Danny Tarkanian's statement on the Senate health care bill

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Danny Tarkanian issued the following statement on the Senate health care bill: "As usual, Harry Reid plays Santa Claus for other states but he's the Grinch Who Stole Healthcare for his own constituents in Nevada.

Harry Reid's bill, which is a tax-hiking big government boondoggle, is a perfect example of why we should permanently ban pork."

TEXT CREDIT: Tarkanian for Senate 840 S Rancho Dr. | Suite 4-614 | Las Vegas, NV 89106 | (702) 228-8198 |

PHOTO CREDIT: Uploaded on October 20, 2009 by Danny Tarkanian

Barbara Boxer Supports Out-of-Control Federal Spending

Sacramento, CA – U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina today made the following statement after Senator Barbara Boxer voted to raise the federal debt ceiling to $12.39 trillion: “Families and businesses across the nation understand that when someone has a spending problem,

you don’t perpetuate it by giving that person more money. But that’s exactly what Barbara Boxer did this morning by voting to raise Washington’s credit card limit instead of taking action to force the federal government to spend our tax dollars responsibly and to live within its means.

“California’s taxpayers can no longer afford Boxer’s support for this kind of out-of-control spending, which does nothing other than push off today’s irresponsible decisions to our children and grandchildren. As a U.S. Senator, my top priority will be bringing fiscal responsibility back to Washington, creating jobs, reigning in government spending and reducing our national debt.”

TEXT CREDIT: CARLY FOR CALIFORNIA

IMAGE CREDIT: CarlyforCalifornia

Mark Kirk for Illinois - Experience, Integrity, Reform VIDEO

Mark Kirk represents the 10th Congressional District of Illinois located in the suburbs north of Chicago.

Now in his fifth term, Congressman Kirk is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee and is co-chairman of the moderate GOP Tuesday Group and the bipartisan House US-China Working Group.

In Congress, Congressman Kirk works to advance a suburban agenda that is pro-defense, pro-personal responsibility, pro-environment, and pro-science. He wrote a number of provisions which became law, including funding for commuter rail, improving veteran’s health care, ensuring military voting, and boosting aviation security. Mark Kirk’s father was from Sullivan and his mother from Park Ridge. Kirk was born in Champaign and grew up in Chatham, Downers Grove and Kenilworth. Representative Kirk graduated from New Trier High School (Winnetka) and attended Blackburn College (Carlinville) and the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico before earning a B.A. from Cornell.

He holds a Masters Degree from the London School of Economics and a law degree from Georgetown.

Congressman Kirk began his career on the staff of his predecessor, Congressman John Porter. He later served in the World Bank, the State Department, the law firm of Baker & McKenzie, and the U.S. House International Relations Committee.

Kirk, who holds the rank of Commander, is a Naval Reserve intelligence officer and has served during conflicts with Afghanistan, Iraq, Haiti, and Bosnia. He recently became the first member of Congress to serve in an imminent danger zone since 1942 when he deployed as a reservist to Afghanistan in December. The U.S. Navy named Kirk ‘Intelligence Officer of the Year’ in 1999 for his service in Kosovo.

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

TEXT CREDIT: Mark Kirk for Senate
VIDEO CREDIT: MarkKirkNews

Pending Debate Between Christine O'Donnell and Mike Castle

The Delaware Tea Party and 9-12 Patriots have invited Christine O'Donnell and Mike Castle to debate each other on January 9, 2010 in Dover, DE. Ms. O'Donnell has accepted the invitation. Debate organizers are awaiting Rep. Castle's response. Check back for more details.

Christine O'Donnell for U.S. Senate • PO Box 3987 • Wilmington, DE 19807 • (302) 468-7010

Bob McDonnell Letter Urges No Delay in Virginia Offshore Energy Exploration and Development

Bob McDonnell Votes on Election Day Uploaded on November 3, 2009 by BobMcDonnellforGovernor All rights reserved

Governor-elect writes Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar McDonnell: “….it is time to develop our offshore energy resources to create new jobs and provide necessary new revenue for schools, roads, public safety and alternative energy research and development in Virginia.”

RICHMOND- Virginia Governor-elect Bob McDonnell expressed his continued strong support of offshore energy exploration and development off the coast of Virginia in a letter sent to United States Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar this past Wednesday. In the letter, McDonnell cautioned against any further delay in the Virginia offshore lease sale scheduled for 2011, and presented the Secretary with the position of his incoming Administration on the issue. The text of the Governor-elect’s full letter is below.

The Honorable Ken Salazar
Secretary of the Interior
Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, N.W
Washington DC 20240
Dear Secretary Salazar,

Last month I had the honor of being elected Governor of Virginia commencing January 16, 2010. A key priority for us here in Virginia is the development of the full range of energy resources, both traditional and renewable, to foster energy independence, national security and economic development.

More than fifteen months have passed since the United States Congress allowed the federal moratorium on exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources off the Atlantic Coast to expire, and President Bush repealed a similar executive order banning such action. This cleared the way for Virginia to be the first state on the Atlantic seaboard to explore and drill beginning in 2011. Virginia is eager to get started. Nearly a year ago the public comment period for the potential lease sale offshore Virginia (Lease Sale 220) ended. Unfortunately it appears that virtually no progress has been made at the federal level to get this process rolling.

I am requesting that Virginia remain in the current five-year plan and that the federal administrative process move forward with Lease Sale 220 immediately. Any effort to remove or delay Virginia’s participation in the lease sale would significantly hamper our efforts to create jobs, eliminate much-needed new revenue, and undermine support for President Obama’s stated commitment to make the United States more energy secure.

The opportunity to explore and develop oil and natural gas resources off the coast of Virginia, miles out of sight from our beaches in an environmentally sound manner, is timely for both our nation and our Commonwealth. Like every other state, Virginia is struggling with the high unemployment that accompanies the current tough economic environment. Some parts of our state have an unemployment rate as high as 19 percent. Additionally, America needs secure and diverse energy sources that do not leave us dependent on foreign governments adverse to our national interests.

A 2005 study by a former president at Old Dominion University forecast that offshore natural gas production alone off of the Atlantic coast near Virginia would, over a 10-year period, likely create at least 2,578 new jobs, induce capital investment of $7.84 billion, yield $644 million in direct and indirect payroll, and result in $271 million in state and local taxes. The study also estimated that there could be up to 500 million barrels of oil in this lease area – enough to fuel all four million cars in Virginia for more than four years.

These economic projections, combined with tremendous technological advancements that have transformed the offshore oil and natural gas industry and make exploration and development environmentally sound, make it clear that there is no reasonable basis for further delays in beginning the leasing process. The Gulf States have been safely exploring and drilling for oil and natural gas for years, and have done so safely despite hurricanes passing over the platforms in the Gulf.

Additionally, it is critically important as a matter of equity that the Commonwealth receive the same royalties, rentals, and bonus bid payments as do all the other states which currently allow energy exploration and production off of their coasts. I implore you to work with Congressional leaders, as I will, for passage of legislation to ensure that Virginia participates in a fair and equitable distribution of future offshore revenues.

Offshore energy exploration and production will be a priority in my administration. I would like to work with you and the President to make Virginia an international leader in offshore energy exploration and production on the Atlantic coast. It is important for both our Commonwealth and our country. We also intend to aggressively pursue offshore renewable energy sources such as wind farms, and will be asking for your assistance at that appropriate time.

