ObanaCare ?

ObamaCare's Do or Die Moment in the Senate

by  Brian Darling

Saturday is a big day in the Senate for ObamaCare.  Congressional Quarterly reported that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) will unveil his manager's package of changes to the Senate version of ObamaCare on Saturday morning and immediately file cloture to shut off debate on the package.  This package of changes to the bill and special interest projects were crafted by Reid to buy the support of members wavering in his caucus, including Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE), Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Jim Webb (D-VA).

Nobody knows if any acceptable compromise is possible at this point in the debate.  Liberals in the Democrat Caucus are mad because the public option has been scrapped and moderates are concerned that this bill has become so politically unpopular that a vote for any version of ObamaCare is the functional equivalent of political suicide.  If the Reid Amendment passes, then the President will be one step closer to victory.  If ObamaCare goes down in flames, then Monday may prove to be the President and Senator Harry Reid's health care Waterloo.

Right now the Senate is taking a brief break from health care to complete work on the Defense Appropriations bill, the last remaining appropriations bill for the year.  The bill will be dispensed with after a series of votes starting at 7:30 am on Saturday, then the Senate will immediately pivot back to ObamaCare.  After the Reid Amendment is read, Reid will need 60 votes on the amendment scheduled for a vote at 1 am on Monday, December 21st.  This will be the do or die moment for ObamaCare.  If the Reid Amendment passes, then ObamaCare is scheduled to be voted upon in the Senate on Christmas Eve.

Already there are signs of danger.  As Reid crept closer and closer to the 60 votes needed to pass his version of ObamaCare this past week with the announcement of the scrapping of the public option and expansion of Medicare to appease moderates, liberals revolted against these changes to the bill.

Politico is reporting

With the clock ticking down on health care reform, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has until Saturday to strike a 60-vote compromise if Democrats hope to meet a Christmas Eve deadline – but the obstacles kept piling up Thursday.

The New York Times reports:

Grass-roots groups are balking, liberal commentators are becoming more critical of the president, some unions are threatening to withhold support and Howard Dean, the former Democratic Party chief, is urging the Senate to kill its health bill.

Reid will not release the legislative text, nor a Congressional Budget Cost (CBO) cost analysis until Saturday.  Because nobody knows what is actually in that amendment, there may be new obstacles that arise when Senators review the legislation.  Maybe there are objectionable earmarks to buy the votes of wavering members.  Maybe there are provisions that nobody knows about that will dramatically change the analysis of the bill.  Maybe Reid further watered down measures like the public option that will enrage the far left in the Senate like Socialist Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders.  Once Senators get a chance to read the amendment, we will have a better idea as to whether Reid can get his necessary 60 votes to pass the managers package.

But Reid has one other obstacle.  The CBO will have to produce a score, for the next 10 years, for the Reid Amendment.  If that score is high, then many moderate Democrats in the Senate may have to walk away from the deal, because they are concerned about the long term costs of Obamacare.  Some have cited a figure of $2.5 trillion over the first 10 years of implementation of the bill and if the Reid Amendment adds to that already high cost, it is hard to imagine that members will not run away from the deal.

The bottom line is that the deal may collapse on Saturday when Senators read the amendment.  More likely the deal will be sealed or killed when the Senate votes on the Reid Amendment on Monday after Senators have the weekend to digest the changes to ObamaCare and the CBO score.  If President Obama and Senator Harry Reid’s quest for more federal control over the health care economy crash and burn in the next few days, many will consider this development an early Christmas present to those who despise big government and love freedom.

US Credit Downgrade

The Wall Street Journal reported early in December that our world-wide U.S. debt rating could be downgraded by 2013. The U.S. has enjoyed a top "AAA" (triple A) rating for more than four decades from the world's top investors' service, which ranks the credit-worthiness of borrowers worldwide Moody's has a 40% share in the world credit rating market.

Continued U.S. spending by the Obama Administration has alarmed world credit/debt markets. China owns most of the U.S. Debt and has already warned Obama when he visited the country last month to take it easy.

The Journal continued, “Moody’s released the report as part of an effort, spurred by investor demand, to examine the creditworthiness of the world’s most highly rated countries. There are 17 such “triple-A”-rated countries, ranging from the U.S. to Australia.” A down-graded ranking will create a very tenous lending/credit situation for our country. (12/07/09)

Acorn Woes Hit Union, Democrats

By KRIS MAHER

Democratic lawmakers in a handful of states are facing pressure from Republicans to distance themselves from the Service Employees International Union as a result of its ties to Acorn.

Republicans in Kansas, Virginia and Illinois in recent weeks have called on union-backed Democrats to return SEIU campaign contributions, citing the close connection between the union and the community organizing group, whose full name is the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now.

Acorn has been under fire in the past month after secretly recorded videos showed Acorn employees offering advice on evading taxes, setting up brothels and smuggling illegal immigrants. Acorn has called the actions unacceptable and has fired the workers involved.

The Virginia Republican Party urged Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds to return campaign contributions from the SEIU, one of the biggest financial backers of Democratic candidates. Mr. Deeds received a total of $200,000 from the SEIU in 2009, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, which tracks campaign contributions in the state.

"The close, almost symbiotic, relationship that SEIU and Acorn have call into question the propriety of being so closely involved with this union," said Tim Murtaugh, spokesman for the Virginia GOP. A spokesman for Mr. Deeds couldn't be reached for immediate comment.

Michelle Ringuette, an SEIU spokeswoman, said the union had suspended all organizing work with Acorn, pending a review of the organization. She said Republicans are engaged in a "smear" campaign against the union.

Meanwhile, the Kansas Republican Party has also issued a call for Democratic candidates to return all contributions received from the SEIU. Tyler Longpine, communications director for the Kansas Democratic Party, called the charges "a distraction."

In Illinois, the Republican Senatorial Committee called on Democratic Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias to return contributions he received from the SEIU. Thomas Bowen, a spokesman for Mr. Giannoulias, said the candidate had no plans to return contributions from the union, and noted that Republican candidates had received contributions from the SEIU.

No Check on Fed

On procedural grounds, the Senate blocked a bid to permit the U.S. comptroller general, who heads the investigative arm of Congress known as the Government Accountability Office, to audit the Federal Reserve system and issue a report.

Republican Senator Jim DeMint, who has been pushing for greater transparency at the Fed, failed to get the provision attached to the must-pass annual spending bill that includes funding for the GAO for the upcoming 2010 fiscal year.

The audit would have included details about the Fed's discount window operations, funding facilities, open market operations and agreements with foreign central banks and governments, DeMint said on the Senate floor.

"The Federal Reserve will create and disburse trillions of dollars in response to our current financial crisis," DeMint said. "Americans across the nation, regardless of their opinion on the bailout, want to know where the money has gone.

"Allowing the Fed to operate our nation's monetary system in almost complete secrecy leads to abuse, inflation and a lower quality of life," he said.

Democrats who control the Senate blocked the South Carolina Republican's amendment on the grounds that it violated rules prohibiting legislation attached to spending bills.

Fed officials were not immediately available to comment.

The move comes as some lawmakers have increasingly become wary of the Fed's actions, particularly for its handling of the real estate market and the meltdown of major financial institutions like investment bank Bear Stearns and insurance giant American International Group.

A non-binding provision in the fiscal 2010 budget blueprint Congress approved in April called on the Fed to provide more information about collateral posted against Bear Stearns and AIG loans.

That measure also sought a study evaluating the appropriate number and costs of the regional Fed banks.

The U.S. central bank has a seven-member board in Washington whose members are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. It also has 12 regional banks whose presidents are appointed by banks and other businesses in their local districts, with the consent of the Washington board.

(Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky and Alister Bull, editing by Dan Grebler)

The Arkansas lineup

May 15, 2009
Categories: Arkansas

From Politico.com

On paper, Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) looks like she could be facing a tough re-election campaign in a state that gave John McCain a 20-point margin of victory.

And a new poll, commissioned by the Arkansas Republican party, suggests that Lincoln is vulnerable. Only 37 percent of respondents said they supported her re-election, while 48 percent said it was “time to give a new person a chance to do a better job.”  (The poll was conducted by the Little Rock-based The Political Firm.)

But she’s been fortunate that she hasn’t faced any serious opposition yet – with the only announced Republican candidate, state senator Kim Hendren, best known for calling Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) "that Jew" to a group of GOP activists.

But Lincoln could soon be facing some more credible challengers. State senator Gilbert Baker is “leaning towards” entering the race, according to a senior adviser, and is in the process of putting together a campaign infrastructure.

Baker, the former chairman of the Arkansas Republican party, is an unwavering opponent of tax hikes and won re-election to his state Senate seat despite facing serious Democratic opposition. He represents a legislative district that spans the northern suburbs of Little Rock.

Arkansas Republican operatives believe Baker could mount a credible campaign, and has been a strong fundraiser in the state legislature.

And Curtis Coleman, the CEO of a food safety services company, filed paperwork to form a Senate exploratory committee earlier in the week. Coleman is a close friend of former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, and could partially self-finance a Senate race.

By Josh Kraushaar 04:28 PM

Dem Questions Stimulus Bill Support

By Trish Turner, FOXNews.com          Friday, January 30, 2009

"I don't even know how many Democrats will vote for it, as it stands today," Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., told FOX News.

Nelson, a moderate Democrat, is famous for gathering lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in a so-called "Gang of 14" to avert a shutdown of the Senate over judicial nominations. He is seeking a similar bipartisan effort to improve the stimulus bill.

Lawmakers are unhappy that the bill, passed by the House on Wednesday, contains billions of dollars for programs that arguably won't spark much job growth.

"What I'm hoping to do is bring together a bipartisan group of Republicans and Democrats and offer changes that will attract others and improve the bill," he told FOX News. "People want this to succeed."

Asked how many Republicans he can get to vote for the bill, Nelson said he didn't even know how many Democrats would vote for it.

Sens. Mike Johanns, R-Neb. and Susan Collins, R-ME, met in Nelson's office Friday morning to see if more can be done to create jobs in the stimulus bill -- such as a major boost in funding for infrastructure projects, which appeal to many of his colleagues.

"We need to focus this on getting people back to work quickly," Nelson said.

The "Gang of 14" compromise in 2006 displeased many conservatives. Republicans controlled both houses of Congress at the time, and those involved in the compromise group agreed to take some of the party's power options off the table in exchange for Democratic promises not to filibuster Bush's judicial nominees except under "extreme circumstances."

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a moderate who was a member of the original "Gang" and a close friend of Nelson's from their time on the Senate Armed Services Committee, got an invite, as has Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., Nelson's energy compromise group colleague. On the Democratic side, Nelson has reached out to Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., a strong ally of President Obama, as well as Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and freshman Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.

"Warner's a former governor, so he gets it," said Nelson, himself a popular former governor, in Nebraska.

One item that likely will be discussed is an amendment that would add billions of dollars to infrastructure projects. Nelson is crafting that measure with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif, both on the Appropriations Committee.

And Nelson doesn't want to stop there. He wants to pluck out what he says are extraneous projects in the stimulus bill to pay for the amendment. Providing hundreds of millions of dollars for prevention of smoking and sexually-transmitted disease -- though they may be worthy causes -- does not create jobs. Nelson even is willing to remove popular Pell Grant increases, saving them for annual spending bills later in the year.

"We need to sit down and see who owns these projects," Nelson said, and see if they can be removed from the bill. "We need to keep (the bill's cost in check) and see if we cant change around what's underneath that to create more jobs."

Remove Governor?

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan asked the state Supreme Court to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office on Friday, arguing that he can no longer fulfill his duties and that the state government is "paralyzed" by his presence. 

Madigan filed the motion as calls mounted from across the country for the governor to step down. Blagojevich was arrested by federal agents Tuesday on corruption charges, including allegations that he tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant seat in the U.S. Senate.

"I recognize that this is an extraordinary request, but these are extraordinary circumstances," Madigan said at a press conference. "Governor Blagojevich can no longer fulfill his official duties with any legitimacy." 

She did not express any objections to having the state legislature remove Blagojevich from office, an impeachment process that has been discussed by lawmakers. But she said action needs to be taken immediately to oust the governor. Madigan wants Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn to be appointed as acting governor.  

"The impeachment process will take time," Madigan said. "In the interim, state government is paralyzed by a governor who is incapable of governing."  

The governor's chief of staff, John Harris, submitted his resignation Friday, after he was named along with Blagojevich in the FBI complaint three days ago. 

Madigan continued to call on Blagojevich to "resign immediately," as a way to avoid impeachment proceedings, as well as court action. 

The attorney general asked the court for a temporary restraining order or an injunction that prevents Blagojevich from serving as governor. The filing says he is "unable to serve as governor due to disability and should not rightfully continue to hold that office." 

"The pervasive nature and severity of these pending charges disable Mr. Blagojevich from making effective decisions on critical, time-sensitive issues," the filing said. 

It marked the first time in Illinois history that such an action was taken. The attorney general is applying a rule that was intended to cover cases in which a governor is incapacitated for health reasons. Her motion indicates that his inability to serve because of the scandal is akin to a debilitating health issue.

The move came as the governor prayed with several ministers in his home before heading to his office, telling them he is innocent and will be vindicated "when you hear each chapter completely written," according to one of the pastors. 

Not everyone welcomed Madigan's decision to go to the state's highest court. Democratic Rep. Jack Franks said it would set "a dangerous precedent" for the court to remove a governor as Madigan proposes. Franks, a fierce Blagojevich critic, said that kind of decision should be left to the state General Assembly. 

"That's our job, and we should be doing it," he said. 

Madigan, who has publicly admitted she is interested in Blagojevich's job, said Friday that she's not thinking about politics. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Bush Extends Jobless Benefits

Thursday, November 20, 2008

WASHINGTON -- The White House says President Bush signed into law a bill that Congress approved to keep unemployment checks flowing to jobless Americans through the holiday season.

Bush signed the bill at the White House just before boarding Marine I Friday morning for a short trip to Andrews Air Force Base and a flight to Lima, Peru, to attend the 21-nation Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

The Senate approved the bill following an earlier report Thursday saying that new claims by laid-off workers for jobless aid had reached a 16-year high and the number of people looking for work had surged past 10 million.

The White House had opposed broader legislation containing the benefits extension and urged passage of the new version.

Earlier in the year, Bush expressed doubts about further benefit extensions, but he came to support the legislation as new figures showed new claims for jobless aid had reached a 16-year high.

In what could be its last vote of the year, the Senate approved a measure Thursday that would provide up to three months of extra benefits for those whose unemployment benefits have run out or are about to expire. The House passed the bill in October.

"With more Americans filing jobless claims than at any time since the 1992, the Senate's passage of the House's unemployment insurance extension legislation will help speed relief to more than 2 million workers who continue to search for new jobs in these difficult economic times," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

Those times became a little more difficult Thursday as the Dow Jones industrials dropped more than 400 points for the second straight day, reaching the lowest level in more than five years. In part, investors were discouraged by the inability of the White House and Congress to agree on a plan to provide relief to the battered auto industry.

Democrats had sought to carve out $25 billion from the $700 billion financial rescue plan to keep the auto industry in business through next spring, but the White House and Senate Republicans objected.

Democratic leaders said they were ready to come back into session on Dec. 8, but only if the Big Three automakers first come up with a roadmap showing how federal aid will put them on the path to future economic viability.

At stake are millions of jobs in the auto and related industries that could go under if one or more of the major automakers goes bankrupt.

"We are prepared to come back into session the week of Dec. 8 to help the auto industry," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. "But only if they present a responsible plan that gives us a realistic chance to get the needed votes."

Other federal actions to resuscitate an economy crippled by home foreclosures, a credit freeze and confusion in financial markets will probably have to wait until January.

President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to make economic recovery the immediate focus of his new administration and both the House and Senate will have increased Democratic majorities eager to support him.

The voice vote in the Senate Thursday came just hours after the Labor Department reported that claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to 542,000. That marked the highest level since July 1992 and provided fresh evidence of a rapidly weakening job market that is expected to get even worse next year. The number of people searching for work has now topped 10 million and the civilian unemployment rate now stands at 6.5 percent, a 14-year high.

About 1.2 million people would exhaust their unemployment insurance by the end of the year without the extension, sponsors said. The measure is estimated to cost about $5.7 billion, although economists put the positive impact at $1.64 for every dollar spent on jobless benefits because the money helps sustain other jobs and restores consumer confidence.

"Extending this basic assistance to help unemployed workers pay their mortgages, feed their families, and heat their homes is a down payment on broader economic recovery legislation that our economy desperately needs," said House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, D-N.Y.

The legislation as approved would provide seven additional weeks of payments to people who have exhausted their benefits or will exhaust them soon. Those in states where the unemployment rate is above 6 percent would be entitled to an additional 13 weeks above the 26 weeks of regular benefits. Benefit checks average about $300 a week nationwide.

The benefits provided would be in addition to 13 weeks of federally funded extended benefits Congress approved last June.

Congress has enacted federally funded extensions seven times in the past 50 years during economic slumps -- in 1958, 1961, 1972, 1975, 1982, 1991 and 2002.

The White House had earlier opposed a broader $61 billion bill that would have helped states meet Medicaid costs and fund public works projects as well as extend jobless benefits.

But on Thursday White House press secretary Dana Perino urged Congress to move quickly on the benefits bill. "The recent financial and credit crisis has slowed the economy, and it's having an impact on job creation," she said.

Unemployment insurance is a joint program between states and the federal government that is almost completely funded by employer taxes, either state or federal.

In yet another bad sign for the economy's near future, the private, New York-based Conference Board said Thursday that its monthly forecast of economic activity declined 0.8 percent in October. Over the past seven months, the index has declined at a 4.7 percent annual rate, faster than at any other time since 2001.

Most of the decline was due to the drop in stock prices, a decline in building permits and sagging consumer expectations.

