Before I write anything, let me say that I am the Vice President of Politics and Advocacy for VShift and this is cross posted at DailyKos. Now, on with our regularly scheduled programming.

You are invited to a groundbreaking event...The Netroots Candidates' Celebration in Chicago!

During the YearlyKos Convention, on Friday night, August 3rd, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, in the Vista Ballroom at the McCormick Convention Center overlooking Lake Michigan, over 30 Netroots Heroes (candidates and office holders) from all over the country will be at one amazing party...and EVERYONE ATTENDING THE YEARLYKOS CONVENTION is invited to join them.

Here's your official invitation (there will be one in every registration bag when you check in):

Designed by Internet Maven, MBNYC

Caveat: this excellent post was written by MBNYC. I'm posting it with his permission.

There have been a number of diaries posted here recently about a special election (and a related fundraiser/blograiser) scheduled to take place in New York's Seventh Senatorial District on February 6th. The contenders are Craig Johnson, the Democrat, and Maureen O'Connell, a Republican. A Democratic win in this election is considered predictive of whether the state Senate will flip to the Democrats for the first time, essentially, since 1932. The state Senate, which Theodore Roosevelt quipped was 'constitutionally Republican', is colloquially known here as 'the place where good legislation goes to die'.
 

Cross posted at The Albany Project

What does "No Reform/No Raise" mean? It's simple, really.

The New York state Legislature has the third highest pay in the nation - base pay of $79,500 for what is at best a part time job - and yet they are regarded by many as the most dysfunctional state legislature in the nation. It's true that state lawmakers haven't had a raise in 8 years, but then again, what exactly have they done to earn one? In our opinion, not all that much.

"May I have your name, please?" asked the formally dressed female intern seated at the welcome desk. I gave it to her and she checked and double-checked the evening's roster. After fumbling with her sheets of paper, she looked up and blushed. "I'm sorry, but you don't appear to be on the list," she almost whispered.

"I called last week and reserved a ticket with my credit card," I said looking up, trying to keep my frustration at bay.

"Hang on," she said rising from her chair. "Let me talk with Tom and see what we can do." With that, she disappeared around the corner.

About a week ago, I received an email inviting me to Common Cause's I Love an Ethical NY Awards Reception at the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. Among the scheduled honorees were President Clinton, Charlie Rose and Seymour Hersh. Not a bad line-up and the price was right, so I gave them a call and grabbed a reservation.

Since pundits and journalists are accepting tax-payer money to endorse the administration's agenda, why not climb on board the gravy train?  I have listed my services as a private citizen to write comments on political blogs for a fee...on eBay.

You can check the listing on eBay.

A full description of the listing below the fold.