U.S. Chamber of Commerce Open Letter to President Obama FULL TEXT

Jobs for America: An Open Letter to the President of the United States, the United States Congress, and the American People Washington has taken its eyes off the ball by neglecting America's number one priority--creating the more than 20 million jobs we need over the next 10 years to reemploy the unemployed and to keep pace with a growing population.

Now is the time to get back on track. In order to forestall another economic downturn and create jobs, we must work together constructively to ease uncertainty, unleash private sector investment, and generate real economic growth. We must do the following to succeed:

» Create a Growth and Jobs Tax Policy
» Restore Fiscal Health
» Expand Trade and Export-Driven Jobs
» Rebuild and Expand America’s Infrastructure
» Reduce the Burden of Regulatory Uncertainty

The business community shares the view of most Americans that the current approaches are not working. We are offering an achievable road map to greater economic growth and more jobs, and we don’t care who gets the credit. We invite leaders in government and citizens across the nation to support it.

FULL TEXT Download and read the full letter in PDF format

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: U.S. Chamber of Commerce 1615 H St NW Washington DC

Ron Johnson announced raising $557,774 from 2127 contributors VIDEO

Johnson Campaign: Wisconsin Donors Fuel Fundraising Efforts

[Oshkosh, WI] Oshkosh manufacturer and U.S. Senate Candidate Ron Johnson announced raising $557,774 from 2127 contributors during the reporting period which ended June 30, 2010. Johnson announced his candidacy on May 17, 2010, about halfway through the fundraising reporting period. Johnson raised $506,797 in June alone and has $940,642 cash on hand.

90% of Johnson’s total contributions were in-state contributions from Wisconsin donors, and support rolled in from 58 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. 1963 in-state donors contributed $461,233 to Johnson’s campaign.

Johnson said he was humbled by the outpouring of grassroots support. “The people of Wisconsin are making an investment in my campaign because they want to help reign in the unsustainable spending and debt the career politicians have racked up in Washington,” Johnson said.

“These strong fundraising numbers demonstrate the motivation of in-state, grassroots supporters who want to help me make a difference this fall, motivation I’m seeing first-hand as I travel across the state.”

Since entering the U.S. Senate race on May 17, 2010, Johnson has visited over thirty-five counties and attended over 125 events. Recent polling shows Johnson in a virtual dead heat with 18-year incumbent Russ Feingold.

Johnson, 55, owns PACUR LLC and is an accountant. PACUR is an Oshkosh-based manufacturing facility that specializes in a variety of plastics manufacturing for medical, commercial and industrial purposes.

TEXT CREDIT: Ron Johnson for Senate P.O. Box 1159 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1159 Tel: 920-230-7070 info@ronjohnsonforsenate.com

David Vitter supports conservative organizations challenging President Barack Obama's citizenship in court VIDEO

Interesting question, answer amd crowd response.

Sen. David Vitter, speaking at a townhall meeting in Metairie, La, is shown here in an exlusive video saying that he supports conservative organizations challenging President Barack Obama's citizenship in court.

Vitter made these remarks answering a question about Obama's refusal to produce a valid birth certificate. This controversy has developed because instead of a true birth certificate Obama has only posted a "certification of live birth", which under Hawaiian procedures could be obtained from out of state.

Vitter responded that although he does not have legal standing to bring forward a lawsuit, he supports "conservative legal organization and others who would bring that to court."

TEXT AND VIDEO: ImpeachObamaCampaign

Sarah Palin Endorses Karen Handel for Governor VIDEO

Former Governor of Alaska and Republican nominee for Vice-President Sarah Palin today endorsed Karen Handel for Governor. She issued the following statement…

"I'm proud to lend my support to a great commonsense conservative woman running for Governor this year in the Peach State. My recent visit back to this beautiful area allowed me to meet more of the patriotic Americans who call Georgia home and who are ready for a reformer to help strengthen their families, businesses, state and, ultimately, our United States.

