...that I missed.
I was so busy with life that I didn't notice that the latest statistics show this blog to have had over 10,000 Visits and 19,000 page views.
This blog has given a little person like me the opportunity to express my opinions and views that would not be able to be expressed otherwise.
I appreciate all my loyal readers and the tons of encouraging e-mails I receive.
I will be leaving town for some time, and will not be able to respond to anything until I return.
Cheers,
Utah Conservative
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Will Utah County get the transportation funding it deserves?
After helping Salt Lake rebuild I-15, it is imperative that the favor be returned and the reconstruction of I-15 in Utah County be moved along. Hopefully with the leadership of the Senate from Utah County, the funding will happen.
For those policy people, does the transportation proposal that was passed in November help Utah County do this, or is it strictly mass transit?
For those policy people, does the transportation proposal that was passed in November help Utah County do this, or is it strictly mass transit?
Thursday, December 28, 2006
The Importance of Blogging
The Daily Herald had an interesting article about lawmakers and their use of blogging. Article
Some interesting tidbits:
Perhaps one of the best blogs is Representative Craig Frank's, www.underthedome.org.
As the House and the Senate begin to bicker over taxes, funding, etc. it is interesting to read these accounts on the blogs.
P.S. Senators, please be open to the tax cuts proposed by the House, tax cuts are good.
Some interesting tidbits:
"I think what I really want to create is an image out there that we're human
beings. Although we have some awesome responsibilities, we each bring with it
our own personal background and life experiences," said Sen. Lyle Hillyard,
R-Logan.
Regardless, by the time the 2006 legislative session was over, the Senate Site became a must read for lawmakers, lobbyists and journalists. The site now gets
up to 4,000 hits a day. (to visit this site, go to www.senatesite.com)
Perhaps one of the best blogs is Representative Craig Frank's, www.underthedome.org.
As the House and the Senate begin to bicker over taxes, funding, etc. it is interesting to read these accounts on the blogs.
P.S. Senators, please be open to the tax cuts proposed by the House, tax cuts are good.
Monday, December 18, 2006
The Mitt Romney Deception
There is a great analysis of old comments that Mitt Romney made while he ran for the Senate and as Guv of Mass.
The Mitt Romney Deception
Let me quote a few instances:
"Romney ran against Senator Edward M. Kennedy in 1994. During a debate, Romney declared: 'I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I have since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support it.' "(NOTE: Romney has supported abortion since before the 1972 Roe v. Wade ruling!)- Boston Globe, 3/2/2006
In 2002, Romney responded to the National Abortion Rights Action League's candidate survey: ''I respect and will protect a woman's right to choose. This choice is a deeply personal one. Women should be free to choose based on their own beliefs, not mine and not the government's. The truth is, no candidate in the governor's race in either party would deny women abortion rights." Notably, Romney refused to answer the candidate questionnaire sent to him by Massachusetts Citizens for Life.- Boston Globe, 7/3/2005
"In seeking the support of the Log Cabin Republican Club, Romney wrote them a letter promising that 'as we seek to establish full equality for America's gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent.' " [His opponent at the time was Sen. Ted Kennedy, perhaps the foremost advocate of homosexual rights in the U.S. Senate.] - Boston Globe, 10/17/1994
And finally, The infamous Gay Letter
The Mitt Romney Deception
Let me quote a few instances:
"Romney ran against Senator Edward M. Kennedy in 1994. During a debate, Romney declared: 'I believe that abortion should be safe and legal in this country. I have since the time that my mom took that position when she ran in 1970 as a US Senate candidate. I believe that since Roe v. Wade has been the law for 20 years we should sustain and support it.' "(NOTE: Romney has supported abortion since before the 1972 Roe v. Wade ruling!)- Boston Globe, 3/2/2006
In 2002, Romney responded to the National Abortion Rights Action League's candidate survey: ''I respect and will protect a woman's right to choose. This choice is a deeply personal one. Women should be free to choose based on their own beliefs, not mine and not the government's. The truth is, no candidate in the governor's race in either party would deny women abortion rights." Notably, Romney refused to answer the candidate questionnaire sent to him by Massachusetts Citizens for Life.- Boston Globe, 7/3/2005
"In seeking the support of the Log Cabin Republican Club, Romney wrote them a letter promising that 'as we seek to establish full equality for America's gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent.' " [His opponent at the time was Sen. Ted Kennedy, perhaps the foremost advocate of homosexual rights in the U.S. Senate.] - Boston Globe, 10/17/1994
And finally, The infamous Gay Letter
Monday, December 11, 2006
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
State Legislature Hall of Fame
Well, they did it again. The Republican controlled Legislature has deemed it necessary to try to spend more of our hard earned money. This time to the tune of about $6 million dollars for an election to elect one Congressman (admit it, our three current ones would win again).
However, there is a bright point of some brave legislators who voted against this stupid idea.
I present the 2006 December Special Session Hall of Fame:
Senators:
Bell
Peterson
Stephenson
Waddoups
Representatives:
Adams
Dayton
Hardy
Morley
Barrus
Ferrin
Hendrickson
Oda
Buttars
Fisher, Julie
Johnson, B.
Ure
Buxton
Frank
Kiser
Wyatt
Cox, D.
Gowans
Morgan
*Note: Perhaps the Legislature should spend that $6 million on expanding the parking garage and naming it the Greg Curtis Political Graveyard Parking Wing.
However, there is a bright point of some brave legislators who voted against this stupid idea.
I present the 2006 December Special Session Hall of Fame:
Senators:
Bell
Peterson
Stephenson
Waddoups
Representatives:
Adams
Dayton
Hardy
Morley
Barrus
Ferrin
Hendrickson
Oda
Buttars
Fisher, Julie
Johnson, B.
Ure
Buxton
Frank
Kiser
Wyatt
Cox, D.
Gowans
Morgan
*Note: Perhaps the Legislature should spend that $6 million on expanding the parking garage and naming it the Greg Curtis Political Graveyard Parking Wing.
Friday, December 01, 2006
President Valentine breaks GOP bylaws
Members of the Granite School District received the following e-mail:
This is a clear violation of the GOP bylaws by Senator Valentine. The bylaws state:
So, are the County GOP leadership finally going to get a backbone and follow the bylaws? John Valentine should not be eligible to run for office next cycle as a Republican. I strongly urge the GOP to follow their own rules!! Additionally JoDee Sundberg, Alpine School District President, endorsed the Democrat as well; and she is a GOP delegate. Although the bylaws do not prohibt a delegate from openly endorsing a Democrat, it is bad form.
Dear fellow board members, I met with Senator John Valentine last Monday and among other things he asked me to contact the board members in your district 12 to vote for Democrat Brent Goodfellow over Republican Christy Achziger. He said that Brent would help us out and Christy would be intertwined so much with Margaret Dayton that it would head the Senate down a path he does not want to go. I hope this helps . Thanks for all you do. JoDee Sundberg - Alpine School District
This is a clear violation of the GOP bylaws by Senator Valentine. The bylaws state:
After the Utah County Republican Party has a nominee, any elected office holder or candidate who supports (i.e. money or in-kind contributions, posting signs, public endorsements, etc.) or runs as a non-Republican Party candidate will be ineligible to run as a Republican during the next election cycle for any Utah County Republican Party office or partisan elected office nominated by the Utah County Republican Party. (http://www.utahgop.org/documents/2005_Bylaws_as_amended_April_30_2005.pdf)
So, are the County GOP leadership finally going to get a backbone and follow the bylaws? John Valentine should not be eligible to run for office next cycle as a Republican. I strongly urge the GOP to follow their own rules!! Additionally JoDee Sundberg, Alpine School District President, endorsed the Democrat as well; and she is a GOP delegate. Although the bylaws do not prohibt a delegate from openly endorsing a Democrat, it is bad form.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Seems The Romney Fans missed this one
Will it sink the Romney campaign? I just have a hard time seeing him win in the South.
Romney spinning right after turning to the left
Joan Vennochi, THE BOSTON GLOBE
Romney spinning right after turning to the left
Joan Vennochi, THE BOSTON GLOBE
Take Romney's war on gay marriage in Massachusetts. The governor is asking the state's highest court to force a referendum on a proposed amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.
Obviously, Romney is laboring hard to establish his social-conservative credentials for upcoming Republican primaries.
But, as a recent opinion piece in Bay Windows, New England's largest publication for lesbians and gays, noted, "Anyone thinking of supporting Romney's bid for president because of his socially conservative views on gay people should know a few things about the governor."
Among the items writer Susan Ryan-Vollmar notes: When he ran against Ted Kennedy for the Senate in 1994, Romney wrote a letter to the Massachusetts Log Cabin Club, pledging that as "we seek to establish full equality for American gay and lesbian citizens, I will provide more effective leadership than my opponent." During that same campaign, Romney was accused of once describing gay people as "perverse." In response, Romney's campaign vehemently denied he used the word "perverse" and said he respected "all people regardless of their race, creed, or sexual orientation."
While running for governor in 2002, Romney and his running mate, Kerry Healey, distributed pink fliers at a Gay Pride parade, declaring "Mitt and Kerry wish you a great Pride weekend." He backed domestic partner benefits for public employees. In his inaugural speech, he promised to defend civil rights "regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or race."
As governor, he appointed openly gay and lesbian people to high-profile administration positions. He doubled the budget line item for the Governor's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth, until he tried to disband it last May.I have said numerous times that Romney is not my first choice for the GOP nod. I am beginning to wonder if Utah Policy Daily should be called, "Mitt Romney Campaign Central Newsletter." Romney's flips will hurt him with the social conservatives. McCain and Guiliani aren't social conservatives, but I like Rudy because I at least know where he stands.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Why waste our time?
Taken from the great Senate Site:
Responding to requests, opinions and information gathered at the public hearings, the Redistricting Committee has morphed the plan formerly known as J into a new Map L.The new map refines Map J in the following areas:
Changes the Second District boundary to encompass Snyderville Basin (just over 7000 people), so they can vote with their neighbors in Park City. Several people at the public hearing in Park City requested this.
Makes Morgan County (about 7000 people) part of the Third District.
Includes the City of Eureka in the Third District.
Puts North Salt Lake in the Second District but keeps Bountiful in the First.
Adjusts the lines in South Salt Lake County in such a way that the population of the four congressional districts are in exact balance. Each congressional district will have an equal population of 558,292, with the exception of District One, which will have a population of 558,293.
Ok, here is my problem with all of this. First, it is known that I don't think D.C. should get a representative. Second, why not wait until 2008? Is it that big of a deal? Third, why all the outrage over the gerrymandering going on? Look at Greg Curtis' district in 2000 and 2002. There is a chunk missing, guess who lives there: Patrick Henry Hansen. The man who challenged Curtis in 2000, and should have won. He would have saved many problems Utah has had with the inept leadership of Czar Curtis.
Responding to requests, opinions and information gathered at the public hearings, the Redistricting Committee has morphed the plan formerly known as J into a new Map L.The new map refines Map J in the following areas:
Changes the Second District boundary to encompass Snyderville Basin (just over 7000 people), so they can vote with their neighbors in Park City. Several people at the public hearing in Park City requested this.
Makes Morgan County (about 7000 people) part of the Third District.
Includes the City of Eureka in the Third District.
Puts North Salt Lake in the Second District but keeps Bountiful in the First.
Adjusts the lines in South Salt Lake County in such a way that the population of the four congressional districts are in exact balance. Each congressional district will have an equal population of 558,292, with the exception of District One, which will have a population of 558,293.
Ok, here is my problem with all of this. First, it is known that I don't think D.C. should get a representative. Second, why not wait until 2008? Is it that big of a deal? Third, why all the outrage over the gerrymandering going on? Look at Greg Curtis' district in 2000 and 2002. There is a chunk missing, guess who lives there: Patrick Henry Hansen. The man who challenged Curtis in 2000, and should have won. He would have saved many problems Utah has had with the inept leadership of Czar Curtis.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
It is a good time to pause and reflect:
In the middle of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, prompted by a series of editorials written by Sarah Josepha Hale, proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated on the final Thursday in November 1863:
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth."
Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln, 3 October 1863 (SOURCE:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving#F.D._Roosevelt_to_present)
In the middle of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, prompted by a series of editorials written by Sarah Josepha Hale, proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day, to be celebrated on the final Thursday in November 1863:
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth."
Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln, 3 October 1863 (SOURCE:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving#F.D._Roosevelt_to_present)
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
No, No, No
According to Rolly's blog, "A petition drive has begun among the Utah Republican faithful to draft Enid Greene to run for party chairman next summer. Greene currently is the acting state chairman, filling in for Joe Cannon, who resigned just after the election with about nine months left on his term. She has said she wants to fill the rest of Cannon's term and finish "the good job he has done" over the past five years. But she also said she probably wasn't interested in running for chair for the next two-year term."
Does anyone remember what a terrible job she did running the state convention? She was such an elitist. I strongly support Tim Bridgewater for the job. Please Tim, save us from ourselves!
