Mitt Romney just can’t seem to get anyone excited about his campaign.

Throughout the primary season, Mitt has tried to convince voters he’s the strongest GOP candidate.  But the general consensus among Republicans is that he’s an out-of-touch, lackluster presidential candidate.  And we know he’d send us back towards failed policies that let corporations do whatever they want and leave the middle class out in the cold.

Romney has spent an unprecedented $15,340,000 on advertising in Florida while Gingrich has spent only around $3 million. Now Mitt’s leading the polls once again, but he’s not dominating the way you’d expect a candidate to when he’s outspending his opponent 5-to-1. A win for Mitt in Florida today means he bought the votes of a lackluster electorate – it does not indicate the sincere support of his Party. Despite the huge influx of money intended to persuade Republicans and Independents, Independent support for Romney is at a dismal 23%. No matter how hard the GOP tries to paint Romney as a viable candidate, voters just can’t get behind his ideas.

It’s no wonder Romney’s losing support from Republicans and Independents alike while he continues to prove he’s not on the side of the American people.  American families are struggling, but Mitt doesn’t even mention housing once in his “59 point economic plan”, which is really just a rehash of the same failed policies that got us into this mess in the first place. He also said to a group of Florida homeowners that “banks are feeling the same thing you are”, and that foreclosures should be “allowed to hit the bottom” so investors can come in and make money off of the process.  Americans aren’t fooled – we need real solutions to help us stay in our homes instead of policies that prey on our weaknesses.

The contrast couldn’t be more clear between Mitt, a candidate so troubled he’ll have to buy every vote he can, and President Obama, who has continued to prove he’s fighting for working families.  He’s focused his administration on job creation, making housing affordable, and giving the middle class a safety net – and that’s what Americans will be looking for this November.

Hispanic voters see through Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich’s absurd ideas. The rhetoric that Romney and Gingrich have been spouting in order to court the extreme right wing of the Republican Party has all but ensured the eventual GOP candidate will lose the trust of Hispanic voters this November.

Mitt Romney recently called the DREAM Act a “government handout” and pledged to veto it. But the DREAM Act is actually an invaluable statute – it would allow pathways to citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, on top of reducing the defecit by $1.4 trillion. That’s just one more way Romney continues to try to appease the extreme right.

Both Romney and Gingrich have also pledged to gut important programs for the working class such as Social Security for the elderly, federal Pell Grants for college students, and the health reform bill, which would leave 9 million Hispanic citizens uninsured. These reckless and irresponsible cuts would put money back into the pockets of the already super rich and would disproportionately affect Hispanics. Polls show what common sense tells us: Hispanic voters are not buying into it.

Democrats support smart immigration reform that doesn’t punish people for being born here, and we’re actively working to make sure the extreme cuts advocated by Mitt and Newt aren’t ever enacted. We’ll continue to make sure all Americans have good jobs, financial stability, and affordable health care.

In his op-ed in Sunday’s News Journal, Congressman John Carney explained the benefits of claiming an oft-overlooked credit on your taxes this April. Representative Carney urged taxpayers to take advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit. Last year, 70,000 Delawareans claimed the EITC on their returns, and earned an average of over $2,100 back. But up to 20% missed out on this credit, which provides families with up to $6,000.

For hardworking, middle class Americans, $6,000 goes a long way towards paying the bills and putting food on the table. Democrats know how important tax credits can be for struggling families. That’s why we need to provide Delawareans with the information they need to take full advantage of their tax returns and put their hard-earned money back in their pockets.

Congressman Carney has continued to look out for working families as our Representative.  The Earned Income Tax Credit is one more way to make sure struggling families get the help they need.  By providing information on the EITC, Congressman Carney is continuing his long record of consistently supporting Delawareans.

January 25, 2012

Contact: Sarah Rivin

302-328-9036

Delaware Democratic Party Still Seeks Answers From Romney Ahead Of April Primary

(WILMINGTON, DE) – Even though Mitt Romney released his 2010 tax returns and a projection of his 2011 income tax report this week, he’s got a long way to go before he’s actually honest with the American people.  The Delaware Democratic Party repeats its request for Romney’s financial disclosure ahead of the April 24^th presidential primary.

Even Mitt’s father, as a presidential candidate himself, released 12 years of returns.  His reasoning?  “One year could be a fluke, perhaps done for show.”

We know he has possession of 23 years worth of tax returns from when he was vetted as a vice presidential candidate in 2008 by John McCain.  Now he’s released only 1 year of information to the public – and that tell us the real story.

His tax forms show he’s hand bank accounts in Switzerland, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands – known offshore havens where the wealthy can keep their cash tax-free.  And Mitt Romney only closed the Swiss account in 2010 after an investment advisor told him it could be politically embarrassing. (Reuters, 1/24/12; The National Journal, 1/24/12)

Romney’s missing 21 years of tax records are also of particular concern because he has hidden what he paid in taxes, and what he acquired in mass fortune, during his time as a corporate raider for Bain Capital.

