There sure has been a lot of drama surrounding the appointments that are being made to replace two recently vacated U.S. Senate seats, the one in Illinois that Barack Obama has left, and the one in New York that Hillary Rodham Clinton is likely to be leaving to become Secretary of State.
By far, the biggest news about an appointment surrounds the scandal on Democratic Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. The already scandal-tainted governor has decided that a responsibility to fill a vacant seat has instead become an opportunity. That is, an opportunity to either make some money out of it by putting it up for sale for favors, or appointing himself to the seat and positioning himself for a run for the U.S. Presidency in 2016.
This an an appalling and disgusting reflection on why many Americans have become tired of the political process. Instead of viewing government for what it is supposed to be - a limited body trying to help society move along smoothly - some officials see it as an opportunity to benefit themselves. Truly disgusting! Even though I find political watching a hobby, and I am a political science major at Tennessee Tech, even I get tired of the mess and find a lot of the elected officials truly revolting.
In New York, it isn't scandals that are the theme. It is rock star status that is looking to find its way into the Senate seat Clinton will probably vacate.
News first surfaced a couple of weeks ago that Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, is interested in positioning herself to be appointed by Democratic Governor David Paterson. She has not yet said for sure, however, that she wants the post.
Someone else who has surfaced as being even more interested is former Nanny star Fran Drescher, who has been vocal about her ambition to be appointed.
If either one is appointed, it would show that star power prevails over actual service, as New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo actually is more qualified with his history of service.
Don't worry about turning on the TV set for primetime shows. The drama, and even the comedy, around the appointments to fill one, and likely soon two, vacant Senate seats is very much better than anything you'll find on NBC or CBS.
Stay tuned...
Showing posts with label America Chooses 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label America Chooses 2008. Show all posts
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
One Bright Spot For Conservatives In 2008: TENNESSEE
While we got hit nationally with some tough blows, the Volunteer State was one of the few bright spots. In a sign that Tennessee will become a leading state for the GOP, if not one already, the party showed an impressive sign of power.
The state went overwhelmingly to the Presidential ticket of McCain-Palin by a 57-41 percent margin. That is only topped by Nixon's re-election showing in 1972, Reagan's re-election showing in 1984, and George H.W. Bush's election in 1988. Also, Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander won re-election, by a huge 65-32 percent margin over challenger Bob Tuke, one of the best showings for a GOP U.S. Senate candidate in the state's history.
The state legislature in Nashville received a GOP mandate. Coming into last night, Republicans and Democrats each held 16 senators with one Independent. After winning three seats the GOP now hold power in the Senate by a 19-14 margin. In the State House, Dems held the power 53-46. Last night, however, the GOP picked up five seats and lost one for the total of four they needed to take the House. Now the GOP hold a slim lead in House power by the margin of 50-49. However, that is the first time Republicans have gained control of the House since Reconstruction.
Kentucky, Mississippi, and Texas can all be considered among some of the few bright spots, as those three states were crucial in electing Republican senators to keep the filibuster-proof majority the Dems were looking for a myth.
CONGRATS TO THE GOP VICTORS IN THE TENNESSEE STATE LEGISLATURE!
The following are the big difference in switching the power, as they took seats from Democrats or Independents:
In The Senate:
District 4 - Mike Faulk, with 50.2% of the vote. (Beat Incumbent Independent)
District 12 - Ken Yager, with 51.2 % of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 26 - Dolores Gresham, with 53.7 % of the vote. (Open Seat, formerly John Wilder's)
In The House:
District 2 - Tony Shipley, with 50.6% of the vote. (Beat incumbent Dem)
District 40 - Terri Lynn Weaver, with 54.7% of the vote (Open Seat-D)
District 48 - Joe Carr, with 51.5% of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 66 - Joshua Evans, with 52.4% of the vote (Beat Incumbent Dem)
District 71 - Vance Dennis, with 53% of the vote (Open Seat-D)
The state went overwhelmingly to the Presidential ticket of McCain-Palin by a 57-41 percent margin. That is only topped by Nixon's re-election showing in 1972, Reagan's re-election showing in 1984, and George H.W. Bush's election in 1988. Also, Republican U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander won re-election, by a huge 65-32 percent margin over challenger Bob Tuke, one of the best showings for a GOP U.S. Senate candidate in the state's history.
The state legislature in Nashville received a GOP mandate. Coming into last night, Republicans and Democrats each held 16 senators with one Independent. After winning three seats the GOP now hold power in the Senate by a 19-14 margin. In the State House, Dems held the power 53-46. Last night, however, the GOP picked up five seats and lost one for the total of four they needed to take the House. Now the GOP hold a slim lead in House power by the margin of 50-49. However, that is the first time Republicans have gained control of the House since Reconstruction.
Kentucky, Mississippi, and Texas can all be considered among some of the few bright spots, as those three states were crucial in electing Republican senators to keep the filibuster-proof majority the Dems were looking for a myth.
CONGRATS TO THE GOP VICTORS IN THE TENNESSEE STATE LEGISLATURE!
The following are the big difference in switching the power, as they took seats from Democrats or Independents:
In The Senate:
District 4 - Mike Faulk, with 50.2% of the vote. (Beat Incumbent Independent)
District 12 - Ken Yager, with 51.2 % of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 26 - Dolores Gresham, with 53.7 % of the vote. (Open Seat, formerly John Wilder's)
In The House:
District 2 - Tony Shipley, with 50.6% of the vote. (Beat incumbent Dem)
District 40 - Terri Lynn Weaver, with 54.7% of the vote (Open Seat-D)
District 48 - Joe Carr, with 51.5% of the vote. (Open Seat-D)
District 66 - Joshua Evans, with 52.4% of the vote (Beat Incumbent Dem)
District 71 - Vance Dennis, with 53% of the vote (Open Seat-D)
BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES!
The conservative movement took some big blows last night, and we are now set back a bit. Our country needs God more than ever, and we really need to pray harder than ever.
Now is a time for the conservative movement to do a serious gutcheck. We need to search ourselves, and know for sure what it really means to be a conservative. We need to find a way to address issues that people are concerned about, such as the environment, poverty, the handicapped, and like issues, but from a conservative perspective. Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum was working on that before he became an early casualty of the Democratic gains two years ago. Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee is working on health and poverty issues across the globe. We need to address infrastructure, the economy, and other issues often, and we need to let people know why the conservative solutions are the right ones. Our recruiters of candidates for public office need to attract good, Christian conservative men and women to run for office, and will be leaders of the conservative movement of the future.
It is shaping up to be a tough two, maybe even four years. I think the GOP comes back in the Congress in 2010. I think we take some crucial governorships, and state legislatures.
It is time for a rejuvenated conservative movement to come back, erase the damage done so far to our great republic, and the damage these liberal nutjobs are sure to try to impose! Thank God we have stopped a filibuster-proof U.S. Senate. That is where a crucial battleline has been drawn.
WE'LL BE BACK!
Now is a time for the conservative movement to do a serious gutcheck. We need to search ourselves, and know for sure what it really means to be a conservative. We need to find a way to address issues that people are concerned about, such as the environment, poverty, the handicapped, and like issues, but from a conservative perspective. Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum was working on that before he became an early casualty of the Democratic gains two years ago. Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee is working on health and poverty issues across the globe. We need to address infrastructure, the economy, and other issues often, and we need to let people know why the conservative solutions are the right ones. Our recruiters of candidates for public office need to attract good, Christian conservative men and women to run for office, and will be leaders of the conservative movement of the future.
It is shaping up to be a tough two, maybe even four years. I think the GOP comes back in the Congress in 2010. I think we take some crucial governorships, and state legislatures.
It is time for a rejuvenated conservative movement to come back, erase the damage done so far to our great republic, and the damage these liberal nutjobs are sure to try to impose! Thank God we have stopped a filibuster-proof U.S. Senate. That is where a crucial battleline has been drawn.