I ask you today to do everything in your power to ensure Lease Sale 220 stays on schedule, including the prompt completion of an environmental impact statement and the processing of all other administrative steps necessary for holding the lease sale in 2011. I am aware of several major energy companies that are ready to bid for the leasehold rights, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for the state and federal governments. Virginia stands ready to help address America’s energy needs while creating badly needed good-paying jobs for our citizens.

Mr. Secretary, it is time to develop our offshore energy resources to create new jobs and provide necessary new revenue for schools, roads, public safety and alternative energy research and development in Virginia. I respectfully request that you direct the U.S. Minerals Management Service to expedite its preparatory work in support of the lease sale in 2011. The leasing process should not be further delayed.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I am committed to working with you as we move forward with this tremendous opportunity for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America.

With warm personal regards, I remain
Sincerely,
Robert F. McDonnell

cc: The Honorable Tim Kaine
Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia
The Honorable James H. Webb, Jr
Member, United State Senate
The Honorable Mark R. Warner
Member, United States Senate
Virginia Delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives
The Honorable Steven Chu
U.S. Secretary of Energy
The Honorable William Howell
Speaker, Virginia House of Delegates
The Honorable Richard Saslaw
Majority Leader, Virginia State Senate
The Honorable Ward Armstrong
Minority Leader, Virginia House of Delegates
The Honorable Thomas Norment
Minority Leader, Virginia State Senate

TEXT CREDIT: © www.bobmcdonnell.com. All rights reserved. Authorized by Bob McDonnell. McDonnell for Governor

PHOTO CREDIT: BobMcDonnellforGovernor's photostream

Why Delawareans Support Mike Castle for Senate VIDEO

Delaware Congressman Mike Castle is the longest serving U.S. Representative from Delaware and is currently serving a record 9th term in the House of Representatives. He won his last race in 2008.

Mike Castle with his wife Jane

Castle uses his experience as a former Governor, Lt. Governor and Delaware state legislator in Washington, D.C. to bring members of both parties together to enact laws that help all Americans. Mike Castle has played a key role in writing and enacting legislation in every term he has served in the U.S. House of Representatives, including: Vocational Education, Intelligence Reform, Child Nutrition, No Child Left Behind, Campaign Finance Reform, Balanced Budget Act, Welfare Reform, Line Item Veto, Assault Weapons Bill and the Brady Bill.

Castle is consistently ranked as one of the most independent Member of Congress by non-partisan publications that cover Congress, such as Congressional Quarterly and National Journal. Castle exerts his independence as the leader of the Moderate Republicans, through his leadership of the Republican Main Street Partnership, the largest centrist organization in the nation.

Conservative Columnist Bob Novak has called Castle “the most influential Member of Congress outside Leadership” and Congress.org rated Castle in the top 15% in terms of influence and effectiveness in getting things done.

Some examples of Castle’s leadership include: expanding stem cell research, increased funding for important social programs like education and healthcare, strengthening environmental laws, opposing tax breaks for wealthy corporations, ensuring the refundability of the child tax credit, increasing the minimum wage, and cracking down on wasteful defense contracts.

TEXT CREDIT: Castle Campaign Fund
VIDEO CREDIT: mikecastle2010

12-28-09 Scott Brown and daughters ask voters to "throw a snowball at Washington" on Jan. 19 VIDEO

With some help from his daughters, Ayla and Arianna, Scott Brown says it’s time for voters to “throw a snowball at Washington” by voting on January 19th.

Support Scott Brown by joining the Brown Brigade www.BrownBrigade.ning.com and you can also join the mobile campaign by texting BROWN to 68398.

Scott Brown for U.S. Senate Committee. 200 Reservoir Street, Needham, MA 02494 | info@brownforussenate.com | 781-444-0200

Harry Reid passes 2,733-page, tax-hiking, deficit-spiking, abortion-funding, Medicare-raiding health care bill Which actually increases health care

Sue Lowden

After maxing out our nation’s credit card on his failed policies, Reid votes to increase our debt limit to a record $12.39 TRILLION (Las Vegas, NV) – The most fiscally irresponsible senator in Nevada history ignored public opinion in Nevada to push through the U.S. Senate a partisan and quite possibly, unconstitutional health care bill. Nevadans have expressed strong opposition to Harry Reid’s legislation in numerous, statewide public opinion polls.

Further, to help fund this new entitlement, along with his other taxpayer-funded failures, such as Wall Street and insurance company bail-outs, stimulus bills and pork-filled spending bills, Harry Reid voted to increase our nation’s debt limit to $12.39 trillion.

“After three decades in Washington, Harry Reid has proven to be the most careless and fiscally irresponsible senator ever to represent Nevada,” Sue Lowden stated. “Harry Reid bribed other senators with our tax dollars for their votes on his bill. During record unemployment, home foreclosures and bankruptcies in Nevada, Harry Reid is forcing massive tax increases on working families and job providers. And, so that he can continue his reckless spending spree with our tax dollars, he voted to increase the debt limit to a new, record level.”

“Unfortunately, Harry Reid turned his back on Nevadans long ago,” Lowden continued. “Just this past summer, Senator Reid refused to conduct a single town hall meeting during his month-long August recess because he knew then that Nevadans were rejecting his push for government-run health care. He refused to listen to concerned Nevadans then – and he has spent every day since ignoring us.”

“Now, after passing a bill that increases health care premiums, raids Medicare, funds abortion, increases taxes, raises the deficit and puts bureaucrats in charge of making our health care decisions, Harry Reid celebrates with his special interest pals in Washington and promises more destruction for Nevada families. On the senate floor, Reid promised MoveOn.org, Nancy Pelosi, the Trial Lawyers and union bosses that, ‘this morning isn’t the end of the process, it’s merely the beginning.’ That statement ought to frighten every American across this country.”

BACKGROUND: Nearly two months ago, Sue Lowden outlined her own plan for health care reform. Sue’s plan would not have increased taxes or our record-setting deficit. It would have included tax relief so Nevadans could keep more of their hard-earned money to purchase health care and her plan would have also provided real, meaningful medical liability reform, which would significantly reduce health care costs. Further, Sue Lowden’s plan would have not allowed taxpayer-funded abortion and it would not have raided the Medicare benefits so many Nevadans use today.

Sue Lowden for US Senate,

Research at LMU Could Presage Avatar-like Future for Internet

The highly anticipated film Avatar, which opened in wide release last week, revolves around a future technology that allows individuals to control separate, genetically engineered bodies from remote locations. While that technology may still be far off, the virtual world of 3D Internet is here today, and it’s a subject of intensive research at Loyola Marymount University’s Psychology Department.

Richard Gilbert is a psychology professor and the head of the P.R.O.S.E. Project (Psychological Research on Synthetic Environments) at LMU. Since 2008, LMU professors have taught courses and conducted research in Second Life, an online world where users travel, communicate, and interact via virtual avatars.

Avatar could be a “game-changer” for the way people view the experience of interacting online. While most online interaction is currently through reading text or viewing images and videos, in the future, immersive environments like Second Life could be the norm.

“This movie is bringing to the big screen an experience that millions of people are already having, albeit on a smaller scale: controlling a remote avatar that walks, talks, and interacts with others, just like any of us would in the real world,” Gilbert said. “Avatar could completely change the perception of the experience represented by Second Life and bring that immersive experience to the forefront of more people’s online lives.

