Wyatt's Torch

An Inconvenient Truth

2006-06-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

Well...I saw the movie last night. It wasn't too bad and obviously did have some good points. I felt that it was a good way to get a complicated idea across. Unfortunately for Al Gore, it is a bit inconvenient that probably 90% of the folks viewing the movie already agree with the premise.

But I was thinking about this, suppose this was a good way to get a certain message across to the general public, what documentaries would conservatives produce?

Some that popped into my head:

Newt Gingrich on healthcare.
Dick Armey on the Flat Tax.
A younger Milton Friedman (though he is still quite sharp!) on liberalism (in the classical sense).
Maybe John Stossel on education.

Who would you choose to get a message out on an issue that is important to you?

Culture of Corruption???

2006-05-21T20:04:00.000-05:00

You have to love this. As the Democrats anticipate painting this year's midterm elections around a Republican culture of corruption, one of their own is about to get nailed for bribery. Sorry folks, corruption is (unfortunately) a bipartisan issue. Has been and likely will continue to be, especially without term limits.

Upon searching the home of Rep. William Jefferson, D (La), FBI Agents found nearly $100,000 in his freezer. The same $100,000 that they have taped the esteemed Congressman receiving from an FBI informant to bribe a Nigerian official. Jefferson told the informant that he gave the money to the Nigerian, but it seems he decided to keep in for himself.

Too bad for Howard Dean, maybe y'all can run on Nancy Pelosi impeachment platform?

WOW! Why hadn't I heard of this?

2006-05-16T18:33:00.000-05:00

COPYRIGHT: 1987 (AP Photo/Gary Miller)

Who is this guy and why does he have a gun? His name is Budd Dwyer and he is about to commit suicide at his own press conference. Yes, I am totally serious. You can read the entire account here. To summarize, Dwyer was State Treasurer in Pennsylvania during the 1980s. Eventually he became embroiled in scandal and called a press conference as pressure to resign mounted. While most at the conference expected him to resign, he proclaimed innocence, gave a few envelopes to his staffers, and pulled a gun out, all on live television. Dwyer then asked anyone in the room who might be offended to leave and well, I'll spare the details.

Mexico threatens lawsuit against U.S.

2006-05-16T18:31:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but the threat of this lawsuit makes me support National Guard troops on the border even more...

Bad Luck and Poor Taste

2006-05-14T09:24:00.000-05:00

Ted Kennedy's plane was struck by lightening and lost all electric power last night. He had delivered the commencement speech in western Massachusetts earlier in the day. Here is what I don't get, he was headed to his home on Cape Cod at the time...But was scheduled to deliver another commencement address in western MA today. Are there no hotels good enough for a Kennedy in western MA? Can't he spend a more than a few hours with his constituents in this part of the state? I would find it slightly insulting. I am not going to mention the amount of jet fuel that this aborted attempt would have burned either.

On a side note, I flew in a Citation (the plane that was struck) a few weeks ago and this had to be quite scary.

Trouble on the Horizon...

2006-05-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

What keeps you up at night? For me, it is the following:

In 1954 defense accounted for 69.5 percent of federal spending and "human resources" (programs such as Social Security, Medicare, job training and food stamps) only 18.5 percent. In 2005 defense was 20 percent and human resources 64.2 percent.

Robert Samuelson included those very scary statistics in a wonderful column today. Trouble on the Horizon isn't the best title, in fact it is a bit misleading. Folks, the trouble is here and has been here for a while. To be sure, my concern is NOT that defense spending is so low as a percentage of government spending. The scariest part is that this trend will continues as the Baby Boomers grow older.

The rest of Samuelson's column, titled "Affluence and Its Discontents" is worth a gander. The title is a play on the recently deceased John Kenneth Galbraith's book "The Affluent Society" which was partially used as justification for much of that social spending. As Samuelson points out, the problem with many of Galbraith's ideas is that the public would grow to demand more from the government as it gave us more. Today we are at a point where our appetites (for government assistance AND material goods) are difficult to satisfy and the current economic growth and record unemployment isn't enough to make us content.

Best Daily Kos post yet..

2006-05-07T17:43:00.000-05:00

I was bored today so I decided to hop over to Daily Kos for some amusement. I came across this post:

Why do so many Democrats listen to NPR? It's obvious that they're just another
lying right-wing so called media organization.

Regardless of the context, this might be the funniest one yet. Loss after loss must be adding up as these folks become loonier.

Partial Solution to Gas Prices?

2006-05-04T13:57:00.000-05:00

When politicians discuss the increase in gas prices, they often cite varying standards in gasoline in different states. I am not sure if there is any concrete evidence that this comprises a significant part of the increase. If it does, I thought that perhaps it would make sense for states to pact together and create one standard.

For instance, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, and Michigan could all agree to the same gas standard. Would this make an impact? How much of an impact? I would say that if the impact were only 10 cents it would be worthwhile. If it did change prices in those states, perhaps others would join and drop the price further.

Is this practical or would this make a miniscule difference?

Predictions?

2006-05-01T18:25:00.000-05:00

Blogger Ellis Wyatt and I have a few bets for tomorrow's Ohio primary.

Me:
Blackwell-56 Petro-44
Schmidt-54 McEwen-46
Roger Reynolds-52 Kay Rogers-48
Mike DeWine gets 68.5% of the vote.

Ellis:
Blackwell-53 Petro-47
Schmidt-55 McEwen-45
Rogers-48 Reynolds-52
Mike DeWine gets 59% of the vote.

I am confident that I will be 15 dollars richer tomorrow.

Bush Presidency

2006-04-24T09:11:00.000-05:00

Let me try to respond quickly to Colvin before my delayed (once again!) flight leaves.

I think this downturn started in late fall. The liberals have always hated Bush, but since late fall he has begun losing popularity with his base. I think this can all be tied to the nomination of Harriett Myers. Yes, a lot of us had been frustrated with excessive spending, immigration, etc... but there were still other issues that lead us to support Bush - namely, the war and supreme court nominations.

I am still with them on the war for the most part. But when we lost confidence in his ability to choose justices it just made it much easier to criticize other policies. Ultimately he correctedhis mistake, but the incident in my opinion was the straw that broke the camel's back. If they can address the underlying issues that conservatives have been dissatisfied with for quite some time they have a chance at making a comeback. Oh, and congress will need to grow a pair.

Ok plane is leaving...!

Will the changes be enough?

2006-04-23T22:17:00.000-05:00

This is the question everyone is asking these days. Can the Bush administration make the necessary changes to reverse the downward trend in approval ratings among other problems?

The answer, quite simply, is yes. Josh Bolten does seem to have the authority to make key changes. Bringing former Cincinnati area Congressman Rob Portman in as director of OMB is a good move to start. Portman has a great relationship with Congress and this is one are in which there is certainly quite a bit of room for improvement.

From my perspective (ant that of many others) there has been an issue with communication to the public and press with the White House. Changes are occurring here as well. It seems Tony Snow has been offered the job as Press Secretary and this move could make great strides. Snow is a warm communicative voice with plenty of experience on both the White House and press perspectives. Of course he has to be willing to take a pay-cut and will lose quite a bit of time with his family...so this is still very much a question mark. I, for one, will welcome bringing yet another Cincinnatian to a key role in the Bush White House.

On the topic of communication, I caught a bit of an interesting conversation on Meet the Press this morning. The video is not up quite yet, but I would suggest checking it out. To summarize Tony Blankley and Ron Brownstein discussed how this White House has tended to focus its PR on only a small segment of the population. On a very good day, ~52% of the country might respond well. When times aren't so good, ~35% of the nation will respond well. Does that number look familiar? Blankley suggested that the administration needs to appeal to the broader public rather. Also, to be sure, Blankley took himself out of the running for Press Secretary (unfortunately I think).

Secretary John Snow could be another change as this administration has had little to no luck at communicating what is actually a great economy. Snow has been seen as ineffective during his time. Recently, Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez has been mentioned. While the economy has been stellar the issue of gas prices has overshadowed high growth rates and record low unemployment rates.

Beyond changes in staff and in the style of communication passing some common-sense legislation can make a difference. One big question is whether that is possible with the way Harry Reid is handling himself in the Senate. It seems Reid is insistent on not allowing legislation to go through (before the 06 elections, of course), even if it is relatively bi-partisan as was the case with immigration reform. Perhaps it is too much to expect Reid to put policy over politics but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try. One big change that has been mentioned here and there is paper-less health records. Going to a paperless system has the potential to save thousands of lives in reduced medical errors and billions of dollars in savings. I'd like to go into more detail but that is for another time. This type of legislation would likely see wide bi-partisan support. Newt Gingrich and Hillary Clinton have been some of the bigger proponents.

So what do you think? What needs to be done? Is this presidency salvageable?

This is really lazy.

2006-04-22T18:42:00.000-05:00

Here is an installment I shall call "Narco's Thoughts" for lack of a better title. I caution the following might offend-but don't blame me...blame Narco.

Dr. Phil and Shaq are in Scary Movie 4. I have to see this.

I apologize to all of my fans for the 3 month lag in updates. I haven't felt clever lately. Deal with it.Why people watch women’s basketball – So I was watching an episode of “College Gamenight” on ESPN maybe last week when they decided to talk about the women’s NCAA tournament (for reasons unbeknownst to me). Apparently, Candace Parker from Tennessee dunked twice in the same game. The commentators were debating the merits of the dunk in the women’s game and what impact it might have if it became more prevalent. One of the commentators (female) said something similar to this, “The dunk will draw people away from the women’s game because people watch women’s basketball to see finesse and strategy, not power.” Here this commentator makes one dangerous assumption…that people watch women’s basketball. In fact, nobody cares about women’s basketball. As far as I know, only family members of people who play women’s basketball actually watch women’s basketball. Why would I want to watch a basketball game where the final score resembles that of a baseball or hockey game (and it is not due to great defense)? Dan Lebatard said it best on “Pardon the Interruption” last week when he said, “I like women. I like basketball. I do not like women’s basketball.”

Things identified by what they are not – I really hate the product “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!” OK, I understand that it is not butter, but what the hell is it? It could be ANYTHING except butter. It could be milk. It could be a shirt…just as long as it is not butter. I’m going to open up a furniture store and call it “I Can’t Believe They Aren’t Pants!” Seriously, if someone asked you to put some unidentifiable thing in your mouth, would you do it? I hope not.

Nick At Nite – I must start by saying that I have a little trouble sleeping in complete silence. Thus, I usually turn on the TV so I can fall asleep to some noise. At the hour at which I go to sleep, the only thing on TV is Nick At Nite. I quite enjoy “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Roseane,” and “Full House.” I can’t stand, however, “Murphy Brown” or “Who’s the Boss?” Apart from ruining my slumber, the only thing “Murphy Brown” accomplishes is making me want to punch Murphy Brown in the vagina. If this is the “powerful woman” image that women today are supposed to strive toward, we, as men, need to put a stop to the women’s lib movement right now before all of our wives, mothers, sisters, and girlfriends turn into snide, decrepit, irresponsible old snatches. That notion is a good segue into the character of Angela on “Who’s the Boss?” Am I supposed to believe that Judith Lighe is hot? Am I supposed to be sexually attracted to this woman? Well, her guiles have failed to draw me in to the point of actually becoming bothersome. I haven’t seen a more prudish woman that wasn’t wearing a bonnet. Maybe if you gave it up to Tony, you would loosen up a little and I would be able to watch your show without being annoyed and thusly fall asleep quickly.

Geography Classes at UC – I had to buy a box of crayons to complete a project for my Human Geography course last semester. Crayons.

Bread Makers – I really don’t understand this appliance. Why make something at home of which the store has an abundance? Why make something that is an ingredient in something else (sandwich)? I have always trusted my bread-making needs to someone else. I really think the boys at Klosterman or WonderBread have it down.

Flying Cars – We already have flying cars. They are called airplanes.