John McCain Says

Remarks By John McCain In Pottsville, PA  - 10/28/08

ARLINGTON, VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today will deliver the following remarks as prepared for delivery at the McCain-Palin 2008 rally in Pottsville, PA, at 6:30 p.m. ET:

It's great to be back in Pennsylvania. We need to win Pennsylvania on November 4th, and with your help -- we're going to win here, and bring real change to Washington, DC.

We cannot spend the next four years as we have spent much of the last eight: hoping for our luck to change at home and abroad. We have to act. We need a new direction, and we have to fight for it.

I've been fighting for this country since I was seventeen years old, and I have the scars to prove it. If I'm elected President, I will fight to shake up Washington and take America in a new direction from my first day in office until my last. I'm not afraid of the fight, I'm ready for it.

I have a plan to hold the line on taxes and cut them to make America more competitive and create jobs here at home. We're going to double the child deduction for working families. We will cut the capital gains tax. And we will cut business taxes to help create jobs, and keep American businesses in America. Raising taxes makes a bad economy much worse. Keeping taxes low creates jobs, keeps money in your hands and strengthens our economy.

If I'm elected President, I won't spend nearly a trillion dollars more of your money. Senator Obama will. And he can't do that without raising your taxes or digging us further into debt. I'm going to make government live on a budget just like you do.

I will freeze government spending on all but the most important programs like defense, veterans care, Social Security and health care until we scrub every single government program and get rid of the ones that aren't working for the American people. And I will veto every single pork barrel bill Congresses passes.

I'm not going to spend $750 billion dollars of your money just bailing out the Wall Street bankers and brokers who got us into this mess. I'm going to make sure we take care of the working people who were devastated by the excesses of Wall Street and Washington.

I have a plan to fix our housing market, so that your home value doesn't go down when your neighbor defaults, and so that people in danger of defaulting have a path to pay off their loan.

If I'm elected President, we're going to stop spending $700 billion to buy oil from countries that don't like us very much. Senator Obama will argue to delay drilling for more oil and gas and against building new nuclear power plants in America. If I am president, we will start new drilling now. We will invest in all energy alternatives -- nuclear, wind, solar, and tide. We will encourage the manufacture of hybrid, flex fuel and electric automobiles. We will invest in clean coal technology. We will lower the cost of energy within months, and we will create millions of new jobs.

We've learned more about Senator Obama's real goals for our country over the last two weeks than we learned over the past two years, and that only because Joe the plumber asked him a question in Ohio. That's when Senator Obama revealed he wants to quote "spread the wealth around."

Now, Joe didn't ask for Senator Obama to come to his house, and he didn't ask to be famous. He certainly didn't ask for the political attacks on him from the Obama campaign. Joe's dream is to own a small business that will create jobs, and the attacks on him are an attack on small businesses all over the country. Small businesses employ 84 percent of Americans, and we need to support small businesses, not tax them.

After months of campaign trail eloquence, we've finally learned what Senator Obama's economic goal is: to spread the wealth. In a radio interview revealed today, he said the same thing -- that one of the quote, "tragedies" of the civil rights movement is that it didn't bring about "redistributive change."

You see, Senator Obama believes in redistributing wealth, not in policies that grow our economy and create jobs. He said that even though lower taxes on investment help our economy, he favors higher taxes on investment for quote "fairness." There's nothing "fair" about driving our economy into the ground. We all suffer when that happens, and that is the problem with Senator Obama's approach to our economy. He is more interested in controlling wealth than in creating it ... in redistributing money instead of spreading opportunity. I am going to create wealth for all Americans, by creating opportunity for all Americans.

Senator Obama is running to be Redistributionist in Chief. I'm running to be Commander in Chief. Senator Obama is running to spread the wealth. I'm running to create more wealth. Senator Obama is running to punish the successful. I'm running to make everyone successful.

My opponent's massive new tax increase is exactly the wrong approach in an economic slowdown. The answer to a slowing economy is not higher taxes, but that is exactly what is going to happen when the Democrats have total control of Washington. We can't let that happen. We need pro-growth and pro-jobs economic policies, not pro-government spending programs paid for with higher taxes.

This is the fundamental difference between Senator Obama and me. We both disagree with President Bush on economic policy. The difference is that he thinks taxes have been too low, and I think that spending has been too high.

If we are going to change Washington, we need a President who has actually fought for change and made it happen. The next President won't have time to get used to the office. We face many challenges here at home, and many enemies abroad in this dangerous world.

Senator Biden warned that Senator Obama would be tested with an international crisis. I have been tested. Senator Obama hasn't. Senator Biden referred to how Jack Kennedy was tested in the Cuban Missile Crisis and I have a little personal experience in that. I was on board the U.S.S. Enterprise, and I sat in a jet cockpit on the flight deck waiting to take off. We had a target. I know how close we came to a nuclear war and I will not be a president that needs to be tested.

We know Senator Obama won't have the right response to that test, because we've seen the wrong response from him over and over during this campaign. He opposed the surge strategy that is bringing us victory in Iraq and will bring us victory in Afghanistan. He said he would sit down unconditionally with the world's worst dictators. When Russia invaded Georgia, Sen. Obama said the invaded country should show restraint. He's been wrong on all of these. When I am president, we are going to win in Iraq and win in Afghanistan, and our troops will come home in victory and honor.

Let me give you the state of the race today. There's eight days to go. We're a few points down. The pundits have written us off, just like they've done before. My opponent is working out the details with Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid of their plans to raise your taxes, increase spending, and concede defeat in Iraq. He's measuring the drapes, and he's planned his first address to the nation for before the election. I guess I'm old fashioned about these things -- I prefer to let the voters weigh in before presuming the outcome.

What America needs now is someone who will finish the race before the starting the victory lap, someone who will fight to the end, and not for himself but for his country.

I have fought for you most of my life, and in places where defeat meant more than returning to the Senate. There are other ways to love this country, but I've never been the kind to back down when the stakes are high.

I know you're worried. America is a great country, but we are at a moment of national crisis that will determine our future.

Will we continue to lead the world's economies or will we be overtaken? Will the world become safer or more dangerous? Will our military remain the strongest in the world? Will our children and grandchildren's future be brighter than ours?

My answer to you is yes. Yes, we will lead. Yes, we will prosper. Yes, we will be safer. Yes, we will pass on to our children a stronger, better country. But we must be prepared to act swiftly, boldly, with courage and wisdom.

I'm an American. And I choose to fight. Don't give up hope. Be strong. Have courage. And fight.

Fight for a new direction for our country. Fight for what's right for America.

Fight to clean up the mess of corruption, infighting and selfishness in Washington.

Fight to get our economy out of the ditch and back in the lead.

Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.

Fight for our children's future.

Fight for justice and opportunity for all.

Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.

Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. America is worth fighting for. Nothing is inevitable here. We never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.

Now, let's go win this election and get this country moving again.

Be Not Distracted

Remarks by John McCain in Michigan

America today faces an historic national crisis. The global economy is directly threatened by the potential collapse of our financial system.

Two years ago, I warned the American people about the lack of oversight, transparency, backroom dealings and financial recklessness at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Those warnings went unheeded, and more than anything directly contributed to the subprime mortgage crisis which has created the perfect economic storm.

Further inaction is simply not an option. We must pass legislation to address this crisis. If we do not, credit will dry up, with devastating consequences for our economy. People will no longer be able to buy homes and their life savings will be at stake. Businesses will not have enough money to pay their employees.

But let us be perfectly clear: a great burden is upon the American people. Seven hundred billion dollars is a staggering and unprecedented figure, and it is important that I speak plainly to the American people about the dimensions of this proposal. In essence, what this plan requires is a ten thousand dollar contribution per household. Seven hundred billion dollars, for example, could rebuild the crumbling infrastructure in every town, county, and state in this country.

Because what is being asked of the American people is unprecedented, great care must be taken to ensure their protection.

With the taxpayer in mind, I am seeking 5 basic improvements to this legislation:

First, there must be greater accountability included in the bill. I have suggested a bipartisan board to provide oversight for the rescue. We will not solve a problem caused by poor oversight with a plan that has no oversight. Never before in the history of our nation has so much power and money been concentrated in the hands of one person, and there must be protections and oversight in place.

Second, as a part of that oversight, there must be a path for taxpayers to recover the money that is put into this fund. One trillion dollars is an unprecedented sum. We are talking about ten thousand dollars per household, and that money cannot simply go into a black hole of bad debt with no means of recovering any of the funds.

Third, there must be complete transparency in the review of this legislation and in the implementation of any legislation. This cannot be cobbled together behind closed doors. The American people have the right to know which businesses will be helped, what that selection will be based on and how much that help will cost. All the details should all be made available online and elsewhere for open public scrutiny.

Fourth, no Wall Street executives should profit from taxpayer dollars. It is wrong to ask teachers and farmers and small business owners to fill the gas tanks of the helicopters of Wall Street tycoons. The senior leaders of any firm that is bailed out should not be making more than the highest paid government official.

Fifth and finally, it is completely unacceptable for any kind of earmarks to be included in this bill. It would be outrageous for legislators and lobbyists to pack this rescue plan with taxpayer money for favored companies. This simply cannot happen.

Let me restate that inaction is not an option. The American people are watching. History will be our judge, and it will judge us harshly if we do not put our country first in this crisis.

September 4, 2008

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Republican nominee John McCain stuck closely to his party's traditional themes of a muscular foreign policy and limited government at home but vowed in an emotional acceptance speech Thursday night that he is independent enough to bring real change to gridlock in Washington.

"I don't work for a party," McCain said before the largest television audience of his long political career. "I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you."

In his 50-minute address to the Republican National Convention, McCain sought to make clear his independence of spirit while also repeatedly praising the Republican values of a strong military, lower taxes and less government regulation that have helped bring his party to victory in five of the last seven presidential elections.

McCain cited his surprise decision to pick the little-known Alaska governor, Sarah Palin, as a sign of his determination to change the culture of national politics.

"I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington," McCain said to cheers from delegates who have been electrified by the choice of Palin. "Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd: change is coming."

The Arizona senator only briefly mentioned the man he hopes to replace -- President Bush, mired in record-low approval ratings -- but he staunchly defended the president's decision to increase the number of troops in Iraq more than a year ago.

McCain, who claimed much of the credit for pushing for the troop "surge," said the increase "rescued us from a defeat that would have demoralized our military, risked a wider war and threatened the security of all Americans."

Unlike several other speakers at the GOP convention, McCain largely avoided questioning the qualifications of his Democratic rival, Barack Obama. And he praised the historic nature of Obama's campaign. But he also said Obama's policies would worsen the economic problems that polls show most Americans believe are the major problems facing the country today.

The Obama campaign fired back that for all of his assertions of being a maverick, McCain would be a continuation of the Bush administration. "He admonished the 'old, do-nothing crowd' in Washington but ignored the fact that he's been part of that crowd for 26 years, opposing solutions on health care, energy and education," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said.

Burton said McCain wants to "continue this president's disastrous economic and foreign policies for another four years."

Just hours ago Senator Barack Obama announced he has chosen Senator Joe Biden as his running-mate, adding his own harshest critic to the Democratic ticket. Senator Obama's choice in a running-mate once again brings up his questionable judgment when faced with making major decisions.

Senator Biden doesn't believe that Senator Obama is ready to serve as president. When asked about Senator Obama's lack of experience he said, "The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training." The fact is, there has been no harsher critic of Senator Obama's lack of readiness to serve than his new running-mate, Senator Joe Biden.

Senator Biden has long been a leading critic of Senator Obama's lack of foreign policy experience. He's criticized Senator Obama for his lack of leadership and judgment on Iraq, Afghanistan and his commitment to meet unconditionally with the leaders of rogue states.

We can't risk electing Senator Barack Obama in November and you can make a difference today. Will you make an immediate donation of $25, $50, $150, $250, $500, $1,000 or even $2,300 to our campaign? The money we raise today will go directly to getting the word out - when faced with difficult decisions; Senator Obama lacks the judgment to be our next president and he's simply not ready to lead.

John McCain has made tough, but necessary judgment calls throughout his entire career - always putting country before self interest. He has the experience necessary to serve as our next Commander in Chief. He's ready to lead - ready to put your needs above his own, but he won't win in November without your immediate support. Please join our campaign by making a donation right away.

Sincerely,
Rick Davis
Campaign Manager

P.S. Senator Obama has chosen Senator Joe Biden as his running-mate; a man who doesn't believe he's ready to lead as president. Senator Obama's poor judgment calls indicate he's not ready to lead as president. It's essential for our next president to have good judgment and to put the needs of others above all else. And that friends, is what John McCain has done and is prepared to do for all of us. Please join us today by making a generous donation to ensure a McCain Victory in November.

American Energy Act

The state of our economy

Straight Talk Express

John McCain Launches Healthcare Reform Plan

Message from Dennis Milligan, RPA Chairman

Through the Mountain Pass

Recently, the director of an international ministry told me that he would rather help an entire city prosper than only a single man.  That statement sticks with me as I write this press release announcing my campaign for State Representative in District 45.

For far too long, the top few have lived in a land illuminated by its luxury while others have felt limited to a desert land darkened by its scarcity.  My desire is to lead people away from a burdened hopelessness and toward a joyful prosperity.  Specifically, we must champion an educational system that nourishes our children’s creativity.  We must create a tax policy that stimulates our drive to pursue our dreams.  We must maximize the opportunities for our communities to reap from the abundance all around.  Finally, we must transform our healthcare system to one that propagates wellness and one that redefines elderhood as a time to thrive. I believe strongly that all of us have the God-given ability to succeed and we need a government that promotes the same. 

We as a people truly need one another’s gifts, talents, and skills in order to see our cities and nation prosper.  Too much darkness fills the land and the people’s light of hope has dimmed.  But I believe that we will lift our heads and behold the bright new day on the horizon.  Others have seen this day coming and now we are privileged to stand on the threshold of its appearance.

Here I am also inclined to address a mountain that is in our path.  Party lines have become battle lines rather than a way of organizing ideas and beliefs.  Partisan politics have become a force that has made us adversaries.  We now need to allow for a healing perspective, one that makes people more important than the lines.  The historic Chinese general, Sun-Tzu, is famous for writing that the best way to defeat an enemy is to divide its army.  Also, Jesus once said that, “A divided house will not stand.”  We will not always agree nor will we propose the same course of action on every issue, but we cannot allow our differences to divorce us from one another.  Instead, we need to learn how to combine the strengths of our different positions to accomplish the goal of bettering the quality of life for all our citizens:  our children, elders, families and communities.

Since I first considered running for this office a month ago, I have wrestled with limiting my identity to just one political party.  My beliefs, ideals and passions expand beyond any such squarish borders.  Still, I have decided to run with the Republican Party of Arkansas.  I agree with many tenets of the party, but I will not be defined by its label.  I believe it is important to serve with strong convictions, humility, and a listening ear.  Government needs individuals that will display bold originality while receiving wise counsel.  I am passionate about my Christian faith, but I respect the right all individuals bear to have their own perspective.  Clearly, the stances of a political party cannot contain all that is in my soul, nor should they be expected to; only God Himself can encompass the breadth of a man’s heart. 

Ultimately, we must shine a light into the darkness, proceed together through the mountain pass, and press on to the bright horizon ahead of us.

I, Bill Fechtelkotter, along with my wife, Amy, and my children, Malachi (6), Faith (4), Madison Grace (3) and Titus (1), hereby announce that we are commencing our campaign for the Arkansas House of Representatives – District 45.  We are humbled at the privilege we will have of serving the district and excited at the prospect of supporting the constituents therein.

Bill Fechtelkotter is 32 years old and has worked for Gulf South Medical Supply as an Account Executive in the Eldercare industry for nearly 10 years.  He, along with his wife, also work together in the wellness consulting and distribution business.  He and his family are active members of New Life Church in Conway.

"He's going to win."

Last night, Senator John McCain wrapped up the Republican Presidential nomination.  Today, he met with President Bush at the White House to accept the President's congratulations for securing the support to claim our Party's nomination.

As President Bush said, "He's going to win."

George, Senator McCain is an exceptional leader with a distinguished record.

He began his lifetime of courageous service to our country as a naval aviator.  His honors during his 22-year career in the Navy include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, and Distinguished Flying Cross.

After leaving the Navy in 1981, he continued his service in the U.S. Congress, first being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982.  After serving two terms in the U.S. House, he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986, where he is currently serving his fourth term.

Throughout his career, John McCain has fought for a reform agenda of reducing federal spending, lowering taxes, and strengthening our nation's Armed Forces.  As the Republican Presidential nominee, the Senator will unify our Party around our core conservative principles of a strong national defense, fiscal discipline, lower taxes, protecting traditional values, and nominating judges who will not legislate from the bench.

As we move forward in this critical campaign, Senator McCain is counting on the help of Republican grassroots leaders like you to ensure we can enact our responsible agenda by electing him the next President of the United States, and re-establishing Republican majorities in Congress.

That's why I hope you will make a secure online contribution of $1,000, $500, $100, $50, or $25 to support the RNC Presidential Trust.

George, under federal election law, the RNC is the ONLY Republican Party organization permitted to directly support our presidential nominee during the general election campaign.  This, along with support for all our candidates, is done through the RNC Presidential Trust.

The RNC, Senator McCain, and Republican candidates across the country need your immediate help to prepare for the challenges ahead.  Please make a secure online contribution right now of $1,000, $500, $100, $50, or $25 to the RNC Presidential Trust.  Your donation is an important investment in keeping the White House in Republican hands and winning back Congress.

On behalf of Senator McCain and all Republican candidates, thank you for your generous support.

Best Wishes,

Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
Chairman, Republican National Committee

Accomplishments of Barack Obama

Letters to the editor suggest Barack Obama has not accomplished anything in his senate career.  I beg to differ.  Consider Act S.2433, sponsored by the Illinois senator. 

The bill, which passed out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by voice vote.    Which means, there is no congressional record of which senators voted aye or nay, could come up in the US Senate very soon.  It passed out of the House last year. It will commit the U. S. Taxpayers to spend 30 Billion dollars over and above the billions already wasted on overseas giveaways.  It is called the Global Poverty Act. 

