Weekly Column June 12, 2006
Progress in Iraq By U.S. Senator Jon Kyl
It is all too rare the media reports good news from Iraq; but the world recently witnessed a series of events that were too positive for even the most cynical reporters to spin or ignore. In the most celebrated instance, coalition forces, in close coordination with Iraqi and Jordanian intelligence, were able to locate and kill the Iraqi leader of al Qaeda, Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi. And on the very same day, the new Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki named the final two members of his cabinet, putting his nation on the road to democratic stability.
Zarqawi was among the vilest terrorists the world has ever known and was dedicated to fanning the flames of sectarian violence in Iraq, preventing the emergence of a unified, democratic nation there, and killing as many American troops as possible along the way. As coined by Osama Bin Laden, Zarqawi was “the prince of al Qaeda in Iraq,” and his death strikes at the very heart of the terrorist network. It is a positive step toward victory in the war on terror, a defeat for insurgents, and brings Iraq one step closer to accomplishing its goal of being a free and democratic nation, unfettered by the threat of terrorism. With Zarqawi’s leadership now absent, I am hopeful that the insurgency in Iraq will be less effective, and pose less of a danger to American troops and innocent Iraqis.
But hunting down and killing terrorists will not be enough to build a free Iraqi nation; the Iraqis must also create a functioning government that represents the will of all Iraqi people.
A major step in the right direction was taken when Prime Minister Maliki nominated, and the parliament confirmed, officials for the key posts of Ministers of Defense and Interior. This progress should be heartening to all those who wish to see a stable, secure, democratic Iraq.
Our work in Iraq is far from over and we must now capitalize on this momentum by recommitting ourselves to victory there. Our military men and women, and the Iraqi people, need to know that we will not give up on them after the sacrifices they’ve made. A Marine stationed in Fallujah recently wrote a letter to his hometown paper in Ridgefield, Connecticut, expressing what must be the view of many of his comrades in arms:
“In Fallujah, the people watch Al Jazeerah. However, they also watch CNN. A lot of them fear that the United States will soon cut and run. …Furthermore, they know that the insurgents will not end their efforts early…Therefore, if they help us, their lives and the lives of their loved ones will be in great jeopardy the minute we leave - if we don’t finish the job. Much that they see on American television leads them to believe that we intend to abandon our efforts before the new Iraqi government is capable of defending itself and its citizens.”
We have the finest military in the world, and each and every American should be proud of the job our fighting men and women are doing under grueling circumstances in Iraq. The death of Zarqawi, and the completion of the Iraqi cabinet, are both testaments to the progress being made in that country. Our troops need and deserve their country to stand united behind them, now more than ever.
Sen. Kyl serves on the Senate Finance and Judiciary committees and chairs the Senate Republican Policy Committee.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Arizona Republican Party Roundup - June 12, 2006
Arizona Republican Party Roundup - June 12, 2006
Join Senator Jon Kyl as He Welcomes First Lady Laura Bush to Town
U.S. Senator Jon and Caryll Kyl Cordially Invite
You to a Luncheon With Mrs. Laura Bush
Friday, June 16, 2006
Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas
6333 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, Arizona
$500 per person $5,000 for table of 10
Doors Open at 11:00 a.m.
Doors Close at Approximately 12:00 p.m.
Luncheon with Mrs. Laura Bush at 12:30 p.m.
Special Photo Opportunity for Table Hosts
R.S.V.P. By Monday, June 12, 2006
Call (602) 840-0306 or email sborst@jonkyl.com
Capitol Update
WHAT YOUR REPUBLICAN LEGISLATURE IS DOING -
FOR THE WEEK ENDING June 9, 2006
Once again, governor fails to act on illegal immigration:
When Governor Janet Napolitano vetoed the border security
bill last week it made us all a bit less safe -
economically and physically. She nixed $50 million for
a radar system that could spot illegal aliens crossing the desert, she said no to $55 million for local law enforcement
to pay for the costs of helping with border enforcement,
she said no to employer sanctions that would have forced businesses to follow federal immigration law or face a
loss of their business license and she failed to force
people to prove legal residency for numerous taxpayer
programs. So, now we'll continue to have no hope of
immediate relief from the economic, environmental
and public safety turmoil of illegal immigration. It'll be another hot summer filled with deaths in the desert
and a surging flow of illegal border crossers.
