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Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama may get the votes of his neighbors in the Hyde Park section of Chicago, but at the moment they’re mighty unhappy with their senator. And they’re going to stay that way at least until Election Day.
Tourists jostle with security agents in the 5000 block of South Greenwood Avenue, where Obama’s home has been fortified on both sides with concrete barriers. Only residents — who have to show ID to get to their homes — are allowed to drive along the street, but there’s not much point: Practically every tree and light pole has a “No Parking” sign on it.
“It’s probably 20 or 30 cars that park between these two areas that now have to find someplace else to park in an already parking-strained neighborhood,” grumbled Rod Sawyer, who lives on the street.
And forget about catching the bus. Until recently, the Chicago Transit Authority had a stop on Obama’s corner, but no more. CTA drivers zip right past now.
“All of that has stopped,” Sawyer said.
Who foots the bill?
Obama’s neighbors are learning firsthand the hassles that come with close encounters with presidential campaigns. And they are not alone. Across the country, when the candidates come to town, local taxpayers often pay dearly for the privilege of a quick glimpse or a handshake, not only in irritation but in cash.
Chicago officials won’t reveal how much it’s costing taxpayers to keep gawkers and cars away from Obama’s home. Some of that cost is borne by the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service, but other expenses fall on police, public works and transit agencies.
If other cities are any indication, it’s quite a chunk of money. When Obama visited Middletown, N.J., last month for a private fundraising dinner at the home of rock star Jon Bon Jovi, police estimated their overtime costs at $14,000.
And if you’re in a so-called battleground state, where the candidates drop by again and again, the costs skyrocket. In 2004, when President Bush, Sen. John Kerry, their running mates and their relatives visited Ohio frequently, Columbus and Franklin counties alone tallied more than $600,000 in police overtime, The Columbus Dispatch calculated.
The same story is playing out this year in Kansas City, Mo., where officials were already wrestling with a budget shortfall reaching into tens of millions of dollars. Obama and his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, have campaigned there repeatedly because Missouri is seen as a swing state.
Obama made his fifth stop Saturday in Kansas City; McCain has made at least four. Every visit adds up to expenses that aren’t in the city’s budget.
At the request of the Secret Service, Kansas City police declined to tell msnbc.com how much the visits have cost. But City Manager Wayne Cauthen told NBC affiliate KSHB of Kansas City that by the time Election Day rolls around, administrators will have scrounged for hundreds of thousands of dollars for police overtime, airport security and disrupted transportation, severely aggravating a budget crisis that has already strained the city to near the breaking point.
“It’s something we hadn’t planned on,” Cauthen said. “We don’t know when a candidate is coming to our city and how long they’re going to stay and what they’re going to do.”
Reimbursement not required
Some cities have managed to work out reimbursement arrangements with the candidates’ parties. But such arrangements are ad hoc, and they are not the norm, because there are no laws or regulations saying the parties — or the federal government, when the FBI and the Secret Service are involved — have any obligation to pony up.
Money is tight in Johnstown, Pa., where Treasurer Michael Gifford told the Common Council this month that preliminary budget numbers showed that the city might have to raise property tax rates by 3 percent to 5 percent next year.
When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain’s vice presidential running mate, stopped in town this month, City Manager Curt Davis turned down the Secret Service’s request for a bomb-sniffing dog, because there was no money in the budget for the handler’s overtime.
The city also sent the local Republican Party a bill for police overtime. The amount — just $294 — wasn’t the point, since only a couple of extra officers were needed. It was the principle: The city is tired of being short-changed and wants political campaigns to pay their fair share, officials said, noting that neither Obama nor his primary opponent, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., had reimbursed agencies for their visits in the spring.
Jerry Matysik, police chief in Eau Claire, Wis., which rang up $28,000 in unbudgeted expenses four years ago after visits from the Bush and Kerry campaigns, acknowledged that “it’s nice to have candidates visit — I think some people find that exciting and interesting.”
But “it’s not without cost,” said Matysik.
“Various communities, sheriff’s departments, police departments in the past have tried to collect money that is spent on these,” he said. “It’s been turned down consistently.”
The Wisconsin State Patrol, which is also involved in security efforts, doesn’t even bother asking.
“That’s the price of doing business,” Sgt. Jerry Voight said. “We try to limit the amount that we’re going to spend on it — keep people on straight time, limit the amount of overtime.”
‘Sense of community obligation’
Likewise, Jeff Rea, mayor of Mishawaka, Ind., never sought reimbursement for $2,000 in unbudgeted costs his city incurred when the Clinton campaign came to town last spring.
“We ... feel a certain sense of community obligation to work with the FBI and Secret Service when they call for help,” Rea said.