Kids - I want to print up business cards that say “Freelance Abortion Specialist” and hand them out in front of a cheap motel on prom night. Sort of a “don’t worry, I’m here to clean up your mess” sort of thing. I really don’t like kids though. I don’t want any, that’s for sure. Not just because I don’t like them but because I’m too irresponsible to raise kids. I mean, I’m struggling to give the cats the life they deserve. It’s so bad that I’m pretty sure that if I got someone pregnant, the government would pay for the abortion. “He got someone pregnant? Oh, kill it.” That’s why I’m going to donate my sperm. I still want the satisfaction of having kids without having to raise them. Kind of like NBA players without the money…or sex. The thing with sperm donation is that the kid you produce can come searching for you after their 18th birthday. I think that would be kind of fun too. They show up at your door and are all “dad, I just needed to know who you are”…”Son, I’ve seen you grow up, I’ve always been there when you needed me…so this is going to be very hard for both of us…you’re all grown up now so I’m sending you off into the real world…good luck, don’t try to get in touch with me.”

Handicapped People – I don’t quite get handicapped people. They have to park 15 feet away from a building because they can’t walk really far, but we let them hurtle down the road at 65 MPH surrounded by metal around other, more healthy, motorists. What’s next? Will they be flying our planes? I don’t want Christopher Reeve flying a plane with me on it by blowing through a fucking straw. Of course, that particular situation is no longer possible…

Pittsburgh Steelers – I fucking hate the Steelers. WHO-DEY. That is all.Advanced Technologies – I was in one of the bathrooms in the new Rec Center at school the other day. I noticed that the lights came on when I opened the door. I finished my business, washed my hands, and walked toward the door. As I was about to leave, the lights went out. Obviously, they were on some sort of timing mechanism. This led me to wonder what would’ve happened had I taken a Number 2. I guess I would’ve had to feel my way out of the bathroom, which would’ve been slightly awkward.

Assimilation – I was eating lunch at a Chinese restaurant the other day. They were listening to Warm 98 on the radio. One of the songs that played was “God Bless the USA.” Come on. Nobody in America listens to adult contemporary. Nobody in America actually likes that song.

Immigration – Let me begin by saying that I have NO PROBLEM with legal immigration into this country. I also believe that it should be MUCH EASIER for immigrants to come to the United States and find employment. Debates have raged over the past several weeks both in Washington and at the Mexican border regarding the possible tightening of US immigration policy. Right now, we have a situation where people are crossing the border at great peril. Many immigrants have died wandering the vast deserts of the American Southwest. These people are coming in search of a better life. These people are coming in search of JOBS. There are people who reside in the United States who will not leave their homes to search for a job. Here we have a population who will traverse miles of harsh terrain and risk dealing with hostile Border Patrols or independent militias for the opportunity to WORK. Their dedication should be recognized, not punished. In this country, a significant percent of our labor force is comprised of illegal immigrants. A disproportionately large percent of our GDP is produced by this illegal immigrant labor (I don’t feel like looking up the statistics, but they are readily available). Immigrant labor is essential to the operation of American business. If they are “taking our jobs,” they are doing a much better job of production than we are. The easing of restrictions is a pragmatic, not just an emotional argument. Their contribution should be recognized, not punished. The issue at hand is whether or not government benefits should be extended to the illegal immigrant population. This issue ignores the best possible solution to that problem…to make it easier to enter the country legally. If the United States is to be a beacon of hope, let it be a refuge to those seeking a better life. We are an immigrant nation. Practically, it is best that we continue to be welcoming.

I'm back...

2006-04-22T18:40:00.000-05:00

Sorry there has not been a post for some time. I have been quite busy, starting a new job and transitioning to a new city. (Ok, I've been a bit lazy too). Now as for the other folks-they're just plain lazy. Anyhow, I promise to post more often...maybe not while I am in Florida for business next week though :)...

Someone you should know about.

2006-02-23T13:28:00.000-05:00

I am not sure how many people know who Joel Klein is. I didn't. That is until I moved to NYC and got involved in education. While Joel is certainly a Democrat (served in the Clinton White House and at DOJ) he is doing (or should I say trying?) some revolutionary things in our nation's largest public school system (merit-pay, higher accountability, less red tape, longer hours, etc). Known primarily for his prosecution of Microsoft in the government's anti-trust case, he was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg to head the NYC school system. His run has thus far been characterized by fighting with head of the school teachers union over issues that are near and dear to many of us on this blog.

A recent column by John Stossel made me realized that many in this country, particularly outside of NYC don't know who he is. You should. Take a minute to google him and see what you find out.

Here are a few money quotes from Stossel's column:

We tolerate mediocrity, and people get paid the same whether they're outstanding or whether they're average or, indeed, whether they're way below average.

Klein said that out of 80,000 teachers, only two have been fired for incompetence in the past two years. That's because it takes years for a principal to fire an incompetent teacher.

Ohio 6th up for grabs

2006-02-20T13:28:00.000-05:00

For anyone who was really starting to think that the Democrats in Ohio were getting it together the 6th District proves that they are not. This is the seat the Strickland currently holds, and was expected to be a competitive race before the filing deadline. However, it no longer looks competitive based on the fact that the top Democratic candidate, State Senator Charles Wilson, did not get the required number of signatures.

This might not seem that odd when you look at state wide races where they require tons of signatures from every county. However in a Congressional race they require 50 valid signatures. That should mean going to one county's central committee meeting.

That is one more seat in the House, and one more reason why the Democrats will never regain power in Ohio.

Why Boehner won...

2006-02-07T13:54:00.000-05:00

In the days following Boehner's victory as Majority Leader we have been evaluating the reasons for what some in the media called a 'surprise' victory.

On election day:
-Blunt's nominating speeches were reported to be somewhat uninspiring.
-Shadegg's nominating speeches seemed to emphasize 'change' which could be construed as 'not Blunt' and were a bit more fiery.
-Boehner had strong nominating speeches particularly from Ways and Means Chairman Bill Thomas who is none as a powerful player. He was previously uncommitted as were most of his committee members.
-Following the first ballot most of Shadeggs votes (though not all) went to Boehner.
-Some of Blunt's supporters were committed only for the first ballot but felt free to vote for whoever on the second.

Leading up to the election:
-Shadegg's entry focused the race around reform/change.
-Two-way races favor incumbents. Forcing a second ballot favored the challenger.
-Shadegg's entry was too late. The momentum he generated was shifted to Boehner.
-The media was largely unfavorable to Blunt.
-Conservative pundits, bloggers, and columnists generally supported Shadegg or Boehner.
-Some viewed Blunt's tactics as a bit heavy-handed.
-Boehner showed his ability to work with Democrats by passing Pension reform while Republican leadership thought it was not possible in the last session.
-Boehner had forged strong relationships with fellow committee chairs.
-Blunt was viewed as a Delay protege

2006-02-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

Boehner Wins!

2006-02-02T13:40:00.000-05:00

After the 2nd ballot, the new House Majority leader is the represenative from Ohio John Boehner!

Final Vote:
122-109

More to come...

Check below for results!

2006-02-02T13:36:00.000-05:00

New to this technology but the results were flip-flopped.

Majority Leader Elections in progress....

2006-02-02T13:24:00.000-05:00

We are getting updates from the inside.

The 1st ballots have been cast. It seems there was some confusion after the representative from Puerto Rico was left off the list but now the number seem to be accurate.

Nominating speeches were made by Granger for Blunt, Thomas for Boehner (which is a huge get!), and Souder for Shadegg.

We will keep you posted.

1st Ballot Results!

2006-02-02T13:23:00.000-05:00

As expected the first ballot led to a 2nd ballot between Blunt and Boehner.

RBlunt 110
JBoehner79
JShadegg 40
2 write-in votes for jim ryun.

Shadegg has withdrawn

UPDATED: Blunt, Boehner, Shadegg Voter Tally

2006-01-26T10:30:00.000-05:00

BLUNT (91)- Todd Akin (MO), Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Joe Barton (TX), Michael Bilirakis (FL), Marsha Blackburn(TN), Roy Blunt (MO),Henry Bonilla (TX), Jo Bonner (AL), John Boozman (AR), Jeb Bradley (NH), Kevin Brady (TX), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Michael Burgess (TX), Dan Burton (IN), Dave Camp (MI), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), John Carter (TX), Tom Cole (OK), Mike Conaway (TX), Ander Crenshaw (FL), John Culberson (TX), Geoff Davis (KY), Jo Ann Davis (VA), Tom Davis (VA), Nathan Deal (GA), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), John Doolittle (CA), John Duncan (TN), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Terry Everett (AL), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mike Fitzpatrick (PA), Mark Foley (FL), Luis Fortuno (PR), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Louie Gohmhert (TX), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Sam Graves (MO), Kay Granger (TX), Ralph Hall (TX), Katherine Harris (FL), Robin Hayes (NC), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Duncan Hunter (CA), Darrell Issa (CA), Bobby Jindal (LA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Sue Kelly (NY), Jack Kingston (GA), Mark Kirk (IL), Randy Kuhl (NY), Jim Leach (IA), Frank LoBiondo (NJ), Michael McCaul (TX), Patrick McHenry (NC), John Mica (FL), Candice Miller (MI), Tim Murphy (PA), Sue Myrick (NC), Randy Neugebauer (TX), Charlie Norwood (GA), John Peterson (PA), Tom Petri (WI), Joe Pitts (PA), Ted Poe (TX), Adam Putnam (FL), Dave Reichert (WA), Rick Renzi (AZ), Mike Rogers (AL), Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Joe Schwarz (MI), Clay Shaw (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Don Sherwood (PA), Bill Shuster (PA), Chris Smith (NJ), Lamar Smith (TX), John Sullivan (OK), Tom Tancredo (CO), Charlie Taylor (NC), Fred Upton (MI), Greg Walden (OR), Jim Walsh (NY), Curt Weldon (PA), Jerry Weller (IL), Lynn Westmoreland (GA),Roger Wicker (MS), Joe Wilson (SC)

BOEHNER (50)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Judy Biggert (IL), John Boehner (OH), Steve Buyer (IN), Ken Calvert (CA), Chris Cannon (UT), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH), Chris Chocola (IN), Howard Coble (NC), Vern Ehlers (MI), Virginia Foxx (NC), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Paul Gillmor (OH), Melissa Hart (PA), Doc Hastings (WA), Dave Hobson (OH), Bob Inglis (SC), Bill Jenkins (TN), Sam Johnson (TX), John Kline (MN), Joe Knollenberg (MI), Ray LaHood (IL), Tom Latham (IA), Steve LaTourette (OH), Donald Manzullo (IL), Kenny Marchant (TX), Thad McCotter (MI), Howard McKeon (CA), Cathy McMorris (WA), Gary Miller (CA), Bob Ney (OH), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Mike Oxley (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), Todd Platts (PA), Richard Pombo (CA), John Porter (NV), Jim Ramstad (MN), Dennis Rehberg (MT), Jim Saxton (NJ), Jean Schmidt (OH), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Lee Terry (NE) Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

SHADEGG (12)- Charles Bass (N.H.), Tom Feeney (FL), Jeff Flake (AZ), Trent Franks (AZ), Jeb Hensarling (TX), Peter Hoekstra (MI), Connie Mack (FL), Mike Pence (IN), Paul Ryan (WI), Jim Sensenbrenner (WI), John Shadegg (AZ), Frank Wolf (VA)

Funny Website...

2006-01-20T16:51:00.000-05:00

Apparently a group Washington Redskins fans have created a website designed to keep ex-QB Heath Shuler from winning a seat in Congress as a D from North Carolina. My favorite quote:

If Shuler Tried to Pass a Bill, Would It Be Intercepted? America should be very concerned that Heath Shuler wants to run for Congress…I mean, look at all the damage he did his first time through Washington.

Boehner, Blunt, Shadegg Vote Update

2006-01-20T16:07:00.000-05:00

Here are the best numbers we see for the leadership race. While Shadegg still has a small list (he isn't releasing names) he did get two big endorsements, from Mike Pence-Chairman of the Republican Study Committee and Jim Sensenbrenner-Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. It is difficult to say what sort of sway Pence's endorsement will have as around half ot the RSC has already publicly committed for either Blunt or Boehner. Sensenbrenner is obviously a well-respected member.

