Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Press Release: Gillespie Attends DNCC

DENVER, Colo. (August 26, 2008) - First Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Gillespie of Chatham County is attending this week's Democratic National Committee Convention in Denver. Gillespie is participating in several events during the week, including speaking at a Press Conference on Tuesday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m. (MT) at Coors Field featuring the Democratic Party's military veteran Congressional candidates. The Press Conference is part of the Future Leaders of America Reception, an event Tuesday night honoring Gillespie and other veteran candidates. Hosts include veteran organizations and Congressman John Salazar (D-CO), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Congressman Joe Sestak (D- PA), Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL), and Congressman Tim Walz (D-MN). C-SPAN will broadcast the event.

"Our country has a duty to honor the sacrifices by our troops, their families and veterans by making sure we take care of them when they come home. Last year the Democratic-majority in Congress passed the largest ever funding increase in the 77-year history of the Veterans' Administration. It is still not enough. The toll of the War on Terror on our military has been large, and I will seek even more increases in funding for veterans benefits as Congressman," said the 44-year-old Gillespie, who has also proposed that all veterans get a healthcare card that allows them to seek care outside the VA system at whatever facility they prefer.

Gillespie, a retired Lt. Colonel who served with the Third Infantry Division and earned a Bronze Star in Iraq, launched his candidacy for Congress in October 2007. Since then, he has traveled throughout southeast Georgia talking with citizens and building a campaign organization. In a strong showing of base support in the primary election, Gillespie received more votes in the Democratic Primary than incumbent Jack Kingston received in the Republican Primary, each running unopposed.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Press Conference: Save Social Security

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Leaders from the Democratic Party of Georgia and Chatham County Democratic Party, as well as First Congressional District Democratic candidate Bill Gillespie are holding a Press Conference Thursday, August 7, to discuss a report released yesterday by the Institute For America's Future that analyzes the impact on Georgia of privatizing Social Security. The Press Conference starts at 11:00 a.m. in Savannah's Johnson Square off Bull Street. Media and the public are invited to attend. Speakers include Gillespie, Democratic Party of Georgia 12th Congressional District Chair Tony Center, and Chatham County Democratic Party Chair Karen Arms.

The report from the Institute For America's Future says there'll be dire consequences for Georgians if plans to privatize Social Security become law. It says privatization would cut lifetime benefits by as much as $229,019 per person, and make 217,000 senior citizens vulnerable to poverty in Georgia. The report also says that 1,305,000 people in Georgia depend on their earned Social Security benefit every month, according to the Social Security Administration. Thousands of businesses and the state government also depend on the program. More than $15.1 billion flows into the Georgia economy from Social Security each year, says the report.

To read the report click here.

At the Press Conference, Democratic Party leaders will detail the report's findings, and discuss the importance of saving Social Security from being privatized by Republican Presidential candidate John McCain and others. 'Privatizing' Social Security is the process of diverting payroll taxes from the Social Security fund into private stock market accounts.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Featured Event: Atlanta Reception August 16

You are cordially invited by these Hosts to attend a reception in support of Lt. Col. (ret.) Bill Gillespie:

Page Gleason & Richard Campbell
Shana & Scott Sutton
Catherine Smith & Jerry Tyler
Amanda Zbinden & Beth Keller
Kyle Bailey & many others*

Saturday, August 16, 2008
4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

JCT Kitchen
1198 Howell Mill Rd., Suite 18
(Inside Westside Urban Market)
Atlanta, Georgia

Come enjoy great food, fellowship and politics
RSVP (912) 507-8278 or natalie@billforgeorgia.com
Host Committee $100 / Minimum Suggested Donation $40.00
*Host Committee at time of invitation printing