WE'LL BE BACK!
Monday, November 3, 2008
WHY I ENDORSE SENATOR JOHN McCAIN AND GOVERNOR SARAH PALIN
I actually endorsed Senator McCain and Governor Palin back in June. Well, at least Senator McCain's ticket, which included Governor Palin in August. I could have written a formal endorsement then, but I have decided to do it now, even though I have been working to get this year's GOP ticket elected for the last few months. Why support McCain and Palin? I'll tell you.
We all know we face serious and defining threats in these days, from both our homeland, and from abroad. Our great nation is at a crossroads. Economies go through cycles. Our financial system has decided it is that time again to take a downswing. Actually, most of the world's economies are lagging right now. Iran is threatening free nations. China is booming into a world superpower, led by a form of communism. Russia is becoming imperialist again, threatening sovereign nations around it, especially Georgia and Ukraine. The injustice known as abortion has snuffed out the lives of nearly 50 million unborn Americans. Illegal immigration continues to be an ongoing struggle in this country, and a drag on our environment, healthcare system, education system, and job market in this country. It is also a problem for the reason that the illegal immigrants are not assimilating into our culture well, which hurts our national identity. We need to get a grip on our energy policy. We are sending $700 billion a year overseas for our oil. We need to get those oil sources from home, and work towards a solid alternative energy policy. These are just a few of the obstacles we face as a country.
That brings us to our next leader. In the words of Democratic VP choice Joe Biden, "Now is not the time for on-the-job training when it comes to the Presidency" (he was actually criticizing Senator Obama when he said these words. They were spoken back in the primaries, when Biden and Obama were both seeking the Presidency). John McCain doesn't have much to prove when it comes to showing his patriotism. Most of us know about the terrible torture he went through in his nearly six years as prisoner of war in Vietnam. His time in the U.S. Navy gave him incredible experience in matters of the military. He knows exactly what our brave patriots are going through in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is not sending them there for his own personal gain. He first ran for Congress in 1982, and he has been in the Congress since, so he really knows how Washington works.
To balance out the experience, he chose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who gives the ticket a good breath of fresh air. She is a great outsider. She has fought corruption in the oil business in Alaska. She fought a "good ole' boys" system that ran the the state's Republican Party, the state itself, and her town of Wasilla. She stands on principles and values she grew up with. Values of community, value of life, freedom, hard work, and opportunity. She is a terrific speaker, and has the presence of a Ronald Reagan. Something we haven't had since Reagan himself. She lacks in foreign policy experience, but so did Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Besides, John has more than enough of that to go around. Give Sarah a little time watching John, and she'll gain foreign policy experience over time. She is also a solid voice on energy independence, a pressing issue facing our country.
On the other hand, I believe voting for Senator Obama is about the same as rolling the dice on our next leader. As I have said above, now is certainly not the time to do that. He lacks tremendously in experience. He is also a socialist at heart. He believes in "spreading the wealth". America has been opposed to this since our founding. Our country was founded on a limited government, and the citizens were free to keep what they worked hard to earn. It was a novel concept at the time, and one that has worked great for us for years. Our economy could once again bounce out of this downtime we are experiencing if the government can keep its hands off. It shows the arrogance of government when they don't trust their citizens to be benevolent with their own money. They think it's their responsibility to redistribute the wealth. This is an idea that is completely unconstitutional. However, Senator Obama supports these policies. He supports the idea of "Fourth Trimester Abortion". Under this, it is OK to kill a baby born alive after a botched abortion attempt. He supports the idea of prematurely pulling our troops out of Iraq without them winning with honor. This would trow Iraq into a vacuum of chaos, and strengthen our enemies. We don't want that. In addition, he has decided to align himself with individuals with a dark past, and even present. Folks like Tony Rezko, Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, and others. Wright has called for G-D America after 9-11. Ayers attempted to bomb the Pentagon, NYC Police Headquarters, and the Capitol in the 1970s. In 2001, he said he wished he would have bombed more. To bring up these connections is not just some political fodder. Bringing up these connections goes a long way in trying to discover Obama's character, a crucial factor in electing a leader.
I believe I have made a solid case for supporting the McCain-Palin ticket tomorrow. To do otherwise would just be throwing the dice. Electing a leader is not a trip to Vegas to play blackjack.
We all know we face serious and defining threats in these days, from both our homeland, and from abroad. Our great nation is at a crossroads. Economies go through cycles. Our financial system has decided it is that time again to take a downswing. Actually, most of the world's economies are lagging right now. Iran is threatening free nations. China is booming into a world superpower, led by a form of communism. Russia is becoming imperialist again, threatening sovereign nations around it, especially Georgia and Ukraine. The injustice known as abortion has snuffed out the lives of nearly 50 million unborn Americans. Illegal immigration continues to be an ongoing struggle in this country, and a drag on our environment, healthcare system, education system, and job market in this country. It is also a problem for the reason that the illegal immigrants are not assimilating into our culture well, which hurts our national identity. We need to get a grip on our energy policy. We are sending $700 billion a year overseas for our oil. We need to get those oil sources from home, and work towards a solid alternative energy policy. These are just a few of the obstacles we face as a country.
That brings us to our next leader. In the words of Democratic VP choice Joe Biden, "Now is not the time for on-the-job training when it comes to the Presidency" (he was actually criticizing Senator Obama when he said these words. They were spoken back in the primaries, when Biden and Obama were both seeking the Presidency). John McCain doesn't have much to prove when it comes to showing his patriotism. Most of us know about the terrible torture he went through in his nearly six years as prisoner of war in Vietnam. His time in the U.S. Navy gave him incredible experience in matters of the military. He knows exactly what our brave patriots are going through in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is not sending them there for his own personal gain. He first ran for Congress in 1982, and he has been in the Congress since, so he really knows how Washington works.
To balance out the experience, he chose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who gives the ticket a good breath of fresh air. She is a great outsider. She has fought corruption in the oil business in Alaska. She fought a "good ole' boys" system that ran the the state's Republican Party, the state itself, and her town of Wasilla. She stands on principles and values she grew up with. Values of community, value of life, freedom, hard work, and opportunity. She is a terrific speaker, and has the presence of a Ronald Reagan. Something we haven't had since Reagan himself. She lacks in foreign policy experience, but so did Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Besides, John has more than enough of that to go around. Give Sarah a little time watching John, and she'll gain foreign policy experience over time. She is also a solid voice on energy independence, a pressing issue facing our country.
On the other hand, I believe voting for Senator Obama is about the same as rolling the dice on our next leader. As I have said above, now is certainly not the time to do that. He lacks tremendously in experience. He is also a socialist at heart. He believes in "spreading the wealth". America has been opposed to this since our founding. Our country was founded on a limited government, and the citizens were free to keep what they worked hard to earn. It was a novel concept at the time, and one that has worked great for us for years. Our economy could once again bounce out of this downtime we are experiencing if the government can keep its hands off. It shows the arrogance of government when they don't trust their citizens to be benevolent with their own money. They think it's their responsibility to redistribute the wealth. This is an idea that is completely unconstitutional. However, Senator Obama supports these policies. He supports the idea of "Fourth Trimester Abortion". Under this, it is OK to kill a baby born alive after a botched abortion attempt. He supports the idea of prematurely pulling our troops out of Iraq without them winning with honor. This would trow Iraq into a vacuum of chaos, and strengthen our enemies. We don't want that. In addition, he has decided to align himself with individuals with a dark past, and even present. Folks like Tony Rezko, Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers, and others. Wright has called for G-D America after 9-11. Ayers attempted to bomb the Pentagon, NYC Police Headquarters, and the Capitol in the 1970s. In 2001, he said he wished he would have bombed more. To bring up these connections is not just some political fodder. Bringing up these connections goes a long way in trying to discover Obama's character, a crucial factor in electing a leader.