Lawyers, guns and money: It's been a real hit parade
for the governor's veto stamp this session.
In addition to the aforementioned wipeout of comprehensive illegal immigration reform and border enforcement,
earlier in the session she followed the recommendation of the trial lawyers and said no to a bill that would have
made it harder to bring frivolous suits against a vanishing breed: emergency room doctors. She refused a bill that would limit the governor's own ability to take your gun from you during a time of emergency, as was done during Hurricane Katrina; she wants to increase state spending by 22%,
but has threatened vetoes of major property and income tax relief being proposed by Republican lawmakers; AND this past week, right after vetoing the immigration package,
the governor put the kibosh on a major private
property rights protection bill that would have protected citizens from losing their property to over-reaching
and greedy municipalities. HB 2675 was a shot in the
arm for property owners, while Napolitano's veto was
a shot in the arm for mayors and bureaucrats.
Quote of the week: "Again, the governor has thwarted the will of the people. Governor Napolitano is continuing to allow the unabated flow of illegal aliens into Arizona."
-- House Speaker Jim Weiers expressing the disappointment
felt by so many upon Napolitano's veto of the comprehensive illegal immigration bill.
Did you know? Governor Napolitano broke the state's veto record by reaching 115 vetoes in less than half the
time it took former Democrat Governor Bruce Babbitt to amass 114 back in the 1980's. She became the new obstruction
champ in grand style by smashing the record with a veto of the nation's most comprehensive state legislation on illegal immigration. Minutes later she broke her own new mark
by vetoing the Private Property Rights Protection act,
designed to make it much more difficult for cities to
take your private property through eminent domain.
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney Speaks at Trunk & Tusk Dinner
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney addressed a crowd of over 150 Arizona Republicans on Saturday at the kick off
to the 2006 Trunk & Tusk dinner series.
Joined by his wife, Ann, Governor Romney spoke of the challenges facing our nation, such as education and energy,
and of some of the exciting initiatives he's undertaken as governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
We are grateful that the governor could take the
time to visit with us, and we look forward to more
fine guests this year.
For a full calendar of events, please visit www.azgop.org.
Arizona Republican Party (602) 957-7770
www.mccainalert.com
Join Senator Jon Kyl as He Welcomes First Lady Laura Bush to Town
U.S. Senator Jon and Caryll Kyl Cordially Invite
You to a Luncheon With Mrs. Laura Bush
Friday, June 16, 2006
Hilton Scottsdale Resort and Villas
6333 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, Arizona
$500 per person $5,000 for table of 10
Doors Open at 11:00 a.m.
Doors Close at Approximately 12:00 p.m.
Luncheon with Mrs. Laura Bush at 12:30 p.m.
Special Photo Opportunity for Table Hosts
R.S.V.P. By Monday, June 12, 2006
Call (602) 840-0306 or email sborst@jonkyl.com
Capitol Update
WHAT YOUR REPUBLICAN LEGISLATURE IS DOING -
FOR THE WEEK ENDING June 9, 2006
Once again, governor fails to act on illegal immigration:
When Governor Janet Napolitano vetoed the border security
bill last week it made us all a bit less safe -
economically and physically. She nixed $50 million for
a radar system that could spot illegal aliens crossing the desert, she said no to $55 million for local law enforcement
to pay for the costs of helping with border enforcement,
she said no to employer sanctions that would have forced businesses to follow federal immigration law or face a
loss of their business license and she failed to force
people to prove legal residency for numerous taxpayer
programs. So, now we'll continue to have no hope of
immediate relief from the economic, environmental
and public safety turmoil of illegal immigration. It'll be another hot summer filled with deaths in the desert
and a surging flow of illegal border crossers.
Lawyers, guns and money: It's been a real hit parade
for the governor's veto stamp this session.
In addition to the aforementioned wipeout of comprehensive illegal immigration reform and border enforcement,
earlier in the session she followed the recommendation of the trial lawyers and said no to a bill that would have
made it harder to bring frivolous suits against a vanishing breed: emergency room doctors. She refused a bill that would limit the governor's own ability to take your gun from you during a time of emergency, as was done during Hurricane Katrina; she wants to increase state spending by 22%,
but has threatened vetoes of major property and income tax relief being proposed by Republican lawmakers; AND this past week, right after vetoing the immigration package,
the governor put the kibosh on a major private
property rights protection bill that would have protected citizens from losing their property to over-reaching
and greedy municipalities. HB 2675 was a shot in the
arm for property owners, while Napolitano's veto was
a shot in the arm for mayors and bureaucrats.
