Well, the weather’s warming, and it’s time to turn out for a fun BBQ to support our own KATE MARSHALL running for re-election as STATE TREAURER.

We’re looking forward to having EVERYONE cheer on KATE, and we’re looking forward to having YOU and YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS come.

Mark your calendar -  May 2^nd (the Sunday week before Mother’s Day). It will be low-dollar, but hopefully filled with enough of all us Democrats to put KATE well along with her campaign.   I’ll get to work on an official invitation, to be sent out in a few weeks.  But, I just wanted to catch up with YOU early, so you hopefully can schedule around it and come to our BBQ!

I’m just starting to get organized, so if you want to help plan, please feel free to join in.  If you or yours would like to help out (flipping burgers, serving, or whatever), just drop us a note (or phone call).

Here’s the info that I’ve got firmed up:

SUNDAY, May 2^nd at 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

Honoring/supporting re-election of KATE MARSHALL, State Treasurer

At John and Vicky Birkland’s  backyard  ($10 minimum)

5832 Trailblazer Drive, NORTH LAS VEGAS 89031

RSVP:  jabirkland@cox.net or phone 702 505-9459

We really hope you can come.  (Save the date!  Invitations will be sent out soon.)

Thanks,

Vicky and John Birkland

702 505-9459

Kevin Pape and J.E. “Doc” McNeely submitted their resignations to the Nye County District School Board in Pahrump. Pape represented Are V; McNeely area II.

Pape us moving out of state. McNeely McNeely is moving to Canada.

Their vacancies will be filled by appointment. The School Board will schedule interviews for their replacements.

If you are interested in the positions watch the Pahrump Valley Times and Pahrump Mirror for interview dates.

I used to have a private pilot’s license and a Cessna airplane I flew.

The news story today about kids in the JFK control tower really caught my interest.

On separate occasions one young kid was allowed to clear a plane to take off at JFK. He is recorded talking to the pilot, “Jet Blue 171, cleared for takeoff.” The child was reported a boy seven or eight years old.

In the second incident it was a young girl speaking to an Air Mexico pilot, telling him “Adios amigos.” The girl also spoke to pilots of a JetBlue flight and an American Airlines pilot.

The FAA suspended the controller and his supervisor, as they should.

Letting your kids to “come to the office” with daddy is a good thing, in most cases. But not when your office is a control tower at an international airport.

Kennedy handles more than 1,000 flights a day and 48 million passengers a year. [Telegraph]

Boy is that good news for me. I have encountered arhymia in my heartbeat a few times over the years.

I am a coffee addict. I drink LOTS of coffee throughout the day. It isn’t decaffeinated either.

WebMD is reporting that a new study shows that moderate coffee drinking reduces the risk of being hospitalized for heart rhythm problems.

Anthem Blue Cross has not only given health care reform new life but is now a defendant in a lawsuit. Consumer Watchdog brought suit last Monday in the Ventura County Superior Court, my old stomping grounds. Anthem has an office in Thousand Oaks, my former home town.

Plaintiff Randy Freed, 55, and his wife Donna, were told last September their policy was closed to new members.

Anthem closes “blocks of health insurance business” without offering comparable options. It did this last fall, just months before it informed policyholders who stayed put that their rates would rise as much as 39%, the suit says.

When a block of insurance is closed, it drives up premiums for remaining members, who must divide the costs among a smaller pool.

The Freeds attempted to find another Anthem policy, but all the options had higher deductibles and fewer benefits. Donna Freed said, “I feel like all of our income is going toward insurance.”

The insurer’s practice has created a “death spiral,” trapping the least healthy customers in closed policies they cannot afford but also cannot leave because of preexisting conditions that may exclude them from other coverage, according to the lawsuit, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Just one example of the ripping off of policy holders by health insurance companies

Fox News is reporting that a federal grand jury is set to indict John Edwards.

Edwards has been under investigation for possible improper use of campaign funds.

Edwards has admitted fathering a child in an extra-marital affair.

According to the National Inquirer his estranged wife, Elizabeth, may help send Edwards to jail.

It is sad to see Edward’s fall from grace. But he made his choices and has to live with the consequences.

Best wishes to his wife, Elizabeth, who is still struggling with cancer.

CANDIDATE FILING

· December 30, 2009: Party Change Deadline

No person may be a candidate of a major political party for partisan office in 2010 if he or she changed political affiliation to Democrat or Republican after December 30, 2009.

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· January 4 – February 4, 2010: Independent Candidate Petition Filing

Period during which an independent candidate must submit his or her petition of candidacy to the appropriate filing officer for verification. Prior to circulating the petition, a copy must be filed with the filing officer. Please contact the Secretary of State for more information.

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· January 4 – 15, 2010, Weekdays, 8:00am-5:00pm: Judicial Candidate Filing Period during which judicial candidates for State Supreme Court, District Court and Justices of the Peace may file to run for office in 2010.

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· January 27, 2010, 5:00pm: Last Day to Withdraw Judicial Candidacy

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· March 1 – 12, 2010, Weekdays, 8:00am-5:00pm: Candidate Filing (Non-Judicial) Period during which candidates may file to run for office in 2010.

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· March 23, 2010, 5:00pm: Last Day to Withdraw Candidacy (Non-Judicial)

PRIMARY ELECTION

· May 8, 2010: Voter Registration Deadline

Last day to register, update registration or change party affiliation for the Primary Election without appearing in person at the Nye County Clerk’s Offices.

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· May 9 – 18, 2010: In-Office Voter Registration

Voters may register, update registration or change party affiliation for the Primary Election in person only at one of the Nye County Clerk’s Offices during regular office hours. In addition to regular office hours, the Clerk’s Office will remain open until 9:00pm on May 17^th and 18^th.

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· May 22 – June 4, 2010: Early Voting – Locations and hours to be announced

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· June 1, 2010, 5:00pm: Absentee Ballot Request Deadline

Last day for the Nye County Clerk to receive written requests for the Primary Election.

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June 8, 2010: Primary Election Day – Vote 7:00am to 7:00pm

GENERAL ELECTION

· October 2, 2010: Voter Registration Deadline

Last day to register, update registration or change party affiliation for the General Election without appearing in person at the Nye County Clerk’s Offices.

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· October 3 – 12, 2010: In Office Voter Registration

Voters may register, update registration or change party affiliation for the General Election in person only at one of the Nye County Clerk’s Offices during regular office hours. In addition to regular office hours, the Clerk’s Office will remain open until 9:00pm on October 11^th and 12^th.

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· October 16 – 29, 2010: Early Voting – Locations and hours to be announced

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· October 26, 2010, 5:00pm: Absentee Ballot Request Deadline

Last day for the Nye County Clerk to receive written requests for the General Election.

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November 2, 2010: General Election Day – Vote 7:00am to 7:00 pm