Does anyone remember what a terrible job she did running the state convention? She was such an elitist. I strongly support Tim Bridgewater for the job. Please Tim, save us from ourselves!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Happy Electioneering!!
I am off for a few days. Please get to know the issues and candidates and then vote!!
I'll be back later in the week!
I'll be back later in the week!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
A great letter
Well, I am not the only Republican supporting McGarr against the RINO Sandstrom.
http://www.mcgarr4godfamilycountry.com/images/Ferrin%20to%20Republicans%20high%20res.pdf
Send a message, we support good candidates regardless of party!!!
http://www.mcgarr4godfamilycountry.com/images/Ferrin%20to%20Republicans%20high%20res.pdf
Send a message, we support good candidates regardless of party!!!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Davis County Commission Seat A
Here is a great video that was sent to me of answers to questions for Davis County Commission Seat A. I personally like Rob Miller in this race.
http://www.standard.net/ASP/ElectionVideos/seata.html
http://www.standard.net/ASP/ElectionVideos/seata.html
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Cannon
OneUtah was wanting to know who had endorsed Cannon in Utah. Well, I like the Constitution Party's radio ads, but I will stick with Cannon. So here is one Utahn who will vote for him.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Set the record straight - Sandstrom
I guess I really got under Mr. Sandstrom's skin, so here is a chance for him to respond, an open letter:
Dear Mr. Sandstrom,
A few days ago I endorsed your opponent in the following post:
District 58: Ed McGarr (Cons), Stephen Sandstrom disappoints me by not paying taxes on time and not allowing Orem residents the choice in creating a greater, smaller school district.
You responded by stating:
I am disappointed that Utah Conservative listens to rhetoric and wouldn't endorse a conservative Republican for Dist. 58 The entire tax issue has been resolved. This all happened without my knowledge and once I was aware of the situation I handled it. Of course, it took time to deal with the IRS. I wish I could have resolved it quicker. To date, Approx. 75% of the back taxes has been paid and I have an agreement in place with the IRS for the remaining balance. (I can show you proof if you like.) Although this entire situation was caused by a bookeeper without my knowledge, I am proud of the fact that I have stepped up to the plate and resolved it honestly. Believe me, I have learned a hard lesson that will not happen again.
As far as the district split goes, the reason I voted NO was because the Cox legislation was a poor piece of legislation. It would have been a legal and financial nightmare without some changes to the law. I am 100% committed to working on legislation to resolve the many problems with the current law, so that district splits can be handled properly and without legal issues. I will be working with Rep. Brad Daw on this legislation.
Last but not least, I am certain that you will find me to be one of the MOST conservative legislators on the hill. Just watch me and the legislation that I sponsor and support. I gurantee that you will be heaping accolades abundantly for me.
Sincerely,Stephen SandstromRepublican Candidate - District 58
Well Mr. Sandstrom, you admit that you are delinquent in your patment of taxes. We all wish you would have paid it back sooner, but you chose not to. You have not resolved this issue until you have paid back everything, so you are still on deck: not stepping up.
I do want to give you an opportunity to come clean about the Alpine School District vote. I have learned that this upcoming bond and leeway vote is very important to you because you are the potential architect for the building of one of the new schools. How do you say "conflict of interest"? I think this is a clear example of a conflict of interest. You will profit by this and used YOUR VOTE in ensuring this. I wish I could serve in a legislative body and profit off of it, but that would be unethical.
Come clean Sandstrom, if this is true I urge you to drop out of the race for the best interest of the State and resigning your seat on the Orem Council for not declaring this conflict of interest. The citizens of Orem deserve better.
Utah Conservative and other concerned Utah Citizens.
Dear Mr. Sandstrom,
A few days ago I endorsed your opponent in the following post:
District 58: Ed McGarr (Cons), Stephen Sandstrom disappoints me by not paying taxes on time and not allowing Orem residents the choice in creating a greater, smaller school district.
You responded by stating:
I am disappointed that Utah Conservative listens to rhetoric and wouldn't endorse a conservative Republican for Dist. 58 The entire tax issue has been resolved. This all happened without my knowledge and once I was aware of the situation I handled it. Of course, it took time to deal with the IRS. I wish I could have resolved it quicker. To date, Approx. 75% of the back taxes has been paid and I have an agreement in place with the IRS for the remaining balance. (I can show you proof if you like.) Although this entire situation was caused by a bookeeper without my knowledge, I am proud of the fact that I have stepped up to the plate and resolved it honestly. Believe me, I have learned a hard lesson that will not happen again.
As far as the district split goes, the reason I voted NO was because the Cox legislation was a poor piece of legislation. It would have been a legal and financial nightmare without some changes to the law. I am 100% committed to working on legislation to resolve the many problems with the current law, so that district splits can be handled properly and without legal issues. I will be working with Rep. Brad Daw on this legislation.
Last but not least, I am certain that you will find me to be one of the MOST conservative legislators on the hill. Just watch me and the legislation that I sponsor and support. I gurantee that you will be heaping accolades abundantly for me.
Sincerely,Stephen SandstromRepublican Candidate - District 58
Well Mr. Sandstrom, you admit that you are delinquent in your patment of taxes. We all wish you would have paid it back sooner, but you chose not to. You have not resolved this issue until you have paid back everything, so you are still on deck: not stepping up.
I do want to give you an opportunity to come clean about the Alpine School District vote. I have learned that this upcoming bond and leeway vote is very important to you because you are the potential architect for the building of one of the new schools. How do you say "conflict of interest"? I think this is a clear example of a conflict of interest. You will profit by this and used YOUR VOTE in ensuring this. I wish I could serve in a legislative body and profit off of it, but that would be unethical.
Come clean Sandstrom, if this is true I urge you to drop out of the race for the best interest of the State and resigning your seat on the Orem Council for not declaring this conflict of interest. The citizens of Orem deserve better.
Utah Conservative and other concerned Utah Citizens.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Utah Senate - Whom I would vote for continued
I have already picked my Utah County Senate picks, but here are the others. Additionally, I seem to have upset Sandstrom in Orem, let me repeat, I am a conservative and Republicans do not have a monopoly on conservatives. (Especially since Utah County GOP leadership is driving them out). Also, Mr. Sandstrom, if you are endorsed by the UEA, you are not a conservative!
Senate District 2: Ken A. Bowers (Constitution), Jarvis and McCoy are both liberals, and frankly I don't care for either one of them. It is a liberal district, so perhaps that is a badge of honor there.
Senate District 3: PASS - I can't find much about any of the challengers, so I repectfully decline to say who I would vote for.
Senate District 4: Dirk Anjewierden (R), the disadvantage of already holding a seat is that Pat Jones has a record, one that I don't agree with.
Senate District 5: Ed Mayne (D), running unopposed, but a very nice guy who although not conservative, would get my vote.
Senate District 7: Bryce Jolley (R), see above in District 4, Romero has a record.
Senate District 9: Wayne Niederhauser (R), the only conservative in the race.
Senate District 12: Christy Achziger (R), I like her stance on education: "I will not support federal control of our state educational system and I will work to remove un-needed testing requirements." Also, Goodfellow is very liberal (even if he claims to be a moderate).
Senate District 17: Kirk D. Pearson (Constitution), Knudson is fairly liberal, with Evans leaving he may take the title of the Senate's most liberal Republican, but he is honest.
Senate District 18: I have been calling this one a toss-up for some time (one of the first to do so), and I strongly support Stuart Reid (D), But word out of KSL is that Greiner will cease campaigning.
Senate District 21: Sheldon L. Killpack (R), has a fairly good voting record.
Senate District 22: I don't know much about these guys, no one has a website (according to the State Elections Office), so I would probably vote for Greg Bell (R) as I hold my nose.
Senate District 24: I strongly support Darin Glen Peterson (R). He was a rockstar in the House, and has been so in the Senate.
Senate District 26: Once again, no websites. I have a problem with Van Tassel being a bank employee and word on the street is he gets an office and secretary for being in the legislature from the bank.
Senate District 28: Emily Bingham Hollingshead (D) has run an entertaining campaign from the blogosphere, and I commend that. But I haven't heard anything from Dennis Stowell, and I still don't like how he entered the race the exact same moment Tom Hatch dropped out. Honesty in Politics disappeared with that act. I guess I would have to vote for Hollingshead, unless I learn more about the other candidates.
In short: Candidates, GET A WEBSITE!!!
Senate District 2: Ken A. Bowers (Constitution), Jarvis and McCoy are both liberals, and frankly I don't care for either one of them. It is a liberal district, so perhaps that is a badge of honor there.
Senate District 3: PASS - I can't find much about any of the challengers, so I repectfully decline to say who I would vote for.
Senate District 4: Dirk Anjewierden (R), the disadvantage of already holding a seat is that Pat Jones has a record, one that I don't agree with.
Senate District 5: Ed Mayne (D), running unopposed, but a very nice guy who although not conservative, would get my vote.
Senate District 7: Bryce Jolley (R), see above in District 4, Romero has a record.
Senate District 9: Wayne Niederhauser (R), the only conservative in the race.
Senate District 12: Christy Achziger (R), I like her stance on education: "I will not support federal control of our state educational system and I will work to remove un-needed testing requirements." Also, Goodfellow is very liberal (even if he claims to be a moderate).
Senate District 17: Kirk D. Pearson (Constitution), Knudson is fairly liberal, with Evans leaving he may take the title of the Senate's most liberal Republican, but he is honest.
Senate District 18: I have been calling this one a toss-up for some time (one of the first to do so), and I strongly support Stuart Reid (D), But word out of KSL is that Greiner will cease campaigning.
Senate District 21: Sheldon L. Killpack (R), has a fairly good voting record.
Senate District 22: I don't know much about these guys, no one has a website (according to the State Elections Office), so I would probably vote for Greg Bell (R) as I hold my nose.
Senate District 24: I strongly support Darin Glen Peterson (R). He was a rockstar in the House, and has been so in the Senate.
Senate District 26: Once again, no websites. I have a problem with Van Tassel being a bank employee and word on the street is he gets an office and secretary for being in the legislature from the bank.
Senate District 28: Emily Bingham Hollingshead (D) has run an entertaining campaign from the blogosphere, and I commend that. But I haven't heard anything from Dennis Stowell, and I still don't like how he entered the race the exact same moment Tom Hatch dropped out. Honesty in Politics disappeared with that act. I guess I would have to vote for Hollingshead, unless I learn more about the other candidates.
In short: Candidates, GET A WEBSITE!!!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Utah County Senate Picks - If I lived everywhere
Senate District 11: Howard Stephenson, he votes right on issues that matter to me, but I still think he has a conflict of interest as head of the Taxpayers Union that recieves donations to operate (can they ask for donations during the session that help pay his salary?)
Senate District 15: Margaret Dayton, a no brainer. One of the bright stars of the Utah House will continue representing my values in the Senate.
Wow, only two races this year, that made it easy!
Senate District 15: Margaret Dayton, a no brainer. One of the bright stars of the Utah House will continue representing my values in the Senate.
Wow, only two races this year, that made it easy!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Kurt Peterson - Provo You are Wrong
The Daily Herald has an article about the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church that may be torn down. Kurt Peterson of Provo whines that they should keep it. Well Kurt, perhaps you should not be so happy about spending public monies to save old buildings. This is prime real estate land, and developing it will help the entire area. To say that the Maeser School was a success is not exactly firm.
If I weren't heading out of town I would be at the Council urging them to tear the building down so a new owner can do what he would like to do, or let Kurt Peterson buy it and not change anything to it.
If I weren't heading out of town I would be at the Council urging them to tear the building down so a new owner can do what he would like to do, or let Kurt Peterson buy it and not change anything to it.
Goodbye to the most liberal Senate Republican
From the Senate Site:
Resignation
By Bev Evans
Utah State Senator, District 26
I will be submitting my letter of resignation today.
Many of you know this was to be my last year in the legislature. It has turned out to be a difficult one. My husband passed away unexpectedly and then several other serious challenges have arisen since that time. For many reasons, I needed to find a job and/or a meaningful cause with which to be active and engaged.
There are rumors that this will not be the last Senate vacancy before the elections. However, as nice a person as Senator Evans is, I jsut don't agree with her politics. Hopefully the Zions Bank Senator will be more conservative
Resignation
By Bev Evans
Utah State Senator, District 26
I will be submitting my letter of resignation today.
Many of you know this was to be my last year in the legislature. It has turned out to be a difficult one. My husband passed away unexpectedly and then several other serious challenges have arisen since that time. For many reasons, I needed to find a job and/or a meaningful cause with which to be active and engaged.
There are rumors that this will not be the last Senate vacancy before the elections. However, as nice a person as Senator Evans is, I jsut don't agree with her politics. Hopefully the Zions Bank Senator will be more conservative
Friday, October 13, 2006
Alert: Must read book
I have not posted lately because I have been 
tied up reading Vince Flynn's new thriller, Act of Treason. This is a great read, and I was not able to put it down. Note: There are uses of the f-word.