Boehner and Shadegg seem to be aligning themselves together. Speculation has centered around how much the two parties might be discussing scenarios. With some pressure mounting for full leadership elections-some pundits have speculated that there could be a move to create a Boehner/Shadegg leadership team. Others see Shadegg forcing a second ballot between Blunt and Boehner with his supporters then shifting to Boehner. As we said, this is all speculation.

BLUNT (84)- Todd Akin (MO), Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Joe Barton (TX), Marsha Blackburn(TN), Henry Bonilla (TX), Jo Bonner (AL), John Boozman (AR), Jeb Bradley (NH), Kevin Brady (TX), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Michael Burgess (TX), Dan Burton (IN), Dave Camp (MI), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), John Carter (TX), Tom Cole (OK), Mike Conaway (TX), Ander Crenshaw (FL), John Culberson (TX), Geoff Davis (KY), Jo Ann Davis (VA), Tom Davis (VA), Nathan Deal (GA), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), John Doolittle (CA), John Duncan (TN), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Terry Everett (AL), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mike Fitzpatrick (PA), Mark Foley (FL), Luis Fortuno (PR), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Louie Gohmhert (TX), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Kay Granger (TX), Sam Graves (MO), Kay Granger (TX), Ralph Hall (TX), Katherine Harris (FL), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Duncan Hunter (CA), Darrell Issa (CA), Bobby Jindal (LA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Jack Kingston (GA), Mark Kirk (IL), Randy Kuhl (NY), Jim Leach (IA), Frank LoBiondo (NJ), Michael McCaul (TX), Patrick McHenry (NC), John Mica (FL), Candice Miller (MI), Sue Myrick (NC), Randy Neugebauer (TX), Charlie Norwood (GA), John Peterson (PA), Tom Petri (WI), Ted Poe (TX), Adam Putnam (FL), Dave Reichert (WA), Rick Renzi (AZ), Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Joe Schwarz (MI), Clay Shaw (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Don Sherwood (PA), Bill Shuster (PA), Chris Smith (NJ), Lamar Smith (TX), John Sullivan (OK), Tom Tancredo (CO), Charlie Taylor (NC), Fred Upton (MI), Greg Walden (OR), Jim Walsh (NY), Curt Weldon (PA), Roger Wicker (MS), Joe Wilson (SC), Jerry Weller (IL), Lynn Westmoreland (GA)

BOEHNER (47)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve Buyer (IN), Judy Biggert (IL), Ken Calvert (CA), Chris Cannon (UT), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH), Chris Chocola (IN), Howard Coble (NC), Vern Ehlers (MI), Virginia Foxx (NC), Melissa Hart (PA), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Paul Gillmor (OH), Doc Hastings (WA), Dave Hobson (OH), Bill Jenkins (TN), Sam Johnson (TX), John Kline (MN), Joe Knollenberg (MI), Ray LaHood (IL), Tom Latham (IA), Steve LaTourette (OH), Donald Manzullo (IL), Kenny Marchant (TX), Thad McCotter (MI), Howard McKeon (CA), Cathy McMorris (WA), Gary Miller (CA), Bob Ney (OH), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Mike Oxley (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), Todd Platts (PA), Richard Pombo (CA), John Porter (NV), Jim Ramstad (MN), Jim Saxton (NJ), Jean Schmidt (OH), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Lee Terry (NE) Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

SHADEGG (4)- Tom Feeney (FL), Trent Franks (AZ), Jeb Hensarling (TX), Mike Pence (IN), Paul Ryan (WI), Jim Sensenbrenner (WI)

Joint Statement from Boehner and Shadegg

2006-01-19T11:57:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR BOEHNER, CONTACT KEVIN SMITH
January 19, 2006 or DON SEYMOUR, 202-225-6205

FOR SHADEGG, CONTACT MICHAEL STEEL,
202-225-3361

Boehner, Shadegg: The American People
Deserve a Debate

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Reps. John Boehner (R-OH) and John Shadegg (R-AZ) today jointly called upon Acting Majority Leader/Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) to agree to make a media appearance with them to discuss the issues in the race for Majority Leader:

"It is our understanding Roy has now declined invitations from two nationally-televised Sunday morning news programs to appear with us and directly discuss the issues facing the future of our Republican majority.

"It's unfortunate that at a time when House Republicans are having a serious conversation about our future, the candidate who claims to be the frontrunner has so far refused to engage in a debate about how we will reform the House and change the status quo.

"Our Members, our party, and our country deserve to hear all of the candidates in an open and honest debate about their vision for leading the House and helping retain and expand our Republican majority."

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Boehner/Blunt/Shadegg voter tally update.

2006-01-17T18:44:00.000-05:00

Here is the Monday update of the voter tallies. No major changes in numbers, all three have gained (though Blunt is the only to loose a member due to the entry of Shadegg). Doc Hastings the Chair of the Ethics Committee did declare for Boehner which is a somewhat major move.

BLUNT (84)- Todd Akin (MO), Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Joe Barton (TX), Marsha Blackburn(TN), Henry Bonilla (TX), Jo Bonner (AL), John Boozman (AR), Jeb Bradley (NH), Kevin Brady (TX), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Michael Burgess (TX), Dan Burton (IN), Dave Camp (MI), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), John Carter (TX), Tom Cole (OK), Mike Conaway (TX), Ander Crenshaw (FL), John Culberson (TX), Geoff Davis (KY), Jo Ann Davis (VA), Tom Davis (VA), Nathan Deal (GA), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), John Doolittle (CA), John Duncan (TN), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Terry Everett (AL), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mike Fitzpatrick (PA), Mark Foley (FL), Luis Fortuno (PR), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Louie Gohmhert (TX), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Kay Granger (TX), Sam Graves (MO), Kay Granger (TX), Ralph Hall (TX), Katherine Harris (FL), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Duncan Hunter (CA), Darrell Issa (CA), Bobby Jindal (LA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Jack Kingston (GA), Mark Kirk (IL), Randy Kuhl (NY), Jim Leach (IA), Frank LoBiondo (NJ), Michael McCaul (TX), Patrick McHenry (NC), John Mica (FL), Candice Miller (MI), Sue Myrick (NC), Randy Neugebauer (TX), Charlie Norwood (GA), John Peterson (PA), Tom Petri (WI), Ted Poe (TX), Adam Putnam (FL), Dave Reichert (WA), Rick Renzi (AZ), Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Joe Schwarz (MI), Clay Shaw (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Don Sherwood (PA), Bill Shuster (PA), Chris Smith (NJ), Lamar Smith (TX), John Sullivan (OK), Tom Tancredo (CO), Charlie Taylor (NC), Fred Upton (MI), Greg Walden (OR), Jim Walsh (NY), Curt Weldon (PA), Roger Wicker (MS), Joe Wilson (SC), Jerry Weller (IL), Lynn Westmoreland (GA)

BOEHNER (44)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve Buyer (IN), Ken Calvert (CA), Chris Cannon (UT), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH), Chris Chocola (IN), Howard Coble (NC), Vern Ehlers (MI), Virginia Foxx (NC), Melissa Hart (PA), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Paul Gillmor (OH), Doc Hastings (WA), Dave Hobson (OH), Bill Jenkins (TN), Sam Johnson (TX), John Kline (MN), Joe Knollenberg (MI), Ray LaHood (IL), Tom Latham (IA), Steve LaTourette (OH), Donald Manzullo (IL), Kenny Marchant (TX), Thad McCotter (MI), Howard McKeon (CA), Cathy McMorris (WA), Gary Miller (CA), Bob Ney (OH), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Mike Oxley (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), Todd Platts (PA), John Porter (NV), Jim Ramstad (MN), Jim Saxton (NJ), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Lee Terry (NE) Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

SHADEGG (4)- Tom Feeney (FL), Trent Franks (AZ), Jeb Hensarling (TX), Paul Ryan (WI)

Weekend Recap

2006-01-16T15:24:00.000-05:00

It was a slow news weekend in the race for majority leader; very few announcements from either side and little to no change in the public vote tallies (though it seems Blunt might have some defectors to Shadegg).

All three candidates appeared on Fox News Sunday, nothing too noteworthy was said and they appeared separately rather than together. A portion of the show (mostly showing Boehner) can be found here.

The Chicago Tribune endorsed Boehner here.

Stephen Moore, formerly of the Club for Growth and currently of the WSJ had a piece today that was largely negative of Blunt, somewhat positive on Boehner, and pro-Shadegg.

Robert Novak had a similar take as well today.

Boehner v. Blunt v. Shadegg

2006-01-13T17:09:00.000-05:00

After the excitment of this morning's Shadegg announcement, the releases have come slowly. Boehner's camp added 3 today and Shadegg continues to add names to his public list. It appears that the balance of the day was spent trying to shore up vote counts and to cement support before the long weekend.

Also, there is speculation on Capitol Hill that the Texas delegation may not be supporting Blunt. After the first meeting, it was reported that they were clost to supporting Boehner, not Blunt.

Breaking news... Speaker Hastert has asked Bob Ney to resign his chairmanship of the House Adminstration Committee.... More later.

Here are the lists (they will be updated throughout the weekend):

BLUNT (81)- Todd Akin (MO), Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Joe Barton (TX), Marsha Blackburn(TN), Henry Bonilla (TX), Jo Bonner (AL), John Boozman (AR), Jeb Bradley (NH), Kevin Brady (TX), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Michael Burgess (TX), Dan Burton (IN), Dave Camp (MI), Shelley Moore Capito (WV), John Carter (TX), Tom Cole (OK), Mike Conaway (TX), Ander Crenshaw (FL), John Culberson (TX), Geoff Davis (KY), Jo Ann Davis (VA), Tom Davis (VA), Nathan Deal (GA), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), John Doolittle (CA), John Duncan (TN), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Terry Everett (AL), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mike Fitzpatrick (PA), Mark Foley (FL), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Louie Gomhert (TX), Sam Graves (MO), Kay Granger (TX), Ralph Hall (TX), Katherine Harris (FL), Duncan Hunter (CA), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Darrell Issa (CA), Bobby Jindal (LA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Jack Kingston (GA), Mark Kirk (IL), Randy Kuhl (NY), Jim Leach (IA), Frank LoBiondo (NJ), Michael McCaul (TX), John Mica (FL), Candice Miller (MI), Sue Myrick (NC), Charlie Norwood (GA), Randy Neugebauer, John Peterson (PA), Tom Petri (WI), Ted Poe (TX), Adam Putnam (FL), Dave Reichert (WA), Rick Renzi (AZ), Dana Rohrabacher (CA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Joe Schwarz (MI), Clay Shaw (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Don Sherwood (PA), Chris Smith (NJ), Lamar Smith (TX), John Sullivan (OK), Tom Tancredo (CO), Charlie Taylor (NC), Greg Walden (OR), Jim Walsh (NY), Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Joe Wilson (SC), Jerry Weller, Curt Weldon (PA), Roger Wicker (MS)

BOEHNER (41)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve Buyer (IN), Ken Calvert (CA), Chris Cannon (UT), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH), Chris Chocola (IN), Howard Coble (NC), Vern Ehlers (MI), Virginia Foxx (NC), Melissa Hart (PA), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Paul Gillmor (OH), Dave Hobson (OH), Bill Jenkins (TN), Sam Johnson (TX), John Kline (MN), Ray LaHood (IL), Tom Latham (IA), Steve LaTourette (OH), Donald Manzullo (IL), Kenny Marchant (TX), Thad McCotter (MI), Howard McKeon (CA), Gary Miller (CA), Bob Ney (OH), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Mike Oxley (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), Todd Platts (PA), John Porter (NV), Jim Ramstad (MN), Jim Saxton (NJ), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Lee Terry (NE) Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

SHADEGG (2)-Trent Franks (AZ), Jeb Hensarling (TX)

Shadegg's In

2006-01-13T10:40:00.000-05:00

It really is difficult to determine what sort of an impact this will make on the race. It will likely drive all three candidate to a reformist platform. Boehner has already been making a move in this direction (particularly with earmark reform). Blunt will likely attempt to make similar strides in the next few days.

