FLORIDA
MOVING FORWARD; IA PREZ POLLS; LA, NH & AL SEN UPDATES. FLORIDA: Two
developments on the 2008 Presidential primary. First: Governor
Charlie Crist (R) and State GOP
Chair Jim Greer both endorsed the rapidly advancing bipartisan
bill in the Florida Legislature that would move the state's primary
date to the "Tuesday following the New Hampshire primary."
Based on the current NH primary date, Florida's primary would
be January 29 -- and would move further forward if NH advances
their primary date. Both Crist and Greer said they were unconcerned
that the RNC promises to eliminate half of the state's delegates
for making the move -- including eliminating all of the super-delegate
spots which traditionally are reserved from prominent party leaders
and elected officials. Even though Greer said he will likely lose
his delegate seat because of his stance, it is "the right
thing to do" for the state. The DNC has vowed to do likewise
to Florida Dems. With the Crist and Greer endorsements, Florida
appears certain to buck the "official" DNC/RNC approved
schedule and jump a week ahead of the massive Febuary 5 mega-primary
day. "It's the smartest move I've seen this cycle. They are
the only one that has figured out if they go first, they could
be the megastate to tip all megastates, and Florida could decide
the nomination," said respected political scientist Larry
Sabato to the AP. That said, here are numbers from the new Insider
Advantage/Florida Chamber of Commerce poll of Democratic voters
in the Sunshine State: Hillary Clinton - 26%, John Edwards - 15%,
Barack Obama - 14%, Al Gore - 14%, Bill Richardson - 7%, Joe Biden
- 2%, and all others at less than 1%.
IOWA: New numbers from a Zogby telephone poll of likely Iowa
GOP caucus participants shows Rudy Giuliani moving further ahead
in the state. The numbers: Giuliani - 25%, John McCain - 19%,
Mitt Romney - 11%, Fred Thompson - 7%, Tommy Thompson - 5%, Sam
Brownback - 3%, Mike Huckabee - 2%, and Chuck Hagel and Tom Tancredo
tied with 1% apiece. Oddly,
Zogby excluded Newt Gingrich from the poll -- even though he placed
third in the January poll. Also out is a new American
Research Group poll. On the GOP side, Giuliani and McCain are
tied with 29% each, followed by Fred Thompson at 12%, Romney
at 10%, Gingrich at 7%, and everyone else at 1% or less. On the
Dem side, these are the ARG numbers: Clinton - 34%, Edwards -
33%, Obama - 16%, and all others at 2% or less. LOUISIANA: It looks like former State Elections Commissioner
Suzie Terrell (R) -- to the surprise of most -- is readying for
a rematch run against US Senator Mary Landrieu (D) next year.
Landrieu defeated Terrell is a very competitive contest in the
2002 run-off. In 2003, Terrell was the unsuccessful GOP candidate
for Attorney General. Congressman Charles Boustany (R) recently
announced he would not run against Landrieu. Congressman Richard
Baker (R) is still considering the race. ALABAMA: Democratic political blogs have recently been
touting State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks (D) as a candidate
next year against US Senator Jeff Sessions (R). Dem activists
view the popular Sparks, who won re-election last year by a solid
16-point margin, as the party's strongest possible candidate.
Sparks told the Troy Messenger that he is aware of the
buzz and is not ruling the race out. "We're not taking out
any possibilities. The people of Alabama know my record ... and
what I stand for versus the people in office now," said Sparks.
He said he plans to meet with his political advisors and make
a decision in a "few weeks or months." NEW HAMPSHIRE: A new American Research Group poll shows
US Senator John Sununu (R) could be in big trouble if former Governor
Jeanne Shaheen (D) decides to seek a rematch next year. The numbers:
Shaheen - 44%, Sununu - 34%. Shaheen has yet to make any decision
on the race. As for the Presidential race, here are the ARG Dem
numbers: Clinton - 37%, Obama - 23%, Edwards - 20%, and all others
far behind. The GOP numbers: McCain - 23%, Giuliani - 19%, Romney
- 17%, Gingrich - 11%, Fred Thompson - 10%, and all others at
2% or less.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.30.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
The daily open thread.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.30.07 | Permalink
|
WANNA
TRADE?
I'm interested in building up my collection of Canadian campaign
buttons. If you've got Canadian political buttons to trade (both
federal and provincial), I'm interesting in swapping
with you (and will also trade your Canadian buttons for some of
my great US pins). Please
drop me a note! Also interested in buying Canadian pins, if
you're not interested in trading.
THURSDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
DOBSON
SLAMS FRED THOMPSON (TWICE), LOVES NEWT; SAN FRAN BANS PLASTIC
BAGS. P2008 - GOP: Influential Religious Right leader James Dobson
-- leader of the Focus on the Family organization -- fired a serious
shot at the potential White House candidacy of actor and former
US Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN). "Everyone knows he's conservative
and has come out strongly for the things that the pro-family movement
stands for [but] I don't think he's a Christian -- at
least that's my impression," said Dobson in an interview
with US News & World Report. A spokesman for Thompson
quickly responded that "Thompson is indeed a Christian. He
was baptized into the Church of Christ." In a follow-up with
Dobson, a Focus on the Family spokesman said Dobson stood by his
earlier comments, explaining Dobson knows Thompson sees himself
as a Christian but that Dobson "has never known Thompson
to be a committed Christian." Although Dobson recently met
with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, he appears to
be strongly leaning towards former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's
likely bid. Dobson told the magazine that Gingrich is the "brightest
guy out there" and "the most articulate politician on
the scene today." He also reaffirmed his comments of last
year that "many evangelicals would find it difficult to support
Romney because of his Mormonism" -- although added "I'm
not saying that's the correct view or my view." No surprise,
but Dobson also is not a fan of John McCain or Rudy Giuliani.
Surprisingly -- despite Senator Sam Brownback's frequent courting
of the evangelical community and former Governor Mike Huckabee's
background as an evangelical minister -- neither man merited even
a single mention from Dobson in the article. "I JUST WANT TO SAY ONE WORD TO YOU: PLASTICS":
San Francisco is the first city in North America to ban the use
of plastic one-time-use grocery bags, a move that city leaders
hope will spread nationwide. The law, adopted Tuesday, prohibits
grocery stores and drugstores from using non-recyclable and non-biodegradable
plastic bags made from petroleum products. Supermarkets have six
months to comply, while drugstores have up to a year. Supervisor
Ross Mirkarimi said city residents use up to 200 million plastic
bags each year -- bags which take a roughly a thousand years to
biodegrade in a landfill.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.29.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
The daily open thread.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.29.07 | Permalink
|
WEDNESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
DEMS
BRIEFLY WIN IRAQ SENATE VOTE; NEW IOWA NUMBERS; TAYLOR-SHULER
REMATCH? IRAQ: The US Senate voted 50-48 in favor of a Democratic
plan to fund US troops in Iraq with $124 billion more, but require
that the US withdrawal begins within 120 days and be completed
by March 2008. "Now it's time for us to make it clear to
the Iraqis it is their country. It is their war. It is their future,"
said Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL). Senate Minority
Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made no attempt at using any procedural
tools to block the vote, explaining they were confident President
Bush would veto the "surrender date" plan and Democrats
had nowhere near enough votes to override the veto. US Senators
Chuck Hagel and Gordon Smith were the only Republicans to vote
in favor of the bill. "The American people are demanding
that we develop a bipartisan consensus for an honorable and responsible
exit strategy from Iraq," explained Hagel. Senator Mark Pryor
and Joe Lieberman were the only two Dems who voted against the
bill. Shortly after the vote, the White House confirmed President
Bush will veto the bill. The House previously approved an Iraq
withdrawal bill. IOWA: Three new independent polls of
likely Iowa Democratic caucus-goers show a competitive race brewing
in the first-in-the-nation contest state. A
new Zogby telephone poll posted these numbers: John Edwards -
27%, Hillary Clinton - 25%, Barack Obama - 23%, Joe Biden and
Bill Richardson had 3% apiece, and all others were at 1% or less.