Obama’s generous bill would also require the President “to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to further the United States foreign policy objective of promoting the reduction of global poverty, the elimination of extreme global poverty, and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal of reducing by one-half the proportion of people worldwide, between 1990 and 2015, who live on less than $1.00 per day.”

The scariest part of  Obama’s bill is the phrase Millennium Development Goal.  A Declaration adopted by the United Nations Millennium Assembly and Summit in 2000. And blessed by then President Bill Clinton. 

The lengthy “Declaration” calls for among other things “redistribution of wealth, and land” worldwide, fair distribution of the earth’s resources (from the U.S. to the world, of course,) international taxes levied by the corrupt United Nations, on currency transfers, rental value of land and natural resources, fees for the commercial use of the oceans, for airplane use of the skies, and the list continues. 

Do we want the United Nations to control the United States, the oceans, the skies and all the resources?  Do we want a President that thinks this is a good idea? 

Wanda Morris

Liberal Mainstream Media proves their Ethics

The New York Times has proven once again that the liberal mainstream media will do whatever it takes to put Senator Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama in the White House.

From the beginning of Campaign 2008, liberal media pundits have fawned over the Democrat presidential candidates while ignoring their lack of substance on the issues.  You can be certain that as the campaign heats up they will continue to mislead voters with their anti-Republican agenda.

George, Republicans must fight back against the mainstream media's clear liberal bias -- and we need your help to do it.

Please make an urgent secure online contribution of $1,000, $500, $100, $50, or $25 to help the RNC get our responsible message of lower taxes, a strong national defense, and limited government past the liberal media filter and directly to the voters.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Best Wishes,

Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
Chairman, Republican National Committee

Arkansas Democrats Allow Vital National Intelligence Legislation to Expire

McCain, Romney Support Higher Among Older GOP Voters

PRINCETON, NJ -- An analysis of Gallup's daily tracking data on national Republican voters' presidential nomination preferences shows that the candidates' appeal varies somewhat by age. Specifically, older GOP voters are more likely than younger voters to support John McCain and Mitt Romney, and younger voters show somewhat higher support than older voters for Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani, and Ron Paul.

These data are based on combined interviews with 2,428 Republican voters conducted between Jan. 22 and Jan. 28, 2008 -- spanning the time between Fred Thompson's exit from the campaign and Tuesday's key Florida Republican primary.

McCain's support increases with age, with a noticeable increase among voters 35 and older. Twenty-five percent of 18- to 34-year-old Republican voters favor McCain, compared with 31% of 35- to 54-year-olds and 33% of those 55 and older. McCain's age (71) has been a subject of some discussion, as he seeks to become the oldest person elected to the presidency.

Romney, too, has greater appeal among older voters. While his support is similar among younger and middle-aged voters (16% among both groups), it jumps 10 percentage points among those 55 and older.

The remaining candidates show a decline in support among older voters. Huckabee's pattern is a variation on the Romney theme -- similar among the two youngest age groups, but dropping off among the oldest Republicans.

Both Giuliani and Paul are supported most by the youngest cohort of GOP voters, and show slightly lower support among each succeeding age group. The pattern for Paul is ironic from the standpoint that he is the oldest Republican candidate in the race.

McCain, the front-runner nationally, polls the best among all age groups, including younger voters, who show the lowest level of support for him. But he and Huckabee are essentially tied among younger voters. McCain has a rather substantial 10-point lead among middle-aged Republicans, with Huckabee running second among this group. McCain tops Romney among older GOP voters, both candidates' strongest group.

Survey Methods

These results are based on telephone interviews with 2,428 Republican voters, aged 18 and older, conducted Jan. 22-28, 2008, as part of Gallup Poll Daily tracking. For results based on this sample, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum error attributable to sampling and other random effects is ±2 percentage points.

For results based on the sample of 329 Republican voters aged 18 to 34, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±6 percentage points.

For results based on the sample of 923 Republican voters aged 35 to 54, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points.

For results based on the sample of 1,152 Republican voters aged 55 and older, the maximum margin of sampling error is ±3 percentage points.

Interviews are conducted with respondents on land-line telephones (for respondents with a land-line telephone) and cellular phones (for respondents who are cell phone only).

In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

Huckabee Gain at National Level

by Frank Newport

PRINCETON, NJ -- Republican Mike Huckabee and Democrat Barack Obama -- both winners in last week's Iowa caucuses -- have gained support at the national level among those who identify with their respective parties. Huckabee now has a 5-percentage point advantage in the Republican race nationally, while Obama is tied with Hillary Clinton.

These results are from the latest USA Today/Gallup poll of national adults, conducted Jan. 4-6, 2008. All interviews were conducted following Huckabee's and Obama's wins in Iowa last Thursday night. Results from Tuesday's New Hampshire primary may produce still further changes in the national standing of the candidates.

Among Republicans, Huckabee has jumped from 16% of the vote in December 2007 to 25% as of this polling. Coupled with the loss of support for former front-runner Rudy Giuliani, Huckabee is now the leader among Republicans nationally, with a 5-point lead over Giuliani and 6-point lead over John McCain (who has gained 5 points since December). Mitt Romney, after failing to win in Iowa, is now in fifth place nationally with just 9% of the vote, which is his lowest percentage since early October.

What is Hillary Hiding

In 2004, Hillary claimed that all of the records at the Clinton Library would be opened. She said on CNN's Larry King Live, "That's one of the things the library really stands for. It physically stands for openness with all the glass and the light. But he wants it to be a place where people come and really study. And everything's going to be available."

Nearly three years after the opening of the Clinton Presidential Library and the ensuing Freedom of Information Act Requests, less than half of one percent of the library's documents are open for review.

ABC News reported on November 6, 2007 that another Arkansas library containing documents related to Clinton won't be available until after the 2008 election.

On the campaign trail, Clinton consistently speaks to her level of experience; yet, she will not allow details of that experience to be reviewed by the public. The American people deserve to know what information is being guarded in these libraries.

After signing our petition, you'll be able to print out your very own Clinton library card. Our goal is to have thousands of people sign this petition before December 31, 2007, in hopes that this will inspire Hillary to agree to share the library documents as her New Year's resolution.

Please help us push this issue forward by signing our petition at www.clintonlibrarycard.com and be sure to forward the link to your friends.

Best Wishes,

Cyrus Krohn
Director, RNC eCampaign

History in the Dark at the Clinton Library

From The [Springfield, MA] Republican

Editorial

The William J. Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Ark., contains some 78 million pages of documents, another 20 million e-mail messages. For someone doing research on the Clinton presidency - or on the role that first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton played during her husband's two terms - the papers represent an absolute treasure.

Unfortunately, that treasure remains buried, with all but the tiniest fraction of the papers off limits to anyone who wants to take a look. And there's every reason to believe that the documents will remain under wraps at least through next year's presidential election, keeping valuable details of Hillary Clinton's doings in the White House from historians and voters alike.

Nearly three years after the opening of the Clinton presidential library, and nearly two years after its holdings became subject to the Freedom of Information Act, just over one half of 1 percent of the library's documents are open for review. The reason? That's the way Bill Clinton wants it.

In a letter written to the National Archives in November 2002, the former president listed a number of categories of documents that the archives should "consider for withholding." The letter, obtained by Newsweek magazine, listed many broad categories, and suggested that all but the most routine communications between Bill and Hillary Clinton should remain secret.

Hillary Clinton has rightly made much of the current administration's penchant for doing the people's business in the dark. But those criticisms begin to ring hollow when one learns that there is virtually no access to papers from the Clinton presidency.

Hillary Clinton is running for president touting her experience. She claims to have learned lots from her eight years in the White House, including the failed bid to reform the nation's health care system. But the citizens - and potential voters - won't be getting any real information about the education she got on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The former president could change this - just by giving his OK. He should do just that.

Hillary Investigated on Charges

LITTLE ROCK-Today, Republican Party of Arkansas Chairman Dennis Milligan called on State Attorney General Dustin McDaniel to investigate the fact that New York Senator Hillary Clinton may have eavesdropped and recorded political opponents' telephone conversations while her husband was Governor of Arkansas.

According to The Hill newspaper, "In their book about Clinton's rise to power, Her Way, Don Van Natta Jr., an investigative reporter at The New York Times, and Jeff Gerth, who spent 30 years as an investigative reporter at the paper, wrote: "Hillary's defense activities ranged from the inspirational to the microscopic to the down and dirty. She received memos about the status of various press inquiries; she vetted senior campaign aides; and she listened to a secretly recorded audiotape of a phone conversation of Clinton critics plotting their next attack." (Bolton, "GOP Targeting Clinton On Phone-Call Snooping," The Hill, 10/16/07)

Arkansas state law says that: "It is unlawful for a person to intercept a wire, landline, oral, telephonic communication, or wireless communication, and to record or possess a recording of the communication unless the person is a party to the communication or one (1) of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to the interception and recording. Any violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor." (§ 5-60-120)

"This is a very serious allegation, which is why Arkansas Attorney General McDaniel should investigate whether or not Hillary Clinton eavesdropped and recorded her and her husband's political opponents' phone conversations without legal authority," said Milligan.

The Hill wrote that, "Several legal experts said it was illegal to intercept cell phone conversations in 1992. 'It's been clear that since 1986 it was illegal to intercept an individual cell phone call,' said Barry Steinhardt, the director of the technology and liberty program at the American Civil Liberties Union." (Bolton, "GOP Targeting Clinton On Phone-Call Snooping," The Hill, 10/16/07)

"If these allegations are true, Arkansans have a right to ask the Senator from New York: why were you willing to break the law and use wiretapping for personal political gain, but you're unwilling to vote for measures that would provide our nation's intelligence community with the tools they need to catch potential terrorists, as they plot and plan to kill Americans?" Milligan continued.

Earlier this year, Clinton voted against updating the nation's nearly 30-year-old terrorist surveillance law, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978. The legislation, which expires at the end of 2009, enhances America's foreign intelligence surveillance laws and provides federal officials with critical tools needed to fight the Global War on Terror. (S. 1927, CQ Vote #309: Passed: 60-28: R 43-0; D 16-27; I 1-1, 8/3/07, Clinton Voted Nay)

For more information, visit: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/gop-targeting-clinton-on-phone-call-snooping-2007-10-16.html

# # #

Text of release available at: http://www.arkansasgop.org/News/Read.aspx?ID=6225

HILLARY'S SPEND-O-METER

After Only 9 Months On The Campaign Trail, Hillary Has Pledged To Spend Over $724 Billion In Taxpayer Dollars

If Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) Could Enact All Of Her Campaign Proposals, Taxpayers Would Be Faced With Financing $724 Billion In New Spending Over One White House Term:

To Date, Hillary’s Proposals Would Cost Over $724 Billion If She Could Get Them Enacted Into Law And Operational Over One White House Term.

“Clinton's price tag is $110 billion a year, but analysts say her [health care] plan will cost a lot more than that.” “Presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton wants the U.S. government to commit $10 billion over five years to get young children in developing countries into school …” “Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton said … that every child born in the United States should get a $5,000 ‘baby bond’ from the government … Approximately 4 million babies are born each year in the United States.”

“Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton … pledged to invest $300 million as president into public-private programs for ‘second chance education’ and reintegrating ex-offenders into communities.” “As president, Clinton said she would … Create a $50-billion strategic energy fund to research ways to boost energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.” “Hillary Clinton unveiled her second-biggest proposal of the campaign so far – after health care -- a plan to make 401(k) retirement savings plans available to all Americans. … Clinton’s ‘American Retirement accounts’ would cost about $20 to 25 billion each year, Clinton’s advisors said …” “Triple the number of NSF fellowships and increase the size of each award by 33 percent. … It is estimated that this would increase the annual cost of the program from $122 million to $500 million.” “At a recent cancer forum, Mrs. Clinton said she would ‘double’ the National Institute of Health's $28 billion budget and the National Cancer Institute's nearly $5 billion budget over 10 years.

After the Minnesota bridge collapse last month, she proposed spending $1.5 billion per year for public transit and $10 billion over 10 years to redesign and reconstruct ailing bridges. … She has proposed $1 billion to help at-risk mortgage borrowers avoid foreclosure.

Smaller-ticket items … [include] $36 million for school physical-education programs.” Hillary Clinton’s “Fact Sheet” On Universal Pre-K: “The federal government will allocate $5 billion in the first year to states to establish and administer universal Pre-K. Over the next five years, the federal commitment will increase to $10 billion as states increase their commitment to Pre-K.” (Donald Lambro, Op-Ed, “Health Care Nightmare,” The Washington Times, 9/24/07; Amy Fagan, “Hillary Seeks ‘Education For All,’” The Washington Times, 5/2/07; Devlin Barrett, “Clinton: $5,000 For Every U.S. Baby,” The Associated Press, 9/28/07; Peter Hecht, “Clinton Vows To Back Programs For ‘Second Chance Education,’” Sacramento Bee, 10/1/07; Beth Fouhy, “Clinton Would Fund Stem Cell Research,” The Associated Press, 10/4/07; Marcella Bombardieri, “Clinton Targeting Middle Class,” The Boston Globe, 10/9/07; Hillary Clinton For President Website, hillaryclinton.com, Accessed 10/10/07; Christina Bellantoni, “Democrats Can't Afford ‘08 Promises,” The Washington Times, 9/20/07; Hillary Clinton For President Website, hillaryclinton.com, Accessed 9/28/07)

Breakdown Of Hillary’s Spending Proposals, Which Total Over $724 Billion:

Hillary’s Health Care Plan Would Cost $110 Billion Per Year, Multiplied By 4 Years (One White House Term) = $440 Billion. “Clinton's price tag is $110 billion a year, but analysts say her [health care] plan will cost a lot more than that.” (Donald Lambro, Op-Ed, “Health Care Nightmare,” The Washington Times, 9/24/07)

Hillary Pledged To Create A “$50-Billion Strategic Energy Fund.” “As president, Clinton said she would … Create a $50-billion strategic energy fund to research ways to boost energy efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.” (Beth Fouhy, “Clinton Would Fund Stem Cell Research,” The Associated Press, 10/4/07)

Hillary Has Proposed 401(k) For All Americans, Funded In Part By The Government At A Cost Of Up To $25 Billion Per Year, Multiplied By 4 Years = $100 Billion.  “Hillary Clinton unveiled her second-biggest proposal of the campaign so far – after health care -- a plan to make 401(k) retirement savings plans available to all Americans. … Clinton’s ‘American Retirement Accounts’ would cost about $20 to 25 billion each year, Clinton’s advisors said yesterday.” (Marcella Bombardieri, “Clinton Targeting Middle Class,” The Boston Globe, 10/9/07)

Hillary’s Baby Bond Proposal Would Give $5,000 To Each Of The 4 Million Babies Born In The U.S. Each Year, Totaling $20 Billion Per Year, Multiplied By 4 Years = $80 Billion.  “Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton said … that every child born in the United States should get a $5,000 ‘baby bond’ from the government … Approximately 4 million babies are born each year in the United States.” (Devlin Barrett, “Clinton: $5,000 For Every U.S. Baby,” The Associated Press, 9/28/07)

“It Would Be Expensive -- About $20 Billion A Year -- And Clinton Offered No Way To Pay For It.” (Editorial, “Clinton's Baby Boondoggle,” The Chicago Tribune, 10/2/07)
For Public Transit, Hillary Would Spend $1.5 Billion Per Year, Multiplied By 4 Years = $6 Billion. “[S]he proposed spending $1.5 billion per year for public transit …” (Christina Bellantoni, “Democrats Can't Afford ‘08 Promises,” The Washington Times, 9/20/07)

Hillary Would Spend $10 Billion On Bridges Over 10 Years, Equal To $1 Billion Per Year; $1 Billion Multiplied By 4 Years = $4 Billion. “After the Minnesota bridge collapse last month, she proposed … $10 billion over 10 years to redesign and reconstruct ailing bridges.” (Christina Bellantoni, “Democrats Can't Afford ‘08 Promises,” The Washington Times, 9/20/07)

Hillary Plans To Spend $1 Billion For At-Risk Mortgage Borrowers. “She has proposed $1 billion to help at-risk mortgage borrowers avoid foreclosure.” (Christina Bellantoni, “Democrats Can't Afford ‘08 Promises,” The Washington Times, 9/20/07)

Hillary Would Commit $10 Billion For Education In Developing Countries Over 5 Years, Equal To $2 Billion Per Year; $2 Billion Multiplied By 4 Years = $8 Billion. “Presidential hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton wants the U.S. government to commit $10 billion over five years to get young children in developing countries into school …” (Amy Fagan, “Hillary Seeks ‘Education For All,’” The Washington Times, 5/2/07)

Hillary Pledged $300 Million For “Second Chance Education.” “Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton, vowing to ‘stop the revolving door from the streets to prison,’ pledged to invest $300 million as president into public-private programs for ‘second chance education’ and reintegrating ex-offenders into communities.” (Peter Hecht, “Clinton Vows To Back Programs For ‘Second Chance Education,’” Sacramento Bee, 10/1/07)

Hillary Committed $36 Million For School Phys-Ed Programs. “Smaller-ticket items … [include] $36 million for school physical-education programs.” (Christina Bellantoni, “Democrats Can't Afford ‘08 Promises,” The Washington Times, 9/20/07)

Hillary’s Universal Pre-K Would Cost $5 Billion The First Year, And Over The Next 5 Years Annual Expenditures Would Increase To $10 Billion, Meaning At A Minimum It Would Cost $5 Billion Per Year Over The First 4 Years; $5 Billion Multiplied By 4 Years = $20 Billion. Hillary Clinton’s “Fact Sheet” On Universal Pre-K: “The federal government will allocate $5 billion in the first year to states to establish and administer universal Pre-K. Over the next five years, the federal commitment will increase to $10 billion as states increase their commitment to Pre-K.” (Hillary Clinton For President Website, hillaryclinton.com, Accessed 9/28/07)

Hillary Would Increase The Number Of National Science Foundation Fellowships And Increase The Size Of Each Award, At An Annual Cost Of $378 Million; $378 Million Multiplied By 4 Years = Over 1.5 Billion. “Triple the number of NSF fellowships and increase the size of each award by 33 percent. … It is estimated that this would increase the annual cost of the program from $122 million to $500 million.” (Hillary Clinton For President Website, hillaryclinton.com, Accessed 10/10/07)

She Would Double The NIH’s Budget Over 10 Years – An Additional $28 Billion, Equal To 2.8 Billion Per Year; $2.8 Billion Multiplied By 4 Years = $11.2 Billion. “At a recent cancer forum, Mrs. Clinton said she would ‘double’ the National Institute of Health's $28 billion budget … over 10 years.” (Christina Bellantoni, “Democrats Can't Afford ‘08 Promises,” The Washington Times, 9/20/07)

And Would Double The National Cancer Institute’s Budget Over 10 Years – An Additional $5 Billion, Equal To $500 Million Per Year; $500 Million Multiplied By 4 Years = $2 Billion. “At a recent cancer forum, Mrs. Clinton said she would ‘double’ … the National Cancer Institute's nearly $5 billion budget over 10 years.” (Christina Bellantoni, “Democrats Can't Afford ‘08 Promises,” The Washington Times, 9/20/07)

AFYR Hosts State Convention at UALR Bowen School of Law

Little Rock – The Arkansas Federation of Young Republicans hosted their 2007 State Convention at the UALR Bowen School of Law on Saturday, August 25th. There were over 40 attendees, some from as far away as Rogers, Arkansas.

