Jennifer's blog

The recent Supreme Court ruling that recognizes the right of law-abiding Americans to own guns is important in several ways. First, it recognizes that the people have a constitutional right to defend themselves. Second, it resolves the argument about who makes up the militia – it is the people! Finally, it recognizes that the people, through our government, can decide who cannot have a gun, like convicted criminals, habitual drug abusers, the mentally ill and non-citizens.

In Maryland, we will likely have legal debate about one of the provisions in our State law that requires a person to show “good cause” for getting a carry permit. I think the Supreme Court ruling could cause that requirement to be declared unconstitutional.

While some lawyers and lobbyists on both sides want the battle to continue, I agree with most Americans who believe in our right to “keep and bear arms”. Most of us want to focus on other important issues.

The Presidential Race for ’08 is set – Obama vs. McCain. The historic Democratic Primary was energizing and fascinating in so many ways. More people registered, more people voted in Democratic primaries and more people contributed to the Democratic nominees than ever before. People across party lines have decided it is time to move forward by supporting Senator Barack Obama for President.

I am proud of the campaign waged by Sen. Hillary Clinton and I am proud to endorse Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States. My vote counts the same as yours, being a candidate does not change that, but I believe that the choice is clear – “Hope for the Future” with Obama or “More of the Same” with McCain. The issues are too important and the problems too serious, I know you want solutions. I believe that when elected, the Obama Administration will lead the nation to rational economic policies, thoughtful environmental and energy policies and a responsible way to end the War in Iraq.

Now, I need your attention back in the 6th Congressional District, because it will be more of the same if 8-term incumbent Roscoe Bartlett returns to Congress. I need your financial support. You can contribute online by clicking here. Yes, times are tight, gas prices are through the roof, but contribute what you can – and then tell your friends to do the same. Every $25 or $50 helps to buy a radio ad or a block of yard signs. If you have the means, knock it out of the park and contribute more – the limit is $2,300 per election (and no corporate checks, please)! This election is important, let’s get the job done!

We have a great opportunity in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District. Marylanders are telling us that the economic issues have jumped to the front of the line. They are making tough choices about the simplest things because gas and food costs have cut into their spending power. The home mortgage crisis and real estate problems continue and the stalemate on the War in Iraq nags at every family who has someone serving and every family who worries about the next war. At this point, no one can predict the true cost of the war, but we know that more than 4,100 are dead and more than 30,000 are injured. The $2-3 trillion in costs is probably another low estimate. Things have to change!

I want to work for solutions in the 6th District – we need job creation, energy options and health care choices. Americans want us to return to the world stage as leaders in international diplomacy – working for peace in the Middle East, Africa and North Korea. Americans want us to return to the world stage as leaders in environmental and trade policies that protect our citizens, our environment, and our economy. I believe we can be leaders in the technologies that transform energy production, but it takes a commitment to action. I believe in action.

Now, I need you to act! I need you to make a contribution and send that link to your friends. This election can restore Maryland’s 6th Congressional District to Team Maryland. We can have our voices heard in Congress, but it won’t happen without your help.

Outside of the 6th District, we may be seen as “underdogs” in this race, but I have never heard so many people say “this is the year” and we “will win in November!” I believe it, you believe it and we will make them believe it, but we have to do it together!

Thanks for your help!

Today, Americans pause to honor those who have died in the service of our nation. From the founding of the republic, citizens have found ways to remember and honor those who lost their lives in the service of our nation.

Typically, communities have an All-American Parade with marching bands and Scout Troops. Others have patriotic remembrances at town cemeteries or Memorial Parks. Like you, I will pause today to offer my quiet thanks for their service and sacrifice.

When the day is done, Congress must decide how to best keep the promise made to today’s soldiers. The New G.I. Bill is a step in the right direction. The enhanced benefits for soldiers are a step in the right direction for service men and women who have earned the benefit.

When you see a service man or woman – thank them and then tell them you support the enhanced benefits contained in the new G.I. Bill.

I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day celebrating with family and loved ones. What is more all-American than celebrating Mothers (except maybe apple pie)?

Well, my opponent, Roscoe Bartlett, feels differently. On Wednesday, he voted AGAINST H. Res. 1113, "Celebrating the role of mothers in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Mother's Day."

The MD Democratic Party sent us the message below. Read the story in the Washington Post, check the vote record, then join with me in making sure Rep. Bartlett is voted out in November.

From the Maryland Democratic Party:

Roscoe Bartlett
Entrenched, Ineffective and, throwing Mothers under the bus just before their Big Day

You should know the lengths to which some members of Congress will go to play partisan politics in the nation's capital, including your representative from Maryland's 6th Congressional District.

Read the story and know how far millionaire Roscoe Bartlett will go to play ball with the right-wing to keep health care from children and seniors, destroy Social Security and keep America embroiled in an endless and costly war that fails to keep Americans safe.

