It has been with great distress that I have watched Sen. Lisa Murkowski serve, far too often, as the Statists' useful idiot - on the Law of the Sea Treaty and more recently trying to bargain on cap-and-trade. The latter came to fend off a growing, logical chorus seeking to simply and cleanly kill EPA's current Power Grab. […]
Enough dealing. Enough people who convince themselves that compromise - not on details but on matters of core principle - is a sign of leadership.
But the senator then managed to ice her cake, with me, with the recent depths to which she stooped in smearing a man who voiced the outrageous notion that her record represents Washington interests and a niche Republican establishment more than it does the people and interests of Alaska.
Dan Riehl notes the contrast emerging since her outburst at the candidates' most recent debate, and the Murkowski campaign's subsequent line of attack, here. I want to add to this by noting a critical distinction raised at the same event. This came when Joe Miller suggested Murkowski might more rationally support trading her vote on the matter of earmarks in return for liberating ANWR energy production, as an alternative to her troubling efforts to trade cap-and-trade for vague assurances about ANWR's future. […]
But, with this election being largely a referendum on Barack Obama this contrast also reminded us, unfavorably, of how Sen. Murkowski in this respect resembles Obama, a man who has no problem describing American citizens opposing his political agenda as "enemies" while coddling our real enemies as rational people who should be dealt with with respect and deference.
The more some politicians get to show you who they really are, the clearer the choice gets. Let's hope the public really are looking for change.
With just eight days left before Election Day, it’s time to sprint through the finish line. Here are more commonsense conservative candidates who are determined to get our country back on track.
Dick Muri for Washington’s 9th Congressional District
I met Dick Muri recently and am proud to endorse his campaign for Congress. Dick is a proven leader. He’s a devoted member of his community and a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who first earned his navigator wings in 1976. Dick will be an fresh, independent voice in Congress, unlike his opponent who votes with Speaker Pelosi and other Democrat leaders over 96% of the time. Please join me in supporting Dick Muri by visiting his website at www.dickmuri.com and following him on Facebook and Twitter.
Rob Steele for Michigan 15th Congressional District
Dr. Rob Steele is challenging the longest-serving member of the House, and he needs your help. Dr. Steele is right on the issues – he’s committed to reduced spending, lower taxes, and commonsense Constitutional principles; and he’s right for Michigan – an NRA-member and avid sportsman, father, and community leader. After 55 years, it’s time for new leadership for Michigan. Please visit Dr. Steele’s website at www.robsteeleforcongress.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Ilario Pantano for North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District
Ilario Pantano is another dedicated patriot running for Congress this year. Ilario first swore an oath to defend the Constitution as a 17-year-old Marine. Today, he needs your help to bring common sense back to Washington. The Republicans have carried this congressional district in the last three presidential elections (including ’08), but the current representative votes with Pelosi and the Democrats 90% of the time. We can win this seat and send a decorated Marine to Congress who will be a strong voice for veterans and active-duty military. Please visit Ilario Pantano’s website at www.pantanoforcongress.net and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Chuck Wilkerson for California’s 30th Congressional District
I’m proud to endorse another Marine, Chuck Wilkerson in California. Chuck is making his first run for public office, and he’s doing it for all the right reasons. He’ll fight to keep taxes low and control spending, and he’ll be another strong voice for veterans. His opponent is the 35-year incumbent and cap-and-tax crusader Henry Waxman. Please visit Chuck Wilkerson’s website at www.chuckwilkerson4congress.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
November 2nd is just around the corner. Let’s get behind these good candidates.
Eric Woolson, spokesperson for Senator Chuck Grassley’s campaign, for the record said, that the anonymous source “does not represent the Senator’s views.” So evidently Senator Grassley was not displeased with any interaction they had with the Palin camp.