The proceedings of the day began with a seminar on grassroots campaigning which included the topics of “Fundraising 101” presented by Ms. Katherine Faulk of the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation and “Pulling Weeds and Working the Grassroots” with Mr. Josh Cooper of Next Generation Strategies of Memphis, TN.

The afternoon was dedicated to administrative business and the election of new officers. New business began with the chartering of the Northwest Arkansas Young Republicans Chapter, chaired by Mrs. Tammy Mostyn and Faulkner County Young Republicans Chapter, chaired by Mr. Spencer Hawks.

The elections resulted in North Little Rock businessman and former Arkansas Young Professional Network Executive Director, David Fort being elected as chairman. In remarks afterwards, Fort outlined his leadership direction. “The core principles of the Republican Party are the common sense principles that Arkansans live by every day. We will work to elect candidates who represent these principles.”

Other elected officers were First Vice-Chairman Randell Shelton, Second Vice-Chairman Barrett Dudley, Secretary Liza Freeman, Treasurer Jeff Heeter, National Committeewoman Yolanda Hugg and National Committeeman Josh Mostyn.

The events concluded that evening with a Toast and Roast of State Senator Gilbert Baker (R-Conway) at the Whole Hog Café. Attendees included State Representative Dan Greenberg, Justice of the Peace Allen Kerr, Bill Vickery and a host of others.

For more information about the Arkansas Federation of Young Republicans visit www.afyr.org or contact: David Fort, chairman@afyr.org, 501-940-4653.

Arkansas Federation of Young Republicans

P.O. Box 2474

Little Rock, AR 72203

Congress Approval Rating Matches Historical Low Just 18% approve of job Congress is doing GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

By Jeffrey M. Jones – August 21, 2007

PRINCETON, NJ -- A new Gallup Poll finds Congress' approval rating the lowest it has been since Gallup first tracked public opinion of Congress with this measure in 1974. Just 18% of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing, while 76% disapprove, according to the August 13-16, 2007, Gallup Poll.

That 18% job approval rating matches the low recorded in March 1992, when a check-bouncing scandal was one of several scandals besetting Congress, leading many states to pass term limits measures for U.S. representatives (which the Supreme Court later declared unconstitutional). Congress had a similarly low 19% approval rating during the energy crisis in the summer of 1979.

Americans' evaluations of the job Congress is doing are usually not that positive -- the vast majority of historical approval ratings have been below 50%. The high point was 84% approval one month after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when Americans rallied behind the federal government. Since then, Congress' approval ratings have generally exhibited the same downward trajectory seen in those for President George W. Bush. Currently, 32% of Americans approve of the job Bush is doing as president, a far cry from the record-high 90% he received in September 2001. Bush's current job approval rating is just three percentage points above his lowest.

There was a slight interruption in the downward trend in congressional approval ratings at the beginning of this year when party control changed hands from the Republicans to the Democrats following last fall's midterm elections. In January 2007, 35% of Americans approved of Congress, a significant increase from the 21% who approved of Congress in December 2006. That December rating tied the lowest in the 12 years the Republicans controlled Congress from 1995 to 2006.

But that "honeymoon" period for the new Democratically controlled Congress was brief, as its job ratings dropped below 30% in March 2007 and have now fallen below where they were just before the Democrats took over.  

Frustration with Congress spans the political spectrum. There are only minor (but not statistically meaningful) differences in the approval ratings Democrats (21%), Republicans (18%), and independents (17%) give to Congress. Typically, partisans view Congress much more positively when their party is in control of the institution, so the fact that Democrats' ratings are not materially better than Republicans' is notable.

The nine-point drop in Congress' job approval rating from last month to this month has come exclusively from Democrats and independents, with Democrats' ratings dropping 11 points (from 32% to 21%) and independents' ratings dropping 13 points (from 30% to 17%). Republicans' 18% approval rating is unchanged from last month.  

The decline in congressional job approval could merely reflect the cessation of any public good will it engendered when the new leadership arrived in January, since the current 18% rating is similar to what it was in December 2006 (21%).

But, it could also reflect disappointment with the new Congress' performance (especially among Democrats) and economic unease.

Americans elected the Democrats as the majority party in Congress in November 2006's midterm election in large part due to frustration with the Iraq war and an ineffective and scandal-plagued Republican-led Congress. But any hopes that the elections would lead to change have not been realized as Democrats' repeated attempts to force a change in Iraq war policy have been largely unsuccessful due to presidential vetoes, disagreements within their own party, and the inability to attract Republican support for their policy proposals. Also, many of the Democratic leadership's domestic agenda items have not become law even though some have passed one or both houses of Congress.     

As the trend in congressional approval makes clear, ratings of Congress usually suffer during times of economic uncertainty, as during the late 1970s and early 1990s. While Americans' ratings of current economic conditions are not near historical lows, there is a great deal of concern about the direction in which the economy is headed. The latest poll finds a record 72% of Americans saying the economy is "getting worse."   

Survey Methods

These results are based on telephone interviews with a randomly selected national sample of 1,019 adults, aged 18 and older, conducted August 13-16, 2007. For results based on this sample, one can say with 95% confidence that the maximum error attributable to sampling and other random effects is ±3 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

Ruling in Roberts v. Faulkner County Election Commissioners

Greenbrier – Today our office received a favorable ruling from Judge Russell Rogers in our case challenging the results of the election for J.P. District 10. We are very satisfied with Judge Rogers’ ruling and look forward to Jerry Roberts serving the people of Faulkner County on the Quorum Court.  This case was about enforcing the laws governing our voting system.  I believe that every vote, which is lawfully cast, should count but when a vote that is not lawfully cast is counted, it improperly dilutes those votes, which are lawfully cast.  We simply cannot have chaos related to the absentee ballot voting process given the obvious opportunity for fraud.
Today's court ruling reaffirms the principle that the integrity of the process for voting be maintained to ensure that the people of this state and the people of Faulkner county have faith in the idea that their voting laws will be adhered to and enforced and that if a mistake is made; a process is in place to remedy that mistake. 

####

Rude Awakening: 7 in 10 Americans “disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job”

(Gallup, 6/20/07)

Only 24 % Approve of Democrat Congress: “Ratings As Low As the Current One Are Uncommon”

“The honeymoon phase is over for the new Congress, as the public's ratings of Congress are down again this month. The latest congressional job approval rating (24%) is the lowest for the institution since Democrats took control of both houses in January, and is far below the 37% registered in February. The decline has been most evident among Democrats … ratings as low as the current one are uncommon … 71% disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job.” (Gallup, 6/20/07)

Under Democrat Leadership, American People’s Confidence in Congress at “All-Time Low”

“New Gallup data show confidence in Congress at all time low. Just 14% of Americans have a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in Congress.  This 14% Congressional confidence rating is the all-time low for this measure, which Gallup initiated in 1973.  The previous low point for Congress was 18% at several points in the period of time 1991 to 1994. (Gallup, 6/20/07)

Harry Reid doesn't understand that there are some lines you just don't cross.

It was bad enough when he said "this war is lost."  It was bad enough when he brought bill after bill to the Senate floor trying to force us to surrender Iraq to the terrorists.  It is bad enough that he has declared the President's new strategy in Iraq a failure, even though our military leaders say that we won't know the true results until September. 

But now Reid has simply gone too far. During an interview with liberal bloggers, he called Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Peter Pace "incompetent."  He made similar comments about General David Petreaus, the man leading our troops in Iraq.

There is room for him to express reasonable disagreement about our path forward in Iraq.  But to attack our military is unacceptable.  To attack General Petraeus, the man actually leading our troops on the ground, is reprehensible.  And to call General Pace, a man who has served our nation for his entire adult life with honor and distinction, 'incompetent' is beyond the pale. 

Why would Reid attack our men and women in uniform?  One simple reason: to play catch-up with the fringes of his liberal base.  The far left was furious that President Bush held firm and successfully forced Democrats in Congress to pass a clean war funding bill last month.  Now, the Democrats have to make up ground with their extreme base.

There's nothing wrong with a healthy political debate about Iraq.  But playing politics with our troops' lives and insulting the professional military leaders who are trying to bring those men and women home safe and victorious is just too much.  Contact your Congressman and Senators. Urge them to reject Harry Reid's attacks on our military, and to trust our men and women in uniform as they continue to fight to keep the American people safe.

Sincerely,


Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
Chairman, Republican National Committee

Do Not Kill Abstinence Education

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today called on Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Democrat leadership, to not let funding of abstinence-only education expire at the end of June.

Boozman, a member of the Bipartisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, signed on to a letter from Members to Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, calling for the reauthorization of the $50 million-a-year Title V Abstinence Education Program.

Reports have stated that Democrat leaders do not plan to expand the program, and plan to wipe away another $110 million discretionary-spending abstinence program.

Under Title V, states must teach that abstinence is the only sure way to avoid extramarital pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and related health problems and abstinence is the expected standard for unmarried schoolchildren.

“Nearly 80 percent (Zogby, May 2007 ) of Americans think sex education should promote abstinence over contraception, and 83% of parents think their children should wait to have sex until marriage. Clearly, there is a disconnect between the Democrat leadership and the wants of American mothers and fathers on this issue,” Boozman said. “By letting abstinence education funding expire, Speaker Pelosi will be choosing to place her wishes ahead of the wishes of parents, and send a message to mothers and fathers everywhere: we don’t trust you on this one, so we’ll choose for you what sex-education lessons your child will be taught.”

“My message to Speaker Pelosi: Do not kill abstinence education. I call on the Speaker to tell her leadership team that the American people want this program, and it should be fully-funded,” Boozman said.

Clinton on Free Enterprise

“It is the highest impertinence and presumption, therefore, in kings and ministers, to pretend to watch over the economy of private people...” —Adam Smith

Demo-gogue presidential candidate Hillary Clinton gave a little-noticed stump speech this week that should’ve sent up countless red flags.

By now, all of us know about Clinton’s re-warmed plans for socializing medicine, regulating healthcare services and providers and centralizing government control of about ten percent of the U.S. economy.

This week, however, Clinton went national with her classist “it takes a village” model, claiming that free-enterprise Capitalism is the root of all evil.

In a speech on “shared prosperity,” she proclaimed that it’s time to replace the conservative notion of an “ownership society” and economy with one based on communal responsibility and prosperity, alleging that the current system is really an “on your own” society that increases the income gap between “poor” and “rich” Americans.

Now, if Clinton is implying that individual initiative, self-reliance, responsibility and ingenuity—the very foundation of free enterprise—are the keys to creating wealth, then she is right. If she is implying that dependence upon the state and redistribution of income creates poverty, then she is right here, too—but that was not her message.

“I prefer a ‘we’re all in it together’ society,” she went on. “I believe our government can once again work for all Americans. It can promote the great American tradition of opportunity for all and special privileges for none.”

In a quintessential example of Clintonista doublespeak, Hillary outlined her economic fairness doctrine: “There is no greater force for economic growth than free markets, but markets work best with rules that promote our values, protect our workers and give all people a chance to succeed. Fairness doesn’t just happen. It requires the right government policies.”

So, according to Ms. Clinton, free markets work best when they’re constrained by the right government policies. In other words, free markets work best when they’re not free.

Apparently Hillary has also been smoking Fidel’s hand-rolled cigars. How else are we to account for her failure to recall that centralized economies, like that of the former Soviet Union, are doomed to fail and have cost millions of lives along the way?

Of course, Clinton’s allusion to “rules” is Demo-code for taxation, which, as we know, is often the forcible transfer of wealth from one group to another. This taxation, in turn, creates reliable political constituencies for Democrats. As George Bernard Shaw once noted, “A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend upon the support of Paul.”

Clinton’s economic plan is nothing more than a contemporary remake of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s class-warfare proclamation: “Here is my principle: Taxes shall be levied according to ability to pay. That is the only American principle.”

In fact, Roosevelt’s “principle” was no more American than Clinton’s. It was a paraphrase of Karl Marx’s Communist maxim, “From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs.”

Soviet dictator Nikita Khrushchev said of Roosevelt’s “New Deal” paradigm shift, “We can’t expect the American people to jump from Capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving them small doses of Socialism, until they awaken one day to find that they have Communism.”

Echoing that sentiment was perennial Socialist Party presidential candidate Norman Thomas (the grandfather, incidentally, of Newsweek Assistant Managing Editor Evan Thomas): “The American people will never knowingly adopt Socialism. But under the name of ‘liberalism’ they will adopt every fragment of the Socialist program, until one day America will be a Socialist nation, without knowing how it happened.”

No irony was spared in another interview this week, when Hillary Clinton was asked about the enormous wealth that she and Bill have amassed since their co-presidency. Clinton replied, “My husband and I never had any money. Now suddenly we’re rich. I have nothing against rich people.”

“Never had any money”? Spare me. She and Bill were long ago cashing in on commodity futures and real-estate deals. Still, the wealth they have accumulated in recent years must make those good ol’ days seem Spartan by comparison.

Hillary claims that if elected, she will “hit the restart button on the 21st century and redo it the right way.” I checked, and the Clintons were in the White House the first year of the 21st Century. Did they push the wrong button then?

Only when the Clintons voluntarily surrender for redistribution all their assets to the U.S. Treasury will I then consider her economic views with at least the sincerity afforded one who is not a complete hypocrite. In the eternal interim, her Socialist “we’re all in it together” claptrap should be considered a perilous hazard to prosperity for all.

“I am not robbed by people who have more money than I. I am robbed by a government that wants to penalize my industry and give increasing portions of what I earn to people who do not emulate my principles, morals and ethics... We once taught our young people the virtues of hard work, saving, personal responsibility and accountability for one’s actions, chastity before and fidelity and commitment in marriage, honesty, integrity and virtue—not to mention the Ten Commandments (especially the one about not coveting that which belongs to your neighbor). We now teach them entitlement, victimhood, class envy and rights to other people’s money.” —Cal Thomas

Boozman Amendment Passed

Housing benefit slated for legal residents

An amendment offered by U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving low-income housing benefits was passed as part of the final vote on H.R. 1427, the “Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007.”

The legislation creates a new regulatory system over federal home finance programs like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as an Affordable Housing Fund for extremely low and very-low income families.

The amendment would require any homebuyer who makes a purchase with money from the Affordable Housing Fund, or receiving down payment or other assistance from the fund, to demonstrate they are in the country legally.

The legislation passed, 313-104.

Boozman Introduces Anti-Meth Bill

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today introduced critical legislation to protect America’s children from drug dealers who market directly to minors.

H.R. 2425, the “Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act” amends current drug law to enhance penalties for those who manufacture drugs designed to appeal to minors due to enhanced packaging, coloring, or flavoring.

Additionally, the Boozman bill also specifically targets flavored methamphetamine, a version of the drug specially colored, and specifically made, to have a candy-like taste. This new type of product has spread across the nation since the start of 2007. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, drug dealers are pushing flavored meth in order to lure in children as new customers by creating the impression the candy-like taste makes the drug less dangerous.

The “Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act” doubles the maximum penalties that judges may impose for on drug traffickers who design controlled substances to appeal to children.  In methamphetamine cases, it doubles the mandatory minimum that judges must impose.

“There is only one reason why drug manufacturers and dealers would make their poison taste like candy: to prey on our children,” Boozman said. “This new product is not going after those who are already hooked. Meth is usually bitter tasting. Sweetening meth makes it easier to ingest. Flavored meth is meant to lure in the new user, in the hopes of making them a long-term customer.

“Marketing meth and other illict drugs this way is the equivalent of child abuse; the dealers of this junk are child abusers,” Boozman added.

According to reports, strawberry, chocolate, and cola are some of the flavors being manufactured.

“When the dealers and manufacturers change tactics, we must as well,” Boozman continued. “The goal of this bill is to tell the meth dealers, and all others who tweak their illegal drug formulas and packaging, to keep away from our children. If you don’t, there will be severe penalties associated due to the bad choice you made.”

The “Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act” was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

For the text of the legislation, click here.

