heller says either way.”

 

Las Vegas Sun's Anjeanette Damon: "Surprising”

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO 

 

Las Vegas, NV – The backlash continues. Last night, Las Vegas Sun columnist Jon Ralston called out Sen. Dean Heller for his election year attempt to paper over his true, long-held pro-Wall Street beliefs.

 

But it didn’t end there.  Sen. Heller is facing media blowback for trying to paper over his support for ending Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies and protecting taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil.

 

Two weeks ago, Heller tried to hide his longtime record of voting 9 times to protect subsidies for the oil industry by offering an amendment doing the exact opposite.  Then last week, Heller told the Las Vegas Sun he was undecided on the 2012 Ryan budget despite saying  last year that he said he was “proud” to vote for – twice.  

 

As the video shows below, media outlets across Nevada are seeing right through Heller’s blatant attempt to paper over his long career of siding with Wall Street at the expense of Nevada’s middle-class families. 

 

He must be finally realizing his actual views are deeply unpopular with Nevada’s voters.

 

Must-see video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUwcB60vp

]]> 2012-04-10T16:26:06+00:00 Jon Ralston Takes Sen. Dean Heller to Task For Misleading About His Record on Oil Subsidies {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Last night, Jon Ralston reported that unelected Senator Dean Heller mislead Nevadans when he said last week on Face to Face that he only voted against taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil because Democrats "always wanted to use them for more stimulus and more government."  The problem with Heller's answer - it isn't true.  Ralston reports that Heller has voted against repealing oil subsidies at least nine times, including voting against them when the resulting savings would have been redirected to reducing the deficit.

 

From the Flash:

 

When my producer, Dana Gentry, interviewed Sen. Dean Heller on "Face to Face" on Friday, I thought it was odd that he was so dismissive of her when she questioned his record on oil subsidies. Heller claimed he was always for closing oil company loopholes but had opposed cutting them in the past because "they've always wanted to use them for more stimulus and more big government."

 

But that's just not so.

 

Heller, like many Republicans, has opposed repealing oil subsides in the past, no matter what they were going to be used for. At least nine times I see, including this one for deficit reduction.

 

You can argue that these subsidies account for a minuscule percentage of federal spending. Fine. But Heller, until this year's Senate race, has opposed them, when they were targted for paying for college student help or energy development or a raft of other issues that have nothing to do with stimulus or big government.

But it's a good sound bite.

 

By the way, when Gentry challenged him, he accused her - as he does me all the time - of regurgitating "DNC talking points." Actually, she was presenting what are known as facts. [Ralston Flash, 4/9/12]

]]> 2012-04-10T13:36:55+00:00 PHOTO: NV Dems Help Joe Heck Move In to New Office {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"}  

Knowing how lonely moving to a new place can be, NV Dems remind Heck of his best moments over the years

 

 

Las Vegas, NV – Today, Rep. Joe Heck is moving into his new campaign office in Henderson.  As a gesture of good will, Nevada Democrats helped Joe move in by delivering a pyramid of moving boxes to his new office.  Because we know how lonely moving to a new place can be, we thought we’d decorate the boxes with some of our favorite moments with Joe over the years to make him feel at home.

 

From calling the foreclosure crisis a “blip on the radar,” to repeatedly calling Social Security a “pyramid scheme,” to last week voting for the second time to end Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies, you’ve given us a lot to remember you by Joe -- and we can’t wait to see what you say next.  Happy move-in day.

 

 

View photo of Heck’s move-in day here:

 

 

P.S. - Joe, we wanted to send the famous NV Dems Chicken to help you move in, but apparently even chickens are offended by politicians who compare Social Security to something a Nigerian prince tries to sell you over email. 

]]> 2012-04-06T17:28:53+00:00 Just Like On Big Oil, Election Year Dean Heller Attempts Retreat on Medicare-Ending Ryan Budget {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Heller suddenly undecided on Ryan Budget he pledged to campaign on
 
Las Vegas Sun: “After becoming the poster child Republican for a GOP budget that would … dramatically reshape Medicare by voting for it twice, U.S. Sen. Dean Heller said Tuesday he doesn’t know whether he’ll support the latest version [4/3/2012]

 

 

Reno Gazette-Journal: "It is a change for Heller, who said in May 2011 that he was ‘proud’ to be the only member of Congress who would get to vote for the Ryan budget twice, as a congressman and as U.S. senator." [4/3/2012]

 

Las Vegas, NV – Enter week two of Senator Dean Heller’s attempted election year retreat from a career spent prioritizing Wall Street over Nevada's middle-class.

 

Last week, after voting at least eight times from 2007-2011 in support of taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil companies, Election Year Dean Heller attempted to white wash his long time support for oil industry subsidies by offering an amendment repealing them.

