I took another one of those surveys to "find your candidate", courtesy of Below The Beltway. Here's my results from this quiz, which you can take at USA Today online.
1) Fred Thompson (no surprise here, the quiz shows my biggest agreements with him are on taxation, immigration, and global warming)
2) Rudy Guiliani (again, no surprise, he's my no. 2 pick anyway...mostly due to a shared view on taxes)
3) Ron Paul (I have moderate agreements with Ron Paul on most issues, but he takes things one step further than I would at this point...still, no surprise. Biggest agreement was on same-sex marriage and immigration)
Well, at least this quiz is pretty accurate, in my opinion. I don't know if I totally agree with Ron Paul at no. 3, but this is based on relation to the candidates on the issues...food for thought and a fun little quiz, nonetheless.
Here's an interesting note...if you take up all of the answers of survey-takers combined...the top 3 are as follows. 1) Mitt Romney, 2) Dennis Kucinich, 3) Barack Obama.
How in the hell did Kucinich get up there???????
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Podium on a Short Vacation...
I'm heading to the capital of one of the more politically odd states in our union. I'm heading to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
I say "politically odd" because no other state has Pennsylvania's track record of electing liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats into office like the state of Pennsylvania.
I'll be back by Tuesday, see you all then!
I say "politically odd" because no other state has Pennsylvania's track record of electing liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats into office like the state of Pennsylvania.
I'll be back by Tuesday, see you all then!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Post-Election Fatigue Can't Set In Yet...
We still have a Congressional District seat to fill!
Get this...tomorrow, both major parties will have conventions to nominate their candidate. 2 Democrats and 11 Republicans are vying for the seat held by the deceased Jo Ann Davis. A lot of GOP hopefuls trying to resume the work of Ms. Davis, I believe.
The Podium has endorsed James Atticus Bowden...although apparently Paul Jost is the current favorite for the GOP. Democrats say that Phil Forgit is the favorite for their nomination. I wonder how this will turn out, especially with the wide-open field on the GOP's side.
Get this...tomorrow, both major parties will have conventions to nominate their candidate. 2 Democrats and 11 Republicans are vying for the seat held by the deceased Jo Ann Davis. A lot of GOP hopefuls trying to resume the work of Ms. Davis, I believe.
The Podium has endorsed James Atticus Bowden...although apparently Paul Jost is the current favorite for the GOP. Democrats say that Phil Forgit is the favorite for their nomination. I wonder how this will turn out, especially with the wide-open field on the GOP's side.
The Libertarian in Me Coming Out
I love these people who get outraged due to the presence of an adult-themed store in their area.
Honestly..."Citizens Against Porn"...? I understand why SWACGirl and others were looking to place restrictions on the ability of adult-themed stores to be built in their community. However, I get the feeling that they would prefer that these businesses be banned outright.
This is where I split heavily with social conservatives. I can understand keeping an adult-themed store a certain distance away from schools, churches, and playgrounds...kids will find their own way to get pornography, we shouldn't make it easier or more enticing.
BUT, it's still a legitimate business. I don't see anything wrong with their existence. Many married couples use pornography to spice up their sex lives, too. Most of these businesses are discreet in their appearance (a good example of this would be either Pamela's Secrets or Hole In The Wall in Harrisonburg, you'd have to look two or three times to recognize what it is).
As I said, there's nothing wrong with keeping these businesses, and their adult themes, away from schools, churches, etc..., but to carry the opinion that they should all be banned and burned to the ground is a bit overboard.
Honestly..."Citizens Against Porn"...? I understand why SWACGirl and others were looking to place restrictions on the ability of adult-themed stores to be built in their community. However, I get the feeling that they would prefer that these businesses be banned outright.
This is where I split heavily with social conservatives. I can understand keeping an adult-themed store a certain distance away from schools, churches, and playgrounds...kids will find their own way to get pornography, we shouldn't make it easier or more enticing.
BUT, it's still a legitimate business. I don't see anything wrong with their existence. Many married couples use pornography to spice up their sex lives, too. Most of these businesses are discreet in their appearance (a good example of this would be either Pamela's Secrets or Hole In The Wall in Harrisonburg, you'd have to look two or three times to recognize what it is).
As I said, there's nothing wrong with keeping these businesses, and their adult themes, away from schools, churches, etc..., but to carry the opinion that they should all be banned and burned to the ground is a bit overboard.
My Discussion With Hunter Golden (Part 3)
This is part 3 in a series of back-and-forth commentary and question/answer sessions I've had with former Mitt Romney aide, Hunter Golden.
Phil Chroniger: "We all know who I'm voting for at the moment. However, you've pretty well kept your choice of candidate a secret, really. Let's say that today is the Massachusetts primary, and you're at the voting booth. Who are you voting for? Is who you're voting for based on your ideal candidate out of the group...or is it due to electability factor?"
Hunter Golden: "Right now.... probably leaning towards Huckabee. I think he's got a lot of things I like.
1.) Executive Experience-- It's not exactly an indicator of whether someone will perform well in office, but I think in today's trying times we really need someone who can run an administration responsibly. As a two term governor of Arkansas, the guy's got some quality experience running a light-purple state.
2.) How He lines Up with What's Important to Me-- This guys' resume in Education is pretty much unmatched. When Clinton left office, the Arkansas educational system was in shambles (who woulda thought..) and this guy's primarily responsible for a massive turnaround there. Second, he stays consistent socially, but really treats those issues as secondary to ones that are more important right now like National Security and ebbing government spending, which right now's utterly out of control.
3.) Can He Win-- Huckabee's a difficult match up for a lot of reasons for the Democrats. First, he can expose a lot of Clinton non sense from the pre-white house years. Second he's a southerner and will hold the base together to give him a solid place from which to work with. Money isn't a HUGE factor for him if he wins the nomination.. that will come. Right now it's hurting him, but over time it won't. Second of all, he's nearly impossible to attack. The Clintons are going to really struggle to dig much dirt up about him, which I think is Mitt's greatest strength, difference being that Huckabee doesn't come off looking like a car salesman. I think he's a far stronger candidate than most would think.
4.) Intangibles-- I dig the way they're presenting Mike right now. He's not mauling people in the debate and comes off like Thomspon should; a loveable, grandpa kinda guy. He's conservative, but doesn't allow that to define his candidacy like it has Romney or THompson's. It's a 'responsible conservatism' I really like and respect. Same with Richardson who gives a very similar aura as a guy that ain't gonna compromise his values, but isn't going to get sucked in by the nut roots of the part even though he might have a stance or two that might stray in that direction.
Mitt's running the best campaign right now. Of anyone. Hillary's running on her name alone and that's certainly not a bad thing, as 'Clinton' carries a lot of weight on the left hand side of things. Mitt though, is running as a conservative in a party that's desperately looking for one while keeping his campaign focused and targeted. Who gives a crap about Texas. If you win Iowa and New Hampshire it's almost always enough to carry the nomination. Either way, he's one of the last two standing.
