CD02: Fred Johnson outlines energy platform

by: Eric B.

Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:48:39 AM EDT

Fred Johnson outlines his plans for energy in the Grand Rapids Press.

The first step we must take is to ensure that Washington has leaders who will move beyond old "solutions" and take the initiative in establishing policies that break OPEC's choke-hold on the United States.

We need leaders who understand that clean energy benefits our economy, national security, and our environment.

Because of the state of things on energy policy -- which is a nice way to say that a child could scrawl more responsible, more far reaching plans on the side of a brown bag with a box of crayons -- Johnson manages to strike at a vastly underconsidered point ... energy policy and environmental policy have to go hand-in-hand.

URGENT! Please help support the Fred Johnson for Congress Campaign in this Online Poll

by: FredJohnsonForCongress

Sat May 24, 2008 at 00:16:18 AM EDT

From Bill Kim, Campaign Manager:

Election Inspection is running a poll on DailyKos and Swing State Project to choose a Democratic Veteran candidate to support in honor of Memorial Day.  Fred Johnson is one of five candidates in the running, and we need you to vote in their online poll. 



Click on the both of the links below and vote for Fred Johnson!  Let's bring some much needed money and attention to our campaign in MI-02 from Democrats across the nation. 

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/5/23/15837/8364/383/521356

http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2079

CD02, CD04, CD07: Three Republicans who hate big cats

by: Eric B.

Thu May 22, 2008 at 00:02:02 AM EDT

This is the purpose of a bill that Tim Walberg voted against:

A BILL

To assist in the conservation of rare felids and rare canids by supporting and providing financial resources for the conservation programs of nations within the range of rare felid and rare canid populations and projects of persons with demonstrated expertise in the conservation of rare felid and rare canid populations.

It was Walberg, Peter Hoekstra and, Dave Camp! among Michigan's Congresscritters who voted against this. 

The bill, if you read through it, appropriates money to studying big cats and preserving their habitat, as long as the money is actually available. 

Donate for Debate

by: BrianDStraw

Sat Apr 05, 2008 at 12:36:21 PM EDT

I admit it. I'm an avid NPR listener. If you listen to NPR as much as I do, you know by know that this week they are doing one of their fundraising drives. They are always saying, "Think about it, how much is NPR worth to you?" or "Would you pay just a dollar a day for all of the news and information you get from listening?"

Well, I thought about it. What about a candidate who can bring Democratic values to the forefront of the debate in Michigan's 2nd District? How much is that worth to you?

Report from Fred Johnson (MI-02) Campaign Event in Grand Rapids

by: philgoblue

Sat Feb 23, 2008 at 11:53:00 AM EST

I went to hear Fred Johnson, candidate for the US congress from the Second
District (currently held by republican Pete Hoekstra) Thursday night at the Grand Rapids Women's City Club.  I'm not entirely sure, but I believe that the townhall-style event was sponsored by the Kent County DFA.

For those who don't much about Fred Johnson, he's a 49 professor of American history at Hope College, a former Marine and private sector employee, now living in Holland.

As most of you know, there is some skepticism about the Johnson campaign from within the Michigan blogosphere.  And so, after hearing this, while I went into the event with as open a mind as possible, I really was expecting to see neither a candidate who would be strong enough to pull off this Cinderella story nor much of a progressive.  I'm pleased to announce that after hearing Fred and talking with his campaign manager and other folks on his committee, my take on the campaign is exactly the opposite.  While, I plan on staying neutral in the primary and will continue to watch Johnson and Kimon Kotos, I have to report that my new (and still potentially changeable) view of the Fred Johnson campaign is very positive.

My full report and commentary on the speech is over at West Michigan Rising.  See y'all over there.

Video Highlights from the Muskegon Community Solidarity Candidate Forum

by: FredJohnsonForCongress

Thu Jan 24, 2008 at 15:00:02 PM EST

Last saturday, Fred Johnson participated in a candidate forum sponsored by Muskegon Community Solidarity.  Fred Johnson responded to questions from the audience on a variety of topics, including the economy, health care, and fighting for progressive causes in the 2nd District. 

Video highlights of the forum have been posted on our website. 

http://www.fredjohnsonforcongress.com/coverage3.html

Defeating Hoekstra in MI-02 - Q&A

by: FredJohnsonForCongress

Wed Dec 12, 2007 at 15:08:00 PM EST

Bill Kim, campaign manager for Fred Johnson for Congress, is currently answering questions about campaign strategy on DailyKos.