 

And then this morning, the Las Vegas Sun reported that when asked whether he supports the latest Ryan budget passed in the House, Election Year Dean Heller claimed he was undecided on the legislation.  But the Dean Heller of 2011 said he was “proud” to vote for the Ryan Budget...not once... but twice. He even told the Las Vegas Review-Journal last year that he planned to “campaign” on the plan.

 

But in Dean Heller’s world, we should forget the 2011 Dean Heller who voted twice to end Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies – and embrace Election Year Dean Heller.  

 

Just like we should forget the 2007-2011 Dean Heller – who voted eight times to protect taxpayer giveaways to the oil industry – and embrace Election Year Dean Heller, who rails against the Big Oil companies funding his campaign!

 

The troubling question for Nevada voters is: if the 2011 Dean Heller says one thing…and the Election Year Dean Heller say another – what will the 2013 Dean Heller have to say?

 

“Election Year Dean Heller may try to erase his long record of prioritizing Wall Street, insurance companies and Big Oil ahead of seniors and middle-class families, but Nevada voters can see right through this rouse,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “A quick election year attempt to pull the wool over Nevada voters’ eyes is not enough to make them forget that the real Dean Heller has the wrong priorities: from voting to essentially end Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies, to protecting taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil executives.”

]]> 2012-04-04T12:30:32+00:00 IT’S OFFICIAL: Heller Not the Only Member of Congress to Vote Twice to Kill Medicare {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Roberta Lange released the following statement in response to today’s vote in the House of Representatives on the Ryan budget:

 

 

“Until today, unelected Senator Dean Heller had the dubious distinction of being the only member of Congress to vote twice for corporate layoff specialist Mitt Romney’s plan to kill Medicare, something he said he was ‘proud’ to do.  But now, Rep. Joe Heck has joined Heller in voting twice to turn Medicare over to private insurance companies to pay for tax breaks for corporations that ship American jobs overseas and taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil.  If Mitt Romney, Dean Heller, and Joe Heck had their way, Nevada seniors’ out-of-pocket healthcare costs would rise by nearly $6,000 a year and their prescription drug costs would skyrocket.  Today’s vote makes clear that Washington Republicans’ priorities are with the Big Oil companies and private insurance companies, not Nevada's middle class and seniors.  Nevadans have a clear choice in this election between Democrats focused like a laser on putting people back to work while protecting Social Security and Medicare, and Republicans who will seemingly stop at nothing to kill Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies.”

]]> 2012-03-29T17:28:46+00:00 Dean Heller, Where Are You? {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – Today, Senate Democrats introduced their latest jobs legislation, the Tax Relief and Job Creation for Small Business Act.  But so far, unelected Senator Dean Heller has been silent on whether or not he will support the legislation. 
 
However, this should come as no surprise to those paying attention to Heller's record. He consistently has the wrong priorities when it comes to Nevada's middle-class families, siding with Wall Street millionaires instead of the small businesses that will put people back to work.
 
Let’s take a brief look:
 
·  Heller Opposed Tax Breaks For Small Businesses And Startups. In 2010, Heller voted against HR 5486, the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2010 that sought to provide $3.6 billion in tax incentives for small businesses.  
 
·  Heller Opposed Creating Jobs and Helping Small Businesses Through Tax Incentives. In 2010, Heller voted against HR 4849, the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act, that sought to help small businesses and create jobs by spurring investment in local rebuilding projects.
 
·  Heller Opposed Extending Credit to Small Businesses. In 2010, Heller opposed HR 5297, the Small Business Jobs Act, that sought to extend credit to small businesses by establishing a $30 billion lending fund to invest in financial institutions like community banks and providing $12 billion in tax breaks. The legislation is expected to create 500,000 jobs.
 
“Will Dean Heller continue his long record of siding with Wall Street billionaires by opposing this pro-small business legislation to help put Nevadans back to work, or will he remember it's an election year an flip flop?” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “Regardless of how he votes, Dean Heller has repeatedly demonstrated he has the wrong priorities for Nevada families, voting to protect taxpayer giveaways to his Big Oil campaign donors while leaving Nevada families hung out to dry.  Nevadans have a clear choice in this election between Shelley Berkley's commitment to creating jobs and providing relief to Nevada’s small businesses, and Dean Heller who would rather give more tax breaks to corporations that ship American jobs overseas than create jobs for Nevada’s middle class.”
]]> 2012-03-26T21:42:01+00:00 What You Didn’t Hear at Heller’s Press Conference T {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – Today, in a blatant attempt to distract from his party introducing a plan nearly identical to the one unelected Senator Dean Heller voted for twice last year that kills Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies, Heller held a press conference to try to stop the bleeding with Nevada seniors.  What you didn’t hear from Heller today was what his own plan does for Nevadans' healthcare.
 