No matter your political persuassion, it is a great read.
The other book I am working on, and re-reading is Reagan's Revolution. I think it is a timely book because in 1976 the GOP did not have a strong conservative voice, save Ronald Reagan. Today there is no strong conservative voice. This is the reason the election is looking so bleak fo
r the GOP, not Mark Foley, not anything else. There is no strong conservative to rally the troops. The GOP will lose seats in 2006, but that won't be the end of the world. We lost the White House in 1976, but that made us stronger, don't believe me: read this book!
tied up reading Vince Flynn's new thriller, Act of Treason. This is a great read, and I was not able to put it down. Note: There are uses of the f-word.No matter your political persuassion, it is a great read.
The other book I am working on, and re-reading is Reagan's Revolution. I think it is a timely book because in 1976 the GOP did not have a strong conservative voice, save Ronald Reagan. Today there is no strong conservative voice. This is the reason the election is looking so bleak fo
r the GOP, not Mark Foley, not anything else. There is no strong conservative to rally the troops. The GOP will lose seats in 2006, but that won't be the end of the world. We lost the White House in 1976, but that made us stronger, don't believe me: read this book!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Update on Slanderous Dayton Letter?
Does anyone have an update on the letter that was sent against Margaret Dayton?
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Hatch Billboard Game
There are new Hatch billboards throughout Salt Lake and Utah Counties. The only two I have seen are "clout" and "gutsy" with definitions and a picture of the Senator.
In honor of the SL Tribune game with LaVar Christensen's billboards, please come up with words that define Orrin that should be used on his billboard (I only monitor for language)
Some ideas:
- "Aloof": out of touch
- "Forgetful": Can't remember Utah's Congressional Delegation at 2005 GOP Convention
Any more?
In honor of the SL Tribune game with LaVar Christensen's billboards, please come up with words that define Orrin that should be used on his billboard (I only monitor for language)
Some ideas:
- "Aloof": out of touch
- "Forgetful": Can't remember Utah's Congressional Delegation at 2005 GOP Convention
Any more?
Boycott Dr. Dobson
I am starting a boycott of Dr. James Dobson, and encourage LDS owned radio station KSL to drop him from their program lineup.
"Evangelical leader Dr. James Dobson said he doubts that conservative Christians would support a presidential bid by Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney because of his Mormon faith.
Dobson, the founder of the Colorado-based Focus on the Family, said on a radio program that if Romney makes a bid for the White House in 2008, "I don’t believe that conservative Christians in large numbers will vote for a Mormon, but that remains to be seen.”
However, I still like Rev. Jerry Falwell, who told the Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, Mo., earlier this year: "If [Romney is] pro-life, pro-family, I don’t think he’ll have any problem getting the support of evangelical Christians.”
(from newsmax.com)
"Evangelical leader Dr. James Dobson said he doubts that conservative Christians would support a presidential bid by Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney because of his Mormon faith.
Dobson, the founder of the Colorado-based Focus on the Family, said on a radio program that if Romney makes a bid for the White House in 2008, "I don’t believe that conservative Christians in large numbers will vote for a Mormon, but that remains to be seen.”
However, I still like Rev. Jerry Falwell, who told the Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, Mo., earlier this year: "If [Romney is] pro-life, pro-family, I don’t think he’ll have any problem getting the support of evangelical Christians.”
(from newsmax.com)
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Democrats need to be careful
We can all agree that former Congressman Mark Foley's recent actions are disgusting. However, the absolute giddiness of the Utah Democrats on their website/blog is hypocritical. Need I remind them that they had similiar problems but did nothing about it?
In 1983, then-Democratic Rep. Gerry Studds of Massachusetts was caught in a similar situation. In his case, Studds had sex with a male teenage page -- something Foley hasn't been charged with.
Did Studds express contrition? Resign? Quite the contrary. He rejected Congress' censure of him and continued to represent his district until his retirement in 1996.
In 1989, Rep. Barney Frank also of Massachusetts, admitted he'd lived with Steve Gobie, a male prostitute who ran a gay sex-for-hire ring out of Frank's apartment. Frank, it was later discovered, used his position to fix 33 parking tickets for Gobie.
What happened to Frank? The House voted 408-18 to reprimand him -- a slap on the wrist. Today he's an honored Democratic member of Congress, much in demand as a speaker and "conscience of the party."
In 2001,
President Clinton who had his own intern problem, commuted the prison sentence of Illinois Rep. Mel Reynolds, who had sex with a 16-year-old campaign volunteer and pressured her to lie about it. (Reynolds also was convicted of campaign spending violations.)
You get the idea. Democrats not only seem OK with the kind of behavior for which Foley is charged, but also they protect and excuse it. Only when it's a Republican do they proclaim themselves shocked -- shocked! -- when it comes to light (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ibd/20061002/bs_ibd_ibd/2006102issues01)
So let us all agree that this action is awful, the page program is a time-honored tradition, and no matter what political party is involved, this behavior is not tolerated. At least the GOP asked Foley to resign. Why hasn't Chairman Holland asked for the resignation of Barney Frank?
In 1983, then-Democratic Rep. Gerry Studds of Massachusetts was caught in a similar situation. In his case, Studds had sex with a male teenage page -- something Foley hasn't been charged with.
Did Studds express contrition? Resign? Quite the contrary. He rejected Congress' censure of him and continued to represent his district until his retirement in 1996.
In 1989, Rep. Barney Frank also of Massachusetts, admitted he'd lived with Steve Gobie, a male prostitute who ran a gay sex-for-hire ring out of Frank's apartment. Frank, it was later discovered, used his position to fix 33 parking tickets for Gobie.
What happened to Frank? The House voted 408-18 to reprimand him -- a slap on the wrist. Today he's an honored Democratic member of Congress, much in demand as a speaker and "conscience of the party."
In 2001,
President Clinton who had his own intern problem, commuted the prison sentence of Illinois Rep. Mel Reynolds, who had sex with a 16-year-old campaign volunteer and pressured her to lie about it. (Reynolds also was convicted of campaign spending violations.)
You get the idea. Democrats not only seem OK with the kind of behavior for which Foley is charged, but also they protect and excuse it. Only when it's a Republican do they proclaim themselves shocked -- shocked! -- when it comes to light (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ibd/20061002/bs_ibd_ibd/2006102issues01)
So let us all agree that this action is awful, the page program is a time-honored tradition, and no matter what political party is involved, this behavior is not tolerated. At least the GOP asked Foley to resign. Why hasn't Chairman Holland asked for the resignation of Barney Frank?
Friday, September 29, 2006
Sick, Sick, Sick
By DAVID ESPO and JIM KUHNHENN, AP:
Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., resigned from Congress on Friday, effective immediately, in the wake of questions about e-mails he wrote a former male page.
"I am deeply sorry and I apologize for letting down my family and the people of Florida I have had the privilege to represent," he said in a statement issued by his office.
The two-sentence statement did not refer to the e-mails and gave no reason for Foley's decision to abruptly abandon a flourishing career in Congress.
Campaign aides had previously acknowledged that the Republican congressman e-mailed the former Capitol page five times, but had said there was nothing inappropriate about the exchange. The page was 16 at the time of the e-mail correspondence.
Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., resigned from Congress on Friday, effective immediately, in the wake of questions about e-mails he wrote a former male page.
"I am deeply sorry and I apologize for letting down my family and the people of Florida I have had the privilege to represent," he said in a statement issued by his office.
The two-sentence statement did not refer to the e-mails and gave no reason for Foley's decision to abruptly abandon a flourishing career in Congress.
Campaign aides had previously acknowledged that the Republican congressman e-mailed the former Capitol page five times, but had said there was nothing inappropriate about the exchange. The page was 16 at the time of the e-mail correspondence.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Vote no!
Huntsman to call special session on 4th House seat
The Salt Lake Tribune
Posted: 12:45 PM- Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said Thursday he will call a special session of the state Legislature after the November elections to approve a new congressional map to add a fourth House seat for Utah. A key U.S. House Republican leader has said he won't allow a vote on a bill to give Utah a fourth seat and the District of Columbia its first full member in Congress until Utah has a final redistricting plan.
I have already laid out why I think this is unconstitutional. Why can't we just wait until the 2010 Census and do it legally?
I like what amendnotbend.com says about this:
"The United States Congress is currently considering a bill that would allow the District of Columbia to receive one Congressional District and Utah a 4th Congressional District. This is seen as a political trade as Washington, DC currently does not have a regular member of Congress and would likely vote Democrat. Utah missed receiving a 4th Congressional Seat after the last census in 2000 by about 800 citizens and would likely vote Republican.According to Article I Section 2 of the United States Constitution it is clear that Congressional Seats are reserved for States. The current proposal to grant a Congressional Seat to Washington, DC is not allowed by the Constitution. In fact, during the 1970's this very act was proposed though it was handled correctly: An Amendment to the Constitution was proposed. We are greatly concerned by the manner in which Congress is handling this. By acting to "amend" the Constitution by simply changing Federal Law a precedent is being set. A precedent that leaves our Constitution vulnerable to whimsical changes. We do not support that precedent.I should personally add that I am a resident of Utah, the very state that would be granted another Congressional seat in this effort. We would love another seat in Utah though we want it done properly. This petition does not take a position on the merits of Washington, DC receiving a Congressional District other than if it happens it should be done properly: by a Constitutional Amendment."
Lets not change the rules, We will get our seat, in 2012.
The Salt Lake Tribune
Posted: 12:45 PM- Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said Thursday he will call a special session of the state Legislature after the November elections to approve a new congressional map to add a fourth House seat for Utah. A key U.S. House Republican leader has said he won't allow a vote on a bill to give Utah a fourth seat and the District of Columbia its first full member in Congress until Utah has a final redistricting plan.
I have already laid out why I think this is unconstitutional. Why can't we just wait until the 2010 Census and do it legally?
I like what amendnotbend.com says about this:
"The United States Congress is currently considering a bill that would allow the District of Columbia to receive one Congressional District and Utah a 4th Congressional District. This is seen as a political trade as Washington, DC currently does not have a regular member of Congress and would likely vote Democrat. Utah missed receiving a 4th Congressional Seat after the last census in 2000 by about 800 citizens and would likely vote Republican.According to Article I Section 2 of the United States Constitution it is clear that Congressional Seats are reserved for States. The current proposal to grant a Congressional Seat to Washington, DC is not allowed by the Constitution. In fact, during the 1970's this very act was proposed though it was handled correctly: An Amendment to the Constitution was proposed. We are greatly concerned by the manner in which Congress is handling this. By acting to "amend" the Constitution by simply changing Federal Law a precedent is being set. A precedent that leaves our Constitution vulnerable to whimsical changes. We do not support that precedent.I should personally add that I am a resident of Utah, the very state that would be granted another Congressional seat in this effort. We would love another seat in Utah though we want it done properly. This petition does not take a position on the merits of Washington, DC receiving a Congressional District other than if it happens it should be done properly: by a Constitutional Amendment."
Lets not change the rules, We will get our seat, in 2012.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Why Part of me wants the GOP to lose in 2006
Why Some Republicans want to lose
"Three factors are driving the conservative backlash against the Republican-led Congress. Fiscal hawks are furious about the growth of the federal government. Conservative lawyers such as Bruce Fein, who worked in the Nixon Justice Department and Reagan Federal Communications Commission, are upset that Congress allowed President Bush to claim expansive powers to eavesdrop on American citizens and detain suspected militants without trial. Others say the war in Iraq is a costly diversion from the war on terror.
Other Republicans couch their desire for Republican losses in political terms, arguing that Democratic control of Congress for at least two years would increase the chances of Republicans retaining the presidency in 2008, by giving Republican candidates high-profile Democratic targets."
I am so disgusted with the out of control spending and the lack of progress on the immigration front, that maybe change is needed. Remember 1994? "Republicans need a wake-up call," Joe Scarborough, a former Republican congressman who now hosts an MSNBC talk show, says in an interview. "We ran in 1994 against runaway spending, exploding deficits and corruption. But with Republicans in charge of both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue, what do we have? The same runaway spending, record deficits and culture of corruption."
"Three factors are driving the conservative backlash against the Republican-led Congress. Fiscal hawks are furious about the growth of the federal government. Conservative lawyers such as Bruce Fein, who worked in the Nixon Justice Department and Reagan Federal Communications Commission, are upset that Congress allowed President Bush to claim expansive powers to eavesdrop on American citizens and detain suspected militants without trial. Others say the war in Iraq is a costly diversion from the war on terror.
Other Republicans couch their desire for Republican losses in political terms, arguing that Democratic control of Congress for at least two years would increase the chances of Republicans retaining the presidency in 2008, by giving Republican candidates high-profile Democratic targets."
I am so disgusted with the out of control spending and the lack of progress on the immigration front, that maybe change is needed. Remember 1994? "Republicans need a wake-up call," Joe Scarborough, a former Republican congressman who now hosts an MSNBC talk show, says in an interview. "We ran in 1994 against runaway spending, exploding deficits and corruption. But with Republicans in charge of both sides of Pennsylvania Avenue, what do we have? The same runaway spending, record deficits and culture of corruption."