Boehner had particularly kind words for Shadegg upon his announcement while the Blunt camp maintained their aura of confidence. Below is a segment from Boehner's statement:

John is an important member of our Conference and a respected voice for reform. His entry into the Majority Leader race is further proof the Conference isn't happy with the status quo. Our Conference will only benefit from a truly open and competitive contest based on ideas, principles, and abilities, and I welcome him into the race. Between the two of us, we're going to make this race about reforming how the House does business and providing a real alternative to the status quo.

Hopefully today will give as idea of the direction of the race, if people will stick with their commencements or not, or if all three will stick out the race. Should be interesting. Shadegg has already announced that he is resigning his currently leadership position out of principle and as a bit of a jab at Blunt. Many feel that Blunt not resigning as Majority Whip is unfair as those jockeying for position behind him feel pressured to support him rather than follow their conscience.

In another development, as one can see below Blunt received quite a bit of support from Texas yesterday with a handful still unannounced.

Boehner/Blunt Voter Tally-Thursday Morning

2006-01-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

This is the most updated list of public support for Boehner and Blunt. CAUTION: With the entry of Shadegg into the race this list could change quite a bit, the complexion of this race could change comepletely or not at all...

BLUNT (70)- Todd Akin (MO), Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Joe Barton (TX), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Henry Bonilla (TX), Jo Bonner (AL), John Boozman (AR), Jeb Bradley (NH), Kevin Brady (TX), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Michael Burgess (TX), Dan Burton (IN), Dave Camp (MI), Shelly Moore Capito (WV), John Carter (TX), Tom Cole (OK), Mike Conaway (TX),Ander Crenshaw (FL), John Culberson (TX), Jo Ann Davis (VA), Tom Davis (VA), Nathan Deal (GA), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), John Doolittle (CA), John Duncan (TN), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mark Foley (FL), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Mark Fitzpatrick (PA), Louie Gohmert (TX), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Kay Granger (TX), Sam Graves (MO), Katherine Harris (FL), Duncan Hunter (CA), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Darrel Issa (CA), Bobby Jindal (LA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Jack Kingston (GA), Mark Kirk (IL), Jim Leach (IA), Michael McCaul (TX), Candice Miller (MI), Sue Myrick (NC), Randy Neugebauer (TX), Charlie Norwood (GA), Tom Petri (WI), Joe Pitts (PA), Adam Putnam (FL), Dave Reichert (WA), Rick Renzi (AZ), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Dana Rohrabacher (CA), Clay Shaw (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Lamar Smith (TX), John Sullivan (OK), Charles Taylor (NC), Tom Tancredo (CO), Greg Walden (OR), Jim Walsh (NY), Curt Weldon (PA), Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Roger Wicker (MS), Joe Wilson (SC)

BOEHNER (37)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve Buyer (IN), Ken Calvert (CA), Chris Cannon (UT), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH), Howard Coble (NC), Vern Ehlers (MI), Melissa Hart (PA), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Paul Gillmor (OH), Dave Hobson (OH), Bill Jenkins (TN), Sam Johnson (TX), John Kline (MN), Ray LaHood (IL), Tom Latham (IA), Steve LaTourette (OH), Kenny Marchant (TX), Thad McCotter (MI), Howard McKeon (CA), Gary Miller (CA), Bob Ney (OH), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Mike Oxley (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), John Porter (NV), Jim Ramstad (MN), Jim Saxton (NJ), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Lee Terry (NE) Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

New Boehner/Blunt Update...

2006-01-12T10:56:00.000-05:00

Blunt is now claiming 100+ (likely low 100s) public/private commitments. This is a significant jump. The Boehner camp responded quickly claiming 86.

These numbers added together and assuming no one a)switches votes or b) is privately endorsing both (which is a bad assumption) this leaves a small handful of undecideds. Undecideds are likely a bad thing for Blunt as he should have already shored up his support meaning they are looking for an alternative. That alternative could be Shadegg (AZ) who Flake (AZ) has been actively touting. However-and this could be good for Boehner-Flake and others have indicated if Shadegg doesn't enter then Boehner is likely their man. The Shadegg camp at this point with so few undecideds must decide soon if it will enter the race or perhaps work on a big endorsement before he has lost his position. While Blunt does have a lead and apparently a large number of commitments, this is STARK contrast to the past few days when his camp has maintained they were about to wrap up the process and secure enough votes. Currently he only has about 60 members who are willing to publicly back him which is low for the apparent front-runner. The next big movement will likely be some sort of announcement from Shadegg and/or Flake. If those two decided to sway their support behind one candidate, it's a safe assumption that they would push them over the top of the 116 votes needed.

These numbers added together and assuming no one a)switches votes or b) is privately endorsing both (which is a bad assumption) this leaves a small handful of undecideds. Undecideds are likely a bad thing for Blunt as he should have already shored up his support meaning they are looking for an alternative. That alternative could be Shadegg (AZ) who Flake (AZ) has been actively touting. However-and this could be good for Boehner-Flake and others have indicated if Shadegg doesn't enter then Boehner is likely their man. The Shadegg camp at this point with so few undecideds must decide soon if it will enter the race or perhaps work on a big endorsement before he has lost his position.

While Blunt does have a lead and apparently a large number of commitments, this is STARK contrast to the past few days when his camp has maintained they were about to wrap up the process and secure enough votes. Currently he only has about 60 members who are willing to publicly back him which is low for the apparent front-runner. The next big movement will likely be some sort of announcement from Shadegg and/or Flake. If those two decided to sway their support behind one candidate, it's a safe assumption that they would push them over the top of the 116 votes needed.

Tallies UPDATED

2006-01-12T09:04:00.000-05:00

This is the most current list of public pledges in either direction. Blunt has built his lead but has still not reached the status that his allies claimed he had already maintained. Even more speculation this morning that Shadegg will enter the race. His timeframe for entering the race is getting smaller and his window of opportunity may close soon if he doesn't act.

Bob Ney (OH) is now off Boehner's list.

BLUNT (62)- Todd Akin (MO), Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Henry Bonilla (TX), Jo Bonner (AL), John Boozman (AR), Jeb Bradley (NH), Kevin Brady (TX), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Dan Burton (IN), Dave Camp (MI), Shelly Moore Capito (WV), Tom Cole (OK), Ander Crenshaw (FL), Jo Ann Davis (VA), Tom Davis (VA), Nathan Deal (GA), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), John Doolittle (CA), John Duncan (TN), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mark Foley (FL), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Mark Fitzpatrick (PA), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Kay Granger (TX), Sam Graves (MO), Katherine Harris (FL), Duncan Hunter (CA), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Darrel Issa (CA), Bobby Jindal (LA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Jack Kingston (GA), Mark Kirk (IL), Jim Leach (IA), Candice Miller (MI), Sue Myrick (NC), Charlie Norwood (GA), Tom Petri (WI), Joe Pitts (PA), Adam Putnam (FL), Dave Reichert (WA), Rick Renzi (AZ), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Dana Rohrabacher (CA), Clay Shaw (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Lamar Smith (TX), John Sullivan (OK), Charles Taylor (NC), Tom Tancredo (CO), Greg Walden (OR), Jim Walsh (NY), Curt Weldon (PA), Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Roger Wicker (MS), Joe Wilson (SC)

BOEHNER (35)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve Buyer (IN), Ken Calvert (CA), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH), Howard Coble (NC), Vern Ehlers (MI), Melissa Hart (PA), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Paul Gillmor (OH), Dave Hobson (OH), Bill Jenkins (TN), Sam Johnson (TX), John Kline (MN), Ray LaHood (IL), Tom Latham (IA), Steve LaTourette (OH), Kenny Marchant (TX), Thad McCotter (MI), Howard McKeon (CA), Gary Miller (CA), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Mike Oxley (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), John Porter (NV), Jim Ramstad (MN), Jim Saxton (NJ), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Lee Terry (NE) Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

Blunt gains...

2006-01-11T19:46:00.000-05:00

This is the most current list of public pledges in either direction. Blunt has built his lead but has still not reached the status that his allies claimed he had already maintained. Speculation heading into the evening has Shadegg seriously examining a run but it is unknown if he merely wants to shape the direction of debate or take the leader role.

BLUNT (62)- Todd Akin (MO), Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Henry Bonilla (TX), Jo Bonner (AL), John Boozman (AR), Jeb Bradley (NH), Kevin Brady (TX), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Dan Burton (IN), Dave Camp (MI), Shelly Moore Capito (WV), Tom Cole (OK), Ander Crenshaw (FL), Jo Ann Davis (VA), Tom Davis (VA), Nathan Deal (GA), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), John Doolittle (CA), John Duncan (TN), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mark Foley (FL), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Mark Fitzpatrick (PA), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Kay Granger (TX), Sam Graves (MO), Katherine Harris (FL), Duncan Hunter (CA), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Darrel Issa (CA), Bobby Jindal (LA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Jack Kingston (GA), Mark Kirk (IL), Jim Leach (IA), Candice Miller (MI), Sue Myrick (NC), Charlie Norwood (GA), Tom Petri (WI), Joe Pitts (PA), Adam Putnam (FL), Dave Reichert (WA), Rick Renzi (AZ), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Dana Rohrabacher (CA), Clay Shaw (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Lamar Smith (TX), John Sullivan (OK), Charles Taylor (NC), Tom Tancredo (CO), Greg Walden (OR), Jim Walsh (NY), Curt Weldon (PA), Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Roger Wicker (MS), Joe Wilson (SC)

BOEHNER (36)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve Buyer (IN), Ken Calvert (CA), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH), Howard Coble (NC), Vern Ehlers (MI), Melissa Hart (PA), Wayne Gilchrest (MD), Paul Gillmor (OH), Dave Hobson (OH), Bill Jenkins (TN), Sam Johnson (TX), John Kline (MN), Ray LaHood (IL), Tom Latham (IA), Steve LaTourette (OH), Kenny Marchant (TX), Thad McCotter (MI), Howard McKeon (CA), Gary Miller (CA), Bob Ney (OH), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Mike Oxley (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), John Porter (NV), Jim Ramstad (MN), Jim Saxton (NJ), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Lee Terry (NE) Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

Boehner/Blunt/? Wednesday Update

2006-01-11T16:16:00.000-05:00

THIRD CANDIDATE IMMINENT?

Early today, sources mentioned that the election would be moved forward to either January 26 or January 27. The Conference Chairwoman (Debbie Pryce) even circulated an email to Members to see if they would be able to be in town to vote for a new Majority Leader. This was a veiled attempt by Blunt supporters to cut down the campaign time. By doing so, they would be able to shore up more support by playing the inevitable card. It was also reported that it was fine by Boehner to move them forward for the betterment of the Conference while it was hurting him politically. Calls for full leadership elections were growing (likely sparing Hastert) but it is unclear whether this would be likely.

By 3 pm today, Pryce emailed Members and told them that the election would be held on February 2 at 1 pm.

Today, the Texas Delegation met in Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (most teleconferenced). The was trying to reach a consensus on who their 21 GOP Members of Congress would support but no such candidate surfaced. It was a slow day with Members going public with their pledges and no significant announcements have been made.

More and more, sources on Capitol Hill mention that the Members are starting to warm up to the idea that a third candidate may enter. It's clearly become a two horse race with support split into three camps: Boehner, Blunt and the undecideds. The undecideds may number more than 50, allowing a third candidate to enter the race and, possibly, survive a first ballot. That third candidate, who was making calls to gauge support, is John Shadegg. He would be able to outflank both candidates on the right. With little progress by Blunt, Boehner or a third candidate are beginning to look more likely.

Boehner/Blunt Update-Tuesday Evening

2006-01-10T18:36:00.000-05:00

After another busy day of dials, it appears the Blunt expanded his lead. However, it is not the clean sweep that was promised and hinted at with his strategic links over the last two days.

Tomorrow could hinge on a meeting the Texas delegation is hosting. Although Tom DeLay has made it clear he is not endorsing a candidate, sources say he has made one thing clear: He thinks Roy Blunt is wrong for the Conference. This could swing the tide of the Texas delegation behind Boehner, who already has Pete Sessions and Sam Johnson, two of the veteran Members of Congress. Boehner added more support from California which could prove key.