I believe I have made a solid case for supporting the McCain-Palin ticket tomorrow. To do otherwise would just be throwing the dice. Electing a leader is not a trip to Vegas to play blackjack.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
McCain Slams A Home Run With Veep Choice
Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain made history Friday by choosing Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running-mate in his campaign to the White House. Palin is now the first woman to be chosen by the GOP to make a bid as Vice President of the United States.If you couldn't already tell, you can probably see that I am thrilled by this choice. I believe that if McCain already has a slight advantage now, this pick will help to strengthen it to an extent. Let's remember that history tells us the VP pick doesn't usually win the election for the man who appointed him (or her). However, I believe Palin helps McCain, because she strengthens the base tremendously. News is already out that evangelicals are excited, something that has been hard to come by this election season. Even James Dobson, the well-known founder of Focus on the Family, said he would vote for the McCain-Palin ticket. He struggled with the idea of voting for McCain over the last year or more, but he is now warming to the idea. There is even the idea that Palin on the ticket may cause a number of socially conservative Democrats to turn to the GOP this year. Along with that, she just may turn a number of defected supporters of New York Senator Hillary Clinton to the GOP, after Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama beat her in a tight primary race earlier this year, and didn't really include her in their party's drive to the White House.
Palin is an unknown to may people. That is her possible downside. She is not well-known, and not believed by some to be well-experienced. However, that first downside can be overcome by November. I don't believe the second downside is so bad. Palin is running for the Vice Presidency, not for Commander-In-Chief just yet. She may be President later on, but I believe she is ready for that if the time comes. The Democrats have nominated a U.S. senator who has only been in office for less than four years. Before that, he was a state senator, and a "community organizer", whatever on Earth that is. Palin was a city council member for four years (1992-1996), mayor of the town of Wasilla, Alaska for six years (1996-2002), and was elected governor of the 49th state in 2006. While mayor, she was chosen to be president of the Alaska Conference of Mayors. I'll take someone with her executive experience over someone (like Obama) who doesn't, regardless of how small the setting, and she isn't even running for a job that high.
Palin will not only strengthen the ticket, she will help McCain govern on principles, values, and patriotism. As I have been telling everyone who asks me what I think of this choice, she is a solid conservative, not only in words, but in action. She not only talks pro-life, she decided to allow her young son, Trig, to live, even though he was found to have Down syndrome. She had the opportunity to get an abortion, but she followed her principles instead. She is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, and solid on support for the Second Amendment right to bear arms. She stands for American energy independence, and knows that issue firsthand, being governor of a state where that issue is key. She is a non-denominational Christian, who worships at the Church on the Rock in Wasilla. She is a reformer, who has worked to cut taxes, and the size of government in Alaska. She has a history of fighting corruption, and battles wrong, whether it is outside her party or not. She has appointed Democrats and Independents to her administration in Alaska. Her son, Track, is heading off to fight in Iraq on September 11th. McCain's son has also gone off to fight for our country, which proves that potential Presidents and Vice Presidents do watch their children go off to war.
Another strength of Palin is her common-man's, blue-collar background. Her dad was a teacher, and her mom a secretary in a school. She worked as a sports reporter and a commercial fisherman with her husband, Todd, before she entered elected politics. She was a union member, and her husband continues to be. He now works for the large oil company BP, where he works in a non-managerial position. She is a self-described "hockey mom", and plays the sport, as well as supporting it. She hunts and fishes. It is reported that she would get up at three in the morning to go caribou hunting.
She also seems to have a strong spirit to her. If she was nervous at all during her acceptance speech yesterday, it was not readily visible. She has a strong charisma about her, and shows skills of a great public speaker.
I want to give credit to Mr. McCain on such a solid pick, and credit to him and his campaign for keeping such history under wraps until just before the announcement. I have noticed a re-tooled McCain campaign that is sharp, crisp, and speaking principles and values clearly. I really believe the reason the McCain campaign is back on track is because they've gone to the business of standing for conservative values in the mode of Reagan. They have been putting out great ads, cut back on gaffes, shown enthusiasm for values, and have been speaking on them clearly. At the same time, the Obama campaign has found itself on a slippery slope, and committing various gaffes. They are finding themselves in one now, as their campaign attacked Palin for a lack of experience. Obama later tried to cover it by congratulating her, but it is just the latest move by the Obama campaign showing that he is really just a regular politician, and not the candidate of change he wants people to believe he is.
For the first time since the primaries, I am energized. For the first time in a long while, many of my fellow principled conservatives are, as well.
Friday, August 29, 2008
BREAKING NEWS
McCAIN CHOOSES PALIN!
A top campaign official for Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain has reportedly confirmed that the senator has chosen Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his VP running-mate. McCain will appear at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, where he will officially introduce her as his choice. That rally is scheduled to kick off in about an hour. More to come!
A top campaign official for Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain has reportedly confirmed that the senator has chosen Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his VP running-mate. McCain will appear at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, where he will officially introduce her as his choice. That rally is scheduled to kick off in about an hour. More to come!
Friday, August 22, 2008
BREAKING NEWS
IT'S BIDEN
12:25 AM, Saturday, August 23, 2008
Multiple Democratic sources have reported that Delaware Senator Joe Biden is Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama's choice for Vice President on that party's ticket. The major news networks are also confirming this report.
It appears the candidate of change is trading in that mantle for a senator with more experience who has been in Washington for over 35 years. Biden was first elected to the Senate in 1972, and therefore knows his way around the politics of the city.
However, Biden also appears to some to be arrogant, and is known to shoot from the lip fairly often. Will that hurt Obama, especially during the VP Debate in October.
Also, will this encourage Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain to choose a woman to balance his ticket when he announces his running-mate next Friday. Since Obama did not choose New York Senator, and former Presidential candidate, Hillary Rodham Clinton, a number of her supporters might now be willing to jump the party's ship and head over to McCain, especially if he chooses a woman like Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison or Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. I still believe McCain needs to choose Former Massachusetts Governor, and former Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, but now we need to watch and see who McCain decides to choose.
12:25 AM, Saturday, August 23, 2008
Multiple Democratic sources have reported that Delaware Senator Joe Biden is Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama's choice for Vice President on that party's ticket. The major news networks are also confirming this report.
It appears the candidate of change is trading in that mantle for a senator with more experience who has been in Washington for over 35 years. Biden was first elected to the Senate in 1972, and therefore knows his way around the politics of the city.
However, Biden also appears to some to be arrogant, and is known to shoot from the lip fairly often. Will that hurt Obama, especially during the VP Debate in October.
Also, will this encourage Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain to choose a woman to balance his ticket when he announces his running-mate next Friday. Since Obama did not choose New York Senator, and former Presidential candidate, Hillary Rodham Clinton, a number of her supporters might now be willing to jump the party's ship and head over to McCain, especially if he chooses a woman like Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison or Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. I still believe McCain needs to choose Former Massachusetts Governor, and former Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, but now we need to watch and see who McCain decides to choose.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Veep Announcements Coming Soon
Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama is expected to announce his running mate within the next few days. Speculation says Tuesday morning, some has said Wednesday, but the announcement is expected to come by Friday. The most speculation right now is settling on Delaware Senator, and former Presidential candidate, Joe Biden. The other speculation is now coming on Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, First-term Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, and recently again on Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. My take is that Biden would be the strongest for the Illinois Senator. I understand Bayh is not a strong fighter, which could hurt him in the veeps' debate later. Kaine's experience is about as low as Obama's. He was a city councilman, and later a mayor, in the medium-sized city of Richmond. He also later served as Lt. Governor. However, none of that will help greatly with foreign policy experience, which Obama seriously lacks. If Sebelius is chosen, the Clinton machine will throw a huge fit, which would hurt Obama. It is a tough call for me to predict, but I say Obama goes with Kaine.