“Similarly, the Iowa GOP was in discussions with Palin’s camp leading up to her appearance at its fundraiser to have her do a rally in the state’s conservative northwest corner. Rep. Steve King, who represents the area, got involved, and Palin indicated she was open to it. But she never gave the party confirmation. Finally, on the Wednesday before what would have been a Friday event, she indicated that she wouldn’t do it.”
I have yet to contact the Iowa GOP and will follow-up, but I did talk with Jeff King with Congressman King’s campaign he said that they “didn’t have any inkling that we’d get her for a rally. We would love to have her though.” He said they did not expect that it would work out. He said nobody from their campaign talked with Martin and they certainly don’t have any complaints about Palin.
At a time when our country is dangerously in debt and looking for areas of federal spending to cut, I think we’ve found a good candidate for defunding. National Public Radio is a public institution that directly or indirectly exists because the taxpayers fund it. And what do we, the taxpayers, get for this? We get to witness Juan Williams being fired from NPR for merely speaking frankly about the very real threat this country faces from radical Islam.
We have to have an honest discussion about the jihadist threat. Are we not allowed to say that Muslim terrorists have killed thousands of Americans and continue to plot the deaths of thousands more? Are we not allowed to say that there are Muslim states that aid and abet these fanatics? Are we not allowed to even debate the role that radical Islam plays in inciting this violence?
I don’t expect Juan Williams to support me (he’s said some tough things about me in the past) – but I will always support his right and the right of all Americans to speak honestly about the threats this country faces. And for Juan, speaking honestly about these issues isn’t just his right, it’s his job. Up until yesterday, he was doing that job at NPR. Firing him is their loss.
If NPR is unable to tolerate an honest debate about an issue as important as Islamic terrorism, then it’s time for “National Public Radio” to become “National Private Radio.” It’s time for Congress to defund this organization.
NPR says its mission is “to create a more informed public,” but by stifling debate on these issues, NPR is doing exactly the opposite. President Obama should make clear his commitment to free and honest discussion of the jihadist threat in our public debates – and Congress should make clear that unless NPR provides that public service, not one more dime.
Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., on Wednesday said that the strategy behind his and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's endorsements of some of the most conservative, tea party-friendly Republican candidates this year is to remake their party and restore it to its former greatness.
DeMint told Fox News' Sean Hannity, "what we're trying to do in this election is reshape the Republican Party where it began - a limited government party, less taxes, less spending."
The first-term senator and former congressman said, "what I've tried to do, and others like Sarah Palin have tried to do, is give Republicans and Americans good choices in the primaries so that on Election Day they can go out and not just vote against someone; they can vote for someone." […]
DeMint also gave crucial early backing to Christine O'Donnell, who scored a shocking primary victory over Delaware congressman and former Gov. Michael Castle, a political powerhouse who has held five different elective offices in the state going back to the 1960s; former Florida House of Representatives Speaker Marco Rubio, who has surged into a comfortable lead over ex-GOP Gov. Charlie Crist; and former Rep. Pat Toomey, who holds a slim lead over Rep. Joe Sestak in Pennsylvania. […]
"Again, I don't want to be in Washington another six years and watch the Republican Party betray the trust of the American people again," said DeMint, who is expected to cruise to an easy re-election himself next month.
"I mean, we had the White House; we had a majority in the House and the Senate. And we voted for more spending and more earmarks. Most of our senior members seemed to be focused on taking home the bacon - I'm not gonna be in a Republican Party like that." […]
The staunchly pro-life DeMint's Senate Conservatives Fund is running a new TV ad in Alaska attacking Lisa Murkowski for supporting taxpayer-funded abortions. DeMint called on the Senate Republican Conference to remove Murkowski from her post as ranking Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, because of her decision to run as a write-in after losing the GOP nomination.
Murkowski was first appointed to the Senate by her father, scandal-plagued former Gov. Frank Murkowski, who was beaten by Palin in the GOP primary in 2006.
