If you didn't come to Cookeville, Tennessee to take part in the "Draft Fred Thompson" rally on Saturday, just view this video to see what you missed. The rally reflected real politics from the 1800s and early 1900s. CERTAINLY POLITICS AT ITS BEST! The fellowship with fellow minds who are concerned about American values and the threats to our country, with the charisma of the speakers, and the excitement about a candidate for President, politics just doesn't get better than that! View the video to find that you certainly missed out if you weren't there!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Looking At Major Tennessee And Pennsylvania Statewide Races In 2008 And 2010
I have yet to find a good place considering the major statewide races in Tennessee and Pennsylvania in 2008 and 2010. These are the two states in whose politics I am most interested. So, I have decided to take it into my own hands and do the looking into on these races. I am looking at the U.S. Senate and Gubernatorial races.
PENNSYLVANIA ~ U.S. Senate 2010
Incumbent Republican (in name only) Senator Arlen Specter will run for another term, despite being 80 in 2010. He will have five terms under his belt and would run for a sixth. He is considered a RINO (Republican In Name Only), and with good reason-he is liberal on most issues.
Specter received a challenge in 2004 when then-Congressman Pat Toomey gave him a primary challenge in the GOP race. Specter barely hung on, and won by only 1.7 percent.
Specter will probably receive another primary challenge, but no major news is in on possible opponents. On the Democrats' side, Governor Ed Rendell is considered to be a good contender. However, Rendell has not been moving strongly in the direction of a run, so a run may not be in the works. Another possible candidate is Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, from Jenkintown. Pennsylvania has other high-profile Dems, but other strong names have yet to surface.
PENNSYLVANIA ~ Governor 2010
Current Democratic Governor Ed Rendell will be forced to retire under term limits. Some consider him to be jockeying for a cabinet position if a Democrat wins the Presidential election in 2008, likely Energy Secretary. If that would be the case, Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll would likely fill out the rest of his term. Knoll would be 80 at the time of the next election, so she probably won't seek a full term, regardless of whether Rendell moves on with an elected career or not. That would set up a wide-open race.
On the Republican side, a number of potential names are popping up. The three most exciting names are Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett, former Congressman Pat Toomey, and former Senator Rick Santorum. Other names include: House Speaker Dennis M. O'Brien, 2006 candidate Lynn Swann, former Lt. Governor Bill Scranton and former Congresswoman Melissa Hart.
For the Dems, a few names are coming up. The interesting thing is that many of them are not well known. They are "rising stars" for the most part. Leading the list is former State Treasurer Barbara Hafer and former Lt. Governor Mark Singel. Other names include rising star legislator Josh Shapiro, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, State Auditor General Jack Wagner and Lehigh County Chief Executive Don Cunningham.
To put this into more perspective, we have to look at the primary basics of Pennsylvania politics. First, Pennsylvania is not really a Democratic stronghold. It is a battleground state that seems to lean Democratic. The Dem holds are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Everywhere else in the state - the central and northern areas - are conservative and primarily Republican holds. This area is known as the "Republican T", or "Pennsyltucky". These areas seem to pretty much balance off. However, the voter makeup gives a slight edge to the Dems. Here is the statewide party registration in 2006:
Democratic
3,900,685
47.7%
Republican
3,300,894
40.3%
Other
981,297
12.0%
To put it another way, while the state has voted for the Democratic nominee for President in eight of the past 12 elections, the Congressional makeup has been majority Republican, and Bob Casey Jr.'s victory in November was only the first Democratic U.S. Senator to win a full term since Joseph Clark won a close re-election battle in 1962. In Presidential elections, Gore took the state by only 4 percent in 2000, while Kerry won the "Keystone State" by only 2 percent. Pennsylvania is up for grabs!
From the way things look now, the Republican nominee should have a slight edge if he is Corbett, Toomey or Santorum. If another candidate wins the primary, the race should still be up for grabs, depending on who the Dems nominate. Right now the strongest potential Dem candidate should be Hafer. Of course, someone else could always pop into the consideration, but I think these potential candidates are good shots at being candidates. For the Republicans, I think Santorum and Swann are less likely. These two may pursue other forms of public service. Santorum may consider being a part of a future Presidential administration, while Swann is reportedly looking into a run for Congress in 2008. It is also understood that Santorum is planning on spending more time in his residence in Virginia, which was a serious blow in his 2006 U.S. Senate race.
This race is sure to be an exciting one to follow, and it will likely be a closely-watched race nationwide in 2010. For more, click this link.
TENNESSEE ~ U.S. Senate 2008
Incumbent Republican Senator Lamar Alexander is running again to hold on to his seat. He is well respected in Tennessee as a former Governor and former President of the University of Tennessee. He, also, served as Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush and was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination of President of the United States in 1996 and 2000.
Alexander first ran for the Senate in 2002 to fill the retiring Fred Thompson's seat. Thompson is now a likely candidate for President in 2008. Alexander beat then-Congressman Ed Bryant in the GOP primary 54 percent to 43 percent. Alexander won the seat over Democrat Bob Clement 54 percent to 44 percent.