But some residents say they shouldn't have to bear the burden.
“The campaign should pay,” said Dan Aryea of Mishawaka. “That’s what they raise money for, for things like that.”
Debbie Greenslees, another resident, agreed, saying, “Our county and city government are already taxed.”
Spokesmen for the Obama and McCain campaigns said they could not comment on security matters. But Obama acknowledged the issue last month when he explained why he didn’t visit Mississippi as Hurricane Ike approached the Gulf Coast.
“The thing that I always am concerned about in the middle of a storm is whether we’re drawing resources away from folks on the ground,” Obama said. “Because [of] the Secret Service and various security requirements, sometimes it pulls police, fire and other departments away from concentrating on the job.”
McCain took a different tack in June, turning down a request from Iowa Gov. Chet Culver to cancel a campaign visit while resources were diverted to recovering from floods that swamped the state.
David Roederer, McCain’s state campaign chairman, said aides made sure McCain’s trip wouldn’t hamper the recovery operation. But Obama canceled his June visit at the request of state officials.
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6.9
2.2
{"commentId":3586772,"authorDomain":"bob-51"}
Alex Johnson, you are an idiot! You should take this story down!
{"commentId":3586772,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"bob-51"}
- 3 votes
#1 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:08 AM EDT{"commentId":3588243,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
Wow, I wonder what it's costing to cover the Mccain's SEVEN homes????????????? Talk about wasteful spending!!!!!
{"commentId":3588243,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":3588572,"authorDomain":"bigjack"}
So???
Who cares???
What a useless article.
Pffft!
{"commentId":3588572,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"bigjack"}
{"commentId":3589157,"authorDomain":"jenianbob"}
SH, that is the kind of comment that is mean and NEGATIVE you know perfectly well he is not living in them You seem to think you are making a sharp point
{"commentId":3589157,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"jenianbob"}
{"commentId":3589808,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
Mean and negative I've learned from observing Mccain & especially Palin. But that said, do know that security will at ALL of the candidates homes, if they are residing there or not.
{"commentId":3589808,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3589970,"authorDomain":"pooronalivingwage"}
But you don't say anything when it comes to protecting Britney Spears house!
{"commentId":3589970,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"pooronalivingwage"}
{"commentId":3592147,"authorDomain":"dddo"}
I disagree there is someone living in Mccain's houses. Women lobbyists.
{"commentId":3592147,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"dddo"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3594792,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
pooronalivingwage-627512, Did not think of it, I'm not one for popstars, etc. Good point!!!!
{"commentId":3594792,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
{"commentId":3614924,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
http://www.wasillaproject.com/index/2008/10/sarah-palin-fis.html
{"commentId":3614924,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
{"commentId":3586822,"authorDomain":"cycleguy-gmw64"}
This story really shows who in this country controls the overall political environment. The media. This was a story headlined to be about the effects of campaign visits by the candidates on local communities. The slide show however shows that it truely was a free campaign ad for the democratic candidate. 15 out 16 photos were of or about him. I refuse to mention his name here as it ws mentioned plenty already in the article. I'm sure they will argue that they could only find one good picture of McCain or something to that effect. But then since the story was supposed to be about the strains that campaign visits put on localities, why weren't any of the pictures related to that. The only picture of a police car really had nothing to do with it at all. None of them did, not even the ONE picture of McCain. Why don't we just save a lot of time and a WHOLE LOT of money and just let the media appoint the president!? Oh, but then that would cost them, the media, a WHOLE LOT of money wouldn't it.
{"commentId":3586822,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"cycleguy-gmw64"}
- 1 vote
#2 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:21 AM EDT{"commentId":3588264,"authorDomain":"mschore"}
What nonsense! What the story really points out is that for a "popular" candidate there is an impact on the communities they visit. When Obama goes anywhere at the moment a huge turnout is always a possibility. The same can't be said of the GOP candidates. For instance, Obama 100,000+ turnout in St. Louis, McCain 2000 turnout in NC. 100,000 people take a lot to control. 2000, not so much. Sounds like a little jealousy going on. If you want some media attention maybe they could help this Vet understand the Ayers attacks versus the traitor Todd and his wife Caribou Barbie??? (AIM is a treasonous organization in my book.)
What is really the problem in this country is that people will not engage in politics! We have the greatest country in the world and the controlling classes ($$$) don't want us to pass literature out in front of polling places or register voters in shopping areas because someone might be offended-bahwah!!! (I have experienced both of these situations.) Yet the people, like willing sheep to the slaughter, are too busy to get involved or make any sacrifices to make their system work. What a joke.