This is shaping up to be a long battle, one that will not end anytime soon. With the constant leaks from Blunt's camp (which could be misinformation) and the tight lipped Boehner camp, no one can be sure. The longer this race goes on, the more it favors Boehner, the 'underdog'. Various insiders on Fox News among other media outlets have reported that Blunt's previously 'formidable lead' might have been an effort to create momentum to pressure other members for their support. According to these reports, his support at the moment is not as advertised.

A third candidate entering the ring is becoming less and less likely as the days go on.

BLUNT (46)- Todd Akin (MO), Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Henry Bonilla (TX), Jo Bonner (AL), John Boozman (AR), Ginny Brown-Waite (FL), Dave Camp (MI), Shelly Moore Capito (WV), Tom Cole (OK), Ander Crenshaw (FL), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mark Foley (FL), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Mark Fitzpatrick (PA), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Sam Graves (MO), Katherine Harris (FL), Duncan Hunter (CA), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Darrel Issa (CA), Bobby Jindal (LA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Jack Kingston (GA), Mark Kirk (IL), Jim Leach (IA), Candice Miller (MI), Sue Myrick (NC), Charlie Norwood (GA), Tom Petri (WI), Joe Pitts (PA), Adam Putnam (FL), Dave Reichert (WA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Clay Shaw (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Lamar Smith (TX), Greg Walden (OR), Jim Walsh (NY), Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Joe Wilson (SC)

BOEHNER (32)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve Buyer (IN), Ken Calvert (CA), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH), Vern Ehlers (MI), Melissa Hart (PA), Paul Gillmor (OH), Dave Hobson (OH), Sam Johnson (TX), John Kline (MN), Ray LaHood (IL), Tom Latham (IA), Steve LaTourette (OH), Thad McCotter (MI), Howard McKeon (CA), Gary Miller (CA), Bob Ney (OH), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Mike Oxley (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), John Porter (NV), Jim Ramstad (MN), Jim Saxton (NJ), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Lee Terry (NE) Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

Boehner/Blunt Update

2006-01-10T13:18:00.000-05:00

Boehner has narrowed the lead a bit. Nearly all of Ohio (sans Gillmor, Pryce, Regula, and Schmidt) has gone for Boehner. We had Gillmor for Boehner but as of now that seems to be in dispute. We see Regula and Schmidt going for Boehner, Schmidt is in Iraq. Pryce will likely remain silent. Another trend we see is Florida moving for Blunt. Boehner is holding out hope for the Texas delegation and received good news from both Texans and conservatives with the addition of Sam Johnson.

BLUNT (31)-Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Henry Bonilla (TX), John Boozman (AR), Dave Camp (MI), Tom Cole (OK), Ander Crenshaw (FL), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mark Foley (FL), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Sam Graves (MO), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Darrel Issa (CA), Bobby Jindal (LA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Jack Kingston (GA), Sue Myrick (NC), Charlie Norwood (GA), Joe Pitts (PA), Adam Putnam (FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Clay Shaw (FL), Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Joe Wilson (SC)

BOEHNER (25)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve Buyer (IN), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH), Melissa Hart (PA), Dave Hobson (OH), Sam Johnson (TX), John Kline (MN), Ray LaHood (IL), Tom Latham (IA), Steve LaTourette (OH), Thad McCotter (MI), Bob Ney (OH), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Mike Oxley (OH), Steve Pearce (NM), Jim Ramstad (MN), Jim Saxton (NJ), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

Update...

2006-01-09T20:14:00.000-05:00

Updated with the best up to date info...big gets today: Some of the Florida group and Tom Cole for Blunt...Mike Castle and Pete Sessions for Boehner. This could come down to the Pence/Shadegg conservatives.

BLUNT (29)-Rodney Alexander (LA), Richard Baker (LA), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Henry Bonilla (TX), John Boozman (AR), Dave Camp (MI), Tom Cole (OK), Ander Crenshaw (FL), Charlie Dent (PA), Lincoln Diaz-Balart (FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (FL), Jo Ann Emerson (MO), Mike Ferguson (NJ), Mark Foley (FL), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ), Bob Goodlatte (VA), Sam Graves (MO), Kenny Hulshof (MO), Darrel Issa (CA), Nancy Johnson (CT), Jack Kingston (GA), Sue Myrick (NC), Charlie Norwood (GA), Joe Pitts (PA), Adam Putnam (FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL), Chris Shays (CT), Lynn Westmoreland (GA), Joe Wilson (SC)

BOEHNER (21)-Gresham Barrett (SC), Charles Boustany (LA), Steve Buyer (IN), Mike Castle (DE), Steve Chabot (OH) Paul Gilmore (OH), Melissa Hart (PA), Dave Hobson (OH), John Kline (MN) Tom Latham (IA), Thad McCotter (MI), Bob Ney (OH), Anne Northup (KY), Devin Nunes (CA), Steve Pearce (NM), Jim Saxton (NJ), Pete Sessions (TX), Mike Simpson (ID), Pat Tiberi (OH), Mike Turner (OH), Ed Whitfield (KY)

Vote Tallies

2006-01-09T18:23:00.000-05:00

This is the best compilation of the current vote tallies for Boehner and Blunt in the race for House Majority Leader. Thus far, Blunt is in the lead with 20 while Boehner trails with 15 . We will try to keep this as up to date as possible, let us know if you have any new confirms.

BLUNT (20)-Rep. Richard Baker (R-LA)Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI) Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-NJ) Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ) Rep. Darrel Issa (R-CA) Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-CT) Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA) Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC) Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA) Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL) Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT) Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)

BOEHNER (15)-Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA) Rep. Gresham Barrett (R-SC) Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) Rep. Melissa Hart (R-PA) Rep. Dave Hobson (R-OH) Rep. John Kline (R-MN Rep. Thad McCotter (R-MI) Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA) Rep. Anne Northup (R-KY) Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ) Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID)Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH) Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY)

The case for Boehner...

2006-01-09T13:31:00.000-05:00

As told by Boehner himself. It is a bit lengthy but a good read (IMO). Thanks to NRO for the link.

More crazies at the Kos...

2006-01-09T13:20:00.000-05:00

As has been reported a NYTimes editor/reporter was tragically killed during a robbery in DC yesterday. Posters at the DailyKos and elsewhere have decided that the Bush administration might be involved.

My personal favorite: "This was a f*cking Hit Job by the Bush Junta vis a vis Porter Goss"

NOTE: This is not to say there aren't crazies like this on the both sides but this is the same group that Sen Harry Reid has decided to speak to later this year.

Boehner For Majority Leader

2006-01-09T12:23:00.000-05:00

The position of this blog will of course be in full support of Boehner's candidacy for Majority Leader. I would say that right now the race is close but you have to give Blunt the slight edge. I think (as many sources have stated) we will know the likely outcome of this race in the next day or so although elections are slated for February 2nd. Both sides have had "whip" teams in place and are essentially treating this election as if it were a legislative battle..."whipping" their votes together.

Some of the best sources to follow the race in my book are:
The Hotline
The Corner
Redstate

and...of course
Wyatt's Torch

We will try to keep you updated as much as possible.

Majority leader?

2006-01-07T15:08:00.000-05:00

Drudge is saying that their is a petition for an election of a new Majority Leader. It has Blunt, Boehner, and Pence as the leading candidates. Purn, is there anything that can be done? I know no one reads e-mails, but if the CR's just all e-mailed some key swing votes, I don't kow enough about it I was just wondering if there was anything that we could help with.

Makes me sick...

2006-01-05T14:49:00.000-05:00

At some point over the break I checked out the DailyKos, which I do occasionally for entertainment purposes only. There was a story earlier this week about Bush's approval dropping within the military, kos posted about it. Many of the comments below were nothing less disgusting. Democrats should really be careful about fully associating themselves with the kossacks. Here is a sampling:

Why does our military hate America?

Who the fuck do they think they are!!
Why I say we cut
their health-care, let them their families deal with PTSD.

the military aren't allowed to have opinions

Why conservatives loathe bureaucracy...

2005-12-26T11:34:00.000-05:00

Or the UN for that matter. A Financial Times investigation of UN Tsunami funds shows that about 1/3 was used for "overhead" costs.

The Financial Times says its two-month investigation showed the money appears to have been spent on administration, staff and related costs. The $590 million was part of the United Nation's $1.1 billion disaster flash appeal.

2005-12-25T00:39:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2005-12-24T11:30:00.001-05:00

and Happy Holidays!

Great Read!

2005-12-21T15:37:00.000-05:00

This article (not sure if registration is required) today from The New Republic is as excellent of a synopsis of large city/labor relations today. The basic premise is that labor's domination over democratic politicians in cities across the country has accumulated into a hostage situation with the public worker unions holding the cities hostage. Particularly relevant given the situation in NYC today and an even more important reason for Bloomberg to stand strong-for the rest of the country!

Unity in the ODP ranks?

2005-12-21T12:46:00.000-05:00

One would think they would be unifying with the chances they have for 2006. This says otherwise. Seems there were some unhappy people after the recent Chairman elections.

Any disunity is a good thing for us. We might need it.

Happy Birthday Nathan!

2005-12-21T10:48:00.000-05:00

In other news...

GOP Passes Spending Cuts

Almost $40 billion in cuts. That is less than 2% of the entire Federal budget. REVISION: If you read further down the page, you realize this is over a 5 year time period. That is less than one-half of one percent of the entire budget. This is a lame attempt to reign in spending. I was going to give credit to the GOP for at least trying something until I found out it was over 5 years. This is like going on a $10,000 shopping spree, taking back two T-shirts, then claiming that you are conservative.

More unbelievable is Harry Reid: "an ideologically driven, extreme, radical budget."

STRIKE

2005-12-20T15:11:00.000-05:00

Well, it was a long commute to work today (about 3 hours or so). To my surprise the transit workers have actually decided strike. You can read a short description of the reasons here. The MTA really bumped their offer to no avail.

The lines everywhere were long. Moods were angry/frustrated. I have a better plan of attack for tomorrow.

At this point I have no idea how long this is going to last, but I'm glad to get the heck out of Dodge tomorrow.

Bush on the Offensive

2005-12-20T14:29:00.000-05:00

I'm glad to see the President's numbers rising again.

Finally, it appears the guys in the West Wing have awoken and realized that the President has been battered for last 10 months without a strong defense. It's great to see the President controlling news cycle after news cycle with speeches, press conferences and public appearances. The MSM didn't want to highlight the success of the Iraqi elections until the President pushed the issues. They'd rather talk about how the President may have broken the law, in their opinion, with the controversial NSA wiretaps (which are legal, in my opinion).

In other news, it appears more and more as though Tom Delay may be ousted by the Republican House Members. While it's ignored outside the beltway, media outlets such as Roll Call and Congressional Quarterly continue to focus on two people, Roy Blunt and John Boehner as the only two potential replacements.

Members have commented that odds are 50/50 that there will be leadership elections come January after the Holiday Recess.

Finally!

2005-12-19T17:54:00.000-05:00

It has been a long time since any major sports coach has been doused by Gatorade in this city (at least to my recollection). It is certainly time to celebrate. I wish this could have happened while I was still in Cincy but I am looking forward to being home for the next two games and watching them at home (rather than with all the rabid Steelers fans in NYC).

What!?!

2005-12-15T15:21:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I am facing a possible strike of the subway/bus workers here in NYC. Not really sure how/if I am going to get to work. Among the sticking points in negotiations, from today's NYTIMES:

The union wants 8 percent raises for its members for each of three years. Late in the day, the union signaled that it would accept lower raises if the agency would lower disciplinary actions against employees by 25 percent. The union did not specify by how much lower it would be willing to go.

Going into today, the M.T.A. had offered a 6 percent raise over 27 months. On pensions, a major sticking point, the authority wants to raise the retirement age for newly hired employees to 62 after 30 years of service, while the union wants to lower it to age 50 after 20 years of service. At present, transit workers can retire at age 55, after 25 years of work, with a pension equal to half their annual pay - which averages $55,000, including overtime.

WHAT!?!

Lower disciplinary actions? Retire at the age of 50? Who are these people?

UPDATE: Another sticking point. Increasing MTA employees health care contributions by 1%...from 0%!