After the 2006 elections, Alexander ran for the position of Senate Minority Whip. He was the early favorite, but Mississippi Senator Trent Lott suddenly jumped in and won a close one over Alexander by a 25-24 vote by fellow GOP senators.
Alexander should have slight GOP primary opposition at best, as he is so well liked in Tennessee. No formidable GOP names are likely to run against Lamar.
Democratic opposition is unsure right now. A popular name that arises is former Congressman and 2006 candidate Harold Ford Jr. I believe him to be unlikely, as he has said he is not considering to oppose Alexander. Another name touted often is Governor Phil Bredesen. Although he is a bit more likely, I don't see this happening either. Congressman Lincoln Davis could be a possible candidate for the Dems, as could Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, who will not run for another term this year. Still another possible name is State Senator Rosalind Kurita, who attempted a go in 2006, only to back away because she couldn't compete with Ford.
With Fred Thompson now being a likely candidate for President, he is in good position to win the Republican nomination. That being the case, his coattails would be huge for the Tennessee GOP, and Alexander would likely be re-elected in a landslide. If the opposite would happen, and Fred is not the GOP nominee for President (doesn't seem likely that this is the case), Alexander would likely still win re-election.
Go ahead and chalk up this one for the GOP as all things stand now!
TENNESSEE ~ Governor 2010
As is the case in Pennsylvania, current Democratic Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen will be forced to retire under term limits. If Bredesen would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2008 against Alexander and win (not likely at this point), current State Senate Speaker and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, a Republican, would become Governor as far as I know. At this time, it doesn't look like Ramsey will be a candidate for Governor in 2010. In that case, a wide-open race will be in the picture.
On the Republican side, a very interesting race seems to be playing out. Former U.S. Senator Bill Frist and Congressman Zach Wamp are both reportedly very interested in the race.
POTENTIAL FRIST CANDIDACY
Race42008.com
Gene Patterson
Nashville Post
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Save The GOP
Nashville Tennessean
POTENTIAL WAMP CANDIDACY
WATE-TV Knoxville, Tenn.
WATE-TV Story 2
WRCB-TV Chattanooga, Tenn.
TenneSpeak
Associated Press
Zach Wamp News
Chattanooga Times Free Press
If these two candidates both enter the race, it would make for a thrilling primary that would likely be watched nationwide. Other names being touted are headed by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. Lesser-known names could drop out if Frist and Wamp were to gain traction.
For the Dems, two common names being floated are Congressman Lincoln Davis and Nashville Mayor Bill Percell. Lesser names include State Representative Kim McMillan and state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber. Of course, the name of Harold Ford, Jr. again pops up, and he could be a possible candidate this time. Personally, I think Lincoln Davis will run and is in good position to be the Dems' nominee.
Let me handicap this one. For the GOP, I say both Frist and Wamp run. Blackburn and Haslam may consider the race, but at least one of them will likely drop out. It will go down to the wire between the former Senator and the Congressman from Chattanooga. Although something tells me that Frist would win, I can't make a real prediction. I met Wamp on Saturday at the "Draft Thompson Rally" in Cookeville, and he would be a very strong and deserving candidate. Personally, I think I would prefer to support Wamp in the primary.
For the Dems, I say Lincoln Davis is the nominee. In the general election, either Frist or Wamp should have the edge. Although Tennessee is still home to a lot of Democrats, the state is conservative, and is adjusting its vote as such. If all incumbents decided to retire at once, the GOP would likely have a large amount of pickups in Tennessee.
Another place to go for more on this race is Volunteer Voters.
I say the GOP is the early favorite in this race, and it will be one of the races to most look forward to in the next couple of election cycles.
PENNSYLVANIA ~ U.S. Senate 2010
Incumbent Republican (in name only) Senator Arlen Specter will run for another term, despite being 80 in 2010. He will have five terms under his belt and would run for a sixth. He is considered a RINO (Republican In Name Only), and with good reason-he is liberal on most issues.
Specter received a challenge in 2004 when then-Congressman Pat Toomey gave him a primary challenge in the GOP race. Specter barely hung on, and won by only 1.7 percent.
Specter will probably receive another primary challenge, but no major news is in on possible opponents. On the Democrats' side, Governor Ed Rendell is considered to be a good contender. However, Rendell has not been moving strongly in the direction of a run, so a run may not be in the works. Another possible candidate is Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, from Jenkintown. Pennsylvania has other high-profile Dems, but other strong names have yet to surface.
PENNSYLVANIA ~ Governor 2010
Current Democratic Governor Ed Rendell will be forced to retire under term limits. Some consider him to be jockeying for a cabinet position if a Democrat wins the Presidential election in 2008, likely Energy Secretary. If that would be the case, Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll would likely fill out the rest of his term. Knoll would be 80 at the time of the next election, so she probably won't seek a full term, regardless of whether Rendell moves on with an elected career or not. That would set up a wide-open race.
On the Republican side, a number of potential names are popping up. The three most exciting names are Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett, former Congressman Pat Toomey, and former Senator Rick Santorum. Other names include: House Speaker Dennis M. O'Brien, 2006 candidate Lynn Swann, former Lt. Governor Bill Scranton and former Congresswoman Melissa Hart.