Edwards' numbers are unchanged since the January poll, but Clinton
is up 9-points and Obama is up 6-points since then. The University
of Iowa conduced two separate polls of like caucus voters, one
before and one after Edwards' announcement of his wife's health
condition. The pre-announcement numbers: Edwards - 30%, Clinton
- 24%, Obama - 22%. After the announcement: Edwards - 36%, Clinton
- 24%, Obama - 14%. NORTH CAROLINA: While the NRCC appears to be searching
for a new candidate to challenge freshman Congressman Heath Shuler
(D) next year, there appears to be a problem. All of the names
being floated say they will defer to defeated former Congressman
Charles Taylor (R) if he decides to make a comeback run, according
to the Hendersonville Times-News. Taylor was defeated in
a tough race after suffering a series of scathing news stories
in the Wall Street Journal and various local newspapers
which linked him to alleged corruption scandals. Taylor is interested
in regaining his seat, but appears to be in no rush to make any
decision.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.28.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
The daily open thread.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.28.07 | Permalink
|
TUESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
GOP
HAS UPHILL CLIMB FOR SEN IN '08; TAKING THE FIFTH; EX-OMB DIRECTOR
INDICTED. US SENATE - 2008: NRSC Chair John Ensign (R-NV) painted
a dismal picture for Republicans in an interview Monday with the
Washington Times. Ensign "acknowledged that his party
faces a steep, uphill climb in next year's Senate elections when
21 Republican seats will be up for grabs, compared with 12 for
the Democrats ... [and] singled out five Republican seats that
are in danger in Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Oregon and New Hampshire,
compared with two vulnerable Democratic incumbents in South Dakota
and Louisiana and long-shot possibilities in Iowa and Montana." GONZALES: Monica Goodling -- a top aide to Attorney General
Al Gonzales -- issued a statement that she will refuse to testify
before the US Senate Committee investigating the politically-related
firing of eight US Attorneys. Goodling
is invoking her fifth amendment right against self-incrimination
in refusing to testify. REAGAN ADMINISTRATION: Former Congressman David Stockman
(R-MI), who served as the US Budget Director in the Reagan Administration,
was indicted Monday on fraud, conspiracy and other felony charges
on Monday. Federal prosecutors allege he organized the scheme
to hide the dire financial condition of Collins & Aikman Corporation
in a bid to deceive investors when he was CEO of the now-bankrupt
auto parts maker. "The government's case amounts to a crimeless
prosecution that I intend to vigorously challenge because I did
nothing wrong," said Stockman, in a statement posted on his
lawyer's website. Stockman said he did his best to save the company.
Three other former executives with indicted along with Stockman.
Four corporate executives who participated in the scheme already
pled guilty in related cases and are cooperating with the Feds.
Stockman was a leading advocate of "Reaganomics" and
supply-side economics in the 1980s.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.27.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
The daily open thread.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.27.07 | Permalink
|
WANNA
TRADE?
I'm interested in building up my collection of Canadian campaign
buttons. If you've got Canadian political buttons to trade, I'm
interesting in swapping
with you for some great US pins. Please
drop me a note!
MONDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
GOP
MONEY SPIN; HILLARY SCORES BIG ENDORSEMENTS; GONZALES TWISTING
IN THE WIND. P2008 - REPUBLICANS: US Senator John McCain and former
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney both spent the weeking playing
the "lowering expectations" game. In
his spin, McCain announced Saturday he expects his campaign will
fall short of their fundraising goal for 1Q-2007 and will be behind
Romney's expected $30 million fundraising haul.
Romney's campaign quickly spun back, telling The Hotline
that McCain was trying to downplay expectations, that Romney raised
around $20 million in this quarter, and that "McCain will
be in first" in fundraising. P2008 - DEMOCRATS:
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, who ended his White House bid
earlier this year, will endorse US Senator Hillary Clinton for
President. The AP reports Vilsack and his popular wife will both
make their announcements on stage with Clinton on Monday. Clinton
also scored a major coup in New Hampshire, winning the endorsement
of top political operative Bill Shaheen. Shaheen -- husband of
former Governor Jeanne Shaheen -- will co-chair the Clinton campaign
in NH. He played the same role in the primary for Gore 2000 and
Kerry 2004. Jeanne Shaheen has not yet made any endorsement, as
she is weighing a possible run next year against US Senator John
Sununu (R).
GONZALES: More Republicans expressed serious reservations
about Attorney General Al Gonzales remaining in his post in the
wake of his having made false or misleading statements to Congress
about the politically-related firing of eight US Attorneys. Had
Gonzales simply said the firings were politically-related from
the outset -- which is not unlawful -- it probably would have
been a 1-2 day news story. Instead, he continues to twist in the
wind. US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said on CBS’s Face
the Nation that "The Attorney General has been wounded
because of his performance, not because of politics ... He has
said some things that don’t add up." US Senator Chuck
Hagel (R-NE) said on ABC’s This Week said that "you
cannot have the nation’s chief law enforcement officer with
a cloud hanging over his credibility." US Senator Arlen Specter
(R-PA), the senior Republican on the Judiciary Committee, told
NBC’s Meet the Press that he needs to learn more.
"I’m not going to make a judgment based on newspaper
stories. If we find out he’s not been candid and truthful,
that’s a very compelling reason for him not to stay on.
Let’s go eyeball to eyeball with the man and see what his
integrity is," said Specter. US Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
said he still had confidence in Gonzales, but even he offered
some criticisms during an appearance on CNN. "The Justice
Department has bungled this attorney thing. There's no question
about it. There's no excuse for it," said Hatch.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.26.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
The daily open thread.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.26.07 | Permalink
|
FRIDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
EDWARDS
CONTINUES PREZ RACE; LA GOV NEWS; FL 1/29 PRIMARY BILL ADVANCES. EDWARDS: Former US Senator John Edwards (D-NC) and his
wife Elizabeth have decided to continue his Presidential campaign,
despite a major set-back in his wife's health. Elizabeth Edwards
was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, although it was believed
to be in remission following treatment. This week her doctor discovered
the cancer had returned, spread to her bones, and was malignant.