"You know, you made an offer. It might be that I might change my mind someday."

2005-12-12T14:27:00.000-05:00

Who said this? Representative John Murtha on videotape in the 1980s. The context? A sting operation which caught several Congressmen taking bribes. Murtha went to the townhouse of an "Arab businessman" and listened to their offer. That was his response. Only a handful of Congressmen took the chance to listen to the offer, of those only all were indicted but Murtha, who ambiguously turned down the bribe.

While Murtha is certainly no coward and an America war hero...I would say this paints him a bit more fallible of a picture, much more fallible than the picture painted by the media.

Air Marshalls On Leave for Doing Jobs

2005-12-08T13:59:00.000-05:00

Apparently the Air Marshalls who shot a man who was reaching for a bag that he claimed had a bomb in it are on leave pending an investigation. I hope and am fairly certain that they will not be reprimanded, but why do they need to go on leave? They followed the code.

Imagine if this had been a minority or even Arab person. Voices calling foul would be ringing much louder.

Thank God for Dean

2005-12-05T22:24:00.000-05:00

"the idea that we're going to win the war in Iraq is an idea which is just plain wrong," WOW... Hillary and Lieberman were trying to pull there party towards the rational middle, and Dean, their fearless leader, swoops in and reminds the world that Democrats are liberal wacko's who can't be trusted with our military. How can you tell our troops not only that we shouldn't have gone to war, but that they are going to lose? Is he really that dumb? Does he really hate America and the troops that much? I am honestly a little nervous about '06 and '08 but with Dean around I feel better.

Government Waste

2005-12-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

We know that there are plenty of examples of government waste. The bridge to nowhere is often cited, and yesterday on Meet the Press I heard them talking about using Homeland Security money to air condition garbage trucks. But I have never seen a comprehensive list detailing all of the money our federal government wastes. It would be nice to see some prominent politicians, journalists, economists, businesspeople, etc get behind such a study. Hire a company - or a few companies - to research every entity within the government and then release an all-encompassing report to the American people. This would have to be marketed as a major study supported by a large, diverse group of people. Surely that would get politicians (and citzens) to think twice before wasting more money.

Or would it? Either way it is something that should be done.

South Park to Iraq?

2005-11-30T09:25:00.000-05:00

Former CIA Director James Woosley and his family have an interesting suggestion. The US government should encourage Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park fame to make more movies denigrating leaders in the Middle East.

Woosley actually testified before the Senate suggesting this (so he is not totally kidding).

Recently one of us was testifying on Iran before a Senate Committee and was asked, in effect, what steps short of force might help undercut the authority of Iran’s hideous government. The response — see if you can encourage the creators of South Park to go after Ahmadinejad and Khamenei they way they went after Kim Jong Il in Team America: World Police — produced an interesting reaction. The younger Senate staffers, reporters, and members of the audience giggled and grinned wickedly. Everyone over 40 looked absolutely clueless. Definitely the right demographics.

They feel that the humor and satire can actually do a lot of good, particularly among the young people of the region. An interesting read indeed.

Wow, This is Offensive

2005-11-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

Texas Surpreme Court Endorses School Choice

2005-11-29T10:51:00.000-05:00

In today's Wall Street Journal there is an editorial on how the Texas Surpreme Court rejected a statewide property tax to fund education. But it went farther than that when it said that "more money does not guarantee better schools or more educated students." Of course, this is in Texas, those right-wing whackos. Here is some additional ammunition to support vouchers:

The Texas Public Policy Foundation, which provided much of the academic research for the court, looked at the Edgewood school district in San Antonio, where donors started a privately financed voucher program. The results indicate that not only have the kids with the vouchers benefited, but so have kids in the public schools that are now forced to compete for students

My emphasis added. Wow, so when teachers think their jobs could be in jeopardy they perform better? What a revelation! I think I remember hearding something on this, maybe in econ 101... was it called competition? While the court suggests that school choice could be a great solution, it does not impose it. In true judicial conservatism, they specifically say that policy decisions are up to the legislature. According to the article, this flys in stark contrast to other courts who have ordered tax hikes to increase school funding.

In one of the most notorious cases, in Kansas City, Missouri in the 1980s, a judge issued an edict requiring a $1 billion tax hike to help the failing inner-city schools. This raised expenditures to about $14,000 per student, or double the national average, but test scores continued to decline. Even the judge later admitted that he had blundered.

Watch for NEA reaction.

McCain Exposed...

2005-11-26T13:20:00.000-05:00

Well, only somewhat and in mostly positive light. This is actually one of the best articles on the Senator that I have seen, and truly gets to some of the questions that really are churning in our heads. Who is John McCain and what exactly are his policies?

Stephen Moore (formerly of the Club For Growth) attempts to find out. I come away with mixed feelings, to say the least (I think that is also the case for Moore). I'll post some of the highlights, but I strongly suggest taking a look at the entire article.

When I ask Mr. McCain if he's a conservative, he seems slightly agitated at having to defend his credentials in this way. "Hell yes, I'm a conservative. When it comes to a strong defense and smaller government, I'm as conservative it gets. Look at my National Taxpayers Union rating. I'm near 100% every year." (I do. He is.) Then he fumes: "I'm so disgusted with the way my party is wasting money. It's an embarrassment."

Can't go wrong there, I think he is sure to cut government waste.

Mr. McCain has shrewdly tapped into the rage that conservatives are feeling over President Bush's $800 billion Medicare drug bill (which he voted against), the highway bill with its 6,000 earmarked white-elephant projects (which he also voted against), and the infamous $500 million Alaska Bridge to Nowhere (which he led the crusade to defund).

These are certainly bold stances which are opposed to the policy of current leadership.

Yet Mr. McCain holds the most eclectic set of economic policy positions of any politician I've ever met. He seems to defy political typecasting, reveling in the role of maverick. He voted against the Bush tax cuts ("Way too tilted to the rich"), while supporting antigrowth initiatives to combat global warming ("Climate change is just a huge problem that really needs to be confronted"), and is the lead sponsor--with Sen. Ted Kennedy--of a guest worker program to allow immigrants to enter the country legally.

Here is where I get uncomfortable. I'll discuss this a bit further below. The immigration stance is a good one (I think) but could get him in trouble during red state primaries.

On the other hand, he's a fierce defender of free trade and a champion of school choice. "The day that members of Congress will send their kids to the public schools in Washington, D.C., is the day I'll know we've fixed education in America." Then he asks: "How can my colleagues say they are against vouchers or charter schools when they won't send their own kids to the schools in the town where we work?"

This speaks for itself.

On a broader range of economic issues, though, Mr. McCain readily departs from Reaganomics. His philosophy is best described as a work in progress. He is refreshingly blunt when he tell me: "I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated." OK, so who does he turn to for advice? His answer is reassuring. His foremost economic guru is former Texas Sen. Phil Gramm (who would almost certainly be Treasury secretary in a McCain administration). He's also friendly with the godfather of supply-side economics, Arthur Laffer.

This offers some hope for perhaps shifts in his stances on the tax cuts (whereas in many other policy areas he seems to have firm stances).

I think Moore missed out on a good question, if we cut government spending and balance (or at least come close to) the budget would you restore Bush's tax cuts? Under which circumstances would you or would you not restore them? Would this merely be a shift in the progressivity of the rates?

Moore also did not address Social Security reform, but McCain was actually going across the country with Bush (before he abandoned the issue) so we know where he stands on that issue.

Moore largely focused on economics (which was the point) but I think McCain's stances on Iraq and the War on Terror are very clear and his credentials here are excellent, he really has only differed on the torture issue, but I think he is largely right here. If nothing else, I think he has been the most eloquent in his arguments against cutting and running.

As Moore says, McCain's platform will be that of government reform and Lord knows we need reform. At the moment my heart and mind want anything but another big-government conservative in 08. My two biggest issues are probably cutting government spending and the war on terrorism, McCain shines at both. I feel that he is as close to a sure-thing on so many issues that having someone who is a bit weak on taxes might be worthwhile. McCain will also have the best chance in 08, particularly if our party is still weak. We still have more to learn, but I think I a bit more warm to a McCain candidacy in 08.

More Boehner News From Novak

2005-11-26T13:07:00.000-05:00

I kinda get the feeling that Novak wants this to happen as he is the one who consistently mentions Boehner and his possible leadership hopes.

WASHINGTON -- There is no doubt Rep. John Boehner of Ohio is quietly enlisting support from fellow House Republicans to elect him as majority leader in January. The question is whether Rep. Tom Reynolds of New York also is campaigning to be majority whip.
Reports of a Boehner-Reynolds ticket have circulated in Washington, but Reynolds vigorously denies it. If he does run for whip, Reynolds would be accused of cutting and running from his duties as House Republican campaign chairman because of the difficult 2006 midterm election ahead.
A special election in January would mean House Republicans have given up on Tom DeLay getting rid of his criminal indictment in Texas in time to resume the majority leader's chair in this session of Congress. Majority Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri has been acting leader.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-24T11:57:00.000-05:00

The NEA

2005-11-22T12:50:00.000-05:00

From Novak last week, I'll let it speak for itself:
REDS AT NEA

The District of Columbia cell of the Communist Party USA has been revealed
as holding a monthly luncheon in the cafeteria of the National Education
Association (NEA), without the sponsorship but not with the disapproval of the
huge, politically powerful schoolteachers union.

The Communist meetings were reported by Chris Peterson in the Washington
City Paper edition of Nov. 11-17. A lawyer attending the September meeting
bolted from the cafeteria when he learned a reporter was present.

"We had no knowledge of this," NEA spokeswoman Denise Cardinal told this
column, "because the NEA does not screen the patrons of our cafeteria or listen
in on conversations. It's open to the public."

Owned.

2005-11-21T15:47:00.000-05:00

I think it is safe to say that Tressel is owning Carr. How much longer will Michigan tolerate this? I'd say he definitley has next year, but that is it if he loses again.

On another note, how does one stop the Colts? My best bet: pray for Peyton to get sick.

Coward??

2005-11-19T18:47:00.000-05:00

I appreciate Gene coming out and supporting our troops, but once again she shows why she should not be a US Congressman. Having an opinion does not make you a coward. This man served 35+ years in the US marine Corp. He served in Vietnam. I don't like his opinion on Iraq, but she takes a great move by the Republican Party and nearly makes it backfire by calling a respected military leader a coward. Last time I checked she has never warn a uniform, or been shot at while protecting our country.

This might just because of my feelings about Gene, what do you all think?

Prediction: 35-21

2005-11-18T15:16:00.000-05:00

Ohio State over Michigan.

Go Bucks!

2005-11-17T11:14:00.000-05:00

Woody on the rivalry...

2005-11-17T11:07:00.000-05:00

"How did our great rivalry get started? Well, the real fight started back in 1836 when Andrew Jackson, that wily old cuss, took Toledo away from that state up north and gave it to us."

I think Steve will like this

2005-11-17T10:51:00.000-05:00

column from George Will. Are we going to see a battle between the social conservatives and small government conservatives? It seems possible-but would certainly seriously weaken the part in the short-term. Of note:

In 1991, the 546 pork projects in the 13 appropriation bills cost $3.1
billion. In 2005, the 13,997 pork projects cost $27.3 billion for things like
improving the National Packard Museum in Warren, Ohio (Packard, an automobile
brand, died in 1958).

Washington subsidizes the cost of water to encourage farmers to produce
surpluses that trigger a gusher of government spending to support prices. It is
almost comforting that $2 billion is spent each year paying farmers not to
produce. Farm subsidies, most of which go to agribusinesses and affluent
farmers, are just part of the $60 billion in corporate welfare that dwarfs the
$29 billion budget of the Department of Homeland Security.

RINO/Bridge Update

2005-11-16T15:33:00.000-05:00

So it looks like the bridge might not be be build.

Great, but Alaska still gets to keep the money. So now we are just giving Alaska money for no reason. I don't know which is worse - at least with the bridge we could easily point out how ridiculous it was to the American people.

Still searching for a domestic reason to vote Republican....

