ANSWERING A'JAD: DISINVEST, N.Y.!
By DICK MORRIS & EILEEN MCGANN
Published in the New York Post on September 27, 2007.
Columbia University this week managed to hand a PR victory to Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. It's time for another New York institution - the state Office of the Comptroller - to join the drive to undermine this evil and dangerous regime.
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to sign a new law aimed at banning Golden State public pension funds - which includes the two largest ones in America - from investing in companies that are involved in developing Iranian petroleum or natural-gas resources. Florida's public-employee-retirement fund is divesting nearly $1.3 billion invested with 21 companies doing business in Iran or Sudan. (California already hit Sudan's pocketbook last year.) Missouri and Louisiana have similar policies in place.
The blow to Iran's rulers should be huge. The California system alone has assets totaling $350 billion - much of it invested in companies that do business with Iran such as Sieman's, Total, Respol and Shell.
Here in New York, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has total power over the state pension funds. He could add materially to the pressure on Iran simply by the stroke of a pen. City Comptroller William Thompson Jr. could help, by pushing to move Gotham pension funds away from Iranian-investing companies.
City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera (D-Bronx) is sponsoring a resolution calling on the state and the city to disinvest in companies that do business with Iran. He says that more than $100 billion of the holdings by New York public pension funds are invested directly or indirectly in Iran.
Thompson has sent letters to eight companies that have business ties to Iran, asking them to mitigate "the significant risks that could negatively impact the company's stock price and reputation" by their investments in Iran.
In one of the letters, Thompson warned the Spanish oil giant Respol that its investments in Iran pose "significant risks to the company, and by extension, to our investments and that of other share-owners of the company." DiNapoli also signed the letter, as did officials of the Illinois, North Carolina and California pension systems.
DiNapoli should take the further step of disinvesting in Iran, as California and Florida have done.
Eighty-five percent of Iranian government revenues come from the energy industry - a total of $55 billion in 2006. Already, falling oil production (down by a third since the 1979 revolution) and rising domestic demand will cut government energy revenues by an estimated 20 percent over the coming year.
Less government revenues mean reductions in subsidies to the restive Iranian population. Gasoline, for example, may no longer sell for 35 cents a gallon in Tehran if the government runs into financial difficulty.
The Iranian regime is increasingly unpopular, with stories circulating of clerics afraid to go out in public in their religious attire for fear of being attacked. Financial pressure on the government can be the key element in forcing a change of course. Disinvestment, after all, helped forced South Africa to abandon apartheid.
With its large Jewish population, one would expect New York to take the lead in cutting off funding to a government that denies that the Holocaust ever happened. The state that took the biggest blow on 9/11 should also join campaign against a terror-sponsoring government that's developing nuclear weapons.
A spokesman for DiNapoli says that his office is "studying" the issue of disinvestment in Iran - and notes that they've already moved on Sudan, and co-signed the "warning" letters like the one quoted above to Respol.
DiNapoli's office also said that the comptroller "has a fiduciary duty to retirees to get the best possible return on pension investments" and fears lawsuits by retirees or unions should he disinvest - and that "we want to do what's right, not what is political."
What could be more right than slowing Iran down in its drive to acquire nuclear weapons?
wwww.mccainalert.com
Saturday, September 29, 2007
If Democrats Had Any Brains, They'd Be Republicans
If Democrats Had Any Brains, They'd Be Republicans
Publish Date: October 2, 2007. NewsMax will have among the first copies — order your copy now!
Ann Coulter is the most reviled conservative pundit alive — as far as the liberal establishment sees it.
Presidential candidate John Edwards calls her a "she devil."
A major media magazine is attempting to get her nationally syndicated column canceled at newspapers across the country.
Why is Ann Coulter so hated and so feared?
You will find out in Ann's latest blockbuster: If Democrats had any Brains, they’d be Republicans.
With the political season red-hot, Ann's book takes on the big targets: Hillary Clinton, Obama, the liberal media and much, much more.
ln If Democrats Had Any Brains you will enjoy Ann's razor-sharp wit and refreshing candor.
This new book offers the definitive collection of Coulterisms — an incisive, often hilarious, and always entertaining compendium of Coulter’s best, funniest, most devastating, and, yes, most outrageous quotations.
Included here are hundreds of quotations never before published — from her speeches, television and radio appearances, and interviews.
Commenting on everything from Democrats to dating, environmentalism to evolution, religion to Reagan, terrorism to television, Ann Coulter is both wicked and wickedly insightful.
Ann Coulter is an conservative columnist and political commentator, and a best-selling author. Coulter has written five New York Times best seller books.
Publish Date: October 2, 2007. NewsMax will have among the first copies — order your copy now!
Ann Coulter is the most reviled conservative pundit alive — as far as the liberal establishment sees it.
Presidential candidate John Edwards calls her a "she devil."
A major media magazine is attempting to get her nationally syndicated column canceled at newspapers across the country.
Why is Ann Coulter so hated and so feared?
You will find out in Ann's latest blockbuster: If Democrats had any Brains, they’d be Republicans.
With the political season red-hot, Ann's book takes on the big targets: Hillary Clinton, Obama, the liberal media and much, much more.
ln If Democrats Had Any Brains you will enjoy Ann's razor-sharp wit and refreshing candor.
This new book offers the definitive collection of Coulterisms — an incisive, often hilarious, and always entertaining compendium of Coulter’s best, funniest, most devastating, and, yes, most outrageous quotations.
Included here are hundreds of quotations never before published — from her speeches, television and radio appearances, and interviews.
Commenting on everything from Democrats to dating, environmentalism to evolution, religion to Reagan, terrorism to television, Ann Coulter is both wicked and wickedly insightful.
Ann Coulter is an conservative columnist and political commentator, and a best-selling author. Coulter has written five New York Times best seller books.
DINNER WITH HILLARY: TALKING POINTS FOR THE NEXT ROUND
DINNER WITH HILLARY: TALKING POINTS FOR THE NEXT ROUND
By DICK MORRIS
Published on TheHill.com on September 26, 2007.
Even for her, Hillary Clinton showed tremendous skill at batting aside questions asked of her on the Sunday shows this past weekend and giving, instead, her standard talking points. Pinning this lady down is admittedly not easy. Two of the best interviewers on political TV — Chris Wallace and Tim Russert — asked tough questions but got scripted and memorized retorts for their pains. But here are some questions (along with follow-ups) that I suggest they ask during the next round of Sunday shows — if she ever goes back on the circuit.
• Bill Clinton refused to accept political action committee (PAC) contributions in his campaigns of 1992 and 1996. Obama and Edwards are following his example. Why aren’t you?
• After all the bad experiences you had with Johnnie Chung and Charlie Trie and their campaign donations in the 1996 election cycle, why were you not more careful in vetting the donations generated by Norman Hsu? Didn’t you learn your lesson in 1996?
(As a follow-up to No. 2) After you found that you had to return almost a million dollars to the donors bundled by Hsu, you said you would be more vigilant in examining the backgrounds of donors. Why didn’t you come to that conclusion before the Hsu scandal, based on your 1996 experiences?
• Norman Hsu was no ordinary donor. He was the biggest bundler in your campaign; he gave funds to the Clinton Global Initiative and the Clinton School of Government in Arkansas and took Patti Solis Doyle, your campaign manager, and other aides on an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas. He also donated to Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa, whose campaign debt you agreed to help repay. In view of his high profile in your campaign, why didn’t you check him out more thoroughly, and what does this say about your ability to make quality appointments?
• You base your healthcare proposal on the need to cover 47 million “uninsured Americans.” Since about a third of them are illegal immigrants and another third are eligible for Medicaid right now and just don’t apply for it, aren’t you overstating the problem?
(As a follow-up to No. 4) In 2005 you co-sponsored legislation to provide health insurance to the children of illegal immigrants who have lived in this country for five years. In other words, their children would get subsidized healthcare under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program as a reward for dodging the cops for five years. Do you still support that proposal?
• You say that your healthcare proposal will leave alone those who are happy with their current insurance. But if you provide health benefits for close to 50 million new people, thereby generating huge new demand for medical care without any increase in the supply of doctors, nurses or hospitals, it will drive up prices radically. Won’t that force you to institute cost controls by limiting the care those now on health insurance can receive?
• In Arkansas, you achieved fame by urging mandatory testing for teachers and demanded that those who failed the competency tests be dismissed. You and your husband did this and implemented this policy. As a result, he was denied the endorsement by the Arkansas Teachers Union during his time as governor. Do you still support your proposal of 1983 and 1984 for mandatory teacher competency tests for current teachers — not just for new ones?
• In Arkansas, you pioneered the idea of testing students to ascertain their progress and holding schools accountable for any shortcomings in their test scores. Now California Democratic Congressman George Miller, chairman of the House Education Committee, wants to change the No Child Left Behind Act to substitute graduation rates for test scores as the measure of a school’s performance. Opponents say this is injecting a non-objective standard and undercuts the whole purpose of the legislation. Do you support Miller’s proposal?
There’s more, but we’ve run out of time! I hope that the journalists who next have Clinton in their sights read this column, take notes and act on it. The answers to these questions would be nice to have before we elect her president.
By DICK MORRIS
Published on TheHill.com on September 26, 2007.
Even for her, Hillary Clinton showed tremendous skill at batting aside questions asked of her on the Sunday shows this past weekend and giving, instead, her standard talking points. Pinning this lady down is admittedly not easy. Two of the best interviewers on political TV — Chris Wallace and Tim Russert — asked tough questions but got scripted and memorized retorts for their pains. But here are some questions (along with follow-ups) that I suggest they ask during the next round of Sunday shows — if she ever goes back on the circuit.
