Thursday, May 23, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Labor union chief calls immigration bill dangerous
From: Washington Times
Their warnings could carry weight with lawmakers worried about a repeat of the amnesty in 1986, when hundreds of thousands of immigrants defrauded the system. All sides say they want to avoid the same scenario.
Chief among the USCIS union’s worries is the way the administration has handled President Obama’s non-deportation policy for “Dreamers” — illegal immigrants who arrived as children and who the Obama administration has said should not be deported.
Last year, Mr. Obama announced a policy titled Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals that grants a two-year stay of deportation and work permits.
The latest statistics show that the administration is approving almost every application it receives: 99.2 percent of all applications decided through the end of April, according to numbers released Friday.
About 500,000 applications have been submitted in the 8 months the deferred action has been available. Of those, 291,859 have been approved while 2,352 have been denied. The rest are still in processing.
The action is seen as a test-run should Congress pass the Senate’s legalization bill, which would apply to a broad swath of 11 million illegal immigrants estimated to be in the U.S.
Mr. Palinkas said the reason so many deferred action applicants are being approved is because the Obama administration has determined that they don’t need in-person interviews, which “virtually guarantees widespread fraud and places public safety at risk.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee is working its way through hundreds of amendments to the bill written by the Gang of Eight.
The crux of the bill gives quick legal status to illegal immigrants but withholds the full path to citizenship until the Homeland Security Department spends more on border security, puts an electronic verification system for workers into place and creates a working entry-exit system to check visitors as they come and go at airports and seaports.
Obama administration officials cheered the progress from the sidelines Sunday.
“Comprehensive immigration reform is continuing to move forward in the Senate. That’s a really good sign,” White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer told CNN’s “State of the Union” program Sunday.
The ICE and USCIS union objections could become a problem for the AFL-CIO, which enthusiastically embraced the bill this year.
Mr. Crane has accused the AFL-CIO of “threatening” those who disagreed with its stance.
The AFL-CIO has put major muscle behind this year’s push for the Senate bill, having negotiated terms of the legislation’s guest-worker program with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
On a conference call with reporters this month, Ana Avendano, who works on immigration issues for the AFL-CIO, said the union saw such positive signs for passage that Mr. Obama should stop most deportations now because the bill likely would give the immigrants legal status.
She also disputed a reporter’s characterization of opponents’ efforts to poke holes in the bill, saying the coalition behind the legislation remains strong.
“It’s dangerous to treat the bill as fragile because it’s not fragile. By treating it as fragile, it really gives the nativists power,” she said.
Their warnings could carry weight with lawmakers worried about a repeat of the amnesty in 1986, when hundreds of thousands of immigrants defrauded the system. All sides say they want to avoid the same scenario.
Chief among the USCIS union’s worries is the way the administration has handled President Obama’s non-deportation policy for “Dreamers” — illegal immigrants who arrived as children and who the Obama administration has said should not be deported.
Last year, Mr. Obama announced a policy titled Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals that grants a two-year stay of deportation and work permits.
The latest statistics show that the administration is approving almost every application it receives: 99.2 percent of all applications decided through the end of April, according to numbers released Friday.
About 500,000 applications have been submitted in the 8 months the deferred action has been available. Of those, 291,859 have been approved while 2,352 have been denied. The rest are still in processing.
The action is seen as a test-run should Congress pass the Senate’s legalization bill, which would apply to a broad swath of 11 million illegal immigrants estimated to be in the U.S.
Mr. Palinkas said the reason so many deferred action applicants are being approved is because the Obama administration has determined that they don’t need in-person interviews, which “virtually guarantees widespread fraud and places public safety at risk.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee is working its way through hundreds of amendments to the bill written by the Gang of Eight.
The crux of the bill gives quick legal status to illegal immigrants but withholds the full path to citizenship until the Homeland Security Department spends more on border security, puts an electronic verification system for workers into place and creates a working entry-exit system to check visitors as they come and go at airports and seaports.
Obama administration officials cheered the progress from the sidelines Sunday.
“Comprehensive immigration reform is continuing to move forward in the Senate. That’s a really good sign,” White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer told CNN’s “State of the Union” program Sunday.
The ICE and USCIS union objections could become a problem for the AFL-CIO, which enthusiastically embraced the bill this year.
Mr. Crane has accused the AFL-CIO of “threatening” those who disagreed with its stance.
The AFL-CIO has put major muscle behind this year’s push for the Senate bill, having negotiated terms of the legislation’s guest-worker program with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
On a conference call with reporters this month, Ana Avendano, who works on immigration issues for the AFL-CIO, said the union saw such positive signs for passage that Mr. Obama should stop most deportations now because the bill likely would give the immigrants legal status.
She also disputed a reporter’s characterization of opponents’ efforts to poke holes in the bill, saying the coalition behind the legislation remains strong.
“It’s dangerous to treat the bill as fragile because it’s not fragile. By treating it as fragile, it really gives the nativists power,” she said.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
The Benghazi Talking Points
From: The Weekly Standard
Even as the White House strove last week to move beyond questions about the Benghazi attacks of Tuesday, September 11, 2012, fresh evidence emerged that senior Obama administration officials knowingly misled the country about what had happened in the days following the assaults. The Weekly Standard has obtained a timeline briefed by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence detailing the heavy substantive revisions made to the CIA’s talking points, just six weeks before the 2012 presidential election, and additional information about why the changes were made and by whom.
As intelligence officials pieced together the puzzle of events unfolding in Libya, they concluded even before the assaults had ended that al Qaeda-linked terrorists were involved. Senior administration officials, however, sought to obscure the emerging picture and downplay the significance of attacks that killed a U.S. ambassador and three other Americans. The frantic process that produced the changes to the talking points took place over a 24-hour period just one day before Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, made her now-famous appearances on the Sunday television talk shows. The discussions involved senior officials from the State Department, the National Security Council, the CIA, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the White House.
Reuters
Monday, May 13, 2013
Insurance Companies predict Up To 400% Obamacare rate explosion
From: WashingtonExaminer.com
Internal cost estimates from 17 of the nation's largest insurance companies indicate that health insurance premiums will grow an average of 100 percent under Obamacare, and that some will soar more than 400 percent, crushing the administration's goal of affordability.
New regulations, policies, taxes, fees and mandates are the reason for the unexpected "rate shock," according to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which released a report Monday based on internal documents provided by the insurance companies. The 17 companies include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Foundation.
The report found that individuals will face "premium increases of nearly 100 percent on average, with potential highs eclipsing 400 percent. Meanwhile, small businesses can expect average premium increases in the small group market of up to 50 percent, with potential highs over 100 percent."
One company said that new participants in the individual market could see a premium increase of 413 percent when new requirements on age rating and required benefits are taken into account, said the report. "The average yearly cost for a new customer in the individual market grows from $1,896 to $3,708 -- a $1,812 cost increase," it added.
The key reasons for the surge in premiums include providing wider services than people are now paying for and adding less healthy people to the roles of insured, said the report.
It concluded: "Despite promises that the law will lower costs, [Obamacare] will in fact cause the premiums of many Americans to spike substantially. The broken promises are numerous, and the empirical data reveal that many Americans, from recent college graduates to older adults, will not be able to afford the law's higher costs."
Internal cost estimates from 17 of the nation's largest insurance companies indicate that health insurance premiums will grow an average of 100 percent under Obamacare, and that some will soar more than 400 percent, crushing the administration's goal of affordability.
New regulations, policies, taxes, fees and mandates are the reason for the unexpected "rate shock," according to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which released a report Monday based on internal documents provided by the insurance companies. The 17 companies include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser Foundation.
The report found that individuals will face "premium increases of nearly 100 percent on average, with potential highs eclipsing 400 percent. Meanwhile, small businesses can expect average premium increases in the small group market of up to 50 percent, with potential highs over 100 percent."
One company said that new participants in the individual market could see a premium increase of 413 percent when new requirements on age rating and required benefits are taken into account, said the report. "The average yearly cost for a new customer in the individual market grows from $1,896 to $3,708 -- a $1,812 cost increase," it added.
The key reasons for the surge in premiums include providing wider services than people are now paying for and adding less healthy people to the roles of insured, said the report.
It concluded: "Despite promises that the law will lower costs, [Obamacare] will in fact cause the premiums of many Americans to spike substantially. The broken promises are numerous, and the empirical data reveal that many Americans, from recent college graduates to older adults, will not be able to afford the law's higher costs."
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Bloomberg Refused Second Slice of Pizza at Local Restaurant
From: The Daily Currant
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was denied a second slice of pizza today at an Italian eatery in Brooklyn.
The owners of Collegno's Pizzeria say they refused to serve him more than one piece to protest Bloomberg's proposed soda ban,which would limit the portions of soda sold in the city.
Bloomberg was having an informal working lunch with city comptroller John Liu at the time and was enraged by the embarrassing prohibition. The owners would not relent, however, and the pair were forced to decamp to another restaurant to finish their meal.