Through the P.R.O.S.E. project, students and researchers have surveyed users about the relationships and personalities they have formed in Second Life, and what effects the experience of using a “healthy” avatar can have on users with disabilities. (The film Avatar features a disabled man controlling a fully abled body from afar.)

“While the technology imagined in the movie does not yet exist, the psychological effects of that kind of virtual relationship are here, and they’re very real,” Gilbert said.

Loyola Marymount University 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045 Media Line
310.258.INFO

Congressman Duncan Hunter Weekly Republican Address 12/24/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Congressman Duncan Hunter Weekly Republican Address 12/24/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Weekly Republican remarks by Rep. Duncan Hunter of California, as provided by the Republican National Committee.

I’m Congressman Duncan Hunter, and I represent the 52nd Congressional District of California, the area around San Diego.

In this holiday season, I hope we all take time to offer thanks and prayers to the men and women of our Armed Forces. Many of these service members will spend the holidays away from home, on the frontlines in Iraq and Afghanistan, at bases and on ships around the world.

I understand the sacrifices they are making. Shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, I quit my job and joined the Marine Corps. Prior to coming to Congress, I was deployed to warzones on three separate occasions, twice in Iraq and once in Afghanistan. Just last month, actually, I had an opportunity to visit with our troops in Afghanistan.

I know we all wish everyone could be home for the holidays, but this is not a time for sadness or regret.

Thoughts of home remind us of why we serve: because we’re proud to be Americans, because we want to pass on to our children the blessings of liberty that we inherited from our forefathers, and because nothing matters more to us than protecting our homes and our families.

Our hope is that as a result of this determination and sacrifice, we will never again see our cities and citizens under attack.

I hope we also take a moment this year to reflect on those suffering here at home. For too many families, this will be a difficult Christmas.

One in ten Americans are unemployed. Nearly six million of our citizens have been looking for work for more than six months – the most on record.

All year long, Republicans have offered common-sense solutions to put more money back into the pockets of hard-working families and to help small businesses create more jobs. We’ve also outlined a plan to lower health care premiums by up to 10 percent.

And we have proposed an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy to create more American jobs, ease the strain on family budgets, and clean up our environment. Just as important, these solutions do not raise taxes, grow government, or add to the already skyrocketing debt burden being placed on our kids and grandkids.

After all the promises and all the spending we’ve seen out of Washington this year, out-of-work families are right to be asking, ‘where are the jobs?’ Republicans believe our top priority when it comes to the economy should be simple: first, do no harm.

So let’s resolve in the new year to end misguided efforts to create new laws that will cost even more jobs, whether it’s the “cap and trade” national energy tax, the government takeover of health care, “card check,” or even more tax increases.

Working together, we can make the next holiday season even brighter for all Americans. Thank you, happy holidays and God Bless America. ###

Statement by Martha Roby Passage of Senate Democrats’ Healthcare Bill

Riley, Martha, Margaret and George Roby

(MONTGOMERY, AL) – Councilwoman Martha Roby, Republican candidate for Alabama’s Second Congressional District, issued the following statement today on the Senate passing the health care bill:

“After weeks of back-room deals, the Senate Democrats voted today to pass a flawed bill that will lead to higher taxes, higher premiums for families and small businesses, massive cuts to Medicare, and even opens the door for taxpayer-funded abortions.

Congress’s priority must be real reform that increases affordability, accessibility and portability, not a government monopoly that will drastically increase taxes and limit access to necessary procedures. As a member of Congress, I will support reform measures such as allowing for purchase of health plans across state lines, finding ways to provide coverage to those who are unable to afford insurance on their own by creating high-risk pools and Associated Health Plans, reforming medical malpractice and liability procedures, and reforming the tax code to treat those who purchase individual health insurance plans and those who receive coverage through an employer equally.

We do need to fix America’s health care system, but reform must not threaten the quality, accessibility, or affordability of health care. The Democrats’ plan will ultimately harm, not improve, the quality of our health care system.”

Martha Roby for Congress, 2876 Zelda Road. Montgomery, AL 36106 (334) 239-8660 - phone. (334) 239-9449 - fax

Scott Brown's remarks from 12-23-09 news conference

Uploaded on December 6, 2009 by State Senator Scott Brown All rights reserved.

Last night’s debate revealed some significant differences between Martha Coakley and me. I want to go to Washington to be a check and balance against the spending abuses of Congress. Martha Coakley will be a rubber stamp for the tax and spend policies that will hurt our economy.

During the debate, Martha Coakley referred to higher taxes as “investments.” I believe higher taxes are job killers that will make it harder for us to get our economy moving again.

We’ve lost millions of jobs since the recession began and yet our leaders in Washington don’t seem focused on the economy.

Spending is out of control. Taxes are too high and going higher. Government keeps getting bigger and bigger.

I’m convinced that my election will send a strong message that business as usual in Washington is coming to an end.

I will vote against the health care bill because it is bad for Massachusetts and bad for the country.

It now looks as though I could be the crucial vote on final passage of the bill.

If you believe the health care bill has been mishandled and that it will lead to more government, higher taxes and increased spending, then vote for me and I will stop it from becoming law.

These are the very real differences I have with Martha Coakley.

I look forward to more debates with Martha Coakley.

I understand that she has accepted some debates, but is dragging her feet on others.

Already, the League of Women Voters has cancelled a debate scheduled for Faneuil Hall because of her refusal to participate.

Other debate sponsors have been unable to move forward with their plans because she has not responded to them.

Let’s not limit the number of debates between us. There is too much at stake for our state and our nation.

The political machine is going to pull out all the stops to keep their hands on this Senate seat, and to pass a health care bill that will raise taxes, increase spending and create bigger government.

Last week, in talking about debates, Martha said, “This is about a very important seat, and voters really should get a chance to see who’s on the ballot.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Scott Brown for U.S. Senate Committee. 200 Reservoir Street, Needham, MA 02494 | info@brownforussenate.com | 781-444-0200

Rob Simmons Statement on Health Care Vote

(MYSTIC) - Rob Simmons, candidate for US Senate, made the following statement in reaction to Senate Democrats' vote for cloture on health care legislation: "In the dead of night, after cutting back-room deals and buying votes with pork-barrel projects, Senator Dodd and the rest of the Democratic caucus voted for cloture on a more than 2,000-page, nearly one trillion dollar government takeover of health care.

Rather than following the will of the American people who want serious cost containment, this bill increases taxes, will increase premiums, cuts Medicare to the tune of $500 billion and passes a massive new Medicaid liability onto already cash-strapped states."

"Congress should scrap the bill before it altogether and focus on real health care reform that begins with controlling costs and increasing competition. We should be reducing frivolous lawsuits that fuel the wasteful practice of defensive medicine, allowing small businesses to pool and negotiate better insurance rates, removing the barriers that prevent insurance competition across state lines and giving individuals a tax deduction on their health care premiums."

Simmons for Senate. 12 Roosevelt Ave, 2nd Floor, Mystic, CT 06355, Tel: 860-415-4633 | Fax: 860-415-4629 info@joinrobsimmons.com

Former Florida CFO Tom Gallagher Endorses Gutierrez

ORLANDO, FL - Republican leaders continue to line up to support businessman and congressional candidate Armando Gutierrez. Today, Tom Gallagher announced his endorsement of Gutierrez.