• Bill Clinton refused to accept political action committee (PAC) contributions in his campaigns of 1992 and 1996. Obama and Edwards are following his example. Why aren’t you?
• After all the bad experiences you had with Johnnie Chung and Charlie Trie and their campaign donations in the 1996 election cycle, why were you not more careful in vetting the donations generated by Norman Hsu? Didn’t you learn your lesson in 1996?
(As a follow-up to No. 2) After you found that you had to return almost a million dollars to the donors bundled by Hsu, you said you would be more vigilant in examining the backgrounds of donors. Why didn’t you come to that conclusion before the Hsu scandal, based on your 1996 experiences?
• Norman Hsu was no ordinary donor. He was the biggest bundler in your campaign; he gave funds to the Clinton Global Initiative and the Clinton School of Government in Arkansas and took Patti Solis Doyle, your campaign manager, and other aides on an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas. He also donated to Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack of Iowa, whose campaign debt you agreed to help repay. In view of his high profile in your campaign, why didn’t you check him out more thoroughly, and what does this say about your ability to make quality appointments?
• You base your healthcare proposal on the need to cover 47 million “uninsured Americans.” Since about a third of them are illegal immigrants and another third are eligible for Medicaid right now and just don’t apply for it, aren’t you overstating the problem?
(As a follow-up to No. 4) In 2005 you co-sponsored legislation to provide health insurance to the children of illegal immigrants who have lived in this country for five years. In other words, their children would get subsidized healthcare under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program as a reward for dodging the cops for five years. Do you still support that proposal?
• You say that your healthcare proposal will leave alone those who are happy with their current insurance. But if you provide health benefits for close to 50 million new people, thereby generating huge new demand for medical care without any increase in the supply of doctors, nurses or hospitals, it will drive up prices radically. Won’t that force you to institute cost controls by limiting the care those now on health insurance can receive?
• In Arkansas, you achieved fame by urging mandatory testing for teachers and demanded that those who failed the competency tests be dismissed. You and your husband did this and implemented this policy. As a result, he was denied the endorsement by the Arkansas Teachers Union during his time as governor. Do you still support your proposal of 1983 and 1984 for mandatory teacher competency tests for current teachers — not just for new ones?
• In Arkansas, you pioneered the idea of testing students to ascertain their progress and holding schools accountable for any shortcomings in their test scores. Now California Democratic Congressman George Miller, chairman of the House Education Committee, wants to change the No Child Left Behind Act to substitute graduation rates for test scores as the measure of a school’s performance. Opponents say this is injecting a non-objective standard and undercuts the whole purpose of the legislation. Do you support Miller’s proposal?
There’s more, but we’ve run out of time! I hope that the journalists who next have Clinton in their sights read this column, take notes and act on it. The answers to these questions would be nice to have before we elect her president.
Democrats Should Stand Up To Moveon.org
Democrats Should Stand Up To Moveon.org
Republican presidential candidate John McCain criticized the field of Democratic presidential hopefuls Sunday for failing to apologize for the controversial MoveOn.org advertisement that referred to General David Petraeus as "General Betray Us."
"Now, they acknowledge that [Petraeus] is an honorable and fine military man, but they refuse to repudiate MoveOn.org," McCain said of the Democrats. "And as you say, if you can't stand up to them, how can you stand up to the tough challenges that are presented to you as President of the United States? I don't know the answer to that."
The Arizona Senator was responding to a question from a military veteran in the crowd at a campaign stop here, who asked McCain how the Democratic candidates will have the courage to stand up to challenges they face in the White House if they can't stand up to MoveOn.org.
By Peter Hamby, CNN
September 17, 2007
Article Excerpt
Republican presidential candidate John McCain criticized the field of Democratic presidential hopefuls Sunday for failing to apologize for the controversial MoveOn.org advertisement that referred to General David Petraeus as "General Betray Us."
"Now, they acknowledge that [Petraeus] is an honorable and fine military man, but they refuse to repudiate MoveOn.org," McCain said of the Democrats. "And as you say, if you can't stand up to them, how can you stand up to the tough challenges that are presented to you as President of the United States? I don't know the answer to that."
The Arizona Senator was responding to a question from a military veteran in the crowd at a campaign stop here, who asked McCain how the Democratic candidates will have the courage to stand up to challenges they face in the White House if they can't stand up to MoveOn.org.
By Peter Hamby, CNN
September 17, 2007
Article Excerpt
Leaving Iraq Would Lead To Chaos, McCain Says
Leaving Iraq Would Lead To Chaos, McCain Says
Article Excerpt
With another Senate debate looming this week on a deadline for withdrawing from Iraq, Arizona Sen. John McCain said abandoning that country would lead to chaos and a period of national suffering at the hands of "evil, evil people."
Midway through his three-day "No Surrender" tour, McCain focused his brief remarks on Iraq in a packed VFW hall here, scarcely mentioning his Republican presidential candidacy.
"The strategy is succeeding," but hasn't had enough time to develop, McCain said of President Bush's troop surge.
"A date for withdrawal, I view as a date for surrender, that we would choose to lose. I don't believe we should choose to lose," he said.
McCain said that Democratic critics have "lost sight of a fundamental fact, that presidents don't lose wars and political parties don't lose wars, but nations lose wars and when nations lose wars, nations suffer."
Precipitous withdrawal, he said, would create chaos "that almost certainly would require us to come back" when Iran almost certainly moves to fill the void.
Islamic extremists are "evil, evil people ... dedicated to the destruction of everything we stand for and believe in," McCain said.
In heavily Baptist South Carolina, McCain told reporters that despite having long been identified as an Episcopalian, he has been a Baptist for some time.
By Dan Hoover, Greenville News September 17, 2007
www.mccainalert.com
Article Excerpt
With another Senate debate looming this week on a deadline for withdrawing from Iraq, Arizona Sen. John McCain said abandoning that country would lead to chaos and a period of national suffering at the hands of "evil, evil people."
Midway through his three-day "No Surrender" tour, McCain focused his brief remarks on Iraq in a packed VFW hall here, scarcely mentioning his Republican presidential candidacy.
"The strategy is succeeding," but hasn't had enough time to develop, McCain said of President Bush's troop surge.
"A date for withdrawal, I view as a date for surrender, that we would choose to lose. I don't believe we should choose to lose," he said.
McCain said that Democratic critics have "lost sight of a fundamental fact, that presidents don't lose wars and political parties don't lose wars, but nations lose wars and when nations lose wars, nations suffer."
Precipitous withdrawal, he said, would create chaos "that almost certainly would require us to come back" when Iran almost certainly moves to fill the void.
Islamic extremists are "evil, evil people ... dedicated to the destruction of everything we stand for and believe in," McCain said.
In heavily Baptist South Carolina, McCain told reporters that despite having long been identified as an Episcopalian, he has been a Baptist for some time.
By Dan Hoover, Greenville News September 17, 2007
www.mccainalert.com
Dream Act Defeated, for Now
Dream Act Defeated, for Now
Grassfire.org Alliance From the Desk of Steve Elliott
ed,
I want to thank everyone who invested their time and financial
resources to take a strong stand against the Senate's
nightmarish "Dream Act" amnesty push!
Last night Dick Durbin (D-IL), the measure's chief Senate
sponsor stated that attempts to attach the Dream Act to
the defense authorization bill had failed. "I am disappointed
for thousands of young people whose lives are just in limbo."
But even in defeat, the arrogance of amnesty Democrats was
clearly evident. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, bristling
over the defeat, said the battle is "still on" promising
passage this Fall!
Cecilia Munoz, senior vice president of the National Council
of La Raza added, "There is no question that this issue doesn't
stop here."
Click here for more:
http://www.firesociety.com/blog/100/17948/?src=111
++ Grassroots Answers the Call
ed, turnout to defeat this latest attempt by open border
lawmakers was unprecedented, and spectacular! Dianne Feinstein,
a strong supporter of the bill reported receiving more than
4,000 phone calls since September 13. A spokesman for her
office reported that while 239 calls were in favor of the bill,
3,805 were opposed!
And that doesn't even include the hundreds of thousands of faxes
that literally poured into every Senate office on Capitol Hill
over these last few weeks!
Once again the arrogance of our leadership underestimated the
strength and power of the people--the citizens of the U.S, who
once again demanded enforcement of our existing laws, the
building of the fence and absolutely NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGALS!
Simply stated, without your efforts, Durbin and his open-border
cohorts would already be celebrating the bill’s passage with
amnesty special interests.
But, as in the past, we cannot rest on our laurels. Instead we
must remain vigilant for the next deceptive amnesty charge.
In fact, Harry Reid probably did us all a favor by promising
it would be coming again in the Fall.
ed, thanks for standing with Grassfire. I know that when
we sound the next alarm, I will be able to count on you!
Again, thank you so much for your passionate efforts to secure
our border and protect our sovereignty!
Steve Elliott, President
Grassfire.org
P.S: Just yesterday, the House passed a measure for illegal
aliens to gain access to additional taxpayer funded benefits,
including healthcare. Our staff has compiled an exclusive
backgrounder for our team. Click here to access the report:
http://www.firesociety.com/article/17956/?src=111
Grassfire.org Alliance From the Desk of Steve Elliott
ed,
I want to thank everyone who invested their time and financial
resources to take a strong stand against the Senate's
nightmarish "Dream Act" amnesty push!