He condition may be treatable to greatly slow the spread of the
disease, but it is not curable. Mrs.
Edwards said she was "incredibly optimistic ... I expect to do
next week all the things I did last week. And the week after that,
and next year at the same time." Edwards was reportedly willing
to suspend his campaign or quit the race to spend more time with
his wife, but CNN reports Mrs. Edwards pushed him to continue
his run. LOUISIANA: As retired US Senator John Breaux (D) awaits
an advisory opinion as to whether he is eligible to run for Governor
this year, other Democrats are also looking at the race. Lieutenant
Governor Mitch Landrieu, former Congressman Chris John, and former
Attorney General Richard Ieyoub all say they are interested in
running -- but only if Breaux decides against running. "[There
is] no other person I can think of [other than Breaux] that would
deter me from giving this serious consideration," said Landrieu
to the Baton Rouge Advocate. John is a lobbying partner
of Breaux in DC but, unlike Breaux, John did not give up his Louisiana
voter registration. Breaux told the Gannett News Service he will
make a decision on the race "as soon as I can ... very quickly."
In related news, a rather bitter outgoing Governor Kathleen Blanco
blasted Republicans for her dismal approval ratings. She said
her biggest mistake was not switching parties to the GOP after
Hurricane Katrina hit the state. "When I look back at the
storms, if I had had the knowledge that I would be treated as
a pariah by the national Republicans in office, I would have joined
the Republican Party to save my state. Then I would have been
hugged and kissed and lifted, and I would have been declared the
best governor in this whole country. I wish I had realized that
earlier. I think that was the fatal error," said Blanco to
the Shreveport Times. FLORIDA: By a vote of 115-1, the Florida House overwhelmingly
voted to advance Florida's Presidential primary to a date pegged
at just "one week following the New Hampshire primary."
Based upon the current schedule, that would move Florida's primary
to January 29. That would place Florida's primary one week before
the February 5 national mega-primary day. The bill now advances
to the State Senate. If adopted, both national parties threaten
to sanction Florida for breaking the agreed early primary schedule
by slashing the number of delegate seats for the state at the
two national conventions.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.23.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
The daily open thread.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.23.07 | Permalink
|
THURSDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
EDWARDS
MYSTERY NEWS; McINNIS QUITS IN COLO; HUNTER-HUNTER; GINGRICH COLLECTS
BUCKS. EDWARDS: Former US Senator John Edwards (D-NC) has abruptly
scheduled
a press conference for Thursday, where he plans to discuss new
developments related to his wife's health. Elizabeth Edwards was
diagnosed with cancer in 2004, although it was believed to be
in remission following treatment. Edwards left the campaign trail
on Tuesday to meet with his wife and her doctor. The campaign
was mum on the news, refusing to elaborate on any details of the
announcement. If Mrs. Edwards' received a clean bill of health,
calling a press conference seems excessively dramatic. Traditionally
-- and unfortunately -- this type of timing, drama and setting
is usually a harbinger of bad news. If the news is bad, pundits
are already speculating Edwards will announce he is either quitting
the race or suspending his campaign to spend more time with his
wife. For whatever it's worth, an Edwards campaign fundraiser
scheduled for Thursday evening in New York still appears to going
forward as planned. Stay tuned. COLORADO: A variety of converging political events caused
former Congressman Scott McInnis -- the perceived GOP frontrunner
for the seat being vacated next year by US Senator Wayne Allard
(R) -- to unexpectedly quit the race on Wednesday. Among McInnis'
concerns were that Attorney General John Suthers (R) was preparing
to enter the race, the media hits McInnis had taken in recent
weeks for his work as a high paid lobbyist, and that retired US
Senator Bill Armstrong decided to throw his weight behind the
likely candidacy of former Congressman Bob Schaffer. Armstrong
is known as the "Godfather of the Colorado GOP" because
of the influence he wields in the state with party activists,
the religious right Focus on the Family group and the fiscal conservative
Club for Growth. Schaffer, who was previously an unsuccessful
candidate for the GOP nomination for US Senate in 2004, is a hardcore
social and fiscal conservative Republican. Suthers, who is viewed
as a more mainstream conservative, is reportedly being courted
to run by National Republican Senatorial Committee leaders. Retired
USAF General Bentley Rayburn (R) is also looking at the race.