For the Dems, a few names are coming up. The interesting thing is that many of them are not well known. They are "rising stars" for the most part. Leading the list is former State Treasurer Barbara Hafer and former Lt. Governor Mark Singel. Other names include rising star legislator Josh Shapiro, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, State Auditor General Jack Wagner and Lehigh County Chief Executive Don Cunningham.
To put this into more perspective, we have to look at the primary basics of Pennsylvania politics. First, Pennsylvania is not really a Democratic stronghold. It is a battleground state that seems to lean Democratic. The Dem holds are Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Everywhere else in the state - the central and northern areas - are conservative and primarily Republican holds. This area is known as the "Republican T", or "Pennsyltucky". These areas seem to pretty much balance off. However, the voter makeup gives a slight edge to the Dems. Here is the statewide party registration in 2006:
Democratic
3,900,685
47.7%
Republican
3,300,894
40.3%
Other
981,297
12.0%
To put it another way, while the state has voted for the Democratic nominee for President in eight of the past 12 elections, the Congressional makeup has been majority Republican, and Bob Casey Jr.'s victory in November was only the first Democratic U.S. Senator to win a full term since Joseph Clark won a close re-election battle in 1962. In Presidential elections, Gore took the state by only 4 percent in 2000, while Kerry won the "Keystone State" by only 2 percent. Pennsylvania is up for grabs!
From the way things look now, the Republican nominee should have a slight edge if he is Corbett, Toomey or Santorum. If another candidate wins the primary, the race should still be up for grabs, depending on who the Dems nominate. Right now the strongest potential Dem candidate should be Hafer. Of course, someone else could always pop into the consideration, but I think these potential candidates are good shots at being candidates. For the Republicans, I think Santorum and Swann are less likely. These two may pursue other forms of public service. Santorum may consider being a part of a future Presidential administration, while Swann is reportedly looking into a run for Congress in 2008. It is also understood that Santorum is planning on spending more time in his residence in Virginia, which was a serious blow in his 2006 U.S. Senate race.
This race is sure to be an exciting one to follow, and it will likely be a closely-watched race nationwide in 2010. For more, click this link.
TENNESSEE ~ U.S. Senate 2008
Incumbent Republican Senator Lamar Alexander is running again to hold on to his seat. He is well respected in Tennessee as a former Governor and former President of the University of Tennessee. He, also, served as Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush and was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination of President of the United States in 1996 and 2000.
Alexander first ran for the Senate in 2002 to fill the retiring Fred Thompson's seat. Thompson is now a likely candidate for President in 2008. Alexander beat then-Congressman Ed Bryant in the GOP primary 54 percent to 43 percent. Alexander won the seat over Democrat Bob Clement 54 percent to 44 percent.
After the 2006 elections, Alexander ran for the position of Senate Minority Whip. He was the early favorite, but Mississippi Senator Trent Lott suddenly jumped in and won a close one over Alexander by a 25-24 vote by fellow GOP senators.
Alexander should have slight GOP primary opposition at best, as he is so well liked in Tennessee. No formidable GOP names are likely to run against Lamar.
Democratic opposition is unsure right now. A popular name that arises is former Congressman and 2006 candidate Harold Ford Jr. I believe him to be unlikely, as he has said he is not considering to oppose Alexander. Another name touted often is Governor Phil Bredesen. Although he is a bit more likely, I don't see this happening either. Congressman Lincoln Davis could be a possible candidate for the Dems, as could Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, who will not run for another term this year. Still another possible name is State Senator Rosalind Kurita, who attempted a go in 2006, only to back away because she couldn't compete with Ford.
With Fred Thompson now being a likely candidate for President, he is in good position to win the Republican nomination. That being the case, his coattails would be huge for the Tennessee GOP, and Alexander would likely be re-elected in a landslide. If the opposite would happen, and Fred is not the GOP nominee for President (doesn't seem likely that this is the case), Alexander would likely still win re-election.
Go ahead and chalk up this one for the GOP as all things stand now!
TENNESSEE ~ Governor 2010
As is the case in Pennsylvania, current Democratic Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen will be forced to retire under term limits. If Bredesen would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2008 against Alexander and win (not likely at this point), current State Senate Speaker and Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, a Republican, would become Governor as far as I know. At this time, it doesn't look like Ramsey will be a candidate for Governor in 2010. In that case, a wide-open race will be in the picture.
On the Republican side, a very interesting race seems to be playing out. Former U.S. Senator Bill Frist and Congressman Zach Wamp are both reportedly very interested in the race.
POTENTIAL FRIST CANDIDACY
Race42008.com
Gene Patterson
Nashville Post
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Save The GOP
Nashville Tennessean
POTENTIAL WAMP CANDIDACY
WATE-TV Knoxville, Tenn.
WATE-TV Story 2
WRCB-TV Chattanooga, Tenn.
TenneSpeak
Associated Press
Zach Wamp News
Chattanooga Times Free Press
If these two candidates both enter the race, it would make for a thrilling primary that would likely be watched nationwide. Other names being touted are headed by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. Lesser-known names could drop out if Frist and Wamp were to gain traction.