Last night Dick Durbin (D-IL), the measure's chief Senate
sponsor stated that attempts to attach the Dream Act to
the defense authorization bill had failed. "I am disappointed
for thousands of young people whose lives are just in limbo."
But even in defeat, the arrogance of amnesty Democrats was
clearly evident. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, bristling
over the defeat, said the battle is "still on" promising
passage this Fall!
Cecilia Munoz, senior vice president of the National Council
of La Raza added, "There is no question that this issue doesn't
stop here."
Click here for more:
http://www.firesociety.com/blog/100/17948/?src=111
++ Grassroots Answers the Call
ed, turnout to defeat this latest attempt by open border
lawmakers was unprecedented, and spectacular! Dianne Feinstein,
a strong supporter of the bill reported receiving more than
4,000 phone calls since September 13. A spokesman for her
office reported that while 239 calls were in favor of the bill,
3,805 were opposed!
And that doesn't even include the hundreds of thousands of faxes
that literally poured into every Senate office on Capitol Hill
over these last few weeks!
Once again the arrogance of our leadership underestimated the
strength and power of the people--the citizens of the U.S, who
once again demanded enforcement of our existing laws, the
building of the fence and absolutely NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGALS!
Simply stated, without your efforts, Durbin and his open-border
cohorts would already be celebrating the bill’s passage with
amnesty special interests.
But, as in the past, we cannot rest on our laurels. Instead we
must remain vigilant for the next deceptive amnesty charge.
In fact, Harry Reid probably did us all a favor by promising
it would be coming again in the Fall.
ed, thanks for standing with Grassfire. I know that when
we sound the next alarm, I will be able to count on you!
Again, thank you so much for your passionate efforts to secure
our border and protect our sovereignty!
Steve Elliott, President
Grassfire.org
P.S: Just yesterday, the House passed a measure for illegal
aliens to gain access to additional taxpayer funded benefits,
including healthcare. Our staff has compiled an exclusive
backgrounder for our team. Click here to access the report:
http://www.firesociety.com/article/17956/?src=111
Update from U.S. Senator John Cornyn
Update from U.S. Senator John Cornyn September 2007
This month, Gen. David Petraeus provided Congress an objective, no-nonsense assessment on Iraq. His report made it clear that the surge is working, and we’re making significant progress. Total attacks and civilian casualties have decreased and Sunni tribal leaders in al Anbar have revolted against al Qaeda. As a result, some American troops are now expected to begin returning home later this year. Our ground mission in Iraq is not open-ended, but our commitment to our national security must be.
The Senate later approved an amendment I introduced reaffirming our “support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, including General David H. Petraeus,” and repudiating “the unwarranted personal attack on General Petraeus by the liberal activist group MoveOn.org.” This underscores an important precedent adhered to by previous generations of leaders in both political parties: efforts to impugn the integrity of our commanders and troops in the field during war time—in pursuit of partisan political purposes—should be rejected.
I’ve been working to see that a Defense Authorization bill, setting funding levels for important Texas military and national defense programs, is passed without unrelated amendments. I joined hundreds of veterans last week who served in Iraq and Afghanistan—Vets for Freedom—including several from Texas, and Gold and Blue Star families in support of the troops. It’s great to see grassroots support for maintaining our fight against Islamic terrorists abroad, so that Americans can remain safe at home.
We’ve also made progress in fulfilling our moral obligation to provide troops and veterans the care and benefits they need and deserve.
Earlier this month, I participated in an event marking the 75th anniversary of the Waco VA Medical Center, which provides quality care to Central Texas veterans.
I also was part of the groundbreaking ceremony in San Antonio for a new recovery center for troops and their families that will help them make a smooth transition to civilian life.
I introduced a successful amendment to the Defense Authorization bill that helps ensure federal support for the needed expansion of Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood.
With Sen. Hutchison, I applaud the news that the VA will build a new $67 million Level One Polytrauma Facility in San Antonio, and that veterans will soon have expanded clinic and outpatient hospital care in the Rio Grande Valley. This is an important initial step toward ensuring South Texas veterans have access to the health care they deserve.
I joined Sen. Hutchison this month in passing legislation banning new tolls on existing lanes of interstate highways in our state. Texans whose federal tax dollars have already paid for these roads should not face double taxation through tolls. We also gained approval for an anti-gang bill I co-sponsored that will establish tougher penalties and provide support for local gang enforcement and prevention programs.
Polls show the American public is not pleased with the performance of Congress, and I understand the frustration. We are ending the 2007 fiscal year next week without having passed a single one of the 12 annual appropriations bills. And some of my colleagues are attempting to load up the Defense Authorization bill with measures that have little to do with our national security. I will continue working to ensure that Congress pays close attention to our national priorities, and avoids unnecessary partisan fighting that has diverted us so often earlier this year.
For more information on these and other topics, go directly to my Web site. To receive additional updates, please select the issues that interest you listed on the right. It’s an honor to serve you in the United States Senate.
Sincerely,
This month, Gen. David Petraeus provided Congress an objective, no-nonsense assessment on Iraq. His report made it clear that the surge is working, and we’re making significant progress. Total attacks and civilian casualties have decreased and Sunni tribal leaders in al Anbar have revolted against al Qaeda. As a result, some American troops are now expected to begin returning home later this year. Our ground mission in Iraq is not open-ended, but our commitment to our national security must be.
The Senate later approved an amendment I introduced reaffirming our “support for all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, including General David H. Petraeus,” and repudiating “the unwarranted personal attack on General Petraeus by the liberal activist group MoveOn.org.” This underscores an important precedent adhered to by previous generations of leaders in both political parties: efforts to impugn the integrity of our commanders and troops in the field during war time—in pursuit of partisan political purposes—should be rejected.
I’ve been working to see that a Defense Authorization bill, setting funding levels for important Texas military and national defense programs, is passed without unrelated amendments. I joined hundreds of veterans last week who served in Iraq and Afghanistan—Vets for Freedom—including several from Texas, and Gold and Blue Star families in support of the troops. It’s great to see grassroots support for maintaining our fight against Islamic terrorists abroad, so that Americans can remain safe at home.
We’ve also made progress in fulfilling our moral obligation to provide troops and veterans the care and benefits they need and deserve.
Earlier this month, I participated in an event marking the 75th anniversary of the Waco VA Medical Center, which provides quality care to Central Texas veterans.
I also was part of the groundbreaking ceremony in San Antonio for a new recovery center for troops and their families that will help them make a smooth transition to civilian life.
I introduced a successful amendment to the Defense Authorization bill that helps ensure federal support for the needed expansion of Darnall Army Medical Center on Fort Hood.
With Sen. Hutchison, I applaud the news that the VA will build a new $67 million Level One Polytrauma Facility in San Antonio, and that veterans will soon have expanded clinic and outpatient hospital care in the Rio Grande Valley. This is an important initial step toward ensuring South Texas veterans have access to the health care they deserve.
I joined Sen. Hutchison this month in passing legislation banning new tolls on existing lanes of interstate highways in our state. Texans whose federal tax dollars have already paid for these roads should not face double taxation through tolls. We also gained approval for an anti-gang bill I co-sponsored that will establish tougher penalties and provide support for local gang enforcement and prevention programs.
Polls show the American public is not pleased with the performance of Congress, and I understand the frustration. We are ending the 2007 fiscal year next week without having passed a single one of the 12 annual appropriations bills. And some of my colleagues are attempting to load up the Defense Authorization bill with measures that have little to do with our national security. I will continue working to ensure that Congress pays close attention to our national priorities, and avoids unnecessary partisan fighting that has diverted us so often earlier this year.
For more information on these and other topics, go directly to my Web site. To receive additional updates, please select the issues that interest you listed on the right. It’s an honor to serve you in the United States Senate.
Sincerely,
Friday, September 28, 2007
Cops Hunt Suspect in Texas Student's Burning Death;
Cops Hunt Suspect in Texas Student's Burning Death; Another Arrested for Tampering With Evidence
Friday , September 28, 2007
Police said anyone with information on the whereabouts of Reyes should call 972-466-4775.
CARROLLTON, Texas —
A 19-year-old man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of tampering with evidence, as authorities continued their manhunt for a suspect in the death and subsequent burning of a University of North Texas sophomore.
Donovan R. Young was arrested Thursday night, according to Carrollton, Tex, police Sgt. John Singleton. "They do not believe that he was involved in the murder at this time," Singleton said.
Police have issued a murder warrant for the arrest of Ernesto Pina Reyes, a 20-year-old resident alien living in Denton, Texas, in connection with the death of Melanie Goodwin. Reyes remains at large.
Surveillance video from a business near where the charred remains of Goodwin, 19, were found this week shows a man dragging a body from a car and igniting a fire, according to an affidavit released Thursday by Carrollton police. Investigators believe the man in the video is Reyes.
Police were not releasing the video. Singleton, a police spokesman, said they considered it important evidence in Goodwin's death.
In the video, a car matching Goodwin's pulls into the parking lot of electronic payment business TransTech Merchant Group around 4 a.m. Tuesday. A stocky man parks the vehicle and pulls a body from it to the spot where Goodwin's remains were found later in the day. The man then lights a fire, according to the affidavit.
Goodwin's burnt body was found Tuesday and an autopsy revealed she died of blunt force trauma.
She was last seen at a Denton convenience store near UNT around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday. Another surveillance video showed her talking to a man with stocky build, wearing similar clothes as the man later seen in the Carrollton video.
A salesclerk remembers the man asked a woman matching Goodwin's description for a ride. Investigators say the clerk remembers the two left the store together, the affidavit said.