Unlike the GOP contest, Democrats have already unified behind
the Senate candidacy of Congressman Mark Udall. HUNTER: Congressman Duncan
L. Hunter (R-CA), a longshot White House contender, will not seek
re-election next year. This will enable the former House Armed
Services Committee Chair to focus his efforts full-time on his
Presidential bid. Hunter has held the seat since 1980. Hunter's
son -- businessman and Iraq War veteran Duncan D. Hunter (R) --
announced his father's decision and said he will be a candidate
for the open seat in this safe Republican district. Radio talk
show host Mark Larson (R) is also a possible candidate. GINGRICH: For a guy who claims he doesn't plan to make
any decision on entering the Presidential race until September,
former US House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) is certainly acting
like a candidate. In addition to his hectic national speaking
schedule, Gingrich has hired staffers and is busy raising money.
According to The Politico, Gingrich's leadership PAC raised
$1.1 million last month -- bringing his total to date since October
2006 to $2.1 million collected.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.22.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
In regards to my editorial yesterday, I received a bunch of emails
defending the reputation of President Chester Arthur. Having reflected
on those comments and done some more research,
I concede these readers were correct: Dubya will rank as one of
our four worst Presidents. Chester Arthur will rank better than
Bush.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.22.07 | Permalink
|
WEDNESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
LA
GUV BLANCO QUITS RACE FOR RE-ELECTION; BUSH UPS STAKES IN ROVE-GONZALES
PROBE. LOUISIANA:
Governor Kathleen Blanco (D) -- in the face of dismal poll numbers
and pressure from her own party leaders -- quit her race for re-election
on Tuesday. "Since Katrina and Rita, I have devoted every
waking hour to both the recovery and to making the entire state
stronger. Of course, there have been those who have attempted
to exploit these tragedies for partisan gain. This is wrong. In
the
upcoming session, I will ask legislators to adopt a bold and sweeping
education agenda. Education is the key to transforming our future
and developing our economy. We must give our children the opportunities
they deserve. I am proud
to have positioned Louisiana to compete for significant new industry
for the first time in our history. And we can win the big ones!
I have put forth a powerful agenda for consideration. While so
many still suffer, I am choosing to do what I believe is best
for my State. I will focus my time and energy for the next nine
months on the people's work, not politics. After much thought
and prayer, I have decided that I will not seek reelection as
your Governor," explained Blanco in her televised remarks.
The move paves the way for popular former US Senator John Breaux
(D) to enter the race.
BUSH ADMINISTRATION: A defensive President Bush drew a line
in the sand with his press conference comments Tuesday afternoon,
expressing support for Attorney General Al Gonzales, bashing Congressional
Dems for their inquiry ("political show trials") into
the political firing of eight US Attorneys, and saying he will
not allow Congress to question Karl Rove, Harriet Meier, and other
top aides under oath. White House Spokesman Tony Snow, meanwhile,
shot down reports as "false" that the Administration
was searching for a new Attorney General nominee. Bush's defense
of Gonzales is no proof that Gonzales will stay, as Bush expressed
strong support for Defense Secretary Don Rumsfeld and FEMA Administration
Michael Brown just days before each was jettisoned. A showdown
is now set with Congress to begin later this week. Don't expect
the President to find much support on the Hill for this particular
fight, as the US Senate on Tuesday voted 94-2 to pass a bill that
cancels the provision in the Patriot Act allowing the Administration
to appoint US Attorneys without requiring Senate confirmation.
The vote was in direct response to the US Attorney firings at
issue.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.21.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
Just a brief moment of editorializing here, but President Bush
should be greatful his White House predecessors included Warren
Harding, Franklin Pierce, James
Buchanan, and Chester Arthur. After all, that band of crooks and
incompetents are about the only reason Dubya won't be ranked as
our single worst and most inept President ever.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.21.07 | Permalink
|
TUESDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
FIDEL
ROMNEY VISITS MIAMI; MISS DEMS PURGE BALLOT; AND AL "GONE-ZALES"? ROMNEY:
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney
(R) found a unique way to crash-and-burn in his remarks in Miami
before a GOP comprised heavily of Cuban-American voters. After
giving a speech loaded with anti-communist lines bashing Fidel
Castro and Hugo Chavez, Romney closed with the line "Patria
o muerte, venceremos," saying it was the slogan of "a
free Cuba." Talk about bad preparation: it turns out "Patria
o muerte, venceremos" (translation: "Fatherland
or death, we shall overcome") is Castro's
signature closing line he's used in nearly every speech for decades.
The Cuban-American
politicians in the room were not amused. "He was ill-advised
... or didn't do his homework," complained Hialeah City Council
President Esteban Bovo to the Miami Herald. State Representative
Rene Garcia told the newspaper he was "'unimpressed"
and thought Romney tried to "use the Cuba issue way too much."