Witnesses say the situation unfolded when as the two were looking over budget documents, they realized they needed more food than originally ordered.
"Hey, could I get another pepperoni over here?" Bloomberg asked owner Antonio Benito.
"I'm sorry sir," he replied, "we can't do that. You've reached your personal slice limit."
"OK, that's funny," he remarked, "because of the soda thing ... No come on. I'm not kidding. I haven't eaten all morning, just send over another pepperoni."
"I'm sorry sir. We're serious," Benito insisted. "We've decided that eating more than one piece isn't healthy for you, and so we're forbidding you from doing it."
"Look jackass," Bloomberg retorted, his anger boiling, "I fucking skipped breakfast this morning just so I could eat four slices of your pizza. Don't be a schmuck, just get back to the kitchen and bring out some fucking pizza, okay."
"I'm sorry sir, there's nothing I can do," the owner repeated. "Maybe you could go to several restaurants and get one slice at each. At least that way you're walking. You know, burning calories."
Witnesses say a fuming Bloomberg and a bemused Liu did indeed walk down the street to a rival pizzeria , ordered another slice and finished their meeting.
New York's so-called "soda ban" would have limited the size of sweetened beverages served in restaurants to 16 oz (0.5 liters). The plan, backed by Mayor Bloomberg, is currently being held up by a U.S. district court.
Bloomberg has been the mayor of New York City since 2002. Theretofore he was the CEO of Bloomberg LP, the world's leading financial data firm. His personal fortune is estimated at around $27 billion.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was denied a second slice of pizza today at an Italian eatery in Brooklyn.
The owners of Collegno's Pizzeria say they refused to serve him more than one piece to protest Bloomberg's proposed soda ban,which would limit the portions of soda sold in the city.
Bloomberg was having an informal working lunch with city comptroller John Liu at the time and was enraged by the embarrassing prohibition. The owners would not relent, however, and the pair were forced to decamp to another restaurant to finish their meal.
Witnesses say the situation unfolded when as the two were looking over budget documents, they realized they needed more food than originally ordered.
"Hey, could I get another pepperoni over here?" Bloomberg asked owner Antonio Benito.
"I'm sorry sir," he replied, "we can't do that. You've reached your personal slice limit."
Mayor Bloomberg, not accustomed to being challenged, assumed that the owner was joking.
"OK, that's funny," he remarked, "because of the soda thing ... No come on. I'm not kidding. I haven't eaten all morning, just send over another pepperoni."
"I'm sorry sir. We're serious," Benito insisted. "We've decided that eating more than one piece isn't healthy for you, and so we're forbidding you from doing it."
"Look jackass," Bloomberg retorted, his anger boiling, "I fucking skipped breakfast this morning just so I could eat four slices of your pizza. Don't be a schmuck, just get back to the kitchen and bring out some fucking pizza, okay."
"I'm sorry sir, there's nothing I can do," the owner repeated. "Maybe you could go to several restaurants and get one slice at each. At least that way you're walking. You know, burning calories."
Witnesses say a fuming Bloomberg and a bemused Liu did indeed walk down the street to a rival pizzeria , ordered another slice and finished their meeting.
New York's so-called "soda ban" would have limited the size of sweetened beverages served in restaurants to 16 oz (0.5 liters). The plan, backed by Mayor Bloomberg, is currently being held up by a U.S. district court.
Bloomberg has been the mayor of New York City since 2002. Theretofore he was the CEO of Bloomberg LP, the world's leading financial data firm. His personal fortune is estimated at around $27 billion.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Karl Rove-linked company gets GOP data deal
From: POLITICO.com
The Republican National Committee has chosen a Karl Rove-linked voter data project called Liberty Works to help it compete with Democrats in the digital arena.
Liberty Works will team up with Data Trust, whose chairman of the board is former RNC Chairman Mike Duncan, committee spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski confirmed to POLITICO.
Several data entities — one of which had connections to the Koch brothers — had been competing for the partnership, POLITICO previously reported. Roll Call first reported Wednesday on the selection of Liberty Works and Data Trust.
Rove, who had been working with Liberty Works’ founder Dick Boyce, pitched donors in New York last month for the $15 million-plus data project and also talked it up in March to top GOP insiders at an invitation-only conference in Georgia.
Jonathan Collegio, a spokesman for Rove’s American Crossroads, previously told POLITICO that Liberty Works was a “stand-alone” effort, and Boyce reportedly distanced himself from Rove in conversations with prospective donors.
Kukowski said that Rove was not directly affiliated with the efforts. “Obviously, Karl Rove has been an interested data user on our side,” she said. “But he is not affiliated with the RNC, Liberty Works or Data Trust in this endeavor.”
Since last November’s losses, Rove has spoken about the need to update the GOP’s data operation. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed in March, Rove said that “Silicon Valley Republicans are working to modernize the GOP’s voter file,” although he didn’t mention Liberty Works by name.
“The information and applications should provide for dynamic microtargeting and at least match the Obama campaign’s ability to connect target voters with volunteers they know or whose interests match their own,” Rove wrote. “It should also be possible to update the master voter file in real time from phone banks, door knocks, online activity and other data streams. The platform will use open architecture, so enterprising GOP developers can build additional applications that candidates and campaigns find useful.”
Boyce, a San Francisco-based private-equity investor, called the project a game-changer.
“Our venture will change the game with a Republican, free enterprise approach to data and technology,” Boyce said in a statement Wednesday. “We are building an open platform to increase access to data for the entire Republican team as well as to bring creativity and technological innovation to our party through new great applications that can be built off the platform.”
The Republican National Committee has chosen a Karl Rove-linked voter data project called Liberty Works to help it compete with Democrats in the digital arena.
Liberty Works will team up with Data Trust, whose chairman of the board is former RNC Chairman Mike Duncan, committee spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski confirmed to POLITICO.
“Basically, RNC is going to provide the data, and then Liberty Works will build the platform, and Data Trust will manage it all,” Kukowski said. “This is kind of in the beginning stages. There are legal issues that we’re going to iron out.”
Rove, who had been working with Liberty Works’ founder Dick Boyce, pitched donors in New York last month for the $15 million-plus data project and also talked it up in March to top GOP insiders at an invitation-only conference in Georgia.
Jonathan Collegio, a spokesman for Rove’s American Crossroads, previously told POLITICO that Liberty Works was a “stand-alone” effort, and Boyce reportedly distanced himself from Rove in conversations with prospective donors.
Kukowski said that Rove was not directly affiliated with the efforts. “Obviously, Karl Rove has been an interested data user on our side,” she said. “But he is not affiliated with the RNC, Liberty Works or Data Trust in this endeavor.”
Since last November’s losses, Rove has spoken about the need to update the GOP’s data operation. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed in March, Rove said that “Silicon Valley Republicans are working to modernize the GOP’s voter file,” although he didn’t mention Liberty Works by name.
“The information and applications should provide for dynamic microtargeting and at least match the Obama campaign’s ability to connect target voters with volunteers they know or whose interests match their own,” Rove wrote. “It should also be possible to update the master voter file in real time from phone banks, door knocks, online activity and other data streams. The platform will use open architecture, so enterprising GOP developers can build additional applications that candidates and campaigns find useful.”
Boyce, a San Francisco-based private-equity investor, called the project a game-changer.
“Our venture will change the game with a Republican, free enterprise approach to data and technology,” Boyce said in a statement Wednesday. “We are building an open platform to increase access to data for the entire Republican team as well as to bring creativity and technological innovation to our party through new great applications that can be built off the platform.”
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
White House Endorses Internet Sales Tax
From: The Weekly Standard
The White House today endorsed the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would be a tax hike for purchases made over the Internet. The White House claims the tax would "level playing field for local retailers."
"The Administration strongly supports S. 743, which will level the playing field for local small business retailers that are in competition every day with large out-of-state online companies," reads the Obama administration's statement on the policy.
Although States presently have the authority to tax the sale of goods or services sold from out-of-state vendors, they are prevented under current law from requiring the collection of such duly-enacted taxes.
As a consequence, while local small business retailers follow the law and collect sales taxes from customers who make purchases in their stores, many big business online and catalog retailers do not collect the same taxes. Because these out-of-state companies are able to play by a different set of rules, this disparity undermines the ability of cities and States to invest in K-12 education, police and fire protection, access to affordable health care, and funding for roads and bridges. This bill would eliminate the unfair advantage currently enjoyed by big out-of-state online companies over local neighborhood-based small businesses.
In recent years, collection technologies have improved and States have made significant strides to cut red tape and simplify their tax systems. At the same time, Internet-facilitated sales continue to grow as a share of total transactions, contributing to ongoing State budget pressures. In recognition of these developments, a broad and growing group of bipartisan State and Federal leaders — including governors, mayors, business and labor groups, and members of Congress from both parties — has called for commonsense Federal legislation to make the system more fair.