Before leaving, the man made and received phone calls from the convenience store's phone. Those were traced to a woman who identified the man as Reyes, her boyfriend. The woman said she saw Reyes Tuesday evening and noticed burns on his forearms and singed hair, authorities said.
Authorities don't believe Goodwin and Reyes knew each other. They haven't ruled out an abduction in her case, since it's unclear what happened in the parking lot of the convenience store, Singleton said.
Goodwin was a 2006 graduate of Bowie High School in Arlington and had appeared in school and community theatrical productions. She was majoring in radio-television-film at North Texas.
Police said anyone with information on the whereabouts of Reyes should call 972-466-4775.
Friday , September 28, 2007
Police said anyone with information on the whereabouts of Reyes should call 972-466-4775.
CARROLLTON, Texas —
A 19-year-old man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of tampering with evidence, as authorities continued their manhunt for a suspect in the death and subsequent burning of a University of North Texas sophomore.
Donovan R. Young was arrested Thursday night, according to Carrollton, Tex, police Sgt. John Singleton. "They do not believe that he was involved in the murder at this time," Singleton said.
Police have issued a murder warrant for the arrest of Ernesto Pina Reyes, a 20-year-old resident alien living in Denton, Texas, in connection with the death of Melanie Goodwin. Reyes remains at large.
Surveillance video from a business near where the charred remains of Goodwin, 19, were found this week shows a man dragging a body from a car and igniting a fire, according to an affidavit released Thursday by Carrollton police. Investigators believe the man in the video is Reyes.
Police were not releasing the video. Singleton, a police spokesman, said they considered it important evidence in Goodwin's death.
In the video, a car matching Goodwin's pulls into the parking lot of electronic payment business TransTech Merchant Group around 4 a.m. Tuesday. A stocky man parks the vehicle and pulls a body from it to the spot where Goodwin's remains were found later in the day. The man then lights a fire, according to the affidavit.
Goodwin's burnt body was found Tuesday and an autopsy revealed she died of blunt force trauma.
She was last seen at a Denton convenience store near UNT around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday. Another surveillance video showed her talking to a man with stocky build, wearing similar clothes as the man later seen in the Carrollton video.
A salesclerk remembers the man asked a woman matching Goodwin's description for a ride. Investigators say the clerk remembers the two left the store together, the affidavit said.
Before leaving, the man made and received phone calls from the convenience store's phone. Those were traced to a woman who identified the man as Reyes, her boyfriend. The woman said she saw Reyes Tuesday evening and noticed burns on his forearms and singed hair, authorities said.
Authorities don't believe Goodwin and Reyes knew each other. They haven't ruled out an abduction in her case, since it's unclear what happened in the parking lot of the convenience store, Singleton said.
Goodwin was a 2006 graduate of Bowie High School in Arlington and had appeared in school and community theatrical productions. She was majoring in radio-television-film at North Texas.
Police said anyone with information on the whereabouts of Reyes should call 972-466-4775.
HOW LOW CAN THEY GO? congressional approval
HOW LOW CAN THEY GO?
New poll shows Dem Congress at record low
Phoenix, AZ – “Just when you thought congressional approval ratings had hit rock bottom, the Democrats have proved otherwise and brought the U.S. Congress even lower to 11%,” said Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party. “I think the question on everybody’s minds now is: ‘How low can they go?’.”
Pullen’s comments came after he learned that the newest Zogby/ Reuters poll of likely voters showed the Democrat controlled Congress achieving a mere 11% approval rating.
“Maybe the Democrats wouldn’t have such a low approval rating if Gabrielle Giffords hadn’t supported the largest tax increase in U.S. history. Or maybe the Democrats wouldn’t be so low if Harry Mitchell hadn’t voted against full funding of the border fence as mandated by Congress,” said Pullen.
Pullen continued, “Maybe their approval ratings wouldn’t be so low if Giffords hadn’t voted for the Democrat bill that tied spending for our troops with billions of dollars in Democrat pork. Maybe they would have better numbers if Mitchell didn’t vote to cut seniors’ Medicare, increase taxes on private health insurance, and open the door to taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens. Or maybe if Giffords hadn’t voted to strip American workers of their right to a secret ballot for union organizing elections and if Mitchell didn’t help “steal” a vote on the House floor, allowing benefits for illegal aliens, they might have better numbers.
“Americans want and deserve a Congress that will effectively represent the interests of American citizens. So far, the only interests that the Democrats have represented are there own,” concluded Pullen.
New poll shows Dem Congress at record low
Phoenix, AZ – “Just when you thought congressional approval ratings had hit rock bottom, the Democrats have proved otherwise and brought the U.S. Congress even lower to 11%,” said Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party. “I think the question on everybody’s minds now is: ‘How low can they go?’.”
Pullen’s comments came after he learned that the newest Zogby/ Reuters poll of likely voters showed the Democrat controlled Congress achieving a mere 11% approval rating.
“Maybe the Democrats wouldn’t have such a low approval rating if Gabrielle Giffords hadn’t supported the largest tax increase in U.S. history. Or maybe the Democrats wouldn’t be so low if Harry Mitchell hadn’t voted against full funding of the border fence as mandated by Congress,” said Pullen.
Pullen continued, “Maybe their approval ratings wouldn’t be so low if Giffords hadn’t voted for the Democrat bill that tied spending for our troops with billions of dollars in Democrat pork. Maybe they would have better numbers if Mitchell didn’t vote to cut seniors’ Medicare, increase taxes on private health insurance, and open the door to taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens. Or maybe if Giffords hadn’t voted to strip American workers of their right to a secret ballot for union organizing elections and if Mitchell didn’t help “steal” a vote on the House floor, allowing benefits for illegal aliens, they might have better numbers.
“Americans want and deserve a Congress that will effectively represent the interests of American citizens. So far, the only interests that the Democrats have represented are there own,” concluded Pullen.
Free Happy Hour Networking Event
UPCOMING EVENTS:
www.RepublicanProfessionals.org
Free Happy Hour Networking Event
When? Thursday, October 4th at 6:00 PM
Where? 6 Lounge: 7316 E. Stetson Dr. Scottsdale, AZ
Who can attend? All Professionals (free admission)
Who will be speaking? J.D. Hayworth, Radio Personality and Former U.S. Congressman
Randy Pullen, Arizona Republican Party Chairman
CLICK HERE to view the evite and RSVP
The purpose of the Republican Professionals networking events is to link together like minded professionals into a monthly happy hour where they can network, socialize, synergize, and hear directly from their local and statewide Republican leaders. The Republican Professionals Association was started in Phoenix, Arizona and has already spread to other cities.
For more information on this event, please email info@RepublicanProfessionals.org
www.RepublicanProfessionals.org
Free Happy Hour Networking Event
When? Thursday, October 4th at 6:00 PM
Where? 6 Lounge: 7316 E. Stetson Dr. Scottsdale, AZ
Who can attend? All Professionals (free admission)
Who will be speaking? J.D. Hayworth, Radio Personality and Former U.S. Congressman
Randy Pullen, Arizona Republican Party Chairman
CLICK HERE to view the evite and RSVP
The purpose of the Republican Professionals networking events is to link together like minded professionals into a monthly happy hour where they can network, socialize, synergize, and hear directly from their local and statewide Republican leaders. The Republican Professionals Association was started in Phoenix, Arizona and has already spread to other cities.
For more information on this event, please email info@RepublicanProfessionals.org
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Thompson calls for stop to Iranian leader's visit
Thompson calls for stop to Iranian leader's visit
11:10 PM CDT on Thursday, September 20, 2007
By GROMER JEFFERS Jr. / The Dallas Morning News
gjeffers@dallasnews.com
Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson said Thursday that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should not be allowed into the country, much less at the World Trade Center site, when he travels to New York next week to address the United Nations.
"I know there would be ramifications in the United Nations" if the U.S. refused to let Mr. Ahmadinejad into the country, Mr. Thompson said during a brief news conference at Dallas Love Field. "I would deny this character a visa. What's he going to do, visit there to get pointers for his own activities? I wouldn't let him in the country."
Mr. Thompson said the Iranian regime was a threat to Americans and should be dealt with accordingly.
"They've been killing Americans here and there all over the world for some time," he said. "They're doing so in Iraq today."
On Thursday, New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said he would not allow Mr. Ahmadinejad anywhere near Ground Zero. The chance of a diplomatic showdown appeared to lessen when Mr. Ahmadinejad said he would abide by the decision.
But before the decision was announced, Mr. Thompson said a visit to the site by the Iranian would be a very bad idea.
"It's an insult to the America people and the civilized world," Mr. Thompson said. "He should not be allowed within miles of Ground Zero. In fact he shouldn't be allowed in the United States of America."
Mr. Thompson said he would "ratchet up" sanctions against Iran and help Iranians overthrow their government.
Mr. Thompson was in Dallas for a fundraiser, the end of a two-day Texas tour.
11:10 PM CDT on Thursday, September 20, 2007
By GROMER JEFFERS Jr. / The Dallas Morning News
gjeffers@dallasnews.com
Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson said Thursday that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad should not be allowed into the country, much less at the World Trade Center site, when he travels to New York next week to address the United Nations.
"I know there would be ramifications in the United Nations" if the U.S. refused to let Mr. Ahmadinejad into the country, Mr. Thompson said during a brief news conference at Dallas Love Field. "I would deny this character a visa. What's he going to do, visit there to get pointers for his own activities? I wouldn't let him in the country."
Mr. Thompson said the Iranian regime was a threat to Americans and should be dealt with accordingly.