State Representative David Rivera shared those views, saying "Cuban-American
voters have reached a level of political sophistication where
the empty rhetoric of the past regarding Cuba's liberation is
no longer acceptable." Romney's
spokeswoman later explained "it was an unfortunate
error in the language that certainly wasn't meant to offend."
The incident was surprising considering that several top Florida
Cuban-American political leaders are advising Romney's campaign.
Former State GOP Chair Al Cardenas -- one of those key Romney
supporters -- said it was an innocent gaffe because everyone knowns
Romney really "abhors Castro." MISSISSIPPI:
The Mississippi Democratic Party on Monday purged several candidates
from the ballot in the August 7 state primary. The biggest news,
but long expected, was the party's decision to deny incumbent
State Insurance Commissioner George Dale a spot on the Democratic
primary ballot in his re-election contest. A party spokesman told
the AP they "questioned [Dale's] loyalty to the Democratic
Party." Dale previously won eight straight elections as a
Democrat, but he endorsed President Bush's re-election in 2004.
"I have been a freethinker for a long time. I have a clue
why they did this," said Dale. Dale said he "intends"
to seek re-election, but hasn't decided yet whether to do so as
a Democrat, Republican or Independent. One option, he said, is
fighting in court to regain his spot in the Democratic primary.
Dale could also have problems securing the GOP nod, as State Senator
Mike Chaney and three others already qualified for the Republican
ballot. However, the eventual primary winner could agree to step
aside for Dale. The Democratic Party also denied a primary spot
to a 14-term incumbent State House member seeking re-election,
saying she also lacked party loyalty. Additionally, frequent candidate
Shawn O'Hara was spurned in his plans to simultaneously run for
every statewide office this year. The Dems knocked him off the
ballot in every race except State Treasurer, where he was the
only Democratic candidate to file. O'Hara
said he plans to sue in federal court to be re-listed in all the
other primary contests.
GONZALES:The Politico and other news sources reported
Monday the Bush Administration is actively seeking to quickly
identify a replacement for Attorney General Al Gonzales. Reportedly,
both Gonzales and Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty with both
be forced to imminently resign for having given false or misleading
testimony to Congress over the political firing of eight US Attorneys.
Purported frontrunners to replace Gonzales include Homeland Security
Secretary Michael Chertoff, former Deputy Attorney General Larry
Thompson and former US Solicitor General Ted Olson. US News
& World Report speculates the smartest choice would be
"a seasoned insider, a consummate veteran or an elder statesman
who has bipartisan respect and acceptance and a squeaky-clean
record." Sounds like former US Senator Fred Thompson could
possibly fit that description, but he seems to have other plans
these days.
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.20.07 | Permalink
|
FREE
SPEECH ZONE.
Obama's campaign claims it has nothing to do with producing this
anti-Hillary spot posted to YouTube, which is a mix of Hillary
images and the ground-breaking 1984 Apple Mac introduction spot.
Whether they did or didn't, it's an amazing ad. Be sure to check
it out!
Posted by Ron Gunzburger - 03.20.07 | Permalink
|
WANNA
TRADE?
I'm interested in building up my collection of Canadian campaign
buttons. If you've got Canadian political buttons to
trade, I'm interesting in swapping with you for some great US
pins. Please drop me
a note!
MONDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
LOUISIANA
GOP AIRS ANTI-BREAUX SPOTS; PRESSURE MOUNTS ON GONZALES TO QUIT. LOUISIANA: Lots of folks clearly are concerned that retired
US Senator John Breaux (D) appears to be moving closer to entering
the race this year for Governor. Last week incumbent Governor
Kathleen Blanco (D) -- an longtime ally of Breaux -- said she
plans to continue her run for re-election regardless of whatever
Breaux decides to do. Also, Congressman Bobby
Jindal -- the leading GOP candidate for the seat -- said he thought
litigation may be needed to disqualify Breaux on residency grounds
if he attempts to enter the race. This weekend, the Louisiana
Republican Party began running TV spots around the state attacking
Breaux as ineligible to run because he became a registered voter
in Maryland after retiring in 2004. "We just want to state
our position that John Breaux is not legally eligible to run for
Governor. He gave up his Louisiana citizenship. He has a house
in Maryland. He chopped his Louisiana driver's license,"
said a Louisiana Republican Party spokesman to the Lafayette
Daily Advertiser. "I never revoked my citizenship in
Louisiana," responded Breaux, who noted he still owns a home
in Louisiana and continues to pay state taxes. Breaux said he
will meet with Blanco within the next two weeks and will only
run if Blanco agrees to exit the race. BUSH ADMINISTRATION: US Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) has
become the second Republican to call for President Bush to fire
Attorney General Al
Gonzales over his handling of the political-related firing of
eight US Attorneys. US Senator John Sununu (R-NH) made
a similar demand last week. DC insiders are saying it is only
a matter of time before Gonzales is forced to resign -- possibly
within the next week -- over having made false statements to Congress
on the matter.