Karen Handel is that reformer. Throughout her career in public office – from serving as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners to Georgia's Secretary of State – Karen has brought the common sense fiscal discipline and positive change in government that is needed now more than ever.

Though considered an underdog candidate (more power to her!), this pro-life, pro-Constitutionalist with a can-do attitude and a record of fighting for ethics in government is ready to serve in the Governor's Office. She'll balance budgets and help spur Georgia's economy. Her plan will contribute to America's roadmap which can benefit all of us.

Please join me in supporting this good conservative reformer who will work tirelessly for the Peach State. You can visit Karen Handel's website at www.karenhandel.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter."

- Sarah Palin

Karen said, "I am humbled and truly excited to receive the endorsement of Governor Sarah Palin," Handel said. "She is a true Republican leader and conservative reformer who isn't afraid to stand up for what she thinks is right. I am proud to have the Governor's support and I know it will have a tremendous impact on our campaign."

The momentum for Karen's campaign is growing daily, and we are locked in a battle for first place in the primary. Help us spread Karen's conservative message for Georgia by making a donation today. Any amount you can afford will help.

Thank you for your support of Karen.

Handel for Governor Team

TEXT CREDIT: Karen Handel for Governor 3970 Old Milton Parkway, Suite 100. Alpharetta, GA 30005 . (770) 740-0010

VIDEO CREDIT: HandelVideo

Pat Toomey Joe Sestak Bailout Joe – A Trip Down Memory Lane VIDEO

Allentown, PA – In its latest video, the Toomey campaign offers the media a glimpse inside Bailout Joe’s very own scrapbook, detailing his numerous bailout votes and the $54,000 he has taken from all the banks and mortgage companies he voted to bail out.

Bailout Joe voted for every single taxpayer-funded bailout offered on the floor of the House of Representatives:

- The Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac bailout (RC #519, 07/23/08)
- The first Wall Street bailout (RC #681, 10/03/08)
- The bailout of the auto companies (RC #690, 12/10/08)
- The second Wall Street bailout (RC #27, 01/22/09)

It should come as no surprise that Bailout Joe has also taken $54,016 from the entities he voted to bailout and $25,000 from the United Auto Workers, one of the happy beneficiaries of the taxpayer-funded auto bailout (opensecrets.org).

“So, Congressman Joe Sestak voted to send billions in tax dollars to AIG, Fannie Mae, and Bank of America, and they returned the favor with thousands in campaign contributions,” Toomey Communications Director Nachama Soloveichik said. “Nice deal for Joe, bad deal for Pennsylvania taxpayers.”

“It’s clear that Congressman Sestak will stand with irresponsible corporations over Pennsylvania taxpayers every time. In contrast Pat Toomey opposed every bailout every time. Pat believes it is fundamentally unfair to force taxpayers to bail out companies when they take risks and act irresponsibly.”

Pat Toomey for U.S. Senate, For Immediate Release—July 13, 2010 Contact: Nachama Soloveichik • Communications Director • 484.809.7994 • 646.528.1029 Contact: Kristin Anderson • Deputy Communications Director • 484.809.7994 • 612.280.5196 Contact: Tim Kelly • Press Secretary • 484.809.7994

• info@toomeyforsenate.com
  
• 3440 Hamilton Blvd, Allentown, PA 18103

David Vitter Comments on Obama Administration’s New Revised Moratorium

Comments on Obama Administration’s New Revised Moratorium (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter today made the following comments regarding the Obama administration’s announcement that it will issue a new revised offshore drilling moratorium.

“Even after a federal appeals court rejected the government's previous efforts to ban drilling off our coast, the Obama administration is still pushing for a moratorium that could devastate Louisiana’s economy,” said Vitter. “A more prudent course than this across the board moratorium is to conduct increased rig inspections with tougher safety regulations. Instead the president continues to push this moratorium, which only wreaks havoc on Louisiana jobs at a time when our economy is already suffering,” said Vitter.