For the Dems, two common names being floated are Congressman Lincoln Davis and Nashville Mayor Bill Percell. Lesser names include State Representative Kim McMillan and state Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber. Of course, the name of Harold Ford, Jr. again pops up, and he could be a possible candidate this time. Personally, I think Lincoln Davis will run and is in good position to be the Dems' nominee.
Let me handicap this one. For the GOP, I say both Frist and Wamp run. Blackburn and Haslam may consider the race, but at least one of them will likely drop out. It will go down to the wire between the former Senator and the Congressman from Chattanooga. Although something tells me that Frist would win, I can't make a real prediction. I met Wamp on Saturday at the "Draft Thompson Rally" in Cookeville, and he would be a very strong and deserving candidate. Personally, I think I would prefer to support Wamp in the primary.
For the Dems, I say Lincoln Davis is the nominee. In the general election, either Frist or Wamp should have the edge. Although Tennessee is still home to a lot of Democrats, the state is conservative, and is adjusting its vote as such. If all incumbents decided to retire at once, the GOP would likely have a large amount of pickups in Tennessee.
Another place to go for more on this race is Volunteer Voters.
I say the GOP is the early favorite in this race, and it will be one of the races to most look forward to in the next couple of election cycles.
Gill Speaks At Thompson Rally
Popular Tennessee radio talk show host Steve Gill fires up the crowd at the first "Draft Fred Thompson 2008" rally, which was held in Cookeville, Tennessee on Saturday, April 28, 2007. Gill is also known for his basketball playing days at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. The rally brought out at least 300 supporters from at least ten states at the starting time of 3:30. In the next two hours, a total of 500 people showed up and encouraged the former Tennessee senator to run for President in the 2008 elections. When the event was first planned, only about 200 were expected to show up without Thompson being there. The Senator was not there. Thompson is already a factor in this race, although he has yet to announce his intentions.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Cookeville Fred Thompson Rally A HUGE SUCCESS!
Photo courtesy of Darrin J. KirkusCongressman Zach Wamp (R-TN3) speaks to the crowd of at least 250 at the time in Dogwood Park in Cookeville, Tennessee. Wamp was one of the speakers at the nation's first Draft Fred Thompson rally, and it was hosted in my own community. The turnout, energy, and the rally itself was an outstanding success!
The beautiful town of Cookeville, Tennessee played host Saturday to the first rally to encourage former Tennessee Senator Fred Dalton Thompson to run for President of the United States in 2008. The rally can be summed up in two words, OUTSTANDING SUCCESS! According to ThompsonRally.com, the official website of the rally, more than 300 people showed up at the starting time at 3:30 PM CST. Over 500 people were in attendance at different times through the day. Among those in attendance were three great speakers: Tennessee radio-show host and former University of Tennessee basketball star Steve Gill, Congressman Zach Wamp, and Speaker Pro Tem of the Missouri State House, Carl Bearden. The rally was organized by the Putnam County Republicans under Darrin J. Kirkus, and Congressman Wamp.
Those in attendance came from all over our great country. People from Ohio, Texas, Missouri, California, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida were among those in attendance. Of course, Tennessee was well represented at the rally. Hundreds came from the "Volunteer State" to help volunteer to encourage Thompson to throw his hat in the ring. Tennesseans came from numerous counties to congregate right in Cookeville, which is right in the middle of the Nashville-Chattanooga-Knoxville triangle. Those in attendance were welcomed by fine bluegrass music performed by the Lancaster Garden Ambush Band. Loads of free Fred Thompson 2008 shirts, bumper stickers, buttons and fans were given away. Hundreds lined up to sign a banner which will be sent to Thompson to encourage him to run.
At 8 AM CST, Gill broadcast his statewide radio show from Toots restaurant on Willow Avenue in Cookeville. Topics covered included the Thompson rally, Thompson's upcoming likely candidacy, Tennessee Senator Bob Corker's recent vote on the so-called Iraq Spending Bill (which allots more money for domestic pork projects than the war), and the Hope College Scholarship, funded by the Tennessee Lottery. As many as 45-50 people walked through the doors of Toots to visit Gill and show their support for Thompson. This set of events were over at 11 AM.
The younger crowd became strongly involved. Among the most excited in attendance were College Republicans. The College Republican president from Tennessee, Jonathan Bryant of Bryan College, gave a few words, as did Courtney Bailey, who is a grassroots leader from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. I myself am a College Republican from Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville. Our Tennessee Tech College Republican President Delilah Brown was also in attendance.
Thompson has been seriously considering a bid for the Presidency for some time. In March, he announced he would "leave the door open". Since then, his wife is reportedly encouraging him to run and make his announcement in June. He speaks like a candidate, and has been drawing large amounts of press over his consideration. Opinion polls are now consistently showing him to be in double-digits, and he is often in third, just behind Giuliani and McCain, in the polls. One poll recently showed Thompson to be in second, even above McCain. The Texas state legislature is reportedly showing strong backing towards the former Senator and actor. Opinion polls in Texas show Fred to be very close to first. State Republican parties in states like Iowa, South Carolina, Ohio, Florida, and, of course, Tennessee are showing strong excitement towards Thompson. All of this for a candidate who has not even officially announced any run. Word is that a run will be announced likely in June.