The White House today endorsed the Marketplace Fairness Act, which would be a tax hike for purchases made over the Internet. The White House claims the tax would "level playing field for local retailers."
"The Administration strongly supports S. 743, which will level the playing field for local small business retailers that are in competition every day with large out-of-state online companies," reads the Obama administration's statement on the policy.
Although States presently have the authority to tax the sale of goods or services sold from out-of-state vendors, they are prevented under current law from requiring the collection of such duly-enacted taxes.
As a consequence, while local small business retailers follow the law and collect sales taxes from customers who make purchases in their stores, many big business online and catalog retailers do not collect the same taxes. Because these out-of-state companies are able to play by a different set of rules, this disparity undermines the ability of cities and States to invest in K-12 education, police and fire protection, access to affordable health care, and funding for roads and bridges. This bill would eliminate the unfair advantage currently enjoyed by big out-of-state online companies over local neighborhood-based small businesses.
In recent years, collection technologies have improved and States have made significant strides to cut red tape and simplify their tax systems. At the same time, Internet-facilitated sales continue to grow as a share of total transactions, contributing to ongoing State budget pressures. In recognition of these developments, a broad and growing group of bipartisan State and Federal leaders — including governors, mayors, business and labor groups, and members of Congress from both parties — has called for commonsense Federal legislation to make the system more fair.
The Administration strongly supports provisions in S. 743 that would directly address those concerns by granting only those States and localities that have simplified their sales tax systems the option to require all retailers, including those located out-of-state, to collect sales and use taxes already owed under law. The Administration also is pleased that S. 743 provides an exception for small online businesses and requires States to make available, at no cost to retailers, software that helps calculate the State sales tax on remote transactions, as well as administrative services.The legislation is being considered in the Senate
The Administration looks forward to working with the Congress on this bipartisan legislation to support State and local priorities and promote a level playing field for local retailers.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Dick Cheney-We AreIn Deep Doo Doo With North Korea
From: The Hill
Former Vice President Dick Cheney discussed tensions on the Korean peninsula with Republican leaders in Congress in a closed-door meeting Tuesday, warning them that the United States was in danger.
“We’re in deep doo doo,” Cheney told lawmakers, according to CNN, which first reported the talk.
Rep. Steve Southerland (Fla.) who attended the 10-minute meeting with GOP leaders said Cheney called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unpredictable and, citing his own experience dealing with former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, said “you never know what they’re thinking.”
“Here's a young guy we don't know very much about – have very little intel on him, so we just need to make sure that we don't assume why he's doing what he's doing because he could be doing what he's doing for any number of reasons,’ said Southerland, characterizing Cheney’s remarks.
The former vice president spoke to GOP lawmakers, at the invitation of Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (Calif.).
Cheney’s comments come amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula, as the North has threatened nuclear war against the South and the U.S.
In recent weeks, Pyongyang has cut off military communications with Seoul, moved missiles to its eastern coast and shut down a joint economic zone. The provocations came after the UN approved tougher sanctions on the rogue regime after it conducted its third nuclear test earlier this year.
The Obama administration has called on North Korea to ratchet down its rhetoric and to return to negotiations over its nuclear weapons program.
The Pentagon has said that it is taking the threat from the North seriously, with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel deploying additional missile interceptors to Guam and Alaska and stepping up training exercises with the South.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney discussed tensions on the Korean peninsula with Republican leaders in Congress in a closed-door meeting Tuesday, warning them that the United States was in danger.
“We’re in deep doo doo,” Cheney told lawmakers, according to CNN, which first reported the talk.
Rep. Steve Southerland (Fla.) who attended the 10-minute meeting with GOP leaders said Cheney called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unpredictable and, citing his own experience dealing with former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, said “you never know what they’re thinking.”
“Here's a young guy we don't know very much about – have very little intel on him, so we just need to make sure that we don't assume why he's doing what he's doing because he could be doing what he's doing for any number of reasons,’ said Southerland, characterizing Cheney’s remarks.
The former vice president spoke to GOP lawmakers, at the invitation of Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (Calif.).
Cheney’s comments come amid heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula, as the North has threatened nuclear war against the South and the U.S.
In recent weeks, Pyongyang has cut off military communications with Seoul, moved missiles to its eastern coast and shut down a joint economic zone. The provocations came after the UN approved tougher sanctions on the rogue regime after it conducted its third nuclear test earlier this year.
The Obama administration has called on North Korea to ratchet down its rhetoric and to return to negotiations over its nuclear weapons program.
The Pentagon has said that it is taking the threat from the North seriously, with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel deploying additional missile interceptors to Guam and Alaska and stepping up training exercises with the South.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Nancy Reagan: 'Ronnie and Maggie were political soul mates'
From: WashingtonExaminer.com
Former first lady Nancy Reagan, expressing deep sadness at former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's death, called the Iron Lady and former President Ronald Reagan "political soul mates."
In a statement provided to Secrets, Reagan praised the duo's fight for democracy and said Thatcher helped the Gipper bring on the collapse of the Soviet Union. Below is her statement issued by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library.
STATEMENT BY MRS. RONALD REAGAN ON THE DEATH OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE BARONESS MARGARET THATCHER
Los Angeles - I am terribly saddened today to learn of the death of Margaret Thatcher. The world has lost a true champion of freedom and democracy.
It is well known that my husband and Lady Thatcher enjoyed a very special relationship as leaders of their respective countries during one of the most difficult and pivotal periods in modern history.
Ronnie and Margaret were political soul mates, committed to freedom and resolved to end Communism. As Prime Minister, Margaret had the clear vision and strong determination to stand up for her beliefs at a time when so many were afraid to "rock the boat." As a result, she helped to bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union and the liberation of millions of people.
Ronnie and I knew her as a dear and trusted friend, and I will miss her. The United States knew Margaret as a spirited and courageous ally, and the world owes her a debt of gratitude.
My heart goes out to Mark, Carol and the entire Thatcher family.
Former President George H.W. Bush also had a fond memory of Thatcher. In a statement, he said:
"Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn of Baroness Thatcher's passing, and extend our heartfelt condolences to her children and loved ones. Margaret was, to be sure, one of the 20th Century's fiercest advocates of freedom and free markets -- a leader of rare character who carried high the banner of her convictions, and whose principles in the end helped shape a better, freer world.
The personal grief we Bushes feel is compounded by the knowledge that America has lost one of the staunchest allies we have ever known; and yet we have confidence that her sterling record of accomplishment will inspire future generations. May God bless the memory of Margaret Thatcher."
Reagan biographer Craig Shirley, author of Rendezvous with Destiny and Reagan's Revolution, joined in praising Thatcher.
"Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II represented the best of 20th century humanity. Their dedication to freedom defeated Soviet Communism and liberated millions," he said.
"Without Margaret Thatcher, all of us would be living in a far different and far worse world."
Former first lady Nancy Reagan, expressing deep sadness at former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's death, called the Iron Lady and former President Ronald Reagan "political soul mates."
In a statement provided to Secrets, Reagan praised the duo's fight for democracy and said Thatcher helped the Gipper bring on the collapse of the Soviet Union. Below is her statement issued by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library.
STATEMENT BY MRS. RONALD REAGAN ON THE DEATH OF THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE BARONESS MARGARET THATCHER
Los Angeles - I am terribly saddened today to learn of the death of Margaret Thatcher. The world has lost a true champion of freedom and democracy.
It is well known that my husband and Lady Thatcher enjoyed a very special relationship as leaders of their respective countries during one of the most difficult and pivotal periods in modern history.
Ronnie and Margaret were political soul mates, committed to freedom and resolved to end Communism. As Prime Minister, Margaret had the clear vision and strong determination to stand up for her beliefs at a time when so many were afraid to "rock the boat." As a result, she helped to bring about the collapse of the Soviet Union and the liberation of millions of people.
Ronnie and I knew her as a dear and trusted friend, and I will miss her. The United States knew Margaret as a spirited and courageous ally, and the world owes her a debt of gratitude.
My heart goes out to Mark, Carol and the entire Thatcher family.
Former President George H.W. Bush also had a fond memory of Thatcher. In a statement, he said:
"Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn of Baroness Thatcher's passing, and extend our heartfelt condolences to her children and loved ones. Margaret was, to be sure, one of the 20th Century's fiercest advocates of freedom and free markets -- a leader of rare character who carried high the banner of her convictions, and whose principles in the end helped shape a better, freer world.
The personal grief we Bushes feel is compounded by the knowledge that America has lost one of the staunchest allies we have ever known; and yet we have confidence that her sterling record of accomplishment will inspire future generations. May God bless the memory of Margaret Thatcher."
Reagan biographer Craig Shirley, author of Rendezvous with Destiny and Reagan's Revolution, joined in praising Thatcher.
"Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II represented the best of 20th century humanity. Their dedication to freedom defeated Soviet Communism and liberated millions," he said.