(5:01) CHRIS MATTHEWS, HOST: Now, Sarah Palin, we have seen across-the-board nationally. She`s got low numbers in the 30s. But you put her in the Republican Party, she is in the 70s. The question is: look at this, she`s going to two rallies in California this Saturday and Florida the following Saturday. She`s sort of doing the weekends. I guess Roger Ailes lets her off for the weekend from FOX.
RON CHRISTIE, REPUBLICAN STRATEGIST: You had to.
MATTHEWS: Well, I think she has a job. I mean, she`s working over there, OK?
CHRISTIE: And she`s doing a fantastic job of going out and mobilizing the base and getting people who are fired up for this election. You talk about her numbers being in the 30s.
MATTHEWS: You think she`s qualified to be president?
CHRISTIE: I do. Of course, I do. She was governor of Alaska. She was mayor of a city. She`s certainly had a whole heck of a lot more experience than a particular junior senator from Illinois.
MATTHEWS: No, I like the way you say that with absolutely no hesitation. She`s qualified to be president of the United States.
CHRISTIE: Of course.
MATTHEWS: Handling our nuclear weapons, handling the world`s population --
CHRISTIE: You mean of course considering the one that we have sitting there now who`s been indecisive on the economy? He's been indecisive on the war...
(CROSSTALK)
CHRISTIE: He's been indecisive on every single solitary issue. Booyah!
So stunned was Matthews he wisely decided to ask his other guest a question:
MATTHEWS: Josh, what`s the role of Sarah Palin going to be?
JOSH MARSHALL, TALKINGPOINTSMEMO.COM: It`s obviously to rally the base. You`ve got, you know, the electorate is much more polarized around her than around Barack Obama, if that is even possible. But I`m curious -- I`m interested to see that that is becoming the sign on the dotted line question for Republicans across the country.
You see Carly Fiorina a few days ago, they each have to eventually answer this question: do you think this woman is qualified to be president of the United States? They tried to duck it and they try to duck it, but a lot of them have to say yes.
MATTHEWS: I love it. I think it`s the litmus test. That`s why Ron Christie is selling books and not running for office. He can say yes.
I’ve just finished up another great week of travel across our country. From Florida to California, the feeling is unmistakable. A commonsense grassroots movement is determined to get our country back to its founding principles and constitutional roots. I hope you’ll join me in supporting a few more patriots this November – because we need their voices and their votes in DC.
John Raese for U.S. Senate in West Virginia
The last thing Washington, DC needs is another rubber-stamp vote for President Obama and the liberal agenda. John Raese has the courage and independence to stand up to the Washington politics of Reid and Pelosi. He’ll do what’s right for West Virginia. Please visit John’s web at www.raeseforsenate.org and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Dan Benishek for Congress in Michigan
There’s a lot of talk about the race in Michigan’s 1st Congressional District. Dr. Dan Benishek is the kind of commonsense voice we need in Washington to replace the retiring Bart Stupak. As a physician, he understands why Obamacare must be repealed and replaced with true health care reform. Dan is determined to work to get our country’s fiscal house in order. As a self-described “hunter and fisherman and proud member of the NRA,” he’s great for Michigan 1st District, which like Alaska, is home to outdoor enthusiasts who love their hunting and fishing. Please visit Dan’s website at www.benishekforcongress.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Keith Fimian for Congress in Virginia
Keith Fimian will be an important check on Congress for residents of the Commonwealth. The differences in this campaign are clear: his opponent supports job-killing cap-and-tax, wasteful stimulus spending, and the massive federal overreach on our health care system. Keith Fimian is not a career politician and has actually created private-sector jobs. Please visit Keith’s website at www.keithfimian.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Ruth McClung & Janet Contreras for Congress in Arizona