H.R. 2425

“Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act”

 New Penalties for Candy-flavored Meth

Less than 5g

 5g to 49g

50g or more

 1st Offense

Fines:

Individual –
Not more than $2M

Organization –
Not more than $10M

Jail: 5 – 40 years

Fines:

Individual –
Not more than $4M

Organization –
Not more than $10M

Jail: 10 – 80 years

Fines:

Individual –
Not more than $8M

Organization –
Not more than $20M

Jail: 20 years – Life

2nd Offense

Fines:

Individual –
Not more than $4M

Organization –
Not more than $20M

Jail: 10 – 60 years

Fines:

Individual –
Not more than $8M

Organization –
Not more than $20M

Jail: 20 years – Life

Fines:

Individual –
Not more than $16M

Organization –
Not more than $40M

Jail: 40 years – Life

3rd Offense

Fines:

Individual –
Not more than $8M

Organization –
Not more than $40M

Jail: Life

Fines:

Individual –
Not more than $16M

Organization –
Not more than $40M

Jail: Life

Fines:

Individual –
Not more than $32M

Organization –
Not more than $80M

Jail: Life

Boozman Amendment Agreed To

Amendment to withhold housing benefits from illegals set for passage

Washington, May 18 - An amendment offered by U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) to prevent illegal immigrants from receiving low-income housing benefits has been agreed to, paving the way for final passage next week.

The Boozman Amendment was added late Thursday to H.R. 1427, the “Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2007,” legislation which would create a new regulatory system over federal home finance programs like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and create an Affordable Housing Fund for extremely low and very-low income families.

The amendment would require any homebuyer who makes a purchase with money from the Affordable Housing Fund, or receiving down payment or other assistance from the fund, to demonstrate they are in the country legally. It was agreed to by voice-vote.

A vote on final passage of H.R. 1427, including the Boozman Amendment, is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday.

Democrats Agree On A $2.9 Trillion Budget That Includes The Largest Tax Hike In U.S. History

Democrats Set To Pass $2.9 Trillion Budget That Includes More Washington Spending And Higher Taxes:

AP Headline: "Democrats Agree On $2.9 Trillion Budget." (Andrew Taylor, "Democrats Agree On $2.9 Trillion Budget," The Associated Press, 5/16/07)

The Democrats' Budget Fails To Extend All The 2001 And 2003 Tax Cuts. "Congressional Democrats ... announced agreement on a $2.9 trillion budget blueprint for 2008, promising a budget surplus in five years but only by allowing some of President Bush's tax cuts to expire." (Andrew Taylor, "Democrats Agree On $2.9 Trillion Budget," The Associated Press, 5/16/07)

• Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), Ranking Member On The Budget Committee, Noted The Budget Would Result In "The Largest Tax Increase In U.S. History." "The top Republican on the Senate committee, Sen. Judd Gregg ... said the Democratic plan would produce 'the largest tax increase in U.S. history, billions in new spending, and no attempt to address the long-term fiscal crisis' in retirement programs and Medicaid, the health care program for the poor and disabled." (Andrew Taylor, "Democrats Agree On $2.9 Trillion Budget," The Associated Press, 5/16/07)

The Democrat Budget Calls For More Washington Spending:

The Democrats' Budget Plan Increases Spending By $21 Billion Above The President's Request. "The deal announced Wednesday ... would allow $954.1 billion in fiscal 2008 discretionary spending.... That total, which does not include war spending, is $21 billion more than the White House's budget request, and this difference grows to $23 billion when $2 billion in advance appropriations are included." (David Clarke, "Hill Confronts President On Spending," CQ Today, 5/16/07)

A 26-Member Coalition, Including The National Taxpayers Union, Citizens Against Government Waste, And Americans For Tax Reform Sent The Following Letter To Congress Calling For Spending Restraint: "[T]he Senate and House Budget Resolutions propose to raise taxes; create new 'reserve funds' to raise taxes further; employ budgetary gimmicks they themselves have criticized; and all while ignoring the impending crises in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid." (National Taxpayers Union Website, www.ntu.org, Accessed 5/17/07)

FLASHBACK: Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) And Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) Promised To Be Committed To Fiscal Discipline And Not Raise Taxes:

Pelosi: "What we're saying is Democrats proposed tax cuts for middle-income families. And we want to have 'pay go', no new deficit spending. We're not going to start with ... repealing tax cuts." (CNN's "Newsroom," 1/7/06)

• Pelosi: "Democrats will restore fiscal responsibility to ensure a vibrant and growing economy." (Rep. Pelosi, "Pelosi: Democrats Will Restore Fiscal Responsibility To Ensure A Vibrant And Growing Economy," Press Release, 10/25/06)

Last November, Reid Said He Wouldn't Raise Taxes. CBS' Bob Schieffer: "The president, throughout this campaign, said all Democrats want to do is raise taxes.  Tell us what you plan to do. Are you going to raise taxes?  Is it inevitable that taxes will be raised?" Sen. Harry Reid: "The answer is no." (CBS' "Face The Nation," 11/12/06)

• Reid: "Democrats are ready to work with the President to address our record deficits and restore fiscal discipline." (Andrew Taylor, "Bush Pushes Balanced Budget On Democrats," The Associated Press, 1/4/07)

South Carolina Debate

Last night was a good night. My Dad's jokes were funny (they aren't always!) and his energy and enthusiasm for our country and our Republican Party's ideals were clearly evident.

You don't have to take my word for it because unbiased people all over the country are saying the same things:

Byron York, National Review: "Huckabee did so well, both in California and South Carolina, that if the tiers were determined by debate performance alone, he’d be in the top group."

David Brody, CBN News: "Overall, I thought Mike Huckabee did really well again tonight. He was smooth and likeable just like he was a few weeks ago in California. He had the line of the night when he said 'Congress has spent money like John Edwards at a beauty shop'."

John Podhoretz, National Review: "Huckabee really elevates these debates with his smooth and eloquent presence."

Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review: Please Include Me in Rudy McRomney: "I "could use the bump," Huckabee says. Is it condescending to call a governor "adorable"? Such a likable, uplifting guy."

Just as encouraging, the campaign's blog received dozens of similar comments from supporters nationwide.

Last night my dad showed America who he really is, and clearly Republcians liked what they saw and heard. Coming out of the debate you can help keep the momentum going by:

1. Telling Your Friends - We need to inform voters of my dad's positions and we need your help to do it. Click here and enter your friends' e-mail addresses and invite them to join you on Team Huckabee and please tell them why "I Like Mike!".

2. Contribute - Your financial support is crucial to this campaign. With your help, we can make certain America has the opportunity to learn what we already know: my Dad is a proven leader and authentic conservative.

3. Join the Discussion - Website traffic soared last night after the debate. We encourage you to join the ongoing discussion on our blog.

My Dad likes to say this campaign is a marathon not a sprint. We are gaining momentum. Help us keep going.

Thank You, 

Sarah Huckabee
 

VETO

Dear Supporter,

Last week, the Democrat-led House and Senate - despite a veto promise from the President - passed a so-called war funding bill that handcuffs our generals in Iraq, insists on a surrender date, and contains billions of dollars in pork spending unrelated to the war. What is most amazing is that it took 80 days from the date the President requested this emergency troop funding for Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi to finalize their flawed version of the legislation, and another five days for Pelosi to deliver the bill to the President.

Just hours after receiving the legislation, the President fulfilled his promise to veto the bill and sent it back to Pelosi and Reid . In an address to the nation Tuesday night, President Bush laid out his reasons for vetoing this bill, and renewed his commitment to work with leaders of both parties to pass clean legislation which supports our troops.

Before the bill even arrived at the White House, leading Democrats had signaled their unwillingness to compromise. Click Here to see Democrat Senator Joe Biden tell supporters that they were going to "shove" the bill "down [the President's] throat." Biden, the man once called "the Democrat's expert on foreign policy" by Senate Democrat Leader Harry Reid, was proven wrong a short time later when Nancy Pelosi's attempt to force an override of the President's veto was soundly defeated in the House.

One of the things that sets us apart from the Islamic fascists is that we believe in freedom of speech and open political debate. But I truly believe that most Americans, whether they are Republicans, Democrats, or Independents, believe that we owe it to our men and women in uniform to support them in every way possible. Delaying an emergency funding bill that they desperately need while introducing more partisan legislation is not what we expect from any of our political leaders, no matter which party they belong to.

Contact your Congressman and Senator. Urge them to work with the President to pass a clean bill that funds our troops, trusts our military commanders, and helps keep the American people safe.

Sincerely,


Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
Chairman, Republican National Committee

USA Today/Gallup Poll

March 23-25, 2007. N=429 Republicans and Republican leaners nationwide. MoE ± 5.

.

"Next, I'm going to read a list of people who may be running in the Republican primary for president in the next election. After I read all the names, please tell me which of those candidates you would be most likely to support for the Republican nomination for president in the year 2008, or if you would support someone else. . . ." Names rotated. Rice was included in the list of candidates in 2006.

.

3/23-25/07              %    

Rudy Giuliani           31

John McCain           22

Fred Thompson      12

Newt Gingrich          8

Sam Brownback       3

Mitt Romney            3

Tommy Thompson   2

Ron Paul                  1

Tom Tancredo         1

Mike Huckabee       1

Jim Gilmore              -

George Pataki          -

Chuck Hagel            -

Duncan Hunter         -

Someone else           2

None (vol.)              3

All/Any (vol.)           1

Unsure                     9

Message From the President

Earlier today, my staff met with congressional leaders about the resignations of U.S. attorneys. As you know, I have broad discretion to replace political appointees throughout the government, including U.S. attorneys. And in this case, I appointed these U.S. attorneys and they served four-year terms.

The Justice Department, with the approval of the White House, believed new leadership in these positions would better serve our country. The announcement of this decision and the subsequent explanation of these changes has been confusing and, in some cases, incomplete. Neither the Attorney General, nor I approve of how these explanations were handled. We're determined to correct the problem.

Today I'm also announcing the following steps my administration is taking to correct the record and demonstrate our willingness to work with the Congress. First, the Attorney General and his key staff will testify before the relevant congressional committees to explain how the decision was made and for what reasons. Second, we're giving Congress access to an unprecedented variety of information about the process used to make the decision about replacing eight of the 93 U.S. attorneys.

In the last 24 hours, the Justice Department has provided the Congress more than 3,000 pages of internal Justice Department documents, including those reflecting direct communications with White House staff.

This, in itself, is an extraordinary level of disclosure of an internal agency in White House communications.

Third, I recognize there is significant interest in the role the White House played in the resignations of these U.S. attorneys. Access to White House staff is always a sensitive issue. The President relies upon his staff to provide him candid advice. The framers of the Constitution understood this vital role when developing the separate branches of government. And if the staff of a President operated in constant fear of being hauled before various committees to discuss internal deliberations, the President would not receive candid advice, and the American people would be ill-served.

Yet, in this case, I recognize the importance of members of Congress having -- the importance of Congress has placed on understanding how and why this decision was made. So I'll allow relevant committee members on a bipartisan basis to interview key members of my staff to ascertain relevant facts. In addition to this offer, we will also release all White House documents and emails involving direct communications with the Justice Department or any other outside person, including members of Congress and their staff, related to this issue. These extraordinary steps offered today to the majority in Congress demonstrate a reasonable solution to the issue. However, we will not go along with a partisan fishing expedition aimed at honorable public servants.

The initial response by Democrats, unfortunately, shows some appear more interested in scoring political points than in learning the facts. It will be regrettable if they choose to head down the partisan road of issuing subpoenas and demanding show trials when I have agreed to make key White House officials and documents available. I have proposed a reasonable way to avoid an impasse. I hope they don't choose confrontation. I will oppose any attempts to subpoena White House officials.

As we cut through all the partisan rhetoric, it's important to maintain perspective on a couple of important points. First, it was natural and appropriate for members of the White House staff to consider and to discuss with the Justice Department whether to replace all 93 U.S. attorneys at the beginning of my second term. The start of a second term is a natural time to discuss the status of political appointees within the White House and with relevant agencies, including the Justice Department. In this case, the idea was rejected and was not pursued.

Second, it is common for me, members of my staff, and the Justice Department to receive complaints from members of Congress in both parties, and from other citizens. And we did hear complaints and concerns about U.S. attorneys. Some complained about the lack of vigorous prosecution of election fraud cases, while others had concerns about immigration cases not being prosecuted. These concerns are often shared between the White House and the Justice Department, and that is completely appropriate.

I also want to say something to the U.S. attorneys who reside. I appreciate your service to the country. And while I strongly support the Attorney General's decision and am confident he acted appropriately, I regret these resignations turned into such a public spectacle.

It's now my hope that the United States Congress will act appropriately. My administration has made a very reasonable proposal.

It's not too late for Democrats to drop the partisanship and work together. Democrats now have to choose whether they will waste time and provoke an unnecessary confrontation, or whether they will join us in working to do the people's business. There are too many important issues, from funding our troops to comprehensive immigration reform, to balancing the budget, for us to accomplish on behalf of the American people.

The Arkansas Republican Party Hires Executive Director

Little Rock - On Saturday, March 17th, Karen Ray* was hired as the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Arkansas, starting May 1st. Ray will replace Clint Reed who served for two years and recently accepted a position at the Republican National Committee.

Ray currently serves in the Bush Administration as the Confidential Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security. Previously, Ray has served at the Department of Labor and on the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee. In 2004, Ray served as the Central Arkansas Field Director for the Republican National Committee Coordinated Campaign, Arkansas Leadership Committee. Ray is a native of Mississippi and is a graduate of Mississippi College in Clinton, MS.

Karen Ray has served in the Administration of President George W. Bush since February, 2005. She currently serves as the Confidential Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Prior to this position, Ms. Ray served in the Office of the 21st Century Workforce, a division of the Office of the Secretary of Labor at the U.S. Department of Labor. This office is responsible for all large outreach conferences and public events hosted by the Secretary of Labor. From December 2004 - February 2005, Ms. Ray was the Administration Liaison to the Executive Offices of the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee. In this capacity, Ms. Ray worked with the Executive Office, which included the Treasury and Legal offices, to ensure that all logistical and administrative needs were met by the vendors performing services for the Inaugural Committee. In addition,Ms. Ray was one of two staff members responsible for more than one hundred volunteers at the “Celebration of Freedom” event held on the Ellipse at the White House during inaugural week. In 2004, Ms. Ray served as the Central Arkansas Field Director for the Arkansas Leadership Committee. She was initially responsible for volunteer recruitment and grassroots organization in Pulaski County; however, in September of 2004, her role expanded to include activities in the following counties: Pope, Saline, Garland, Grant, Faulkner, Jefferson, Hot Spring, Perry, Cleburne, Conway, Van Buren and Yell. She was responsible for volunteer recruitment and deployment surrounding the successful “72-Hour” program in her targeted counties. Ms. Ray worked alongside hundreds of volunteers, and together their efforts resulted in tens of thousands of voter contacts throughout central Arkansas. The President made significant gains as compared to the 2000 election cycle, both in numbers of votes cast and in percentages of votes, in each of her targeted counties. In Pulaski County alone, more than twelve thousand additional votes were cast for President Bush in 2004 than in 2000. Ms. Ray attended Mississippi College, where she was a cum laude graduate of the School of Business. She was awarded the Sandra B. Parks Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in the School of Business (Marketing) and held various leadership positions on campus. In 2002, Ms. Ray was one of three students selected by Mississippi College to attend the Trent Lott Leadership Institute for College Students in Washington, D.C., a leadership development program hosted by the University of Mississippi. In 2003, Ms. Ray interned at the National Federation of Republican Women’s headquarters office in Alexandria, Virginia. She also served as a Sunday School teacher and Campus Intern for junior high students at First Baptist Church, Jackson, Mississippi.

Democrats Taking Up Resolution Today

You've read recently about Nancy Pelosi and John Murtha's attempts to micromanage the Iraq war from the U.S. House. Well, not to be outdone, the Democrats in the U.S. Senate are taking up a resolution today that would force President Bush to withdraw our troops from Iraq whether we have reached our goals or not.

That's a dangerous move, and it's not just Republicans who think so. Two years ago, Senator Hillary Clinton said, "I don't think we should be setting a deadline ... that just gives a green light to the insurgents and the terrorists, that if they just wait us out they can basically have the country." Just two months ago, she reaffirmed her position: "I'm not going to support a specific deadline." Last week, Democrat Senator Evan Bayh said "I, for example, am not in support of circling a date on a calendar and saying, 'No matter what, we're out on that date.'" Democrat Senator Jim Webb agrees: "Anyone who tells you we can set a timetable for withdrawal doesn't understand war."

The experts also say that setting a deadline is a recipe for failure. The government's most recent National Intelligence Estimate on Iraq concluded that "If Coalition forces were withdrawn ... we judge that this almost certainly would lead to a significant increase in the scale and scope of sectarian conflict in Iraq." Our intelligence experts added, "If such a rapid withdrawal were to take place, we judge that the ISF [Iraqi Security Forces] would be unlikely to survive."

No one wants our brave men and women in uniform to come home as much as President Bush. But to set a deadline for withdrawal with no consideration of the situation on the ground is a recipe for disaster. It would send the signal to the terrorists in Iraq that all they have to do is wait us out, and then sweep in when we retreat. It would send a signal to our enemies worldwide that we are not serious about the War on Terror. And it would send a signal to our troops that their efforts don't matter.

There is a way to bring our men and women home, and that is to help them achieve their goals. That's why the President is beefing up security in Baghdad, changing the way we interact and train Iraqi troops, and making sure the Iraqi government lives up to its responsibilities. It is these steps that will lead to an end to the war, not on the terrorists' terms, but on our terms.

Contact your Senators today. Tell them to oppose the Democrats' attempt to micromanage the war. Tell them that we cannot leave Iraq in the hands of terrorists.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Robert M. (Mike) Duncan
Chairman, Republican National Committee

Non-embryonic Stem Cell Research

The Arkansas Republican Caucus is taking the lead on important issues such as non-embryonic stem cell research.  More than one hundred million Americans suffer from diseases that could eventually be cured with umbilical cord, placenta, and amniotic fluid stem cells, without destroying embryos. 

Only 10 states utilize this type of research and currently, 20,000 Americans have been treated or cured of their illnesses through postnatal tissue and fluid stem cells.  Some of the diseases that can benefit from these stem cells include leukemia, anemia, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, lymphoma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, sickle cell disease, and Crohn’s disease.