TEXT CREDIT: Senator David Vitter Washington, D.C. Office 516 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Main: (202) 224-4623 Fax: (202) 228-5061

IMAGE CREDIT: SenatorVitter

Rick Lazio: Andrew Cuomo has a history of stonewalling release of his tax returns What's Missing? VIDEO

Statement: Rick Lazio to Cuomo on Releasing Tax Returns: "Name The Time & Place"
Lazio notes Cuomo has stonewalled the release of personal tax returns in the past

New York, NY - Andrew Cuomo has a well-documented history of stonewalling the release of his personal tax returns. In recent weeks, while not willing to release his own returns, Cuomo and his surrogates have asked for copies of Rick Lazio’s returns. From numerous press accounts of Cuomo’s stonewalling the release of his returns in the past filing for extensions and having staff members “brief” reporters on the contents of his returns (without releasing the actual return), Cuomo is throwing political stones from his glass house.

For the good of transparency of our government officials and a clean election process, Rick Lazio issued the following challenge to Andrew Cuomo and his running mate Robert Duffy today:

"Among the many things wrong with Albany, is a lack of transparency. Having been promised more transparency in Washington by Barak Obama, we have been let down time and again; and the same is true of the Albany crowd."

"Andrew, for the good of this election process let us together, along with our respective running mates publicly disclose our federal and state income tax returns for the past ten years to the public and members of the media, at the same time and the same place. While I suggest a location that is convenient for the members of our press corps here in New York, I will even let you pick the time and place."

"As many New Yorkers know, I have spent the past ten years working in the private sector, paying the ever increasing taxes the Albany crowd have levied on the citizens of this state. I have earned honest wages and paid my taxes. Along with my running mate, Greg Edwards, we have nothing to hide from the citizens of this state and we feel you should not either, so please join us in this effort to instill trust amongst the citizens of this state. The people of New York await your prompt response."

TEXT CREDIT: Lazio 2010, P.O. Box 4818 New York, NY 10185 Main Phone: 212-944-5800

VIDEO CREDIT: ricklaziotv

Newt Gingrich Carly Fiorina upsets Barbara Boxer VIDEO

Carly Fiorina Confidently Surges, Backed by Business Figures & Job-Creators.

In California, Republican Carly Fiorina’s momentum is bringing the Senate race to a “pivotal moment,” as Barbara Boxer slips even further in the polls. ABC-7 San Francisco reports: … Republican Carly Fiorina is within 3 percentage points of Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer… More voters now hold an unfavorable view of Boxer at 52 percent…

While the Mercury News reports on Fiorina’s fast-growing her support among business figures and job-creators: Republican Senate nominee and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina on Friday announced a group of 100 business figures backing her campaign to unseat Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer in November…

TEXT CREDIT: Carly for California Contact and Resource Information 915 L Street, Suite C-378 Sacramento, CA 95814 (877) 664-6676 contact@carlyforca.com

VIDEO CREDIT: CarlyforCalifornia

John Boozman Beat Blanche Lincoln Sign the Petition

Senator Lincoln has ignored Arkansas's voice and continually sided with the Obama-Pelosi-Reid Big Government agenda. Do you want to restore your voice to the U.S. Senate? If so, then I have something you can do: Please sign John Boozman's "Beat Blanche Lincoln" petition today and then share it with your friends.

Our goal is to identify voters by county that are committed to voting against Senator Lincoln and then ask them to recruit their friends. We've set an initial goal of 10,000 signatures.

Will you sign John Boozman petition today? And then ask your friends and family to do so as well? Working together we can restore Arkansas's voice in the US Senate!