Ruth McClung is the smart choice for Congress in southwestern Arizona. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that our country is on the wrong track under the leadership of Obama, Pelosi, and Reid; but Ruth actually is a rocket scientist! Ruth’s commonsense fiscal approach to job creation and reining in reckless government spending is in sharp contrast to her opponent’s liberal record. In fact, Ruth is running against a four term incumbent who is so out of touch that he actually called for a boycott of his own constituents. It’s simple: The people of Arizona’s 7th Congressional District deserve better. Please visit Ruth’s website at www.ruth4az.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Janet Contreras is not a politician; she’s a working mother, grandmother, and a former small business owner. She’s like many of the patriots I meet all across this country – frustrated, disappointed, and doing something about it. Many of you will remember Janet from the letter she wrote expressing concern for the direction the country was moving in. Glenn Beck read the letter on his show and later interviewed her. Janet will be a smart, straight-forward, honest, and independent voice for Arizona’s 4th Congressional District. Please visit Janet’s website at www.vote4janet.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Alan Nunnelee & Bill Marcy for Congress in Mississippi
Congress could use more leaders like Alan Nunnelee. Alan is a steady, conservative leader that Mississippi can depend on. His opponent stands with Nancy Pelosi and other national Democrats; Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District deserves a leader who will stand with them. Please visit Alan’s website at www.nunneleeforcongress.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
I had the privilege of meeting Bill Marcy at the Restoring Honor rally in August. Bill is tough - a former cop who walked a beat in Chicago – and he’s the got the values and judgment Congress needs. I’m proud to join so many others in supporting his campaign to represent Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District. Please visit Bill’s website at www.billmarcyforcongress.net and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Morgan Philpot for Congress in Utah
Ten years ago, Morgan Philpot brought his message of “Faith, Family, Future” to the Utah state legislature. Since then, Morgan has been a reliable, conservative leader for Utah. Now he’s running to represent Utah’s 2nd Congressional District. We can count on Morgan to make the right choices to bring our country back. Please visit Morgan’s website at www.philpotforcongress.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Let’s keep the momentum going as November 2nd approaches.
Just woke this morning in Bakersfield to see that the local newspaper, The Californian, has endorsed Carly Fiorina. Check out the article here to see why Carly is the best choice for California. And please check out the campaign website for Star Parker who is running for Congress from California’s 37th district. I’m in Bakersfield today for the Bakersfield Business Conference, and tonight I’ll be in San Diego for an event for the Combat Veterans For Congress.
California is at a major crossroad in this election, and the eyes of the nation are on this state because the Golden State has unfortunately become a case study in failed liberal policies. This great state for generations has been the epitome of America’s optimism and entrepreneurial spirit. It has led the nation in agriculture, technology, and entertainment. But for years now California has been over-taxed, over-regulated, and overwhelmed by an ever increasing government bureaucracy. Sound familiar? California can turn this around, and so can America. It starts in November. This is still Reagan Country!
Had a great visit with Newsmax and the great folks in the Sunshine State yesterday! I spoke to Michael Reagan about his father’s grand legacy and to Dick Morris about not accepting what President Obama wants America to believe is some kind of “new normal” of economic woe. I spoke to concerned Floridians about the energy in the Tea Party movement, and explained that I wrote a lot about it in my book, “America by Heart”; and I had the privilege of being interviewed on Sean Hannity’s show regarding voter turnout favoring conservatives this year.
Florida is fortunate to have great candidates willing to run and serve for all the right reasons. The repeal of the mother-of-all-unfunded mandates, Obamacare, is foremost on the minds of so many concerned Floridians, along with job, jobs, jobs. Thankfully they have candidates bold enough to promise to shake things up, put “We the People” first, and support free market and results-oriented solutions to all these challenges. Please support these great Sunshine State candidates:
Former Alaska Governor and 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin is raising new speculation in conservative circles that she is already preparing for a 2012 presidential bid. In the latest and clearest example of her plans, Palin met with some 50 national conservative leaders Wednesday in Palm Beach, Florida where she discussed economic and diplomatic policy and led some to declare that she's in the race.