The breaking news tonight is that Republican sources have reportedly said that Republican candidate John McCain will choose his veep on Friday, August 29th at an event in Dayton, Ohio. This will come the day after Obama officially accepts the Democratic nomination, and just two days before the GOP convention kicks into gear. The prime contenders are believed to be Former Massachusetts Governor, and former Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. McCain is also believed to be considering Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge and Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, but that speculation has died down after McCain floated that idea last week to much criticism. McCain's people are expecting 10,000 on hand at the event and the Arizona Senator is scheduled to travel to a large event in Pennsylvania right afterward.
I believe McCain knows the dangers of choosing a supporter of abortion, such as Ridge, or a domestic-issue liberal, like Lieberman. I think Pawlenty will stick in McCain's mind, but I think he ultimately goes with Romney, who I also would prefer.
Keep watch over the next few weeks. The coming days will be exciting with the conventions and the veep selections.
Politico reports that Obama is likely to pick veep this week.
The breaking news tonight is that Republican sources have reportedly said that Republican candidate John McCain will choose his veep on Friday, August 29th at an event in Dayton, Ohio. This will come the day after Obama officially accepts the Democratic nomination, and just two days before the GOP convention kicks into gear. The prime contenders are believed to be Former Massachusetts Governor, and former Presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. McCain is also believed to be considering Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge and Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, but that speculation has died down after McCain floated that idea last week to much criticism. McCain's people are expecting 10,000 on hand at the event and the Arizona Senator is scheduled to travel to a large event in Pennsylvania right afterward.
I believe McCain knows the dangers of choosing a supporter of abortion, such as Ridge, or a domestic-issue liberal, like Lieberman. I think Pawlenty will stick in McCain's mind, but I think he ultimately goes with Romney, who I also would prefer.
Keep watch over the next few weeks. The coming days will be exciting with the conventions and the veep selections.
Politico reports that Obama is likely to pick veep this week.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
My Take On Minnesota Senate Candidate Al Franken.
The current leading Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Minnesota, Al Franken, has been trying to avoid at least $70,000 in income taxes in 17 states back to 2003. Not surprisingly, this is not sitting well with the people of Minnesota. Franken appeared close in his race with Incumbent Republican Norm Coleman just a few months ago, but is now trailing by double-digits in the head-to-head matchups.
The mainstream media has not been talking about this issue all that much.
My take on this is, if this was a Republican doing these very same things, say Coleman, even the mainstream press in Washington state would be abuzz about it, let alone the alphabet soup networks. It would kill his political career and scar his family. However, Franken does it and not much is reported on it.
And it is said that there is no liberal bias in the mainstream press.
The mainstream media has not been talking about this issue all that much.
My take on this is, if this was a Republican doing these very same things, say Coleman, even the mainstream press in Washington state would be abuzz about it, let alone the alphabet soup networks. It would kill his political career and scar his family. However, Franken does it and not much is reported on it.
And it is said that there is no liberal bias in the mainstream press.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
McCAIN HAS GOP NOMINATION OFFICIALLY WRAPPED UP, ATTENTION MOVES TO RUNNING-MATE SELECTION. Who do you prefer as McCain's No. 2? Vote on it here.
Arizona Senator John McCain locked up the Republican nomination Tuesday night when he swept the contests in Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island, and Vermont being held that day. With that, he has now grabbed the number of delegates he needs for the nomination, and the focus now shifts to who McCain will choose to be his vice-presidential running-mate in a decision that will probably be announced in the early summer.
At least 25 or so individuals are being thrown around as speculated choices. His eventual choice will likely have to appear much younger than him, appeal more to the conservative base, and will have to be believed to be able to step in the President's role if necessary. On the left, I have posted the 20 names most put up as likely candidates, while at the same time more serious candidates than some that are being published. I would encourage you to vote who you would prefer to see McCain pick. Out of those 20, chances are very high that one of them will be the Senator's choice to fill the number-two spot on the GOP ticket this election cycle.
A listing of McCain's top-24 potential picks
Associated Content: Possible choices
At least 25 or so individuals are being thrown around as speculated choices. His eventual choice will likely have to appear much younger than him, appeal more to the conservative base, and will have to be believed to be able to step in the President's role if necessary. On the left, I have posted the 20 names most put up as likely candidates, while at the same time more serious candidates than some that are being published. I would encourage you to vote who you would prefer to see McCain pick. Out of those 20, chances are very high that one of them will be the Senator's choice to fill the number-two spot on the GOP ticket this election cycle.
A listing of McCain's top-24 potential picks
Associated Content: Possible choices
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
A M E R I C A C H O O S E S 2 0 0 8 - S U P E R T U E S D A Y
McCAIN, CLINTON WIN BIG ON COASTS; ROMNEY, OBAMA TAKE INTERIOR STATES; HUCKABEE DOES WELL IN SOUTH.
AM CST, Feb. 6
The bottom line of the results in Tuesday's nearly national primary can be found in the headline. This won't be an in-depth article. We'll just cover the facts here and leave the in-depth spin up to the press.
REPUBLICANS
Arizona Senator John McCain got pretty much all the wins he wanted tonight. There was no suprises for his states. A bigger suprise was how well Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee did in the five states he won. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney did not have a disastrous night either, but just barely missed in important opportunities such as Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Delaware, and it looks like California.
STATES WON - WTA OR SPLIT - IF WTA, # OF DEL.
McCAIN
Arizona - WTA - 53
California - Split
Connecticut - WTA - 30
Delaware - WTA - 18
Illinois - Split
Missouri - WTA - 58
New Jersey - WTA - 52
New York - WTA - 101
Oklahoma - Split
ROMNEY
Colorado - Split
Massachusetts - Split
Minnesota - Split
Montana - Split
North Dakota - Split
Utah - WTA - 36
HUCKABEE
Alabama - Split
Arkansas - Split
Georgia - Split
Tennessee - Split
West Virginia - WTA - 18
STILL TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Alaska
RESULTS
AL: Huckabee-41%, McCain-37%, Romney-18%, Paul-3% 99% of Precincts
AK: STILL TO REPORT
AZ: McCain-47, Romney-34, Huckabee-9, Paul-5 72%
AR: Huckabee-61, McCain-20, Romney-13, Paul-5 85%
CA: McCain-44, Romney-26, Huckabee-12, Paul-4 29%
CO: Romney-60, McCain-19, Huckabee-13, Paul-8 73%
CT: McCain-52, Romney-33, Huckabee-7, Paul-4 99%
DE:McCain-45, Romney-33, Huckabee-15, Paul-4 100%
GA: Huckabee-34, McCain-32, Romney-30, Paul-3 98%
IL: McCain-47, Romney-29, Huckabee-17, Paul-5 97%
MA: Romney-51, McCain-41, Huckabee-4, Paul-3 95%
MN: Romney-42, McCain-22, Huckabee-20, Paul-15 82%
MO: McCain-33, Huckabee-32, Romney-29, Paul-4 99%
MT: Romney-38, Paul-25, McCain-22, Huckabee-15 100%
NJ: McCain-55, Romney-28, Huckabee-8, Paul-5 98%
NY: McCain-51, Romney-28, Huckabee-11, Paul-7 99%
ND: Romney-36, McCain-23, Paul-21, Huckabee-20 100%
OK: McCain-37, Huckabee-33, Romney-25, Paul-3 100%
TN: Huckabee-34, McCain-32, Romney-24, Paul-6 100%
UT: Romney-90, McCain-5, Paul-3, Huckabee-2 99%
WV: Huckabee-52, Romney-47, McCain-1, Paul-0 100%
AM CST, Feb. 6
The bottom line of the results in Tuesday's nearly national primary can be found in the headline. This won't be an in-depth article. We'll just cover the facts here and leave the in-depth spin up to the press.
REPUBLICANS
Arizona Senator John McCain got pretty much all the wins he wanted tonight. There was no suprises for his states. A bigger suprise was how well Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee did in the five states he won. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney did not have a disastrous night either, but just barely missed in important opportunities such as Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Delaware, and it looks like California.