"Armando Gutierrez is a bold fresh face for the conservative movement," said Tom Gallagher. "As a hard working and successful businessman, Armando Gutierrez understands that to grow this economy we need to lower taxes and decrease burdensome regulation. A tireless advocate for conservative candidates and causes, Armando Gutierrez will make a great Congressman for Florida."

Tom Gallagher was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1974 and served until 1987. Gallagher served as the Secretary of the Department of Professional Regulation in the administration of Governor Bob Martinez. He served in the elected cabinet position of State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner, and Fire Marshal from 1989 to 1995, and then in the elected cabinet position of Education Commissioner from 1999 to 2001, and again as Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal from 2001 to 2003. After the cabinet position of Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshal was abolished, Gallagher became the Chief Financial Officer, with the additional duties of Comptroller. Gallagher served as Florida's Chief Financial Officer from 2003-2007.

Armando Gutierrez is endorsed by a growing number of Republican leaders, such as former RPOF Chairman Al Cardenas, George P. Bush, Justin Sayfie, Congressman Tom Rooney, Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congressman Aaron Schock, State Senator Steve Wise, State House Majority Whip Carlos Lopez-Cantera, State House Deputy Majority Leader Anitere Flores, State Representative Chris Dorworth, State Representative Bryan Nelson, State Representative Charles Van Zant, State Representative Jennifer Carroll, State Representative Erik Fresen, State Representative Mike Weinstein, former State Representative Randy Johnson, former Orange County Commissioner Tom Dorman, GOAA Board Member Jose Colon, and the Florida Federation of Young Republicans.

Gutierrez for Congress P.O. Box 2863 Orlando, FL 32802 email: info@gogutierrez.com
phone: 407.749.0272

Congressman Parker Griffith switching from Democrat to Republican VIDEO

Freshman Congressman Parker Griffith (D-AL) announced he is switching parties from Democrat to Republican. Representative Griffith cited health care legislation, the economic stimulus package and other measures where he differs with the House Democratic leadership.

He says that he can no longer support the liberal agenda of the Democrats and better identifies with the values of the Republican party. He also comments on the health care 'reform' bill, stating is strongly opposes this legislation.

Bob McDonnell Announces Sean T. Connaughton as Secretary of Transportation; Lisa Hicks-Thomas; Todd Haymore, Cabinet Appointments

Appoints Sean Connaughton as Secretary of Transportation; Lisa Hicks-Thomas as Secretary of Administration; Todd Haymore as Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

Virginia Governor-elect Bob McDonnell

RICHMOND- Virginia Governor-elect Bob McDonnell held a midday press conference at the State Capitol to announce three new cabinet appointments in his incoming Administration. McDonnell appointed Sean Connaughton, former Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors and later Administrator of the Maritime Administration in the United States Department of Transportation, as Secretary of Transportation.

He named Lisa Hicks-Thomas, Deputy Attorney General for the Technology, Real Estate, Environment and Transportation Division in the Virginia Office of the Attorney General, as his Secretary of Administration. Finally, McDonnell announced that Todd Haymore, who currently serves as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will assume the post of Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry in the Administration.

Speaking about Sean Connaughton, his selection for Secretary of Transportation, McDonnell remarked, “Improving transportation was a major focus of my campaign because it is a core responsibility of our state government, and a serious challenge that must be addressed. Sean shares my commitment to solving our transportation challenges, and his background has prepared him very well for this position. His experience as Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration, and service as Vice President of the American Bureau of Shipping, gives him a depth of experience and knowledge about what needs to be done at and around the Port of Virginia in the years ahead to ensure that we fully maximize the potential of this great asset. As Chairman of the Board in Prince William County, Sean established a Department of Transportation which built $300 million worth of roads in the county and gained solid understanding of the transportation challenges facing our suburban and exurban localities in the faster-growing parts of our state. He agrees with me we must be much faster and more efficient in transportation planning and decision making. And his overall background in transportation law and policy give him a broad perspective on this multi-faceted issue, the kind of perspective that is invaluable in a diverse state such as Virginia. Sean has been a longtime public servant, from his days at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to his leadership role as Maritime Administrator. Now, he will continue his public service as Virginia’s Secretary of Transportation. The building and maintaining of a 21st Century transportation system that facilitates job creation and improves our citizens quality of life is imperative to the future prospects of our Commonwealth. I can think of no one better than Sean to lead in this endeavor.”

McDonnell announced Lisa Hicks-Thomas as his Secretary of Administration and noted, “I have worked with Lisa over the past four years in the Office of the Attorney General. As Deputy Attorney General for Technology, Real Estate, Environment and Transportation, Lisa was responsible for representing a number of state agencies, including the Department of General Services, which she will now oversee in her new position. She managed a staff of 50, including the Computer Crime Section of the office which enforces Virginia’s Computer Crimes Act. Lisa also led our successful Youth Internet Safety Task Force. She is a professional manager and a great motivator. I look forward to continuing to work with Lisa as she serves as Secretary of Administration for the Commonwealth of Virginia. She will bring a strong record of performance and leadership to the job.”

The Governor-elect will elevate current Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Todd Haymore, a Pittsylvania County native, to the position of Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry for the Commonwealth. Announcing the appointment, McDonnell stated, “Agriculture and Forestry are Virginia’s biggest industry. They account for 10% of our jobs, and contribute $79 billion a year to the economy of our state. Todd understands not only the economic importance of this industry, but also the special place farming and forestry occupy in our culture, history and way of life. A Southside native, Todd has public sector experience from his start, working for former Congressman L.F. Payne to his current position as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. And he has extensive private sector experience as well, having held a number of senior management positions with Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, a great Virginia employer. Todd will be a great promoter of Virginia agriculture and forestry worldwide. I know his leadership as Secretary will lead to new jobs for Virginians and new markets for our products.”

Below are full biographies of today’s appointees.

Further announcements regarding additional appointments in the McDonnell Administration will continue to be made in the weeks ahead.

Sean T. Connaughton

Sean T. Connaughton is Corporate Vice President, Government Affairs for the American Bureau of Shipping. The American Bureau of Shipping is one of the world’s leading ship and marine classification societies. Prior to joining ABS, Sean served as U.S. Maritime Administrator under President George W. Bush (2006 – 2009). As Maritime Administrator, he was head of the Maritime Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, and responsible for the daily management of that agency and its promotional programs for the marine transportation industry. This included advising and assisting the Secretary of Transportation on commercial maritime matters, operation of over 50 ships in the Ready Reserve Force, supervision of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, oversight of the six State Maritime Academies, and administration of various shipyard and cargo programs. Connaughton was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Connaughton is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He has served the U.S. Coast Guard as both a commissioned officer and as a civil servant in the Office of Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection.

Sean T. Connaughton, administrator, Maritime Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, addresses an audience of more than 150 maritime industry representatives and U.S Navy flag officers gathered for Military Sealift Command’s annual Maritime Day memorial service in Washington, D.C., on May 22. Connaughton was the guest speaker.

After gaining a Master’s degree from Georgetown University, he joined the American Petroleum Institute, representing companies involved in the energy and marine transportation industries, during which time he also gained a law degree from George Mason University.