(PS- the article from the first post was actually from Oct, not Nov)

I don't particularly like punk

2005-11-16T14:22:00.000-05:00

But I would pay to see this band based soley on their name. The Dead Shembechlers.

Bridge to Nowhere: RINOs in the Senate

2005-11-16T09:44:00.000-05:00

An amendment yesterday was introduced by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla, to halt funding of the bridge to nowhere in Alaska to pay for a bridge in NO. The REPUBLICAN Senate rejected this Amendment, 82-15.

I am livid right now - this is pathetic. If we cannot even cut funding for two bridges worth half a billion dollars, how can we ever cut spending on more difficult decisions?

I HOPE THE REPUBLICANS LOSE THE SENATE IN 2006.

I'm serious. The Democrats would be better at holding down spending if we had a R as president. They don't deserve to be in office. It would serve as a wakeup call to all the R's in office that they better shape up if they want to keep their jobs. What is the point of being a Republican on domestic issues anymore? Everyday I see another reason to not vote for them.

If I am ever put in a nursing home,

2005-11-15T14:02:00.000-05:00

please let it be this one. The Guinness signs do promote the wonderful beverage as good for one's health. (Via Andrew Sullivan).

Boehner Speculation Continues...

2005-11-15T11:31:00.000-05:00

The highlight from Novak's column:

Last Wednesday, leaders of conservative and moderate factions in the House
Republican conference sat down to discuss a joint call for new leadership elections. No agreement was reached, and the events of the next 24 hours destroyed the budding coalition while exposing the ineffectiveness of current leaders. Abandonment of oil drilling in the Arctic failed to appease the moderate bloc, and the leaders pulled down the budget-cutting bill late Thursday.

Demands for new leaders are aimed at Rep. Roy Blunt, the elected House majority whip and acting majority leader. But critics who want Blunt replaced by Rep. John Boehner concede they have no solution for a malady that afflicts the Republican Party in the Senate as well as in the House. At the very hour that a handful of House Republican moderates torpedoed the budget bill, one Senate moderate stalled tax legislation in the Senate Finance Committee.

24-24-2

2005-11-15T10:19:00.000-05:00

Significant numbers. The Ohio State-Michigan series over the past 50 years, after last year's 37-21 domination by Ohio State. It is still amazing how often the Big 10 title comes down to this game. I think Michigan even has a chance for a share (if a lot of crazy shit happens first).

Alito's Job Application...

2005-11-15T10:01:00.000-05:00

No, seriously. It is from the 1980s though. His essay sounds like something Steve would write. It is cool to look at the app for Deputy Assistant Attorney General.

Interesting stuff...

2005-11-11T11:13:00.000-05:00

I am curious as to what others think about this article. It has some really interesting stuff that generally I would disagree with but doesn't sound to bad. Warning to Steve: It mentions the word "subsidies" quite a bit.

As a quick overview, the article begins by talking about the current problems with the GOP base with some interesting insight and how it has contributed to much of our current domestic political mess-this leads to three possible paths for the future.

1) To continue the current path (the one that has given us failed SS reform coupled with big-spending projects (basically compassionate conservatism).
2) Return to a pure form of conservatism that will likely lead to at least a temporary loss of power

or

3) "The third possibility--and the best, both for the party and the country as a whole--would be to take the "big-government conservatism" vision that George W. Bush and Karl Rove have hinted at but failed to develop, and give it coherence and sustainability. This wouldn't mean an abandonment of small-government objectives, but it would mean recognizing that these objectives--individual initiative, social mobility, economic freedom--seem to be slipping away from many less-well-off Americans, and that serving the interests of these voters means talking about economic insecurity as well as about self-reliance. "

The authors argue for the 3rd possibility and suggest some interesting policies. In short:

-Various changes to the tax code that would strength the two-family household and encourage having children
-economic incentives to raise your children for a few years (even a possible Montgomery GI Bill for stay at home moms and dads)
-Mandatory catastrophic health care for all coupled with free-market reforms across the board. The authors correctly label the current health care system as, "current hodgepodge of command-and-control and laissez-faire." The result is a health care system that really isn't consumer-oriented. They hope to remove health care responsibilities from the employer.
-More welfare reform-wage subsidies for low income full-time workers to give them a leg up and out of poverty while stripping those that can work but choose not to of their subsidies
-Cutting all income taxes to families making 100,000 or less (or individuals making 50,000)...a 25% rate for those above and a possible consumption tax.

It is a lengthy article but worth a read. While some of these proposals might sound like they go against our principles I think they are worth considering. For instance-if we don't do something about health care soon-we will indeed end up with universal health care that will certainly last at least a generation. Perhaps getting out ahead of liberals on some of these issues might be expedient?

Predictions??

2005-11-08T10:49:00.000-05:00

Bloomber in a landslide.
Corzine edges Forrester in NJ (this was a tight/dirty race)
Mallory edges Pepper (probably less a prediction and more of a hope)
Kilgore pulls out in the win in VA
The issues go down in Ohio

any others?

Breaking News

2005-11-07T15:09:00.000-05:00

This just in...

From sources in France:

The government in France has fleed the country. They have now set up shop in London, England. Their press release states that the government was 'unable to fully assess the situation and contain the rioters'. With this bold move, Chirac is expected to ask Blair and several other EU leaders to help restore order. What I find most interesting is that the French weren't even able to hold to hold their ground longer than they did in WWII.

Seriously, this didn't happen. But the government is holding on by a thin, thin thread. With large populations of un-assimilated Muslims across the EU, there could be widespread violence within the month. The governments in Western Europe have no idea what to do with these people who just want to destroy them.

The French thought they were getting a free pass when they stayed out of Iraq and attacked the US. The only thing that resulted from the appeasement was the truth. Now everyone knows that they are weak, that they will appease and let the aggressor take control.

Some things never change, do they?

Elections 2005

2005-11-07T08:53:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone...I was talking to my mom about the elections tomorrow (she was complaining about the levies in Delhi again among other things-she is a solid Republican and just doesn't know it). Anywho-she was asking me about the issues (1,2,3, and 4) and I admitably wasn't able to talk about them in a very informed fashion (instinctively I know they are bad) as I think she was looking for me to reassure her not to vote for them. The only local race that I have followed at all is that of mayor in Cincinnati. So if someone could speak to these-I'd appreciate it.

In light of this here are some other important elections tomorrow-if you have some (I don't care if they are in West Chester or California) add on or start another post.

Cincinnati Mayor's race-State Sen Mark Mallory vs David Pepper. Personally I'd vote for Mallory. I think Pepper (although perhaps closer ideologically) just isn't as passionate about the City as Mallory and doesn't have the proven record. Mallory has support from many state house Republicans (which is good and bad in my book) while Pepper has the business community's support (probably largely because of his dad) and the endorsement of the newspapers. My feeling is Pepper merely wants to use this as a stepping stone for his political future-Mallory couldn't go much further than Cincinnati mayor. Pepper has really not done anything significant in his life to this point (he graduated from Yale...bought a City Council seat at a young age-that's about it). Mallory is very successful as a Democrat in a Republican-dominated legislature.

Pepper has the money-but has been going negative for a while which makes me think Mallory might have the numbers. Pepper just recently aired a positive ad which means the negative campaigning is polling even worse or maybe things have reversed? We shall see.

New York mayor's race-here we basically have no race to speak of. It is Bloomberg vs. Ferrer...Bloomberg even has the union support. Ferrer is Latino, but Bloomberg is polling really well among that block even. This is going to be a serious rout. I must say that it is interesting to see the campaigning here in vibrant NYC. Bloomberg has campaign materials in about 10 different languages...a bit different than Bush's Spanish campaigning.

Lately Ferrer has been trying to highlight dirty parks and subway stations and has shown up to do press events twice only to have Bloomberg undercut him by cleaning the station or park beforehand. Ferrer then whines about that to the press (but seems like a whiny...well you know)...

I'll try to post some more later.

Senate Candidates??

2005-11-03T22:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, Senator Coleman is off my good list. However, his rank is nowhere near that of our own great Senator. Once again Senator DeWine has chosen to side with the liberals and spit on the Conservatives. This is getting ridiculous.

Senator DeWine, along with Presidential hopeful McCain, voted for the amendment which would prevent drilling in ANWR. Above the obvious benefit to the drilling is the fact that the land will be leased for 2+ billion dollars.

He stops conservative judges, anyone that is interested to check out project vote smart and see that he regularly outranks most of the Democrats in liberal voting record, now he is stopping valuable money and important drilling. Why? Why are we wasting so much time and money to get this man elected every six years?

DeWine, Taft, Voinovich, Bradley the list is growing and growing...an R next to your name does not make you a Republican(at least it shouldn't).

Tax Reform

2005-11-02T12:41:00.000-05:00

I have not read a whole lot about the report from the council to reform taxes, but the little I have looks like a good step.

Cutting the length of tax forms in half.
Eliminating AMT.
Further cuts on Capital Gain taxes.

I am not sayig this is the flat tax most of us want, but from what I have read it makes a lot of sense, and it is the first steps towards a rational taxation system.

Just wondering if any of you had read any more on it, or what your thoughts were.

Barone on why Alito's Italian-American heritage might scare some Dems...

2005-11-01T14:52:00.000-05:00

And no, it is not because Tony or Paulie will bust their kneecaps if they don't vote for him...it is however just as interesting.

Irony? I think not.

2005-11-01T11:38:00.000-05:00

From the AP yesterday:

"Let's give Judge Alito a fair up-or-down vote, not left or right," said
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.

He was one of several Republicans to say so, and there was irony in that.

After battering Democrats for years about denying GOP judicial candidates
yes-or-no votes, Republicans eagerly acquiesced in Miers' withdrawal without
either hearings in the Judiciary Committee or a vote on the Senate floor.

There is a tremendous difference between voicing your displeasure for a nominee and saying that you will not vote for her vs. keeping her in committee and not allowing the full Senate to vote up or down. Perhaps I am wrong-but wasn't the issue with Miers whether she had enough votes in the full Senate, not in committee? If so, then there is no irony.

One if by land, Two if by sea

2005-10-31T09:28:00.000-05:00

With all the left wing forces mobilizing, the call is going out to conservatives... This is the fight we have been looking for, a chance for a solidly 5-4 court in favor of the right. Bells, whistles, sirens are all going off.

Sam Alito is the new nominee and one that we must get through. A second chance at the Supreme Court. If this one fails, all hell may break loose. He is a solid jurist, a strict conservative who has a paper trail. Bill Frist may have to use the nuclear option here and it appears that the GOP will have to close ranks to get it done.

Any ideas/predictions on the future of this nominee? From the timing, it appears that Alito will have his hearings until January. This would allow the media and the left to attack him for more than 2 months.

I believe he will be confirmed, the Gang of 14 will fail to 'save the Republic' again and filibusters will be taken off the table for Supreme Court nominees (or at least I hope this happens. I'm always game for a good fight).

Happy Halloween...

2005-10-31T00:35:00.000-05:00

Halloween was always one of my favorite times at Miami. Over the weekend I was reminiscing about some of the more creative costumes that I saw over four years. While I was usually the typical Coach Tressel, I do recall Bob Ross (the crazy artist from PBS) being one of the better costumes that I saw.

Do y'all have any favorites?

Who Dey!

2005-10-31T00:15:00.000-05:00

Solid win against a not so solid team...Nolan, just wanted to point out that the Bengals beat the Bears and Pack this year...ha! Are you a Sox of Cubs fan btw? Ohio State won, can't complain about that-the offense is looking better (and Ted Ginn is finally coming alive)...better late than never I suppose. Michigan still hanging in the Top 25...

I just felt like I was scalped by the Peuqot Indian tribe that inhabits Foxwoods Casino. I suppose that is what we get for stealing their land-although I am still not quite sure how these Native Americans also seem to have Italian last names.

alright...just wanted to ramble about sports and whatnot...feel free to throw in your two-cents.

Plamegate (I seriously hate adding gate to scandals)

2005-10-29T17:51:00.000-05:00

So...I felt Fitzgerald's announcement of indictments was a bit anti-climatic (what with the left throwing around the word treason but the indictments only involving perjury and obstruction of justice-severe but quite different). I really don't understand how they can keep Rove under investigation-I mean one would think the guy would have had plenty of time to figure out if Rove or anyone else for that matter broke the law.