TEXT CREDIT: John Boozman for US Senate: 11300 Financial Centre Parkway Suite 1200 Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 227-0062 | info@boozman.com

Marco Rubio Charlie Crist’A Political Move VIDEO

Rubio For Senate Releases New Web Video: “A Political Move”

Miami, FL – With Floridians calling Charlie Crist’s “photo-op” special session a blatant political move meant more to protect the governor’s political career than our beaches, the Rubio for Senate campaign today released a new web video entitled, “A Political Move.” Across the state, Crist’s Washington-style political gimmick is leading to questions about the governor’s motives because ultimately his amendment will do nothing to help Panhandle businesses, keep oil off our beaches or prevent future oil spills.

TEXT CREDIT: Marco Rubio for US Senate Rubio for Senate 2030 South Douglas Road Suite 105 Coral Gables, FL 33134 (786) 953-6711

VIDEO CREDIT: MarcoRubio

Terry Branstad Exactly Right TEXT VIDEO

(URBANDALE) – The Governor Branstad 2010 campaign today launched its newest ad, “Exactly Right.”

The ad, which will run statewide on network and cable, can be seen here:

Branstad 2010 campaign manager Jeff Boeyink released the following statement:

“While the Culver campaign is trying to mislead and misdirect Iowans about Terry Branstad’s outstanding record of achievement, Governor Culver cannot hide from results of his failed leadership. Nowhere is that failed leadership more evident than in regards to the plight of Iowa’s unemployed and his inability to articulate a plan to stimulate Iowa’s economy and create new jobs.

“Governor Branstad took office at one of the most challenging times in our state’s history, facing an unemployment rate of 8.6%. Working with Iowans, Governor Branstad led Iowa out of that dark place, helped create nearly 300,000 jobs for Iowans, and left our state with an unemployment rate that was the lowest in the state’s history at that time.

“With news this week of another major Iowa employer laying off 1,000 hard working Iowans, it is time to bring back Terry Branstad’s proven ability and effective leadership to help grow the economy and create new jobs for the more than 115,000 Iowans currently seeking work.”

The script of the ad is as follows: FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Chet Culver likes to say unemployment was highest in state history when Terry Branstad took office. He’s exactly right.

And by the time Terry Branstad left, unemployment was the lowest in state history and Terry helped create nearly 300,000 new jobs.

Chet Culver, under him unemployment has nearly doubled to 6.8%, the highest in 24 years and Iowa has already lost more than 30,000 jobs

Iowa on Terry Branstad, or Iowa on Chet Culver?

Any Questions? # # #

VIDEO CREDIT: GovernorBranstad2010

TEXT CREDIT: GovernorBranstad2010

Ronnie Barrett Endorses Zach Wamp for Governor VIDEO

NASHVILLE – Ronnie Barrett, well-known Tennessee gun rights advocate and the CEO of Barrett Firearms, today endorsed Zach Wamp for Governor.

Barrett started Barrett Firearms 28 years ago, and he has become a revered icon in the world of firearms manufacturing, and staunch defender of the second amendment.

“Whenever Tennessee sportsmen and gun owners needed a friend in Congress, Zach Wamp stood strong with us to protect and defend our 2nd Amendment rights, that’s why he’s always received an A rating from the National Rifle Association” said Barrett. “We need that same strong backbone and consistent support from our next Governor, and I’m convinced that Zach Wamp will be that man. I strongly encourage all Tennessee sportsmen and gun owners to support Zach Wamp for Governor.”

Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Barrett Firearms is the world leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing. Their products are used by civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies. The United States military adopted the Barrett .50 caliber rifle as well as more than 50 American allied countries across the world and has been an important weapon for our fighting troops.

“I am honored to have Ronnie Barrett join our campaign for Governor,” said Wamp. “Ronnie and Barrett Firearms are a true Tennessee success stories and his endorsement is more proof of our campaign’s momentum. As Governor, I will continue my long, consistent record of fighting to protect the 2nd Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens and sportsmen.”

In February, Barrett was honored by NRA Publications with the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. Ronnie is a past recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and has been recognized by both Inc. Magazine and Business Tennessee Magazine as a top entrepreneurial company. The United States Army in 2004 named the Barrett M107 as “One of the Top 10 Greatest Inventions”. The first time in history any firearm had made the list.