STATES WON - WTA OR SPLIT - IF WTA, # OF DEL.
McCAIN
Arizona - WTA - 53
California - Split
Connecticut - WTA - 30
Delaware - WTA - 18
Illinois - Split
Missouri - WTA - 58
New Jersey - WTA - 52
New York - WTA - 101
Oklahoma - Split
ROMNEY
Colorado - Split
Massachusetts - Split
Minnesota - Split
Montana - Split
North Dakota - Split
Utah - WTA - 36
HUCKABEE
Alabama - Split
Arkansas - Split
Georgia - Split
Tennessee - Split
West Virginia - WTA - 18
STILL TOO CLOSE TO CALL
Alaska
RESULTS
AL: Huckabee-41%, McCain-37%, Romney-18%, Paul-3% 99% of Precincts
AK: STILL TO REPORT
AZ: McCain-47, Romney-34, Huckabee-9, Paul-5 72%
AR: Huckabee-61, McCain-20, Romney-13, Paul-5 85%
CA: McCain-44, Romney-26, Huckabee-12, Paul-4 29%
CO: Romney-60, McCain-19, Huckabee-13, Paul-8 73%
CT: McCain-52, Romney-33, Huckabee-7, Paul-4 99%
DE:McCain-45, Romney-33, Huckabee-15, Paul-4 100%
GA: Huckabee-34, McCain-32, Romney-30, Paul-3 98%
IL: McCain-47, Romney-29, Huckabee-17, Paul-5 97%
MA: Romney-51, McCain-41, Huckabee-4, Paul-3 95%
MN: Romney-42, McCain-22, Huckabee-20, Paul-15 82%
MO: McCain-33, Huckabee-32, Romney-29, Paul-4 99%
MT: Romney-38, Paul-25, McCain-22, Huckabee-15 100%
NJ: McCain-55, Romney-28, Huckabee-8, Paul-5 98%
NY: McCain-51, Romney-28, Huckabee-11, Paul-7 99%
ND: Romney-36, McCain-23, Paul-21, Huckabee-20 100%
OK: McCain-37, Huckabee-33, Romney-25, Paul-3 100%
TN: Huckabee-34, McCain-32, Romney-24, Paul-6 100%
UT: Romney-90, McCain-5, Paul-3, Huckabee-2 99%
WV: Huckabee-52, Romney-47, McCain-1, Paul-0 100%
A M E R I C A C H O O S E S 2 0 0 8 - S U P E R T U E S D A Y
HUCKABEE WINS WEST VIRGINIA AFTER DEAL WITH McCAIN SUPPORTERS, 23 OTHER STATES STILL VOTING.
3:57 PM CST
Happy Super Tuesday to all the readers of the Conservative Statesman!
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee took a narrow victory in the West Virginia GOP Convention over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
With 100 percent of precincts in, Huckabee registered 52 percent of the vote, while Romney got 47 percent. Arizona Senator John McCain only got a single percent of the vote, and that has raised the fact that McCain and Huckabee's backers joined forces in the second round of balloting.
An earlier first round showed Romney well ahead and near the 50 percent mark needed to win. McCain and Texas Congressman Ron Paul were well behind. Paul, being in fourth place, was dropped after the first round. McCain's camp, seeing that they were so far behind in the vote, reportedly encouraged their supporters to back Huckabee, keeping Romney from a win that would boost momentum. Appearently, that is exactly what happened.
Now, 23 other states are voting for their choices. I'll try to post here when I can throughout the evening. Now, go out there and exercise your citizenship muscles and vote!
A blogger's comments on a likely McCain-Huckabee deal in the Mountaineer State
CNN Story On West Virginia Results
CNN's State-By-State Guide To Super Tuesday
CNN Election Center - LIVE Super Tuesday Returns
3:57 PM CST
Happy Super Tuesday to all the readers of the Conservative Statesman!
Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee took a narrow victory in the West Virginia GOP Convention over former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
With 100 percent of precincts in, Huckabee registered 52 percent of the vote, while Romney got 47 percent. Arizona Senator John McCain only got a single percent of the vote, and that has raised the fact that McCain and Huckabee's backers joined forces in the second round of balloting.
An earlier first round showed Romney well ahead and near the 50 percent mark needed to win. McCain and Texas Congressman Ron Paul were well behind. Paul, being in fourth place, was dropped after the first round. McCain's camp, seeing that they were so far behind in the vote, reportedly encouraged their supporters to back Huckabee, keeping Romney from a win that would boost momentum. Appearently, that is exactly what happened.
Now, 23 other states are voting for their choices. I'll try to post here when I can throughout the evening. Now, go out there and exercise your citizenship muscles and vote!
A blogger's comments on a likely McCain-Huckabee deal in the Mountaineer State
CNN Story On West Virginia Results
CNN's State-By-State Guide To Super Tuesday
CNN Election Center - LIVE Super Tuesday Returns
Saturday, February 2, 2008
A M E R I C A C H O O S E S 2 0 0 8 - M A I N E
ROMNEY TAKES MAINE GOP CAUCUS BY A LANDSLIDE!
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won the Maine GOP Presidential caucus in a cakewalk Saturday, blasting by Arizona Senator, and presumed frontrunner, John McCain and Texas Congressman Ron Paul.
With 68 percent of precincts reporting, Romney held 52 percent of the vote (which are actually state delegates), while McCain was holding onto 21 percent, and Paul was winning 19 percent. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee only had 6 percent of the vote. The Undecided column and several withdrawn candidates held the rest. Eighteen delegates were at stake, and they had not been apportioned by the writing of this article.
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won the Maine GOP Presidential caucus in a cakewalk Saturday, blasting by Arizona Senator, and presumed frontrunner, John McCain and Texas Congressman Ron Paul.
With 68 percent of precincts reporting, Romney held 52 percent of the vote (which are actually state delegates), while McCain was holding onto 21 percent, and Paul was winning 19 percent. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee only had 6 percent of the vote. The Undecided column and several withdrawn candidates held the rest. Eighteen delegates were at stake, and they had not been apportioned by the writing of this article.
Friday, February 1, 2008
MY SUPER TUESDAY OUTLOOK
As I said after Florida, I am posting my outlook on Tsunami Tuesday coming up in just a few short days. I will mostly look into the GOP, since the Dems are really gonna split votes, and it will be hard to tell where they will go. However, I do think Obama will have a good night. Now for the Republicans.
WHERE WE STAND GOING IN:
Arizona Senator John McCain has momentum pushing him along right now. However, Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney can not be counted out and finished, regardless of if he loses California or Illinois. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is finished. He is no longer a viable candidate. He will take a few Southern states, but nothing more. Past Super Tuesday, it will continue to be a fight between Romney and McCain over who will represent the GOP in November.
HOW THE STATES LOOK TO SHIFT:
There will be 22 states holding GOP caucuses and primaries on Tuesday. The key is over who will win the winner-take-all states and the states that divide their delegates. Let's go state-by-state:
ROMNEY
McCAIN
HUCKABEE
TOSS-UP
ALABAMA
This state in the middle of Dixie should be a natural Huckabee state. However, McCain is polling strong here as well. A recent delegate projection shows all three major candidates receiving some of the 45 delegates out of Alabama. I predict a McCain win with delegates going to all three.
ALASKA
There is no polling data available for the caucus in Alaska, so I'll have to guess on this one. I say Romney takes all 26 delegates. I base that on an educated hunch.
ARIZONA
This is a winner-take-all primary, and it will be McCain in a landslide, taking all 50 delegates up for grabs.
ARKANSAS
Umm...I guess Huckabee should take the state he was born in and was governor of for about a decade. The wild card is that this state gives delegates to candidates receiving 20 percent of the vote or more. Some of the state's 31 delegates will probably go to McCain, as well. We'll have to see if Romney gets over 20 percent of the vote himself. That's doubtful, however.