What I DON'T like about Mitt is that he's far too insulated. I sensed that problem with Dubya early in the 2000 race and that's what made me flock to McCain. Why's it important? Because being an effective Governor or President is an ability to adjust to the political climate. Bush tried to make sure adjustments wouldn't ever have to be made and although he was wildly successful for five years or so, it ran out of gas and now he's as lame duck a President as i've seen yet.
I worry about Romney in that regard. He seems too tunnel vision for the job. Focus and resolve is good, but it can also lead to your undoing. The BEST and WORST quality about President Bush is his GENUINELY not caring about what people think about him or his decisions. He maintains his focus and his resolve, but when things hit a bump, they shouldn't turn the car over, and Bush, because he's been relentlessly unwavering on almost everything, it's hurt him. Adjusting your position doens't mean changing it. It can be a change in how you present it, a mix up of the cabinet for whatever, etc.
Sorry to stray for a brief moment but i'll express another frustration with the Bush White House and that's actually his relationship with Nancy Pelosi. The two, despite taking big digs at each other on Camera, have an incredibly fantastic relationship. He's maintanied an open door policy with her and the fact that he hasn't 'killed her with kindness' so to speak has been frustrating. Regan had a similar relationship with Tip O'Neill and would frequently turn entire poicy squabbles around by heading to the podium and saying 'hell, the guy has an open door policy. I respect his position, too. But, If he was sincere about fixing this problem, he'd be making more of an effort to negotiate with me'....
Anyways, I just don't see Mitt being able to do that. I dunno if you've met a lot of Romney folks Phil, but they're BRUTALY loyal. Mitt could kick a baby on camera and they'd rationally come up with a explaination of not only why he did it, but why it's so wonderful AND necessary. They're unbearable and totally stuck in an alternate universe. So again, if you don't like Bush, you'll loathe a Mitt Romney presidency.
I held the phone on Thompson. I knew the first two weeks were going to make or break things for him. If he had hit a hot streak, i'd have opened the wallet in a second, but he started rather meekly. He's been stuck in the polls and is now the Republican verision of Obama, a guy who says all the right things, but just isn't up to running a national campaign yet (if ever).
Rudy's going to be a melt down. Mark my words. He's starting to slip now even. McCain never even got out of the gate.
So that leaves me with Mike Huckabee, whose a guy who I like idealogically and like as a match up. I don't think he's a defacto GREAT candidate or anything, but of this lot (which sucks btw), he's the best bet I think. So i'm leaning towards someone for the first time."
Phil Chroniger: "We all know who I'm voting for at the moment. However, you've pretty well kept your choice of candidate a secret, really. Let's say that today is the Massachusetts primary, and you're at the voting booth. Who are you voting for? Is who you're voting for based on your ideal candidate out of the group...or is it due to electability factor?"
Hunter Golden: "Right now.... probably leaning towards Huckabee. I think he's got a lot of things I like.
1.) Executive Experience-- It's not exactly an indicator of whether someone will perform well in office, but I think in today's trying times we really need someone who can run an administration responsibly. As a two term governor of Arkansas, the guy's got some quality experience running a light-purple state.
2.) How He lines Up with What's Important to Me-- This guys' resume in Education is pretty much unmatched. When Clinton left office, the Arkansas educational system was in shambles (who woulda thought..) and this guy's primarily responsible for a massive turnaround there. Second, he stays consistent socially, but really treats those issues as secondary to ones that are more important right now like National Security and ebbing government spending, which right now's utterly out of control.
3.) Can He Win-- Huckabee's a difficult match up for a lot of reasons for the Democrats. First, he can expose a lot of Clinton non sense from the pre-white house years. Second he's a southerner and will hold the base together to give him a solid place from which to work with. Money isn't a HUGE factor for him if he wins the nomination.. that will come. Right now it's hurting him, but over time it won't. Second of all, he's nearly impossible to attack. The Clintons are going to really struggle to dig much dirt up about him, which I think is Mitt's greatest strength, difference being that Huckabee doesn't come off looking like a car salesman. I think he's a far stronger candidate than most would think.
4.) Intangibles-- I dig the way they're presenting Mike right now. He's not mauling people in the debate and comes off like Thomspon should; a loveable, grandpa kinda guy. He's conservative, but doesn't allow that to define his candidacy like it has Romney or THompson's. It's a 'responsible conservatism' I really like and respect. Same with Richardson who gives a very similar aura as a guy that ain't gonna compromise his values, but isn't going to get sucked in by the nut roots of the part even though he might have a stance or two that might stray in that direction.
Mitt's running the best campaign right now. Of anyone. Hillary's running on her name alone and that's certainly not a bad thing, as 'Clinton' carries a lot of weight on the left hand side of things. Mitt though, is running as a conservative in a party that's desperately looking for one while keeping his campaign focused and targeted. Who gives a crap about Texas. If you win Iowa and New Hampshire it's almost always enough to carry the nomination. Either way, he's one of the last two standing.
What I DON'T like about Mitt is that he's far too insulated. I sensed that problem with Dubya early in the 2000 race and that's what made me flock to McCain. Why's it important? Because being an effective Governor or President is an ability to adjust to the political climate. Bush tried to make sure adjustments wouldn't ever have to be made and although he was wildly successful for five years or so, it ran out of gas and now he's as lame duck a President as i've seen yet.
I worry about Romney in that regard. He seems too tunnel vision for the job. Focus and resolve is good, but it can also lead to your undoing. The BEST and WORST quality about President Bush is his GENUINELY not caring about what people think about him or his decisions. He maintains his focus and his resolve, but when things hit a bump, they shouldn't turn the car over, and Bush, because he's been relentlessly unwavering on almost everything, it's hurt him. Adjusting your position doens't mean changing it. It can be a change in how you present it, a mix up of the cabinet for whatever, etc.
Sorry to stray for a brief moment but i'll express another frustration with the Bush White House and that's actually his relationship with Nancy Pelosi. The two, despite taking big digs at each other on Camera, have an incredibly fantastic relationship. He's maintanied an open door policy with her and the fact that he hasn't 'killed her with kindness' so to speak has been frustrating. Regan had a similar relationship with Tip O'Neill and would frequently turn entire poicy squabbles around by heading to the podium and saying 'hell, the guy has an open door policy. I respect his position, too. But, If he was sincere about fixing this problem, he'd be making more of an effort to negotiate with me'....
Anyways, I just don't see Mitt being able to do that. I dunno if you've met a lot of Romney folks Phil, but they're BRUTALY loyal. Mitt could kick a baby on camera and they'd rationally come up with a explaination of not only why he did it, but why it's so wonderful AND necessary. They're unbearable and totally stuck in an alternate universe. So again, if you don't like Bush, you'll loathe a Mitt Romney presidency.