Ronnie has been featured on shows like 60 Minutes, Paula Zaun, Dateline, Discovery channel, History channel and Military Channel and many others. His rifles are seen in major motion pictures as well as depicted in the top rated action video games in America.

For more information about Zach Wamp and his campaign for governor, including his 20/20 Vision For an Even Better Tennessee, please visit the campaign online at www.ZachWamp.com.

VIDEO CREDIT: zachwamp2010

TEXT CREDIT: Zach Wamp for Governor P.O.Box 23748 | Chattanooga, TN 37422 Phone (423) 648-9946

President Obama Harry Reid Two Of A Kind VIDEO

You think they're not scared, look at how the left bank media is covering Sharron Angle.

President Obama is in to Las Vegas, Nevada to help rescue the reelection hopes of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. It would be difficult to find two people who have dealt more blows to Nevada’s economy than President Obama and Harry Reid. As two of the most powerful politicians in Washington, this Democratic duo has schemed and forced their liberal agenda onto the people of Nevada, leading to 14% unemployment in the state, the highest in the nation. Nevadans will surely have a lot of questions for a President and Majority Leader who have sold them out in favor of promoting their failed far-left, tax and spend policies. Unfortunately, Harry Reid’s shameless devotion to President Obama’s job-killing agenda and his thirty year record of putting Washington first will do little to assuage their economic woes.

VIDEO CREDIT: rnc

TEXT CREDIT: Republican National Committee

Mark Kirk Pledges to Fight against Lake Michigan Sewage Dumping VIDEO

Congressman disagrees with Giannoulias on re-reversing flow of Chicago River citing public health risks, unknown economic costs;

Kirk: “We should ban all sewage dumping into Lake Michigan.”

CHICAGO – Coming off the Fourth of July holiday and with the summer beach season underway, Congressman Mark Kirk today underlined his commitment to banning all sewage dumping in the Great Lakes.

“The Great Lakes are the crown jewel of the Midwest and provide drinking water to 40 million people,” said Congressman Kirk, a co-chair of the bipartisan Great Lakes Task Force. “As a Senator, I will fight to protect Lake Michigan and work to ban all sewage dumping into the Great Lakes.”

Last year, Congressman Kirk joined with Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) to introduce the Great Lakes Water Protection Act (H.R. 54), which would ban sewage dumping in the lakes. Congressman Kirk also supported the Clean Coastal Environment and Public Health Act of 2009 (H.R.2093) last year, which would reauthorize the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act through 2014.

An EPA study cited by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimated that nearly 300 people could expect to contract a respiratory illness after swimming in Lake Michigan in Chicago on one summer weekend due to elevated pathogen levels in the water. According to the NRDC, closings and/or advisories were issued for 49 beaches in the Chicago area at some point in 2008.

According to a 2007 study by the Environmental Protection Agency, there are roughly 30 communities whose sewage overflow enters the Lake Michigan basin.

During the press conference, Congressman Kirk noted his disagreement with opponent Alexi Giannoulias with regard to re-reversing the flow of the Chicago River. Last month, Giannoulias told a gathering hosted by the Metropolitan Planning Council that he would support such a plan.

“Chicago made the right decision more than a century ago to reverse the flow of the Chicago River, protect the region’s drinking water and keep the shores of Lake Michigan clean,” Congressman Kirk said. “Instead of dumping the Chicago River into the lake, I will fight to end all ban sewage dumping into Lake Michigan.”

TEXT CREDIT: Kirk for Senate Phone: (847) 498-0300 - Fax: (847) 559-2940 Email: info@kirkforsenate.com P.O. Box 8 - Winnetka, Illinois 60093

VIDEO CREDIT: MarkKirkNews

Rory Reid's Name Used in an Ad? VIDEO

In this exclusive video obtained by the Republican Governors Association, it is clear that Rory Reid apparently does not react well to learning that his last name actually appears in his latest TV ad.