As designed in this legislation, our hope is that a commission will be created to establish a network of postnatal tissue and fluid banks in partnership with hospitals, universities, nonprofit organization or private firms across the state.  This legislation will create the first Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank in the state. 

• FAMILY

• HB2416: Creates a Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank, as well the Arkansas Commission for the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Initiative

Representative Jon Woods

Ensure Small Businesses Thrive

We are working to ensure small businesses thrive in Arkansas with the passing of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.  This legislation, which was recently signed into law, will require the state government to complete an economic impact statement before proposing new rules or regulations that could affect small businesses.  

The impact statement will be reviewed by the agency director to determine if any action should be taken to prevent an adverse affect on small businesses.

• SB55: Reduces the burdens of governmental regulation on small business

Representative James Norton
Chair: Agriculture – House Parks & Tourism Subcommittee
Vice Chair: Agriculture, Forestry & Economic Development - House

Senator Denny  Altes
Senate House Leader

Republican Caucus Supports High Standards in Education

 The Republican Caucus supports high standards in the Arkansas public school system.  We believe that education is tied directly to economic development and quality of life.  Our goal is to make education equitable, equal and efficient for all students. 

With Republican leadership serving important committees such as the House Education Committee, we have taken the first step in providing adequate funding for education.  House Bill 1632 and 1633 passed overwhelmingly in the Arkansas House of Representatives.  We are excited to have been an integral part of this important step in fulfilling the requirements of the Supreme Court Lake View case. 

Our next step is to provide funding for school facilities, ensure a greater portion of tax dollars are spent in the classroom, and increase accountability and transparency by ensuring existing funds are spent efficiently and effectively.

• EDUCATION

• HB1632: Ensure that every public school system receives the full amount of foundational funding.
• HB1633: Enhance educational funding by increasing the per student funding distributed to the public school system.

Representative Mike Kenney
Chair, Education Committee - House

Protecting Your Job and Protecting Your Vote

The Arkansas Republican Caucus is focusing on protecting your job and protecting your vote.  House Bill 1024 prohibits state agencies from contracting with businesses that employ illegal immigrants.  We believe that our state government needs to set an example for other businesses across Arkansas.  This legislation passed overwhelmingly and was signed into law yesterday as Act 157.

Another bill that your Republican Caucus supports is House Bill 2120 which requires a voter to present a government issued photo identification card before receiving a ballot.  Voters who can’t show identification will vote by provisional ballot and have six days to show proof of identity.  Our goal is to make sure every registered voter gets a vote, but only one vote.  Our right to vote is diminished and diluted by voter fraud and this legislation will help stifle fraudulent balloting .

• IMMIGRATION & BALLOT INTEGRITY

• HB1024: To prohibit state agencies from contracting with businesses that employ illegal immigrants.
• HB2120: To require a voter to present photo identification when voting.

Representative Rick Green 
Vice Chair, Public Health – House Health Services Committee

Representative Jon Woods

Victory Plan in Iraq

President Bush has a clear plan for victory in Iraq that begins with training Iraqi forces so they can defend their country and fight the terrorists. We are making tremendous progress towards this objective. Earlier this year, Iraqi forces led the fight in clearing out terrorists during the crucial battle of Tal Afar, with U.S. troops in a supporting role, and every day, Iraqis are taking more control of the situation on the ground. Withdrawing from Iraq, as some Democrats in Washington propose, would send a dangerous signal to our enemies that we cut and run when the going gets tough. President Bush is offering a clear strategy to win, not a political quick fix.

In an article "House Democrats' New Strategy: Force Slow End to War" the newest Democrat strategy is described.  They are planning to put a chokehold on our military in their effort to force our troupes to leave Iraq and Afghanistan before the area is secure form terrorist rule.  If we as conservatives and Republicans do not stand up in support of our president now, we will surely have disaster on the horizon.

“ARKANSAS BLUEPRINT FOR REFORM”

A POLICY PROPOSAL THAT REFLECTS THE VIEWS AND VALUES OF EVERYDAY ARKANSANS
As a group, the Republican Legislative Caucus puts forth a common-sense package of policy proposals that will be priorities during the 2007 Legislative Session.  The “Blueprint for Reform” is the following:

• PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS
• Current Arkansas law and the definition of “public use” should be tougher and more restrictive to reflect the historical definition of “public use.” Within this, private property rights should be strengthened by limiting the uses for condemnation.  
• CONSUMER PROTECTION
• Stop Predatory Practices of Pay-Day Lending
• The Republican Caucus will be working with Arkansans Against Abusive Pay-Day Lenders to stop this egregious practice. 
• TAX REFORM & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Stop Predatory Practices of Pay-Day Lending
• The Republican Caucus will be working with Arkansans Against Abusive Pay-Day Lenders to stop this egregious practice.
• Cut taxes on pension/retirement income
• Increase the exemption from $6,000 to $12,000 annually
• Make it harder to raise the sales tax
• Require super-majority of both legislative bodies
• Provide consumer tax credit of $500 annually for alternative fuels including bio-based fuels and ethanol.
• Repeal sales tax on utilities for manufacturers. 
• CRIME & PUNISHMENT
• “Jessica’s Law”
• Strengthen penalties for sexual predators
• Mandate minimum first-time penalty of 25 years to life
• Sex offenders released from incarceration must wear GPS monitor at all times.
• Implement stiffer penalties, including hard labor, for manufacturers of methamphetamine.
• Expand drug courts to provide rehabilitation for drug users. 
• EDUCATION
• Put Arkansas school children first by ensuring a greater portion of tax dollars are spent in the classroom.
• Increase accountability and transparency with a uniform accounting system ensuring existing funds are spent efficiently and effectively.  
• AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE
• PATIENTS RIGHT TO KNOW / PERFORMANCE & PRICING
• Ensure that hospital procedures and prescription drug costs are publicly disclosed to provide side-by-side comparison of costs and performance.
• MODERNIZE MEDICAID
• Use innovative solutions such as Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s) and electronic health records to give recipients more control and flexibility over their Medicaid dollars. 
• FAMILY
• Implement standards to ensure that adopted children are placed in traditional family environments.
   

Huckabee's Run for the White House

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Over the past several months, I have received growing encouragement from conservative activists and leaders for me to become a candidate for President. I have sought counsel and advice from my family, close friends, political advisers, and most importantly from above. Our nation only stays strong when we are willing to take a stand, take a risk, and hopefully make this country a safer, more prosperous, and healthier place.  Today, I am ready to take that stand.

 I ask you to join me in the effort to take a message of hope and optimism to the people of America. On Sunday, while appearing on "Meet the Press" with Tim Russert, I announced I am filing papers to create the Huckabee for President Exploratory Committee, Inc.

I learned a lot in training for the four marathons I've run. The hardest part is taking the first step and saying "I will do it." I've taken that step. The road ahead is not a sprint, but truly a marathon. The journey begins and I hope you'll be with me for every step of the way!

With gratitude and hope,

Mike Huckabee

State of the Union

Here are some excerpts from last night's speech which you may find helpful when writing your letters and calling talk radio:

From his strong focus on ensuring all Americans have access to affordable health care, to using new methods to make American independent of foreign sources of energy, to making sure that America remains safe and secure, President Bush is confronting the challenges of our time with boldness and clarity. Will you stand up and support him today?

Sincerely,

Go to the Resources section of our website to see a transcuipt of the entire State of the Union address.

Imagine This

Imagine a community that is more concerned with the general welfare of its citizens than political party. Imagine the promotion of respect for all. Imagine a place where principles and achievable, high ideals can beat again in the heart of the downcast. Imagine families growing in a healthy, safe, free and responsible atmosphere. Imagine the innocent protected from the corrupt. Imagine America’s heritage renewed and preserved. Imagine liberalism constrained and the hand of Freedom holding its foes at bay. Imagine government that allows its people enough room to breathe. Imagine service-oriented leaders who are more concerned with integrity than self-advancement.  

IMAGINE CONSERVATIVES IN GOVERNMENT!

Well it's OVER

The Election has passed.  The people have spoken.  Now is time for us to listen to what was said.  I know we are all tired after the months of hard work put in during the final days.  We walked more miles,  spoke to more people, shook more hands, made more phone calls, bought more pies, and much more, than we would ever do normally all for the cause of our community. None of us should feel discouraged as we all put out a good effort.  We were fighting an uphill battle. We must simply work harder next time.

For the next couple of months rest and enjoy some special time with your family.  Tis the season to worship, praise, and reflect on all God has done in our lives. 

We have one more meeting left this year on November 20. Please try to make it as we have a few maintenance items to take care of before the year ends.  The meeting will be at head quarters for the last time. New meeting location to be announced later.

Little Rock - Governor Mike Huckabee issued the following statement today:

Apologize OUT LOUD

Vice President Dick Cheney: “Time and time again, we’re seeing examples of Democratic Party leaders apparently having lost their perspective concerning the nature of the enemy we face, and the need to wage this fight aggressively. No sharper example can be found than the Democratic Party chairman himself, Howard Dean, who said the capture of Saddam Hussein didn’t make America any safer. And maybe it should be no surprise that such a party would turn its back on a man like Senator, Joe Lieberman, who has been an unapologetic supporter of the fight against terror.”

• Vice President Cheney: “Instead they highlight people like John Kerry, their presidential nominee in 2004. Aren’t we lucky he lost that election? You remember John Kerry – the senator who voted for the 87 billion dollars before he voted against it … the guy that was always lecturing us about ’nuances.’ He’s the one, you’ll recall, who last year said that American soldiers were ’terrorizing … children’ in Iraq. And just this week he took another swipe at the U. S. military. Here’s what he said, word for word. Quote: ’You know education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. If you don’t, you get stuck in Iraq.’ End quote. Well, apparently Senator Kerry’s the one who needs to be educated.”

• Vice President Cheney: “Of course, now Senator Kerry says he was just making a joke, and he botched it up. I guess we didn’t get the nuance. He was for the joke before he was against it.”

• Vice President Cheney: “As a leading Democratic senator, John Kerry needs to learn that the men and women serving in Iraq aren’t there because they didn’t study hard or do their homework. The all-volunteer force represents the very best of this country. They’re smart, patriotic, exceptionally well trained, and dedicated to their mission. They are heroes, and they are the pride of the United States of America.”

http://www.cnn.com/video/partners/clickability/index.html?url=/video/politics/2006/10/31/henry.kerry.education.controversy.kcal

13 reasons to vote Republican

Written By: MONA CHAREN

I can understand why Democrats are jazzed about November's election. The polls combined with the fawning media ("Oh, please, Sen. Obama, let us kiss the hem of your garment!") are giving them goose bumps such as they have not experienced since "An Inconvenient Truth" debuted in theaters.

What I don't understand is the seeming tepidness of so many Republicans. Yes, the war in Iraq is a long, hard slog. The world is not Topeka, Kan. (would that it were). A journalist pointed out to President Bush at his most recent press conference that the Iraq war has now been going on as long as World War II did for the United States. Well, yes, but we lost 407,316 men in World War II. On Iwo Jima alone, we lost 6,800. This is not to say that the deaths of our people in Iraq should be trivialized. But comparisons with World War II - in terms of sacrifice and terrible price paid - are ridiculous.

Republicans have abundant reasons to reserve a spot at their polling places on Election Day:

1) The economy. More than 6.6 million new jobs have been created since August 2003. Our 4.1 annual growth rate is superior to all other major industrialized nations. The Dow has set record highs multiple times in the past several weeks. Productivity is up, and the deficit is down. Real, after-tax income has grown by 15 percent since 2001. Inflation has remained low. As Vice President Cheney summed it up at a recent meeting with journalists, "What more do you want?" The tax cuts proposed by President Bush and passed by a Republican Congress can take a bow.

2) The Patriot Act. Democrats and liberals mourn this law as a gross infringement upon civil liberties. Yet the much-discussed abuses simply haven't materialized. The law has, on the other hand, permitted the CIA and FBI to cooperate and share information about terrorist threats - at least so long as The New York Times isn't publishing the details of our counterterrorism efforts on the front page.

3) The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty, to which liberals clung with passionate intensity, has been cancelled, permitting us to work on missile defense. In the age of Kim Jong Il and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is anyone (except Nancy Pelosi) sorry?

4) Immigration. Republicans in Congress insisted upon and got the first serious immigration restriction in decades. On Oct. 26, the president signed a law that will build a 700-mile fence along our southern border and, what is more important, does not offer amnesty.

5) There has not been another terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11. Who would have predicted that on 9/12?

6)ĘLibya has surrendered its nuclear program.

7)ĘA.Q. Khan's nuclear smuggling network has been rolled up.

8)ĘJohn Roberts and Samuel Alito sit on the U.S. Supreme Court.

9)ĘThose Democrats who do not want to close Guantanamo Bay altogether want to give all of its inmates the full panoply of rights Americans enjoy in criminal procedures.

10) Democrats believe in immediate withdrawal from Iraq. If they succeed in forcing us to leave under these circumstances, the United States will suffer a stinging defeat in the war on terror. The terrorists already believe that they drove the Russians from Afghanistan and Israel from Lebanon and Gaza. They are convinced they chased us out of Lebanon in 1983 and from Somalia in 1993. According to Osama bin Laden and those who share his views, we are militarily strong but psychologically and spiritually weak. Like it or not - and no one likes it - we cannot leave Iraq now without utterly and decisively validating this analysis. We might as well run a white flag up the flagpole at the Capitol.

11) Democrats would like to eliminate the terrorist surveillance program.

12) If Democrats achieve a majority in the House, Barney Frank will chair the Financial Services Committee, Henry Waxman will head the Government Reform Committee, and Alcee Hastings will chair the Intelligence Committee.

13) Democrats believe that the proper response to Kim Jong Il's nuclear test is "face to face talks." That's what the Clinton administration did for years. It worked out well, didn't it?

Candidates encourage early voting

Monday was the first day for early voting in Arkansas, and each major party candidate for governor urged people to go ahead and do it.
   “I’ve already voted this morning,” Democrat Mike Beebe told ralliers at a supporter’s house across the street from a Little Rock polling place, the Susan Cowan Williams Library. “It would be kind of sad to tell everyone to vote early if I didn’t do it myself.”
   Beebe, the state attorney general, said he and his wife, Ginger, voted in Searcy, where they live.
   Republican Asa Hutchinson, a former congressman, called for people to vote early during a news conference in Little Rock but said, “I will vote on Election Day.”
   Hutchinson spokesman David Kinkade said he didn’t know why Hutchinson planned to wait until Nov. 7.
   Natasha Naragon, a spokesman for Secretary of State Charlie Daniels, said things seemed to be going smoothly for the most part at polling places.
   “We have not received reports of problems with early voting relating to the machines or poll workers,” Naragon said.
   The percentage of votes cast early has been rising. In 2002, 14 percent of the votes were early. That rose to 28 percent in 2004.
   Daniels is predicting that about a third of the votes will be cast early this year and that 55 percent of registered voters overall will cast votes by Election Day. There are about 1.65 million registered voters in Arkansas, Naragon said.
   Beebe said it’s important to vote early because people can get sick or have a loved one get sick or the weather might be bad on Election Day.
   In most counties, early voting is restricted to the county courthouses. Garland, Pulaski and Benton counties have more than one polling site for early voting, Naragon said.
   State Republican Party Executive Director Clint Reed said he heard a fourthhand complaint about chaos during polling at Mc-Math Library in Little Rock. A party employee heard from Hutchinson’s campaign, which took the complaint. The party employee had relayed in an e-mail to Reed the complaint of “chaos... the machines aren’t working... the people don’t know what they are doing. ... people are leaving mad.”
   Bart Haynie, a Democratic Party spokesman, didn’t return a message Monday inquiring about what Democrats had heard.
   Susan Inman, director of elections for the Election Commission of Pulaski County, said voting seemed to be going well at the county’s nine early voting sites. The sites seemed to be fairly busy, she said.
   Absentee ballots were distributed by the county ahead of the deadline this month, and machines are programmed and ready to go, partly because Pulaski County is “fortunate enough to be able to” get its ballots printed and its machines programmed without relying on Election Systems & Software, she said.
   The county relied on ES&S in the spring because it was switching over to new ES&S-provided machines. Problems resulted because ES&S didn’t get the programming done right or in a timely fashion, Inman said.
   Inman said there were some “jitters” among election personnel, but that’s normal when getting started on an election.
   She said she got a call from one polling site that a machine wasn’t recording a voter’s choices, “but we worked through that and it seemed to be operator error.” The voter evidently was pressing his choices on the touch screen so hard that the light highlighting the name of his selection didn’t light up. “It just needs a light touch,” Inman said.
   Benton County Clerk Mary Slinkard said early voting was off to a good start using ES&S-provided IvoTronic machines at the six early voting locations there. By midafternoon, about 450 early votes had been cast, she said.
   With absentee ballots “we’ve had all kinds of problems,” she said, citing ES&S as the main problem. She said she e-mailed corrections to the ES&S printer about 12 days ago and that the printed ballots arrived Monday morning at the county election commission.
   One problem she had spotted in some versions before Monday’s shipment arrived was the omission of the 3rd Congressional District race. She said she was dying to know whether that was fixed in the ballots that arrived Monday but was too busy to find out immediately. “I’ve got long lines of people wanting to vote, and I don’t have anybody to send over there to look,” she sad.
   To help make sure military personnel abroad get to vote, her office followed the advice of the secretary of state’s office and mailed about 130 federal write-in ballots to voters at military-type addresses by the Oct. 13 deadline, Slinkard said.
   Other absentee ballots will go out this week. In all, there will be about 300 absentee ballots sent from Benton County, Slinkard said.
   In Baxter County, things were going so well that clerk Rhonda Porter’s sense of humor was in high gear. “Awful,” she said when asked how it was going, but quickly added, “Just kidding! It’s going very wonderfully, very good.”
   About 300 votes had been cast by midafternoon on six IvoTronic machines at the Baxter County courthouse, the only early voting site in the county, she said. “We’ve gotten good comments” from voters about how it’s worked, she said.
   Thanks to Advance Printing Solutions in Little Rock, the county got enough absentee ballots to send to military personnel abroad that it also met the Oct. 13 deadline, Porter said. There were about 20 such ballots, she said.
   The county also has sent absentee ballots to Arkansas voters who requested them and will be voting from other states. The absentee ballots for Arkansan voters who will vote absentee within Arkansas will go out this week, she said.