"Without Margaret Thatcher, all of us would be living in a far different and far worse world."
Friday, March 29, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Ashley Judd Won’t Run for Senate in Kentucky
From: ABC NEWS:
After months of flirtation, actress Ashley Judd announced on Wednesday that that she will not pursue a Senate bid against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. She made the announcement in a series of tweets late Wednesday afternoon:
The source said Judd has known she was not running for “the past few days” but only decided to make her decision public on Wednesday.
As late as last Friday, Judd was still hinting at a run, referring to her potential run against McConnell and foreshadowing what she presumed would be a barrage of attack ads from his campaign. She told a conference audience in Cincinnati that she used to be averse to hearing criticism, which she said was ironic because she was “about to get $40 million worth of it.”
In the same speech, she also joked that her mother, country star Naomi Judd, couldn’t wait to turn her garage into campaign headquarters.
Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky., who was one of Judd’s most vocal boosters, issued a statement on Wednesday through his spokesman.
“Congressman Yarmuth has said all along he would be surprised if Ashley Judd did not make this race and he’s certainly surprised and while he’s disappointed because he believed Ashley Judd would be a strong candidate against Sen. McConnell he’s confident that a strong candidate will emerge to take on Sen. McConnell who is the least popular senator in the country,” Yarmuth spokesman Stephen George said in a statement to ABC News.
George added that Judd and Yarmuth spoke earlier this week where she did “express some reservations about the race,” but he added they had been speaking throughout the process and that was not unusual.”
Judd’s interest in the race spurred widespread national attention, including from former President Bill Clinton who spoke to both Judd and Grimes about the seat, encouraging them both to take a hard look at the race.
ABC News reported last week that Clinton encouraged Judd to enter the race and promised he would help her, according to several Kentucky political sources. That conversation happened sometime between the November election and President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Earlier this month Clinton also met with Grimes after he spoke at an event for former Kentucky Sen. Wendell Ford in Owensboro, Ky., according to multiple political sources in the state. Clinton encouraged Grimes to consider taking on McConnell, adding as he did with Judd that he would support her.
Even with the Hollywood actress’s star power, a campaign against McConnell, a political institution in Kentucky, would have been an uphill battle. Shortly after Judd’s announcement, the National Republican Senatorial Committee in Washington circulated a list of ten Kentucky Democrats who have all passed on a chance to take on McConnell, including the state’s Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear.
“The hollow DSCC spin that Kentucky will be competitive still hasn’t made its way to the Bluegrass State,” NRSC spokesman Brad Dayspring said in a statement. Citing the list of ten Democratic names, Dayspring added, “Perhaps number eleven might be a lucky charm?”
After months of flirtation, actress Ashley Judd announced on Wednesday that that she will not pursue a Senate bid against Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. She made the announcement in a series of tweets late Wednesday afternoon:
“After serious and thorough contemplation, I realize that my responsibilities & energy at this time need to be focused on my family. Regretfully, I am currently unable to consider a campaign for the Senate. I have spoken to so many Kentuckians over these last few months who expressed their desire for a fighter for the people & new leader. While that won’t be me at this time, I will continue to work as hard as I can to ensure the needs of Kentucky families are met by returning this Senate seat to whom it rightfully belongs: the people & their needs, dreams, and great potential. Thanks for even considering me as that person & know how much I love our Commonwealth. Thank you!”A source familiar with Judd’s decision-making process said the news that Kentucky Secretary of State Allison Lundergan Grimes has also been considering a Senate run “gave her the space to really make a decision and decide what was best for her.”
The source said Judd has known she was not running for “the past few days” but only decided to make her decision public on Wednesday.
As late as last Friday, Judd was still hinting at a run, referring to her potential run against McConnell and foreshadowing what she presumed would be a barrage of attack ads from his campaign. She told a conference audience in Cincinnati that she used to be averse to hearing criticism, which she said was ironic because she was “about to get $40 million worth of it.”
In the same speech, she also joked that her mother, country star Naomi Judd, couldn’t wait to turn her garage into campaign headquarters.
Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky., who was one of Judd’s most vocal boosters, issued a statement on Wednesday through his spokesman.
“Congressman Yarmuth has said all along he would be surprised if Ashley Judd did not make this race and he’s certainly surprised and while he’s disappointed because he believed Ashley Judd would be a strong candidate against Sen. McConnell he’s confident that a strong candidate will emerge to take on Sen. McConnell who is the least popular senator in the country,” Yarmuth spokesman Stephen George said in a statement to ABC News.
George added that Judd and Yarmuth spoke earlier this week where she did “express some reservations about the race,” but he added they had been speaking throughout the process and that was not unusual.”
Judd’s interest in the race spurred widespread national attention, including from former President Bill Clinton who spoke to both Judd and Grimes about the seat, encouraging them both to take a hard look at the race.
ABC News reported last week that Clinton encouraged Judd to enter the race and promised he would help her, according to several Kentucky political sources. That conversation happened sometime between the November election and President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Earlier this month Clinton also met with Grimes after he spoke at an event for former Kentucky Sen. Wendell Ford in Owensboro, Ky., according to multiple political sources in the state. Clinton encouraged Grimes to consider taking on McConnell, adding as he did with Judd that he would support her.
Even with the Hollywood actress’s star power, a campaign against McConnell, a political institution in Kentucky, would have been an uphill battle. Shortly after Judd’s announcement, the National Republican Senatorial Committee in Washington circulated a list of ten Kentucky Democrats who have all passed on a chance to take on McConnell, including the state’s Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear.
“The hollow DSCC spin that Kentucky will be competitive still hasn’t made its way to the Bluegrass State,” NRSC spokesman Brad Dayspring said in a statement. Citing the list of ten Democratic names, Dayspring added, “Perhaps number eleven might be a lucky charm?”
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Source: Ashley Judd moving forward with run for Senate
From: FOX 5 WTTG
Ashley Judd has yet to officially announce her political aspirations, but a source with intimate knowledge of the situation tells FOX411's Pop Tarts column the actress is preparing herself to challenge Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for his Kentucky seat in 2014.
"At least in Ashley's mind, it is happening," said the insider. "She has devoted herself to many important causes and stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight so this seems like the logical next step. I don't know if she will be successful, but her heart is in the right place."
Judd, 44, has reportedly been meeting with well-financed Democratic donors, and last week ventured to Washington D.C for more public engagements.According to Don Peebles, Chairman and CEO of The Peebles Corporation, a member of President Obama's National Finance Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, a Judd run is likely much more than a Hollywood fantasy.
"There looks to be a lot of noise around her running and she's been active in commenting on politics of the day so it is certainly possible," he said. "Senate Minority Leader McConnell's approval ratings are low, and a lot of reports show that he is vulnerable to a challenge. While Kentucky leans right, it is not as conservative as most of its neighbors and the voters of Kentucky may be looking to send a message that they don't feel fairly represented by Minority Leader McConnell."
So is Judd's move from Hollywood star to thoughtful humanitarian impressive enough for Kentuckians to take her seriously?
"Sadly, Hollywood celebrities often confuse the characters they play with their own selves and mistakenly assume they know something. They usually don't. If she runs, it should be both a plus and a minus to Democrats," surmised Dan Gainor, VP of Business and Culture at the Media Research Institute. "She has name recognition and that's always good. She is well known and will get lots of money, and that could make it close. Or maybe the people of the state will laugh at her and it will be a huge embarrassment to the left. We can always hope sanity will prevail."
Yet others see Judd as an asset to the Democratic Party with the chops to offer up a fair fight.
"Ashley would add enormously to issues confronting Americans, especially women. She grew up in a home headed by a single mother and through hard work and sacrifice, she pulled herself up, graduated from college and went on to have a successful career," said D.C-based attorney and political advisor, Margaret Cone. "As a favorite daughter from the state of Kentucky and with her ability to fund raise, she could give Senator McConnell a real run for the seat."
Litigation and crisis communication expert Gene Grabowski of Levick Strategic Communications was left with a positive impression after watching Judd speak before an audience of George Washington University Public Health students last Friday, but noted there is much more to a successful Senate run than giving a good speech.
"She is poised, confident and knows how to tell moving stories about her experiences working with orphans and diseased children in Africa. She will be a very attractive candidate in a primary election and will have no problem raising money," he anticipated. "Ms. Judd is coy about the issue of whether she will run, but she is obviously infatuated with the idea and probably will pursue the idea. In the short run, she will be a plus for Democrats. In the longer run however, she will be extremely vulnerable in a general election facing a veteran Republican who knows the issues inside and out."
There is also some debate as to whether Judd's status as a screen siren, one who has repeatedly flashed her flesh and romped around in the bedroom for art's sake, will haunt her. In 1996's "Norma Jean and Marilyn," and 1999's "Eye of the Beholder," Judd went full-frontal and bared her backside, she went topless and bottomless in 1999's "Double Jeopardy" exposed her breasts in 1996's "Normal Life" and performed a lesbian sex scene in 2002's "Frida."