Quote of the week: "Again, the governor has thwarted the will of the people. Governor Napolitano is continuing to allow the unabated flow of illegal aliens into Arizona."
-- House Speaker Jim Weiers expressing the disappointment
felt by so many upon Napolitano's veto of the comprehensive illegal immigration bill.
Did you know? Governor Napolitano broke the state's veto record by reaching 115 vetoes in less than half the
time it took former Democrat Governor Bruce Babbitt to amass 114 back in the 1980's. She became the new obstruction
champ in grand style by smashing the record with a veto of the nation's most comprehensive state legislation on illegal immigration. Minutes later she broke her own new mark
by vetoing the Private Property Rights Protection act,
designed to make it much more difficult for cities to
take your private property through eminent domain.
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney Speaks at Trunk & Tusk Dinner
Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney addressed a crowd of over 150 Arizona Republicans on Saturday at the kick off
to the 2006 Trunk & Tusk dinner series.
Joined by his wife, Ann, Governor Romney spoke of the challenges facing our nation, such as education and energy,
and of some of the exciting initiatives he's undertaken as governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
We are grateful that the governor could take the
time to visit with us, and we look forward to more
fine guests this year.
For a full calendar of events, please visit www.azgop.org.
Arizona Republican Party (602) 957-7770
www.mccainalert.com
can Newt kick Mccain butt in 2008 ? Gingrich considers presidential run in 2008
can Newt kick Mccain butt in 2008 ? Gingrich considers presidential run in 2008
Gingrich considers presidential run in 2008
Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., expects to run for president in 2008 if the contest for the Republican nomination still seems wide open late next year, he said Friday.
In remarks that were critical of both parties' recent performance, Gingrich told a luncheon group of scholars and reporters at the Brookings Institution that he will make a decision in the fall of 2007 about running.
"If at that point there's still a vacuum ... then we'll probably do something," Gingrich said, adding that his policy pronouncements have more weight if he is seen as a potential presidential candidate. "If you're interested in defining the idea context and the political context for the next generation of Americans, which I am, the most effective way to do that is to be seen as potentially available."
Gingrich's entry would shake up a Republican presidential field that now includes Sens. George Allen, Va.; Bill Frist, Tenn.; and John McCain, Ariz.. Many Republicans still revere Gingrich for engineering the GOP's takeover of Congress in 1994, though members of his own party pushed him to resign in 1998 after his drive to impeach President Bill Clinton cost them seats in that year's election.
Though he came to power as a fiery conservative, Gingrich has softened some of his partisanship since leaving office. He has criticized the current House leadership for cracking down on dissent, he appeared last year with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., to back changes in how medical data are shared, and he supports federal funding for alternative energy sources.
When Americans look at the current roster of Republican and Democratic leaders, Gingrich said, they face a dilemma.
Former House speaker waiting to see if GOP front-runner emerges
"We have a choice between those who are failing to deliver and those who are unthinkable," he said, adding that he would put "even money" on the Democrats taking back the House this fall. "Neither party currently is where the country is."
Gingrich also took a parting shot at Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, who retired from Congress this week after two of his top aides and a close associate, former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, pleaded guilty to corruption charges. Although DeLay embraced the nickname "The Hammer" while serving as both majority whip and majority leader, Gingrich said he favors a more tolerant form of leadership
WASHINGTON POST
By Juliet Eilperin
see more at........
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/nation/14787819.htm?source=rss&channel=cctimes_nation
see more at www.mccainalert.com
Mccain alert
Gingrich considers presidential run in 2008
Former House speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., expects to run for president in 2008 if the contest for the Republican nomination still seems wide open late next year, he said Friday.
In remarks that were critical of both parties' recent performance, Gingrich told a luncheon group of scholars and reporters at the Brookings Institution that he will make a decision in the fall of 2007 about running.