VIDEO CREDIT: RepGovs

Obama Takes More Time Off from Oil Spill to Clean Up Harry Reid’s Mess VIDEO

Las Vegas -- Thursday and Friday morning President Barack Obama took time away from his busy schedule of playing golf and suing the state of Arizona to fly to Las Vegas and host a swanky fundraiser for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Obama spoke to a packed house of lobbyists and special-interest groups. During the speech, approximately 2,000,000 gallons of oil gushed into the Gulf of Mexico and thousands of workers continued to be displaced.

Jerry Stacy, spokesman for U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle said today, “Why was the President in Nevada at all? Shouldn’t he be more concerned about suing Arizona, a state that's actually trying to do something about immigration, unlike his Administration? Or the clean up of the oil spill in the Gulf that happened because his Mineral Management Agency got too cozy with BP?

Instead he’s flying out from Washington on the taxpayer dime trying to bail out ‘Rubber-Stamp Harry Reid’ and talking down to Nevadans about their economy getting better and what a great job Reid is doing. It’s insulting to the people of Nevada--they know better.”

At the glitzy Las Vegas fundraiser President Obama hosted for Reid, Obama also went so far as to call Angle “extreme.”

“What is truly extreme is Obama and Reid saddling this country with 13 trillion dollars in debt,” said Stacy. “What’s extreme is proposing higher taxes in the midst of the worst economy since the Great Depression. What’s extreme is pushing for more spending when Nevada’s unemployment rate sits at 14 percent.

“It’s appropriate that Obama and Reid would come to Las Vegas to ‘double down’ on their failed policies of higher taxes, more spending, and more regulation. I suppose Nevadans should just be glad President Obama managed to get out of town without insulting Las Vegas or further damaging the tourism industry here.”

“Nevada needs a Senator who will go to Washington and fight for lowering taxes, cutting spending, and letting small businesses keep more of their money so they can create jobs and get Nevada moving again. That’s Sharron Angle,” Stacy concluded.

The Reid/Obama Record:

* Currently, The Unemployment Rate In The U.S. Is 9.5 Percent, Up From 8.2 Percent When The Stimulus Was Passed. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 7/8/10)

* Since The Stimulus Passed, 2.3 Million Americans Lost Their Job. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 6/15/10)

* Since The Stimulus Passed, Las Vegas Has Lost Over 39,000 Jobs And The Unemployment Rate Has Risen From 10.3 Percent To 14.1 Percent, The Highest Unemployment Rate For A Major Metropolitan Area. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 7/8/10)

TEXT CREDIT: Friends of Sharron Angle - PO Box 33058 Reno NV 89533 (775) 787-6017 (Reno) (702) 243-1976 (Las Vegas)

VIDEO CREDIT: sharronangle

IRS Unprepared for Tax Assessment Calamity Taxpayer Advocate Submits Mid-Year Report to Congress

Washington, Jul 9 - With the passage of ObamaCare, the IRS gets the job of administering all the tax-related provisions – and there are more than a few – that turn the wheels of this new grand social experiment. But it turns out the agency is not exactly equipped for the job. Get ready for more costly trouble for businesses and non-profits, wrongly-imposed penalties, and of course, a big mess for taxpayers. Clearly, more government does not equal better health care.

“The [IRS], which will be responsible for administering major aspects of health insurance finance, is neither structured nor funded to effectively oversee social programs, the National Taxpayer Advocate Service said in a news release.”

“In addition, a tax reporting requirement in the health-care law ‘may impose significant burdens on businesses, charities, and government agencies,’ the advocate service reported.”

“The IRS ‘will face challenges making productive use of this new volume of information,’ the mid-year report said. ‘In our view, it is highly likely that the IRS will improperly assess penalties that it must abate later, after great expenditure of taxpayer and IRS time and effort.’”