It looks as if the prosecution is unable to prove any wrong doing when it comes to "outing" Valerie Plame-only minor charges relating to the conduct of the investigation itself.

What will be the effect of all this? My guess is not much as long as it stays focused on Libby. The public doesn't know Libby and largely doesn't care. If it spreads to Rove-then things might change.

Looking forward to 2006...

2005-10-29T16:32:00.000-05:00

Beyond the prospects of Governor Blackwell-this is one of the races that I am more excited about. I would say that the prospects of a Senator Steele from Maryland are looking very good. He has no primary opponent while there are 6 Dems running (including the former head of the NAACP). So far Steele is playing the unpopularity of President Bush pretty well-which could easily change by 2006 if new events unfold. This could be a pick-up for the GOP in the Senate next year.

Steele is a very solid conservative and proved himself to be very charismatic during the Republican National Convention (did any of you guys see him speak?).

Miami Student picks up on Boehner speculation

2005-10-28T08:43:00.000-05:00

I was fairly surprised to randomly check out the Miami Student to find this. Surprised for two reasons, 1st-that anyone at the Miami Student was actually aware of the current speculation. 2nd-that in light of that, someone even wrote an article (and a decent one at that).

Anywho-primarily the article revolves around speculation and then the potential benefit it might have for Miami (not much other than clout as Boehner doesn't earmark). But I must say that the speculation in favor of Boehner is picking up steam (do some googling) regardless of whether the Student covered the story. We saw a lot of the same speculation last summer but Boehner was just mentioned as one of a group that could possibly be in line to assume leadership. Now he is the only one being mentioned.

It is widely speculated that the Republican Study Committee does indeed support Boehner. Boehner's long standing no-pork stance could really be paying off for him (as one of only a few GOP House members to vote against the pork-laden Transportation Bill) he can really step above the fray that is excessive spending by Congress and point to his own distinguished record.

My guess is that January will tell us quite a bit. If we don't see something in January a move might be made next fall if the GOP takes a hit in the 2006 elections.

Miers is gone!

2005-10-27T09:01:00.000-05:00

Miers finally withdrew her nomination... so what do you all think? I would especially like to hear from Nolan.

I think this could be a good turning point for the last three years of the presidency. Some people are congratulating the president for "seeing his errors." I disagree - he pretty much had no choice at this point, with his approval ratings falling and base deteriorating. I congratulate conservatives. This proves that we are not a bunch of party hacks but really do care about the principles we fight for. Let's hope for a quality pick this time around.

Brilliant Idea!

2005-10-25T17:41:00.000-05:00

Here is a brilliant idea that I have seen around the internet-if/when Cindy Sheehan locks herself to the White House-don't arrest her, leave her...

What a great way to start the morning...

2005-10-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

New (and apparently stronger) allegations that British leftie MP and anti-war pin-up George Galloway did receive Oil-for-Food money...Apparently the US Senate committee led by Norm Coleman has found the paper trail and it has been corroborated by Tariq Aziz (with whom Galloway had met on one of his junkets to the Middle East). Galloway has been actively defending himself against these allegations while attacking Bush and Blair across the world...this time his defense looks, well...Indefensible.

Kudos to Norm Coleman...I have the sad feeling that without him so much of this Oil for Food scandal business would have been swept under the rug...the media absolutely refuse to cover it.

PS...Galloway and Chris Hitchens have been going at it for some time...check out this coverage of a debate between the two. I highly suggest watching the video coverage linked at the end of the article (Hitch probably offers the best defense of the Iraq war).

Interesting theory...

2005-10-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of blogging-it has been a crazy week. But this is an interesting theory that has been going around a bit...apparently more than one person has emailed this in to Jonah over at NRO.

I can’t believe everybody is missing the real story here. Bush doesn’t want
Harriett Miers on the Supreme Court – he wants McConnell or Luttig. But he knew
that, after Roberts, he couldn’t just send up another white guy, especially for
O’Connor’s seat. So he sends up an obviously unqualified woman, knowing that
she’ll generate intense opposition from both sides. And here’s where the
subtlety kicks in – because her lack of qualifications are so apparent, he knows
that the attack against her will be something like, “This is THE SUPREME COURT
we’re talking about!!! Quality is what matters! Look at Roberts, he could recite
from memory every constitutional case since Marbury v. Madison, and has probably
written law review articles about the friggin’ THIRD amendment. How can we
settle for anyone less?” So after Miers is forced to withdraw or voted down,
Bush comes back with McConnell or Luttig, and says, “OK, you convinced me. I
tried the quota thing, but you said it was too important. So I’ve decided just
to go with the most qualified person out there.” And for good measure, he might
throw in something like, “I’d like to thank my good buddies Chuck Schumer and
Pat Leahy for pointing out my error. I couldn’t have done it without you
fellas.”

Wow-could this be true? I think part of me thinks it might be (or perhaps hopes it is the case). If so it would be an amazing move-perhaps comparable to Tom DeLay smiling during his mug shot.

Why Michael Barone is the best numbers guy in the media...

2005-10-12T17:02:00.000-05:00

Check out Michael Barone's entry today on his blog...he proves once again why he is the best numbers writer in politics today. His points about why R's and D's can't (or shouldn't) are particularly salient.

It is a must read. (unless you are a democrat-I think I'd prefer you not to read it).

Wow-This really misses the point.

2005-10-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

I really enjoy David Ignatius' columns over at the WashPo. But I really think he should stick with his true expertise-the Middle East. Today's column How the Republicans Let it Slip Away, is pretty far off-base in my opinion.

Ignatius points to the DeLay and Miers messes as the sign of the downfall-which could be right, however he believes those messes have come up for the wrong reasons. For our lazy readers, here are some of the highlights:

The hard right, which is the soul of the modern GOP, would rather be
ideologically pure than successful. Governing requires making compromises and
getting your hands dirty, but the conservative purists disdain those qualities.
They swim for that beach with a fiercely misguided determination, and they
demand that the other whales accompany them.

Bush and the Republicans had a chance after 2004 to become the country's
natural governing party...Bush squandered this opportunity by falling into the
trap that has snared the modern GOP -- of playing to the base rather than to the
nation. The Republicans behave as if the country agrees with them on issues,
when that demonstrably isn't so.

The bickering over the Miers nomination epitomizes the right's refusal to
assume the role of a majoritarian governing party.

AND

Principles are a fine thing, but a narrow, partisan definition of principle
has led the Republicans to a dead end. Their inability to transcend their base
and speak to the country as a whole is now painfully obvious.

The 'meltdown' is not a result of maintaining a partisan definition of principle-but one not maintain a definition of principle. Bush sacrificed a conservative principle-choosing from the best quality available-to choose a loyal friend. Had Bush stuck to conservative principles, had he chosen another Roberts, there would be no outrage over the choice (except from the left). Miers, if anything, was a compromise choice, meant not to play to the base-so I don't even understand how Ignatius can include it.

Republicans have backed down on many other principles too...Social Security reform (which Ignatius says was unpopular...polling of those under 50 shows differently, and had Bush and Congress done a better job of presenting it, at least some of the elderly could have been convinced). Principles such as low or even *gasp* cutting government spending have been thrown out the window-much to the chagrin of many Republicans. Low government spending is a winning principle-nation wide-has been and will continue to be. Vetoing the Transportation Bill would have been a tremendous signal...and I think a political winner.

Arguments can be made that Bush is playing to the social right-but I don't think that is what is causing the point that Miers is trying to make. The schism isn't over social issues. It is about spending.

The only principle Bush has stuck to has been staying the course in Iraq-that is the one issue which is really containing the fury that could be in D.C.

Is the Flat Tax finally catching on?

2005-10-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

Debate about the flat tax is catching on again...and no it does not revolve completely around Steve Forbes (who has a popular new book). But his book and another popular book about a national sales tax have been just part of the debate.

While the flat tax is often considered unlikely in America...other countries around the world are or have actually enacted a flat tax (particularly in fast-growing Eastern Europe). Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Hong Kong, Romania, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania all have some sort of flat tax, ranging from 12%-33. All those aforementioned countries have growth in 2004 ranging from 6-12%...far out pacing their neighbors. (Courtesy of a site...that was courtesy of Andrew Sullivan).

Newly elected German Chancellor's chief economic adviser is an advocate of a 25% flat tax in Germany. Will this become the reality? Probably not-to be fair it might have cut the significant lead that she once had in the race.

However, this does show that the flat tax is perhaps a bit more politically viable than it once was. If Germans can run with flat tax, why can't small-government Americans?

How far would conservatives be willing to compromise on a flat tax (if at all-Steve?)?

Would liberals even be willing to consider some form of a Flat Tax without incredible amounts of progressivity?

Election 2006

2005-10-10T18:11:00.000-05:00

It is never too early to speculate about the next elections. Some early polling has been released for the Ohio 2006 elections here. Zogby/WSJ has Blackwell leading Rep Ted Strickland 44.5-43.4 obviously well within the margin. On the Senate side, Paul Hackett-fresh off his 2nd district loss-is leading Senator DeWine 44.2-35.9!

This is certainly some concerning news for Ohio Republicans. Blackwell is the obvious primary leader thus far for the GOP as Strickland is for the Dems as reported today. Blackwell has a significant lead (which could change, especially if an opponent drops out, Betty Montgomery anyone?). Strickland's is much smaller. The concern is that this race is so close, likely a reflection of Taft's 15% approval rating. Blackwell has much higher statewide ID than Rep. Strickland. Can Blackwell separate himself from Taft or is Taft going to bring down the Ohio GOP ship in 2006?

Even more surprising is DeWine's lack of showing against Hackett. This poll was taken before Rep Sherrod Brown announced his candidacy...After previously backing out (wanna bet this poll had something to do with it?). Brown is a favorite with liberal activists across the country, particularly with his Grow Ohio campaign. Word has it, Hackett is now being pressured by the Democratic Senatorial Committee to step aside in order to prevent a primary (much to his chagrin). Brown is the probably the stronger primary candidate but perhaps to liberal in the general election.

Of course many are upset with DeWine's Gang of 14 work as well as particular stands on other issues. However I am surprised he is polling this low. How much is the Ohio GOP's troubles pulling down DeWine or is it DeWine himself pulling down his own candidacy. Brown and Hackett's name ID's have to be considerably lower than DeWine.

Other rumors floating around:

Former Congressman Bob McEwen challenging Mike DeWine.

The aforementioned McEwen challenging newly elected Congresswoman Schmidt or perhaps a challenge from State Rep Tom Brinkman.

So mixed news here. Some troubling, some good (Blackwell's primary numbers in my opinion). Will John Kasich ever enter into the fray? Any early speculation out there?

Miers haters?

2005-10-06T10:47:00.000-05:00

It has been six years since we first elected Bush, and I am not going to sit here and say that he has been a great conservative. He is no Reagan, we all agree on that. This being said there are two areas where I am a firm supporter of Bush, foreign policy and legacy. In twenty years Bush will be another name on a list of "good" presidents, and Bush knows this so he will not make the mistake his father's mistake and choose a Souter, it ruined his father's legacy and he will not let it ruin him.

I don't understand this sentiment that I have heard from you guys, from Rush, from all over that Bush went out into left field and did not pick one of the names on the "short list" that we had assembled for him. Since when has Bush listened to anyone other than the people closest to him. That is why we claimed to be his big supporters, he surrounds himself with experts and he manages these experts. Are our memories that short that we don't remember two months ago when these same commentators were saying the same thing about Roberts.

I don't claim to be a fundamentalist Christian, or even a good christian, but in my time in politics I have learned that there is nothing that is a sure a thing as a conservative vote by a fundamentalist Christian. This woman is a sure thing vote that will be approved 95-5, and will vote to overturn Roe, follow Scalia on most issues, and finally be the shift to the right that we all worked our butts off to ensure. Bush knows it, Rove knows it, and I think that once we get past the skepticism that we all naturally have to every appointment we know it too.