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Movie of the Year
It's going to get ugly
According to Drudge:
"The Republican Party has unleashed a long-planned battery of negative ads against Democratic challengers in House and Senate races across the country, employing the fruits of more than a year of research into the backgrounds of Democratic candidates.
Just as Democrats have launched an unusually aggressive barrage of negative advertisements intended to tie Republican incumbents to an extremely unpopular Congress, and portray them as captives to big business, pharmaceutical concerns and the oil industry.
NEW YORK TIMES reporter Adam Nagourney plans a Page One Splash for Wednesday, declaring: "The result has been what aides to both sides described on Tuesday as the most toxic midterm political environment in memory."
So I guess this year we will see if negative advertising works. It didn't work for John Swallow; but will it work elsewhere?
P.S. I have been critcized for supporting Rob Miller in Davis County, saying that a Democrat can not be a conservative. I disagree, and I would say that Rob Miller is not a Nancy Pelosi Liberal, but appears to be more of a Jim Matheson Democrat. And I never have endorsed Pete Ashdown, I just mentioned that it is refreshing that he would make a comment on this blog.
"The Republican Party has unleashed a long-planned battery of negative ads against Democratic challengers in House and Senate races across the country, employing the fruits of more than a year of research into the backgrounds of Democratic candidates.
Just as Democrats have launched an unusually aggressive barrage of negative advertisements intended to tie Republican incumbents to an extremely unpopular Congress, and portray them as captives to big business, pharmaceutical concerns and the oil industry.
NEW YORK TIMES reporter Adam Nagourney plans a Page One Splash for Wednesday, declaring: "The result has been what aides to both sides described on Tuesday as the most toxic midterm political environment in memory."
So I guess this year we will see if negative advertising works. It didn't work for John Swallow; but will it work elsewhere?
P.S. I have been critcized for supporting Rob Miller in Davis County, saying that a Democrat can not be a conservative. I disagree, and I would say that Rob Miller is not a Nancy Pelosi Liberal, but appears to be more of a Jim Matheson Democrat. And I never have endorsed Pete Ashdown, I just mentioned that it is refreshing that he would make a comment on this blog.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Where are you Orrin?
I recently got my first comment from a U.S. Senate candidate. No, not Orrin Hatch he must be too busy in committee hearings writing music on taxpayer time. Democrat Pete Ashdown commented on my blog. He had a good point in saying that he was on the side of America, not on the side of Hugo Chavez. Glad to know of two Democratic candidates on the side of America; Rob Miller in Davis County and Pete Ashdown for Senate. (Ok, disclaimer: I haven't asked any other D candidates their opinion)
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Kudos to the Democrats
As much as it pains me to give Nancy Pelosi and Charles Rangel credit, but they are so right on this. They have been critical of Hugo Chavez's remarks at the U.N., and rightfully so.
"I want to express my extreme displeasure with statements by the President of Venezuela attacking U.S. President George Bush in such a personal and disparaging way during his remarks at the United Nations General Assembly.
It should be clear to all heads of government that criticism of Bush Administration policies, either domestic or foreign, does not entitle them to attack the President personally.
George Bush is the President of the United States and represents the entire country. Any demeaning public attack against him is viewed by Republicans and Democrats, and all Americans, as an attack on all of us."
Nutcase Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa said, "Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, a democrat, today defended Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's United Nations speech in which Chavez called President George Bush the devil. Harkin said the comments were "incendiary", then went on to say, "Let me put it this way, I can understand the frustration, ah, and the anger of certain people around the world because of George Bush's policies." Harkin continued what has been frequent criticism of the president's foreign policy."
I have to give Charles Rangel credit where credit is due.
So Wayne Holland, Utah Democratic Chair, please let us know; do you agree with Mr. Rangel or Mr. Harkin?
"I want to express my extreme displeasure with statements by the President of Venezuela attacking U.S. President George Bush in such a personal and disparaging way during his remarks at the United Nations General Assembly.
It should be clear to all heads of government that criticism of Bush Administration policies, either domestic or foreign, does not entitle them to attack the President personally.
George Bush is the President of the United States and represents the entire country. Any demeaning public attack against him is viewed by Republicans and Democrats, and all Americans, as an attack on all of us."
Nutcase Senator Tom Harkin from Iowa said, "Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, a democrat, today defended Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's United Nations speech in which Chavez called President George Bush the devil. Harkin said the comments were "incendiary", then went on to say, "Let me put it this way, I can understand the frustration, ah, and the anger of certain people around the world because of George Bush's policies." Harkin continued what has been frequent criticism of the president's foreign policy."
I have to give Charles Rangel credit where credit is due.
So Wayne Holland, Utah Democratic Chair, please let us know; do you agree with Mr. Rangel or Mr. Harkin?
Parley- Please step aside
This is an open letter to Senator Hellewell:
Dear Sir:
My sources indicate that you were not in your interim meetings this past week. It appears to your constituents that you have already checked out. Please do us the great and noble service of stepping aside and letting Margaret Dayton begin to give us real representation.
You have not contacted me as a constituent in your years of service. Word is that you sleep through the majority of your meetings anyway. You haven't passed any meaningful legislation. Let's give future Senator Dayton the leg up on seniority and give us real legislative know-how.
Dear Sir:
My sources indicate that you were not in your interim meetings this past week. It appears to your constituents that you have already checked out. Please do us the great and noble service of stepping aside and letting Margaret Dayton begin to give us real representation.
You have not contacted me as a constituent in your years of service. Word is that you sleep through the majority of your meetings anyway. You haven't passed any meaningful legislation. Let's give future Senator Dayton the leg up on seniority and give us real legislative know-how.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Money Talks
Today is deadline day for filings with the State Elections Office. I decided to look at some of the more interesting races and see what the cash on hand numbers are, and the handicapping of these races.
House District 10
Shurtliff, LaWanna-D $5,154.72
Garwood, George-R $10,952.01
If Garwood continues with this much cash-on-hand lead, this one could be a race. As South Ogden Mayor, Garwood starts ahead of any of Shurtliff’s previous opponents. Slightly Leans Democrat
House District 36
Lawrence, Susan – R $7,031.69
Riesen, Phil – D $3,819.81
This may be the race to watch, Riesen raised a good chunk of money, but now only has half of Lawrence’s cash-on-hand. Toss-up
Senate District 4
Anjewierden IV, Dirk – Registered Republican, Republican nominee – not yet filed
Jones, Pat – Registered Republican, Democrat nominee – not yet filed
Leans Democrat.
Senate District 7
Jolley, Bryce –R $10,221.91
Romero, Ross – D $32,834.22
Jolley needs to up his contributions if he wants to remain competitive. Romero is a savvy campaigner. Leans Democrat
Senate District 9
Beck, Trish – D $7,853.42
Niederhauser, Wayne –R $20,113.41
The real race here was the Republican nomination. If Beck can tap into the anti-Walmart, Sandy Gravel Pit voters and tie Niederhauser to Mayor Dolan and the Boyer Group, she may narrow the gap. But she will need more money to do that. And what has JC Powers Consulting and Jason Powers done for Niederhauser to justify $80,920.05? I think I have the wrong career path. Leans Republican
Senate District 18
Greiner, Jon J.- RINO $16,450.94
Reid, Stuart – D $13,428.20
The bulk of Greiner’s funding is himself and the UEA. Dave Thomas would have had a better chance at keeping this seat Republican. Slightly Leans Democrat.
Senate District 28
Hollingshead, Bingham Emily- D $761.95
Stowell, Dennis – R Report not yet filed
Solid Republican enough said.
House District 10
Shurtliff, LaWanna-D $5,154.72
Garwood, George-R $10,952.01
If Garwood continues with this much cash-on-hand lead, this one could be a race. As South Ogden Mayor, Garwood starts ahead of any of Shurtliff’s previous opponents. Slightly Leans Democrat
House District 36
Lawrence, Susan – R $7,031.69
Riesen, Phil – D $3,819.81
This may be the race to watch, Riesen raised a good chunk of money, but now only has half of Lawrence’s cash-on-hand. Toss-up
Senate District 4
Anjewierden IV, Dirk – Registered Republican, Republican nominee – not yet filed
Jones, Pat – Registered Republican, Democrat nominee – not yet filed
Leans Democrat.
Senate District 7
Jolley, Bryce –R $10,221.91
Romero, Ross – D $32,834.22
Jolley needs to up his contributions if he wants to remain competitive. Romero is a savvy campaigner. Leans Democrat
Senate District 9
Beck, Trish – D $7,853.42
Niederhauser, Wayne –R $20,113.41
The real race here was the Republican nomination. If Beck can tap into the anti-Walmart, Sandy Gravel Pit voters and tie Niederhauser to Mayor Dolan and the Boyer Group, she may narrow the gap. But she will need more money to do that. And what has JC Powers Consulting and Jason Powers done for Niederhauser to justify $80,920.05? I think I have the wrong career path. Leans Republican
Senate District 18
Greiner, Jon J.- RINO $16,450.94
Reid, Stuart – D $13,428.20
The bulk of Greiner’s funding is himself and the UEA. Dave Thomas would have had a better chance at keeping this seat Republican. Slightly Leans Democrat.
Senate District 28
Hollingshead, Bingham Emily- D $761.95
Stowell, Dennis – R Report not yet filed
Solid Republican enough said.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Glad to see they care!
The other night I attended a picnic hosted by the Utah County Republican Party. What a waste of resources! Here we are going into an election where the GOP could lose the House. In Utah County there is a Democrat in the House. Why not put the resources to use electing Republicans?
Maybe it is time to only give to interest groups (Club for Growth) or the Utah Democrats. At least they put the money to good use.
A good candidate to give to is Rob Miller in Davis County (http://robertdmiller.org/)
Time for a change.
Maybe it is time to only give to interest groups (Club for Growth) or the Utah Democrats. At least they put the money to good use.
A good candidate to give to is Rob Miller in Davis County (http://robertdmiller.org/)
Time for a change.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Fire Him
BYU places '9/11 truth' professor on paid leave
"Professor" Stephen Jones has been placed on leave. But he should jsut be fired. Not because he is critical of the govenment, but because he is a nut!
From the D-News: Last fall, BYU faculty posted statements on the university Web site that questioned whether Jones subjected the paper to rigorous academic peer review before he posted it at physics.byu.edu. Jones removed the paper from BYU's Web site Thursday at the university's request.
Stephen Jones: Utah's Ward Churchill
"Professor" Stephen Jones has been placed on leave. But he should jsut be fired. Not because he is critical of the govenment, but because he is a nut!
From the D-News: Last fall, BYU faculty posted statements on the university Web site that questioned whether Jones subjected the paper to rigorous academic peer review before he posted it at physics.byu.edu. Jones removed the paper from BYU's Web site Thursday at the university's request.
Stephen Jones: Utah's Ward Churchill
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Shape Up or Ship Out!
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who was responsible for the House Republican sweep in 1994 has outlined the ways in which the Republicans can keep the House in the magazine Human Events (http://www.humanevents.com/winningthefuture.php?id=16863). As a Republican, I am frankly disgusted by the way the GOP as a whole (I am not singling any one out) has governed.
Since Bush has been in the White House the GOP has spent like drunken sailors, with no fiscal responsibility. Now I understand that it costs money to win the war on terror, but come on! Show some responsibility or quite frankly you don’t deserve to be in office.
Am I ready to vote Democrat? Not yet, I will stick with Cannon; but if I lived outside Utah I might seriously consider it! I think Bishop, Cannon, and future Representative LaVar Christensen are not the problem.
Anyway, here are the 11 points to victory from Human Events:
These 11 issues are all clear and all doable.
1. Make English the Official Language of Government.
2. Control the Borders.
3. Keep God in the Pledge.
4. Require a Voter ID Card.
5. Repeal the Death Tax, for Good.
6. Restore Property Rights.
7. Achieve Sustainable Energy Independence.
8. Control Spending and Balance the Budget.
9. Tie Education Funding to Teacher Accountability.
10. Defend America From the Irreconcilable Wing of Islam.
11. Focus on Iran and North Korea.
Since Bush has been in the White House the GOP has spent like drunken sailors, with no fiscal responsibility. Now I understand that it costs money to win the war on terror, but come on! Show some responsibility or quite frankly you don’t deserve to be in office.
Am I ready to vote Democrat? Not yet, I will stick with Cannon; but if I lived outside Utah I might seriously consider it! I think Bishop, Cannon, and future Representative LaVar Christensen are not the problem.
Anyway, here are the 11 points to victory from Human Events:
These 11 issues are all clear and all doable.
1. Make English the Official Language of Government.
2. Control the Borders.
3. Keep God in the Pledge.
4. Require a Voter ID Card.
5. Repeal the Death Tax, for Good.
6. Restore Property Rights.
7. Achieve Sustainable Energy Independence.
8. Control Spending and Balance the Budget.
9. Tie Education Funding to Teacher Accountability.
10. Defend America From the Irreconcilable Wing of Islam.
11. Focus on Iran and North Korea.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Leaving Town
I will be out of town for the Labor Day weekend, and the start of the college football season. I will be in Tucson, with no internet.