“The requirement could bury the IRS in tens of millions of paper filings that it will have to pay employees to process or discard, Olson said through a spokesman.”

ObamaCare…it’s Bad Medicine. We must repeal it and replace it with patient-centered health care reform. ###

WASHINGTON — National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson today released a report to Congress that identifies the priority issues the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) will address during the coming fiscal year. The report expresses concern about the adequacy of IRS taxpayer service, particularly as the IRS begins to implement health care reform, about new information reporting burdens facing small businesses and others, and about certain IRS collection practices.

Among the areas the report identifies for particular emphasis in FY 2011 are the following: Summary National Taxpayer Advocate Submits Mid-Year Report to Congress and FULL TEXT in PDF Format FY 2011 Objectives Report to Congress

Congressman Phil Gingrey Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 07/10/10

Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST Video of the address will be available here once the embargo is lifted. MOV File (FULL HD - 1.7 GB) || MP4 File || MPEG File

Washington (Jul 9) In the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) invites Americans fed up with Washington’s out-of-control ‘stimulus’ spending spree to make their voices heard through America Speaking Out and help construct a new agenda rooted in the principles of a smaller, more accountable, and less costly government.

Central to this effort, Rep. Gingrey notes, is an innovative web forum where Americans can share their ideas and have them debated, discussed, and voted on in an open and transparent forum. As part of this national conversation, Rep. Gingrey and House Republicans have been holding America Speaking Out town hall meetings throughout the Independence Day district work period. Now in his fourth term in Congress, Rep. Gingrey represents Georgia’s 11th Congressional District. Text of the address follows;

Hello, I’m Doctor Phil Gingrey, and I work for the people of Georgia’s 11th Congressional District.

“Americans are fed up with how things are going in the country right now. They see more job losses, rising debt, and plummeting home sales. They feel let down by a government that passes one 2,000-page, trillion-dollar law after another instead of focusing on addressing the problems Americans worry about every day.

“Republicans are listening and offering better solutions that get Washington out of your way, out of your pocket, and back on your side.

“Just look at jobs. President Obama and Democrats in Washington are still trying to convince Americans that their trillion-dollar ‘stimulus’ is working. But our economy has lost more than three million private sector jobs since February 2009. During that same time period, the federal government has actually grown by more than 400,000 jobs. More government, fewer jobs – that’s not recovery, those aren’t results, they’re just more of the same broken promises. Republicans are offering specific proposals to cut spending now. We can provide the fiscal discipline economists say is needed to create private-sector jobs and boost our economy.

“Americans are calling for a return to common sense in how we solve problems – and how the people communicate with their government. Because even though the world is becoming more connected through the web, mobile apps, and social media, our government is growing more out of touch, doing an awful lot more talking than listening.

“That’s why Republicans have launched America Speaking Out, a new project that is revolutionizing the way we govern by engaging the American people and seeking your ideas for making things better.

“The hub of this unprecedented initiative is an innovative web forum – AmericaSpeakingOut.com – that allows you to submit your ideas for a new agenda, regardless of what party you’re affiliated with. Once you post an idea, it is then debated, discussed, and voted on. Republican lawmakers are also sharing their ideas and putting together new proposals based on your feedback.

“We’re also taking America Speaking Out to your communities by holding town hall meetings in rooms just like this to get a real, face-to-face dialogue going about what we need to do to turn things around. I hosted one such event earlier this week at a senior center in the town of Rome, Georgia. The conversation was spirited, the kind you’ve probably participated in yourself recently – with people asking why we are spending so much and getting so little in return, with folks pleading for the president to stop doubling down on policies that are hurting instead of helping.

“One father stood up and said ‘my family has to budget, so why isn’t Washington?’ A small business owner said he’s still struggling to figure out whether he’ll be able to continue providing health insurance for his nine employees after the government takeover of health care. But what got everyone nodding was a World War Two veteran who stood up and said ‘I don’t believe my children and grandchildren will enjoy the same freedoms and the same prosperity that I have enjoyed.’