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FRIDAY
NEWS UPDATE.
GOP
KILLS DEM IRAQ WITHDRAWAL PLAN; COMEBACKS AND CONFUSION IN RACES. IRAQ: US Senate Democrats suffered a 50-48 defeat Thursday
as Republicans killed the resolution that called for the withdrawal
of US forces in Iraq to begin by March 2008. Three Democrats --
Joe Lieberman, Ben Nelson and Mark
Pryor -- voted with Republicans in opposition to the proposal.
US Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) was the only Republican to vote
for the Dem plan. "Republicans are going to have to decide whether
they will continue to support the failed policies of this president
or change the course. We are in the middle of a civil war. There
is no silver bullet. This is part of a process, a process working
every step of the way to bring our troops home," said Senate Majority
Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to The Politico. Senators John
Sununu (R-NH) and Norm Coleman (R-MN) said they oppose the surge
and want to see a withdrawal of forces, but both said they voted
against the resolution because it was bad military strategy to
let our enemies know our timetable for withdrawal. "The best
thing is for [my 2008 re-election race is] to do what I believe,"
said Coleman. VIRGINIA: Former US Senator George Allen (R) is already
seeking a return to elective office, just four months after narrowly
losing his race for re-election. According to the Washington
Times, Allen is talking to key supporters about either running
for the US Senate next year if incumbent John Warner (R) retires
next year or for Governor in 2009. TEXAS: In a clear sign that former Congressman Henry Bonilla
(R-TX) will not attempt to reclaim his seat from Congressman Ciro
Rodriguez (D) next year, Bonilla accepted a new post in the Bush
Administration. The President tapped Bonilla in Thursday to be
the new US Ambassador to the Organization of American States. NEBRASKA: Attorney General Jon Bruning (R) filed federal
paperwork on Thursday to run for US Senator Chuck Hagel's (R)
seat next year. But, before anyone gets excited about this, Bruning
says he will not run if Hagel seeks re-election. And, if Hagel
seeks re-election, Bruning will support John McCain for President.
But, if Hagel runs for President, Bruning will support Hagel.
Talk about decisive. LOUISIANA: Governor Kathleen Blanco (D) said Thursday she
plans to continue her run for re-election this year regardless
of whatever retired US Senator John Breaux (D) decides to do.
Congressman Bobby Jindal (R), who is already in the race, said
he believes Breaux is legally ineligible to run because Breaux
is now a Maryland voter.
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GOP
Chair Jim Greer both endorsed the rapidly advancing bipartisan
bill in the Florida Legislature that would move the state's primary
date to the "Tuesday following the New Hampshire primary."
Based on the current NH primary date, Florida's primary would
be January 29 -- and would move further forward if NH advances
their primary date. Both Crist and Greer said they were unconcerned
that the RNC promises to eliminate half of the state's delegates
for making the move -- including eliminating all of the super-delegate
spots which traditionally are reserved from prominent party leaders
and elected officials. Even though Greer said he will likely lose
his delegate seat because of his stance, it is "the right
thing to do" for the state. The DNC has vowed to do likewise
to Florida Dems. With the Crist and Greer endorsements, Florida
appears certain to buck the "official" DNC/RNC approved
schedule and jump a week ahead of the massive Febuary 5 mega-primary
day. "It's the smartest move I've seen this cycle. They are
the only one that has figured out if they go first, they could
be the megastate to tip all megastates, and Florida could decide
the nomination," said respected political scientist Larry
Sabato to the AP. That said, here are numbers from the new Insider
Advantage/Florida Chamber of Commerce poll of Democratic voters
in the Sunshine State: Hillary Clinton - 26%, John Edwards - 15%,
Barack Obama - 14%, Al Gore - 14%, Bill Richardson - 7%, Joe Biden
- 2%, and all others at less than 1%.
Oddly,
Zogby excluded Newt Gingrich from the poll -- even though he placed
third in the January poll. Also out is a new American
Research Group poll. On the GOP side, Giuliani and McCain are
tied with 29% each, followed by Fred Thompson at 12%, Romney
at 10%, Gingrich at 7%, and everyone else at 1% or less. On the
Dem side, these are the ARG numbers: Clinton - 34%, Edwards -
33%, Obama - 16%, and all others at 2% or less.
at
least that's my impression," said Dobson in an interview
with US News & World Report. A spokesman for Thompson
quickly responded that "Thompson is indeed a Christian. He
was baptized into the Church of Christ." In a follow-up with
Dobson, a Focus on the Family spokesman said Dobson stood by his
earlier comments, explaining Dobson knows Thompson sees himself
as a Christian but that Dobson "has never known Thompson
to be a committed Christian." Although Dobson recently met
with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, he appears to
be strongly leaning towards former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's
likely bid. Dobson told the magazine that Gingrich is the "brightest
guy out there" and "the most articulate politician on
the scene today." He also reaffirmed his comments of last
year that "many evangelicals would find it difficult to support
Romney because of his Mormonism" -- although added "I'm
not saying that's the correct view or my view." No surprise,
but Dobson also is not a fan of John McCain or Rudy Giuliani.
