How about this tidbit for starters: John Raese is supporting the ambitions of elite investors and top executives at coal companies at the expense of coal miners’ safety. Raese seems to have forgotten all about the deadly explosion at Massey’s Upper Big Branch coal mine this year. Instead of calling for increased safety regulations, Raese says he wants to “unshackle” management at companies like Massey.

We’ve seen what happens when coal executives are allowed to operate mines under lax regulation. Raese’s proposal to remove protections is a kick in the face of coal miners, when they’re already down.

Now, another Vice Presidential candidate has risen to the top, becoming the consensus frontrunner to join Barack Obama on the 2008 White House ticket: Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Governor Sebelius has gained attention for her strong defiance of right wing activists in Kansas who have tried to shove through legislation to build new dirty coal-fired power plants. Sebelius has vetoed every coal bill they have sent her way.

Barack Obama and Sebelius share Kansas roots, and the Midwestern votes that Sebelius would bring in could wrap up the Electoral College for the Democratic campaign. If Al Gore of John Kerry had just been a bit stronger in the Midwest, after all, George W. Bush would have spent years ruining businesses instead of ruining America.

Grab this oval Obama/Sebelius 2008 campaign bumper sticker to encourage Barack Obama to choose Kathleen Sebelius for his vice presidential running mate in 2008.