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Five term Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones just died. The Ohio congresswoman suffered a brain aneurysm yesterday while driving and was rushed to the hospital. Report just came in from CNN.

Updates coming shortly.

Cross-posted at Blue Jersey.

Josh Zeitz is the Democratic nominee in New Jersey's Fourth Congressional district. He is running against Republican Chris Smith, who has backed George Bush's economic and foreign policies and who serves as the chair of the anti-choice caucus in the House.

Chris Smith says that he wants to run on his record in Congress. Unfortunately, there are parts of his record that voters may find less than appealing. We are going to tell voters about some things Chris Smith doesn't want you to know about his record, like his vote against giving consumers all the information they need to make the right choices when buying food.

Salmonella in our vegetables is only the latest consumer safety crisis families have faced in recent years. From problems with drugs like Vioxx, Vytorin, and Avandia to poison in lead paint used in our children's toys and toxic substances in our toothpaste, our consumer safety protections have failed us. Consumer groups have been pushing for years to require all food imports to contain Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). One would think this is a fairly simple concept on which people in both parties could agree.

Incredibly, in 2005, Smith Opposed Country of Origin Labeling on Meat Products. The vote blocked the government from requiring labels that would tell shoppers from what country their meat comes. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) of food benefits American consumers and farmers. COOL provides U.S. raised products with a competitive advantage over foreign products because U.S. consumers, if offered a clear choice, choose fresh foods of domestic origin over foods of foreign origin.  

Origin information is essential to protecting consumers whenever specific health and safety problems arise that may be linked to imported foods. Risks include  diseases like mad cow disease in Canada and Europe.
(Associated Press, 6/8/05; Americans for Country of Origin Labeling, "Reasons for Labeling," (link) ; CRS Report for Congress, "Country-of-Origin Labeling for Foods: Current Law and Proposed Changes," 03/27/01; (link)) Smith, Christopher  (NJ/R) Y  2005 231 HR 2744 Failed 187-240

"Why did Chris Smith vote against protecting our food supply by requiring the labeling foreign food products clearly for consumers. Americans who prefer to buy American should be given that option, and Chris Smith's opposition to this measure is senseless," said Josh Zeitz Campaign Manager Steve D'Amico.

The campaign is entering a critical phase and we need your support. You can contribute at Josh's ActBlue page. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact ian_at_joshzeitz_dot_com. Please visit Josh's website to learn more about why we need to elect Josh to Congress.

Cross-posted at Clintonistas for Obama.

From Real Clear Politics:

In a close election I figure McCain will have to win the following dead heat states: VA, OH, COL, NEV and FL. Fl and VA may well go R due to historical leanings though the $ spent in FL and the rapidly changing demos of VA may alter that. Note to O- Kaine will abolutely have no impact in the state. OH truly is tight- the economy vs. the Bradley effect. Appalachia vs. Illinois influence- and frankly, the OH voter is as unpredictable as their thinking. OH was one of the few states that Bush did worse last election. Is this a trend? However, the dimwit voters may confuse McCain with McKinley. For now, I say OH is R despite same day registrations voting day.  COL looks like it has all the indications of being D. The negatives are that it is an evangelical and military state. The positives, everything else is D. The convention may swing the state; and if not the water issue will certainly will.  I say this is O's firewall. NV should also go O because of unionization and GOTV efforts. This last two states are two D trending states that may benefit with a good VP selection. If it is a VA pick, I hope it is a Webb, who may actually swing the state, unlike Kaine, and that way Kaine can appoint the replacement and thereby keeping the senate seat in D hands.    

There has been a lot of hand wringing, and a few I told you so's about Obama's latest poll numbers and the apparent tightening of the race. Everybody is wondering why, in what would appear to be a very favorable year for the Democrats is it tight at all. Bush's favorably ratings are at around 30%, an unpopular war, high oil  prices and a rotten economy. I mean this should be a cake walk, right?

Well maybe not. Let's face it, the Republican's may have lucked into the  the best candidate to go up against us. McCain's got a 20 year brand as a "maverick" some one who goes against the grain of the the standard Republican. I'm not speaking to the truth of this brand, but the perception and there is a big difference between reality and perception. Perception tends to win in the short term until folks start paying attention. And right now I don't think the majority of the electorate is paying attention.

Next are we really expecting to much. Gallup has an interesting read on this:

Look at my past diaries. Look at all the latest polls. Obama is losing ground or has lost the lead. John Kerry was polling better electoraly and nationally four years ago this week. Now, Obama has been hit as a hollywood star, as an elitist, and a snob. He is labeled out of touch with the middle class.

We all know who can save him. He needs to do what he can to win the White House. A BORING WHITE GUY will not save him. Only THE WOMAN can save him now.

He needs to put aside his arrogance, his snob appeal, and this elitist attitude.

He would be fortunate enought if she said yes.

Before you lash out at me...check out all the available websites:
http://www.politicalwire.com/
http://www.taylormarsh.com/
http://www.politico.com/

And yes, your beloved DailyKos...Obama is turning into the new Dukakis and I will not forgive him if he loses this winnable election. He has lost what lead he had!

PUT ASIDE YOU PRIDE OBAMA:

OBAMA/CLINTON   The Dream Team

An AlterNet article Republicans Have Handed Democrats a Winning Election Issue (http://www.alternet.org/environment/9546 9/) proposes that the Democrats, and Obama in particular, should shift the focus of the energy crisis to renewable energy and away from offshore oil.  According to the article, they should place the emphasis on renewable energy and allow the Republicans to filibuster in Congress against a bill proposing to extend subsidies to the renewable energy sector.  The filibuster would expose the Republican's real agenda, which is to continue to support the oil industry and cut off funding for renewables.