The schedule for Saturday's rally was as follows:
Saturday Morning
8 to 11 central, Steve Gill will broadcast live from TOOT'S on Willow Avenue. Come have some coffee and Big-O Doughnuts with Steve.
Enjoy Cookeville! Lots of great shops and places to eat. Many are a short walk from Dogwood Park.
Saturday Afternoon
12 to 2 central: Live Blues! behind Crazy Kent's Electronics. It's 2 blocks from Dogwood Park on East 1st beside the Chamber of Commerce. Tony Drake is a young blues artist you will have to see and hear to believe!
Stop by East 1st Coffee House for some refreshment (with zip if you like). Its 1 block from Dogwood Park on East 1st.
2:00 central: Rally Setup -Glad to have your help!
3:30 central: The music starts at Dogwood Park. Lancaster Garden Ambush Band --Great Bluegrass! Sign the letter to Fred, Get some gear, Great speakers, More great music
The above courtesy of ThompsonRally.com
The preceding pictures express the turnout and excitement of those among the crowd. These pictures are, also, courtesy of ThompsonRally.com.
The crowd was enthusiastic, and broke into applause often. Several times the crowd could be heard chanting, "Run, Fred, Run."
The press in Tennessee kept up with the event. I met a contracted photographer from the Nashville Tennessean at the rally. The Cookeville Herald-Citizen ran a story the day before, and another story is likely to follow. Below are links to the press coverage of the event.
Knoxville News-Sentinel (Associated Press)
I ENDORSE FRED THOMPSON!
Image from WikipediaI will make what even I agree to be a different announcement. I WILL ENDORSE TWO CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES IN 2008! I will continue to work for and endorse Congressman Tom Tancredo of Colorado. However, now I will officially endorse former U.S. Senator Fred Dalton Thompson of Tennessee. I will continue to work for Tancredo because his influence will encourage the illegal immigration, abortion, balkanization of America, and North American Union issues to the forefront of the national 2008 discussion. Tancredo himself doesn't expect to win nor really even wants the job. He just wants to push those issues to the front of the 2008 elections. I will work for Fred because he stands for America, stands for conservative principles and values, and HE WILL WIN! I am now on Fred's red truck and will be one of the millions who will ride it to the White House!
GO FDT 2008!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
My Talk Seems Not To Have Changed
Although I have been living in Middle Tennessee for over 11 years, I guess my "accent" has not changed all that much. This is the result of a quiz on http://www.gotoquiz.com/, under the section, "What American accent do you have?" Maybe all the cheesesteaks I eat and the Phils' games I watch have something to do with it. Aah, probably not.
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: Philadelphia Your accent is as Philadelphian as a cheesesteak! If you're not from Philadelphia, then you're from someplace near there like south Jersey, Baltimore, or Wilmington. if you've ever journeyed to some far off place where people don't know that Philly has an accent, someone may have thought you talked a little weird even though they didn't have a clue what accent it was they heard. | |
| The Midland | |
| The Northeast | |
| The South | |
| The Inland North | |
| Boston | |
| The West | |
| North Central | |
| What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz | |
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
A VICTORY FOR PRO-LIFE!
The U.S. Supreme Court voted by a 5-4 decision today to essentially ban partial-birth abortion. This is certainly a victory for the defenseless, and could be a stepping-stone to overturning that unspeakable evil known as Roe v. Wade. The decision also could be proof that Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito are truly serving in America's best interest. Both could likely be two of the best moves by President Bush, and could be a good, lasting part of his legacy. He would certainly need every bit of good legacy possible. As it is a victory for us, it is likewise a loss for wicked bums like "pro-choicers" and that horrible excuse for a justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
GOD BLESS THE DEFENSELESS AND INNOCENT! THIS IS TRULY A VICTORY TODAY, BUT THE WORK TO BRING JUSTICE TO THE INNOCENT GOES ON! THERE IS MUCH YET TO BE DONE!
For more, read this article from WorldNetDaily.
GOD BLESS THE DEFENSELESS AND INNOCENT! THIS IS TRULY A VICTORY TODAY, BUT THE WORK TO BRING JUSTICE TO THE INNOCENT GOES ON! THERE IS MUCH YET TO BE DONE!
For more, read this article from WorldNetDaily.
Monday, April 16, 2007
The Response Of Tennessee Tech To Monday's Tragedy At VT
The statement below is the reaction from Tennessee Tech University to the senseless and horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech Monday morning. Hopefully, those of the VT family will notice that TTU holds VT in prayer. Here is the statement:"Counseling available after Virginia Tech tragedy; vigilance encouraged
The shooting that occurred on the Virginia Tech campus is a tragedy felt around the world. TTU prayers and concerns go out to everyone affected by the situation. The incident, though isolated to the Virginia Tech campus, reminds all of us to be especially vigilant with safety and security, no matter where we are. Please contact University Police or emergency services if you see anything of concern on campus by calling 9-1-1 or 3234.