I held the phone on Thompson. I knew the first two weeks were going to make or break things for him. If he had hit a hot streak, i'd have opened the wallet in a second, but he started rather meekly. He's been stuck in the polls and is now the Republican verision of Obama, a guy who says all the right things, but just isn't up to running a national campaign yet (if ever).
Rudy's going to be a melt down. Mark my words. He's starting to slip now even. McCain never even got out of the gate.
So that leaves me with Mike Huckabee, whose a guy who I like idealogically and like as a match up. I don't think he's a defacto GREAT candidate or anything, but of this lot (which sucks btw), he's the best bet I think. So i'm leaning towards someone for the first time."
For The Last Time...
I want every Democrat who considers the general stance of the GOP against illegal aliens as "immigrant bashing" to understand this.
If a person immigrates to this country illegally, they are an ILLEGAL ALIEN. They are not simply an "immigrant".
To label them as such is an insult to people like my mother and my grandparents, who did not break any laws when they came to this country. They came here legally from Brazil. If anyone knows the struggle of Latino immigrants coming to this country, I do...it's very much in my blood. Most of these bleeding hearts could never relate.
By giving legitimacy to these illegal aliens, you're basically pissing on my family's legacy. Excuse me for the language, but that's what you people are doing. I will not stand for it. It's one thing to attack my ideology, it's another to insult my family's history.
If you doubt me, ask my mother...she'll tell you that she's insulted that you people want to piss on her doing the right thing, learning the English language on her own...because it was the language of the country, and becoming part of American society. Now, you people want to throw it all away by giving legitimacy to those who took the easy, illegal way out.
I normally don't get worked up like this, but you people are going beyond simple punditry on this with me...you're hitting at the core of my being and attacking my blood.
If a person immigrates to this country illegally, they are an ILLEGAL ALIEN. They are not simply an "immigrant".
To label them as such is an insult to people like my mother and my grandparents, who did not break any laws when they came to this country. They came here legally from Brazil. If anyone knows the struggle of Latino immigrants coming to this country, I do...it's very much in my blood. Most of these bleeding hearts could never relate.
By giving legitimacy to these illegal aliens, you're basically pissing on my family's legacy. Excuse me for the language, but that's what you people are doing. I will not stand for it. It's one thing to attack my ideology, it's another to insult my family's history.
If you doubt me, ask my mother...she'll tell you that she's insulted that you people want to piss on her doing the right thing, learning the English language on her own...because it was the language of the country, and becoming part of American society. Now, you people want to throw it all away by giving legitimacy to those who took the easy, illegal way out.
I normally don't get worked up like this, but you people are going beyond simple punditry on this with me...you're hitting at the core of my being and attacking my blood.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Bono Shows A Bit of Sense
And he does it in the face of a Rolling Stone reporter trying to make him do otherwise.
Bono: When I'm arguing for increased aid to Africa, I always say, "Isn't it cheaper and smarter to make friends out of potential enemies than to defend yourself against them later?"
Reporter: We seem to be headed in exactly the opposite direction. Maybe it was possible to think that way right after 9/11, but that opportunity was squandered.
Bono: When the French have you on the cover of their most treasured newspaper with the headline WE ARE ALL AMERICANS, something has been stirred! [Laughs]
Reporter: But this administration destroyed that. I know that you have to deal with a lot of these people. . .
Bono: There was a plan there, you know. I think the president genuinely felt that if we could prove a model of democracy and broad prosperity in the Middle East, it might defuse the situation.
Remember, Bono is revered by most for his music, and by the left for his political activism. After discussing his disagreement with the Iraq War, he says the following...
Bono: I want to be very, very clear, however: I understand and agree with the analysis of the problem. There is an imminent threat. It manifested itself on 9/11. It's real and grave. It is as serious a threat as Stalinism and National Socialism were. Let's not pretend it isn't.
He is right...national socialism was a serious threat, and it is becoming one here in America. Hence the reason why conservatives like me are against some of the socialist ideals put forth by many politicians, pundits, and college professors.
Read the full interview here.
(h/t blonde sagacity)
Bono: When I'm arguing for increased aid to Africa, I always say, "Isn't it cheaper and smarter to make friends out of potential enemies than to defend yourself against them later?"
Reporter: We seem to be headed in exactly the opposite direction. Maybe it was possible to think that way right after 9/11, but that opportunity was squandered.
Bono: When the French have you on the cover of their most treasured newspaper with the headline WE ARE ALL AMERICANS, something has been stirred! [Laughs]
Reporter: But this administration destroyed that. I know that you have to deal with a lot of these people. . .
Bono: There was a plan there, you know. I think the president genuinely felt that if we could prove a model of democracy and broad prosperity in the Middle East, it might defuse the situation.
Remember, Bono is revered by most for his music, and by the left for his political activism. After discussing his disagreement with the Iraq War, he says the following...
Bono: I want to be very, very clear, however: I understand and agree with the analysis of the problem. There is an imminent threat. It manifested itself on 9/11. It's real and grave. It is as serious a threat as Stalinism and National Socialism were. Let's not pretend it isn't.
He is right...national socialism was a serious threat, and it is becoming one here in America. Hence the reason why conservatives like me are against some of the socialist ideals put forth by many politicians, pundits, and college professors.
Read the full interview here.
(h/t blonde sagacity)
Obama Smacks Hillary, "60's Baby Boomer" Liberals
Barack Obama is good for a quote, that's for sure.
In a recent FOX News article, Obama made a statement that should definitely resonate with disillusioned voters who are tired of partisan politics as well as younger voters who feel that politicians don't recognize them or their views.
"There's no doubt that we represent the kind of change Senator Clinton can't deliver on. And part of it's generational," Obama told FOX News." Senator Clinton and others have been fighting some of the same fights since the '60s. It makes it very difficult for them to bring the country together to get things done. And I think that's what people hunger for."
While I may not agree with him on many issues, I think there is quite a bit of truth in that statement.
Speaking of his stance on issues, I would like to see how he proposes to go through with this "American Dream" agenda that involves both increased spending and tax cuts...
According to his plan, Obama would offset payroll taxes for average Americans and remove taxes on Social Security for retirees now making less than $50,000 a year. He wants to provide tax cuts up to $1,000 for working families, expand the Family and Medical Leave Act, create a fund to prevent foreclosures, reform bankruptcy laws and enroll workers in portable retirement accounts.
Senator Obama, the floor is yours...
In a recent FOX News article, Obama made a statement that should definitely resonate with disillusioned voters who are tired of partisan politics as well as younger voters who feel that politicians don't recognize them or their views.
"There's no doubt that we represent the kind of change Senator Clinton can't deliver on. And part of it's generational," Obama told FOX News." Senator Clinton and others have been fighting some of the same fights since the '60s. It makes it very difficult for them to bring the country together to get things done. And I think that's what people hunger for."