{"commentId":3588264,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"mschore"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":3589219,"authorDomain":"jenianbob"}
People like you are the problem. When did Palin become a traitor and guess your command of the english language is short if you can not think of what to call Governor Palin
Sick, sick sick people
{"commentId":3589219,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"jenianbob"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3589680,"authorDomain":"GrabanIdiot"}
Jean,
Would you like to straighten out your grammar ? You have mangled the English language. Try using the proper punctuations so we can understand what you are trying to say.
Or are you just being faithful to the tradition Palin has set ---- TALKING BUT NOT THINKING.
{"commentId":3589680,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"GrabanIdiot"}
- 3 votes
{"commentId":3591688,"authorDomain":"douglasmcdavid"}
I'll mention it for you Senator Barrack Obama! And why shouldn't it be, He's the most favorite candidate. And with all the racism in the republican rallys...he needs the extra security. At the moment, Senator Obama has the security level of Bush himself. His children also have secret service protection along with his wife. Would you expect anything less?
OBAMA / BIDEN 2008 !!
{"commentId":3591688,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"douglasmcdavid"}
{"commentId":3594824,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
you can not think of what to call Governor Palin-Jean-357410
I can think of what to call Gov. Palin, but if I used it I'd be blocked on Newsvine.
{"commentId":3594824,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
{"commentId":3586863,"authorDomain":"jradmacher"}
Can’t we discuss issues without calling people names that are demeaning and hateful? Is there no place for civility in American politics? I am not saying that I haven’t fallen in the trap after reading some inflammatory comments others have made. I am going to do my best not to fall into this negativity trap anymore and I invite others to do the same. This name calling reminds me of grade school were the bullies on the playground outnumber the peaceful children. If you are trying to make a point and get people who have a different view on the world you are not going to change their mind by calling them names. Unfortunately this negativity and name calling is dividing our country at a time when we need to unite to tackle the tough issues that we are facing today. What happened to the times that we were all proud to be Americans, not Republicans or Democrats? We spend more time spewing hate at each other than we do the terrorist and the people that are trying to harm our country and our way of life. I imagine that our real enemies are laughing at us, watching us tear each other down. Where did all of this hate and negativity come from? I can’t answer that question but wouldn’t it be nice if we started respecting other people’s point of view instead of attacking them for it. I hope that anyone reading this will do there best not to be sucked into this maladaptive, negative and nation dividing behavior.
{"commentId":3586863,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"jradmacher"}
- 4 votes
#3 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 7:31 AM EDT{"commentId":3586960,"authorDomain":"bob-51"}
You're right, it's the media that frustrates me. I should have said something like, "its unfortunate that local municipalities endure these costs, but don't give out senator Obamas address and make it even harder on local authorities."
{"commentId":3586960,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"bob-51"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3590776,"authorDomain":"ming31"}
Thank you Joe. Your post is excellent. The political process is supposed to be our chance to listen to the candidates and their ideas and make our choice through our vote. This process has turned ugly and vindictive. Name calling, racism, false accusations all abound. I have never seen so much anger and hate amongst American citizens. Civility is definitely called for as well as a bit of maturity. Again, thank you.
{"commentId":3590776,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"ming31"}
{"commentId":3587064,"authorDomain":"kab459"}
Why in the world did they publish Obama's address? Just to make it even easier for folks to find the place and buzz the neighborhood?
If he is elected, I wonder what the place will be like. He'll probably have to find a more remote Midwestern White House. Maybe on Maui?
{"commentId":3587064,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"kab459"}
- 2 votes
#4 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:11 AM EDT{"commentId":3590152,"authorDomain":"yorichy1"}
FYI.......For any one who owns a house your address is public knowledge..any one can look up your address at your local city registar's web site........
{"commentId":3590152,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"yorichy1"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3598367,"authorDomain":"kab459"}
I realize that, but not everyone does, and posting it in a newspaper just invites more gawkers - and adds nothing to the news article. I'm sure the police didnt appreciate it.
{"commentId":3598367,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"kab459"}
{"commentId":3587240,"authorDomain":"4liberty1954"}
When Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain’s vice presidential running mate, stopped in town this month, City Manager Curt Davis turned down the Secret Service’s request for a bomb-sniffing dog, because there was no money in the budget for the handler’s overtime.
This should simply be the response of every local and state agency for requests for free resources.
If the candidates want security, let 'em pay for it themselves. Why should we have to foot the bill for these morons to try and sell their BS for the opportunity to steal even more money from us?
Yes, I realize this isn't a realistic proposal. It would actually require having a majority of citizens with intelligence higher than chimpanzees. A pipe dream.