GO BYU!!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Cindy Sheehan: Freedom Fighters references
The Salt Lake Tribune has an interesting article on the phone calls to Mayor Anderson's office against his protests. http://www.sltrib.com/ci_4253666
The part of the article that drew my attention was: "A LexisNexis search of major newspapers found references to such comments only in letters to the editor or editorial columns, save a paraphrase from a London paper. However, Sheehan has been quoted in The Seattle Times describing Bush as a "bigger terrorist than Osama bin Laden.""
To me this makes it imply that that the GOP is stretching the truth. I tend to think that the Tribune is trying to downplay the GOP ad. If I were doing the ad I would have inserted the part where she said the US is "not worth dying for." So, Rocky: make it clear. DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT STATEMENT?
I decided to do my own Lexis Nexis search for the terms "Cindy Sheehan" and "freedom fighters".
"Antiwar Mom Pushes Peculiar Ideas" The Tampa Tribune September 29, 2005 Thursday.
"She (CINDY SHEEHAN) doesn't appear to worry about what would happen to pro-democracy Iraqis were they abandoned before they can defend themselves from the heavily armed thugs of the resistance. Sheehan has referred to these terrorists as freedom fighters. In public statements in recent weeks, she has added many odd opinions to her antiwar message. The biggest terrorist, she said, is President Bush. She has called the U.S. government a "morally repugnant system." After visiting hurricane-damaged areas, she called on Bush to "pull our troops out of occupied New Orleans and Iraq." And America, she said in San Francisco, "is not worth dying for."
"Cindy's new world Protest is one thing; radical posturing against U.S. is something else entirely." Omaha World-Herald (Nebraska) September 12, 2005
"And indeed, Sheehan, who lost her son Casey during the Iraq postwar and who has become a symbol for organized opposition to the Iraq mission, has endorsed such an agenda. She has used the term "freedom fighters" in referring to radical Islamist fighters who have gone to Iraq to blow themselves up as suicide bombers."
"Rumsfeld's heckler, Rep. Kennedy, and more.; The story behind Ray McGovern." The Weekly Standard May 15, 2006 Monday
"As long as Cindy Sheehan was an attractive club to swing against the Bush White House last summer, she was portrayed simply as a grieving mother who had lost her son in Iraq. Which she was, but she was also, rather like McGovern, an enthusiast for the violent left who called Bush a "lying bastard," said that "this country is not worth dying for," and called the Islamist insurgents in Iraq "freedom fighters.""
“ANOTHER SAD SHEEHAN STUNT” The New York Post February 2, 2006 Thursday
“Sheehan has denounced the historic popular vote in Iraq as a "sham election" and demanded that the United States quit "Iraq and Israel and Palestine." And she's called the terrorist insurgents who are murdering her fallen son's military brothers and sisters "freedom fighters."
Her bile isn't reserved for the Bush administration. Sheehan has declared: "I'm going all over this country telling moms: 'This country is not worth dying for.' "”
“SHEEHAN'S RADICAL VIEWS LITTLE NOTED;
DESPITE HEAVY COVERAGE, NATION'S PRESS STRANGELY RELUCTANT TO REPORT ALL SHE SAYS” Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO) Dave Kopel
“For example, on Aug. 16, Sheehan held a media conference call during which she declared "The person who killed my son, I have no animosity for that person at all." Yet her statement was reported only in the National Review Online weblog. In an interview with Mark Knoller of CBS News, she explained that the foreigners who have to come to Iraq to battle the U.S. military are "freedom fighters." (Video at the anti-war Web site dc.indymedia. org/usermedia/video/2/cindyon bus.mov). Conversely, she described last January's vote in Iraq as a "sham election," in her Tuesday entry on her weblog on Michael Moore's Web site (http:// michaelmoore.com/mustread/ index.php?id=465).” (I was not able to verify if these links are still active)
What is Cindy Sheehan about? Freedom fighters murdered her son? Charleston Gazette September 3, 2005, Saturday
ON Aug. 6, as her 15 minutes of fame was just beginning, Cindy Sheehan used an odd term in a TV interview with Mark Knoller of CBS. She referred to the foreign insurgents and terrorists in Iraq as "freedom fighters." Knoller cut those words out of his report, he told me, because he "really wasn't interested."
The part of the article that drew my attention was: "A LexisNexis search of major newspapers found references to such comments only in letters to the editor or editorial columns, save a paraphrase from a London paper. However, Sheehan has been quoted in The Seattle Times describing Bush as a "bigger terrorist than Osama bin Laden.""
To me this makes it imply that that the GOP is stretching the truth. I tend to think that the Tribune is trying to downplay the GOP ad. If I were doing the ad I would have inserted the part where she said the US is "not worth dying for." So, Rocky: make it clear. DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT STATEMENT?
I decided to do my own Lexis Nexis search for the terms "Cindy Sheehan" and "freedom fighters".
"Antiwar Mom Pushes Peculiar Ideas" The Tampa Tribune September 29, 2005 Thursday.
"She (CINDY SHEEHAN) doesn't appear to worry about what would happen to pro-democracy Iraqis were they abandoned before they can defend themselves from the heavily armed thugs of the resistance. Sheehan has referred to these terrorists as freedom fighters. In public statements in recent weeks, she has added many odd opinions to her antiwar message. The biggest terrorist, she said, is President Bush. She has called the U.S. government a "morally repugnant system." After visiting hurricane-damaged areas, she called on Bush to "pull our troops out of occupied New Orleans and Iraq." And America, she said in San Francisco, "is not worth dying for."
"Cindy's new world Protest is one thing; radical posturing against U.S. is something else entirely." Omaha World-Herald (Nebraska) September 12, 2005
"And indeed, Sheehan, who lost her son Casey during the Iraq postwar and who has become a symbol for organized opposition to the Iraq mission, has endorsed such an agenda. She has used the term "freedom fighters" in referring to radical Islamist fighters who have gone to Iraq to blow themselves up as suicide bombers."
"Rumsfeld's heckler, Rep. Kennedy, and more.; The story behind Ray McGovern." The Weekly Standard May 15, 2006 Monday
"As long as Cindy Sheehan was an attractive club to swing against the Bush White House last summer, she was portrayed simply as a grieving mother who had lost her son in Iraq. Which she was, but she was also, rather like McGovern, an enthusiast for the violent left who called Bush a "lying bastard," said that "this country is not worth dying for," and called the Islamist insurgents in Iraq "freedom fighters.""
“ANOTHER SAD SHEEHAN STUNT” The New York Post February 2, 2006 Thursday
“Sheehan has denounced the historic popular vote in Iraq as a "sham election" and demanded that the United States quit "Iraq and Israel and Palestine." And she's called the terrorist insurgents who are murdering her fallen son's military brothers and sisters "freedom fighters."
Her bile isn't reserved for the Bush administration. Sheehan has declared: "I'm going all over this country telling moms: 'This country is not worth dying for.' "”
“SHEEHAN'S RADICAL VIEWS LITTLE NOTED;
DESPITE HEAVY COVERAGE, NATION'S PRESS STRANGELY RELUCTANT TO REPORT ALL SHE SAYS” Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO) Dave Kopel
“For example, on Aug. 16, Sheehan held a media conference call during which she declared "The person who killed my son, I have no animosity for that person at all." Yet her statement was reported only in the National Review Online weblog. In an interview with Mark Knoller of CBS News, she explained that the foreigners who have to come to Iraq to battle the U.S. military are "freedom fighters." (Video at the anti-war Web site dc.indymedia. org/usermedia/video/2/cindyon bus.mov). Conversely, she described last January's vote in Iraq as a "sham election," in her Tuesday entry on her weblog on Michael Moore's Web site (http:// michaelmoore.com/mustread/ index.php?id=465).” (I was not able to verify if these links are still active)
What is Cindy Sheehan about? Freedom fighters murdered her son? Charleston Gazette September 3, 2005, Saturday
ON Aug. 6, as her 15 minutes of fame was just beginning, Cindy Sheehan used an odd term in a TV interview with Mark Knoller of CBS. She referred to the foreign insurgents and terrorists in Iraq as "freedom fighters." Knoller cut those words out of his report, he told me, because he "really wasn't interested."
Monday, August 28, 2006
Have you called?
Here is a copy a radio ad text, that the Utah Republican Party is running. Please call Mayor Anderson's office. Although I don't completely agree with President Bush, having Cindy Sheehan here destroys any credibility Rocky may have had. Thank goodness he is not running again.
"America is at war against an enemy determined to strike us at home. Just days ago terrorists were caught planning to blow up flights to America. The threat to our country is real. And the choice is clear."
"Do we do whatever it takes to win the war on terror? Or do we embolden the terrorists with a cut-and-run strategy? Mayor Rocky Anderson has made his decision. He's invited professional protester Cindy Sheehan to Utah to convince you that America should retreat."
"Cindy Sheehan called Al-Qaeda in Iraq 'freedom fighters.' And she called America 'the largest terrorist organization in the world.' Said she'd rather live under dictator Hugo Chavez [Venezuela's president] than President Bush."
"Now Rocky Anderson has invited her to Utah. Does he really share her anti-American beliefs?"
"President Bush is visiting Utah to pay his respects to our nation's veterans."
"Call Rocky and tell him to stop embarrassing Utah: 801-535-7704. That's 535-7704.
"Paid for by the Utah Republican Party."
"America is at war against an enemy determined to strike us at home. Just days ago terrorists were caught planning to blow up flights to America. The threat to our country is real. And the choice is clear."
"Do we do whatever it takes to win the war on terror? Or do we embolden the terrorists with a cut-and-run strategy? Mayor Rocky Anderson has made his decision. He's invited professional protester Cindy Sheehan to Utah to convince you that America should retreat."
"Cindy Sheehan called Al-Qaeda in Iraq 'freedom fighters.' And she called America 'the largest terrorist organization in the world.' Said she'd rather live under dictator Hugo Chavez [Venezuela's president] than President Bush."
"Now Rocky Anderson has invited her to Utah. Does he really share her anti-American beliefs?"
"President Bush is visiting Utah to pay his respects to our nation's veterans."
"Call Rocky and tell him to stop embarrassing Utah: 801-535-7704. That's 535-7704.
"Paid for by the Utah Republican Party."
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Why do politicans lie?
Who do Politicians have to lie and embellish their records? Why can’t they just run an honest campaign? Here are some recent examples from the national news and local news.
Yahoo News:
In Utah County we had a candidate for the State House that ran on the stand, “Your Neighbor, Your Values.” It was later proven that he was terminated from several jobs for embezzlement and fraud.
But is the following a lie? In 1976 while campaigning to replace then Seantor Frank Moss, Hatch asked the question "what do you call a Senator after 18 years? You call him home." Is that lie, or just a simple campaign promise?
Yahoo News:
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt is fast, capable of running a marathon in 3 hours, 19 minutes, 6 seconds. At least that's what a photo on the Ohio congresswoman's Web site shows. No way, says a rival who contends that the picture from the 1993 Columbus Marathon is doctored and complained to state election officials. A four-member commission panel ruled Thursday that there was enough evidence to look into the complaint.
State law prohibits candidates from publishing false statements designed to promote their election. The photo shows Schmidt near the finish line at the marathon with a time clock showing 3:19:06, which would have made her one of the top finishers. But a newspaper list of the top runners does not include Schmidt, said Nathan Noy, who is seeking to run as a write-in candidate against Schmidt.
More from Jean Schmidt:
Ohio State Rep. "Brinkman’s comments follow remarks made by Schmidt on the House floor attacking Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) for calling on the United States to withdraw troops from Iraq. Schmidt also said at the time that she had spoken with a former Marine colonel who, she said, called Murtha a coward for backing a pullout. The former Marine colonel, state Rep. Danny Bubp (R), later denied mentioning Murtha, a former Marine himself, by name and said he would never call a fellow Marine a coward." (The Hill)
From the NYTimes:
Councilwoman Yvette D. Clarke, a candidate for Congress in Brooklyn, acknowledged yesterday that she had fallen a few credits short of graduating from Oberlin College despite past claims in campaign literature that she had graduated from there. Ms. Clarke said in a statement last night, “I spent much of the day in contact with Oberlin College and Medgar Evers College to retrieve my academic records from two decades ago, convinced of my recollection that I had fulfilled the requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
“Contrary to that recollection, I have now discovered that I remain two classes short of the requirements for my degree. This is an embarrassing moment for me, but I feel it is important to set the record straight.” (Who doesn't remember completing college?)
In Utah County we had a candidate for the State House that ran on the stand, “Your Neighbor, Your Values.” It was later proven that he was terminated from several jobs for embezzlement and fraud.
But is the following a lie? In 1976 while campaigning to replace then Seantor Frank Moss, Hatch asked the question "what do you call a Senator after 18 years? You call him home." Is that lie, or just a simple campaign promise?