"They've been killing Americans here and there all over the world for some time," he said. "They're doing so in Iraq today."
On Thursday, New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said he would not allow Mr. Ahmadinejad anywhere near Ground Zero. The chance of a diplomatic showdown appeared to lessen when Mr. Ahmadinejad said he would abide by the decision.
But before the decision was announced, Mr. Thompson said a visit to the site by the Iranian would be a very bad idea.
"It's an insult to the America people and the civilized world," Mr. Thompson said. "He should not be allowed within miles of Ground Zero. In fact he shouldn't be allowed in the United States of America."
Mr. Thompson said he would "ratchet up" sanctions against Iran and help Iranians overthrow their government.
Mr. Thompson was in Dallas for a fundraiser, the end of a two-day Texas tour.
Fred Thompson toured Dell on Wednesday.
Another presidential hopeful made his way to Austin this week. Former Tennessee Sen. and Law & Order actor Fred Thompson toured Dell on Wednesday.
The computer company has invited all the presidential candidates to visit one of their plants, but so far, only Thompson has accepted the invitation.
Dell officials said they want to let politicians know of needed changes in patent and tax laws in order for companies to keep manufacturing in the United States.
Thompson agrees.
"What we might do in terms of policies in this country, tax policies and things like that, to make it easier for companies to keep their business here," said Thompson.
When Thompson went to the Driscoll for a reception later, he didn't receive as many warm welcomes.
Ron Paul supporters protested outside, saying Thompson's voting record goes against freedom.
The computer company has invited all the presidential candidates to visit one of their plants, but so far, only Thompson has accepted the invitation.
Dell officials said they want to let politicians know of needed changes in patent and tax laws in order for companies to keep manufacturing in the United States.
Thompson agrees.
"What we might do in terms of policies in this country, tax policies and things like that, to make it easier for companies to keep their business here," said Thompson.
When Thompson went to the Driscoll for a reception later, he didn't receive as many warm welcomes.
Ron Paul supporters protested outside, saying Thompson's voting record goes against freedom.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
PHOENIX Officer Shooting Suspect Deported Last Year
PHOENIX Officer Shooting Suspect Deported Last Year
Officer Dies Of Gunshot Wound; Police Shoot, Kill Suspect
PHOENIX -- The man suspected of killing a Phoenix police officer Tuesday was an illegal immigrant who had been deported last year, immigration officials said.
Erik Jovani Martinez, 22, was deported to Mexico on March 3, 2006 after he was convicted on a theft charge, according an Immigration Services spokesman.
Phoenix police shot and killed Martinez, who was suspected of shooting
and killing an officer, carjacking a vehicle and taking a man hostage.
IMAGES: Officer Killed; Suspect Dead In Carjacking Confrontation
"It is an unfortunate situation I have to inform you that the City of
Phoenix has suffered another tragedy," said Mike Frazier, assistant police chief.
"We lost an officer who was killed in the line of duty," Frazier said.
VIDEO: Acting Phoenix Police Chief Mike Frazier Announces Officer's Death
Police said two officers, Nick Erfle and Rob Rodarme, stopped two women and a man who were jaywalking near 24th Street and Thomas Road around 8:30 a.m.
Police said the officers asked the three for identification and learned
the man, who identified himself as 24-year-old Anthony Sanchez, had a misdemeanor warrant out for his arrest. Phoenix police Sgt. Joel Tranter later
said Anthony Sanchez was one of many aliases used by Martinez, who was wanted in Tucson on a shoplifting charge.
Tranter said Martinez gave an alias because he was trying to conceal a felony warrant out for his arrest. The warrant was filed in Maricopa Superior
Court and was for aggravated assault.
Erfle walked back to Martinez and began to arrest him, Tranter said. Rodarme was nearby with the two women.
A physical confrontation quickly ensued and Martinez pulled a handgun
and fired multiple shots, Tranter said. One of them struck Erfle.
see more at http://www.kpho.com/news/14141284/detail.html
.
.
Officer Dies Of Gunshot Wound; Police Shoot, Kill Suspect
PHOENIX -- The man suspected of killing a Phoenix police officer Tuesday was an illegal immigrant who had been deported last year, immigration officials said.
Erik Jovani Martinez, 22, was deported to Mexico on March 3, 2006 after he was convicted on a theft charge, according an Immigration Services spokesman.
Phoenix police shot and killed Martinez, who was suspected of shooting
and killing an officer, carjacking a vehicle and taking a man hostage.
IMAGES: Officer Killed; Suspect Dead In Carjacking Confrontation
"It is an unfortunate situation I have to inform you that the City of
Phoenix has suffered another tragedy," said Mike Frazier, assistant police chief.
"We lost an officer who was killed in the line of duty," Frazier said.
VIDEO: Acting Phoenix Police Chief Mike Frazier Announces Officer's Death
Police said two officers, Nick Erfle and Rob Rodarme, stopped two women and a man who were jaywalking near 24th Street and Thomas Road around 8:30 a.m.
Police said the officers asked the three for identification and learned
the man, who identified himself as 24-year-old Anthony Sanchez, had a misdemeanor warrant out for his arrest. Phoenix police Sgt. Joel Tranter later
said Anthony Sanchez was one of many aliases used by Martinez, who was wanted in Tucson on a shoplifting charge.
Tranter said Martinez gave an alias because he was trying to conceal a felony warrant out for his arrest. The warrant was filed in Maricopa Superior
Court and was for aggravated assault.
Erfle walked back to Martinez and began to arrest him, Tranter said. Rodarme was nearby with the two women.
A physical confrontation quickly ensued and Martinez pulled a handgun
and fired multiple shots, Tranter said. One of them struck Erfle.
see more at http://www.kpho.com/news/14141284/detail.html
.
.
Friday, September 21, 2007
McCain Rallies For 'No Surrender'
McCain Rallies For 'No Surrender'
By Josh Voorhees, Aiken Standard
September 18, 2007
Article Excerpt
Looking to rally support for an unpopular war, Sen. John McCain and his presidential campaign turned to a group of potential voters Monday that needed little convincing.
Making his first campaign stop of the final day of his week-long "No Surrender" tour, the GOP presidential hopeful held a morning rally for supporters and veterans at VFW Savannah River Post 5877.
"We have a strategy that is succeeding," he told the gathering of roughly 200, most with strong ties to the United States military, who showed for the morning's veterans appreciation breakfast and rally.
The former Navy pilot's three-state tour through the early primary proving grounds of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina launched early last week in an effort to build support for the war in Iraq before what will likely be a heated debate on the issue begins in Congress this week.
McCain called on supporters to help convince his colleagues in Washington that despite the war's current unpopularity, the U.S. soldiers must be given a chance to win.
"A date for withdrawal ... is a date for surrender," he said.
While his week-long tour has placed McCain back in the national spotlight - something his campaign had struggled to accomplish since financial difficulties and a mass exodus of campaign staff caused problems earlier this year - his campaign appeared to be making an effort to keep most of the focus at the event on the war and not McCain's bid to succeed George W. Bush as president.
The dark blue stickers worn by campaign staff and handed out to supporters boasted simply the words "No Surrender," with the senator's name noticeably absent.
By Josh Voorhees, Aiken Standard
September 18, 2007
Article Excerpt
Looking to rally support for an unpopular war, Sen. John McCain and his presidential campaign turned to a group of potential voters Monday that needed little convincing.
Making his first campaign stop of the final day of his week-long "No Surrender" tour, the GOP presidential hopeful held a morning rally for supporters and veterans at VFW Savannah River Post 5877.
"We have a strategy that is succeeding," he told the gathering of roughly 200, most with strong ties to the United States military, who showed for the morning's veterans appreciation breakfast and rally.
The former Navy pilot's three-state tour through the early primary proving grounds of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina launched early last week in an effort to build support for the war in Iraq before what will likely be a heated debate on the issue begins in Congress this week.
McCain called on supporters to help convince his colleagues in Washington that despite the war's current unpopularity, the U.S. soldiers must be given a chance to win.
"A date for withdrawal ... is a date for surrender," he said.
While his week-long tour has placed McCain back in the national spotlight - something his campaign had struggled to accomplish since financial difficulties and a mass exodus of campaign staff caused problems earlier this year - his campaign appeared to be making an effort to keep most of the focus at the event on the war and not McCain's bid to succeed George W. Bush as president.
The dark blue stickers worn by campaign staff and handed out to supporters boasted simply the words "No Surrender," with the senator's name noticeably absent.
At Tour's End, McCain Is On The Rise
At Tour's End, McCain Is On The Rise
By Dan Nowicki , The Arizona Republic
September 18, 2007
Article Excerpt
CHARLESTON, S.C. - Sen. John McCain implored veterans and cadets at one of America's most famous military colleges to oppose any premature troop withdrawal from Iraq, concluding a weeklong "No Surrender" tour that could fuel his resurgence in the presidential race.
McCain, R-Ariz., timed the series of rallies in key primary states to coincide with Capitol Hill's Iraq war debate, which is expected to start this week.
"We are trying to say to the American people, 'We understand your sorrow, we understand your frustration,' " McCain told approximately 1,000 people gathered at the Citadel. "We know that, for a long time, this war was mismanaged, and we know that an enormous sacrifice has already been made. ...
"But we know also that the region will deteriorate into chaos and genocide if we leave."
McCain delivered the same message last week at stops across Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. ...
McCain still trails GOP front-runners Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson, but a Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll reflected a gain of 9 percentage points for McCain from last month.
Other polls also indicate that McCain's standing has improved. A CBS News/New York Times survey had him up 6 points while a USA Today/Gallup poll said he had risen 4 percentage points. ...