{"commentId":3587240,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"4liberty1954"}
- 2 votes
#5 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:32 AM EDT{"commentId":3588185,"authorDomain":"rockyhnd"}
When the Bush campaign stopped in Dubuque, Ia. all highway traffic, river traffic was stopped for the day. Plus the sky was swarming with helicopters and no road for at least 25 miles around was open to traffic. My husband was trying to keep a doctors appointment and then come home. I agree they all should pay up for the cost and inconvenience. Dream on!!
{"commentId":3588185,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"rockyhnd"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3588299,"authorDomain":"mschore"}
It is our political system--don't like it then change it and stop whining about it. Get involved. The temporary inconvenience of a stop by a major candidate is less important then making the process work. What whining!! Maybe Graham was right.
{"commentId":3588299,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"mschore"}
{"commentId":3593209,"authorDomain":"4liberty1954"}
don't like it then change it and stop whining about it
Sort of like how we "changed it" when 90% of our Congress' constituents said no bailout. Love how they listened.
If you actually believe that you can change anything in our one-party system you are: a) an insider with the wealth and connections to buy whores, oops, Senators/Congressmen, or b) extremely naive.
{"commentId":3593209,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"4liberty1954"}
{"commentId":3587281,"authorDomain":"boo-331080"}
It figures, stick it to the tax payers again and again and again, but it is the peoples fault in the first place, for voting in these idiots... lets see if anybody else can give themselves pay raises... They are suppose to work for the people, so don't you think they should ask the people for a raise ? Even the local Governments give themselves raises too... I know of a mayor in NJ, that gave himself a $37,000 raise, boy I wish I could give myself a raise like that... People just keep going back for more abuse... People are Idiots in this Country, Just like the so many people that voted for Clinton because they thought he was good looking, and he looked a little like JFK... People in this Country never learn, they have to learn the hard way...
{"commentId":3587281,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"boo-331080"}
- 2 votes
#6 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:37 AM EDT{"commentId":3588209,"authorDomain":"rockyhnd"}
How did you suffer during the Clinton administration? Other than listening to people like Rush Limbaugh rant lies!
{"commentId":3588209,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"rockyhnd"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3588333,"authorDomain":"mschore"}
I think we have with 8 years of Bush and 26 years of Reaganomics. I feel the trickle-down effect alright and it isn't water from the rich and corpratista falling on my head.
{"commentId":3588333,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"mschore"}
{"commentId":3589923,"authorDomain":"boo-331080"}
The Government is nothing more than Legalized Mafia, and they put Mafia people in jail for doing the same things the Government does everyday...
{"commentId":3589923,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"boo-331080"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3587860,"authorDomain":"jgb2010"}
{"commentId":3588212,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
"The thing that I always am concerned about in the middle of a storm is whether we're drawing resources away from folks on the ground," Obama said. "Because [of] the Secret Service and various security requirements, sometimes it pulls police, fire and other departments away from concentrating on the job."
McCain took a different tack in June, turning down a request from Iowa Gov. Chet Culver to cancel a campaign visit while resources were diverted to recovering from floods that swamped the state.
TAX and SPEND liberalism Coaster1? Wow better read again, look at the differences here. Mccain REFUSED to cancel during a state of emergency, per the governors request. Mccain's judgment looks more and more Bushes everyday, selfish and dumb.
{"commentId":3588212,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
- 3 votes
#8 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:09 AM EDT{"commentId":3588347,"authorDomain":"dddo"}
Amen!
{"commentId":3588347,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"dddo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3589328,"authorDomain":"jenianbob"}
And please note it did not divert any help away from the flood so that does mean it could be done when there is no flood
{"commentId":3589328,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"jenianbob"}
{"commentId":3589749,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
Really, then why would the Gov. Of that state ask to postpone it? John Mccain tried to postpone the debates to go to Washington for the bailout, surly he could have waited when lives where at stake.
{"commentId":3589749,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
{"commentId":3588227,"authorDomain":"brent-koller"}
Sense of community obligation'???? What a crock!! Sense of community obligation doesnt pay the bills, I think they need to cut the stuff on tv and the crap we get in the mail ans start paying the REAL bills
{"commentId":3588227,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"brent-koller"}
- 1 vote
#9 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:10 AM EDT{"commentId":3588370,"authorDomain":"mschore"}
Typical response from someone who doesn't get it. You ARE the problem. You are the weakest link--now just go.
{"commentId":3588370,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"mschore"}
{"commentId":3588490,"authorDomain":"rgruesbeck"}
Don't political events lead to sales by stores, restaurants, gas stations, stays in hotels, and visits to other local attractions? Don't swing states benefit from the dollars the campaigns pump into their states? I am sure that the news organizations covering these events pay into the local economy. Certainly looking at the costs without considering the benefits is not something to get all worked up over.
