-The Open CRNC Finances Project has been quite some time in the works, but University of Florida College Republican Mike Zagorsky now has a website up at www.crncopenfin.com. It appears, at first perusal, to be very well organized and researched. Reports are available for all financial matters of the CRNC, using data from IRS filings from July 2005 until last month. The data is available in terms of donor information, expenditures, and financial summaries. We will be following up with Mr. Zagorsky on this apparent unbiased project (it is simply numbers, after all), and hope to publish an interview or statement of some sort in the near future. If you would like to assist him in the project, you can contact him by email.
-It appears that the principals behind Real Reform are set to announce another key supporting state chairman in the next few days, but we will not reveal which state they are from due to sensitive sources. However, the state will not be all that big of a surprise. This will bring the total number to 17 sitting state chairmen who support the Real Reform platform.
-If you have yet to read it, suggested reading at Red State Rampage is the interview we did with incoming Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Virginia, Jarrett Ray. Chairman Ray looks to do great things for his state in the upcoming year, and, for now, is not picking any sides in the national struggle.
-One final comment on the Draft Derek Hall blog, at least for now. Personally, I think whoever is writing the blog is doing a fairly solid job of promoting Derek Hall, but it is still only one man. I think that he did a great job in leading Kentucky, as I have stated before, and I would definitely have no problem with him running for CRNC Chairman come spring 2007. However, I am reluctant to start calling this one blog a "movement" or say that it is gaining intensity. A Derek Hall candidacy is not a new revelation, so I will not report it as such. And I am not going to inflect momentum into such an effort unless it is actually there. I am here to report the news and comment on it, not make up what I want to be the news.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Update: Columbus losing "Progressive" Radio in 2007
It is absolutely astounding to hear the outraged liberals in Columbus, and the surrounding Central Ohio area at that, commenting and speculating on the broadcasting format change that AM 1230 WTPG will be undergoing come January 9, 2007. Given that just one week before the announcement, liberal Democratic hotbed, Buckeye State Blog, was deriding Air America for having a bad business plan, their outrage is somewhat astounding. Air America, by the way, filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year, and had been operating in the red for quite some time. As soon as the switch was announced, though, Columbus-area "progressives" took decisive action. Well, not exactly. In the online poll, also at BSB, asking what course of response should be taken, "Do Nothing" came in a close second.
What is ironic in this situation is that the oft-blamed culprit for the switch (Clear Channel and fellow media conglomerates) were, in effect, given the go-ahead to become huge conglomerates by Bill Clinton's Telecommunications Act of 1996. For once, this horde of the tin-foil hat crowd cannot blame it on George W. Bush, although that connection is probably forthcoming. It appears that the formulated response to 1230's format shakeup is to create an Internet petition (someone tell Al Gore his thank you note is in the mail) politely asking Clear Channel and AM 1230 to reconsider. So far, in a metro area of over 1 million people, just over 1,000 have signed their petition. And, a quick sampling of the zip codes offered by signers shows that a solid percentage of them are not even from Central Ohio. Bet the fine folks at Clear Channel are quaking in their boots! Even more comical though, is that conglomerate radio is being attacked here, in the midst of Clear Channel's sale of about one third of its radio stations. And, Clear Channel broadcasting Air America for nearly two years in Columbus was obviously just part of the master plan of the vast right-wing conspiracy.
Simply because there is not a demand for this product, and the ratings are lagging behind other stations, is not enough of a reason for a business to pull it from the shelves. There are calls for a return to the "Fairness Doctrine", where stations would have to be evenly split between viewpoints and give equal time to all opinions, regardless of the effects on the company running the station. These same people who decry the removal of an unpopular failing product want to see SUVs, an extremely popular product, removed from the automotive market simply because they think they are killing the environment. What about giving the consumer what they want there, huh? The hypocrisy never fails to amaze!
Just a quick observation about so-called "Progressive" radio: when the comedy skits involve killing the President, you are not going to win many listeners over. Just a guess there, but people do not generally laugh at such drivel. When that same host says that, "the difference between Hitler and Bush is that Hitler was elected," you probably don't gain much ground, either. Air America was the "New Coke" of radio. If the consumers think it is a terrible product, and aren't buying into it, then why in the heck should it be forced on people?