Incidents like this affect many people in different ways. If you or anyone you know would like to talk about the situation with a professional, counseling services are available through the TTU Counseling Center by calling 3331 or visiting the center in RUC 307."
Tennessee Tech University is in Cookeville, Tennessee. The campus is almost two hours away from Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga. This is a well-accredited university in academics, and known in athletics for our men's and women's basketball programs, and our softball program. The campus is situated in north Cookeville with 87 buildings on 235 acres. We have over 9,500 students.
STAND STRONG!
Image created by Jordan M. IwanyszynThis is just something I put together to let the Blacksburg community and the Virginia Tech family know that we are standing with them during their time of horrible and appalling tragedy. This image serves as the desktop on our family PC in our house.
May God bless and shine His grace upon all of you. You must know that all of America, including all of us fellow college students across our great land, are here for you and ready to help wherever we can.
DEVELOPING STORY
MASSACRE IN BLACKSBURG
Gunman opens fire on Virginia Tech campus. Thirty-two dead, 28 others injured.
Injured are carried out of Norris Hall on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia after the shooting rampage that left 32 dead on Monday morning, April 16, 2007. (Roanoke Times)
Injured are carried out of Norris Hall on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia after the shooting rampage that left 32 dead on Monday morning, April 16, 2007. (Roanoke Times)BLACKSBURG, Virginia - CS News. At least one gunman opened fire on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg Monday, leaving at least 32 dead and 28 wounded, according to the Associated Press. It is the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States. Only one shooter is known, according to the university's police staff, and he is among the dead.
The events began this morning at West Ambler Johnston, a dormitory on the campus. This shooting, which occurred at about 7:15 AM local time, resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
While this event was being investigated, another series of shootings occurred a couple of hours later at Norris Hall, which is an engineering building for VT. This was the worst of the events and was the cause of the majority of the fatalities.
Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives held moments of silence Monday afternoon for the affected of these appalling acts.
Virginia Tech is a popular and accredited university, both in academics and athletics. It has the largest full-time student population in Virginia. Over 25,000 students study on the campus, which spans 100 buildings on 2,600 acres in the beautiful community of Blacksburg. The university is made up of eight colleges and offers 60 bachelor's programs, along with 140 master's and doctoral programs.
University President Charles W. Steger called the events a "tragedy of monumental proportions". For more on President Steger's statement, visit this link.
To keep up to date on the latest of this developing story, visit these reports from Fox, MSNBC, CNN, CBS News and ABC News.
To those of the Virginia Tech community who are involved, I want to let you know that we stand with you during your time of crisis. I am a university student myself at Tennessee Tech, so I can somewhat relate. If there is any help you need, we as fellow Americans stand with you and are ready to assist. There is no excuse for these appalling acts of this morning. My God truly bless all of you and I want you to know that you are in our prayers and thoughts through this horrible time. I, also, want you to know that you have a beautiful community and campus. As I visit Pennsylvania, I travel up Interstate 81 right past your fair town and campus. It is horribly tragic that such a beautiful place had to be assailed.
I do not really want to politicize this event, particularly at this hard time, but I want those who oppose the Second Amendment to know something. It is not guns that kill. People kill. You will have no right to bash the Second Amendment and those who honor it. That is all I have to say about that at this time.
AGAIN, MAY GOD BLESS AND GRANT MERCY TO VIRGINIA TECH AND ALL AFFECTED BY THIS MORNING'S COWARDLY ACTS! STAND STRONG THROUGH THESE STRUGGLES!
Friday, April 13, 2007
A Pair of Endorsements
I just thought I would inform all the readers here about the two official endorsements I made just moments ago. I have been excited about the candidacies of Bill Greene in the special election in Georgia's 10th Congressional District this year, as well as Bob Schaffer in Colorado's U.S. Senate race next year. Greene is in his race, but Schaffer has not officially announced. Nevertheless, I am officially endorsing Greene and Schaffer for the above-mentioned races. These are two men America needs to serve in positions of high office. Godspeed to you two gentlemen.
HERE ARE THE RESULTS
The following are the results from the elections that have decided the Student Government officers for the 2007-08 academic year at Tennessee Tech. As can be seen, it was mostly a tight race all around. Without further delay, the results for the College of Arts & Sciences.
The seven top candidates were chosen by the voters. It was to be six, but Kykta and Dixon tied, so it appears that the decision was made to let them both serve instead of having a run-off. I fell just three votes short of a three-way tie for the final seat. I ran for the students, and they spoke. I respect their decision, and I look forward to seeing what the SGA proposes in the upcoming year. The four executive officers, voted in last Thursday, are very ambitious in their plans to encourage more involvement in the university. This group, headed by incoming SGA President Ashley Warrington, are a promising bunch, and I hope to see the university benefit from this.
I have received an offer to serve elsewhere in the SGA, and I am weighing those options. To serve elsewhere, I would have to stay in contact with the incoming SGA executive officials. I have a class with Ashley, and I have talked with incoming Secretary Nicole Bostic, so I am able to communicate pretty easily with them. I look forward to serving the university in any way I possibly can. This was a learning experience to prepare me for the next go. I have found ways to improve and I plan to use them in my next campaign. Now, onward to continue service to Tennessee Tech, along with the task of working to put a true conservative in the White House next year. That will be Tom Tancredo or Fred Thompson.