“The bottom line is that Delawareans deserve to know the whole story ahead of the primary in April,” said the Delaware Democratic Party Executive Director, Joe Aronson.  “We need to know more about Mitt’s investments and his business decisions, especially because he’s one of the wealthiest candidates for president in history.  In a time when careful financial management counts for everything, we have to be able to trust our president to make important decisions that will determine the direction of our economy.

“It’s also worth looking at the bigger picture, here.  Can we expect hardworking people to find nothing wrong with Romney’s tax rate of just 13.9% in 2010?  I think we should expect people to see a flaw there.  His tax rate is about half the rate most middle-class Americans pay.  And under Mitt Romney’s proposed tax plan, his tax rate would actually go down.  That’s just absurd.  Romney clearly doesn’t understand what our families need and he’s certainly not going to make decisions that work for us.”

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Delaware Democratic Party Stands With President Obama On Need For Jobs

(WILMINGTON, DE) – President Obama has continually emphasized that we still need to do more to create jobs and grow the economy.  In his third State of the Union address tonight, the President laid out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last.

Under President Obama’s leadership, our economy is growing again – the numbers speak for themselves.  America has added a total of 3.2 million private sector jobs over the last 22 months.  American manufacturing is creating jobs for the first time since the late 1990s.  The President signed into law new rules to hold Wall Street accountable and we’ve agreed to cut the deficit by more than $2 trillion.  That’s the President’s record of being on the side of working American families.

Even though our economy has started showing signs of improvement, American families are still struggling.  And President Obama has a clear plan to make a strong economic foundation a reality – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.

“The President has made it clear time and time again that he understands what working families across the country are going through,” said the Delaware Democratic Party’s Executive Director, Joe Aronson.  “His speech tonight was an additional reminder he’s the only presidential candidate out there who’s willing to do what’s necessary to actually get people back to work and help our economy get moving.

“Our economic growth has been slow, but we are finally starting to see things turning around.  President Obama has pushed for strategic policies that have gotten us back on track, and he proved tonight that we can expect more of the same going forward.  He’s been clear about our need for more jobs and about how to realize that end – that’s just not something that can be said for Republicans in the field.”

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Delaware Iraq War Veteran Accompanies
U.S. Rep. Carney to State of the Union Address

WILMINGTON —Congressman John Carney has invited Captain Daniel A. DeFlaviis, a veteran of the War in Iraq and member of the Delaware National Guard, to join him tonight for President Obama’s third State of the Union address.  Captain DeFlaviis will travel to Washington today and meet with Congressman Carney before attending tonight’s speech.
During his deployment to Iraq in 2007, Captain DeFlaviis served as a platoon leader in the 153rd Military Police Company.  After returning home, he was promoted to Company Commander, a position he held from 2008-2011.  He was responsible for training equipping, and manning the 150-person unit.
Captain DeFlaviis’ leadership of the company earned him the MacArthur Leadership Award for officers who exemplify the ideals for which General Douglas MacArthur stood: duty, honor, and country.  Captain DeFlaviis is the first Delawarean to receive this prestigious recognition.
DeFlaviis also received the Delaware Army National Guard’s 2011 Kirkwood Award as the Outstanding Company Commander.  In his civilian occupation, Captain DeFlaviis is a Trooper with the Delaware State Police.
“It’s an honor to have Captain DeFlaviis as my guest for tonight’s State of the Union,” said Congressman Carney.  “His exemplary leadership at home and while deployed is indicative of the tremendous service that the Delaware National Guard provides to our state and nation.  Over the last decade, members of the National Guard and their families have been asked to sacrifice more than ever before in defense of our nation.  They have answered each call with unrivaled dignity and professionalism, and their service should never be forgotten.”
“It is such a great honor for the Delaware National Guard to be represented at this historic event,” said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, the Adjutant General. “Captain DeFlaviis has been an outstanding Citizen-Soldier and traditional Guardsman and the men and women of the Delaware could not be better represented.”
Delaware’s National Guard deployed thousands of members to Iraq between 2003 and 2010 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Their responsibilities included military police, convoy security, aeromedical evacuation and air base operation support.
While operations in Iraq have drawn to a close, the Delaware National Guard continues to have more than 170 members currently deployed in Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom.
For more information, please contact Albert Shields at (302) 691-7333.
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Paul has previously worked with the New Castle County Democratic Party as a volunteer during the 2010 election. Here at the DDP, Paul is interning in communications and technology, and mostly working on the site’s blog, Facebook and Twitter. Welcome, Paul!

In terms of our economic ambitions, we have a continued need to support entrepreneurs and attract large employers that create jobs–we need to support small businesses, to maintain roads and bridges, to protect our environment, and to make electricity affordable.  Above all else, we must continue to prioritize job creation, especially for returning veterans.