Immigration looms as issue between Beebe, Hutchinson

Garrison honored as pioneer in Faulkner County

By RACHEL PARKER
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

Could one soft-spoken woman be the "keys to the courthouse" for the Republican party?

State Sen. Gilbert Baker surmised it was so Monday night, as the Faulkner County Republican Committee honored Joyce Garrison, who, in 1992, was the first Republican to be elected to office in Faulkner County since Reconstruction.

Baker said Garrison was quietly elected to the Faulkner County Quorum Court, an accomplishment perhaps overshadowed by Bill Clinton being elected president. However, Garrison's election opened the door for more Republicans to take office in Faulkner County, he said.

"She's been a great addition to the political process in Faulkner County," Baker said. "We've really benefited from her efforts to develop a two-party system in this county.

"Arkansans have always shown an independent streak when it comes to voting. They'll vote for Bill Clinton, and they'll vote for Joyce Garrison, the first Republican elected to office since Reconstruction."

Baker presented Garrison with a plaque that proclaimed her a pioneer in Faulkner County. He pointed out that since she has been elected, several other Republicans have served on the quorum court, and a Republican state senator (himself) and state representative (Marvin Parks) have also been elected in the county.

Garrison said the day after she was elected, a Log Cabin Democrat staff writer called to talk to her about being the first Republican elected in the county since Reconstruction.

"I never thought much about it," Garrison said. "I've never looked for praise or recognition. I just thought this was what I was supposed to do, and I did it."

Garrison said the only thing she sponsored on her own while serving on the quorum court was a resolution saying the meetings would open with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. A friend who was a justice of the peace in Saline County had sponsored a similar resolution, she said. The resolution passed unanimously, she added.

The major accomplishments of the quorum court during her 10 years of service were starting the dialogue on building a new jail, approving a vicious dog ordinance and passing a half-cent sales tax to be divided equally between the criminal justice system and roads.

"I'm not a tax person, but I don't mind paying a tax when I can see it's benefiting people," she said.

Garrison also served on the quorum court's Finance and Administration Committee.

Garrison graduated from Greenbrier High School in 1948. She attended Arkansas State Teacher's College (now the University of Central Arkansas) for three semesters and then went to work at International Shoe Company for five years. In 1956, she began working in the president's office at Central Baptist College and continued her education at ASTC. She graduated with a degree in business education in 1960 and began teaching in the business department at CBC. She retired in 1990.

Hardin stumps for bond issue

By JESSICA BAUER
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

One item on the Nov. 7 general election ballot could mean $13 million for the University of Central Arkansas and no increase in tuition expenses.

UCA President Lu Hardin spoke to the Conway Noon Lions Club at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center on the UCA campus Tuesday about Referred Question No. 1, which would raise $250 million through bonds for higher education.

Hardin, who is one of the chairmen of this campaign, said $100 million of the proposed money would be used to pay off existing bonds, leaving $150 million to go to colleges across the state.

"UCA is the second largest in higher education in Arkansas and because of that, UCA would receive $13 million of that $150 million," Hardin said.

He also cited the University of Arkansas, which is the largest university in the state, would receive $16 million, and Arkansas State University would receive $9 million.

Hardin said the school is planning on using these funds to build a $12 to $15 million building to be used for science labs and classrooms. Assuming this passes, Hardin said construction would begin in spring or summer of next year, and the building would be built on the location of the National Guard Armory, which would necessitate 300 new parking spots for the school.

Whether the public's vote is to approve or deny the request, Hardin said this building will be built at UCA.

"I'm either going to get a $13 million check from the state, or I'm going to bond it," Hardin said. "That would mean $1.4 million a year extra in my budget, and where would I get the money? This vote will help keep tuition down."

He also expressed the importance of having a new building to keep up with student growth, saying enrollment has increased 50 percent in four years.

"Arkansas is 49th in the number of college graduates only over West Virginia," Hardin said. "Good members and committed students are what make good students, but they have to have a classroom."

Hardin said UCA is not the only school rapidly growing, he said full-time college enrollment in the state of Arkansas has grown 45 percent from 1994 to 2004.

He also mentioned this number is much lower for surrounding states, including Mississippi with 36 percent and Tennessee with 20 percent. However, he said these numbers do not reflect the amount of funding each state gives to colleges.

Hardin said the colleges in Tennessee have received about $1.1 billion from their state legislature over the past decade, while Arkansas has received only about $142 during that time period.

"This $150 million is absolutely essential to the future of higher education," Hardin said. "With it, Arkansas will continue to improve graduation rates, improve retention rates and have smaller class sizes. This will also get us back to even, and then we can go to the legislature to move forward even more."

Hardin also said the income of each state is directly tied to the number of college graduates it produces.

"No state is judged exclusively by the number of high school graduates it has, it's the number of college graduates," Hardin said.

This question was on the ballot several months ago, Hardin said, and it lost by 400 votes. However, he said currently this item is ahead in the polls, but the vast majority is undecided.

"The biggest problem we have is a lack of knowledge of the issue," Hardin said.

Of bonds and bingo

Meredith Oakley

   Lest you’re taken by surprise when you go to vote in the general election, please note that, in addition to scads of political races, there will be two issues of statewide importance on your ballot.
   Referred Question No. 1 seeks voter approval for the Arkansas Development Finance Authority to issue up to $250 million in general obligation bonds. Proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 1 would legalize charitable bingo and raffles.
   I mention them now because, although the election is still about three weeks away, you might want a little time to think them through. Besides, early voting begins Oct. 24.
   Referred Question No. 1 has already been rejected once by voters, in a special election last December, undoubtedly owing to the fact that it shared the ballot with Gov. Mike Huckabee’s ill-fated multimilliondollar highway bond issue. Proponents have taken a lower profile this time around. Controversy has been avoided as a result, but then so has public debate.
   The bare minimum that voters should know about Referred Question No. 1 is that it authorizes ADFA to (1) extend existing bond debt and (2) acquire new debt through the issuance of new bonds.
   The popular name of Referred Question No. 1 is the Arkansas Higher Education Technology and Facility Improvement Act of 2005. Its passage would authorize the state to restructure about $158 million in bond debt remaining from a $300 million bond issue approved in 1989. At present, that old debt is set to be repaid by the year 2017. It isn’t yet known how many years beyond 2017 this debt would be extended if the measure is approved, but the state’s cost in servicing the debt would continue to run no higher than the current $24 million a year.
   The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board has proposed allocating $100 million of the proposed $250 million bond issue to this end, although the actual sum could be raised or lowered depending on interest rates, fees and the like.
   As is the case with existing bonds, the costs of the new bonds would be paid from the state’s general revenue fund, which is also what finances most of state government. Under state law, bonded debt has first dibs on the general tax revenues that largely support state government, so in the event of an economic downturn or other financial setback, the bond payments would have to be met before any other program or agency could receive money from that account.
   (I mention this only because of the state’s recurring legal problems in the area of public school financing. Given the billions of tax dollars taken in each year, it seems highly unlikely that things could get so bad that vital services would suffer because of the state’s bonded indebtedness.)
   The rest of the proceeds from the proposed bond issue, $150 million, would go to finance technology and facility improvement projects in higher education. Of this, $100 million has been proposed for four-year universities and $50 million has been proposed for twoyear colleges.
   The other issue on the ballot, proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 1, would make it legal as of Jan. 1, 2007, for certain charitable organizations to host bingo games and conduct raffles and authorize the General Assembly to adopt laws licensing, regulating and taxing these practices.
   Under the proposal, the phrase “authorized bingo and raffles organizations” is defined to mean non-profit, tax-exempt religious, educational, veterans, fraternal, service, civic, medical and volunteer rescue, firefighting and police organizations that have been in continuing existence for at least five years. They would be required to use all net receipts over and above the actual costs of their gaming activities only for charitable, religious or philanthropic purposes and could not use any of the receipts to compensate people who work for or are otherwise affiliated with their organizations. Lotteries have long been prohibited under the Arkansas Constitution, and this proposal would not change that. What it would do is exempt authorized charitable, religious and philanthropic organizations from the existing prohibition against lotteries as long as the net proceeds of the money they make from bingo games and raffles are used solely for those purposes.
   It would be nigh on to impossible to project how much the state coffers might benefit should voters ratify the proposed amendment, although presumably the Legislature would want to take advantage of its taxing authority, at least as regards pay-to-play bingo games. Those games have all but disappeared in recent years because of crackdowns by local authorities, although raffles remain commonplace.
•–––––—Associate editor Meredith Oakley is editor of the Voices age.

Blankenship Releases New Web Site

Catherin Blankenship, candidate for Faulkner County Judge, has announced the release of her campaign web site.  The web site can be found at http://www.electblankenship.com.

Blankenship's web site was designed and developed by DecodeTheCode.com.

Gubernatorial Candidates Debate Issues: Illegal immigration, education, taxes

DeLay looks forward to AETN debate with opponent.

 Little Rock - Today, Republican candidate for Attorney General Gunner DeLay issued a statement encouraging the voters of Arkansas to tune into the televised debate between himself and his opponent, Dustin McDaniel, that will be aired tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m.

DeLay stated, "This is the one and only opportunity for the voters to make a side by side comparison of the candidates as they discuss the issues that are important to the voters." DeLay said he hoped some of the topics for tomorrow night's debate included illegal immigration, how to deal with the meth issue, and proposals for sexual predators. DeLay commented, "I'm really looking forward to getting information about my ideas out to the voters.  There is a clear contrast between myself and my opponent and the people of Arkansas need to see that difference."

The candidates will answer questions posed by a three person panel composed of journalists from around the state. DeLay called on media outlets across the state to let their viewers, listeners, and readers know about this important event. "I hope that on Wednesday morning, Arkansans are sitting in coffee shops discussing issues that are brought up during the debate."

Hutchinson Emphasizes Leadership, Experience in Fayetteville Debate

Fayetteville – Asa Hutchinson, the 2006 Republican nominee for Arkansas Governor, emphasized his leadership and experience tonight in a debate with his Democratic opponent Mike Beebe in Fayetteville, saying that his Beebe lacks clear and specific plans to move Arkansas forward.

Hutchinson noted that Beebe has offered little in the way of specific plans for what he would do as Governor on key issues such as fighting illegal immigration, improving highways or fighting methamphetamine.

In the second of three scheduled gubernatorial debates, Hutchinson and Beebe squared off in Fayetteville at the University of Arkansas Continuing Education Center. A media panel offered questions on a wide range of issues, from immigration to taxes to education.

The debate will be re-broadcast on C-SPAN Wednesday evening at 10 p.m. Central Time.

In his opening statement, Hutchinson emphasized his roots in Arkansas and how his values of faith, responsibility and hard work would shape his service as Governor.

“I’ve taken on risky and tough challenges, from fighting drugs to pursuing terrorists, but I’ve not forgotten my roots and my values,” Hutchinson said. “Those values shape my vision for Arkansas.”

“If you have faith you believe that all things lead to a next opportunity,” Hutchinson said later. “I want to invest my energy and my experience for the benefit of my four grandchildren. It’s really not about me. It’s about the next generation.

The two candidates addressed a number of issues during the debate, including the following:

On illegal immigration, Hutchinson discussed his four-point plan to give the state a stronger role in fighting the flow of illegal workers into Arkansas communities. Drawing on his experience as undersecretary of Homeland Security, Hutchinson said that the state can take a “partnership” approach to fighting illegal immigration by training state police to enforce immigration laws and stepping up state efforts to screen workers for residency and proper documentation.

Beebe, who has said he opposes Hutchinson’s plan to train state police to enforce immigration laws, offered no specific plan or solution to address the problem, but Hutchinson said it would be an effective strategy to combat illegal immigration and could be done in a way consistent with current State Police enforcement duties.

Hutchinson and Beebe also parted ways on K-12 education policy. Hutchinson noted that putting students on buses for three hour rides is not consistent with a quality education, and emphasized that Arkansas could maintain high standards for curriculum while helping good local schools to continue serving their communities. Beebe’s course would lead to more closures of local schools in rural and Delta communities, Hutchinson said, as schools are sacrificed to rigid bureaucratic standards.

Hutchinson renewed his criticism of Beebe’s position on the grocery tax, saying that while Beebe claims that he will “eliminate the grocery tax” in his ad, his loopholes and escape clauses suggest that his position is just an “empty promise.”

“I want to eliminate an unfair tax,” Hutchinson said of the grocery tax. “I want to do it now -- my opponent says that would be a huge mistake. I believe it would be a huge mistake to continue taxing the food in the mouths of the poor.”

He suggested that Beebe’s unclear commitment to eliminating the grocery tax constitutes a “bait and switch” with Arkansas voters, since Beebe is making a campaign pledge he does not intend to keep.

Afterward, Hutchinson said he was pleased with the spirit of the debate and that he looks forward to his and Beebe’s next debate on October 17 in Little Rock.

“I think the voters are seeing clear distinctions on key issues, including education, illegal immigration, taxes and more,” Hutchinson said. “With just over one month to go in the campaign, I’m pleased with our momentum and pleased that we have another opportunity to debate to continue driving those distinctions and contrasts.”

For more on Hutchinson’s campaign proposals, visit his website at www.asaforgovernor.org.

Hutchinson, a native of Gravette, is a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, Member of Congress representing the state's Third District, head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the first-ever Undersecretary of Homeland Security. Hutchinson currently serves as CEO of the Hutchinson Group, a Little Rock consulting firm.

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Round Two! Asa, Beebe Debate in Fayetteville Tonight!

Dear Republicans,

The lesson of the last two elections is clear. Republicans beat the odds and win when we get to work doing what we do best - reaching out to neighbors and energizing people to get involved.

Starting today, we're taking it to a whole new level with the September Sprint to Victory, an unprecedented series of neighborhood house parties, door-to-door walks, and phone banks that's the first step to victory on November 7. It all begins with you. As a leader in your community, will you host an event in your city?

http://www.GOP.com/Party/

The month of September will be critical to this effort... hundreds of events all across the country leading up to a huge, nationwide day of neighborhood walks on Super Saturday, September 30. And the volunteer who makes the biggest impact during the September Sprint to Victory - with the most people contacted, volunteers recruited, new voters registered and absentee ballot voters referred will receive a special surprise gift autographed by President Bush.

We want to make it as convenient as possible for you to help and we understand if you can't make it on the 30th. That's why, from today through Election Day, we're setting aside three days every week for three different house party themes; you can try out different types of parties and pick the days of the week that work for you.

Turnout Tuesdays: Host a get-together at your home, and then use your free cell phone minutes to call voters in this year's most critical House and Senate contests. We'll provide a list of names and the script through GOP.com. All you have to bring is your enthusiasm to support Republican candidates.

House Party Thursdays: Bring friends together for a GOP-themed house party - and pick your own action, whether that's calling voters, handing out absentee ballot information, recruiting volunteers or hosting a local candidate meet & greet. Create your party easily online - we'll even send the invitations and driving directions to your guests.

Super Saturdays: Join us for the biggest event of the month on September 30 or make any weekend your Super Saturday. Go door-to-door in your neighborhood or call voters using free weekend cell phone minutes - and then invite folks back home to watch the big game.

Join us on September 30 - or anytime this September. Get the inside track to earning your special gift by creating your September event (or events) today.

Sincerely,


Ken Mehlman
Chairman, Republican National Committee

Clinton visit's Little Rock

Former President Bill Clinton’s visit to Little Rock to raise campaign funds for Democrat nominee for governor Mike Beebe today should remind voters of the two men’s long record of raising taxes on working Arkansans without delivering results, said Clint Reed, executive director of the Republican Party of Arkansas in a statement today.

“In 1983, Governor Bill Clinton pushed for a sales tax increase, calling it an ‘investment in the future of our children and in the economic development of our state.’ Now, almost a quarter century later, Arkansas is still near the bottom of national rankings in income growth.

“Mike Beebe supported Gov. Clinton’s tax increase as one of his first tax hikes in a legislative career that totaled $10 billion in new taxes on Arkansans. Now that he is running for Governor, General Beebe says that we need to cut taxes. Why is he running away from his record?

“We are happy to welcome Mr. Clinton home to Arkansas but hope that Arkansans will remember that he and General Beebe are responsible for billions of dollars in taxes paid by Arkansans over the last 20 years, without having delivered on the promised improvements in incomes. Can Arkansas afford another Democrat governor who over-promises and under-delivers?”

Source material from Arkansas Policy Foundation (www.reformarkansas.org)

DeLay Questions McDaniel’s Contributions from Developer

Little Rock – Today, republican candidate for attorney general raised questions about contributions his opponent has received from Jonesboro developer, Bruce Burrow, and said the relationship between the two men only demonstrates the need for serious campaign finance reform.  He also noted that one contribution McDaniel received from a defunct corporation owned by Burrow may be illegal.