What would Heller’s plan do for Nevadans?  
• Kick young Nevadans in their twenties off their parents’ healthcare plans.   
• Allow insurance companies to deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions.    
• Double the cost of their prescription drugs by reopening the Medicare "donut" hole.
 
“It’s going to take a lot more than last minute press conferences and playing to the cameras for Dean Heller to repair the damage his plan would have on Nevada families and seniors,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “While we appreciate the irony in Heller talking about ‘bad healthcare’ only days after Republicans reintroduced Heller’s plan to kill Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies, Heller cannot hide the fact that his reckless Wall St agenda would be catastrophic for Nevada families and seniors.”

]]> 2012-03-23T19:59:19+00:00 Will Nevada Republicans Again Support GOP Plan to Kill Medicare? {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – Tone deaf much?  Today, House Republicans released their new budget.  After facing massive backlash last year over their budget that even the Wall Street Journal says “essentially ends Medicare” – one would think Washington Republicans would have learned their lesson and stopped trying to turn Medicare over to private insurance companies.  But today, Republicans again made clear that protecting taxpayer giveaways to Big Oil are important enough to pay for them by once again trying to kill Medicare.
 
Last year, unelected Senator Dean Heller said he was “proud” to be the only member of Congress to vote twice for the Republican plan that kills Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies. Rep. Joe Heck voted for it as well, and will be forced to vote on it again next week.  Considering he spent the better part of last year repeatedly calling Social Security a “pyramid scheme,” we’re guessing Joe won’t have a change of heart and will again throw Nevada seniors under the bus. Rep. Mark Amodei?  He called the Republican budget “excellent,” and said he needs to “cozy up” to Paul Ryan – the plan’s architect – “and give him everything he needs.”
 
As for Mitt Romney – he said that as President, he would sign the Republican budget, calling it “bold and right.”
 
The House is expected to vote on the plan next week.
 
“Will Mark Amodei and Joe Heck vote for another Republican budget that kills Medicare by turning it over to private insurance companies, just like the previous plan they supported?” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “And while Dean Heller and Mitt Romney won’t be voting on the plan next week – will they try to distance themselves from it, or embrace  the anti-senior plan just like the last time? Regardless of what they do, Nevadans will have a clear choice in this election between Democrats committed to creating jobs and protecting Social Security and Medicare, and Republicans focused on pulling the rug out from under Nevada seniors while protecting special interest tax breaks.”

]]> 2012-03-20T19:12:55+00:00 Heller Votes Against Clean Energy Legislation Today… After Claiming To Be Clean Energy Advocate {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} Las Vegas, NV – How do you know unelected Senator Dean Heller isn’t being honest on clean energy?  His lips are moving.  After recently touting his work on clean energy in a fundraising email, Heller voted against – wait for it – clean energy legislation today.  You can’t make this stuff up.

Heller voted against an amendment that would extend tax credits for clean energy, such as wind production.  You know – the thing Dean Heller says he supports. 

“After having an opportunity to put his money where his mouth is and vote to bring clean energy jobs to Nevada, today Dean Heller made clear that his rhetoric on clean energy is nothing more than blatant hypocrisy,” said Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Zach Hudson.  “While Shelley Berkley is fighting to bring good-paying clean energy jobs to Nevada, Heller just today voted to kill clean energy growth.  Nevadans have a clear choice in this election between Shelley Berkley’s commitment to harnessing Nevada’s abundance of clean energy resources to put Nevadans back to work, and Dean Heller, whose only commitment is to the Big Oil companies bankrolling his campaign.”
]]> 2012-03-13T20:30:27+00:00 NV DEMS PRESENT: THE WATERBOY STARRING RUSH LIMBAUGH AND DEAN HELLER {title_permalink="press/entry/"} {title_permalink="press/entry/"} From the same team that brought you the Blunt Amendment... 

 

A coming of age tale of one unelected Senator's journey to carry the water for his Party leader's vile attacks on women

 

 

Las Vegas, NV – Coming soon to a women’s health clinic near you – the Nevada State Democratic Party presents “The Waterboy” - starring unelected Senator Dean Heller and de facto leader of the Republican Party, Rush Limbaugh. 

 

One day after Shelley Berkley launched a petition calling on Clear Channel to yank Limbaugh off the air over his disgusting attacks on women, Heller has so far refused to sign the petition.  But after voting for dangerous legislation that restricts women’s access to basic health services like birth control and mammograms just last week, it should come as no surprise that Heller would continue to carry the water for Limbaugh.

 

See below for promotional material for this summer’s coming blockbuster.  We hear the early screenings did not test well with Nevada women.
 
 
 
 
  

]]> 2012-03-09T15:05:56+00:00