As a lawyer in private practice he specialized in maritime and international law. He has appeared before the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the Virginia Bar Association and the District of Columbia Bar Association. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1986 until retiring in 2006. He is a graduate (with honors) of the U.S. Naval War College.

Sean was elected Chairman At-large of the Prince William County (Va) Board of Supervisors in 1999 and overwhelmingly reelected in 2003. Sean served on numerous regional boards and commissions, including the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. In 2004, he was recognized by the National Association of Counties with its Distinguished Service Award for his efforts on workforce development.

Sean was selected to receive the 2009 Vincent T. Hirsh Maritime Award for Outstanding Leadership by the Navy League of the United States. He was named the “2007 Maritime Person of the Year” by the Propeller Club of the United States. He was awarded the “2007 Government Man of the Year” by the Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity. In 2007, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Public Administration from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The Journal of Commerce named him to its 2008 “JOC Leadership Roll.” In 2009, he was presented with the “Maritime Samaritan Award” from the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States.

Connaughton currently is a Trustee of the Joe Gibbs Youth for Tomorrow home, a residential program for at-risk adolescents of the Greater Washington area. He is on the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Family Services, a nonprofit providing housing, training, health and other social services. He is also Board of Directors of the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

Lisa Hicks-Thomas

Lisa Hicks-Thomas is Deputy Attorney General for the Technology, Real Estate, Environment and Transportation Division in the Office of the Attorney General. She was appointed Deputy Attorney General in 2007 by then Attorney General Bob McDonnell. As Deputy Attorney General, Hicks-Thomas managed a staff of 50 representing such major state agencies as the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Virginia Port Authority. She also managed the Computer Crime Section and its investigation and prosecution of state and federal offenses involving child pornography, online solicitation, identity theft and other violations of the Virginia Computer Crimes Act.

Prior to her appointment as Deputy Attorney General, she was a Senior Assistant Attorney General, and Chief of the Computer Crime Section. As a Senior Assistant Attorney General she led Attorney General McDonnell’s Youth Internet Safety Task Force in 2006 and drafted Virginia’s Anti-Phishing Statute which was passed by the General Assembly in 2005. From 2001-2004 Hicks-Thomas was an Assistant Attorney General, and Director of the Computer Crime Unit. While an Assistant Attorney General she oversaw Attorney General Jerry Kilgore’s Identity Theft Task Force in 2002 and prosecuted Computer Facilitated Child Exploitation Cases in localities across Virginia, and worked to make the possession of child pornography a felony in 2003. From 2002-2009, Hicks-Thomas also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney prosecuting child exploitation cases.

Hicks-Thomas began her public service as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Chesapeake. She received her law degree from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law of the College of William and Mary in 1994. She gained her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia. She is a native of Chesapeake and attended Great Bridge High School.

Lisa is married to Samuel Thomas, they have two children, Carson, six, and Casey, three. She has served as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Richmond in the School of Continuing Studies, Secretary of the South Hampton Roads Bar Association and is currently serving as a member of the Board of Governors for the Virginia State Bar, Section on the Education of Lawyers. She volunteers at the Central Virginia Food Bank Community Kitchen. She has spoken at state and national conferences on the topics of Internet Safety and Identity Theft.

Todd Patterson Haymore

Todd was appointed Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) by Governor Tim Kaine in 2007. The Department is responsible for over 60 laws and more than 70 regulations relating to consumer protection and the promotion of agriculture. It is part of the Agriculture and Forestry Secretariat and organized into four units, the Commissioner’s Office, Division of Animal and Food Industry Services (AFIS), Division of Consumer Protection, and Division of Marketing. As VDACS Commissioner, Todd oversees nearly 500 employees in offices throughout Virginia and in Hong Kong.

Haymore is a native of Pittsylvania County, and began his professional career as a Legislative Assistant for former United States Representative L.F Payne (D-5). Following his time with the Congressman, Haymore briefly worked in Danville for DIMON Incorporated, a leaf tobacco company that later merged with Standard Commercial Corporation to form Alliance One International. Haymore then joined Richmond-based Universal Leaf Tobacco Company. He served in various leadership positions from 1999-2007, concluding his time with the company as Corporate Director, External Affairs and Vice President of The Universal Leaf Foundation.

Haymore was President of the Tobacco Association of United States Board of Governors from 2005-2007. A member of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 1998-1999. A member of the National Association of Manufacturers National Public Affairs Steering Committee from 2001-2007. And he was a member of the Leaf Tobacco Exporters Association Executive Council from 2001-2006, including serving as Treasurer in 2005-2006. He currently serves on the Richmond Forum Board of Directors and the Virginia Tech Victims (VTV) Families Outreach Foundation Board.

Todd graduated from George Washington High School in Danville. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Richmond in 1991 and his Masters of Business Administration Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is married to the former Margaret Cary Lewis and they have three children, twins Catharine Cole Haymore and Elizabeth Whichard Haymore, five, and Lillian Bryan Haymore, three.

Countdown to Arlen Specter's Health Care Disaster VIDEO

The Evolution of a Rubber Stamp (AKA Arlen Specter)

Allentown, PA – Over the next four days, Arlen Specter will vote for a mammoth health care bill, totaling 2,733 pages and nearly $1 trillion, providing the Reid/Pelosi Congress with the crucial 60th vote needed to pass the bill. Over the next four days, we will inspect the worst elements of this monstrosity, starting with the bill’s huge tax increases.

According to the Congressional Budget Office’s report released on Saturday, the Reid health care monstrosity will raise taxes by $518.5 billion and violates President Obama’s pledge not to raise taxes on the middle-class.

The $518 billion in new taxes include:

- A $149 billion tax increase on private health insurance plans that will affect many middle-class people in high cost areas.

- $43 billion in new taxes and fines on individuals and businesses as part of the bill’s new health insurance mandate.

- More than $100 billion in new taxes and fees on firms in the health sector, including a tax on manufacturers and importers of medical devises. According to the CBO, these taxes and fees “would be largely passed through to consumers in the form of higher premiums for private coverage.”

- $87 billion in new Medicare payroll taxes.

But President Obama was not the only one to break his pledge when Reid’s health care monstrosity was voted on in the wee hours of the morning today. Senator Arlen Specter had signed a Taxpayer Protection Pledge against raising taxes. Last night, he broke that pledge. (RC #385, 12/21/09)

Senator Specter was given the opportunity to vote separately against the huge tax increases in this bill, but preferred to be a rubber stamp for Harry Reid’s extreme agenda. Specter voted against an amendment to strip the bill of tax increases on people earning less than $250,000 a year. Even though five Democrats supported the amendment, Specter voted “NO.” (RC #376, 12/15/09)

“Over the past nine months, Senator Specter has gone from being opposed to a public option to being a rubber stamp for Harry Reid’s extreme liberal agenda,” Toomey Communications Director Nachama Soloveichik said. “It is shame to see Specter putting his political career ahead of the needs of Pennsylvania taxpayers. Unlike Specter, Pat Toomey supports commonsense health care reforms that will lower health care costs and introduce competition into the system. These include comprehensive tort reform, allowing individuals to purchase health insurance across state lines, allowing the formation of health associations, and giving individually purchased health insurance the same tax benefits as employee provided health insurance.”