"Of course every movie and TV appearance she has ever made will be analyzed for clips to use against her. A conservative state won't like a senator who has gone naked in front of millions of people," Gainor observed. "America has a celebrity culture. We pay too much attention to them, from Honey Boo Boo to Dennis Rodman. We also tend to forgive their idiocy, and that's Judd's only real hope of getting elected."
However, Peebles pointed out that Judd's raunchy movies have all been seen so there is "no shock factor like there is with revealing a secret or scandal."
"Character attacks are entrenched as part of the political process these days so I don't think it will be unexpected. Presumably she would be ready for any attack on this matter," he said. "And from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Jesse Ventura to Al Franken, folks that enter public service with a celebrity status have had success. Many people feel connected to these folks because they've followed their careers or appreciate their talents and it never hurts to be a known quantity before entering a race."
Grabowski cautioned that if Judd does throw her hat in the Senate ring, she'll find it much more challenging than memorizing a movie script.
"She will have a steep learning curve. One major stumbling block for Ms. Judd will be selecting the right people to guide her through the political and communications process. Right now, her handlers are relatively inexperienced publicists and friends," he added. "She, and the Democratic Party, will have to ensure that she has far more experienced and capable advisors as soon as possible because she is being observed carefully right now to see if she has the right stuff to run for office."
A rep for Judd did not respond to a request for comment.
Ashley Judd has yet to officially announce her political aspirations, but a source with intimate knowledge of the situation tells FOX411's Pop Tarts column the actress is preparing herself to challenge Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for his Kentucky seat in 2014.
"At least in Ashley's mind, it is happening," said the insider. "She has devoted herself to many important causes and stepped away from the Hollywood spotlight so this seems like the logical next step. I don't know if she will be successful, but her heart is in the right place."
Judd, 44, has reportedly been meeting with well-financed Democratic donors, and last week ventured to Washington D.C for more public engagements.According to Don Peebles, Chairman and CEO of The Peebles Corporation, a member of President Obama's National Finance Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, a Judd run is likely much more than a Hollywood fantasy.
"There looks to be a lot of noise around her running and she's been active in commenting on politics of the day so it is certainly possible," he said. "Senate Minority Leader McConnell's approval ratings are low, and a lot of reports show that he is vulnerable to a challenge. While Kentucky leans right, it is not as conservative as most of its neighbors and the voters of Kentucky may be looking to send a message that they don't feel fairly represented by Minority Leader McConnell."
So is Judd's move from Hollywood star to thoughtful humanitarian impressive enough for Kentuckians to take her seriously?
"Sadly, Hollywood celebrities often confuse the characters they play with their own selves and mistakenly assume they know something. They usually don't. If she runs, it should be both a plus and a minus to Democrats," surmised Dan Gainor, VP of Business and Culture at the Media Research Institute. "She has name recognition and that's always good. She is well known and will get lots of money, and that could make it close. Or maybe the people of the state will laugh at her and it will be a huge embarrassment to the left. We can always hope sanity will prevail."
Yet others see Judd as an asset to the Democratic Party with the chops to offer up a fair fight.
"Ashley would add enormously to issues confronting Americans, especially women. She grew up in a home headed by a single mother and through hard work and sacrifice, she pulled herself up, graduated from college and went on to have a successful career," said D.C-based attorney and political advisor, Margaret Cone. "As a favorite daughter from the state of Kentucky and with her ability to fund raise, she could give Senator McConnell a real run for the seat."
Litigation and crisis communication expert Gene Grabowski of Levick Strategic Communications was left with a positive impression after watching Judd speak before an audience of George Washington University Public Health students last Friday, but noted there is much more to a successful Senate run than giving a good speech.
"She is poised, confident and knows how to tell moving stories about her experiences working with orphans and diseased children in Africa. She will be a very attractive candidate in a primary election and will have no problem raising money," he anticipated. "Ms. Judd is coy about the issue of whether she will run, but she is obviously infatuated with the idea and probably will pursue the idea. In the short run, she will be a plus for Democrats. In the longer run however, she will be extremely vulnerable in a general election facing a veteran Republican who knows the issues inside and out."
There is also some debate as to whether Judd's status as a screen siren, one who has repeatedly flashed her flesh and romped around in the bedroom for art's sake, will haunt her. In 1996's "Norma Jean and Marilyn," and 1999's "Eye of the Beholder," Judd went full-frontal and bared her backside, she went topless and bottomless in 1999's "Double Jeopardy" exposed her breasts in 1996's "Normal Life" and performed a lesbian sex scene in 2002's "Frida."
"Of course every movie and TV appearance she has ever made will be analyzed for clips to use against her. A conservative state won't like a senator who has gone naked in front of millions of people," Gainor observed. "America has a celebrity culture. We pay too much attention to them, from Honey Boo Boo to Dennis Rodman. We also tend to forgive their idiocy, and that's Judd's only real hope of getting elected."
However, Peebles pointed out that Judd's raunchy movies have all been seen so there is "no shock factor like there is with revealing a secret or scandal."
"Character attacks are entrenched as part of the political process these days so I don't think it will be unexpected. Presumably she would be ready for any attack on this matter," he said. "And from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Jesse Ventura to Al Franken, folks that enter public service with a celebrity status have had success. Many people feel connected to these folks because they've followed their careers or appreciate their talents and it never hurts to be a known quantity before entering a race."
Grabowski cautioned that if Judd does throw her hat in the Senate ring, she'll find it much more challenging than memorizing a movie script.
"She will have a steep learning curve. One major stumbling block for Ms. Judd will be selecting the right people to guide her through the political and communications process. Right now, her handlers are relatively inexperienced publicists and friends," he added. "She, and the Democratic Party, will have to ensure that she has far more experienced and capable advisors as soon as possible because she is being observed carefully right now to see if she has the right stuff to run for office."
A rep for Judd did not respond to a request for comment.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Dem Rep. Jose Serrano Praises Hugo Chavez As “Committed To Empowering The Powerless
From: Twitchy.com
Jose E. Serrano ✔ @RepJoseSerrano
Jose E. Serrano ✔ @RepJoseSerrano
Hugo Chavez was a leader that understood the needs of the poor. He was committed to empowering the powerless. R.I.P. Mr. President.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Walker talks political climate, gun control, state budget - Conservative News
From: Conservative News
“We got a tremendous response across the board to Human Events’s honor!” exclaimed Scott Walker Saturday afternoon.
Wisconsin’s Republican governor was referring, of course, to his being named “Conservative of the Year” for 2012 by the nation’s oldest conservative newsweekly. Human Events honored Walker for his reforms in the retirement and health care plans of some public employees in the Badger State and for enduring and emerging triumphant from an internationally-watched recall election last summer.
Walker, who is expected to seek re-election in 2014 and is already talked of as a potential presidential hopeful in 2016, told us that “we have sent out the Human Events story, posted it online, and tweeted it. It’s awesome!”
Turning to Wisconsin, we reminded the governor how he spoke of calming what he called “a fractious political climate” after the recall election.
“And it has calmed down,” he replied. “I presented my budget a few weeks ago and, while Democrats [in the legislature] were not necessarily eager to embrace it, we are at least sitting down and talking now.”
One part of his budget that Walker strongly emphasized was its proposed expansion of choice in education.
“We are seeking to expand the voucher program—which actually started in Milwaukee with Democratic support—and we’ll try to expand charter schools as well. Look, wealthy families have a choice as to where to send their children to schools. We want to expand that choice to middle-class and lower-income families.”
Less than three months after the tragic shooting in Newtown, Conn,, the nation’s governors are discussing possible gun legislation at the state level. Walker pointed out that his state had its share of tragedy, with the shooting at the Sikh Temple in Milwaukee last year that claimed seven lives.
“It’s a common issue for the governors of Connecticut, Colorado, Wisconsin and other states that have experienced tragedy,” Walker told us. “But the focus must be not on the weapons, but on the perpetrators of evil themselves.” Because of the savings from his budget reforms, Walker noted, the state was able to secure $30 million in additional funding for mental health. This brought the overall funding for mental health last year to a higher aggregate amount than was spent on mental health by the state in the last thirty years, he said.
“And we do a better job at dealing with this issue at the state level rather than the federal level,” Walker added.
Wisconsin’s Republican governor was referring, of course, to his being named “Conservative of the Year” for 2012 by the nation’s oldest conservative newsweekly. Human Events honored Walker for his reforms in the retirement and health care plans of some public employees in the Badger State and for enduring and emerging triumphant from an internationally-watched recall election last summer.
Walker, who is expected to seek re-election in 2014 and is already talked of as a potential presidential hopeful in 2016, told us that “we have sent out the Human Events story, posted it online, and tweeted it. It’s awesome!”
Turning to Wisconsin, we reminded the governor how he spoke of calming what he called “a fractious political climate” after the recall election.