Additionally, the Governor highlighted Delaware’s commitment to “creating the workforce of tomorrow”.  The State has made significant commitments to strengthening our schools, including supporting teachers, establishing high standards for success in a global economy, and improving the assessment system so parents and teachers can track progress.  And as beneficiaries of the federally-funded Race to the Top program, we’ve been rewarded for our efforts and can make further investments in early childhood education.

We must also renew our commitment to responsible governing in order to protect the investments Delaware has made in improving quality of life for residents.  Last year, we took several steps in ensuring government transparency and efficiency. Governor Markell helped to streamline the process for requesting public information and to cut excess costs in areas such as employment in the executive branch and the vehicle fund. In order to make sure Delaware stays on the right path to economic stability, we must still work towards ensuring the government remains open and efficient.

The Governor closed by asking Delawareans to act with “confidence and imagination”, and to not settle for mediocrity. Delaware is working towards better schools, a better environment for small businesses and start-ups, and a better health care system that delivers quality care at an affordable price. Together, with these reforms, we can make sure “this is Delaware’s time to look ahead, to leap ahead, and to lead.”

The Attorney General has been a staunch advocate for families facing foreclosure.  All families should have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their lender and to have the chance to explore alternatives.  That way, deserving Delawareans can stay in their homes.  “And that’s better for families, lenders, and the community,” said Attorney General Biden.

This new program is an important addition to the voluntary mediation process that was already in place.  “Losing your biggest investment – your home – is nothing short of catastrophic for a person. By providing this additional step, we are ensuring that more homeowners will have the opportunity to stay in their homes and keep a roof over their heads,” said Representative Helene Keeley. “We hope that this mortgage mediation program will address the issue of a record number of foreclosures and that in a couple years, when this program sunsets, there will not be a need for it.”

Delawareans are eligible to participate in this program if they own a one to four unit home, they reside in the home as their primary residence, and the mortgage on the home is being foreclosed.  Homeowners can learn more about this program by calling the Attorney General’s Mortgage Hotline at 800-220-5424, e-mailing mortgage.mediation@state.de.us, or visiting www.attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/mortgageforeclosure or www.deforeclosurehelp.org.

The Department of Justice will be holding open houses from January 31st-February 9th throughout the state to answer residents’ questions, introduce new programs and assist in resolutions:

SUSSEX COUNTY

January 31:
12 p.m. – 2 p.m
Sussex County Administrative Office, Open House
22215 DuPont Blvd, Georgetown DE (next to M& T Bank)

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
G.W. Carver Education Center
30207 Frankford School Rd., Frankford, DE 19945

WILMINGTON

February 8:
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Wilmington City Council Chambers
800 French St., Wilmington, DE 19801

NEW CASTLE COUNTY

February 9:
12 p.m. – 2 p.m. &  6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Gilliam Community Room, Department of Community Services
77 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720

KENT COUNTY

February 21:
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Kent County Public Library
497 S. Red Haven Lane, Dover DE 19901

January 20, 2012

Contact: Sarah Rivin

302-328-9036

Delaware Democratic Party Echoes Calls For Romney’s Tax Records

(WILMINGTON, DE) – The Delaware Democratic Party condemns Mitt Romney’s continual refusal to release his tax records.  In the interest of fully informing voters as Delaware’s presidential primary on April 24^th quickly approaches, we ask again that Romney release his federal income tax returns.  Disclosing that information is a practice every Republican and Democratic nominee for president has adhered to for decades.

At this week’s Republican presidential debates in South Carolina, Romney dodged nearly every question aimed at him – especially those regarding his income tax returns.  Asked Monday if he’d release his tax records, Romney bumbled, “If that’s been the tradition, I’m not opposed to doing that.”  But, “Time will tell.”  And last night the best he could do when asked if he’d release the records was “Maybe”.

Even a New York Times editorial notes, “It is not too much to ask someone seeking the nation’s highest office to sacrifice some personal privacy to reassure voters that they have no hidden entanglements.”

Voters have reason to be especially concerned given recent revelations about Romney’s offshore accounts in the Cayman Islands.  ABC News explains, “The Caymans are best known as one of the world’s greatest tax havens, where secrecy is the rule.”

Romney’s investments include at least 12 separate funds that could hold as much as $30 million in the Cayman Islands.  “In fact, official documents show Bain Capital has set up some 138 secretive offshore funds in the Caymans that are nothing more than a post office box,” says ABC.

“We’re echoing the calls of Democrats and Republicans alike from across the country who just want to know the kind of information commonly released by presidential candidates, including Mitt Romney’s own father,” said Delaware Democratic Executive Director, Joe Aronson.  “At this point, we’re all anxious to see what he’s been hiding.

“This week, Mitt Romney finally told us he pays taxes at around a 15 percent rate.  That’s lower than the tax rate paid by the typical working family, and it’s definitely not anything near what we’d expect a billionaire to pay.  Of course he doesn’t want people to know the truth about his income taxes.

“Romney also said this week that he’d ‘probably’ release the information in April.  The Delaware presidential primary election is scheduled for April 24, and I can tell you we’d all like to see his federal income tax information before that date.  That’s a reasonable request.”

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