John Conyers has released this one page summary of his "Status Report of the House Judiciary Committee Democratic Staff." Locally, a group of ten us met this morning with Jay Pearson of Senator Cantwell's staff. We were Greens, Democrats and Independents. He was generous with his time, spending about 30 minutes with us in his private office and giving all of us who wanted to say something the opportunity to speak. We talked about the need for the Senator to show progressive democrats that she was willing to stand up and fight for "democratic" and "Democratic" values. Some in our group felt that if she didn't step up on this issue, she would lose the opportunity to ever have their support, in light of her disappointing vote on the Iraqui war resolution. Jay was very attentive and receptive and promised to pass on our comments. If any of the participants has something to add to this posting, please email me with your comments. The same offer goes to Jay. As I told him, we'll be watching and listening. Update: MoveOn just sent an email to its list today. Here's an excerpt from the one I received: "No more Ohios. When Congress reconvenes this Thursday to ratify the 2004 Presidential election, Representative John Conyers (D-Michigan) will object to the vote count in Ohio, and if even one Senator joins him, Congress will have to debate the widespread voting problems that have been exposed. Nobody expects this election to be overturned, but it's time in this country to seriously grapple with the issues of voting rights, un-auditable computerized voting, and the suppression of minority votes. Call your Democratic Senators today and ask them to join Representative Conyers in challenging the 2004 voting process. With your support, they can step forward and force this important debate. Just call:Senator Patty Murray: 202-224-2621 and Senator Maria Cantwell: 202-224-3441. Please let us know you called. Thanks for everything you do." Update: Annie Robbins sent me this report from the group's meeting later in Senator Murray's office: "Some of us met with Sen. Murray's Deputy State Director Karen Waters. Even though we came in unannounced and Karen had a prior engagement waiting in the office, she took the time to meet with us and was extremely receptive to our desire to communicate to Patty that she join with Conyers to contest the Ohio electoral votes. She said that she would be receptive to hearing from more of us, and she would pass on this message to Senator Murray. It's not too late to call the office in Washington, DC. Leave a message she can pick up in the morning.Her number is (202) 224-2621." Update: Our Congressman Jim one of the 24 members from the House who signed a letter issued to the full House and Senate this afternoon in a last-minute bid to encourage the Senate to open discussion on the electoral vote tally Thursday
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