CALIFORNIA
Here's the big prize! A total of 170 delegates to split up by district. Both McCain and Romney are making a strong push for the Golden State. Romney is intending to spend over $1 million in ads here alone. A Rasmussen poll released on the day of the Florida primary showed McCain with a four-point lead. Things have changed since then, but both leading candidates will receive delegates here. The question is, how many? I say McCain wins by eight points.
COLORADO
This will be Romney country! I am not sure if the state's 43 delegates are split or not in the caucus. I don't believe they are.
CONNECTICUT
McCain should have a problem winning the state's 27 delegates in the winner-take-all primary.
DELAWARE
Some expect this to be a McCain state, but some signs point to a good shot for Romney here. It is a winner-take-all contest for the 18 delegates. I will put it in the toss-up column.
GEORGIA
Many are writing off this state as Huckabee's. To that I say, not so fast! Three recent polls were split, with each candidate winning the state. Romney, Huckabee, and McCain all are in a position to win the state. Contrary to the pundits, however, Romney and McCain may be in the best position, which would deal a painful blow to Huckabee. Making things more interesting, the state's 69 delegates are split by district. All three candidates may get delegates. I can't give any one candidate the advantage right now.
ILLINOIS
McCain should win this big, Midwestern state. However, this is another contest that has delegates to be divided, 57 in all. Romney is in a position where he could take some delegates here.
KANSAS
This state is up-for-grabs after the depature several months ago of the state's junior senator, Sam Brownback. Any one of the three candidates could take this caucus and its 39 delegates. For fun I'll make a pick, and I'll go with Romney.
MASSACHUSETTS
This should be an easy one to put in the column of the hometown boy, Romney. The Bay State splits up their 40 delegates if another candidate gets 15 percent of the vote, so there is a chance McCain could pick up a few.
MINNESOTA
This caucus, and its 41 delegates should end up in McCain's column. I am not sure if they divide delegates at all. Romney does not have much of a shot in taking this state.
MISSOURI
The Show-Me State is another winner-take-all contest with 58 delegates. It appears we have no clear winner for this one. You could make the case for any one of the three candidates to win this one. I'm not even gonna pick one here.
MONTANA
This caucus has 25 delegates tied to it, and it should be an easy one for Romney. I believe it's winner-take-all.
NEW JERSEY
A winner-take-all primary, and it's 52 delegates are pretty much McCain's.
NEW YORK
Another winner-take-all primary with 87 delegates. It's safe to say this is McCain country!
NORTH DAKOTA
This is a caucus with 23 delegates tied to it, and it should be safe for Romney. It is winner-take-all, I believe.
OKLAHOMA
This state's primary gives out 38 delegates, and it's pretty much a toss-up between McCain and Huckabee. The state splits its delegates, so both candidates will probably end up holding some. There is an outside chance Romney may pick up a couple.
TENNESSEE
This was to be Former Senator Fred Thompson's state. Since early voting was going on when he dropped out, he may still register a fairly significant portion of the vote from his homestate. Out of those left, it is a toss-up. McCain and Huckabee are polling well here, but a poll out Monday showed Romney competing well. Many FredHeads have found Romney their last conservative choice, and are now backing him, which could help him in the Volunteer State. The primary splits its 55 delegates, so more than one candidate could benefit. Although I am from Tennessee, I do not even want to make a prediction.
UTAH
Uhh, let's see-It is a Mormon state, and Romney is a Mormon. I think a little common sense can go a long way here. To back it up, Mitt was up by a whopping 75 points in a poll released mid-January. It looks like it would be a safe call to put Utah's 36 delegates in the Romney column. This is a winner-take-all primary, by the way.
WEST VIRGINIA
This state may be a toss-up, but signs point to an advantage for Romney. It is a primary that splits the 30 delegates it puts out. I feel comfortable putting it in Mitt's column.
McCAIN:
Arizona - 50
Connecticut - 27
Illinois - 57 (splits delegates)
Minnesota - 41
New Jersey - 52
New York - 87
ROMNEY:
Alaska - 26
Colorado - 43
Massachusetts - 40 (splits delegates P15%)
Montana - 25
North Dakota - 23
Utah - 36
West Virginia - 30 (splits delegates)
HUCKABEE:
Arkansas - 31 (splits delegates P20%)
UP FOR GRABS:
Alabama - 45 (splits delegates)
California - 170 (splits delegates)
Delaware - 18
Georgia - 69 (splits delegates)
Kansas - 39
Missouri - 58
Oklahoma - 38 (splits delegates)
Tennessee - 55 (splits delegates)
Bottom Line: McCain will do well, but I think it's very thinkable that Romney will come off with 350-400 delegates, putting him in a strong situation to take some momentum into later states. I don't think things will be settled for the GOP on Tuesday!
GOOD LINKS:
New York Times Super Tuesday graphic
Another bloggers' prediction
Dave Leip's Atlas map of polls (find for yourself how things are going)
WHERE WE STAND GOING IN:
Arizona Senator John McCain has momentum pushing him along right now. However, Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney can not be counted out and finished, regardless of if he loses California or Illinois. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is finished. He is no longer a viable candidate. He will take a few Southern states, but nothing more. Past Super Tuesday, it will continue to be a fight between Romney and McCain over who will represent the GOP in November.
HOW THE STATES LOOK TO SHIFT:
There will be 22 states holding GOP caucuses and primaries on Tuesday. The key is over who will win the winner-take-all states and the states that divide their delegates. Let's go state-by-state:
ROMNEY
McCAIN
HUCKABEE
TOSS-UP
ALABAMA
This state in the middle of Dixie should be a natural Huckabee state. However, McCain is polling strong here as well. A recent delegate projection shows all three major candidates receiving some of the 45 delegates out of Alabama. I predict a McCain win with delegates going to all three.
ALASKA
There is no polling data available for the caucus in Alaska, so I'll have to guess on this one. I say Romney takes all 26 delegates. I base that on an educated hunch.
ARIZONA
This is a winner-take-all primary, and it will be McCain in a landslide, taking all 50 delegates up for grabs.
ARKANSAS
Umm...I guess Huckabee should take the state he was born in and was governor of for about a decade. The wild card is that this state gives delegates to candidates receiving 20 percent of the vote or more. Some of the state's 31 delegates will probably go to McCain, as well. We'll have to see if Romney gets over 20 percent of the vote himself. That's doubtful, however.
CALIFORNIA
Here's the big prize! A total of 170 delegates to split up by district. Both McCain and Romney are making a strong push for the Golden State. Romney is intending to spend over $1 million in ads here alone. A Rasmussen poll released on the day of the Florida primary showed McCain with a four-point lead. Things have changed since then, but both leading candidates will receive delegates here. The question is, how many? I say McCain wins by eight points.
COLORADO
This will be Romney country! I am not sure if the state's 43 delegates are split or not in the caucus. I don't believe they are.
CONNECTICUT
McCain should have a problem winning the state's 27 delegates in the winner-take-all primary.
DELAWARE
Some expect this to be a McCain state, but some signs point to a good shot for Romney here. It is a winner-take-all contest for the 18 delegates. I will put it in the toss-up column.
GEORGIA
Many are writing off this state as Huckabee's. To that I say, not so fast! Three recent polls were split, with each candidate winning the state. Romney, Huckabee, and McCain all are in a position to win the state. Contrary to the pundits, however, Romney and McCain may be in the best position, which would deal a painful blow to Huckabee. Making things more interesting, the state's 69 delegates are split by district. All three candidates may get delegates. I can't give any one candidate the advantage right now.
ILLINOIS
McCain should win this big, Midwestern state. However, this is another contest that has delegates to be divided, 57 in all. Romney is in a position where he could take some delegates here.