We do need to meet these people if we are to begin to make informed voting choices. Democracy does cost money. A dictator might be cheaper, but the dictator might not give the country, other than his cronies etc., an opportunity to flourish - a lot of lost opportunity. An investment in the political process is an investment in America.
Very few of the comments above have much to do with the article. I do think that spending and taxing is more responsible than spending without taxing. As an independent, the last 8 years have left me wondering what has happened to one the Republicans' best traits - fiscal responsibility. We will be paying for this for many years to come through cash, lost productivty, lost good will, seniors without retirement funds, medical bills of soldiers, etc.
{"commentId":3588490,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"rgruesbeck"}
#10 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:29 AM EDT{"commentId":3589015,"authorDomain":"mtb756"}
could someone explain to me how a police chief can deny a request to say how much was spent on security because the secret service told him not to tell. aren't these public funds we are talking about???
{"commentId":3589015,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"mtb756"}
- 1 vote
#11 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:02 AM EDT{"commentId":3589047,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
the last 8 years have left me wondering what has happened to one the Republicans' best traits - fiscal responsibility. Well it looks like they threw fiscal responsibility away when they decided to spend $700 Billion and COUNTING on the Wrong war in the Wrong place at the Wrong time. W as in George W Bush is what happened to republicans and now they want us to vote for 4 more years of that with 90% Mccain, what a joke! Won't vote for 4 more years of the same.
{"commentId":3589047,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
- 1 vote
#12 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:04 AM EDT{"commentId":3589098,"authorDomain":"mtb756"}
Could someone explain to me how the police chief in Kansas City can deny a request for information on how much money was spent on security because he was told to not say by the Secret Service. Aren't these public funds we are talking about??
{"commentId":3589098,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"mtb756"}
#13 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:06 AM EDT{"commentId":3591125,"authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
If Dick Cheney can withhold information from Congress or the Public, I guess the Secret Service can, too.
{"commentId":3591125,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
{"commentId":3592503,"authorDomain":"widemoto"}
With tax payers money being used in funding the police dept. full disclosure should be made upon request. Both campaign parties should fund the cost of local police for security in light of economic and financial difficulties many cities and towns are being faced with in this crisis.
The candidates are both claiming wanting to ease the hard times of Americans so they should try to do so in every way they can even before they are elected to office.
This would be is one way of showing their sincerity. Action outperforms word and promises.
{"commentId":3592503,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"widemoto"}
{"commentId":3589367,"authorDomain":"johnlaz"}
Under what authority can they close down a public street and only allow access for people who live on that street? Showing id and such to gain access to a residential street sounds pretty disgusting to me.
{"commentId":3589367,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"johnlaz"}
#14 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:21 AM EDT{"commentId":3589416,"authorDomain":"jenianbob"}
Is anyone going to tell us who has sent in the 605 million $$$ to the Obama campaign?? It is a law that the names must be given to the public, McCain has listed all of his but Obama refuses to answer
When you add the Unions funds and the pac money there will be at least ONE BILLION $$$ spent by Obama to get the presidentcy and unknow amounts are from overseas.
Am I the only one that cares ? Remember that for years you have called the Republicans the party of the Rich and that They were buying the election. What is this?
{"commentId":3589416,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"jenianbob"}
- 2 votes
#15 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:24 AM EDT{"commentId":3589711,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
What is this?
OUR TURN.
Go Obama!!!!!!
{"commentId":3589711,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
{"commentId":3589718,"authorDomain":"GrabanIdiot"}
Why dont you address your question to Obama ? Why ask us ? The intelligent thing to do is to request for the roll of donors directly from them. Why should we do the work for you ? Do you pay us ?
{"commentId":3589718,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"GrabanIdiot"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3590121,"authorDomain":"benramz2"}
I would love to ask Barack Obama a series of questions, but based on his history he will not answer them. He mumbles and talks change but never answers the question of the moment.
{"commentId":3590121,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"benramz2"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3590510,"authorDomain":"john-69"}
If you do ask a simple question of Obama, and he gives you his truthful answer, you get the anal media exam. Just ask Joe.
Don't ask any tough questions of the man with no real good answers.
{"commentId":3590510,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"john-69"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3591075,"authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
Just ask Joe? Do you mean "Joe the Plumber?" If so, the answer would not be truthful or knowledgeable since it has been shown that Joe the Plumber has never been a Master Plumber, a Journeyman plumber, or even an Apprentice Plumber. He also makes about $40,000 per year, not $250,000.
Campaigns are required to follow accounting and disclosure rules as covered by the Federal Election Commission. Besides the fact that I question your assertion that "it is a law that the names must be given to the public" where is this list of every name and amount given by every McCain donor if "McCain has listed all of his?"