“And it has calmed down,” he replied. “I presented my budget a few weeks ago and, while Democrats [in the legislature] were not necessarily eager to embrace it, we are at least sitting down and talking now.”
One part of his budget that Walker strongly emphasized was its proposed expansion of choice in education.
“We are seeking to expand the voucher program—which actually started in Milwaukee with Democratic support—and we’ll try to expand charter schools as well. Look, wealthy families have a choice as to where to send their children to schools. We want to expand that choice to middle-class and lower-income families.”
Less than three months after the tragic shooting in Newtown, Conn,, the nation’s governors are discussing possible gun legislation at the state level. Walker pointed out that his state had its share of tragedy, with the shooting at the Sikh Temple in Milwaukee last year that claimed seven lives.
“It’s a common issue for the governors of Connecticut, Colorado, Wisconsin and other states that have experienced tragedy,” Walker told us. “But the focus must be not on the weapons, but on the perpetrators of evil themselves.” Because of the savings from his budget reforms, Walker noted, the state was able to secure $30 million in additional funding for mental health. This brought the overall funding for mental health last year to a higher aggregate amount than was spent on mental health by the state in the last thirty years, he said.
“And we do a better job at dealing with this issue at the state level rather than the federal level,” Walker added.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Nebraska Sen. Johanns will not seek reelection
From: The Hill's Ballot Box
Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) will not seek reelection in 2014, retiring after just one term in office and opening a seat that is likely to remain in Republican hands.
"We would like to share with you a decision we have made about running for re-election to the United States Senate. We have decided not to seek re-election," reads an email sent by Johanns and his wife, Stephanie.
"With everything in life, there is a time and a season. At the end of this term, we will have been in public service over 32 years. Between the two of us, we have been on the ballot for primary and general elections 16 times and we have served in eight offices. It is time to close this chapter of our lives," the email adds.
Johanns previously served as governor of Nebraska and Agriculture secretary. His wife is a former state senator.
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), praised Johanns in a statement.
"Mike Johanns epitomized principled leadership during his near three decades of public service, always putting the needs of Nebraskans first. I thank him for his service and wish he and his family the very best in their next chapter,” said Moran. “The Cornhusker state will look to continue its strong conservative tradition by electing an equally dedicated Republican leader in 2014."
Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman (R) is likely to pursue the seat in 2014.
Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) will not seek reelection in 2014, retiring after just one term in office and opening a seat that is likely to remain in Republican hands.
"With everything in life, there is a time and a season. At the end of this term, we will have been in public service over 32 years. Between the two of us, we have been on the ballot for primary and general elections 16 times and we have served in eight offices. It is time to close this chapter of our lives," the email adds.
Johanns previously served as governor of Nebraska and Agriculture secretary. His wife is a former state senator.
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), praised Johanns in a statement.
"Mike Johanns epitomized principled leadership during his near three decades of public service, always putting the needs of Nebraskans first. I thank him for his service and wish he and his family the very best in their next chapter,” said Moran. “The Cornhusker state will look to continue its strong conservative tradition by electing an equally dedicated Republican leader in 2014."
Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman (R) is likely to pursue the seat in 2014.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Lautenberg to retire from Senate
From: The Hill's Ballot Box
Sen. Frank Lautenberg's (D-N.J.) decision Thursday to retire from the Senate opens a clearer path to the Democratic nomination for Newark Mayor Cory Booker, but a difficult primary fight could still lay ahead.
"I am not announcing the end of anything. I am announcing the beginning of a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey," Lautenberg said in a statement.
"While I may not be seeking reelection, there is plenty of work to do before the end of this term and I'm going to keep fighting as hard as ever for the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate."
Lautenberg said he would travel Friday to his hometown of Paterson, N.J., for a formal announcement.
The six-term senator is 89 years old, and there has been speculation for months that he would retire.
Booker (D) had already indicated he'd run whether or not Lautenberg retired, and likely faces a much easier path to the seat now that the senior senator has made the decision to bow out.
Booker, however, is expected to face a primary challenge from a handful of Democrats, including Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) who sources say is preparing to launch a bid for the seat.
In a statement, Pallone offered effusive praise of Lautenberg, calling him an "extraordinary leader" and a "moral guidepost."
"He has had an indelible impact on some of the most important issues facing New Jersey and our nation throughout his tenure including gun violence prevention, improving our nation’s transit systems and transportation infrastructure, making Americans healthier through anti-smoking initiatives, and rebuilding our state after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy," he said in the statement.
It's unclear what Pallone's next move will be, and his office declined to comment on whether he'll be jumping in the race now that Lautenberg is retiring.
Other potential contenders include State Assembly Leader Sheila Oliver (D) and State Senate President Steven Sweeney (D).
Booker, who had considered challenging Gov. Chris Christie (R) in this year's gubernatorial election, sparked some resentment among New Jersey Democrats by declaring his plans for the Senate before Lautenberg had decided whether or not to retire.
But polls conducted before Lautenberg's announcement showed Booker was a clear favorite among Democrats. A new Monmouth University Polling Institute found Booker led Lautenberg by a nearly 2-to-1 margin, with 40 percent support to Lautenberg's 25 percent support. Every other potential contender had low single-digit support.
While questions about whether Lautenberg would retire had swirled for months, he'd steadfastly refused to answer them. Lautenberg also made clear he felt Booker showed him a lack of respect.
Lautenberg joked that he'd "spank" Booker if necessary.
"I have four children, I love each one of them. I can't tell you that one of them wasn't occasionally disrespectful, so I gave them a spanking and everything was OK," Lautenberg told the Philadelphia Inquirer shortly after Booker had hinted he would run.
Broadcaster Geraldo Rivera has said he is interested in seeking the Republican nomination.
Christie, in a statement, credited Lautenberg for helping him fight for passage in Congress of emergency assistance legislation for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
“Frank Lautenberg and I have had our differences through the years, but I’ve always respected him for his tenacity, devotion to the people of New Jersey and his love for and commitment to public service," the New Jersey governor said.
"I will always be grateful for his doggedness in fighting with me and the delegation to ensure congressional passage of an aid package after Hurricane Sandy that is delivering necessary assistance to our residents. I wish him the best in his retirement.”
Democrats are favored to hold on to the seat in the liberal-leaning state.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg's (D-N.J.) decision Thursday to retire from the Senate opens a clearer path to the Democratic nomination for Newark Mayor Cory Booker, but a difficult primary fight could still lay ahead.
"I am not announcing the end of anything. I am announcing the beginning of a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey," Lautenberg said in a statement.
"While I may not be seeking reelection, there is plenty of work to do before the end of this term and I'm going to keep fighting as hard as ever for the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate."
Lautenberg said he would travel Friday to his hometown of Paterson, N.J., for a formal announcement.
The six-term senator is 89 years old, and there has been speculation for months that he would retire.
Booker (D) had already indicated he'd run whether or not Lautenberg retired, and likely faces a much easier path to the seat now that the senior senator has made the decision to bow out.
Booker, however, is expected to face a primary challenge from a handful of Democrats, including Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) who sources say is preparing to launch a bid for the seat.
In a statement, Pallone offered effusive praise of Lautenberg, calling him an "extraordinary leader" and a "moral guidepost."
"He has had an indelible impact on some of the most important issues facing New Jersey and our nation throughout his tenure including gun violence prevention, improving our nation’s transit systems and transportation infrastructure, making Americans healthier through anti-smoking initiatives, and rebuilding our state after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy," he said in the statement.
It's unclear what Pallone's next move will be, and his office declined to comment on whether he'll be jumping in the race now that Lautenberg is retiring.
Other potential contenders include State Assembly Leader Sheila Oliver (D) and State Senate President Steven Sweeney (D).
Booker, who had considered challenging Gov. Chris Christie (R) in this year's gubernatorial election, sparked some resentment among New Jersey Democrats by declaring his plans for the Senate before Lautenberg had decided whether or not to retire.
But polls conducted before Lautenberg's announcement showed Booker was a clear favorite among Democrats. A new Monmouth University Polling Institute found Booker led Lautenberg by a nearly 2-to-1 margin, with 40 percent support to Lautenberg's 25 percent support. Every other potential contender had low single-digit support.
While questions about whether Lautenberg would retire had swirled for months, he'd steadfastly refused to answer them. Lautenberg also made clear he felt Booker showed him a lack of respect.
Lautenberg joked that he'd "spank" Booker if necessary.
"I have four children, I love each one of them. I can't tell you that one of them wasn't occasionally disrespectful, so I gave them a spanking and everything was OK," Lautenberg told the Philadelphia Inquirer shortly after Booker had hinted he would run.
Broadcaster Geraldo Rivera has said he is interested in seeking the Republican nomination.
Christie, in a statement, credited Lautenberg for helping him fight for passage in Congress of emergency assistance legislation for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
“Frank Lautenberg and I have had our differences through the years, but I’ve always respected him for his tenacity, devotion to the people of New Jersey and his love for and commitment to public service," the New Jersey governor said.