While I may not agree with him on many issues, I think there is quite a bit of truth in that statement.
Speaking of his stance on issues, I would like to see how he proposes to go through with this "American Dream" agenda that involves both increased spending and tax cuts...
According to his plan, Obama would offset payroll taxes for average Americans and remove taxes on Social Security for retirees now making less than $50,000 a year. He wants to provide tax cuts up to $1,000 for working families, expand the Family and Medical Leave Act, create a fund to prevent foreclosures, reform bankruptcy laws and enroll workers in portable retirement accounts.
Senator Obama, the floor is yours...
From The Ground Up...
Riley over at Virginia Virtucon has an excellent post that talks about Party building. He talks about how a party should be built by always recruiting the best candidate possible from D.C. to your local school board.
This is true, but a lot of party building has to begin at the local level. Better organization and consistent by local party committees is what lays down the foundation for better success on a larger level. I get the sense that many local party committees in areas like Northern Virginia felt such a sense of defeat before they even got started. It may have been a subconscious sense of defeat, but some of the reports I've heard state that the GOP basically did not show up to support their candidates in many key precincts.
Maybe some of the local party organizations needs to be shook up and replaced with more enthusiastic people.
This is true, but a lot of party building has to begin at the local level. Better organization and consistent by local party committees is what lays down the foundation for better success on a larger level. I get the sense that many local party committees in areas like Northern Virginia felt such a sense of defeat before they even got started. It may have been a subconscious sense of defeat, but some of the reports I've heard state that the GOP basically did not show up to support their candidates in many key precincts.
Maybe some of the local party organizations needs to be shook up and replaced with more enthusiastic people.
Time Out For A Political Laugh
Some political humor courtesy of "MAW" at Republitarian.
A woman in a hot air balloon realizes she is lost. She lowers her altitude and spots a man fishing from a boat below.
She shouts to him, “Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don’t know where I am.”
The man consults his portable GPS and replies, “You’re in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.
She rolls her eyes and says, “You must be a Republican!” “I am,” replies the man. “How did you know?”
“Well,” answers the balloonist, “everything you tell me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I’m still lost. Frankly, you’re not much help to me.”
The man smiles and responds, “You must be a Democrat.” “I am,” replies the balloonist. “How did you know?”
“Well,” says the man, “You don’t know where you are or where you’re going. You’ve risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and now you expect me to solve your problem. You’re in exactly the same position you were in before we met , but, somehow, now it’s my fault.”
A woman in a hot air balloon realizes she is lost. She lowers her altitude and spots a man fishing from a boat below.
She shouts to him, “Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don’t know where I am.”
The man consults his portable GPS and replies, “You’re in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.
She rolls her eyes and says, “You must be a Republican!” “I am,” replies the man. “How did you know?”
“Well,” answers the balloonist, “everything you tell me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I’m still lost. Frankly, you’re not much help to me.”
The man smiles and responds, “You must be a Democrat.” “I am,” replies the balloonist. “How did you know?”
“Well,” says the man, “You don’t know where you are or where you’re going. You’ve risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and now you expect me to solve your problem. You’re in exactly the same position you were in before we met , but, somehow, now it’s my fault.”
Sarko The Rejuvinator
(h/t And Rightly So!)
To quote French President Nicolas Sarkozy from his dinner toast on Tuesday evening at the White House, “I’ve come to Washington to bear a very simple, straightforward message … I wish to re-conquer the heart of America. I want to re-conquer the heart of America in a lasting fashion.”
Sweet. I liked this man before, and he impresses me more and more each day. This man will prove to be an important ally as we move forward into the future. He's improving his country's industrial productivity, stimulating the economy, rebuilding Franco-American relations, and fortifying France against terrorism. The man is single-handedly breathing fresh, new life into his nation.
All this because he's moving the country away from the socialist government that American liberals idolize, but had caused France to suffer from a long period of economic and social malaise.
To quote French President Nicolas Sarkozy from his dinner toast on Tuesday evening at the White House, “I’ve come to Washington to bear a very simple, straightforward message … I wish to re-conquer the heart of America. I want to re-conquer the heart of America in a lasting fashion.”
Sweet. I liked this man before, and he impresses me more and more each day. This man will prove to be an important ally as we move forward into the future. He's improving his country's industrial productivity, stimulating the economy, rebuilding Franco-American relations, and fortifying France against terrorism. The man is single-handedly breathing fresh, new life into his nation.
All this because he's moving the country away from the socialist government that American liberals idolize, but had caused France to suffer from a long period of economic and social malaise.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
So Pat Robertson Endorsed Guiliani...
This is an odd couple, to say the least. However, this may mean a lot in the long run for the GOP.
Robertson is from the Moral Majority, Christian Right, Socially Conservative wing of the GOP. Jerry Falwell and company, basically. Rudy Guiliani is the definition of a moderate Republican. These two could not be on much more opposite ends of the GOP spectrum.
Could the social conservatives be taking a step away from the forefront of the GOP for the betterment of the party? Could the economy and national defense trump abortion and gay marriage in the minds of social conservatives...at least for the time being?
If so, my prediction of a ideological priority shift within the GOP is definitely coming to fruition.
Side note: Why is it when a Democrat is moderate, they are "Centrist"...but when a Republican is moderate, they are labeled as just that, a "moderate"? Aren't they both either "moderate" or "centrist"? Just a thought that came to me while typing this up.
Robertson is from the Moral Majority, Christian Right, Socially Conservative wing of the GOP. Jerry Falwell and company, basically. Rudy Guiliani is the definition of a moderate Republican. These two could not be on much more opposite ends of the GOP spectrum.
Could the social conservatives be taking a step away from the forefront of the GOP for the betterment of the party? Could the economy and national defense trump abortion and gay marriage in the minds of social conservatives...at least for the time being?
If so, my prediction of a ideological priority shift within the GOP is definitely coming to fruition.
Side note: Why is it when a Democrat is moderate, they are "Centrist"...but when a Republican is moderate, they are labeled as just that, a "moderate"? Aren't they both either "moderate" or "centrist"? Just a thought that came to me while typing this up.
Political Definition Map of a Different Kind
(h/t Barticles)
This is a decent map that shows you where you are in relation to other notable purveyors of political viewpoints. Instead of "left" or "right" wing, it's "North, South, East, West, etc..." Pretty interesting.
Here's what it said about me...
"NW-You would feel most at home in the Northwest region. You advocate a large degree of economic and personal freedom. Your neighbors include folks like Ayn Rand, Jesse Ventura, Milton Friedman, and Drew Carey, and may refer to themselves as "classical liberals," "libertarians," "market liberals," "old whigs," "objectivists," "propertarians," "agorists," or "anarcho-capitalist." "
Sounds about right. I'm a free-marketeer :) I was actually less "north" and "west" than the rest of those people listed...which places me closer to traditional conservatives than those listed in that description of my answers.