"This was an indication that she's strongly considering running," said one insider. "She was very knowledgeable and gave intelligent answers, despite how she's been characterized," added the insider. "And she was extremely charming." […]
Ruddy, whose Web site helped sell 250,000 of Palin's 2008 campaign book, arranged for Palin to be interviewed by radio host Michael Reagan for an upcoming webcast dubbed "Make America Great Again." Palin will kick off the webcast campaign October 12. Her next book, America By Heart, is due out next month.
Because of its ties to conservative leaders and donors, Newsmax plays a broad role in conservative politics and is fast becoming the place for potential 2012 GOP candidates to be seen. Already Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush have stopped by for interviews. One conservative leader told Whispers that Palin's trip to Newsmax was the strongest sign yet that she's planning to run. […]
During her stop, Ruddy and his staff presented Palin with a faux Newsmax cover showing her running for the presidency. It was headlined: "Yes in 2012."
At a later reception and dinner, she made her case on several issues to top conservative leaders, among them, Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, pundit Dick Morris, activist Ralph Reed, and John Raese, the West Virginia Republican Senate candidate who holds a surprise lead over Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin. "This was an indication that she's strongly considering running," said one insider.
With less than four weeks until Election Day, the momentum is clearly on our side. We must keep it going! Today, I’m happy to endorse another principled conservative running for Congress.
Steve Pearce, in New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, understands what makes this country great. As a decorated military veteran, Steve served our country with honor and distinction. As a successful business-owner, he has created real jobs for New Mexico. By sending Steve back to Congress, we add one more strong voice for fiscal discipline, energy independence, and getting Americans back to work.
WESTERN SENATORS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION ALLOWING STATES TO MANAGE WOLF POPULATIONS
WASHINGTON – Today, a group of Western Senators unveiled legislation putting state governments in charge of managing wolf populations that have become a threat to wildlife and livestock. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), James Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) introduced the Returning Wolf Management to the States Act (S. 3919).
In order to give states the authority to manage wolf populations, the bill removes Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for gray wolves. The gray wolf has been on the ESA since 1972. Since then, wolf populations have not only recovered, but grown to such considerable sizes that they are threatening wildlife and livestock.
With scientific data demonstrating the overwhelming growth and recovery of wolf populations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the gray wolf from the ESA in 2009. In response, environmental groups successfully challenged this decision in federal court, returning ESA protections to the species. Unlike similar legislation in the House, this bill, upon enactment, would prevent any further litigation and preempt any outstanding lawsuits.
“Washington needs to get out of the way of how states control wolf populations,” said Hatch. “Bureaucrats in Washington don’t understand the kind of impact the wolf has in Utah and throughout the West. I am proud to sponsor this bill that will give state governments the authority to have the final say in wolf management.”
“Wildlife management is the responsibility of the states and western states like Idaho have successfully managed elk, deer, bear and cats for decades. Wolf management has been no different,” said Risch. “Idaho can continue to successfully manage wolves and this legislation allows that by removing the federal government from the management role of this recovered species.”
“Idaho has demonstrated its resolve to responsibly manage wolves,” Crapo said. “Federal management agencies have recognized those efforts as well. Now, our state, citizens and communities will be subject to further uncertainty on this very important issue and will continue to lack the tools to effectively manage wolves. It is time for Congress to acknowledge those accomplishments and that is why this legislation should be approved.”
“Recovery numbers and science show that wolves no longer need to be on the endangered species list, but frivolous lawsuits and broken federal promises keep them listed,” said Enzi. “States are completely capable of managing wolves on their own without the federal government micromanaging them at every turn. This bill would finally free our state, ranchers and wildlife from the shackles of federal mismanagement.”
“Wyoming has met our recovery goals and honored our commitments to recover the wolf,” said Barrasso. “It’s time for Washington to now hold up their end of the bargain, and delist the wolf.”
Posts