"If at that point there's still a vacuum ... then we'll probably do something," Gingrich said, adding that his policy pronouncements have more weight if he is seen as a potential presidential candidate. "If you're interested in defining the idea context and the political context for the next generation of Americans, which I am, the most effective way to do that is to be seen as potentially available."
Gingrich's entry would shake up a Republican presidential field that now includes Sens. George Allen, Va.; Bill Frist, Tenn.; and John McCain, Ariz.. Many Republicans still revere Gingrich for engineering the GOP's takeover of Congress in 1994, though members of his own party pushed him to resign in 1998 after his drive to impeach President Bill Clinton cost them seats in that year's election.
Though he came to power as a fiery conservative, Gingrich has softened some of his partisanship since leaving office. He has criticized the current House leadership for cracking down on dissent, he appeared last year with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., to back changes in how medical data are shared, and he supports federal funding for alternative energy sources.
When Americans look at the current roster of Republican and Democratic leaders, Gingrich said, they face a dilemma.
Former House speaker waiting to see if GOP front-runner emerges
"We have a choice between those who are failing to deliver and those who are unthinkable," he said, adding that he would put "even money" on the Democrats taking back the House this fall. "Neither party currently is where the country is."
Gingrich also took a parting shot at Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, who retired from Congress this week after two of his top aides and a close associate, former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, pleaded guilty to corruption charges. Although DeLay embraced the nickname "The Hammer" while serving as both majority whip and majority leader, Gingrich said he favors a more tolerant form of leadership
WASHINGTON POST
By Juliet Eilperin
see more at........
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/nation/14787819.htm?source=rss&channel=cctimes_nation
see more at www.mccainalert.com
Mccain alert
Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies
Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies
Principals of the Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies have a successful history of working at the federal and state levels to advance renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
The Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies promotes its members and their innovative technologies through outreach programs and various other activities. One of our primary outreach activities is to work with state and federal policymakers and other key opinion leaders.
Executive Director Craig Cox helped former Congressman Dan Schaefer (R-Colorado) launch the U.S. House Renewables and Energy Efficiency Caucus in 1996. Starting with just seven Members of Congress, this group continues to thrive, and has grown to comprise 204 Members today, with Representatives Mark Udall (D-Colorado) and Zach Wamp (R-Tennessee) currently serving as the group’s co-chairs. In 1998, Cox helped Senator Wayne Allard (R-Colorado) launch the U.S. Senate Renewables and Energy Efficiency Caucus, which has grown from five Senators to 33 today.
The Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies was launched early in 2002 by 16 companies from around the state. It supports the activities of the Arizona Legislature’s bipartisan Renewables and Energy Efficiency Caucus (modeled on the federal caucuses described above), which was also launched early in 2002 by Arizona State Representatives and Senators. On 28 February 2002, the Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies provided its first briefing to the Legislature’s Renewables and Energy Efficiency Caucus.
http://www.newenergytechnologies.org/arizona/about/default.htm
see more at wwww.mccainalert.com
Principals of the Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies have a successful history of working at the federal and state levels to advance renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
The Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies promotes its members and their innovative technologies through outreach programs and various other activities. One of our primary outreach activities is to work with state and federal policymakers and other key opinion leaders.
Executive Director Craig Cox helped former Congressman Dan Schaefer (R-Colorado) launch the U.S. House Renewables and Energy Efficiency Caucus in 1996. Starting with just seven Members of Congress, this group continues to thrive, and has grown to comprise 204 Members today, with Representatives Mark Udall (D-Colorado) and Zach Wamp (R-Tennessee) currently serving as the group’s co-chairs. In 1998, Cox helped Senator Wayne Allard (R-Colorado) launch the U.S. Senate Renewables and Energy Efficiency Caucus, which has grown from five Senators to 33 today.
The Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies was launched early in 2002 by 16 companies from around the state. It supports the activities of the Arizona Legislature’s bipartisan Renewables and Energy Efficiency Caucus (modeled on the federal caucuses described above), which was also launched early in 2002 by Arizona State Representatives and Senators. On 28 February 2002, the Arizona Coalition for New Energy Technologies provided its first briefing to the Legislature’s Renewables and Energy Efficiency Caucus.
http://www.newenergytechnologies.org/arizona/about/default.htm
see more at wwww.mccainalert.com
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