Click here to take the test. As Bart Hinkle said, don't skip the introduction.
This is a decent map that shows you where you are in relation to other notable purveyors of political viewpoints. Instead of "left" or "right" wing, it's "North, South, East, West, etc..." Pretty interesting.
Here's what it said about me...
"NW-You would feel most at home in the Northwest region. You advocate a large degree of economic and personal freedom. Your neighbors include folks like Ayn Rand, Jesse Ventura, Milton Friedman, and Drew Carey, and may refer to themselves as "classical liberals," "libertarians," "market liberals," "old whigs," "objectivists," "propertarians," "agorists," or "anarcho-capitalist." "
Sounds about right. I'm a free-marketeer :) I was actually less "north" and "west" than the rest of those people listed...which places me closer to traditional conservatives than those listed in that description of my answers.
Click here to take the test. As Bart Hinkle said, don't skip the introduction.
On A Local Note...
Breaking down the races of note in Shenandoah and Rockingham Counties.
Shenandoah Board of Supervisors, District 2 (Mount Jackson/Conicville) Supervisor Jim Patrick was unseated by challenger Steven Baker in yesterday's election. The margin was a razor-thin 16 votes. I have to say that I was sufficiently surprised that Patrick lost, as he was a pretty good supervisor and always favored reason and research over "knee-jerk reaction" politics.
I can only assume this vote was a reaction to the proposal of a new jail in Shenandoah County, which Patrick supported (and provided really good, well-researched reasons for it). I don't quite see any other reasons as to why Patrick lost. Hopefully, Steven Baker can do just as good a job.
Shenandoah Board of Supervisors, District 3 (Edinburg/Columbia Furnance/St. Luke) was not quite as surprising, as David Ferguson defeated Miriam Reno by a near 54%-46% vote. It was expected to be a fairly close race, but Ferguson won by a margin that most people expected.
Shenandoah Clerk of Court Denise Barb, and 25 year incumbent, held off a relatively fierce challenge from Tammy Heishman. Barb won with about 57% of the vote. I'm not surprised it was this close, and I thought it might've been 1 or 2 points closer, actually.
Rockingham Clerk of Court was a race between 11 candidates that really came down to two candidates. Chaz Evans-Haywood and Dianne Fulk. Haywood won with almost 26% of the vote compared to Fulk's 22%. Barry Koogler, Brenda Huffman, and Mike Harvey all garnered over 10% of the vote, as well. The Republitarian himself, Myron Rhodes, managed to net 2.5% of the vote...but definitely spent less on campaigning than the rest of the candidates.
Benny "The Playgirl Politician" Neal, penis and all, finished dead last.
Shenandoah Board of Supervisors, District 2 (Mount Jackson/Conicville) Supervisor Jim Patrick was unseated by challenger Steven Baker in yesterday's election. The margin was a razor-thin 16 votes. I have to say that I was sufficiently surprised that Patrick lost, as he was a pretty good supervisor and always favored reason and research over "knee-jerk reaction" politics.
I can only assume this vote was a reaction to the proposal of a new jail in Shenandoah County, which Patrick supported (and provided really good, well-researched reasons for it). I don't quite see any other reasons as to why Patrick lost. Hopefully, Steven Baker can do just as good a job.
Shenandoah Board of Supervisors, District 3 (Edinburg/Columbia Furnance/St. Luke) was not quite as surprising, as David Ferguson defeated Miriam Reno by a near 54%-46% vote. It was expected to be a fairly close race, but Ferguson won by a margin that most people expected.
Shenandoah Clerk of Court Denise Barb, and 25 year incumbent, held off a relatively fierce challenge from Tammy Heishman. Barb won with about 57% of the vote. I'm not surprised it was this close, and I thought it might've been 1 or 2 points closer, actually.
Rockingham Clerk of Court was a race between 11 candidates that really came down to two candidates. Chaz Evans-Haywood and Dianne Fulk. Haywood won with almost 26% of the vote compared to Fulk's 22%. Barry Koogler, Brenda Huffman, and Mike Harvey all garnered over 10% of the vote, as well. The Republitarian himself, Myron Rhodes, managed to net 2.5% of the vote...but definitely spent less on campaigning than the rest of the candidates.
Benny "The Playgirl Politician" Neal, penis and all, finished dead last.
Definition of "Dumb"
15 anti-Bush protesters rallied in favor of impeachment of the President...in front of the Richmond Times-Dispatch offices...?
This makes no sense. Why would you protest outside of the Times Dispatch? What do they have to do with Bush? I mean, you could at least protest outside of the Capitol in Richmond...that I could possibly see as making sense. This is just plain "dumb", or "nuts", or both. There's only 15 of you! First of all, that's a pretty embarrassingly small amount...why not just make the drive to D.C. and protest there???
The left's crazy antics know no bounds.
This makes no sense. Why would you protest outside of the Times Dispatch? What do they have to do with Bush? I mean, you could at least protest outside of the Capitol in Richmond...that I could possibly see as making sense. This is just plain "dumb", or "nuts", or both. There's only 15 of you! First of all, that's a pretty embarrassingly small amount...why not just make the drive to D.C. and protest there???
The left's crazy antics know no bounds.
Well...
Now we have an "Assembly Divided."
Democrats will have a 21-19 edge in the Senate (which was 23-17), while the Republicans still control the House of Delegates by a pretty solid 54-44-2 split (with both Independents caucusing with the GOP, the previous advantage for the GOP was 57-40-3, with 2 of the 3 Independents caucusing with the GOP). Congratulations to the Democrats in Virginia, you got control of the State Senate...I would implore you be smart with your slim majority and make sure to keep Virginia first and stupid partisan BS second, but I have this feeling it won't happen.
Dems gained 4 seats in the HOD (thank you for the correction, Vivian J. Paige), but still have a ways to go to gain control. However, they are already planning on pushing legislation as if they have both Houses of the General Assembly in their control.
Let the lame duck politics begin...and when nothing gets done in the next 4 years, I will definitely be able to point at the Dems in the Senate and say "that's why, Virginia...that's why".
OK, I'm somewhat kidding with that last statement. In all honesty, I do congratulate the Dems on their victory in the Senate. If nothing else, it should make for interesting, if not overly-partisan and bitter, politics.
Democrats will have a 21-19 edge in the Senate (which was 23-17), while the Republicans still control the House of Delegates by a pretty solid 54-44-2 split (with both Independents caucusing with the GOP, the previous advantage for the GOP was 57-40-3, with 2 of the 3 Independents caucusing with the GOP). Congratulations to the Democrats in Virginia, you got control of the State Senate...I would implore you be smart with your slim majority and make sure to keep Virginia first and stupid partisan BS second, but I have this feeling it won't happen.
Dems gained 4 seats in the HOD (thank you for the correction, Vivian J. Paige), but still have a ways to go to gain control. However, they are already planning on pushing legislation as if they have both Houses of the General Assembly in their control.