“Americans are proud of this country, they want to see things get better, and they want to be part of that turnaround. That’s what America Speaking Out is all about.

“So I hope you will take this opportunity to visit AmericaSpeakingOut.com and contact your representative to find out about upcoming America Speaking Out town halls in your area.

“Thank you so much for listening.”

TEXT CREDIT: Office of the House Republican Leader H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117

Multimedia Credit: The House Republican Conference - Digital Communications visual.media@mail.house.gov 202-225-5439

Governor Christie Releases New Jersey Privatization Task Force Report FULL TEXT

Governor Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie read to children from the Brick Police Athletic League as part of Literacy Awareness Week in the Outer Office at the Statehouse on Thursday, July 8, 2010. (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)

Governor Christie continues his common sense approach to debt reduction. Trenton, NJ - Governor Chris Christie today welcomed the report of the New Jersey Privatization Task Force calling it a path to a more efficient, cost-effective government. The report identifies more than $200 million in potential cost savings from across state agencies.

"In March, I asked the Privatization Task Force to develop a strategy that would reduce the size, scope and cost of state government," said Governor Christie. "What they have provided is a path for change that will benefit New Jersey's taxpayers through improvements in the quality of public service programs and services delivered to our citizens without placing further burdens upon the State budget. I look forward to further reviewing these recommendations."

Overall, privatization has been used effectively by the federal government, other states and by some New Jersey State departments and municipalities, resulting in efficiencies and cost savings for labor and technology, competitive procurement improvements, enhanced timeliness and increased access to outside expertise and innovation for these organizations.

Gathering input from an array of privatization experts, stakeholders and the general public, the five-member Task Force held public hearings in Trenton, Summit and Voorhees to help formulate their recommendations for a comprehensive approach to streamlining certain areas of government operations.

According to the Task Force report, to establish privatization as an effective policy, an appropriate management structure should be in place, suitable policies should be adopted and best practices should be followed.

Among the Department-specific recommendations made by the Task Force:

* Within the Dept. of Community Affairs, the privatization of Housing & Uniform Construction Code enforcement
* Within the Dept. of Corrections, exploring opportunities to privatize inmate medical health services and correctional facilities' food services
* Within the Dept. of Environmental Protection, entering into long-term concession agreements for the operation and management of all state parks
* Within the Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development, the outsourcing of boiler and pressure vessel inspections
* Within the Motor Vehicle Commission, the full decentralization of passenger vehicle inspections
* At the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, the outsourcing of manual toll collection
* Within the Dept. of Transportation, the use of long-term, performance-based highway maintenance contracts
* Within the Dept. of the Treasury, the outsourcing of worker's compensation claims processing and all pension, payroll and benefit payment systems

"Our Task Force learned that major privatization initiatives succeed only when they are undertaken by a leader with the political will to overcome bureaucratic inertia and confront entrenched interests," said Congressman Dick Zimmer, who chaired the Task Force. "We are confident that Governor Christie has the requisite political will to deliver the benefits of privatization to the taxpayers of New Jersey."

Governor Christie signed Executive Order 17 creating the New Jersey Privatization Task Force on March 11 to examine areas where government services and functions could be provided by the private sector. Task Force members included former Congressman Dick Zimmer, Chair, as well as Todd Caliguire, President, ANW/Crestwood, Inc.; Kathleen Davis, Executive VP & COO, Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey; John Galandak, President, Commerce & Industry Association of New Jersey and Dr. P. Kelly Hatfield. # # #

FULL TEXT of Report in PDF Format: July 9, 2010 - The New Jersey Privatization Task Force Final Report (May 2010)

Sarah Palin sarahpac Mama Grizzlies VIDEO

Scareliberal Sarah continues to push all the right buttons. Mama Grizzlies

"Enjoy the video and please support commonsense conservative candidates who will work with you and for you to take back our country!" Sarah Palin