"I will always be grateful for his doggedness in fighting with me and the delegation to ensure congressional passage of an aid package after Hurricane Sandy that is delivering necessary assistance to our residents. I wish him the best in his retirement.”
Democrats are favored to hold on to the seat in the liberal-leaning state.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Lindsey Graham faces possible primary challenge
From: The Hill's Ballot Box
South Carolina state Sen. Lee Bright (R) is "leaning towards" mounting a primary challenge against Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), he told The Hill Monday afternoon.
"I'm leaning towards it," Bright said. "I'm not going to make a final decision for another 60 days. That will give me time to see what response there will be out there."Bright criticized Graham's fiscal record as well as his views on climate change and immigration.
"We've got a real battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party right now and he's on the other side of the battle," he said.
Graham has had a target on his back from some conservative groups because he has worked towards bipartisan compromise on a range of issues, but no candidate until now had stepped up as a likely opponent.
South Carolina state Sen. Tom Davis (R), another Tea Party favorite who told The Hill late last year he was unlikely to run against Graham, officially ruled out a bid last week.
Bright said he'd been talking for some time with the fiscally conservative, well-financed Club for Growth, which often backs conservative insurgents to Republican incumbents in primaries and has been critical of Graham in the past. He said he has a perfect lifetime score from the group and hopes to secure their backing.
"I've talked with them a little bit privately in the last few months. Now it's going to get a lot more serious," he said.
Club for Growth Spokesman Barney Keller declined to weigh in.
"We're watching the race," Keller said, when asked about the meetings and whether the Club might support Bright if he runs.
Graham is more popular with South Carolina conservatives than those in Washington, D.C., however, and is a proven campaigner and fundraiser. The newly formed super-PAC Conservative Victory Project, which has the support of top GOP strategist Karl Rove and plans to target Republicans they view as too conservative to be electable, could also get involved in the race.
The conservative state senator disputed a Monday report from local political blog FITSnews.com that he had definitely decided to run for the seat. Bright said he didn't "know where that came from" and wanted to make sure he had a path to victory before he fully committed to a race. But he indicated he's likely to run.
"You don't want to run unless you can win. I have a lot of folks encouraging me. I'm starting to have more serious discussions with grassroots people, fundraisers and people around the state," he said.
South Carolina state Sen. Lee Bright (R) is "leaning towards" mounting a primary challenge against Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), he told The Hill Monday afternoon.
"I'm leaning towards it," Bright said. "I'm not going to make a final decision for another 60 days. That will give me time to see what response there will be out there."Bright criticized Graham's fiscal record as well as his views on climate change and immigration.
"We've got a real battle for the heart and soul of the Republican Party right now and he's on the other side of the battle," he said.
Graham has had a target on his back from some conservative groups because he has worked towards bipartisan compromise on a range of issues, but no candidate until now had stepped up as a likely opponent.
South Carolina state Sen. Tom Davis (R), another Tea Party favorite who told The Hill late last year he was unlikely to run against Graham, officially ruled out a bid last week.
Bright said he'd been talking for some time with the fiscally conservative, well-financed Club for Growth, which often backs conservative insurgents to Republican incumbents in primaries and has been critical of Graham in the past. He said he has a perfect lifetime score from the group and hopes to secure their backing.
"I've talked with them a little bit privately in the last few months. Now it's going to get a lot more serious," he said.
Club for Growth Spokesman Barney Keller declined to weigh in.
"We're watching the race," Keller said, when asked about the meetings and whether the Club might support Bright if he runs.
Graham is more popular with South Carolina conservatives than those in Washington, D.C., however, and is a proven campaigner and fundraiser. The newly formed super-PAC Conservative Victory Project, which has the support of top GOP strategist Karl Rove and plans to target Republicans they view as too conservative to be electable, could also get involved in the race.
The conservative state senator disputed a Monday report from local political blog FITSnews.com that he had definitely decided to run for the seat. Bright said he didn't "know where that came from" and wanted to make sure he had a path to victory before he fully committed to a race. But he indicated he's likely to run.
"You don't want to run unless you can win. I have a lot of folks encouraging me. I'm starting to have more serious discussions with grassroots people, fundraisers and people around the state," he said.
Rep. Westmoreland won't run for Senate in Georgia
From: The Hill's Ballot Box
Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) won't run for the Senate, he announced Monday evening.
"I would like to thank those who offered their encouragement and support over the last week as I considered a run for the United States Senate. After discussing it with family and friends, and after much deliberation and prayer, I have made the decision to not pursue a statewide office at this time," he said in a statement.
Westmoreland recently received a slot on the House Financial Services Committee and an expanded portfolio working with the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the GOP field to replace retiring Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) is shaping up to be a crowded one. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) is fundraising hard as he considers a run, Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) is expected to offically announce his campaign later this week, and Reps. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) and Tom Graves (R-Ga.) are also seriously considering bids for the seat.
The potential Democratic field also shrank on Monday, as Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed (D) ruled out a bid for the seat.
Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) won't run for the Senate, he announced Monday evening.
"I would like to thank those who offered their encouragement and support over the last week as I considered a run for the United States Senate. After discussing it with family and friends, and after much deliberation and prayer, I have made the decision to not pursue a statewide office at this time," he said in a statement.
Westmoreland recently received a slot on the House Financial Services Committee and an expanded portfolio working with the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the GOP field to replace retiring Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) is shaping up to be a crowded one. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) is fundraising hard as he considers a run, Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) is expected to offically announce his campaign later this week, and Reps. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) and Tom Graves (R-Ga.) are also seriously considering bids for the seat.
The potential Democratic field also shrank on Monday, as Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed (D) ruled out a bid for the seat.
Theo Spark: A Cabinet of Dunces
From: Theo Spark
By Alan Caruba
A President reveals a lot about himself by his choices of his cabinet members to head various government departments and agencies. Some choices turn out to be historically significant such as Truman’s Secretary of State, George Marshall or Nixon’s choice of Henry Kissinger, but since the President sets policy, the blame or approval belongs to him.
Nor is it unusual for cabinet members to leave after a first term if a President is reelected. What has been unusual for President Obama’s first term has been the appointment of an entire shadow government of advisors known as his “czars”; people who functioned behind the scenes with unknown levels of power to influence and even determine policy.
One, Van Jones, was an avowed Communist and, when that became known, he resigned.
Monday, February 4, 2013
The Snakes in the GOP Grass
From: RedState
Over the weekend, the New York Times reported that the power players at American Crossroads are financing a new group to help fund candidates in the primaries who oppose conservatives. In light of their smashing success electing candidates like Tommy Thompson, Rick Berg, Denny Rehberg, George Allen, Heather Wilson, and Linda Lingle, they will expand their roadshow into the primaries during the next election cycle in search of the next candidate who is indistinguishable from his/her Democrat opponent.
In an Orwellian attempt to obfuscate their agenda, they will be naming their PAC “the Conservative Victory Project.” They will never tell you how they plan to achieve conservative victory without running conservative candidates.
As I solicit feedback from grassroots Republicans throughout the country in preparation for the 2014 elections, I’m struck by the deep sense of pain and disquiet that has penetrated the very core of our base. They are witnessing a rogue regime that is dismantling every aspect of this country they love so dearly – one limb at a time. They watch helplessly as a malevolent administration, which harbors no respect for our Founders and Constitution, works to destroy our free markets, saddles our children with incorrigible debt, infringes upon our liberties, assaults our family values, erases our borders, appeases our enemies, and abrogates the rule of law. Hence, they see the demise of our Republic, with only feeble resistance to those engendering the decline.
The values of our party’s base – the values that have made this country what it is today – are being labeled extreme by those who seek to implement their extreme views.
Those of us who believe that the government doesn’t have the right to redistribute wealth are lampooned as greedy.
Those of us who seek to enforce our immigration laws are labeled as bigots.
Those of us who protest the ever officious government interventions into every aspect of our personal lives and businesses are ignored.
Those of us who don’t want our human rights violated at airports are considered rabble-rousers.
Those of us who want to retain our Second Amendment rights are being challenged by an administration that has abused firearms by selling them to drug cartels via an agency that was never brought to justice for Waco and Ruby Ridge.
Those of us who abide by the laws of the land – even those that are of dubious constitutionality – are helpless in preventing a rogue administration thwart the legal checks and balanced in its pursuit of an agenda that is foreign to our Republic.
Millions of Republican voters feel disenfranchised and voiceless as the pale-pastel figures in the party rise to the top levels of power. All they want is one party that is willing to take a stand and articulate their values – values which were considered commonsense until recent years.
Over the past few election cycles, a number of us have worked hard to find those few but strong voices in the wilderness. We have successfully elected people like Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, and a number of congressmen who are committed to fighting for the values of our Republic. Yet, the old power players within the party will not go silently. They obdurately seek to quell any effort to restore the Republican Party as an effective voice for the values of our Republic.