Click here to read the Washington Post article

Click here to read the House vote record

Just when families finish juggling last year’s taxes, Republican Presidential candidate Senator John McCain supports a plan that places a larger tax burden on American workers. Just today he said, “We need tax policies that respect workers” and encourage work, but his plan for reforming the nation’s health care system sends a chilling message to working Americans who would lose employer-provided health benefits and pay more in taxes.

The Republican plan would:

• Make health benefits a taxable benefit requiring working people who get their health coverage through work to pay higher taxes

• Encourage employers to discontinue offering health care benefits
• Force people to negotiate with big insurance companies on their own
• Support the creation of Health Savings Accounts with high deductibles
• Offer a tax credit $2500 (individual) and $5000 (family) to offset insurance costs
  • Average cost per individual almost $6000/year

  • Average cost per family almost $7500/year

I agree that we need to reform our nation’s health care system and soon. We cannot allow 47 million Americans including nearly 9 million children to go without adequate health care. I support universal health care coverage that is fair and allows choice, but on a day when most Americans are focused on paying their taxes, I want to state my opposition to a plan that increases taxes on working people. I will work to:

• Maintain employer-sponsored health care benefits

• Allow individuals to buy from the federal employees’ plan
• Provide tax credits to small businesses offering health care benefits
  • address need to access affordable plans

  • provide credits up to 50%
  • complement tax credits to individuals/families
• Limit premiums to percentage of income
• Strengthen Medicare to protect Seniors and allow early retirees to buy-in
• Strengthen Medicaid and SCHIP to provide adequate health care to lower-income families, especially children

Saturday, March 15th is another chance to join us for a Volunteer Orientation for the campaign. Two weeks ago, 25 people showed up to offer their time and energy to us WIN IN NOVEMBER. We know that it will take lots of time and energy – but we are ready ! Please join us on Saturday, March 15th from 9-11 AM at Jennifer’s Restaurant, 207 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD (301) 662 – 0373. If you need more information, please e-mail us at volunteer@jennifer08.com.

You don’t need any experience, just a desire to make progress in Congress! We have teams working on everything from media and press releases, events coordination and envelope stuffing.

In addition to helping with the Jennifer for Congress Campaign, we encourage people to sign up for the Democratic Neighborhood Leader Program. Join the team on Saturday or get more information at www.democrats.org.

Irish Night at the Pub Fundraiser

Thanks to all who have responded to the invitation, It looks like there will be a great turnout! We will keep the momentum rolling to a WIN IN NOVEMBER while celebrating Jennifer’s Patron Saint Patrick! Please contact us if you forgot to RSVP and want to join in the fun! E-mail us at campaign@jennifer08.com .

Wow! What a fantastic week! The energy and excitement about delivering a WIN IN NOVEMBER is felt throughout the District! I know that we will do it, because people in the 6th District want to make some progress on issues that matter to us.

On March 1st, 25 new volunteers – Democrats, Independents and Republicans – brought their ideas and commitment to an Orientation Session. The next Orientation is scheduled for Saturday, March 15th at 9:30-11AM (Jennifer’s Restaurant, 207 W. Patrick Street, Frederick, MD).

The United Democrats of Frederick County welcomed me on Monday. The BIG QUESTION: How can we convince Independents and Republicans to vote for me? It’s really simple: We’ll tell them about Dr. Bartlett’s record. It’s pretty clear to political observers that Dr. Bartlett has made a long career of saying one thing in the District and doing another thing when he gets to Washington.

Tuesday and Wednesday were marathon days in Allegany County, Washington and Harford Counties. The Harford County Democratic Club is FANTASTIC! They have a great organization and they are able to get out the voters in Harford County!

Thanks to everyone who helped with the new and improved website!

If you want to attend the March 12th IRISH NIGHT AT THE PUB, there is still time to RSVP: e-mail us at campaign@jenniferdougherty.com – tickets are $150 per person. The event is from 6-9PM.

The next Volunteer Orientation is Saturday, March 15th – 9:30AM-11AM at Jennifer’s Restaurant, 207 W. Patrick Street, Frederick. Please let us know you are attending by e-mailing volunteer@jenniferdougherty.com.

Thanks for a great start to the General Election campaign and our march to a WIN IN NOVEMBER!

The Democratic Primary was a great day for dedicated voters – the candidates, the issues facing our District and the weather combined to create excitement. I respected each candidate’s right to be in the race and am proud that the Democratic Primary was focused on issues. I want to thank Robin, Larry, Rick and Andrew for a race well-run. The debate was positive and each person made some good points.

This race is not about just winning a Primary. I am focused on winning the November 4th election so we can make some progress in Congress. People in the 6th District – Democrats, Independents and like-minded Republicans are talking about “change”, but people don’t want change for the sake of change alone. We know that what we really want is someone who will work hard for the District and stay focused on the important issues.

By winning the Primary, voters said that it’s time to elect someone who has a record of balancing a government budget and making choices that meet community goals. Voters said that it’s time to elect someone who has experience in small business and understands the strains faced by families and businesses – whether energy costs, food costs or health insurance.