Let the lame duck politics begin...and when nothing gets done in the next 4 years, I will definitely be able to point at the Dems in the Senate and say "that's why, Virginia...that's why".
OK, I'm somewhat kidding with that last statement. In all honesty, I do congratulate the Dems on their victory in the Senate. If nothing else, it should make for interesting, if not overly-partisan and bitter, politics.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Election Night - Results, Projections, and Thoughts
Starting at 7 PM...unofficial results courtesy of the Virginia State Board of Elections.
7:25 PM - First Projection of the night, with 6% of precincts reporting...I'm calling Senate District 13 for incumbent Fred Quayle.
7:33 PM - 45% of precincts reporting and a 17% lead, I'm calling House District 68 for Manoli Loupassi.
9:16 PM - Key races I'm calling...Senate Districts 20 (Roscoe Reynolds) and 24 (Emmett Hanger).
I'm also calling House Districts 5 (Bill Carrico), 6 (Anne Crockett-Stark). 7 (Dave Nutter), 13 (Bob Marshall), 16 (Don Merricks), 50 (Jackson Miller), 59 (Watkins Abbitt, Jr.), 83 (Joe Bouchard), 87 (Paula Miller), 99 (Mark Cole), and 96 (Brenda Pogge)
9:41 PM - Calling two more Senate races...Districts 22 (Ralph Smith) and 27 (Jill Holtzman Vogel).
10:25 PM - New Senate races called...Districts 1 (John Miller), 6 (Ralph Northam), 28 (Richard Stuart), 29 (Chuck Colgan), 33 (Mark Herring), and 34 (Chap Petersen). Senate Districts 37 and 39 are too close to call at this point.
House races called...District 14 (Danny Marshall), 21 (Bobby Mathieson), 33 (Joe May), 34 (Margi Vanderhye), 40 (Tim Hugo). The rest of the key races are too close to call at this point.
Being that it is 10:30, and I have a job that is not tied closely to Virginia politics, I'm off to bed...we'll see how things pan out tomorrow.
7:25 PM - First Projection of the night, with 6% of precincts reporting...I'm calling Senate District 13 for incumbent Fred Quayle.
7:33 PM - 45% of precincts reporting and a 17% lead, I'm calling House District 68 for Manoli Loupassi.
9:16 PM - Key races I'm calling...Senate Districts 20 (Roscoe Reynolds) and 24 (Emmett Hanger).
I'm also calling House Districts 5 (Bill Carrico), 6 (Anne Crockett-Stark). 7 (Dave Nutter), 13 (Bob Marshall), 16 (Don Merricks), 50 (Jackson Miller), 59 (Watkins Abbitt, Jr.), 83 (Joe Bouchard), 87 (Paula Miller), 99 (Mark Cole), and 96 (Brenda Pogge)
9:41 PM - Calling two more Senate races...Districts 22 (Ralph Smith) and 27 (Jill Holtzman Vogel).
10:25 PM - New Senate races called...Districts 1 (John Miller), 6 (Ralph Northam), 28 (Richard Stuart), 29 (Chuck Colgan), 33 (Mark Herring), and 34 (Chap Petersen). Senate Districts 37 and 39 are too close to call at this point.
House races called...District 14 (Danny Marshall), 21 (Bobby Mathieson), 33 (Joe May), 34 (Margi Vanderhye), 40 (Tim Hugo). The rest of the key races are too close to call at this point.
Being that it is 10:30, and I have a job that is not tied closely to Virginia politics, I'm off to bed...we'll see how things pan out tomorrow.
Taking A Break From Election Day News...
Dennis Kucinich (D-Insane Tree Huggers) attempted to pass the kind of fantasy resolution that could only be dreamed up in the minds of leftist bloggers.
He tried to begin impeachment proceedings against Dick Cheney, on the grounds that he intentionally led us into Iraq (as if we have ever been led into a war "by accident"). Nonetheless, Steny Hoyer attempted to table the vote, votes switched all over the place because of swift manuvering by the GOP to make the Dems look bad, and eventually they settled on sending the matter to the Judiciary Committee, which stops any possible floor debates on impeachment and (for all intents and purposes) kills the bill.
Michelle Malkin is live-blogging today's events.
Doug Mataconis at Below The Beltway discusses the legal cloudiness surrounding the impeachment of a Vice President.
He tried to begin impeachment proceedings against Dick Cheney, on the grounds that he intentionally led us into Iraq (as if we have ever been led into a war "by accident"). Nonetheless, Steny Hoyer attempted to table the vote, votes switched all over the place because of swift manuvering by the GOP to make the Dems look bad, and eventually they settled on sending the matter to the Judiciary Committee, which stops any possible floor debates on impeachment and (for all intents and purposes) kills the bill.
Michelle Malkin is live-blogging today's events.
Doug Mataconis at Below The Beltway discusses the legal cloudiness surrounding the impeachment of a Vice President.
Election Night Coverage Starts at 7 PM!
Many blogs across the Commonwealth will be live-blogging as results come in. I haven't heard if The New Dominion will be in on the action, but I would be surprised if they weren't.
Keep checking with The Podium for updates on today's election activities, and I'll be posting reactions to the votes as the poll results come in.
Keep checking with The Podium for updates on today's election activities, and I'll be posting reactions to the votes as the poll results come in.
Election Day Thread
Voted at 8:45 am here in Strasburg, and was #68. From what I understand, turnout is higher than expected in my little town. I voted for Mark Obenshain for State Senate, Todd Gilbert for House of Delegates, Conrad Helsley for Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors, and Denise Barb for Shenandoah County Clerk of Court.
My "Personal Moment With The Opposition"...so far: Barb's opponent, Tammy Heishman, had a supporter passing out flyers stating "It's Time For Change, Vote Heishman", with no other information about Heishman on the flyer. I looked at this supporter, and I asked her "why do we need change in the Clerk of Court's office? I haven't heard any complaints from anyone I know." This drew a silent, frustrated stare from the Heishman supporter. I get the feeling that Heishman is running just to attain the position, because there hasn't been any real sense of reason for her campaign.
Anyway, from across the state...
Turnout is pretty high in the 27th District, some say this is bad for Vogel...but given that Vogel has actually been energizing GOP support, I'd say that this means nothing for her.
Virginia Virtucon, Not Larry Sabato, blueweeds, and Mason Conservative are all running open threads on the election, as well. I'm sure we'll all be reporting information back and forth on each other.
UPDATES
1:39 PM - Found an interesting article in the News-Virginian that warns that if Dems win control of the General Assembly, it will mostly be Northern Virginia Democrats that will pretty much run the state, as they will chair most committees. I also see that Spank That Donkey carried the same article.