Surprisingly -- despite Senator Sam Brownback's frequent courting
of the evangelical community and former Governor Mike Huckabee's
background as an evangelical minister -- neither man merited even
a single mention from Dobson in the article. 
is invoking her fifth amendment right against self-incrimination
in refusing to testify.
Mrs.
Edwards said she was "incredibly optimistic ... I expect to do
next week all the things I did last week. And the week after that,
and next year at the same time." Edwards was reportedly willing
to suspend his campaign or quit the race to spend more time with
his wife, but CNN reports Mrs. Edwards pushed him to continue
his run.
Duncan
L. Hunter (R-CA), a longshot White House contender, will not seek
re-election next year. This will enable the former House Armed
Services Committee Chair to focus his efforts full-time on his
Presidential bid. Hunter has held the seat since 1980. Hunter's
son -- businessman and Iraq War veteran Duncan D. Hunter (R) --
announced his father's decision and said he will be a candidate
for the open seat in this safe Republican district. Radio talk
show host Mark Larson (R) is also a possible candidate.
the
upcoming session, I will ask legislators to adopt a bold and sweeping
education agenda. Education is the key to transforming our future
and developing our economy. We must give our children the opportunities
they deserve. I am proud
to have positioned Louisiana to compete for significant new industry
for the first time in our history. And we can win the big ones!
I have put forth a powerful agenda for consideration. While so
many still suffer, I am choosing to do what I believe is best
for my State. I will focus my time and energy for the next nine
months on the people's work, not politics. After much thought
and prayer, I have decided that I will not seek reelection as
your Governor," explained Blanco in her televised remarks.
The move paves the way for popular former US Senator John Breaux
(D) to enter the race.
Castro's
signature closing line he's used in nearly every speech for decades.
The Cuban-American
politicians in the room were not amused. "He was ill-advised
... or didn't do his homework," complained Hialeah City Council
President Esteban Bovo to the Miami Herald. State Representative
Rene Garcia told the newspaper he was "'unimpressed"
and thought Romney tried to "use the Cuba issue way too much."
State Representative David Rivera shared those views, saying "Cuban-American
voters have reached a level of political sophistication where
the empty rhetoric of the past regarding Cuba's liberation is
no longer acceptable." Romney's
spokeswoman later explained "it was an unfortunate
error in the language that certainly wasn't meant to offend."
The incident was surprising considering that several top Florida
Cuban-American political leaders are advising Romney's campaign.
Former State GOP Chair Al Cardenas -- one of those key Romney
supporters -- said it was an innocent gaffe because everyone knowns
Romney really "abhors Castro."
Bobby
Jindal -- the leading GOP candidate for the seat -- said he thought
litigation may be needed to disqualify Breaux on residency grounds
if he attempts to enter the race. This weekend, the Louisiana
Republican Party began running TV spots around the state attacking
Breaux as ineligible to run because he became a registered voter
in Maryland after retiring in 2004. "We just want to state
our position that John Breaux is not legally eligible to run for
Governor. He gave up his Louisiana citizenship. He has a house
in Maryland. He chopped his Louisiana driver's license,"
said a Louisiana Republican Party spokesman to the Lafayette
Daily Advertiser. "I never revoked my citizenship in
Louisiana," responded Breaux, who noted he still owns a home
in Louisiana and continues to pay state taxes. Breaux said he
will meet with Blanco within the next two weeks and will only
run if Blanco agrees to exit the race.
Mark
Pryor -- voted with Republicans in opposition to the proposal.
US Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR) was the only Republican to vote
for the Dem plan. "Republicans are going to have to decide whether
they will continue to support the failed policies of this president
or change the course. We are in the middle of a civil war. There
is no silver bullet. This is part of a process, a process working
every step of the way to bring our troops home," said Senate Majority
Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) to The Politico. Senators John
Sununu (R-NH) and Norm Coleman (R-MN) said they oppose the surge
and want to see a withdrawal of forces, but both said they voted
against the resolution because it was bad military strategy to
let our enemies know our timetable for withdrawal. "The best
thing is for [my 2008 re-election race is] to do what I believe,"
said Coleman.