Yes, it is not enough to merely nominate a conservative; we must also find candidates who are savvy, articulate, and have the organization to go the distance. But the minute we choose a candidate who is not conservative, we lose the election before a single vote is cast. Voters are attracted to a show of force and decisiveness; we will certainly never change hearts and minds if we nominate candidates who are indistinguishable from Democrats.
We are looking for one party that is willing to fight for the restoration of our Republic, not jettison every tenet of our Constitution under the false allurement of electoral success. One by one, people like Karl Rove seek to crush another sacred belief of the conservative base. All social issues? Gone. Enforcement before amnesty? No way. Stay strong on taxes? Forget about it. Fight Obamacare? That’s a done deal.
Folks, we must win back the soul of the Republican Party before we can effect any positive change. For my part, I’ll be working overtime through the Madison Project Majority PAC to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of strong voices for liberty. There are a number of other great conservative leaders, such as the Club for Growth and the Senate Conservatives Fund, who will do the same.
In this battle, we must distinguish friend from foe. It is a battle we did not initiate, but it is one we must win.
Over the weekend, the New York Times reported that the power players at American Crossroads are financing a new group to help fund candidates in the primaries who oppose conservatives. In light of their smashing success electing candidates like Tommy Thompson, Rick Berg, Denny Rehberg, George Allen, Heather Wilson, and Linda Lingle, they will expand their roadshow into the primaries during the next election cycle in search of the next candidate who is indistinguishable from his/her Democrat opponent.
In an Orwellian attempt to obfuscate their agenda, they will be naming their PAC “the Conservative Victory Project.” They will never tell you how they plan to achieve conservative victory without running conservative candidates.
As I solicit feedback from grassroots Republicans throughout the country in preparation for the 2014 elections, I’m struck by the deep sense of pain and disquiet that has penetrated the very core of our base. They are witnessing a rogue regime that is dismantling every aspect of this country they love so dearly – one limb at a time. They watch helplessly as a malevolent administration, which harbors no respect for our Founders and Constitution, works to destroy our free markets, saddles our children with incorrigible debt, infringes upon our liberties, assaults our family values, erases our borders, appeases our enemies, and abrogates the rule of law. Hence, they see the demise of our Republic, with only feeble resistance to those engendering the decline.
The values of our party’s base – the values that have made this country what it is today – are being labeled extreme by those who seek to implement their extreme views.
Those of us who believe that the government doesn’t have the right to redistribute wealth are lampooned as greedy.
Those of us who seek to enforce our immigration laws are labeled as bigots.
Those of us who protest the ever officious government interventions into every aspect of our personal lives and businesses are ignored.
Those of us who don’t want our human rights violated at airports are considered rabble-rousers.
Those of us who want to retain our Second Amendment rights are being challenged by an administration that has abused firearms by selling them to drug cartels via an agency that was never brought to justice for Waco and Ruby Ridge.
Those of us who abide by the laws of the land – even those that are of dubious constitutionality – are helpless in preventing a rogue administration thwart the legal checks and balanced in its pursuit of an agenda that is foreign to our Republic.
Millions of Republican voters feel disenfranchised and voiceless as the pale-pastel figures in the party rise to the top levels of power. All they want is one party that is willing to take a stand and articulate their values – values which were considered commonsense until recent years.
Over the past few election cycles, a number of us have worked hard to find those few but strong voices in the wilderness. We have successfully elected people like Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, and a number of congressmen who are committed to fighting for the values of our Republic. Yet, the old power players within the party will not go silently. They obdurately seek to quell any effort to restore the Republican Party as an effective voice for the values of our Republic.
Yes, it is not enough to merely nominate a conservative; we must also find candidates who are savvy, articulate, and have the organization to go the distance. But the minute we choose a candidate who is not conservative, we lose the election before a single vote is cast. Voters are attracted to a show of force and decisiveness; we will certainly never change hearts and minds if we nominate candidates who are indistinguishable from Democrats.
We are looking for one party that is willing to fight for the restoration of our Republic, not jettison every tenet of our Constitution under the false allurement of electoral success. One by one, people like Karl Rove seek to crush another sacred belief of the conservative base. All social issues? Gone. Enforcement before amnesty? No way. Stay strong on taxes? Forget about it. Fight Obamacare? That’s a done deal.
Folks, we must win back the soul of the Republican Party before we can effect any positive change. For my part, I’ll be working overtime through the Madison Project Majority PAC to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of strong voices for liberty. There are a number of other great conservative leaders, such as the Club for Growth and the Senate Conservatives Fund, who will do the same.
In this battle, we must distinguish friend from foe. It is a battle we did not initiate, but it is one we must win.
Political Shakeup In Nebraska
From: Conservative News
The stunning political downfall of Nebraska’s Lieutenant Gov. Rick Sheehy Saturday night has upended that state’s political landscape—and, very possibly, opened the door to the election of the Cornhusker State’s first Democratic governor in 16 years.
Sheehy, considered the shoo-in for the Republican nomination to succeed lameduck Gov. Dave Heinemann next year, suddenly resigned from office late Saturday amid revelations he had used his state-issued cellphone to make thousands of calls to four different women who were not his wife.
Sheehy — who separated from his wife of 29 years in July — had reportedly maintained relationships with all four, including a physician who told reporters “I thought I was the only one.”
The Sheehy scandal leaves Nebraska Republicans caught off-guard regarding a successor to Heinemann and raises Democratic hopes of recapturing the state house 16 years after Ben Nelson, later a U.S. senator, was their last governor.
One month ago, Sheehy’s main rival for nomination also left the race in a major surprise. Former Nebraska Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood revealed his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and said he wasn’t running. At the time of publication, the lone Republican voicing interest in the race is State Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont. Considered a conservative, the 41-year-old Janssen has never been elected to anything beyond his senate district and has never run for anything statewide.
Two familiar names being batted about in GOP circles are eight-term Rep. Lee Terry of Omaha and State Treasurer Don Stenberg, who has lost four races for the U.S. Senate, including the primary last year won by freshman Sen. Deb Fischer.
Meanwhile, Democrats are now salivating for a crack at the governorship, with University of Nebraska Regent Chuck Hassebrook and State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha likely to run. In addition, talk is expected to grow regarding a bid by liberal State Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton—if for no other reason than Republicans scored a coup by electing stalwart conservative Fischer their state’s first female senator since 1954.
In speaking to reporters after the Sheehy exit, State Democratic Chairman Vince Powers sounded what is sure to be his party’s theme in the race for governor next year: “[The Sheehy affair] demonstrates that when you have one party in power for too long, arrogance and corruption and scandal follow it. It doesn’t matter if it’s Democrats in power or Republicans in power.”
The stunning political downfall of Nebraska’s Lieutenant Gov. Rick Sheehy Saturday night has upended that state’s political landscape—and, very possibly, opened the door to the election of the Cornhusker State’s first Democratic governor in 16 years.
Sheehy, considered the shoo-in for the Republican nomination to succeed lameduck Gov. Dave Heinemann next year, suddenly resigned from office late Saturday amid revelations he had used his state-issued cellphone to make thousands of calls to four different women who were not his wife.
Sheehy — who separated from his wife of 29 years in July — had reportedly maintained relationships with all four, including a physician who told reporters “I thought I was the only one.”
The Sheehy scandal leaves Nebraska Republicans caught off-guard regarding a successor to Heinemann and raises Democratic hopes of recapturing the state house 16 years after Ben Nelson, later a U.S. senator, was their last governor.
One month ago, Sheehy’s main rival for nomination also left the race in a major surprise. Former Nebraska Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood revealed his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and said he wasn’t running. At the time of publication, the lone Republican voicing interest in the race is State Sen. Charlie Janssen of Fremont. Considered a conservative, the 41-year-old Janssen has never been elected to anything beyond his senate district and has never run for anything statewide.
Two familiar names being batted about in GOP circles are eight-term Rep. Lee Terry of Omaha and State Treasurer Don Stenberg, who has lost four races for the U.S. Senate, including the primary last year won by freshman Sen. Deb Fischer.
Meanwhile, Democrats are now salivating for a crack at the governorship, with University of Nebraska Regent Chuck Hassebrook and State Sen. Steve Lathrop of Omaha likely to run. In addition, talk is expected to grow regarding a bid by liberal State Sen. Annette Dubas of Fullerton—if for no other reason than Republicans scored a coup by electing stalwart conservative Fischer their state’s first female senator since 1954.
In speaking to reporters after the Sheehy exit, State Democratic Chairman Vince Powers sounded what is sure to be his party’s theme in the race for governor next year: “[The Sheehy affair] demonstrates that when you have one party in power for too long, arrogance and corruption and scandal follow it. It doesn’t matter if it’s Democrats in power or Republicans in power.”
Thursday, January 24, 2013
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