If you want to find out about the donors to any campaign that the FEC is required by law to have disclosed, you should call the FEC. Right now, all you are doing is Crying Wolf! Or Moose!
{"commentId":3591075,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
{"commentId":3591121,"authorDomain":"kalenajoy"}
Jean-35740: your questions are reasonable and justified. I'm just not sure you'll ever get a 100% honest answer from the Obama campaign reps. The info should be posted on their website but is it accurate? Can't say for sure but I doubt it.
{"commentId":3591121,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"kalenajoy"}
{"commentId":3591734,"authorDomain":"john-69"}
Hey - Flash You're a little wrong on both subjects. First, Joe the plumber was asking why Obama would want more tax money from him "if" he bought the business and made over $250,000.00. Obama said "I want to spread the wealth around". It was the answer that Obama gave that got peoples attention. So the press goes after Joe. His name isn't really Joe, he owes back taxes, he's been divorced, he's related to Charles Keating (a lie), he lived in Alaska, must have been planted by McCain. ETC...
Second, election laws do not require reporting donations under $200.00. Obama claims most of his donations are under $200.00 and will not give names. But the money is bundled in very large amounts? Why won't he list the names? Could any of it be from overseas? McCain lists all names.
Right now all you're doing is crying foul when there is none.
{"commentId":3591734,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"john-69"}
{"commentId":3594903,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
benramz2, okay I get that you don't like Obama, but mumbles? LOL! Come on! If you are going to insult, choose something that you can argue. LOL! Agree with him or not, the man is truly one of great speakers of our time.
{"commentId":3594903,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
{"commentId":3589737,"authorDomain":"napostol"}
This is the same story residents of the District of Columbia feel every day. Our police and taxes protect the President, VP, Cabinet Members and Ambassadors when they travel around town in police caravans. Our police lead the caravan, end the caravan and our police close the side streets, and clear the streets. Yes, we get a payment from the Feds, but we also do not have any representation in Congress. Where is the justice?
{"commentId":3589737,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"napostol"}
- 1 vote
#16 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:42 AM EDT{"commentId":3589860,"authorDomain":"yorichy1"}
I live in Virginia and when Barack Obama with all his millions came to town it cost the tax payers here $20,000 in time and 1/2 for police and fire fighters etc...when John Mccain came to town he actually paid a fee and the city actually made money on his campaign..so tell me who is the honest canidate here...who is the one who really cares.........I think if Obama really cared about main st like he keeps spewing he would of made sure main st got some cash for his almighty presence.....another thing that Pi--ed me off is that whem obama came he spoke a 2 local schools yes they allowed him to campaign at a local school the same exzact day diffrent town though Mccain was told at the last min that he could not campaign at a school so he had to move everything to a local park......seems there is reverse discrimination happening....seems the American people are buying into a big joke and the American people are going to pay DEARLY if Barack Hussein Obama is elected.....Obama...Oasam... only diffrence is BS...vot eMccain?Palin in 08 Country first
{"commentId":3589860,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"yorichy1"}
- 2 votes
#17 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:49 AM EDT{"commentId":3590071,"authorDomain":"rodfather39"}
the city bills the DNC or the RNC for overtime for city workers.
{"commentId":3590071,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"rodfather39"}
{"commentId":3590209,"authorDomain":"yorichy1"}
not according to our city council meeting...and I am pretty sure they are in the know...Barack's visit cost them $20,000
{"commentId":3590209,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"yorichy1"}
{"commentId":3590855,"authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
I am skeptical about the information you were given, beanne. If there really were any additional expense that were charged to visitors like musicians or politicians, the city should have charged the same fee to everyone. I suspect the story you got is not accurate. If the McCain people did pay a fee but the Obama people did not pay a fee, perhaps the Obama people worked the logistics so that they did not end up incurring the fees that the less efficient McCain people created? Maybe the $20,000 difference is a problem within your city's local administration?
Also, the numbers you are being given probably do not include the increased revenue brought in by travel and per diem expenses by reporters, campaign staff, Secret Service agents, etc. Then there is the revenue brought in for the hall or convention center where the event was being held. Revenue minus expenses= profit or loss.
{"commentId":3590855,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
{"commentId":3590028,"authorDomain":"saral6978"}
I guess I don't understand why their campaign funds that they raise do not go towards expenses like these?! I mean, they are campaigning - that's what the money should be used for! What the heck are they spending all that money on? Can't just be ads, flyers & literature. Paying the special interest groups and lobbyists, I guess...?
{"commentId":3590028,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"saral6978"}
#18 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:57 AM EDT{"commentId":3590051,"authorDomain":"rodfather39"}
This has got to be the most retarded entertainment article, posing as a news article, that I have ever seen.