What is ironic in this situation is that the oft-blamed culprit for the switch (Clear Channel and fellow media conglomerates) were, in effect, given the go-ahead to become huge conglomerates by Bill Clinton's Telecommunications Act of 1996. For once, this horde of the tin-foil hat crowd cannot blame it on George W. Bush, although that connection is probably forthcoming. It appears that the formulated response to 1230's format shakeup is to create an Internet petition (someone tell Al Gore his thank you note is in the mail) politely asking Clear Channel and AM 1230 to reconsider. So far, in a metro area of over 1 million people, just over 1,000 have signed their petition. And, a quick sampling of the zip codes offered by signers shows that a solid percentage of them are not even from Central Ohio. Bet the fine folks at Clear Channel are quaking in their boots! Even more comical though, is that conglomerate radio is being attacked here, in the midst of Clear Channel's sale of about one third of its radio stations. And, Clear Channel broadcasting Air America for nearly two years in Columbus was obviously just part of the master plan of the vast right-wing conspiracy.
Simply because there is not a demand for this product, and the ratings are lagging behind other stations, is not enough of a reason for a business to pull it from the shelves. There are calls for a return to the "Fairness Doctrine", where stations would have to be evenly split between viewpoints and give equal time to all opinions, regardless of the effects on the company running the station. These same people who decry the removal of an unpopular failing product want to see SUVs, an extremely popular product, removed from the automotive market simply because they think they are killing the environment. What about giving the consumer what they want there, huh? The hypocrisy never fails to amaze!
Just a quick observation about so-called "Progressive" radio: when the comedy skits involve killing the President, you are not going to win many listeners over. Just a guess there, but people do not generally laugh at such drivel. When that same host says that, "the difference between Hitler and Bush is that Hitler was elected," you probably don't gain much ground, either. Air America was the "New Coke" of radio. If the consumers think it is a terrible product, and aren't buying into it, then why in the heck should it be forced on people?
Guilty until proven innocent: The Saga of the Duke Lacrosse Trial
It has been nearly ten months now since members of the Duke lacrosse team held a fateful party that included hired strippers and large amounts of alcohol, seldom a good combination. As everyone knows by this point, members of the team were accused of gang-raping one of the two exotic dancers, and three of them were charged criminally in the case by Durham, North Carolina, District Attorney Mike Nifong with rape, among other charges. The Duke lacrosse program was suspended almost immediately by Duke President Richard Brodhead; Coach Mike Pressler resigned less than a month after the incident.
In the nine-plus months that have passed in the interim, the case has been almost perpetually in the public purview due to a seeming constant flow of new developments. In the weeks that followed the allegations, Nifong referred to the lacrosse team as rapists, and insinuated that retaining legal help amounted to guilt on the part of the accused. Racially-motivated groups, including white supremacist outfits and the Black Panther Party, demonstrated on the Duke campus threatening violence against both the players and the accuser. Apparently America has come so far since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s that a white on black crime is automatically a racist offense in the eyes of prying media types.
Since then, the second dancer at the party has changed her story-twice, and once in a nationally televised interview. The first dancer, the accuser herself, has changed her story as well, and was not even interviewed by Nifong before he brought the charges. We found out that one of the accused Duke athletes had a pending assault trial back home, and that the accuser had multiple remnants of genetic material on her clothing that night. It turned out that not one of the stains matched up to a Duke lacrosse player, and the accuser was, in fact, pregnant. The lineup that lead, in part, to the indictments, was conducted using only photos of Duke players, clearly a violation of protocol. In an apparent effort to continue his race-baiting techniques, the sole African-American member of the lacrosse team was excused from the investigation. That player also received death threats on the basis that he was not standing up for his people, and that he was not a true black man.
In the latest round of hearings, the three accused players and their legal counsel found out for the first time that none of the genetic material on the dancer's clothing belonged to them, or to any other person present at the party. Nifong dropped the rape charges at that point, but has not moved to drop the remaining charges as well. And, now that all of the missteps and outright violations in the investigation have become public, he is being charged with ethics violations by the North Carolina Bar Association and asked to recuse himself of the case by his fellow State District Attorneys. He even refused comment to local press outside of the courtroom, but turned around to give the New York Times a three-hour session.
Mike Nifong won his primary election shortly after the case broke, and he also won re-election in November, albeit by a slim margin. He used the case initially in the primary race as a way to tout his own tough on crime appearance, but as the details of his improprieties leaked out, it became a weapon for his opponents in the general election. Unless he resigns, or is forced out by the bar association, Nifong will continue to serve as Durham District Attorney.
It is truly unfortunate to see the results of this case already, before it has even seen a jury trial. Nifong essentially railroaded the three lacrosse players, as he used the indictments to impress voters in the primary. He had already crucified, in effect, the entire team before the indictments were even handed down. The lineup used was completely unethical, as was the withholding of evidence, for which he gave no less than three explanations in one day. And then he disregarded the local press, all while basking in the national spotlight when it came calling. Any single one of these transgressions would be despicable in its own right, but when taken in sum, they should amount to great consequences for Mike Nifong. He should lose his office, his license to practice law, and issue a public apology to the players that he rushed to indict.