Monday, August 21, 2006
A great Man
From the SL Tribune: "Outdoors reporter Doug Miller died Sunday night after a three-week battle with diverticulitis. He was 59 years old. Miller, known by 
many as "Mister Outdoors," had been a fixture on Utah television and radio for nearly 30 years. He complained of pain on July 31 and was admitted to LDS Hospital for treatment of the condition, in which portions of the intestines become inflamed. He died peacefully and surrounded by family, said Dave Phillips, vice president and general manager of KUTV Channel 2 News."
I remember listening to Doug Miller when he was the sideline reporter at the BYU games. Watching his programs, you could see that he had a true passion for what he did.
DOUG MILLER: A UTAH GIANT
many as "Mister Outdoors," had been a fixture on Utah television and radio for nearly 30 years. He complained of pain on July 31 and was admitted to LDS Hospital for treatment of the condition, in which portions of the intestines become inflamed. He died peacefully and surrounded by family, said Dave Phillips, vice president and general manager of KUTV Channel 2 News."I remember listening to Doug Miller when he was the sideline reporter at the BYU games. Watching his programs, you could see that he had a true passion for what he did.
DOUG MILLER: A UTAH GIANT
Fundraising - No way!
I got an e-mail asking me to attend the Hatch fundraiser with President Bush. There is no way I would attend a fundraiser for anyone who hires unethical people on his campaign staff.
Keep watching, because there is more to this story.
Keep watching, because there is more to this story.
You got to be kidding
Provo water is not that great. Why pay for something you can get out of the tap?
"I am not a connoisseur of waters, but I understand from those who are that this is good."
-- Raylene Ireland, spokesperson for Provo City. City officials think their spring water is so good that they're bottling it and using it as a marketing tool for the city. (Daily Herald)
"I am not a connoisseur of waters, but I understand from those who are that this is good."
-- Raylene Ireland, spokesperson for Provo City. City officials think their spring water is so good that they're bottling it and using it as a marketing tool for the city. (Daily Herald)
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Are legislators above the law?
Ok, Legal minds, is a state legislator trying to be above the laws that he helps create?
A state senator signs a contract with someone to buy his house. He owns the business right next to their home in. He said he wasgoing to rip the house down and expand his business there. Since the contract was signed they (the owners) started building a house in(city) expecting the Senator's money to be able to finish the house. About two weeks ago this senator shows up to the house saying he no longer has the money to buy the house and doesn't really want it any more, sorry.
There is a copy of a contract, is this senator breaking the law?
What do you think?
A state senator signs a contract with someone to buy his house. He owns the business right next to their home in. He said he wasgoing to rip the house down and expand his business there. Since the contract was signed they (the owners) started building a house in(city) expecting the Senator's money to be able to finish the house. About two weeks ago this senator shows up to the house saying he no longer has the money to buy the house and doesn't really want it any more, sorry.
There is a copy of a contract, is this senator breaking the law?
What do you think?
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Same Ad Agency?
Remember those awful Team America PAC ads that ran against Chris Cannon. Well, it looks like the same people are on the air for UDOT and the express lane. Those ads are terrible.
I have only heard one of the ads, but it was so bad I almost laughed myself off the road. There were parts like, "I hear UDOT is going to put tire spikes to keep us in the express lane."
Talk about a waste of taxpayer money.
I have only heard one of the ads, but it was so bad I almost laughed myself off the road. There were parts like, "I hear UDOT is going to put tire spikes to keep us in the express lane."
Talk about a waste of taxpayer money.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Rising Star
Greg Hughes:
"We can invest in education or we can invest in transportation, or - more importantly - we can return it to the taxpayer," says Hughes, chairman of the Republican Conservative Caucus. Hughes and his colleagues warn that gleeful spending in times of surplus means inevitable painful cuts in times of deficit.
Is there a way Hughes can have a leadership position? He is right on the money (no pun intended).
"We can invest in education or we can invest in transportation, or - more importantly - we can return it to the taxpayer," says Hughes, chairman of the Republican Conservative Caucus. Hughes and his colleagues warn that gleeful spending in times of surplus means inevitable painful cuts in times of deficit.
Is there a way Hughes can have a leadership position? He is right on the money (no pun intended).
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Why does sex on the Court matter?
I was disappointed in reading this interview between Ronald Kessler (Newsmax.com) and former chief of staff Andy Card.
Why? Why not pick the best and the brightest, regardless of sex? Samuel Alito was a terrific pick, as was John Roberts. I was not a fan of Sandra Day O'Connor, but it had nothing to do with her gender. It's politics.
President Bush selected Harriet Miers for the Supreme Court after a search for other possible female candidates outside the White House began to lag, former White House Chief of Staff Andrew H. "Andy" Card, Jr. said in his first extensive interview since leaving the White House.
"The president was criticized for not nominating a woman when he nominated John Roberts," Card said, as he petted Sophie, his Wheaton Terrier, in the living room of his home in northern Virginia.
"And then when William Rehnquist left, you know, ‘What do you mean you're not going to nominate a woman? You've had two opportunities, and you haven't nominated a woman.' And so he was looking to nominate a woman — not blindly, not any woman, not just to nominate a woman."
As the search committee kept suggesting female candidates who did not seem right, Bush pushed for more selections.
Why? Why not pick the best and the brightest, regardless of sex? Samuel Alito was a terrific pick, as was John Roberts. I was not a fan of Sandra Day O'Connor, but it had nothing to do with her gender. It's politics.
Friday, July 28, 2006
I'm Back!
But I am buried in 150 e-mails, stacks of mail, and a big personal project.
I will be posting on some things next week...
I will be posting on some things next week...
Friday, July 14, 2006
Vacation
I will be gone until August....
Enjoying a much needed vacation.....
No comments will be approved until I get back.....
Enjoying a much needed vacation.....
No comments will be approved until I get back.....
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Leaving
From our friends at the Senate Site (http://senatesite.com/blog/2006/07/goodbye-to-senate.html) Al Mansell will resign tomorrow. This will create a vacancy in the Senate and Gov. Huntsman can help Wayne Niederhauser get elected in November. Being an incumbent can help against Trish Beck.
So Long Al! (No disrespect, but it sounded better than "So Long Senator Alma Mansell")
So Long Al! (No disrespect, but it sounded better than "So Long Senator Alma Mansell")
The More I Know this Guy, The More I Like Him
So what if Larry Miller was involved in stopping the Real Soccer Stadium. Ok, Ok, I know Miller has denied it, but if he had; what's the big deal? Wouldn't Checketts have done the same thing? This is business.
Would it be the end of the world if Real Salt Lake left? How many games have the won in their one + seasons here?
What about a move to Utah County? That land would be free, but my bet is it won't happen. (http://www.sltrib.com/ci_4046850)
What about a move to Rochester? (http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/SPORTS05/607130354&SearchID=73250542642132) Go ahead Checketts. Don't threaten the people of Utah!
Why would Checketts support the use of the hotel tax in building the stadium? Because he hopes the politicians will go with that so they don't tax locals. But that is all wrong. Tourists aren't going to the Real games, it is the locals, albeit just a few of them.
Maybe the problem is the name of the club, what does REAL have to do with Utah? (Ok, that one is a joke, I know about REAL MADRID, but come on)
Would it be the end of the world if Real Salt Lake left? How many games have the won in their one + seasons here?
What about a move to Utah County? That land would be free, but my bet is it won't happen. (http://www.sltrib.com/ci_4046850)
What about a move to Rochester? (http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060713/SPORTS05/607130354&SearchID=73250542642132) Go ahead Checketts. Don't threaten the people of Utah!
Why would Checketts support the use of the hotel tax in building the stadium? Because he hopes the politicians will go with that so they don't tax locals. But that is all wrong. Tourists aren't going to the Real games, it is the locals, albeit just a few of them.
Maybe the problem is the name of the club, what does REAL have to do with Utah? (Ok, that one is a joke, I know about REAL MADRID, but come on)
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Dave Checketts is a baby
Quit threatening us that REAL Salt Lake will move, either put up or shut up. Maybe you should put your money up and build that stadium, or stay at Rice-Eccles Stadium.Your behavior is poor, you put all your chips in the wrong place, now you have to eat your words and actions.
Don't threaten us, if you really want to move the team, go ahead. Your threats are not making you any new friends.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Curtis holds a grudge, Utah hurt in the process
From KSL:
Curtis' petty politics hurts Utah because we need Ure's expertise at NCSL. Shame on Curtis!
From the D-News:"In the past, being a lame duck didn't hamper outgoing legislators from flying off to taxpayer-funded out-of-state conferences just months before they left office.
This year is different.
Only one legislator leaving office in January is making a trip, and legislative leaders cited special circumstances in his case.
House Speaker Greg Curtis said, "We met as a (GOP) leadership team and decided (House) members shouldn't be attending these conventions if they are leaving" the Legislature.
He said the exception is for Rep. Dave Hogue, who already had made plane reservations for himself and his wife for the five-day
meeting of the National Conference of State Legislators in Nashville, Tenn.,
next month."
"But Hogue was eliminated in the early May state GOP convention. Hogue said he asked Curtis if he could go to NCSL after his defeat 'because I'm co-chair of a special task force on education technology. I helped found the task force, and the final meeting is at this conference. I'd made my airplane reservations before the (GOP) convention — where I was eliminated — because I felt it was critical to the people of Utah that I go to this convention no matter what.'"But guess who is not allowed to go! Rep. Dave Ure who holds an influential position on Natural Resources. It seems that Curtis has not gotten over Ure challenging him and Marty Stephens for the Speakership. I do not disagree that hogue should be able to go, but I think Ure should be allowed to as well. He is still in the House, his term ends in January, not today.
Curtis' petty politics hurts Utah because we need Ure's expertise at NCSL. Shame on Curtis!
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Could LDS Affiliation Hurt Romney's Presidential Bid?
I have written about this before, but it has come up again:
Interesting, because wasn't one of the reasons Orrin Hatch ran for President was to promote the Mormon faith and "pave the way" for someone to come after?
I swear I heard that said, if someone can find it they win the prize.
Mitt Romney will struggle through South Carolina, but if he can have a strong showing in New Hampshire and Michigan he may survive. I just don't think he could beat John McCain or Rudy Guiliani. The evangelicals will probably go with Huckabee from Arkansas (which may decide the election in 2008, especially if someone named Clinton is on the ballot, they are not as red as some people think)
"The latest Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times poll caught many observers by surprise. The surprise came from the high percentage, according to this poll, who say they wouldn't vote for a Mormon for president.
That Bloomberg/LA Times poll of 1,300 adults nationwide finds 37-percent say they wouldn't vote for a Mormon. By comparison, 22-percent of registered voters say they wouldn't support an evangelical Christian. 14-percent wouldn't back a Jewish candidate. Nine-percent wouldn't vote for a Catholic and 53-percent say they wouldn't cast a ballot for a Muslim. "
Interesting, because wasn't one of the reasons Orrin Hatch ran for President was to promote the Mormon faith and "pave the way" for someone to come after?
I swear I heard that said, if someone can find it they win the prize.
Mitt Romney will struggle through South Carolina, but if he can have a strong showing in New Hampshire and Michigan he may survive. I just don't think he could beat John McCain or Rudy Guiliani. The evangelicals will probably go with Huckabee from Arkansas (which may decide the election in 2008, especially if someone named Clinton is on the ballot, they are not as red as some people think)
Saturday, July 01, 2006
HAPPY JULY 4th
I will be gone until after the holidays, but wanted to post this excellent piece from Rushlimbaugh.com
Enjoy, and please listen to the Star Spangled Banner, all the verses!!
The Americans Who Risked Everything
"Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor"
Enjoy, and please listen to the Star Spangled Banner, all the verses!!
The Americans Who Risked Everything
My father, Rush H. Limbaugh, Jr., delivered this oft-requested address locally a
number of times, but it had never before appeared in print until it appeared in
The Limbaugh Letter. My dad was renowned for his oratory skills and for his
original mind; this speech is, I think, a superb demonstration of both. I will
always be grateful to him for instilling in me a passion for the ideas and lives
of America's Founders, as well as a deep appreciation for the inspirational
power of words which you will see evidenced here:
"Our Lives, Our Fortunes, Our Sacred Honor"
It was a glorious morning. The sun was shining and the wind was from the southeast. Up especially early, a tall bony, redheaded young Virginian found time to buy a new thermometer, for which he paid three pounds, fifteen shillings. He also bought gloves for Martha, his wife, who was ill at home.
Thomas Jefferson arrived early at the statehouse. The temperature was 72.5 degrees and the horseflies weren't nearly so bad at that hour. It was a lovely room, very large, with gleaming white walls. The chairs were comfortable. Facing the single door were two brass fireplaces, but they would not be used today.
The moment the door was shut, and it was always kept locked, the room became an oven. The tall windows were shut, so that loud quarreling voices could not be heard by passersby. Small openings atop the windows allowed a slight stir of air, and also a large number of horseflies. Jefferson records that "the horseflies were dexterous in finding necks, and the silk of stockings was nothing to them." All discussing was punctuated by the slap of hands on necks.