“Pat’s principled and thoughtful approach to health care reform is just one of the many reasons why Pennsylvanians are rallying to his side and rejecting Specter’s rampant political opportunism.” -30-

Contact: Nachama Soloveichik • 484.809.7994 • 646.528.1029 Tim Kelly • 484.809.7994 Toomey for Senate VIDEO: ToomeyForSenate

Climate Scientists Behaving Badly

Steve and his wife Donna live in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Westwood. They have two children: Erica and Randy.

You remember the story – scientists at the University of East Anglia (in England) were pretty much caught red-handed, in their own emails, cooking the books and trying to stifle any opposing viewpoints on global warming/climate change. It was all over the news, right? Wait a minute, no it wasn’t. ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, etc. all but ignored the story. FOX and talk radio and conservative bloggers were all over it, so the odds are, if you read this blog, you knew about it.

But many of your fellow citizens hadn’t even heard about it (including, according to him, Congressman Steve Driehaus who in response to a question from Brian Thomas on 55KRC stated “I’m not familiar with what you’re talking about.”)

The email news story came at a particularly INCONVENIENT time for the global warming/climate change alarmists because Copenhagen was just getting underway and countries like the United States were being targeted to shift more of their wealth (through Cap and Trade) to third world countries (with the willing cooperation of the Obama Administration and the Pelosi Congress).

Well it turned out it wasn’t bad enough that the leftist climate change warriors were suppressing contrary views, they DUMPED all of the original temperature data that their dire warnings of impending doom were based on, allegedly to save space! Right. That means that it’s now impossible to go back and check basic calculations upon which much of the global warming/climate change predictions are based. With this in mind, I did a double take when a headline on the inside of the Enquirer caught my attention “Emails Don’t Negate Data.” The Associated Press writers of the article, who obviously swallowed hook, line and sinker the global warming apologists’ story, said that even though the emails showed that the global warming scientists “stonewalled skeptics and discussed hiding data,” the emails “don’t support claims that the science of global warming was faked.” And even though the emails showed “a stunning disdain for global warming skeptics,” and that “climate scientists behaved badly” that they found “no evidence of falsification or fabrication of data, although concerns could be raised about some instances of ‘generous interpretation’.”

Now wait a minute, how can they come to the conclusion that there’s “no evidence of falsification or fabrication of the data,” IF THE DATA HAS BEEN DUMPED?

It’s just another example of many in the press, and many in the academic/scientific community having bought into the whole global warming/climate change “religion,” no matter what the facts are. Yes, let’s protect the environment, protect the earth for that matter; but, let’s make sure it’s based on sound science.

TEXT and PHOTO CREDIT: Chabot for Congress

Steve Stivers officially files for 15th Congressional District VIDEO

Former Republican State Senator Steve Stivers filed petitions Dec. 17 to run for the 15th Ohio Congressional District.

Stivers will challenge incumbent Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy, whom he narrowly lost to in the 2008 election.

"Kilroy may talk a good game about how she wants to protect Ohioans and represent their needs, but she just doesn't deliver," Stivers said. "The people want someone who won't just talk the talk, they want a representative who will walk the walk. I'll do that in Congress and I'll work hard each day to make my constituents proud of the work I accomplish."

Saturday, December 19, 2009 6:00 PM

TEXT CREDIT: Stivers for Congress
VIDEO CREDIT: Stivers2008

Cornell University Library Partners with the Internet Archive

Nearly 80,000 Public-Domain Books Available Free Online

ITHACA, N.Y. (Dec. 2009) – In an effort to make its materials globally accessible, Cornell University Library is sharing tens of thousands of digitized books with the Internet Archive.

“We have been carefully preserving and storing materials for years, and now we’re diversifying the channels for them to be studied and used,” said Oya Rieger, associate university librarian for information technologies. “We have the ability to take books to the places where readers are.”

The new collaboration repurposes nearly 80,000 books that the Library has already digitized in-house or through its partnership with Microsoft and Kirtas Technologies. All the books are in the public domain, printed before 1923 mainly in the United States. They cover a host of subject areas, including American history, English literature, astronomy, food and wine, general engineering, the history of science, home economics, hospitality and travel, labor relations, Native American materials, ornithology, veterinary medicine and women's studies.

Internet Archive, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving materials in all formats and well known for its “Wayback Machine” application, includes the Library’s digitized collection in its searchable database. Books are available for free in multiple formats, including PDF, flip book and full text on-screen. Nearly 750,000 users are registered on the site.

“Expanding access to knowledge is one of the Library’s core principles, and we are excited to participate in the open-access vision of the Internet Archive,” said Anne R. Kenney, Carl A. Kroch University Librarian.

The collaboration with Internet Archive is another step in Cornell University Library’s cutting-edge participation in mass digitization initiatives. Earlier this year, the Library announced an expanded print-on-demand partnership with Amazon.com that allows readers to pay for reprinting of books on an individual basis.

“The Internet Archive is proud to process and host the books from Cornell — these collections are priceless,” said Brewster Kahle, founder and digital librarian of the Internet Archive. “We are happy that Microsoft put no restrictions on the scanned public domain books and Cornell is encouraging maximum readership and research use.”

Performing a simple search for one of Cornell University Library’s digitized books now brings up both a copy on Amazon and a free online copy on the Internet Archive.

For more information and to see Cornell University Library’s contributions, visit archive.org/details/cornell.

About Cornell University Library: Cornell University is both an Ivy League institution and New York's land-grant university. Among the top 10 academic research libraries in the country, Cornell University Library reflects the university's distinctive mix of eminent scholarship and democratic ideals. The Library offers cutting-edge programs and facilities, a full spectrum of services, extensive collections that represent the depth and breadth of the university, and a deep network of digital resources. Its impact reaches beyond campus boundaries with initiatives that extend the land grant mission to a global focus. To learn more, visit library.cornell.edu.

About the Internet Archive: The Internet Archive is a nonprofit library based in San Francisco that specializes in offering broad public access to digitized and born-digital books, music, movies and Web pages. Please visit archive.org and openlibrary.org.

FOR RELEASE: Contact: Gwen Glazer. Phone: (607) 254-8390, E-mail: gglazer@cornell.edu

Republican Senators Ask Americans to Stop Flawed Health Care Bill VIDEO

Republicans are fighting against the Democratic health care reform plan, which would cut your Medicare, raise your taxes, and threaten your health care choices. We believe that any health care reform legislation should lower costs and expand access without raising your taxes or adding billions of dollars to the deficit.

TEXT CREDIT: Republican.Senate.Gov
VIDEO CREDIT: RepublicanSenators

Senator John McCain Weekly Republican Address 12/19/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Senator John McCain Weekly Republican Address 12/19/09 VIDEO FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT

Weekly Remarks by Sen. John McCain of Arizona, as provided by the Republican National Committee

Hi, I’m John McCain. Today, after nearly a year, the Senate Democrats are still trying to scramble together their latest proposal to ‘reform’ America’s health care system, which constitutes one-sixth of the American economy.
Millions of Americans are very worried that whatever bill emerges from the confused and secretive process Democrats used to cobble this legislation together will ultimately do more harm than good. And, they have every right to be.

The biggest problem in our health care system, and the greatest concern of a majority of Americans, are its out of control cost increases. For years, health care costs have grown far faster than the rate of inflation, making health care insurance increasingly expensive and unaffordable for more and more Americans and their employers.