Please, join our discussion. We would like to know what you think of our campaign strategy and answer any questions you may have.

Live chat: Fred Johnson

by: Eric B.

Tue Nov 27, 2007 at 12:30:00 PM EST

Fred Johnson is an author, an historian, a veteran, and a member of the faculty at Hope College.  He also hopes to be the Democratic candidate in the race for Michigan's 2nd Congressional District, taking on Republican Pete Hoekstra next November.

Johnson joins Michigan Liberal this afternoon to answer questions from its readers.

 The format is simple.  If you have a question for the candidate, write it as a comment in this thread.  Johnson will start answering them at 1:30.  If you have a question, but -- for whatever reason -- can't leave it in the comments section, you can also e-mail it to me at ebaerren@michiganliberal.com

Media coverage mentioning Johnson can be found at the Holland Sentinel (twice, in fact), a local television station, the Grand Rapids Press, and the Muskegon Chronicle.  There's also allegedly something in the archives of the Ludington Daily News, if frustrated is the way you like to go through your day. 

Johnson's official Web site is here; his bio is here; and if you're curious about where he stands on the issues, that information is here.

Live chat with Fred Johnson

by: Eric B.

Mon Nov 26, 2007 at 23:52:03 PM EST

Michigan Liberal's 2008 campaign cycle officially kick off Tuesday with a live chat featuring Fred Johnson, who hopes to challenge Pete Hoekstra in Michigan's 2nd Congressional District.

I've also received word that the Scott Killips people would like to participate (in fact, Scott Killips is now a member of Michigan Liberal); and I received an e-mail from Kimon Kotos, the third Democratic candidate, requesting that he be given time to reach out to Michigan Liberal's readers.  It's a request I'll do my best to grant.

Fred Johnson will be with us starting at 12:30 1:30, but the thread for questions will go up at noon 12:30 p.m., giving half an hour beforehand for anyone who'll be busy from 12:30 1:30 p.m. on.  The format will essentially mirror a regular comments thread, with questions left as comments, and the candidate doing his best to answer them.

Candidate's live chat

by: Eric B.

Sun Nov 25, 2007 at 12:06:23 PM EST

Come early, ask often.

UPDATE: "My name is Fred Johnson, and I'm running for Congress."

by: FredJohnsonForCongress

Mon Nov 19, 2007 at 14:23:41 PM EST

Also be sure to see the television coverage of the event: http://www.wzzm13.co...

This morning, Fred Johnson formally announced his intention to run as a Democrat for Michigan's 2nd Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I've spent years in the classroom, making sure that my students understood that they had a responsibility to themselves, their society, and this nation to be more than spectators in this wonderful democracy.

...

I've told them that anyone can complain about problems, but that complaints don't solve problems, people do. And it's not until the people rise up and take action that changes can be made to set right that which has gone wrong; to correct that which has been broken; to bring harmony to that which is in turmoil. 

Over the last few months as I've talked with people who are working two and three jobs but barely able to make ends meet and dreading illness because they don't have health insurance.

As I've heard people share their deep concerns about the health of our rivers, lakes, land, and air, wondering why so few in power are taking action to prevent a looming disaster.

As I've felt the frustrations of so many who wonder when the time will finally come when we call home our young men and women who have been sent, over and over, into harm's way . . .

As I've pondered those concerns, my words to my students have come back to haunt me, challenge me, and demand that I live up to that which I've spoken.

Like so many of my friends, neighbors, associates and others in this region, I have come to believe that our country has, for some time, been going in the wrong direction. Thus, after a much soul searching of myself, and a lot of planning by others, I have a message for you today that is simple and straightforward: my name is Fred Johnson and I'm running for Congress.

Fred Johnson Announces Campaign to Restore Integrity and Progress

by: FredJohnsonForCongress

Wed Nov 14, 2007 at 17:59:16 PM EST

All West Michigan Democrats, independents, and Republicans who want to change our nation's direction by restoring integrity and progress should attend this important event.

A map showing the location of the Depot can be seen by clicking on the link below:

http://maps.google.c...

To find out more information about Fred Johnson and the campaign, or to contribute to the Fred Johnson for Congress, visit our website at:

http://www.fredjohns...

Please forward this announcement to your friends, colleagues, and anyone else that you think may be interested.

Sincerely,

The Fred Johnson for Congress Campaign Committee

Tom Bos and Rillastine Wilkins, Co-Chairs