{"commentId":3590051,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"rodfather39"}
#19 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:59 AM EDT{"commentId":3590300,"authorDomain":"fdellanoce"}
Useless article.
{"commentId":3590300,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"fdellanoce"}
#20 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:12 PM EDT{"commentId":3594919,"authorDomain":"sha-1"}
Then why comment?
{"commentId":3594919,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"sha-1"}
{"commentId":3590339,"authorDomain":"lynn-braddy"}
How can this article be thought of as retarded unless you like just giving your money to someone? Someone who raised over $150million last month alone but wants us to foot the bill for his campaign. Same with both - I think it is absurd that they - the candidates, the govt etc spend our money to get elected - and not just a little - a lot of our money! Wake up people - they will not stop until they get over 50% of every dollar we make. Then why will be have an incentive to work? The failed policies of socialism and "wealth redistribution" only succeed in making the people more dependent on the govt. Just think what all that money could do if put into people back to work, helping the environment, making clean energy sources. Instead we, the people, let it be spent on a gabfest of candidates. I dislike both candidates and think Americans deserve more - honesty, integrity, and common sense. if you don't have the money, you don't spend it. If you don't have a job, you don't get to eat. If you don't have good credit, you can't by a house. Life is full of sacrifices - for our family and religions, and for the freedoms our country ensures - but not our govt!
{"commentId":3590339,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"lynn-braddy"}
- 1 vote
#21 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:14 PM EDT{"commentId":3590675,"authorDomain":"john-69"}
riverwoman - Take a close look and you will see that you're probably already giving away 50% of every dollar you make. Add up everything. Payroll tax, FICA, local sales tax, phone bill taxes, gas taxes, property taxes, etc.
It never ends. And Obama wants more. And Biden says it's patriotic.
{"commentId":3590675,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"john-69"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3590360,"authorDomain":"ndl"}
This is ridiculous! With all the money these campaigns take in, especially Obama's at 150 MILLION, they should foot the bill for security at their homes and campaign stops. This on top of the taxpayers paying these candidates salary's as senators. If a senator has time to campaign during 'business' hours, they obviously do not have enough to do as elected officials!
Not a retarded ,useless article. I appreciate knowing how much we waste on compaigns, although it does tend to raise my blood pressure.
{"commentId":3590360,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"ndl"}
- 1 vote
#22 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:15 PM EDT{"commentId":3590380,"authorDomain":"lynn-braddy"}
The citizen takes it again - everywhere!
{"commentId":3590380,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"lynn-braddy"}
#23 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:16 PM EDT{"commentId":3590479,"authorDomain":"usfreedomfighter"}
Jean,
Hurry back to the trailer - Joe Sixpack is waiting for his beers!
New Webster:
Sadomasochism = poor or uneducated people voting Republican even though the party historically only supports the well-educated, well-connected, and very rich.
Like Pain? Vote McCain!
Like Palin? Pervert!
http://www.lp.org/
{"commentId":3590479,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"usfreedomfighter"}
#24 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:22 PM EDT{"commentId":3590806,"authorDomain":"john-69"}
usfreedomfighter - New Webster -
STUPID = poor and uneducated voting democrat and finding out they are still poor and uneducated. It's been that way for over 60 years. And democrats ran congress for 50 of those years, from 1945 to 1995 (except for a few years in the early eighties).
Go McCain/Palin
{"commentId":3590806,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"john-69"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3591029,"authorDomain":"ndl"}
Democrats rely and depend on the poor and uneducated, as they are a reliable voting bloc....they live on welfare handouts that the Dems love. Keep them poor, and wallah, guaranteed votes!
{"commentId":3591029,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"ndl"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3591400,"authorDomain":"usfreedomfighter"}
I am happy for you two Republican morons!
I wouldn't vote for Obama either, but for entirely other reasons: like McCain, to Obama the Constitution appears to be a somewhat invalid bunch of just plain old words, and who cares any way, right?
Well I do.
http://www.lp.org/
{"commentId":3591400,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"usfreedomfighter"}
{"commentId":3592017,"authorDomain":"john-69"}
You are the name calling moron. Why don't you just go back to bed. Your welfare check is still a couple weeks away.
{"commentId":3592017,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"john-69"}
{"commentId":3593176,"authorDomain":"usfreedomfighter"}
"Welfare check a couple of weeks away."
Yeah, you would know. They all come at the same time in the trailer-complex, right?
{"commentId":3593176,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"usfreedomfighter"}
{"commentId":3594665,"authorDomain":"john-69"}
usfeedomfighter - Can't you get anything right? It is trailer PARK not complex. Yours must be huge if they call it a complex.