2:19 PM - Development in the 34th Senate District race. Not Larry Sabato reports an incident between Tom Davis (Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis's husband and U.S. Congressman) and Mary Petersen (Chap Petersen's mother). NLS's version of this story has a definite "pro-Chap" slant, which is expected since NLS is so close to Chap. I still haven't received an answer there as to why Mary Petersen went to the polling place where Tom Davis was handing out anti-Chap literature (which is legal, I may add), and confronted him? Tom Davis's response was really ignorant, but Mary Petersen was obviously trying to start something...why else would she go there and confront Tom?
4:35 PM - Some reports from around the state regarding Senate , take it for what it's worth...Stuart looking really good against Pollard in the 28th Senate race. Cuccinelli looking good for re-election. Cadin/Caputo was looking very good in favor of Caputo at first, but exit polling and reports state that this race is slowly tightening. In the 27th, Vogel is looking good in areas thought to go to Schultz...including a spread as large as 60-40 in Vogel's favor in Frederick County, which was thought to be where Schultz would get a good bulk of her votes. In the 34th, there has been reports of higher-than-expected turnout for Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis, which goes against the predicted high turnout wave of support for Chap Petersen.
5:30 PM - Stories flying. I've heard this nasty rumor that either Bob FitzSimmonds and/or Faisal Gill got into a fight with a poll worker somewhere in Prince William County. Sources have told me this is untrue, and was undoubtedly started by a nervous Dem. Remember, FitzSimmonds and Gill are both in close, tough fights with their Dem opponents, and have been part of key races this year.
6:01 PM - Ben at NLS projects Chap Petersen to win with 1 hour and 15 minutes before the polls even close...favortism? I mean, I do think Chap wins by a slim margin, but this is ridiculous.
My "Personal Moment With The Opposition"...so far: Barb's opponent, Tammy Heishman, had a supporter passing out flyers stating "It's Time For Change, Vote Heishman", with no other information about Heishman on the flyer. I looked at this supporter, and I asked her "why do we need change in the Clerk of Court's office? I haven't heard any complaints from anyone I know." This drew a silent, frustrated stare from the Heishman supporter. I get the feeling that Heishman is running just to attain the position, because there hasn't been any real sense of reason for her campaign.
Anyway, from across the state...
Turnout is pretty high in the 27th District, some say this is bad for Vogel...but given that Vogel has actually been energizing GOP support, I'd say that this means nothing for her.
Virginia Virtucon, Not Larry Sabato, blueweeds, and Mason Conservative are all running open threads on the election, as well. I'm sure we'll all be reporting information back and forth on each other.
UPDATES
1:39 PM - Found an interesting article in the News-Virginian that warns that if Dems win control of the General Assembly, it will mostly be Northern Virginia Democrats that will pretty much run the state, as they will chair most committees. I also see that Spank That Donkey carried the same article.
2:19 PM - Development in the 34th Senate District race. Not Larry Sabato reports an incident between Tom Davis (Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis's husband and U.S. Congressman) and Mary Petersen (Chap Petersen's mother). NLS's version of this story has a definite "pro-Chap" slant, which is expected since NLS is so close to Chap. I still haven't received an answer there as to why Mary Petersen went to the polling place where Tom Davis was handing out anti-Chap literature (which is legal, I may add), and confronted him? Tom Davis's response was really ignorant, but Mary Petersen was obviously trying to start something...why else would she go there and confront Tom?
4:35 PM - Some reports from around the state regarding Senate , take it for what it's worth...Stuart looking really good against Pollard in the 28th Senate race. Cuccinelli looking good for re-election. Cadin/Caputo was looking very good in favor of Caputo at first, but exit polling and reports state that this race is slowly tightening. In the 27th, Vogel is looking good in areas thought to go to Schultz...including a spread as large as 60-40 in Vogel's favor in Frederick County, which was thought to be where Schultz would get a good bulk of her votes. In the 34th, there has been reports of higher-than-expected turnout for Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis, which goes against the predicted high turnout wave of support for Chap Petersen.
5:30 PM - Stories flying. I've heard this nasty rumor that either Bob FitzSimmonds and/or Faisal Gill got into a fight with a poll worker somewhere in Prince William County. Sources have told me this is untrue, and was undoubtedly started by a nervous Dem. Remember, FitzSimmonds and Gill are both in close, tough fights with their Dem opponents, and have been part of key races this year.
6:01 PM - Ben at NLS projects Chap Petersen to win with 1 hour and 15 minutes before the polls even close...favortism? I mean, I do think Chap wins by a slim margin, but this is ridiculous.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Last Words for Election Eve...
I do a lot of promotion for conservative causes, mainly economically and sensibly conservative causes. However, despite the blustering, the mudslinging, the truths, the lies, the punditry, and the pageantry...I just hope that all of you in Virginia (and in any other state that has elections tomorrow) do one thing at some point during the day tomorrow.
Go out and vote. I truly believe it is your civic duty to do so. It is also your choice to refrain from doing so...and that's your prerogative. However, this country is a great one. The biggest reason why is because people have died defending your right to pull the lever or fill in the appropriate circle. Others have died simply trying to provide that right for people in foreign lands.
Those of you who vote, wear that "I Voted" sticker proudly tomorrow. Encourage others to do the same.
Go out and vote. I truly believe it is your civic duty to do so. It is also your choice to refrain from doing so...and that's your prerogative. However, this country is a great one. The biggest reason why is because people have died defending your right to pull the lever or fill in the appropriate circle. Others have died simply trying to provide that right for people in foreign lands.
Those of you who vote, wear that "I Voted" sticker proudly tomorrow. Encourage others to do the same.
Vogel Drumming Up Support in Schultz's Yard
Of course, those of us who actually live near the Winchester area already knew that Vogel was at least as well-known and as well-liked as Karen Schultz.
NovaTownhall Blog has today's Northern Virginia Daily story on Vogel's appearance in Winchester with former Governor and Senator George Allen.
NovaTownhall Blog has today's Northern Virginia Daily story on Vogel's appearance in Winchester with former Governor and Senator George Allen.
Phil C. and Hunter Golden (Part 2)
Part 2 of my conversation and question/answer session with former Mitt Romney aide, Hunter Golden.
Phil Chroniger - "Abortion and gay marriage are best left up to the states. In fact, out of all that surrounds those 2 topics, the only place where I do agree strongly with the social conservatives is on the topic of partial-birth abortion (the procedure is outright infanticide, in my opinion), and should be banned (as it currently is). Otherwise, I don't care...let the states decide whether or not it is legal.
In fact, most side/wedge issues are best left up to the states, so we can get better representation of the populous in each state. It would definitely help shrink the size of government to do this. The GOP would be wise to start delegating social issues to the individual states, instead of trying to widen power of government over these issues...which is what Bush has tried to do, and has shown that Bush, and many of those who have rode his coattails, have pretty much been a bunch of barely-conservatives who have legislated like Democrats."
