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.
Friday, September 29, 2006
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.
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