I've never taken a single penny of assistance from public funds. I generate over half a million tax dollars every year. And obama wants more.
Go McCain/Palin
{"commentId":3594665,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"john-69"}
{"commentId":3601558,"authorDomain":"dallo"}
Hey Mccain will buy your trailer park mortgage at what he admits will be a great loss to taxpayers. Why work? Quit your job and Mccain buys your house and give your kid a voucher (oh wait not enough to go around ..so sorry)
{"commentId":3601558,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"dallo"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3590545,"authorDomain":"lynn-braddy"}
usfreedomfighter - make an argument - not name calling. Justify to me how our candidates can make us the taxpayer in these dire economic times - regardless of political affiliation - pay for their trips to our locales. And don't give me that the local economies benefit - they don't - time stops for the two - 8 hours the candidates are there and you can't get around town. They come, they talk and again spend/steal our money. Justify why their campaigns should not bear the expense and not the local taxpayer. These are federal elections affecting local dept's budgets.
{"commentId":3590545,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"lynn-braddy"}
- 1 vote
#25 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:27 PM EDT{"commentId":3591186,"authorDomain":"usfreedomfighter"}
I can't argue with you - I'm from NYC where they close down half the city whenever a "very important person" arrives. I think they should pay for security themselves, and move out to New Jersey on one of the many open fields, where they can set up a tent and hold their "important meetings".
What is REALLY upsetting is the amount of stupidity involved when almost everything is discussed in forums like this one, because some are either strongly Republicans or Democrats, and no-one seem to realize that the problem is both.
If you think everything will be greener once either of these parties are in power there's something wrong with you. Everybody that can read, see, or even hear slightly knows that both parties and the Federal Government has destroyed the very essence of this country in a little more than 200 years.
We are going downhill because decades of wrong and bad decisions are catching up with us. From giving a centralized Government too much power after the Civil War, to Wilson creating a carte blanche for our financial system with his FED created in 1913 by an abominable act of Congress which in is in fact established a private banking cartel, to Bush and his neo-con brown shirts who believe the free market is only free for the rich and not so much for the poor and middle class who, as usual, ends up paying the debt while all the super-rich crooks ride into the sunset is their private jets in the name of "Real Capitalism".
Here's what I think: the fat, lazy middle class milking cows will continue to pay whatever it takes to live in ignorance in front of their flat screen tv's. A few of us will probably go to war and ultimately die for our individual freedom as promised in the Constitution.
But America as we know it is forever dead and will eventually be forgotten and mentioned in the history books as another lost empire together with the Roman and The Third Reich, who couldn't grasp that power can only be truly tamed by truly responsible humans ho live in respect for each others diversities.
{"commentId":3591186,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"usfreedomfighter"}
{"commentId":3590676,"authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
I have never heard of a local government having to pay for extra policemen or anything else because a politician visits their area. The existing personnel and equipment are being used for a special project, but no new personnel or equipment is being used, so I don't see why this article can claim that the costs are actually going up.
I've never heard of anybody complaining about the cost of having Willie Nelson or Tony Bennett or Madonna show up for a concert; the concert people typically pay for thier own extra security as I understand it.
As at least one person above mentioned, local busiensses are hired to do things, restaurants make money to fee visitors, etc. So this additional revenue needs to be considered as well as any true additional expenses, if there are any.
{"commentId":3590676,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
#26 - Mon Oct 20, 2008 12:33 PM EDT{"commentId":3590974,"authorDomain":"ndl"}
Flash, local governments do have to bring in extra personnel, and pay overtime as well. Obviously, we already have the vehicles, but to staff vehicles above and beyond the regular patrol duties are not in the budget. Simply, it does cost us extra.
{"commentId":3590974,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"ndl"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3591275,"authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
I'll have to ask the mayor of our city to see how they handle this. The idea of someone bringing in some "rent-a-cops" that are armed is kinda scary. Look at what the Blackwater thugs did in New Orleans.
In my area I don't see much evidence of police on intense patrols. Now they tend to be parked at a strip mall to save gas. I went to a political event a few months ago and did not see so many local police that it would have caused a drastic thinning of routine patrols for a few hours. As I recall, there were state police there that normally are not present at all.
{"commentId":3591275,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"wwfleming"}
{"commentId":3591859,"authorDomain":"john-69"}
Wrong again Flash. Ask your mayor. They don't bring in "rent-a-cops", they have to pay overtime to bring in officers who normally would be off work at the time. maybe you could just volunteer your time. Do you work for no pay?
{"commentId":3591859,"threadId":"393590","contentId":"2019106","authorDomain":"john-69"}
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