The member of DC for Democracy have always been the most active organization in the city when it comes to lobbying and advocating for our full representation on Capitol Hill. I thank them both for their endorsement and for their leadership and commitment to the people of Washington.

I sent the following message to the Ward 3 Democratic leadership this morning:

Ward 3 Democrats,

Thank you!

I was honored to receive the endorsement of the Ward 3 Democrats last night, and I thank you all for your continued support. I enjoyed the comments and conversations I shared with many of you last night, and I’m always looking to hear from others about ways we can achieve full voting representation in Congress and statehood for the District.

Please take a look at my web site at http://www.mikepanetta.com or become my “friend” on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mikepanetta and share any thoughts or concerns with with me. Or just email me at mike@mikepanetta.com.

Thanks again for your endorsement, it really means a lot to me and the work I do in the “shadows”

I ask that you spread the word about my re-election efforts, and help me continue the work I’m doing. See you at the polls on September 14th.

Sincerely,
Mike Panetta

(Listen to the advertisement)

Washington, DC, June 11, 2010 – The Free Equal DC Fund launched a radio advertising campaign in Montana today urging Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) to
focus on representing his constituents instead of meddling in the local affairs of the District of Columbia government.

In recent months, Senator Tester has been actively working to re-write legislation previously passed by DC’s elected city council. His efforts would
drastically modify local laws regarding semiautomatic weapons, ammunition, and firearm registration requirements that were passed by the duly elected
leaders of the city of Washington.

“We wanted to make sure that people in Montana know that Senator Tester isn’t giving his full attention to the state. He seems to be more
interested in getting involved in ‘big city’ politics as opposed to serving his own constituents,” said Mike Panetta, “Shadow” U.S. Representative for the
District of Columbia and Treasurer of the Free and Equal DC Fund.

“I’m sure the Montana families that have lost their jobs or are facing foreclosure are thrilled that their U.S. Senator is meddling in the local affairs of
a city over 2,000 miles away instead of focusing on their needs,” said Panetta.

“If Senator Tester is so interested in writing local laws for the District of Columbia, perhaps he should consider running for mayor,” Panetta added. “There’s still
time to file for the September primary.”

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO KEPT THESE ADS ON THE AIR. PLEASE DONATE TODAY:   http://www.actblue.com/page/montanaradio/   (Donation Request is $25.51)

]]> http://www.mikepanetta.com/2010/06/free-and-equal-dc-fund-launches-montana-radio-campaign/feed/ 0 http://www.mikepanetta.com/2010/05/statement-on-elimination-of-statehood-funding-in-mayors-budget/ http://www.mikepanetta.com/2010/05/statement-on-elimination-of-statehood-funding-in-mayors-budget/#comments Fri, 14 May 2010 12:38:14 +0000 Mike Panetta http://www.mikepanetta.com/?p=228 The mayor’s proposed budget eliminates what little funding there was for statehood initiatives. You can read more in this Washington Times article. (link)

I’ve released the following statement on this, which I hope you’ll share:

“For many years Congress mandated that the District couldn’t spend our local tax dollars to lobby for statehood or expanded home rule. With those restrictions now removed, it’s painfully ironic that the Mayor’s proposed budget eliminates what modest funding there was for these efforts. If the final budget lacks any resources to fund statehood advocacy efforts, the Mayor and the Council are essentially embracing the status quo and sending a signal that we’ve given up the fight. ”

- Mike Panetta, U.S. “Shadow” Representative (D-DC)

Now, if only the people who got all worked up over proposed taxes on yoga were as passionate about this issue, we’d be the 51st state sometime next week.

Representative Browne was a tireless activist on behalf of winning congressional representation for the District, and his work for the city he loved will not be forgotten. Through his efforts, Representative Browne was able to secure resolutions in support of District representation from dozens of cities and states across the country – and by doing so educated thousands of elected officials about DC’s unique status. Much of the progress we’ve made on obtaining a vote in the House for the District can be directly tied back to his efforts.

While collecting signatures for my ballot petition in 2006, many people were sad to hear that Ray wasn’t running for reelection. They also reminded me that I would have big shoes to fill if I were to win the election. It seemed everywhere I went, people in every ward across the city had wonderful things to say about Representative Browne, and his work. The District is a better place because of his service.

Representative Browne was a mentor to me as I began my own tenure as DC’s Shadow Representative, and was always very generous with his time and advice. I’ve been proud to build upon the work he started, and I will continue to do so.

Representative Brown’s passing should remind all of us that no matter what challenges we face, we must not stop fighting until the District stands free and equal with the other states in our union.