The best thing government could do to ensure more Americans have access to health care insurance is to institute reforms that would rein in costs and make health care more affordable for more Americans. Regrettably, there’s nothing in this legislation that effectively addresses the problem of health care hyperinflation – in fact, experts tells us the Democrat legislation makes matters worse.

Instead, Democrats are proposing – in an era of high unemployment, record deficits, and national debt – to spend $2.5 trillion on another unsustainable entitlement program. To pay part of the costs of this enormous new burden on American taxpayers, $500 billion in new tax increases will be authorized almost immediately.
An additional half a trillion dollars in so-called ‘savings’ will come from cutting Medicare, including from home health care services and the popular Medicare Advantage program that 11 million seniors currently use. However, reforms of the system, such as they are, will be delayed for four years.

According to the government’s own health care scorekeepers, the bill will increase the cost of health care as well as the health insurance premiums Americans pay to cover health care inflation.

That’s why thousands of physicians, large and small American businesses and, according to a recent poll, 61 percent of the American people oppose this ill-considered and ruinously expensive government failure to address the biggest threat to the viability of America’s health care system.
Contrary to assurances from the White House and the Democratic leadership in Congress, the process Democrats used to write the bill was anything but open and bipartisan. It was an exercise in legislative sausage-making conducted behind closed doors without the participation of Republicans.

The administration cut deals with the drug companies to get their support, which ensured increased profits for them and increased costs for consumers. As part of the deal, the White House even opposed an amendment authored by a senior Democratic Senator -- which I and other Republicans supported -- which would have made it easier for Americans to safely import their prescription drugs at substantially lower costs from Canada and other approved exporters.

Every major reform in American history has been a bipartisan effort. I’ve worked with Democrats on many occasions to solve some of the country’s most urgent problems. Never in my experience has one party attempted to increase the government’s influence in one-sixth of the American economy over the nearly unanimous opposition of the other party.

Despite having the best quality health care in the world, Republicans recognize it’s too expensive and too many Americans don’t have access to affordable health care. And, we are committed to doing something about it.

We would welcome the opportunity to work with Democrats to make health care more affordable and accessible by addressing the underlying problems that drive health care cost increases. We could bring down these costs by reforming litigation abuses of the system; the junk lawsuits that result in the practice of wasteful defensive medicine and drive up insurance premiums. We could lower costs and improve the quality of health care if we transformed the way we pay health care providers to emphasize the quality of the treatment and outcomes.

We could lower insurance premiums by allowing insurance companies to compete for your business across state lines. And, we could institute insurance reforms that would make sure people with existing medical conditions could get insurance and the care they need without imposing massive new burdens on taxpayers.

These reforms and others would go a long way toward addressing the most urgent problems in our health care system. They would have bipartisan support, and I believe the support of a majority of Americans.

Democrats have chosen to go another way. The result will be a health care system that costs more and still leaves millions without coverage. The hour is late, but there’s still time to stop Congress from making this terrible mistake. I’m John McCain. Happy holidays and thank you for listening. ###

Alan Nunnelee, Legislative Budget Committee Adopts Spending Cuts

lan Nunnelee wife Tori and three children, Reed (age 25) who is married to Kemily, Emily (age 21), and Nathan (age 20)

Today, I’m proud to announce that through hard work and determination we have adopted the Legislative Budget Committee’s 2011 budget for the State of Mississippi. This conservative budget accounts for savings of over $300 Million, which equates to a 5% cut in spending from the previous year.

While our leaders in Washington continue their spending spree, Mississippi has shown that we can work across party lines to adopt conservative spending limits that allow the State of Mississippi to live within its means. Just like families throughout Mississippi, State government needs to use common sense, to set priorities, and to adopt a budget that is based on resources that are available. This is a first step in achieving this goal and I will continue to work with Governor Barbour, Lt. Governor Bryant and the House Leadership to find ways to tighten our belt on state spending and to make state government more efficient.

Alan Nunnelee for Congress P.O. Box 7092 | Tupelo, MS 38802

First Class Tickets For Terrorists

Vaughn Ward, wife Kirsten daughter, Avé, 4, and son, William, 1.

“Today, President Obama announced that more than 70 terrorists from Guantanamo Bay will be transferred and housed indefinitely in Thompson, Illinois. Walter Minnick and President Obama have yet to explain how moving these terrorists to America will make our country safer. Walter Minnick and his boss Nancy Pelosi have just given dangerous terrorists who seek to harm Americans first class tickets to the United States,” Vaughn Ward said.

Ward continued, “These dangerous terrorists should not be housed on U.S. soil and granted the same rights as American citizens. Walter Minnick and his Democrat friends believe that bringing terrorists into the U.S. is a way to honor our Constitution. However, bringing these terrorists to our country and granting them Constitutional protections does nothing more than weaken our judicial system and undermine our Constitution.”

“I have spent my life fighting to keep dangerous terrorist out of our country. I am disappointed that Walter Minnick, who cast the decisive vote to close Guantanamo Bay (House Roll Call 361), has paved the way for these terrorists to easily enter the U.S. With this vote, Walter Minnick and Nancy Pelosi put American lives at risk. Minnick showed complete disregard for Idaho families by voting against this critical national security measure. If Minnick is interested in keeping our country and state safe, he needs to start standing up to Nancy Pelosi and siding with the families of Idaho.” concluded Ward.

Dec-15 First Class Tickets For Terrorists Vaughn Ward for Congress

Boehner Floor Speech Opposing the Dems’ Bill to Increase National Debt Limit by $290 Billion VIDEO

GOP Leader: “The Democratic Majority … has done nothing more than spend, spend, spend, and spend” Washington, Dec 16 -

WASHINGTON, DC – Strongly opposing the Democrats’ legislation to increase the statutory limit on the national debt by $290 billion, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) delivered the following remarks on the House floor today:

“There’s been a lot of lecturing on the House floor today about fiscal responsibility. Now, I heard a lot about fiscal responsibility in 2005 and 2006 when the then Minority wanted to take the Majority. I think it’s time for everyone in this room to take their fair share of blame for the spending that’s gone on in this town for far too long.

“For 37, 36 of the last 40 years, we’ve spent more than what we’ve taken in. There’s not a household in America that can get by with this. There’s not a company in America that can get by with it. And certainly, this government can’t get by with it. And so for the last three years, the Democratic Majority though, after having run on this mantra of fiscal responsibility, has done nothing more than spend, spend, spend and spend.

“Now, we did our best in 2007 and 2008, to put the brakes on all that spending and succeeded somewhat. But after this year, for you to criticize us about fiscal responsibility and to lecture us about fiscal responsibility, after spending $1 trillion on a ‘stimulus’ bill that was supposed to be about creating jobs, what have we done? We’ve created more unemployment. We’ve not put anyone back to work and we’re asking our kids and grandkids to pay $1 trillion in principal and interest for a bill that’s not doing anything other than increasing spending.

“But you know what? You know what makes this bill that’s on the floor here today to increase the debt limit by $290 billion a real joke? It’s that as soon as this vote is over, we’re going to take up stimulus two, or as we like to call it, ‘son of stimulus.’ We’re going to pick up ‘son of stimulus,’ which is going to spend $150 billion on the same kind of failed spending programs that we passed earlier this year.

“And what are we going to do? We’re going to use that TARP money that those banks and those financial institutions have paid back. Well, where did that money come from? We had to go borrow it. Everybody knows, everybody that voted for or against TARP in this chamber, knows that money was intended to be paid back, to pay down the deficit. And to take that $150 billion and to spend it on more wasteful Washington spending is putting it right on the backs of our kids and grandkids. That’s going to happen right after this vote.