TO THE WORK!
The seven top candidates were chosen by the voters. It was to be six, but Kykta and Dixon tied, so it appears that the decision was made to let them both serve instead of having a run-off. I fell just three votes short of a three-way tie for the final seat. I ran for the students, and they spoke. I respect their decision, and I look forward to seeing what the SGA proposes in the upcoming year. The four executive officers, voted in last Thursday, are very ambitious in their plans to encourage more involvement in the university. This group, headed by incoming SGA President Ashley Warrington, are a promising bunch, and I hope to see the university benefit from this.
I have received an offer to serve elsewhere in the SGA, and I am weighing those options. To serve elsewhere, I would have to stay in contact with the incoming SGA executive officials. I have a class with Ashley, and I have talked with incoming Secretary Nicole Bostic, so I am able to communicate pretty easily with them. I look forward to serving the university in any way I possibly can. This was a learning experience to prepare me for the next go. I have found ways to improve and I plan to use them in my next campaign. Now, onward to continue service to Tennessee Tech, along with the task of working to put a true conservative in the White House next year. That will be Tom Tancredo or Fred Thompson.
TO THE WORK!
RESULTS ARE IN!
The results for the elections to select the 2007-08 Student Government officers at Tennessee Tech are in. I have the returns for the College of Arts & Sciences Senate with me, and I will post them as soon as possible. I am working on a few other things at this time, so I hope to have them posted by the end of the day. To let the cat out of the bag, I will let you know that your blogmaster was involved in a very tight race. That is all I will say about that at this time. Returns will be posted at any time.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
POLLS ARE CLOSED
The polls for the elections deciding the 2007-08 Student Government Association Senate officers at Tennessee Tech University were to close at 5 PM CST. It is now 5:10, although the TTU Vote Server shows the choices up for election. There was ten of us running for six seats in the College of Arts & Sciences. Here were the candidates:
Amanda Dixon
Lisa East
Ted Engel
Joseph Greek
Kristina Hortert
Jordan M. Iwanyszyn
Shannen Kykta
Amos Powers
Paige Provey
Whitney Tayes
When I find the results, I will post them here. I believe the chance is strong that I will be one of those six winners. An interesting point of note, two of the candidates have interesting connections. Kristina Hortert is a Tennessee Tech softball player, of which I will say has been ranked near 33rd in the country recently. Whitney Tayes is the granddaughter of Tennessee State Senator Charlotte Burks, whose district includes Putnam County and Cookeville. Both of these ladies have strong likelihoods of having been elected in this race, as well.
Amanda Dixon
Lisa East
Ted Engel
Joseph Greek
Kristina Hortert
Jordan M. Iwanyszyn
Shannen Kykta
Amos Powers
Paige Provey
Whitney Tayes
When I find the results, I will post them here. I believe the chance is strong that I will be one of those six winners. An interesting point of note, two of the candidates have interesting connections. Kristina Hortert is a Tennessee Tech softball player, of which I will say has been ranked near 33rd in the country recently. Whitney Tayes is the granddaughter of Tennessee State Senator Charlotte Burks, whose district includes Putnam County and Cookeville. Both of these ladies have strong likelihoods of having been elected in this race, as well.
VOTING IS UNDER WAY!
Voting for the 2007-08 officers in the Student Government Association at Tennessee Tech University is under way! I am a candidate for the College of Arts & Sciences Senate, where I am pitted against nine other candidates. Six will go on to hold Senate seats from the College of A&S, so my chances are strong. More to come later.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
COME ATTEND THE THOMPSON 2008 RALLY RIGHT HERE IN COOKEVILLE!
The first known Fred Thompson 2008 rally is scheduled to be held right here in Cookeville, Tennessee. It is planned for Saturday, April 28, from 3:30 to 5:30, and is being jointly presented by the Putnam County Republican Party and Tennessee Congressman Zach Wamp. Guests and speakers of honor are already being scheduled and Mr. Wamp is confirmed, along with Nashville radio personality and former University of Tennessee basketball star Steve Gill. RSVPs are in from across the country, including South Carolina, Ohio, Florida, and Washington,DC. It is to be held in beautiful Dogwood Park, adjacent to the Putnam County Public Library and Cookeville City Hall. Make your plans to join us and support Mr. Thompson, who can win this race, cancer or no cancer. For more information go to http://www.thompsonrally.com/.
Monday, April 2, 2007
"THE TANC IS IN"
A TRUE STATESMAN IS NOW IN THE RACE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE IN 2008!
Photo courtesy of Team TancredoAs was written in the previous post, Colorado Congressman Thomas G. Tancredo has officially thrown his hat in the ring to run the race that will, Lord willing, end up with him serving in the White House on January 20, 2009. He officially announced his decision on The Jan Mickelson Show on WHO AM-1040 in Des Moines, Iowa. The announcement was made just after 10 AM EST, 9 CST.