Hunter Golden - "Yeah I've really been upset at the fact that the foundation of what got the Republicans into power to begin with, federalism, has totally been left behind.
The simple fact of the matter is that whatever the federal government does, outside of killing people, it usually does poorly. If you look at the most simplistic of numbers, it's nearly impossible to have solid representation at the federal level. When you've got a congressman representing half a million people, it's difficult to represent your constituents. When you've got a state legislator on the other hand that represents 10,000, you've got far more efficient representation.
State and local governments are SO much more responsive to the needs of it's constituents. You've also got the opportunity to 'run' from an area you don't like into one that's more indicative of the way you think. It leaves open the idea of choice which I think is important. When the federal government does something though, you can't run from it.
The one reason I LIKE the current electoral system is that it really requires Presidential candidates to appeal to MOST constituencies. Al Gore lost in 2000 you could say, because he alienated the West Virginia coal miners, who for 60 years had supported Democratic candidates. W. Virginia went Republican in 2000 and had that not happened, Gore would have been president.
Take that system away and now you've got candidates just spending a lot of time in heavily populated, urban areas appealing to a very limited set of needs. The farmer in Wyoming can go screw."
Part 3 Coming Soon...
Phil Chroniger - "Abortion and gay marriage are best left up to the states. In fact, out of all that surrounds those 2 topics, the only place where I do agree strongly with the social conservatives is on the topic of partial-birth abortion (the procedure is outright infanticide, in my opinion), and should be banned (as it currently is). Otherwise, I don't care...let the states decide whether or not it is legal.
In fact, most side/wedge issues are best left up to the states, so we can get better representation of the populous in each state. It would definitely help shrink the size of government to do this. The GOP would be wise to start delegating social issues to the individual states, instead of trying to widen power of government over these issues...which is what Bush has tried to do, and has shown that Bush, and many of those who have rode his coattails, have pretty much been a bunch of barely-conservatives who have legislated like Democrats."
Hunter Golden - "Yeah I've really been upset at the fact that the foundation of what got the Republicans into power to begin with, federalism, has totally been left behind.
The simple fact of the matter is that whatever the federal government does, outside of killing people, it usually does poorly. If you look at the most simplistic of numbers, it's nearly impossible to have solid representation at the federal level. When you've got a congressman representing half a million people, it's difficult to represent your constituents. When you've got a state legislator on the other hand that represents 10,000, you've got far more efficient representation.
State and local governments are SO much more responsive to the needs of it's constituents. You've also got the opportunity to 'run' from an area you don't like into one that's more indicative of the way you think. It leaves open the idea of choice which I think is important. When the federal government does something though, you can't run from it.
The one reason I LIKE the current electoral system is that it really requires Presidential candidates to appeal to MOST constituencies. Al Gore lost in 2000 you could say, because he alienated the West Virginia coal miners, who for 60 years had supported Democratic candidates. W. Virginia went Republican in 2000 and had that not happened, Gore would have been president.
Take that system away and now you've got candidates just spending a lot of time in heavily populated, urban areas appealing to a very limited set of needs. The farmer in Wyoming can go screw."
Part 3 Coming Soon...
Undecided Shenandoah Valley Voters!
The Augusta Free Press has a post up where you can catch local election information, interviews, and forums that they have recorded. The 24th, 26th, and 27th State Senate Districts are covered, as well as several local county supervisor and other races.
Check it out here.
Check it out here.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Good Article on General Assembly's "Youth Movement"
Chris Graham has a good article about increased influence and power of Gen Xer's in the General Assembly in The New Dominion magazine. Read it here, or help support your local press and get yourself a subscription, or you can go buy yourself a copy at your nearest retailer.
Please, give Chris Graham some money so maybe he can compensate me for constantly shilling for his publication on my blog ;)
Please, give Chris Graham some money so maybe he can compensate me for constantly shilling for his publication on my blog ;)
Dems Really Redlining Anti-Abbitt Efforts
The charge against Delegate Watkins Abbitt, Jr (I-Appomatox) is led by Democratic Central, and echoed loudly by Raising Kaine. Basically, they're using the age-old arguments of how Abbitt is controlled by lobbyists (isn't any opponent to a Democrat controlled by lobbyists these days?).
Side Note: I've always found the "don't vote for this guy, he has been influenced by lobbyists" argument a bit funny, because aren't all politicians influenced by lobbyists of some kind? That's what lobbyists do, ya know? They attempt to influence politics so things favor the industry they represent. Whether it's gun lobbyists, free trade lobbyists, environmental lobbyists, oil lobbyists, automotive industry lobbyists, union lobbyists, pro-abortion lobbyists...I could go on. All politicians have lobbyists of some kind that have their ear, no matter what their party affiliation is. That's politics in America, and it's been that way for a loooong time. But I digress...
They've gone so far as to remind people that Abbitt's father was part of the Byrd machine way back when, and was a leading segregationist (no mention of the fact that he was also a Democrat). This same post cites a 1985 newspaper article that is supposed to prove that Abbitt Jr. is a "habitual mudslinger", however the article cited seems to paint Abbitt as much less of a mudslinger than his primary opponent at that time (at least the way it read to me).
That same article also pointed out that Abbitt did not share his father's views on race.
I think there's still some sour grapes over the fact that Abbitt Jr. left the Democratic Party and became an Independent. It seems that as the Dems went left, he decided to stay center. Now, he'll always have a big target on his back.
Too bad for the Dems, Abbitt will pretty much keep this district for as long as he wants to...there's quite a few reasons as to why he's been there for over 20 years, so far.
Side Note: I've always found the "don't vote for this guy, he has been influenced by lobbyists" argument a bit funny, because aren't all politicians influenced by lobbyists of some kind? That's what lobbyists do, ya know? They attempt to influence politics so things favor the industry they represent. Whether it's gun lobbyists, free trade lobbyists, environmental lobbyists, oil lobbyists, automotive industry lobbyists, union lobbyists, pro-abortion lobbyists...I could go on. All politicians have lobbyists of some kind that have their ear, no matter what their party affiliation is. That's politics in America, and it's been that way for a loooong time. But I digress...
They've gone so far as to remind people that Abbitt's father was part of the Byrd machine way back when, and was a leading segregationist (no mention of the fact that he was also a Democrat). This same post cites a 1985 newspaper article that is supposed to prove that Abbitt Jr. is a "habitual mudslinger", however the article cited seems to paint Abbitt as much less of a mudslinger than his primary opponent at that time (at least the way it read to me).
That same article also pointed out that Abbitt did not share his father's views on race.
I think there's still some sour grapes over the fact that Abbitt Jr. left the Democratic Party and became an Independent. It seems that as the Dems went left, he decided to stay center. Now, he'll always have a big target on his back.
Too bad for the Dems, Abbitt will pretty much keep this district for as long as he wants to...there's quite a few reasons as to why he's been there for over 20 years, so far.
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