KANSAS
This state is up-for-grabs after the depature several months ago of the state's junior senator, Sam Brownback. Any one of the three candidates could take this caucus and its 39 delegates. For fun I'll make a pick, and I'll go with Romney.
MASSACHUSETTS
This should be an easy one to put in the column of the hometown boy, Romney. The Bay State splits up their 40 delegates if another candidate gets 15 percent of the vote, so there is a chance McCain could pick up a few.
MINNESOTA
This caucus, and its 41 delegates should end up in McCain's column. I am not sure if they divide delegates at all. Romney does not have much of a shot in taking this state.
MISSOURI
The Show-Me State is another winner-take-all contest with 58 delegates. It appears we have no clear winner for this one. You could make the case for any one of the three candidates to win this one. I'm not even gonna pick one here.
MONTANA
This caucus has 25 delegates tied to it, and it should be an easy one for Romney. I believe it's winner-take-all.
NEW JERSEY
A winner-take-all primary, and it's 52 delegates are pretty much McCain's.
NEW YORK
Another winner-take-all primary with 87 delegates. It's safe to say this is McCain country!
NORTH DAKOTA
This is a caucus with 23 delegates tied to it, and it should be safe for Romney. It is winner-take-all, I believe.
OKLAHOMA
This state's primary gives out 38 delegates, and it's pretty much a toss-up between McCain and Huckabee. The state splits its delegates, so both candidates will probably end up holding some. There is an outside chance Romney may pick up a couple.
TENNESSEE
This was to be Former Senator Fred Thompson's state. Since early voting was going on when he dropped out, he may still register a fairly significant portion of the vote from his homestate. Out of those left, it is a toss-up. McCain and Huckabee are polling well here, but a poll out Monday showed Romney competing well. Many FredHeads have found Romney their last conservative choice, and are now backing him, which could help him in the Volunteer State. The primary splits its 55 delegates, so more than one candidate could benefit. Although I am from Tennessee, I do not even want to make a prediction.
UTAH
Uhh, let's see-It is a Mormon state, and Romney is a Mormon. I think a little common sense can go a long way here. To back it up, Mitt was up by a whopping 75 points in a poll released mid-January. It looks like it would be a safe call to put Utah's 36 delegates in the Romney column. This is a winner-take-all primary, by the way.
WEST VIRGINIA
This state may be a toss-up, but signs point to an advantage for Romney. It is a primary that splits the 30 delegates it puts out. I feel comfortable putting it in Mitt's column.
McCAIN:
Arizona - 50
Connecticut - 27
Illinois - 57 (splits delegates)
Minnesota - 41
New Jersey - 52
New York - 87
ROMNEY:
Alaska - 26
Colorado - 43
Massachusetts - 40 (splits delegates P15%)
Montana - 25
North Dakota - 23
Utah - 36
West Virginia - 30 (splits delegates)
HUCKABEE:
Arkansas - 31 (splits delegates P20%)
UP FOR GRABS:
Alabama - 45 (splits delegates)
California - 170 (splits delegates)
Delaware - 18
Georgia - 69 (splits delegates)
Kansas - 39
Missouri - 58
Oklahoma - 38 (splits delegates)
Tennessee - 55 (splits delegates)
Bottom Line: McCain will do well, but I think it's very thinkable that Romney will come off with 350-400 delegates, putting him in a strong situation to take some momentum into later states. I don't think things will be settled for the GOP on Tuesday!
GOOD LINKS:
New York Times Super Tuesday graphic
Another bloggers' prediction
Dave Leip's Atlas map of polls (find for yourself how things are going)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
BREAKING ELECTION NEWS
GOP, DEM FIELDS NARROW!
Giuliani, Edwards To Withdraw Wednesday.
The 2008 Presidential race is shaping up swiftly! Word was out Tuesday evening that Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani would drop out today from the GOP campaign at the Reagan Presidential Library in California and endorse Arizona Senator John McCain.
Just breaking this morning is news that Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards will be throwing in the towel on his Democratic bid. The 2004 Vice Presidential running-mate with nominee John Kerry has scheduled an announcement in New Orleans at 1 PM EST. He will end where he started, on the topic he started. He jumped into this race in December 2006, with an announcement from New Orleans's Ninth Ward District and a speech on poverty. He also plans to speak on poverty in his withdrawal speech today. His withdrawal would officially limit the Dems' field to two formidable candidates-Clinton and Obama. Giuliani's withdrawal whittles the GOP field to two formidable choices-McCain and Romney, and two candidates with little light left-Huckabee and Paul.
Giuliani, Edwards To Withdraw Wednesday.
The 2008 Presidential race is shaping up swiftly! Word was out Tuesday evening that Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani would drop out today from the GOP campaign at the Reagan Presidential Library in California and endorse Arizona Senator John McCain.
Just breaking this morning is news that Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards will be throwing in the towel on his Democratic bid. The 2004 Vice Presidential running-mate with nominee John Kerry has scheduled an announcement in New Orleans at 1 PM EST. He will end where he started, on the topic he started. He jumped into this race in December 2006, with an announcement from New Orleans's Ninth Ward District and a speech on poverty. He also plans to speak on poverty in his withdrawal speech today. His withdrawal would officially limit the Dems' field to two formidable candidates-Clinton and Obama. Giuliani's withdrawal whittles the GOP field to two formidable choices-McCain and Romney, and two candidates with little light left-Huckabee and Paul.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
A M E R I C A C H O O S E S 2 0 0 8 - F L O R I D A
NEW GOP LANDSCAPE, McCAIN TAKES SUNSHINE STATE IN A NIPPER OVER ROMNEY. ARIZONA SENATOR BECOMES APPARENT NEW FRONTRUNNER. GIULIANI REPORTEDLY TO DROP OUT, ENDORSE McCAIN. CLINTON TAKES NO-DELEGATE CONTEST FOR DEMS.
BREAKING NEWS-GIULIANI WILL DROP OUT WEDNESDAY.
Arizona Senator John McCain scored a crucial victory in Florida Tuesday night, edging Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in a state both candidates wanted very much to win. With 95 percent of precincts in, McCain held 36 percent of the vote, while Romney won 31 percent. Romney has vowed that he will fight on, and he is in good position to do so.
The big loser in tonight's Sunshine State vote was the long-time frontrunner, Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was awarded only 15 percent of the vote in the state he banked his entire campaign on. Official word has now come out that Giuliani will become the latest GOP candidate to throw in the towel when he is scheduled to announce his withdrawal tomorrow and endorse McCain. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee was battling for third, but it looked like he will finish fourth, with 14 percent. Huckabee also plans to fight on through next Tuesday's huge primary day. Texas Congressman Ron Paul gained 3 percent of the vote, Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, who actually withdrew from the race last week, managed to still get 1 percent of the vote, and California Congressman Duncan Hunter, who had also withdrawn after poor showings through the Nevada caucus, won just under 3,000 votes.
The Democratic contest doesn't mean as much, as the delegates will not be counted because of the state party holding the contest outside of the timeframe the Democratic National Committee wanted the state to. However, voting still took place for the Dems. New York Senator Hillary Clinton won in a cakewalk. With 95 percent of precincts in, Clinton held 50 percent of the vote, Illinois Senator Barack Obama won 33 percent, Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards grabbed 14 percent, and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich, who also withdrew last week, picked up 1 percent.
The fall of Giuliani is one of the dominating stories of the night. "America's Mayor"was the long-time frontrunner of this race, leading by a dominating margin for much of 2006 and 2007. Pundits were looking for an "all Empire State" battle between Giuliani, Clinton, and an independent bid by current New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The idea of that now has apparently come to an end with the confirmed reports from GOP sources that Giuliani will drop out tomorrow before CNN's debate at the Reagan Library. Many ask the question why Giuliani's star crashed in dramatic fashion, and the obvious answer is that he didn't spend the needed time in the early states. Giuliani and Thompson serve as the two best examples to those considering a Presidential run. Don't run campaigns as they did! Both were the frontrunners during the summer months, but their strategies failed bitterly.
