Here at Common Cause, of course, we all think Chellie Pingree is a good person -- she's intelligent, insightful, and genuine in her desire to effect real and lasting reform.  We know this, and with every media appearance Chellie does or communication she sends out, more and more people learn it, too.  But oftentimes the most important work Chellie does is not readily known by the public at large, or even by the reform community; even then, when she is spotlighted, it's rarely for her character.

That's why it's nice to see Chellie's name in someone else's lights.  Journalist and screenwriter Robert Elisberg, it turns out, is a huge fan of Chellie's:

Read the rest of Elisberg's piece to find out why he thinks so highly of Chellie, and let us know in our Comments section about other good, decent people you've met in politics.

The Miami Herald printed an editorial by Common Cause President Chellie Pingree on the dangers of the COPE bill.  In it, Chellie warns of the dangers of allowing the telephone and cable industries to put their corporate interests ahead of those of the public:

It can't be stressed enough what impact the end of net neutrality would have on our democracy.  Let your elected representative know that you demand he or she to stand up for the rights of the public and vote against the COPE Act.

Wednesday night is the broadcast of our interview with Ed Helms of The Daily Show, which was taped nearly three weeks ago.  I always have mixed feelings when I know that I am going to be on TV -- on the one hand I want to be sure a lot of people know and watch, so they can hear more about the work we are doing at Common Cause and the issues that I am discussing, but on the other hand, there is always the chance that it will be embarrassing, and I would rather no one was looking!  

And, this is The Daily Show...and the interview is with the very funny Ed Helms!!  He does a really good job of poking fun at whoever they interview, so why should this be any different?  This is a segment about how easy it is for Members of Congress to win reelection (their 98% reelection rate, and how they use redistricting and fundraising laws to hold on to their comfortable seats) and the fact that Congress is holding its shortest session this year in a half-century.  I figured out early in the interview that it was more fun to play along - as Ed started showing great sympathy with the "poor trapped Members of Congress, who couldn't get out of their seats if they tried."  However, I was quickly reminded that I was there to be serious...oops! -- No more giggling or "smart-ass" remarks from me!

Well, watch and let me know what you think -- as they say in politics, as long as they spell your name right, the rest doesn't matter; or in this case, as long as people learn something about Common Cause and the battles we take on -- it is all good.  And, let's face it, for all the nights we are on NBC Nightly News or the Lehrer News Hour, it is telling people that you are going to be on The Daily Show that makes them say, "Wow!"

Chellie

Common Cause President Chellie Pingree will make her Daily Show debut tomorrow night on Comedy Central at 11:00pm EST.  

A couple of weeks ago, Chellie sat down with correspondent Ed Helms to discuss a wide range of issues relating to Congress.  The Common Cause community is nervous with anticipation over what the final product will look like on Tuesday.  The interview was hours long, and went very well, but you never really know what the footage will look like by the time it gets on the show.  

So let all your friends know, and tune in tomorrow night at 11:00 to watch Chellie - The Daily Show is one of her favorite shows, and she had a great time filming the segment.  Afterward, let us know what you thought of her appearance in our comments section.