Playing to his strengths
McCain's No Surrender tour returns the spotlight to a debate in which he is solidly aligned with conservatives: the Iraq war and the battle against terrorism.
"In places like South Carolina, it's going to put the war upfront again and keep the immigration issue off the front pages," said Kyle Longley, an Arizona State University expert on Southern politics and foreign policy who taught at the Citadel.
"I think that plays to his advantage. Plus, I think he's getting a bump because he's gone back to being the insurrectionist, the outsider or person who is going to stir things up." ...
During the rally, former President George H.W. Bush echoed McCain's determination through a videotaped message. "The bottom line is we must persevere," said Bush, the father of President Bush. "We must not surrender. We must not quit and run away. God bless our troops and everyone involved in the No Surrender rally."
Uniformed cadets mixed with other military veterans and McCain fans in the packed Citadel ballroom. Several carried hand-written signs reading, "It's not politics ... it's patriotism." ...
"We all really do respect his military service," said Scott Barlow, a 19-year-old Citadel sophomore from Georgia who has yet to choose a candidate in next year's presidential election, the first in which he is eligible to vote.
McCain is known as one of the earliest and strongest supporters of President Bush's ongoing surge strategy, but McCain also repeatedly points out from the stump that for years he relentlessly criticized the way the White House conducted the war.
For years, he called for additional troops. He often denounces former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as one of the worst ever in the post.
Despite past mistakes, McCain maintains that the United States cannot abandon the Iraq mission or even set a specific date for withdrawal without buoying the spirits of terrorists and encouraging Iran's regional ambitions.
"I agree with Senator McCain," said Charles Furtado, 47, a 1982 Citadel graduate from Beaufort, S.C., and retired Marine who served in the Gulf War and in Iraq. "It's ugly. People are frustrated, but we've got to finish it. We started it, and we've got to see this thing through." ...
Please click here to read the entire article.
By Dan Nowicki , The Arizona Republic
September 18, 2007
Article Excerpt
CHARLESTON, S.C. - Sen. John McCain implored veterans and cadets at one of America's most famous military colleges to oppose any premature troop withdrawal from Iraq, concluding a weeklong "No Surrender" tour that could fuel his resurgence in the presidential race.
McCain, R-Ariz., timed the series of rallies in key primary states to coincide with Capitol Hill's Iraq war debate, which is expected to start this week.
"We are trying to say to the American people, 'We understand your sorrow, we understand your frustration,' " McCain told approximately 1,000 people gathered at the Citadel. "We know that, for a long time, this war was mismanaged, and we know that an enormous sacrifice has already been made. ...
"But we know also that the region will deteriorate into chaos and genocide if we leave."
McCain delivered the same message last week at stops across Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. ...
McCain still trails GOP front-runners Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson, but a Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll reflected a gain of 9 percentage points for McCain from last month.
Other polls also indicate that McCain's standing has improved. A CBS News/New York Times survey had him up 6 points while a USA Today/Gallup poll said he had risen 4 percentage points. ...
Playing to his strengths
McCain's No Surrender tour returns the spotlight to a debate in which he is solidly aligned with conservatives: the Iraq war and the battle against terrorism.
"In places like South Carolina, it's going to put the war upfront again and keep the immigration issue off the front pages," said Kyle Longley, an Arizona State University expert on Southern politics and foreign policy who taught at the Citadel.
"I think that plays to his advantage. Plus, I think he's getting a bump because he's gone back to being the insurrectionist, the outsider or person who is going to stir things up." ...
During the rally, former President George H.W. Bush echoed McCain's determination through a videotaped message. "The bottom line is we must persevere," said Bush, the father of President Bush. "We must not surrender. We must not quit and run away. God bless our troops and everyone involved in the No Surrender rally."
Uniformed cadets mixed with other military veterans and McCain fans in the packed Citadel ballroom. Several carried hand-written signs reading, "It's not politics ... it's patriotism." ...
"We all really do respect his military service," said Scott Barlow, a 19-year-old Citadel sophomore from Georgia who has yet to choose a candidate in next year's presidential election, the first in which he is eligible to vote.
McCain is known as one of the earliest and strongest supporters of President Bush's ongoing surge strategy, but McCain also repeatedly points out from the stump that for years he relentlessly criticized the way the White House conducted the war.
For years, he called for additional troops. He often denounces former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as one of the worst ever in the post.
Despite past mistakes, McCain maintains that the United States cannot abandon the Iraq mission or even set a specific date for withdrawal without buoying the spirits of terrorists and encouraging Iran's regional ambitions.
"I agree with Senator McCain," said Charles Furtado, 47, a 1982 Citadel graduate from Beaufort, S.C., and retired Marine who served in the Gulf War and in Iraq. "It's ugly. People are frustrated, but we've got to finish it. We started it, and we've got to see this thing through." ...
Please click here to read the entire article.
McCain Gets Credit For Consistency
McCain Gets Credit For Consistency
The Orangeburg Times And Democrat
September 20, 2007
ISSUE: John McCain's campaign
OUR VIEW: Senator consistent in message about war
U.S. Sen John McCain went from presumptive nominee to sagging candidate. Now the Arizona senator's GOP presidential campaign is showing signs of life. ...
McCain is focusing on key early states in the primary process, making South Carolina a popular stop. Importantly, he here has the support of a majority of the GOP establishment.
More important, however, is the McCain message. Saying he favors exiting Iraq at the earliest feasible time, the senator has been steadfast in stating a pullout at this point would lead to chaos in Iraq and destabilization of the region. It would amount to a major American defeat. ...
In the war's first years, McCain was a consistent administration critic. He echoes that today, saying the Bush team badly mismanaged the war. He says that as much as anything is why Americans have become disillusioned with the battle.
McCain concluded the tour at The Citadel Monday night by imploring veterans, cadets and a wide demographic range of supporters to oppose any plan for a premature troop withdrawal from Iraq. ...
Give McCain credit for consistency. He has not shied away from supporting the war even when his popularity numbers were plummeting. His campaign may never regain the stature accorded it by prognosticators when the '08 presidential politicking began, but McCain is not surrendering. If the Iraq situation can be improved in the coming months, or at the very minimum does not deteriorate, McCain might well be back in the ball game.
The Orangeburg Times And Democrat
September 20, 2007
ISSUE: John McCain's campaign
OUR VIEW: Senator consistent in message about war
U.S. Sen John McCain went from presumptive nominee to sagging candidate. Now the Arizona senator's GOP presidential campaign is showing signs of life. ...
McCain is focusing on key early states in the primary process, making South Carolina a popular stop. Importantly, he here has the support of a majority of the GOP establishment.
More important, however, is the McCain message. Saying he favors exiting Iraq at the earliest feasible time, the senator has been steadfast in stating a pullout at this point would lead to chaos in Iraq and destabilization of the region. It would amount to a major American defeat. ...
In the war's first years, McCain was a consistent administration critic. He echoes that today, saying the Bush team badly mismanaged the war. He says that as much as anything is why Americans have become disillusioned with the battle.
McCain concluded the tour at The Citadel Monday night by imploring veterans, cadets and a wide demographic range of supporters to oppose any plan for a premature troop withdrawal from Iraq. ...
Give McCain credit for consistency. He has not shied away from supporting the war even when his popularity numbers were plummeting. His campaign may never regain the stature accorded it by prognosticators when the '08 presidential politicking began, but McCain is not surrendering. If the Iraq situation can be improved in the coming months, or at the very minimum does not deteriorate, McCain might well be back in the ball game.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
House Immigration Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Flake-Gutierrez Amnesty Bill
House Immigration Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Flake-Gutierrez Amnesty Bill
Last Thursday the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on the Flake-Gutierrez amnesty bill (H.R. 1645, otherwise known as the STRIVE Act). Chairwoman Zoë Lofgren (D-CA) began the hearing by stating she was personally disappointed when the Senate failed to enact "comprehensive immigration reform" legislation over the summer and vowed to continue working on this issue. Ranking Member Steve King (R-IA) decried the Flake-Gutierrez as amnesty and urged the witnesses to simply acknowledge that fact so that the debate could proceed openly.
The hearing had two panels of witnesses. The first panel consisted of Congressmen Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Joe Baca (D-CA), Ray LaHood (R-IL), and Brian Bilbray (R-CA). The Second panel consisted of policy experts (including FAIR's Government Relations Director) and individuals involved in the immigration reform debate. Interestingly, Congressman Flake immediately acknowledged the unlikelihood that the bill would move this year or even before the next election. He then disputed Congressman King's claim that the bill was an amnesty and said the bill was not comparable to the 1986 amnesty because of the fines and other requirements. He argued that the definition of amnesty was an "unconditional pardon" and that this legislation represented nothing of the sort. Congressman Bilbray retorted that rewarding illegal activity was nothing if not amnesty and a sure-fire way to encourage more of it was to pass mass amnesty legislation such as the Flake-Gutierrez bill.
From the second panel, much attention was given to two witnesses, Mr. Tony Wasilewski and Mr. Eduardo Gonzales, both legal immigrants whose wives had been deported. Chairwoman Lofgren and Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) — who is both a Member of the Subcommittee and an author of the legislation — attempted to portray these individuals as examples of how the current system is unfair to aliens who violate the law. Julie Kirchner, Director of Government Relations at FAIR, argued that a legitimate immigration system is not one that rewards illegal aliens, but instead encourages those who come to the U.S. legally and wait patiently for years in their home countries in order to have their chance to live the American dream.