The difference for McCain in this race likely was the endorsements earlier this week by popular Republican Governor Charlie Crist and Republican Senator Mel Martinez, the latter of which likely attracted numerous Cuban voters to the Arizona Senator. Tonight, McCain's strongest regions were the Miami region, home to numerous Hispanic-Americans, and the Panhandle, home to a strong military voting population. Romney fared better in the Duval County-Jacksonville and the southwestern portions of the state. The crucial "I-4 corridor", based around Tampa and Orlando, went about even, with Romney gaining a small advantage in the Orlando area, and McCain holding to a slim lead in the Tampa region.
The race now shifts to "The Big Day". "Tsunami Tuesday" is to be held this next Tuesday. I intend to post a small preview of what to expect. It looks like, though, that McCain, Romney and Huckabee all will likely win states on Tuesday. It all comes down to which states, how many delegates those states will have, and how they're to be apportioned. The Giuliani endorsement of McCain will also bear some importance in this Tuesday, so stay tuned!
BREAKING NEWS-GIULIANI WILL DROP OUT WEDNESDAY.
Arizona Senator John McCain scored a crucial victory in Florida Tuesday night, edging Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in a state both candidates wanted very much to win. With 95 percent of precincts in, McCain held 36 percent of the vote, while Romney won 31 percent. Romney has vowed that he will fight on, and he is in good position to do so.
The big loser in tonight's Sunshine State vote was the long-time frontrunner, Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was awarded only 15 percent of the vote in the state he banked his entire campaign on. Official word has now come out that Giuliani will become the latest GOP candidate to throw in the towel when he is scheduled to announce his withdrawal tomorrow and endorse McCain. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee was battling for third, but it looked like he will finish fourth, with 14 percent. Huckabee also plans to fight on through next Tuesday's huge primary day. Texas Congressman Ron Paul gained 3 percent of the vote, Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson, who actually withdrew from the race last week, managed to still get 1 percent of the vote, and California Congressman Duncan Hunter, who had also withdrawn after poor showings through the Nevada caucus, won just under 3,000 votes.
The Democratic contest doesn't mean as much, as the delegates will not be counted because of the state party holding the contest outside of the timeframe the Democratic National Committee wanted the state to. However, voting still took place for the Dems. New York Senator Hillary Clinton won in a cakewalk. With 95 percent of precincts in, Clinton held 50 percent of the vote, Illinois Senator Barack Obama won 33 percent, Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards grabbed 14 percent, and Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich, who also withdrew last week, picked up 1 percent.
The fall of Giuliani is one of the dominating stories of the night. "America's Mayor"was the long-time frontrunner of this race, leading by a dominating margin for much of 2006 and 2007. Pundits were looking for an "all Empire State" battle between Giuliani, Clinton, and an independent bid by current New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The idea of that now has apparently come to an end with the confirmed reports from GOP sources that Giuliani will drop out tomorrow before CNN's debate at the Reagan Library. Many ask the question why Giuliani's star crashed in dramatic fashion, and the obvious answer is that he didn't spend the needed time in the early states. Giuliani and Thompson serve as the two best examples to those considering a Presidential run. Don't run campaigns as they did! Both were the frontrunners during the summer months, but their strategies failed bitterly.
The difference for McCain in this race likely was the endorsements earlier this week by popular Republican Governor Charlie Crist and Republican Senator Mel Martinez, the latter of which likely attracted numerous Cuban voters to the Arizona Senator. Tonight, McCain's strongest regions were the Miami region, home to numerous Hispanic-Americans, and the Panhandle, home to a strong military voting population. Romney fared better in the Duval County-Jacksonville and the southwestern portions of the state. The crucial "I-4 corridor", based around Tampa and Orlando, went about even, with Romney gaining a small advantage in the Orlando area, and McCain holding to a slim lead in the Tampa region.
The race now shifts to "The Big Day". "Tsunami Tuesday" is to be held this next Tuesday. I intend to post a small preview of what to expect. It looks like, though, that McCain, Romney and Huckabee all will likely win states on Tuesday. It all comes down to which states, how many delegates those states will have, and how they're to be apportioned. The Giuliani endorsement of McCain will also bear some importance in this Tuesday, so stay tuned!
Monday, January 28, 2008
NEW CONGRESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS
I have made several new endorsements in Congressional races within the last week. They are all conservative candidates I believe would be good in Congress, understand the American heritage of freedom, smaller government, and have a Christian-influenced ideology. Here are the gentlemen that I believe should win their races:
FOR U.S. SENATE FROM NEBRASKA - Former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns (R)
FOR U.S. SENATE FROM NEW MEXICO - Congressman Steve Pearce (R)
FOR U.S. SENATE FROM VIRGINIA - Former Virginia Governor and 2008 U.S. Presidential candidate Jim Gilmore (R)
FOR U.S. CONGRESS FROM THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE - Incumbent Congressman Zach Wamp (R)
From time-to-time I will be making endorsements in certain races where I respect the candidate enough to make an endorsement.
FOR U.S. SENATE FROM NEBRASKA - Former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns (R)
FOR U.S. SENATE FROM NEW MEXICO - Congressman Steve Pearce (R)
FOR U.S. SENATE FROM VIRGINIA - Former Virginia Governor and 2008 U.S. Presidential candidate Jim Gilmore (R)
FOR U.S. CONGRESS FROM THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE - Incumbent Congressman Zach Wamp (R)
From time-to-time I will be making endorsements in certain races where I respect the candidate enough to make an endorsement.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
MY THIRD PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENT
I am now about to announce my third endorsement of the 2008 Presidential election. I originally backed Colorado Congressman Tom Tancredo in the fall of 2005. As spring 2007 budded through, Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson looked more like a serious contender, so I saw the wisdom in switching my support to another statesman with a better shot at the White House. I moved my endorsement to Mr. Thompson last April, and worked to help his campaign. Mr. Tancredo eventually dropped out in mid-December. I am still a strong supporter of both men, highly respect them, and hope that they continue to influence public policy in the way of the conservative movement.
With the withdrawal of Mr. Thompson from the race for the White House Tuesday afternoon, I am now in a position where I must go to my third candidate.
I am not going to my third candidate holding my nose. I believe he can hold the conservative mantle pretty high if elected. I will confess that I had serious questions about this gentleman until recent months. I still have a few questions about him, but that is likely with all candidates. This man especially recently gained my respect after a strong speech on faith in Texas several weeks ago, and after he was endorsed by Mr. Tancredo upon the Congressman's withdrawal before Christmas. He is well-versed in business and economics, which are crucial issues facing America at this time. His career is a great record of business success. He is a turnaround expert. He helped to provide the funds for such popular brands as Staples, Domino's Pizza, and Burger King. He led the turnaround of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, bringing the games from near bankruptcy to a profit. His salary from that effort was donated to charity. I believe a crucial element of a President is leadership. That is why business leaders and governors are excellent candidates for the Presidency. They have to make decisions legislators don't. Executives, both business and in government, have to make the tough moves, select the right people and show the example that legislators can get away with. Good and successful executives are already leaders. This gentleman has proven to be a successful leader.
This gentleman understands the danger of Islamofacism. He understands that American traditional values are under attack. He understands that our health care system must be more affordable, but government should not take it over. He understands that our education system must be stronger, and that will lead to America once again being strongly competitive in the global marketplace. He understands that illegal immigration is gravely endangering America, and that amnesty is not the answer. This is a foundational reason why Mr. Tancredo endorsed him. He understands America must continue to hold a strong military. He is married to his high-school sweetheart, has five sons, and is led by his faith.
I believe that this gentleman, not only can be elected, but will be a Reagan-style leader when elected.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is for these reasons that I announce that I endorse for President of the United States, Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
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