I cannot say it enough. Here is a statesman who is right on virtually every issue, and I am not only talking about his political lean. He has the right stuff to lead on solving the illegal immigration crisis, the American culture situation, and he is pro-life, so he can lead on solving the abortion massacre. Here is how the Congressman stands on other issues:
~He is a co-sponsor of the bill that Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA) has brought to the floor of the House to oppose the NAFTA Superhighway and North American Union (see my "Links" list on the right column of this page for more).
~He supports a flat tax or a national sales tax.
~He supports small businesses.
~He is for the right of parents to decide the educational future of their children, AND THAT INCLUDES HOMESCHOOLING (This blogmaster is excited about that, because I have been homeschooled for most of my school career). He is a former teacher, so he is well familiar with the educational issues.
~He is for welfare reform.
~He supports the Second Amendment. He is a fighter for the right of Americans to possess arms.
DON'T HOLD YOUR NOSE AS YOU VOTE IN 2008! DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT NOT VOTING BECAUSE THERE IS NOT A GOOD STATESMAN IN THE RACE, BECAUSE, NOW, THERE IS ONE!
GO TO TEAM TANCREDO AND JOIN THE CONGRESSMAN'S E-MAIL LIST TO FOLLOW THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE CAMPAIGN. PLEASE DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN. ALTHOUGH IT TAKES VOTES TO WIN, MONEY IS ALSO AN IMPORTANT FACTOR. MAKE SURE TO VOTE FOR THE "TANC" IN YOUR PRIMARIES NEXT YEAR. IF YOU ARE NOT A REGISTERED VOTER, GET OUT THERE AND REGISTER! AFTER THAT, BE SURE TO VOTE! IN THE MEANTIME, PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW ABOUT THE TANCREDO CAMPAIGN. WORD OF MOUTH IS MOST CRUCIAL RIGHT NOW!
HERE IS SOME OF TOM'S ANNOUNCEMENT THIS MORNING ON WHO:
Taken from TeamTancredo
"The history of America is the story of men and women who have devoted and sacrificed themselves to the survival and success of that idea. Americans have fought and died for this cause in every century of our existence, and on every continent on the planet, for one purpose: to protect the gift of human liberty entrusted to us the Founders.
That gift is our birthright; its defense is our duty.
Today that idea, the idea of America itself, is under attack. But not only by who you think.
While we fight around the world to defend our nation, we are entrenched now in a struggle here at home to define it. The crisis of illegal immigration threatens not only our economy and our security, but our very identity - the idea of America is under attack.
Nearly 20 million illegal aliens are living in the United States today - roughly equivalent to the populations of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia combined. Unlike legal immigrants, who have for more than 200 years come to be a part of our nation, illegal immigrants today come to be apart from our nation.
The great tradition of American assimilation has broken down. The melting pot has cracked, and our Founding ideals are leaking through.
Illegal immigrants wait in no lines, pay no dues, and thus assume no responsibility for or devotion to America's founding ideals and traditional values. They enter illegally, demand social services, refuse our language, and take our jobs, asking not what they can do for their country, only what our country can do for them.
This attitude has been tolerated and even encouraged by our political and economic elite, for reasons ranging from the misguided to the cynical to the treasonous.
Some might ask what it says about a country who cannot defend its borders. I ask what it says about a country who chooses not to in deference to criminals loyal to another nation, and corporations loyal to none.
For too long Americans have been force-fed candidates who ignore or mock their valid concerns about the security of our borders, the enforcement of our immigration laws, and the survival of our national heritage. That ends today.
I am running for President to give Americans a voice, to win this fight, to preserve the sacred ideals of the nation our soldiers are fighting to protect, and to succeed in this struggle for our identity and survival.
One last chance for the last, best, hope of earth."
FOR MORE ON TODAY'S ANNOUNCEMENT, VISIT THE LINKS BELOW.
WKRN ABC-2, Nashville, Tennessee
BREAKING NEWS
THE TANC IS OFFICIALLY IN!
Courtesy of A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo officially announced this morning his intention to seek the Republican nomination for the Presidency of the United States in the 2008 elections. Mr. Tancredo, as has been written here over the last couple of months, is a principled conservative on issues ranging from abortion to illegal immigration to American culture to taxes. He made his announcement on WHO-AM 1040 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Keep it here as we continue to follow the campaign trail of Mr. Tancredo. At the Conservative Statesman, this blog intends to support the Congressman's bid for the Presidency. Your blogmaster, Jordan, has already been informally gathering support for the "Tanc" since late 2005.
To learn more about Mr. Tancredo, visit his campaign site right here.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
TANCREDO ANNOUNCEMENT PLANNED FOR MONDAY MORNING!
Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo is to make an announcement regarding his plans for the 2008 Republican nomination for President on Monday morning, April 2. He will make the announcement on the Jan Mickelson Show on WHO 1040-AM in Des Moines, Iowa at 10 AM EST, 9 CST. You can listen live right here with this link to WHO.
Although common sense tells us what the Congressman's plans are, we will not declare them here until after the Tanc's announcement. This is the Congressman's moment. Stay tuned here and be sure to check us out for the latest later Monday morning.
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