DeLay commented that, “it is well known that McDaniel was the lead sponsor of a bill that amended existing TIF legislation that benefited developers such as Bruce Burrow.  The bill  greatly expanded the ability of TIF districts to condemn private property for redevelopment.  That should be a concern to all Arkansans.  However, of even more concern is the fact that McDaniel has received at least $15,000.00 in contributions from Burrow and his family, as well as companies Burrow has an interest in. It sure has the appearance of quid pro quo politics.“

DeLay pointed out that McDaniel’s campaign finance reports show the following contributions”

6/30/05     Bruce Burrow     $1000.00

6/30/05     Sherry Burrow    $1000.00

10/27/05   Bruce Burrow      $1000.00

6/30/06      Bruce Burrow     $1000.00

6/30/06      Sherry Burrow    $1000.00

2/28/06     The Development Group (Bruce Burrow officer)  $2000.00

2/28/06      Realty Associates Brokerage (Bruce Burrow officer)  $2000.00

3/28/06      Belz-Burrow Development Group 9Bruce Burrow officer) $2000.00

2/26/06      MBC Holdings (Bruce Burrow officer)  $2000.00

2/21/06      Corporate Furnishings Inc.  (Bruce Burrow officer)  $2000.00

DeLay pointed out that Corporate Furnishings Inc. (CFI) was dissolved by the Arkansas Secretary of State in 1997 and has no phone listing in the Jonesboro area where its last known address was.  DeLay said, “ the CFI contribution may be illegal if the company is not a going business concern.  If it is nothing more than an account bearing the name Corporate Furnishings then the money given would be attributed to Mr. Burrow individually and he would have exceeded the $2000.00 contribution limit.  Both Burrow and McDaniel need to explain the facts concerning this contribution.” 

DeLay said even if there is an explanation for the CFI contribution, it still shows that need for reform.   “The intent behind contribution limits is to keep one person or interest from trying to buy the election for their candidate.  Mr. Burrow is obviously trying to circumvent the intent of that law by funneling contributions to Mr. McDaniel from various companies he owns. If elected I want to revisit the contribution limit law to prevent closely held corporations from shifting money around so individuals can do indirectly what they cannot do directly.”

DeLay also stated that the CFI contribution issue was also further evidence of the need for a Public Integrity Unit in the attorney general’s office.  He said the Ethics Commission can only take action if a formal complaint is filed.  The PIU could do an investigation on it own and subpoena records to see if a violation of the law has occurred.   

“Such an investigation could be done with CFI in this case to see how a dissolved corporation made a political contribution.”     

Bush In Arkansas

Gunner Delay Tours State on a Mission

This afternoon, while on a statewide tour, Gunner Delay stopped in Conway at Hunters Choice Inc. to share his views on our Second Amendment rights.  To a group, which included Phil Russell, George Carroll, Joe Pennington and others, Gunner started by drawing attention to his opponent’s (Democrat Dustin McDaniel) dealings in the 1999 trial in which Andrew Golden’s (one of those convicted in the Jonesboro shooting) grandfather Doug Golden as well as Remington Arms was being accused of whileful neglance.  “For those who may not know, Dustin and his father filed a suit that would hold gun manufacturers and gun owners liable for any crimes committed with their weapons, even if the guns were stolen.” Gunner made the point that even though his opponent clamed only to have a minor part in the lawsuit the documents tell a different story.  Gunner finished with questions from the media and then continued his tour.  Next stop in Russellville.

For more information concerning Gunner Delay’s Campaign and ways you can help and support please visit his web site at http://www.gunnerdelay.com/.

The races are heating up like the weather.  November 7 will be here before we know it.  We must be ready.

Saturday the Republican Party of Arkansas State Convention will be at the Robinson Center Exhibition Hall in Little Rock.  We are hoping to have a full compliment of delegates representing Faulkner County.  For more information visit http://www.arkansasgop.org/ .

LT. GOVERNOR WIN ROCKEFELLER DIES PEACEFULLY

Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller, 57, died peacefully at 10:37 a.m. today at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. He was surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be announced by this office in a later press release.

Rockefeller had undergone two bone marrow transplants in Seattle through the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine - the first on October 7, 2005, the second on March 29 - after he was diagnosed with a blood condition described at the time as an unclassified myeloproliferative disorder. Neither achieved the desired results. He arrived in Little Rock early in the morning of July 8 and was admitted to UAMS.

He is survived by his wife, Lisenne, his mother, Barbara, three daughters, five sons, a granddaughter, a step-brother and a step-sister. He is the son of the late Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller.

Rockefeller lived in Little Rock and at Winrock Farms on Petit Jean Mountain, where a plaque outside his home quotes Micah 6:8: "And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" That verse summarized Rockefeller's views on his life and his responsibilities as a member of one of the world's wealthiest and most powerful families.

Rockefeller was elected lieutenant governor during a special election in November 1996 and by wide majorities was elected to a four-year term in 1998 and re-elected in 2002. As lieutenant governor he focused on economic development, education and literacy. As acting governor on September 11, 2001, the day terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, he resisted calls to declare a state of emergency and instead urged Arkansans to remain calm and to donate blood, which they did. He sponsored Project ChildSafe, a national firearms safety program that has distributed hundreds of thousands of free trigger locks in Arkansas, and he served as honorary chairman of the Arkansas Literary Festival. In 2004, he served as chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas.

He was running for governor of Arkansas when doctors discovered his medical condition and he was forced to announce he was withdrawing from the race July 19, 2005. In the year since that announcement, he drew strength from the thousands of well-wishers who sent him cards, letters and e-mails and phoned his offices to tell him they were thinking of him and praying for him.

Rockefeller was involved in numerous philanthropic and charitable ventures, but his favorite organization was the Boy Scouts of America, with which he had a three decades relationship. When once asked by Lisenne whether he would rather quit politics or Scouting, he replied that politics is less important because it > is temporal, while his work with Scouting had eternal benefits. As in all of his endeavors, he contributed not only his financial resources but also his time and talents. He served on the executive board of the national council, and he was president of the Quapaw Area Council in 1997 and was a vice president in the years following. In 1997, he created Books in the Attic, in which Boy Scouts collect used books to distribute to families. Most importantly, he served for many years as an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 12 and attended Scout camp regularly. Although he did not have the opportunity to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout as a boy, he was very proud that one of his sons is an Eagle Scout and that three others are working toward that rank. Two Boy Scout councils, including the Quapaw Area Council, awarded him the prestigious Silver Beaver Award for his sustained and exemplary volunteer service in Scouting. He also was awarded the District Award of Merit. Camp Rockefeller, the summer camp at the Quapaw Council's Gus Blass Scout Reservation, was dedicated in his honor in July 2005.

The parents of two children with special needs, the Rockefellers in 2000 founded what is now the Academy at Riverdale, a school for children with learning differences. The school has tripled its enrollment since it moved into a state-of-the-art facility in Little Rock in 2004.

Rockefeller was involved in numerous other service organizations. He served from 1981 until 1995 on the Arkansas State Police Commission. He was appointed in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush to serve on the President's Council on Rural America and was elected chairman. An accomplished saltwater fisherman, in 1986 he founded The Billfish Foundation, an organization dedicated to protecting marlin, swordfish and other billfish. Through the foundation, he established the practice of tag and release as the conservation standard for offshore fishing. He served as a Texas Christian University trustee and was on the national boards of Ducks Unlimited and The Nature Conservancy. He served on the boards of the Arkansas Cancer Research Center and the Arkansas Arts Center Foundation. He was a trustee of the Winthrop Rockefeller Charitable Trust and was vice chairman of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation.

He received numerous awards in recognition of his service, including the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice's Lifetime Advocate for Arkansas Youth Award, the Arkansas Association of Fundraising Professionals' 2003 President> '> s Award, the U.S. Baltic Foundation> '> s Baltic-American Public Service Achievement Award, the Arkansas Aids Foundation's Compassion Award, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas' 2005 International Award of Excellence in Conservation, the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas' first annual Clara Barton Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service, and the National Conference for Community and Justice> '> s 2001 National Humanitarian Award.

Born September 17, 1948, Rockefeller was the great-grandson of John D. Rockefeller, who founded Standard Oil, and the grandson of John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Rockefeller's father, Winthrop, moved to Petit Jean Mountain in 1953 and established Winrock Farms, which became one of the world> '> s premier producers of Santa Gertrudis cattle. Winthrop Rockefeller soon became an active philanthropist and corporate citizen. During his tenure as head of the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission from March 1955 until April 1964, more than 600 plants were established and 90,000 jobs were created in Arkansas. After running unsuccessfully for governor in 1964, he was elected in 1966 and re-elected in 1968.

Lt. Governor Rockefeller spent his early childhood on an Indiana farm with his mother and his grandparents. The language spoken in the home was his grandparents'  mother tongue, Lithuanian. He was educated in New York, Switzerland, France and England, and often spent part of his summers on Petit Jean Mountain.

He graduated from the ranch management program at Texas Christian University and became chief executive of Winrock Farms after his father died  in 1973. He had interests in timber and minerals and owned four automobile dealerships in Little Rock and Conway. He also had interests in retailing, development and the resort industry.

He was an active member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock.

Office of the Lieutenant Governor

State Capitol, Suite 270

Little Rock, AR 72201

www.arkansas.gov/ltgov

brawners@arkleg.state.ar.us 

July 16, 2006

For more information, contact Steve Brawner

Office: (501) 682-2198

Cell: (501) 519-1035

For a tribuite to Lt. Governor Win Rockefeller go to the following link:

http://www.state.ar.us/governor/media/gems/07162006-1.html

Ark. delegation ranks 51st

Joyce Nell Garrison
Conway

Recently I read an article giving the rankings of the Arkansas delegation in Congress. This was based on such things as tenure, ability to get bills passed, committee assignments, and influence on the Congressional agenda. The following rankings is based on 2005.

The Arkansas delegation actually ranked 51st in the nation. This included Puerto Rico. Of the senators, Blanche Lincoln ranked 92nd, and Mark Pryor ranked 98th. Of the four members in the House of Representatives, Republican John Boozman of the third district ranked 223. Marion Berry of the first district was 252, Vic Snyder of the second district was 307, with Mike Ross of the fourth district finishing at 406. There are 438 voting and non-voting members of the House.

Of course, some factors cannot be calculated, like a Congressman's total contribution to constituents or to the nation.

The complete report of this study can be found at www.congress.org.

County Convention

The biennial Faulkner County Republican Convention will be Monday, June 19, at 7:00 PM at the County Headquarters. Make your plans to attend and help further the growth of the conservative core in central Arkansas.

The convention will see the 2006-2008 committee members recognized and seated.We will then proceed to:

County Committee officers will be elected in January, per changes made two years ago, so terms will be the same as the election cycle.

Everyone interested in furthering the values of conservatives in Arkansas is encouraged to attend.

May FCRC meeting

On May 15, 2006 Faulkner County Republican Committee had its regularly scheduled meeting at its headquarters on Salemn Road in Conway.  Phil introduced our first speaker, Cody Hiland, candidate for State Representative in District 47. 

While in law school, Cody had the honor of serving as the first legal clerk to Governor Mike Huckabee in the Office of Chief Counsel - eventually, working into a position as legislative liaison and legal aide in which he was responsible for drafting and guiding various portions of Governor Huckabee’s agenda through the legislative process and providing legal research and writing.

Cody went to work for the Arkansas Public Service Commission in 2003 as the Rural and Community Liaison. The liaison is responsible for facilitating communication between rural stakeholders in the utility industry and the PSC by developing relationships with members of the Arkansas Legislature, Mayors, City Council and Quorum Court Members and utility interests throughout the state. In his time as liaison, Cody made over 300 visits to local areas and spoke with numerous city councils, county quorum courts, chambers of commerce, radio programs, Kiwanis Clubs and Rotary Clubs meetings concerning the issue of utility regulation.

He will be resigning from the commission later this year to develop his private practice in Greenbrier Arkansas while pursuing a run for a seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives.
 
He is concerned about Education, conserving energy, the Sanctity of Marriage.  Cody is Pro-life. 

Roosevelt on Immigration

“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin.
But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American…There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all.

We have room for but one flag, the American flag… We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language… and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Governor Mike Huckabee has appointed Elmer Flucht of Mayflower to the State Banking Board

 Flucht will serve the remainder of Richard Mays term, scheduled to expire December 31, 2008.  Mays resigned effective February l, 2006. Flucht was an investment banker for 40 years, specializing in municipal bonds.  He attended Ft. Smith Jr. College and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.  He is a Korean War Veteran. He has received numerous awards from the Republican Party of Arkansas and the Faulkner County Republican Committee for his commitment and service to the Republican Party.   

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New by-laws are available on this web site. These By-Laws and Standing Rules were voted on and approved as they stand by the Faulkner County Republican Committee at its regularly scheduled meeting on April 17, 2006.

We should periodically review our by-laws, for revisions or additions necessary, to comply with current law and regulations.

Use the Resources selection on the menu to get to the pdf of the By-laws as approved.

_____

Links have been posted for your use in the Resources section.  We hope they help you as we go forward together helping our community and state.

Bush's No. 1 praises policies Rove says Democrats deeply wrong

(This article was origionally printed in The Log Cabin Democrat on 2/17/2006; reprinted with permission.)

By JEREMY GLOVER
LOG CABIN STAFF WRITER

CONWAY - In a rare public appearance Thursday night, Karl Rove, President Bush's top advisor, said America was winning the war against terrorism and Democratic leadership has been reckless with its criticism and desire to "cut and run" in Iraq.

"The Democratic Party is deeply, profoundly and consistently wrong on the greatest issue of our time," Rove said.

Rove spoke at the Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner at the University of Central Arkansas. He covered three areas: the economy, the judicial branch and national security.

"(Rove) is committed to service, committed to this country, with all the intellect and ability he has been given," said State Sen. Gilbert Baker. "We know him as the architect who helped elect President George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004."

Rove, who is the deputy White House chief of staff in charge of policy, is one of the most controversial and influential figures in American politics and is a lightening rod for critics of the administration. Rove's possible involvement in the outing of CIA undercover agent Valerie Plame is currently being investigated by special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald.

Rove did not mention theinvestigation in his speech and focused on the strides the Republican Party has made in the last 42 years in its ascent to being the dominant political party in America.

"Over the last 42 years we've seen the rise of a great cause," he said. "Three Republican presidents and Republican Congresses have achieved a tremendous amount. The cold war was won on our watch and today we are winning the war against Islamic fascism. Many people who have lived in tyranny have been liberated and freedom is spreading around the globe."

Rove said Bush had established a remarkable record and had done so by understanding that America is fighting a war against a brutal and merciless enemy.

'We are winning this war against terrorism and promoting liberty to the regions of the world and protecting America against attacks because we will not let up, we will not relent in the pursuit of our goal and that goal is the total and complete victory in the war on terrorism," he said.

Rove brushed off House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democrat's call for an immediate withdrawal of troops in Iraq.

"Abandoning our Iraqi friends would signal to the world that America cannot be trusted to keep its word," he said.

"The tyrants in the Middle East would laugh at the failed resolve of America. We would hand Iraq over to enemies that have pledged to attack us again and again as they did on 9/11. The global terrorist movement would be emboldened and more dangerous than ever before."

The wiretapping controversy that has been prominent in the national news was also touched on by Rove. He said the wiretapping was only used if one of the parties was outside of the country and if there is reason to believe the conversation involves a member of, or someone associated with, Al Qaeda.

"This president's actions are both legal and fully consistent with the Fourth Amendment and protection of our civil liberties under the constitution," he said.

The justice department is now conducting an internal investigation into the wiretapping methods used by the Bush administration since 9/11.

On the economy, Rove praised Bush's efforts to cut taxes each year of his presidency.

"President Bush believes the role of government is to create an environment where entrepreneurial spirit flourishes and where small businesses grow," Rove said.

"He understands the economy is going to grow faster when the government of America allows people to keep more of their own money to save, spend and invest as they see fit."

He said the tax cuts on dividends, capital gains and others need to be made permanent if the economy is to continue to grow. Rove said the main problem impeding this is Democrats, who have an "allergy to tax cuts."

"Seems as if they never found a tax cut they were for or a tax cut they were against," he said. "Many Democrats seem to view higher taxes as more than economic policy. They see it as a sign of virtue."

Tax cuts, which effect every family's budget, and the Republicans' differences with Democrats will be a key issue of the 2006 elections, Rove said.

Rove said another issue will be how the Bush budget has cut "non-defensive discretionary spending" each year and Democrats have opposed it each year.

"It calls for a major reduction in or total elimination of 141 government programs, saving nearly $15 billion dollars," Rove said.

"Democrats say they agree with it, that they oppose the deficit, yet they have opposed each and every day the actions this president has proposed that would limit the size of government and lower the deficit."

Rove then moved on to talk about the recent confirmations of Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito, which he described as a "national seminar on judicial philosophy."

"Most Americans want judges who will strictly apply the Constitution and the laws and not legislate from bench," he said.

"What most Americans don't want are judges who impose, through their court decisions, their liberal values on the rest of us."

Rove said most Americans don't want God taken out of the pledge of allegiance or the institution of marriage fundamentally changed by a judge.

He said during their confirmation hearings, Roberts and Alito both demonstrated that they possess brilliant legal minds and outstanding judicial temper.

"They showed, without a doubt, they belong on United States Supreme Court and isn't it delicious," he said.

"These two remarkable and able men will help shape the law and the culture of America for decades to come."

Rove said the Democrats and Republicans have deep differences about the nation, where it is going and what needs to be done to make it "safer, stronger and better."

"Those differences should be debated this year openly, honestly and passionately because, if they are, our ideas are going to prevail in the hearts and minds of Americans. There is no doubt about it," he said.

"The view many Democrats hold doesn't make them unpatriotic, but it does make them wrong."

Before the speech, Rove visited with many of the top Republicans in the state, as well as with UCA President Lu Hardin.

Rove said he had spent time Thursday with Governor Mike Huckabee, who is known in Washington D.C. as "Little Rock Slim." Rove said he also met with Republican gubernatorial candidate, Asa Hutchinson.

"Asa had one of the toughest, ugliest, most difficult, most complicated, most demanding jobs in Washington when he was with the Department of Homeland Security," Rove said.

"Asa did a magnificent job in a position that requires diplomatic skills, management ability, toughness of character and integrity. He will make a great governor for the state of Arkansas."

Rove praised Arkansas' part in electing Bush in the last two presidential elections.

"In 2004 President Bush won more votes in Arkansas than any presidential candidate in history, including Bill Clinton," he said.

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(Staff Writer Jeremy Glover can be reached by e-mail at jeremy.glover@thecabin.net or by phone at 501-505-1253.)