On the wall at the back, facing the President's desk, was a panoply - consisting of a drum, swords, and banners seized from Fort Ticonderoga the previous year. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold had captured the place, shouting that they were taking it "in the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!"
Now Congress got to work, promptly taking up an emergency measure about which there was discussion but no dissention. "Resolved: That an application be made to the Committee of Safety of Pennsylvania for a supply of flints for the troops at New York."
Then Congress transformed itself into a committee of the whole. The Declaration of Independence was read aloud once more, and debate resumed. Though Jefferson was the best writer of all of them, he had been somewhat verbose.
Congress hacked the excess away. They did a good job, as a side-by-side comparison of the rough draft and the final text shows. They cut the phrase "by a self-assumed power." "Climb" was replaced by "must read," then must was eliminated, then the whole sentence, and soon the whole paragraph was cut. Jefferson groaned as they continued, what he later called "their depredations." "Inherent and inalienable rights" came out "certain unalienable rights," and to this day no one knows who suggested the elegant change.
A total of 86 alterations were made. Almost 500 words were eliminated, leaving 1,337. At last, after three days of wrangling, the document was put to a vote.
Here in this hall Patrick Henry had once thundered: "I am no longer a Virginian, Sir, but an American." But today the loud, sometimes bitter argument stilled, and without fanfare the vote was taken from north to south by colonies, as was the custom.On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
There were no trumpets blown. No one stood on his chair and cheered. The
afternoon was waning and Congress had no thought of delaying the full calendar
of routine business on its hands. For several hours they worked on many other
problems before adjourning for the day.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
BY GEORGE, I THINK HE'S GOT IT
President Bush and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Participate in a Joint Press Availability
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all. Please be seated. Mr. Prime Minister, as I said on the South Lawn, we are delighted to have you here in Washington. The Prime Minister and I have got a very friendly relationship. We've just had two hours of discussions. We talked about a lot of areas of mutual concern. I've reminded the Prime Minister -- the American people, Mr. Prime Minister, over the past months that it was not always a given that the United States and America would have a close relationship. After all, 60 years we were at war -- 60 years ago we were at war, and today we talked about North Korea, and Iran, and Iraq, and trade, and energy cooperation (emphasis added).
http://www.whitehouse.gov.erl.lib.byu.edu/news/releases/2006/06/20060629-3.html
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you all. Please be seated. Mr. Prime Minister, as I said on the South Lawn, we are delighted to have you here in Washington. The Prime Minister and I have got a very friendly relationship. We've just had two hours of discussions. We talked about a lot of areas of mutual concern. I've reminded the Prime Minister -- the American people, Mr. Prime Minister, over the past months that it was not always a given that the United States and America would have a close relationship. After all, 60 years we were at war -- 60 years ago we were at war, and today we talked about North Korea, and Iran, and Iraq, and trade, and energy cooperation (emphasis added).
http://www.whitehouse.gov.erl.lib.byu.edu/news/releases/2006/06/20060629-3.html
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Why Jacob Lost
When the President of the United States endorses your opponent, you stand no chance...
Jacob never really gave a good reason why one should vote for him, just why they should vote against Cannon....
Cannon explained why he should be re-elected...
That did it....
Jacob never really gave a good reason why one should vote for him, just why they should vote against Cannon....
Cannon explained why he should be re-elected...
That did it....
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
It's Over
At this moment here are the results. It is over. Jacob can not make up that much ground, unless the devil wants him to.
Cannon 11,394 58.22%
Jacob 8,176 41.78%
Cannon 11,394 58.22%
Jacob 8,176 41.78%
VOTE TODAY!!!
I strongly urge you to vote today, regardless of party. There are some exciting races throughout the state, the least of which is the 3rd District Republican fight.
Besides, won't it be fun to find all the errors of the new electronic machines?
VOTE!
Besides, won't it be fun to find all the errors of the new electronic machines?
VOTE!
Monday, June 26, 2006
I will be supporting Gary Anderson
I recieved an e-mail from Dave Duncan in Orem where he states why he is not supporting Gary Anderson:
Well, Dave, I wonder if this from www.truthinpolitics.us references this.
Dave, I put two together and WE CAN DO BETTER!
"You made some surprising claims just before the convention that "the entire sheriff's office (including Sheriff Tracy)" endorsed Gary Anderson (see email thread below). But, surprisingly, the endorsement only carried eight names of people from the sheriff's office, none of which was Sheriff Tracey himself. In your reply (also below) you said that Sheriff Tracy himself would be seconding the nomination at the convention. But he did not."
Well, Dave, I wonder if this from www.truthinpolitics.us references this.
"In a last ditcheffort to keep an incumbent as County Commissioner candidate in office, members of the GOP leadership pressured a county employee to refrain from nominating the leading challenger. They uinsunuated that this County employee would experience difficulties with his proposed budget if he followed through with his plans to nbominate the challenger."
Dave, I put two together and WE CAN DO BETTER!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Party Leadership Breaks Bylaws
From the Utah County GOP Bylaws.
Anyone care to file a complaint? Oh wait, they don't take those seriously and throw them out.
All county level Party officers including the County Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary; and the five Appointed Officers; must show pre-convention and primary neutrality toward Republican candidates for public office where Republican opposition exists. Such things as, but not limited to, written endorsements, the use of officers' names in campaign literature, and letters to the editor favoring one Republican candidate over another are prohibited for these officers until the Party has chosen a nominee for the office in question.
Anyone care to file a complaint? Oh wait, they don't take those seriously and throw them out.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Just following your advice
Said Monahan (UT CTY GOP Chair) in the Salt Lake Tribune, “We strongly urge that voters look at both candidates very carefully and make certain they have integrity – look at their business dealings. We strongly urge them to look at that.”
Blame Someone Else
Typical Garr Judd...when misdeeds are aired, he blames someone else....
I want a honest Representative.....Garr is not honest
I want a honest Representative.....Garr is not honest
Friday, June 23, 2006
Calling the 3rd District Election
Up until one week ago I thought the 3rd District race was a toss-up.
Now I think, barring an act of God (or Satan: Jacob's bad luck: Is it . . . Satan?) Chris Cannon will be re-elected.
So, in honor of Jacob's most recent comments in the Deseret News
Anyone want to put a wager on it?
Now I think, barring an act of God (or Satan: Jacob's bad luck: Is it . . . Satan?) Chris Cannon will be re-elected.
So, in honor of Jacob's most recent comments in the Deseret News
Third District congressional candidate John Jacob responded Thursday to a widely circulated rumor about past gambling habits by saying he has never been addicted to gambling.
Jacob, who is challenging five-term incumbent Chris Cannon in Tuesday's Republican primary, also said he erred on the campaign trail when he repeated incorrect information that inflated the number of illegal immigrants at the state prison in Gunnison.
The multimillionaire said he played Texas Hold 'Em and 21 card games during a few trips to Las Vegas to attend shows and the National Finals Rodeo. He said he believed the trips took place between 2000 and 2002. He also said he played for entertainment because a traveling companion enjoyed gambling.
Anyone want to put a wager on it?
Update on Judd
Update: June 23, 2006 (www.truthinpolitics.us)
Yesterday and today Truth in Politics has received many calls of support. The employment history that Garr Judd's has been trying to hide from the public is no longer a secret. Additional former employers of Garr Judd have stepped forward to re-confirm and verify that he attempted and/or succeeded in illegal activities while under their employment.
Former employers and business associates, Danielle Moore, Ken Merrill, Mike Carter, Larry Myler and others have all confirmated that the accusations put forth in this report are factual and true.
Yesterday and today Truth in Politics has received many calls of support. The employment history that Garr Judd's has been trying to hide from the public is no longer a secret. Additional former employers of Garr Judd have stepped forward to re-confirm and verify that he attempted and/or succeeded in illegal activities while under their employment.
Former employers and business associates, Danielle Moore, Ken Merrill, Mike Carter, Larry Myler and others have all confirmated that the accusations put forth in this report are factual and true.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Bill dead
Robert Novak has an interesting piece on Townhall.com (http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/robertnovak/2006/06/17/201642.html)
So the amnesty bill will not happen. I was sick and tired of hearing that the House had to compromise and go along with the Senate plan. The question arises, how does this affect the 3rd District race between Chris Cannon and John Jacob? John Fund's article was based on the debate over this bill occurring on, or around, June 27th.
But, here is my favorite quote of the entire debate:
"You all know it's not amnesty." Said John McCain, addressing Vitter (Senator from Louisiana), "Call it a banana if you want to"
I am glad that this amnesty, or banana, bill will not pass. This would have alienated many Conservatives from the Republican Party. We would have no place to go. Could this be a start of a re-alignment with the Republican Party moving leftward and another party coming into play? Probably not.
IMMIGRATION TURNABOUT
Within two days last week, House Majority Leader John Boehner changed from sunny optimism about prospects for passing an immigration bill this summer to a bleak, negative outlook. The reason was that Boehner got the word from House Speaker Dennis Hastert.
Boehner on Tuesday was upbeat in addressing a breakfast forum at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which supports a guest worker program. He indicated he would resolve differences between the restrictive House bill and the much more liberal Senate bill by the Fourth of July.
But at a closed luncheon Wednesday at Charlie Palmer's restaurant, attended by financial contributors to House Republicans, Boehner declared that the immigration bill was all but dead. That change followed Boehner's conversation late Tuesday with Hastert, who made clear he did not want to pursue the issue that splits the Republican Party.
So the amnesty bill will not happen. I was sick and tired of hearing that the House had to compromise and go along with the Senate plan. The question arises, how does this affect the 3rd District race between Chris Cannon and John Jacob? John Fund's article was based on the debate over this bill occurring on, or around, June 27th.
But, here is my favorite quote of the entire debate:
"You all know it's not amnesty." Said John McCain, addressing Vitter (Senator from Louisiana), "Call it a banana if you want to"
I am glad that this amnesty, or banana, bill will not pass. This would have alienated many Conservatives from the Republican Party. We would have no place to go. Could this be a start of a re-alignment with the Republican Party moving leftward and another party coming into play? Probably not.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Court defends Anonymous Bloggers
SLCSPIN.com has started an interesting discussion on anonymous bloggers and anonmyous comments. So I did a quick Google Search and found this:
October 08, 2005
A Victory for Anonymous Blogging
posted by Daniel J. Solove http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2005/10/a_victory_for_a.html
Anonymous bloggers received a great victory this week in a case decided by the Delaware Supreme Court -- Doe v. Cahill (Oct. 5, 2005). The case involved John Doe, who anonymously posted on a blog statements about Patrick Cahill, a City Councilman of Smyrna, Delaware. Doe, in criticizing Cahill’s job performance, noted that Cahill had “obvious mental deterioration” and was “paranoid.” Cahill sued Doe for defamation.
Doe was anonymous, but his IP address could be linked to his postings, and Cahill sought to obtain Doe’s identity from Comcast, Doe’s ISP. Comcast notified Doe that Cahill was seeking his identity, and Doe immediately went to court to prevent the disclosure of his identity. The case reached the Delaware Supreme Court, which concluded that Cahill should not be permitted to obtain Doe’s identity.
The issues in this case are very important. Many of you comment here anonymously; and many comment anonymously on other blogs. Some have anonymous blogs, such as the person pretending to be Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers on a blog or the pseudonymous “Article III groupie,” who maintains the famous blog, Underneath Their Robes. EFF has produced a manual about how to blog anonymously.
What if your identity – and those of the Miers impersonator and Article III groupie -- could readily be unmasked?
October 08, 2005
A Victory for Anonymous Blogging
posted by Daniel J. Solove http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2005/10/a_victory_for_a.html
Anonymous bloggers received a great victory this week in a case decided by the Delaware Supreme Court -- Doe v. Cahill (Oct. 5, 2005). The case involved John Doe, who anonymously posted on a blog statements about Patrick Cahill, a City Councilman of Smyrna, Delaware. Doe, in criticizing Cahill’s job performance, noted that Cahill had “obvious mental deterioration” and was “paranoid.” Cahill sued Doe for defamation.
Doe was anonymous, but his IP address could be linked to his postings, and Cahill sought to obtain Doe’s identity from Comcast, Doe’s ISP. Comcast notified Doe that Cahill was seeking his identity, and Doe immediately went to court to prevent the disclosure of his identity. The case reached the Delaware Supreme Court, which concluded that Cahill should not be permitted to obtain Doe’s identity.
The issues in this case are very important. Many of you comment here anonymously; and many comment anonymously on other blogs. Some have anonymous blogs, such as the person pretending to be Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers on a blog or the pseudonymous “Article III groupie,” who maintains the famous blog, Underneath Their Robes. EFF has produced a manual about how to blog anonymously.
What if your identity – and those of the Miers impersonator and Article III groupie -- could readily be unmasked?