“Who are we kidding? We’re not kidding anybody. I just think it’s time to put the brakes on all of it. Let’s get really serious about cutting spending, and the way we start is by saying no to increasing the debt limit.” #####

TEXT CREDIT: Office of the House Republican Leader
VIDEO CREDIT: JohnBoehner

Michele Bachmann Says the Democrat Health Care Bill is Far From Settled VIDEO

All Americans should have access to quality, affordable health care. Sadly, there are more than 42 million Americans without health care coverage. Many of these individuals find health insurance to be unattainable, unavailable, and unaffordable. With health care costs rising and unemployment escalating, it is more important than ever to address the issue of the uninsured.

Policies that will increase competition and individual choice in the healthcare marketplace are essential to achieving greater efficiency and affordability for everyone. My bipartisan legislation, H.R. 502, the Health Care Freedom of Choice Act, would make medical expenses, including health care premiums, 100% tax-deductible for all individuals. Under current law, health insurance is tax-free for those who receive it through their employers. My bill would give this same tax benefit to people who buy their own health insurance or pay for medical care “out-of-pocket.” This would give all Americans the freedom to purchase the health plan of their choice, to pick their preferred doctors and to make their own medical decisions.

Additionally, I support the expansion of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) which currently allow Americans to save a limited amount of money for medical expenses tax-free. I also advocate the creation of Association Health Plans (AHPs), which would allow small businesses to band together through trade associations to purchase health insurance for their employees at a lower cost. Finally, the flood of frivolous lawsuits in our nation must be addressed to curb the rising cost of health care. Frivolous lawsuits impose extremely high costs on physicians, causing doctors to abandon certain areas of practice or even leave certain regions, making health care less accessible.

As your representative, I will continue to fight for competitive reforms designed to lower costs, increase accessibility and improve our country’s overall health care system.

TEXT CREDIT: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann
VIDEO CREDIT: RepublicanStudyComm

Trade Agreements Create More American Jobs Without Increasing the Deficit

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after the House voted to extend the Generalized System of Preferences and the Andean Trade Preferences Act:

“Today’s vote to extend the Generalized System of Preferences and the Andean Trade Preferences Act should serve as a reminder that ratifying the pending Colombia and Panama Trade Promotion Agreements would immediately create more American jobs without increasing the federal deficit. Under these two trade preference programs, many Colombian and Panamanian goods enter the United States free from tariffs and duties, but American exports to Colombia and Panama are still heavily taxed. The free trade agreements will end those one-sided costs, making it easier for American farmers and manufacturers to sell U.S. products there. As President Obama recently noted, increasing American exports is a key to creating new American jobs, and a level playing field with Colombia and Panama would increase American exports by more than $1 billion.

“That having been said, I am troubled by the fact that this legislation did not do enough to hold one of the ATPA countries, Ecuador, accountable for its failure to respect international law. Expanding trade can help create jobs, but only if our trade partners play by the rules.” #####

Trade Agreements Create More American Jobs Without Increasing the Deficit | Republican Leader John Boehner

Obama Says, 'Let There Be Loans!' Forgets That’s How This All Started

Congressman Price Joins Republican Study Committee Members to Introduce the Economic Recovery Act

Washington, Dec 14 - A visit to the White House is usually an exciting affair. Today, however, the bank CEOs who are meeting with President Obama might rather be somewhere else. After all, it’s not every day the leader of the free world blames you for a problem and then tells you to do the exact same thing that caused the problem. “Major Wall Street players say they are caught between the urging of the White House to lend and the equally forceful guidance from federal regulators not to lend to uncreditworthy borrowers.

It was willy-nilly lending to unqualified subprime mortgage customers, after all, that triggered the global economic meltdown.” (Politico, 12/13/09)

That’s a facepalm-worthy paragraph if ever there was one.

But these “willy-nilly” loans that helped bring down the economy didn’t appear out of nowhere. So where’d they come from? For the last century, banks had known that making these risky loans was, well, too risky. So what changed? You’ll have to pardon us for not buying the Obama narrative that it was all greed. Last we checked greed predates capitalism.

The actual series of events is too important not to recount. Here’s how to bring down the economy in 4 steps.

Step 1: Define a spectacularly unrealistic social goal – In recent years, Democrats in Congress (Obama notably included) made it a party plank that every American has an inalienable right to a home mortgage.

Step 2: Slander the obvious – To create some political maneuvering room, the appropriate response to anyone pointing out that not all people can afford to own their own home was to decry them as hating the poor.

Step 3: Concoct a way to grease the skids – To move this agenda along, they needed a way for financial institutions to lend to risky borrowers without having to worry about, you know – the risk. Of course, taxpayers will back it up!

Step 4: Put it into action – So they gave the government-created monsters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac free reign to gobble up all the dubious loans in the secondary market. This way the implicit guarantee of the government served as a clearinghouse for bad assets.

And you know the rest of the story: bad lending leads to foreclosures leads to economic collapse leads to Obama scapegoating the banks he enabled with federal policies and tax dollars. The truth is if Democrats in Washington hadn’t created a massive taxpayer-backed landfill where banks could dump these high-risk loans, the banks wouldn’t have loaned the money in the first place. But who cares about pinpointing actual problems. Let’s bash some bankers!!

Welcome to the political economy. Once again, don’t worry about doing your due diligence to determine borrower risk, proper interest rates, yield, spread, terms. The White House says lend, you lend. Putting politicians in charge will surely work much better this time. ###

Republican Study Committee (RSC) - The Caucus of House Conservatives Congressman Tom Price is Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC).

Congressman Tom Price, Washington, DC Office | 424 Cannon House Office Building | Washington DC 20515 phone: 202-225-4501 | fax: 202-225-4656

Sue Lowden Harry Reid's Broken Promises VIDEO

Senator Reid has once again turned his back on Nevadans and is taking marching orders from his Washington allies like MoveOn.org and Nancy Pelosi. Their plan is not reform, rather it is push for another massive expansion of government control over our lives.

Senator Reid + Political Desperation = More Embarrassment

‘The most powerful senator in Nevada history’ continues with pattern of insults on his own constituents

LOWDEN CALLS FOR AN APOLOGY FROM SENATOR REID

(Las Vegas, NV) – Today, upon learning that Senator Reid compared opponents of his $2.5 trillion health care experiment bill to those who supported slavery, Nevada businesswoman and former State Senator Sue Lowden issued the following statement:

“Nevadans need jobs, not insults from our own Senator. It seems that with the more power and prestige that Senator Reid gains in Washington, the more insulting he gets towards those of us back home. Senator Reid has told us that tourists smell bad when they visit him in the Capitol. He called Nevadans attending town hall meetings ‘evil mongers’ – even as he ducked doing a single town hall meeting himself. Now, he compares the majority of Nevadans opposing his government-run health care scheme proponents of slavery. When you’ve been in Washington for three decades, and voters back home start losing favor with your failed policies, it probably doesn’t help to start insulting them. Nevadans deserve better, and Senator Reid should apologize – once again – for his unfortunate comments about our citizens.”

VIDEO CREDIT: suelowden
TEXT CREDIT: Sue Lowden for US Senate