Last Thursday the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law held a hearing on the Flake-Gutierrez amnesty bill (H.R. 1645, otherwise known as the STRIVE Act). Chairwoman Zoë Lofgren (D-CA) began the hearing by stating she was personally disappointed when the Senate failed to enact "comprehensive immigration reform" legislation over the summer and vowed to continue working on this issue. Ranking Member Steve King (R-IA) decried the Flake-Gutierrez as amnesty and urged the witnesses to simply acknowledge that fact so that the debate could proceed openly.
The hearing had two panels of witnesses. The first panel consisted of Congressmen Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Joe Baca (D-CA), Ray LaHood (R-IL), and Brian Bilbray (R-CA). The Second panel consisted of policy experts (including FAIR's Government Relations Director) and individuals involved in the immigration reform debate. Interestingly, Congressman Flake immediately acknowledged the unlikelihood that the bill would move this year or even before the next election. He then disputed Congressman King's claim that the bill was an amnesty and said the bill was not comparable to the 1986 amnesty because of the fines and other requirements. He argued that the definition of amnesty was an "unconditional pardon" and that this legislation represented nothing of the sort. Congressman Bilbray retorted that rewarding illegal activity was nothing if not amnesty and a sure-fire way to encourage more of it was to pass mass amnesty legislation such as the Flake-Gutierrez bill.
From the second panel, much attention was given to two witnesses, Mr. Tony Wasilewski and Mr. Eduardo Gonzales, both legal immigrants whose wives had been deported. Chairwoman Lofgren and Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) — who is both a Member of the Subcommittee and an author of the legislation — attempted to portray these individuals as examples of how the current system is unfair to aliens who violate the law. Julie Kirchner, Director of Government Relations at FAIR, argued that a legitimate immigration system is not one that rewards illegal aliens, but instead encourages those who come to the U.S. legally and wait patiently for years in their home countries in order to have their chance to live the American dream.
"Mexico Does Not Stop at Its Border," Declares President of Mexico
"Mexico Does Not Stop at Its Border,"
Declares President of Mexico
On Sunday, September 9, Mexican President Felipe Calderon attacked efforts by the United States to exercise control the border, asserting that "Mexico does not stop at its border, that wherever there is a Mexican, there is Mexico." While this bizarre claim was ignored by members of the Bush Administration, various others in Washington attempted to decipher its meaning. Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives Wednesday, Representative Ted Poe (R-TX) read Calderon's "saber-rattling words" as "a renewed call by Mexico to colonize the United States." Meanwhile, Representative Tom Tancredo (R-CO) issued a statement goading the Mexican president: "Perhaps Calderon should take a refresher course on geography, because Mexico does in fact end at the Rio Grande. . . ."
President Calderon also attacked what he termed "unilateral" measures by the United States government to enforce its immigration laws and vowed to redouble efforts on behalf of Mexican immigrants. "I'm sure the people of Mexico would be extremely grateful if Calderon showed as much concern over the well being of Mexicans unlucky enough to still live there as he does for the people who have successfully fled his country," responded Representative Tancredo.
Declares President of Mexico
On Sunday, September 9, Mexican President Felipe Calderon attacked efforts by the United States to exercise control the border, asserting that "Mexico does not stop at its border, that wherever there is a Mexican, there is Mexico." While this bizarre claim was ignored by members of the Bush Administration, various others in Washington attempted to decipher its meaning. Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives Wednesday, Representative Ted Poe (R-TX) read Calderon's "saber-rattling words" as "a renewed call by Mexico to colonize the United States." Meanwhile, Representative Tom Tancredo (R-CO) issued a statement goading the Mexican president: "Perhaps Calderon should take a refresher course on geography, because Mexico does in fact end at the Rio Grande. . . ."
President Calderon also attacked what he termed "unilateral" measures by the United States government to enforce its immigration laws and vowed to redouble efforts on behalf of Mexican immigrants. "I'm sure the people of Mexico would be extremely grateful if Calderon showed as much concern over the well being of Mexicans unlucky enough to still live there as he does for the people who have successfully fled his country," responded Representative Tancredo.
Mexican Trucks Start Hitting the U.S. Highways
Mexican Trucks Start Hitting the U.S. Highways
On Thursday, September 6, the Bush Administration began granting authority to Mexican trucks to travel U.S. highways under a one-year pilot project. (http://www.dot.gov/) Pursuant to an agreement reached by the Bush Administration with Mexico in February, up to 500 trucks from 100 Mexican trucking companies that have met certain safety, licensing and other requirements will be allowed to operate anywhere in the country. (Department of Transportation Briefing, February 23, 2007) While this agreement was to go into effect within 60 days after it was announced, Congress delayed its implementation in May by adding a provision to the Iraq War emergency supplemental appropriations bill requiring the Department of Transportation Inspector General to report on the safety of the program before it could proceed. (See P.L. 110-28 § 6901)
The first Mexican trucking company allowed to travel inside the United States is Transportes Olympic of Nuevo Leon, which says it plans to use two trucks to carry goods within the U.S. Transportes Olympic sent its first truck across the Texas border early Saturday morning, where it underwent an inspection and then departed for North Carolina. (Houston Chronicle, September 8, 2007) Another 37 Mexican firms are presently set to obtain the U.S. driving permits. (Bloomberg, September 7, 2007.)
The pilot project with Mexico marks the first time Mexican trucks will be allowed to transport goods outside of a twenty-five mile border zone since the North American Free Trade Agreement authorizing this cross-border travel went into effect in 1994. The expansion of Mexican trucking under NAFTA was halted when then-President Bill Clinton refused to allow Mexican trucks to travel beyond a 25-mile border zone citing highway safety. In 2001, a NAFTA tribunal ordered the U.S. government to open all of its highways to Mexican trucks despite safety concerns. (Reuters, September 6, 2007)
Opposition to the Administration's decision to push ahead with the Mexican Trucking pilot project is growing in various corners. Last week, dozens of truckers let by the Teamsters plus anti-illegal immigration activists protested the trucking program near San Diego's Otay Mesa border crossing, holding signs that read 'NAFTA Kills' and 'Save American Highways.' (ABCNews September 6, 2007) In a written statement, Teamsters union General President Jim Hoffa criticized the Administration, calling the pilot project an "illegal program" that was "announced under the cover of darkness." Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR), declared the project to be "another attack on the working people of the United States." (Bloomberg, September 6, 2007)
The Bush Administration defended the Mexican Trucking program, insisting it has imposed rigorous safety protocols in the program, including drug and alcohol testing for drivers done by U.S. companies. However, in a recent report, the DOT Inspector General said the Administration had no coordinated plans for checking trucks and drivers participating in the test program, and that the motor carrier safety group needed to do more to help enforce the English requirement for drivers. (Associated Press, September 8, 2007)
The Teamsters, Sierra Club, and Public Citizen took further action to block the pilot program last week by filing a lawsuit seeking an injunction. Unfortunately, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the petition. The Teamsters, the Sierra Club and other groups said they would continue their legal fight to stop the program because of "serious safety, environmental, smuggling and security concerns." (New York Times, September 9, 2007) Interestingly, Teamsters Spokesman Leslie Miller said American truckers were most concerned about sharing the roads with potentially unsafe Mexican vehicles, not the potential of increased competition from lower-wage workers. "We have nothing against Mexican truck drivers; it's the companies that exploit them that we oppose," she said. "We're absolutely not ready for this." (New York Times, September 9, 2007)
Opponents of the program are also hoping Congress will intervene. The House version of the Transportation Department Appropriations bill contains language that would halt the project on public safety grounds. The legislation comes before the Senate next week. (Reuters, September 6, 2007)
On Thursday, September 6, the Bush Administration began granting authority to Mexican trucks to travel U.S. highways under a one-year pilot project. (http://www.dot.gov/) Pursuant to an agreement reached by the Bush Administration with Mexico in February, up to 500 trucks from 100 Mexican trucking companies that have met certain safety, licensing and other requirements will be allowed to operate anywhere in the country. (Department of Transportation Briefing, February 23, 2007) While this agreement was to go into effect within 60 days after it was announced, Congress delayed its implementation in May by adding a provision to the Iraq War emergency supplemental appropriations bill requiring the Department of Transportation Inspector General to report on the safety of the program before it could proceed. (See P.L. 110-28 § 6901)
The first Mexican trucking company allowed to travel inside the United States is Transportes Olympic of Nuevo Leon, which says it plans to use two trucks to carry goods within the U.S. Transportes Olympic sent its first truck across the Texas border early Saturday morning, where it underwent an inspection and then departed for North Carolina. (Houston Chronicle, September 8, 2007) Another 37 Mexican firms are presently set to obtain the U.S. driving permits. (Bloomberg, September 7, 2007.)