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Disturbing
Who do you vote for if you live in Sandy, Senate District 9? Bob Aagard's blog has part of this: (http://bobaagard.blogspot.com/2006/06/breaking-greg-curtis-bought-by-bryson.html)
Not really that big of deal, right? Part of the fun of having a friend in elected office is to have them do favors for you, right? However, it's a different story if you paid off your friend. Bryson Garbett gave a donation to the Greg Curtis re-election campaign immediately following the legislative session. And, it wasn't a small amount. It was to the tune of $5,000 on March 26, 2004. (http://globe.utah.gov/allcont/allcont.aspx?CandidateID=2090&sort=name)
Former Senate President Al Mansell, a major force in the Legislature, is retiring, and has handpicked fellow Realtor Wayne Niederhauser as his replacement.
So on one hand you have the Speaker of the House with a preferred candidate and the former Senate President with a handpicked candidate.
So, the decision comes down to voting for a man who did not buy favors from the Speaker of the House (or Majority Leader at the time). The following quote from the Deseret News is why I would vote for Mr. Niederhauser if I lived in Sandy, and I have many family members in the district,: In Senate District 9 in southeastern Salt Lake County, Wayne Niederhauser told his delegates, "I'm a conservative and for school choice. I support vouchers; it just makes sense."
Salt Lake Tribune, April 30, 2006:
[Greg] Curtis has close ties to former Rep. Bryson Garbett, another Republican candidate in Senate District 9. Their relationship caused a stir in 2004 when former Rep Loraine Pace, R-Logan, claimed Curtis, who at the time was House Majority Leader, killed a proposed $8 Million state office building in Logan because it would have hurt Garbett, who owned the building in Logan the state was leasing for office space.From the Associated Press, March 4, 2004: "Curtis acknowledged that Garbett, a longtime friend and neighbor and a former legislator, approached him after learning of the proposal
for the new office building."
Not really that big of deal, right? Part of the fun of having a friend in elected office is to have them do favors for you, right? However, it's a different story if you paid off your friend. Bryson Garbett gave a donation to the Greg Curtis re-election campaign immediately following the legislative session. And, it wasn't a small amount. It was to the tune of $5,000 on March 26, 2004. (http://globe.utah.gov/allcont/allcont.aspx?CandidateID=2090&sort=name)
Former Senate President Al Mansell, a major force in the Legislature, is retiring, and has handpicked fellow Realtor Wayne Niederhauser as his replacement.
So on one hand you have the Speaker of the House with a preferred candidate and the former Senate President with a handpicked candidate.
So, the decision comes down to voting for a man who did not buy favors from the Speaker of the House (or Majority Leader at the time). The following quote from the Deseret News is why I would vote for Mr. Niederhauser if I lived in Sandy, and I have many family members in the district,: In Senate District 9 in southeastern Salt Lake County, Wayne Niederhauser told his delegates, "I'm a conservative and for school choice. I support vouchers; it just makes sense."
MISSING
Need your help finding out what has happened to the case at truthinpolitics.us
Who wrote the attack letter on Margaret Dayton?
Where are all the Keith Grover signs disappearing to?
Where is truthinpolitics.us
Who wrote the attack letter on Margaret Dayton?
Where are all the Keith Grover signs disappearing to?
Where is truthinpolitics.us
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Leavitt cheats taxpayers again
From Forbes.com
Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt defended his extensive use
in recent months of a jet leased to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention for emergency use. Leavitt's explanation for his use of the jet
occurred at a hearing Wednesday of the House Ways and Means Committee.Moments earlier, Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., had accused Leavitt of using the jet
to "do public relations for the president" on the new drug benefit. Leavitt,
however, said he used the plane in an appropriate manner, and he thanked
lawmakers for making it available. He said he simply could not have overseen the
implementation of the new benefit, plus help prepare states for a potential flu
pandemic, without the use of the plane.Since January, Leavitt has taken the jet on 19 trips to visit more than 90
cities, said his spokeswoman, Christina Pearson.During the same period, CDC officials said they had used the aircraft to
respond to three emergencies and conduct three training exercises.The Journal-Constitution reported that during two emergencies, the CDC was
forced to use another plane because Leavitt was using the Gulfstream.
The History Of Flag Day
Source: http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html
The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.
On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.
Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag.
Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered.
In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.
Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
-----------------------
President Truman did the right thing. He did many things right. I suggest that any visit to Independence, MO include a visit to his library. I enjoyed it very much.
The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.
On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day.
Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag.
Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered.
In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating.
Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself."
Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.
-----------------------
President Truman did the right thing. He did many things right. I suggest that any visit to Independence, MO include a visit to his library. I enjoyed it very much.
E-mail from Cannon Campaign
Editorial note: I will post any campaign e-mails I receive. I didn't realize pornography was such a big issue, but I may be wrong in my Happy Valley Bubble.
-------------------------
Pornography can distort and forever alter people's minds and emotional well being. And it is increasingly clear that pornography is not a "victimless" vice -- it is most certainly a factor in the growing threat internet predators present to our communities and our families.
For too long, federal courts have been creating a dangerous climate for our children by overturning important decisions by state courts to restrict pornography consumption and distribution within their borders.
I have recently introduced legislation that will allow states to combat pornography by limiting the ability of federal courts to reverse state court decisions as to what is obscene material.
The bill states that "no court created by Act of Congress shall have jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide a question of whether a State pornography law imposes a constitutionally invalid restriction on the freedom of expression."
The point of all this legalese is simple: We in Utah should be able to decide for ourselves what is acceptable and what is not for our families to see, hear, and be exposed to on the internet -- without having a federal judge overruling us and allowing smut peddlers to hide behind a constitutional right intended to protect speech, not harmful and dangerous trash.
Congress has always made clear that it can limit the jurisdiction of the federal courts, starting with the very first Judiciary Act of 1789. In fact, Article III, Section 1, clause 1, of the Constitution provides that "the judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."
In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled that the ban of "virtual" child pornography was unconstitutional.
For links to news articles regarding this bill and others, please click here.
Battling pornography is something that is necessary and right. There is such a thing as right and wrong. My legislation, fully within the power of Congress, will keep the right to protect our families from the ravages of pornography in the hands of our state courts.
For more information on how you can help me continue this fight in Congress, please go to my website at www.chriscannon.com
Sincerely,
Chris Cannon
-------------------------
Pornography can distort and forever alter people's minds and emotional well being. And it is increasingly clear that pornography is not a "victimless" vice -- it is most certainly a factor in the growing threat internet predators present to our communities and our families.
For too long, federal courts have been creating a dangerous climate for our children by overturning important decisions by state courts to restrict pornography consumption and distribution within their borders.
I have recently introduced legislation that will allow states to combat pornography by limiting the ability of federal courts to reverse state court decisions as to what is obscene material.
The bill states that "no court created by Act of Congress shall have jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide a question of whether a State pornography law imposes a constitutionally invalid restriction on the freedom of expression."
The point of all this legalese is simple: We in Utah should be able to decide for ourselves what is acceptable and what is not for our families to see, hear, and be exposed to on the internet -- without having a federal judge overruling us and allowing smut peddlers to hide behind a constitutional right intended to protect speech, not harmful and dangerous trash.
Congress has always made clear that it can limit the jurisdiction of the federal courts, starting with the very first Judiciary Act of 1789. In fact, Article III, Section 1, clause 1, of the Constitution provides that "the judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."
In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled that the ban of "virtual" child pornography was unconstitutional.
For links to news articles regarding this bill and others, please click here.
Battling pornography is something that is necessary and right. There is such a thing as right and wrong. My legislation, fully within the power of Congress, will keep the right to protect our families from the ravages of pornography in the hands of our state courts.
For more information on how you can help me continue this fight in Congress, please go to my website at www.chriscannon.com
Sincerely,
Chris Cannon
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Soccer Fans I need your help
From yesterday:
Ok, As I post this the US is trailing the Czech Republic 1-0. Help me understand why the public needs to pay for REAL's soccer stadium. Who does this benefit? Why should public money go to a project that will ultimately benefit Dave Checketts?I honestly want to know. I am opposed to any public financing for stadiums, and I am a huge sports fan!
I looked up an old Deseret News article by Brad Rock on July 12, 2001 that talks about public financing for stadiums:
So please let me know why the public should finance this stadium, regardless of location. I think if their name is REAL SALT LAKE, they should play in SALT LAKE. Or they could follow the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and be called the REAL SALT LAKE of Sandy.
Ok, As I post this the US is trailing the Czech Republic 1-0. Help me understand why the public needs to pay for REAL's soccer stadium. Who does this benefit? Why should public money go to a project that will ultimately benefit Dave Checketts?I honestly want to know. I am opposed to any public financing for stadiums, and I am a huge sports fan!
I looked up an old Deseret News article by Brad Rock on July 12, 2001 that talks about public financing for stadiums:
In the April 2001 issue of The Regional Economist, writer Adam M. Zaretsky addresses the issue of building arenas and stadiums for pro teams. The general conclusion is that public financing of such facilities is risky business."When studying this issue, almost all economists and development specialists . . . conclude that the rate of return a city or metropolitan area receives for its investment is generally below that of alternative projects," he writes. "
He also notes that in metro areas where a stadium was built or refurbished in the previous 10 years, only three showed significant real personal income growth.
In Utah, both the E Center and Franklin Covey Field were built with taxpayer assistance. However, minor league player salaries, staff and operating expenses are lower, and thus the teams usually have an easier time meeting rent. Since World War II, the article states, approximately 140 sports facilities have been built or refurbished; only 14 did not use taxpayer dollars.
One of those is the Delta Center, which Jazz owner Larry H. Miller built with a personal loan. Miller isn't a typical owner. He has said he doesn't believe taxpayers should finance an owner's personal business ventures. For those who complain that Miller is making big dollars off the Delta Center, consider this: Unlike most owners, he took all the risk.
So please let me know why the public should finance this stadium, regardless of location. I think if their name is REAL SALT LAKE, they should play in SALT LAKE. Or they could follow the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and be called the REAL SALT LAKE of Sandy.
Monday, June 12, 2006
I'm back!
I am pulling a Michael Jordan by unretiring!
I heard a new radio ad by Team America PAC (Tancredo's group run by Bay Buchannan). Can you say dumb? It made statements like: "Chris Cannon says he is against amnesty" and then there is canned laughter. It is awful! Buchannan (whom I think is terrific!) spoke at the GOP Convention on behalf of Merrill Cook and attacked John Jacob the entire time.
Now her organization is attacking Chris Cannon and urging support for John Jacob. Perhaps she should have spoken only against the incumbent and ignored Jacob.
But, I know why she did it; polling was showing it to be a race for second place between Cook and Jacob. So by attacking Jacob they thought they could overtake him and force Chris into a primary.The radio ads in this campaign are downright dumb!
This race is getting more hype from the national media than the rank-and-file people. I consider myself politically active and yet there is not much discussion about this race. Not many signs up in Provo.Is it too early to campaign? No. Early voting starts tomorrow and with an election that only needs a few thousand votes, this one really isn't drawing much attention.
I have included the 2004 primary vote totals (source: National Journal), remember that this had a contested Governor's race in the primary and that also drove people to the polls.
2004 primary
Chris Cannon (R) 27,663 58%
Matt Throckmorton (R) 19,672 42%
My thought is that about 2/3 of the voters who voted in 2004 will vote in 2006. However, if the Senate and House start the conference on the immigration issue around June 27th, this number will increase. Low turnout is dangerous for either campaign, as you need to have a great voter identification to get your people to the polls.
My prediction: Toss-up at this moment, leans towards Cannon.
I heard a new radio ad by Team America PAC (Tancredo's group run by Bay Buchannan). Can you say dumb? It made statements like: "Chris Cannon says he is against amnesty" and then there is canned laughter. It is awful! Buchannan (whom I think is terrific!) spoke at the GOP Convention on behalf of Merrill Cook and attacked John Jacob the entire time.
Now her organization is attacking Chris Cannon and urging support for John Jacob. Perhaps she should have spoken only against the incumbent and ignored Jacob.
But, I know why she did it; polling was showing it to be a race for second place between Cook and Jacob. So by attacking Jacob they thought they could overtake him and force Chris into a primary.The radio ads in this campaign are downright dumb!
This race is getting more hype from the national media than the rank-and-file people. I consider myself politically active and yet there is not much discussion about this race. Not many signs up in Provo.Is it too early to campaign? No. Early voting starts tomorrow and with an election that only needs a few thousand votes, this one really isn't drawing much attention.
I have included the 2004 primary vote totals (source: National Journal), remember that this had a contested Governor's race in the primary and that also drove people to the polls.
2004 primary
Chris Cannon (R) 27,663 58%
Matt Throckmorton (R) 19,672 42%
My thought is that about 2/3 of the voters who voted in 2004 will vote in 2006. However, if the Senate and House start the conference on the immigration issue around June 27th, this number will increase. Low turnout is dangerous for either campaign, as you need to have a great voter identification to get your people to the polls.
My prediction: Toss-up at this moment, leans towards Cannon.
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