The pilot project with Mexico marks the first time Mexican trucks will be allowed to transport goods outside of a twenty-five mile border zone since the North American Free Trade Agreement authorizing this cross-border travel went into effect in 1994. The expansion of Mexican trucking under NAFTA was halted when then-President Bill Clinton refused to allow Mexican trucks to travel beyond a 25-mile border zone citing highway safety. In 2001, a NAFTA tribunal ordered the U.S. government to open all of its highways to Mexican trucks despite safety concerns. (Reuters, September 6, 2007)
Opposition to the Administration's decision to push ahead with the Mexican Trucking pilot project is growing in various corners. Last week, dozens of truckers let by the Teamsters plus anti-illegal immigration activists protested the trucking program near San Diego's Otay Mesa border crossing, holding signs that read 'NAFTA Kills' and 'Save American Highways.' (ABCNews September 6, 2007) In a written statement, Teamsters union General President Jim Hoffa criticized the Administration, calling the pilot project an "illegal program" that was "announced under the cover of darkness." Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR), declared the project to be "another attack on the working people of the United States." (Bloomberg, September 6, 2007)
The Bush Administration defended the Mexican Trucking program, insisting it has imposed rigorous safety protocols in the program, including drug and alcohol testing for drivers done by U.S. companies. However, in a recent report, the DOT Inspector General said the Administration had no coordinated plans for checking trucks and drivers participating in the test program, and that the motor carrier safety group needed to do more to help enforce the English requirement for drivers. (Associated Press, September 8, 2007)
The Teamsters, Sierra Club, and Public Citizen took further action to block the pilot program last week by filing a lawsuit seeking an injunction. Unfortunately, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the petition. The Teamsters, the Sierra Club and other groups said they would continue their legal fight to stop the program because of "serious safety, environmental, smuggling and security concerns." (New York Times, September 9, 2007) Interestingly, Teamsters Spokesman Leslie Miller said American truckers were most concerned about sharing the roads with potentially unsafe Mexican vehicles, not the potential of increased competition from lower-wage workers. "We have nothing against Mexican truck drivers; it's the companies that exploit them that we oppose," she said. "We're absolutely not ready for this." (New York Times, September 9, 2007)
Opponents of the program are also hoping Congress will intervene. The House version of the Transportation Department Appropriations bill contains language that would halt the project on public safety grounds. The legislation comes before the Senate next week. (Reuters, September 6, 2007)
FRED THOMPSON: FIRST LOBBYIST FOR PRESIDENT
FRED THOMPSON: FIRST LOBBYIST FOR PRESIDENT
By DICK MORRIS & EILEEN MCGANN
Published on FoxNews.com on September 10, 2007.
There’s a new first in the 2008 presidential campaign.
We’ve already seen the first woman candidate, Hillary Clinton and the first African American with widespread support and a serious chance at winning the presidency.
But now there’s another groundbreaker: the first lobbyist candidate — Fred Thompson.
Thompson was a lobbyist for 20 years before he was elected to the Senate, representing the Tennessee Savings and Loan Association, the deposed Haitian President Aristed and the National Planning & Reproductive Health Association.
Although Fred bills himself as strongly against government interference and handouts, he also lobbied for Westinghouse in its bid for government subsidies for a nuclear power plant in Oak Ridge. After retiring from the Senate in 2002, Thompson went back to lobbying, earning $750,000 since then from Equitas, the British insurance company that wants to limit payments to the families of those who died due to asbestos exposure.
Now Fred’s campaign is attracting other lobbyists, who are bundlers and donors to the Thompson campaign.
Most Americans feel strongly that a presidential candidate should not accept any money from lobbyists. According to a recent Gallup Poll, 75 percent of Americans find it unacceptable for candidates to finance their campaigns with contributions from lobbyists — and 80 percent want candidates to return any contributions they do receive from lobbyists.
But Fred definitely doesn’t agree with them. His promising campaign is positively overflowing with advisers and donors who are lobbyists, former lobbyists or employees of lobbying firms. Aside from Thompson, there’s his wife, Jeri, who worked for the PR/lobbying giant Burson-Marsteller and law firm/lobbyists DLA Piper after she met Fred. Then there’s Ken Reitz, a senior campaign adviser, who works for 360Advantage — owned by two lobbying firms Burson-Marsteller and Quinn Gillespie & Associates. Reitz is the former CEO of Burson and became famous for creating the National Smokers Alliance — a faux grassroots group opposing tobacco regulation that was funded by the tobacco companies.
Fred’s first campaign manager, Tom Collamore, was a former tobacco lobbyist. He is one of the many Thompson staffers who was shown the door after disagreeing with Mrs. Thompson. Fred’s chief counselor is Michael Toner, an adviser to Bryan Cave Strategies, which represents Shell Oil and other corporations. Then there’s Tom Daffron, COO of the Jefferson Consulting Group that lobbies on homeland security issues. Ed Gillespie, co-founder of the Quinn Gillespie & Associates lobbying firm is also a close adviser.
Then there are the bundlers and donors. Public Citizen identified six Thompson bundlers as registered lobbyists, but the number associated with lobbyists significantly increases when the names of employees of lobbying firm, who are not necessarily registered lobbyists, are added:
Bundler/Lobbyists (amounts collected are not available)
• Richard F.Hohlt, a lobbyist for tobacco, nuclear energy, Chevron, and Fannie Mae
• Rachael Jones Hensler, lobbyist for the Nickles Group
• William Hilleary, lobbyist, Sommerstein, Nasy & Rosenthal
• Robert L. Livingston, lobbyist, The Livingston Group
• W. Timothy Loche, lobbyist, Smith-Free Group
• David Lugar, lobbyist, Quinn Gillespie
• Mach F. Mattingly, lobbyist
• Tom Collamore
• Michael Toner
Registered Lobbyist Contributors:
• Katie Huffard
• Chris Lamond
• Jeffrey Bloemaker
• Patrick O’Donnell
• William Timmons
• William Hilleary
Sources: Washington Magazine, Center for Responsive Politics
Other:
• Johanna Hardy, Dir., Legislative Affairs, Rolls Royce
• Kirk Clinkenbeard, Potomic Advocates
• John Dowd, partner Akin, Gump which has lobbying practice
• Sarah Newman, employee, Cassidy and Associates
Sources: Washington Magazine, Center for Responsive Politics
So the "Fred Thompson for President" campaign — based on his promises to shake up Washington — is being run by and paid for by corporate insider lobbyists.
Do you think Fred will make any big changes if he’s elected?
By DICK MORRIS & EILEEN MCGANN
Published on FoxNews.com on September 10, 2007.
There’s a new first in the 2008 presidential campaign.
We’ve already seen the first woman candidate, Hillary Clinton and the first African American with widespread support and a serious chance at winning the presidency.
But now there’s another groundbreaker: the first lobbyist candidate — Fred Thompson.
Thompson was a lobbyist for 20 years before he was elected to the Senate, representing the Tennessee Savings and Loan Association, the deposed Haitian President Aristed and the National Planning & Reproductive Health Association.
Although Fred bills himself as strongly against government interference and handouts, he also lobbied for Westinghouse in its bid for government subsidies for a nuclear power plant in Oak Ridge. After retiring from the Senate in 2002, Thompson went back to lobbying, earning $750,000 since then from Equitas, the British insurance company that wants to limit payments to the families of those who died due to asbestos exposure.
Now Fred’s campaign is attracting other lobbyists, who are bundlers and donors to the Thompson campaign.
Most Americans feel strongly that a presidential candidate should not accept any money from lobbyists. According to a recent Gallup Poll, 75 percent of Americans find it unacceptable for candidates to finance their campaigns with contributions from lobbyists — and 80 percent want candidates to return any contributions they do receive from lobbyists.
But Fred definitely doesn’t agree with them. His promising campaign is positively overflowing with advisers and donors who are lobbyists, former lobbyists or employees of lobbying firms. Aside from Thompson, there’s his wife, Jeri, who worked for the PR/lobbying giant Burson-Marsteller and law firm/lobbyists DLA Piper after she met Fred. Then there’s Ken Reitz, a senior campaign adviser, who works for 360Advantage — owned by two lobbying firms Burson-Marsteller and Quinn Gillespie & Associates. Reitz is the former CEO of Burson and became famous for creating the National Smokers Alliance — a faux grassroots group opposing tobacco regulation that was funded by the tobacco companies.
Fred’s first campaign manager, Tom Collamore, was a former tobacco lobbyist. He is one of the many Thompson staffers who was shown the door after disagreeing with Mrs. Thompson. Fred’s chief counselor is Michael Toner, an adviser to Bryan Cave Strategies, which represents Shell Oil and other corporations. Then there’s Tom Daffron, COO of the Jefferson Consulting Group that lobbies on homeland security issues. Ed Gillespie, co-founder of the Quinn Gillespie & Associates lobbying firm is also a close adviser.
Then there are the bundlers and donors. Public Citizen identified six Thompson bundlers as registered lobbyists, but the number associated with lobbyists significantly increases when the names of employees of lobbying firm, who are not necessarily registered lobbyists, are added:
Bundler/Lobbyists (amounts collected are not available)
• Richard F.Hohlt, a lobbyist for tobacco, nuclear energy, Chevron, and Fannie Mae
• Rachael Jones Hensler, lobbyist for the Nickles Group
• William Hilleary, lobbyist, Sommerstein, Nasy & Rosenthal
• Robert L. Livingston, lobbyist, The Livingston Group
• W. Timothy Loche, lobbyist, Smith-Free Group
• David Lugar, lobbyist, Quinn Gillespie
• Mach F. Mattingly, lobbyist
• Tom Collamore
• Michael Toner
Registered Lobbyist Contributors:
• Katie Huffard
• Chris Lamond
• Jeffrey Bloemaker
• Patrick O’Donnell
• William Timmons
• William Hilleary
Sources: Washington Magazine, Center for Responsive Politics
Other:
• Johanna Hardy, Dir., Legislative Affairs, Rolls Royce
• Kirk Clinkenbeard, Potomic Advocates
• John Dowd, partner Akin, Gump which has lobbying practice
• Sarah Newman, employee, Cassidy and Associates
Sources: Washington Magazine, Center for Responsive Politics
So the "Fred Thompson for President" campaign — based on his promises to shake up Washington — is being run by and paid for by corporate insider lobbyists.
Do you think Fred will make any big changes if he’s elected?
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