Do not think that the players are without some fault, though. Hiring strippers to work at a party attended by fifty-plus collegiate males is never the best decision. Providing for mass consumption of alcohol at the same event is not the best of choices either. And yelling the racial epithets at the dancers as they left the party, a point corroborated by neighbors in the vicinity of the party location, is rather despicable, as well. However, none of these things add up to rape on their own (or taken together).
The three who have been accused of rape, along with the other team members, were convicted in the public eye long before the charges were even filed. Mike Nifong did quite a bit to help this along, but all of the 24-hour news outlets, ESPN, the print media, and national nightly news programs handed down their judgments for mass consumption in the days that followed the story breaking. The nonstop coverage of the case, especially in its infancy, has forever tainted the futures of these three students beyond repair. Merely dismissing the charges in the case has not cleared their names in the mind of America, and even widespread public apologies by Nifong or the reporters who rushed to judgment will not fix the damage done. No, there will never be justice for the three Duke athletes falsely accused here. In the land where all are presumed innocent until proven guilty, these three young men will be forever guilty, regardless of their innocence.
In the nine-plus months that have passed in the interim, the case has been almost perpetually in the public purview due to a seeming constant flow of new developments. In the weeks that followed the allegations, Nifong referred to the lacrosse team as rapists, and insinuated that retaining legal help amounted to guilt on the part of the accused. Racially-motivated groups, including white supremacist outfits and the Black Panther Party, demonstrated on the Duke campus threatening violence against both the players and the accuser. Apparently America has come so far since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s that a white on black crime is automatically a racist offense in the eyes of prying media types.
Since then, the second dancer at the party has changed her story-twice, and once in a nationally televised interview. The first dancer, the accuser herself, has changed her story as well, and was not even interviewed by Nifong before he brought the charges. We found out that one of the accused Duke athletes had a pending assault trial back home, and that the accuser had multiple remnants of genetic material on her clothing that night. It turned out that not one of the stains matched up to a Duke lacrosse player, and the accuser was, in fact, pregnant. The lineup that lead, in part, to the indictments, was conducted using only photos of Duke players, clearly a violation of protocol. In an apparent effort to continue his race-baiting techniques, the sole African-American member of the lacrosse team was excused from the investigation. That player also received death threats on the basis that he was not standing up for his people, and that he was not a true black man.
In the latest round of hearings, the three accused players and their legal counsel found out for the first time that none of the genetic material on the dancer's clothing belonged to them, or to any other person present at the party. Nifong dropped the rape charges at that point, but has not moved to drop the remaining charges as well. And, now that all of the missteps and outright violations in the investigation have become public, he is being charged with ethics violations by the North Carolina Bar Association and asked to recuse himself of the case by his fellow State District Attorneys. He even refused comment to local press outside of the courtroom, but turned around to give the New York Times a three-hour session.
Mike Nifong won his primary election shortly after the case broke, and he also won re-election in November, albeit by a slim margin. He used the case initially in the primary race as a way to tout his own tough on crime appearance, but as the details of his improprieties leaked out, it became a weapon for his opponents in the general election. Unless he resigns, or is forced out by the bar association, Nifong will continue to serve as Durham District Attorney.
It is truly unfortunate to see the results of this case already, before it has even seen a jury trial. Nifong essentially railroaded the three lacrosse players, as he used the indictments to impress voters in the primary. He had already crucified, in effect, the entire team before the indictments were even handed down. The lineup used was completely unethical, as was the withholding of evidence, for which he gave no less than three explanations in one day. And then he disregarded the local press, all while basking in the national spotlight when it came calling. Any single one of these transgressions would be despicable in its own right, but when taken in sum, they should amount to great consequences for Mike Nifong. He should lose his office, his license to practice law, and issue a public apology to the players that he rushed to indict.
Do not think that the players are without some fault, though. Hiring strippers to work at a party attended by fifty-plus collegiate males is never the best decision. Providing for mass consumption of alcohol at the same event is not the best of choices either. And yelling the racial epithets at the dancers as they left the party, a point corroborated by neighbors in the vicinity of the party location, is rather despicable, as well. However, none of these things add up to rape on their own (or taken together).
The three who have been accused of rape, along with the other team members, were convicted in the public eye long before the charges were even filed. Mike Nifong did quite a bit to help this along, but all of the 24-hour news outlets, ESPN, the print media, and national nightly news programs handed down their judgments for mass consumption in the days that followed the story breaking. The nonstop coverage of the case, especially in its infancy, has forever tainted the futures of these three students beyond repair. Merely dismissing the charges in the case has not cleared their names in the mind of America, and even widespread public apologies by Nifong or the reporters who rushed to judgment will not fix the damage done. No, there will never be justice for the three Duke athletes falsely accused here. In the land where all are presumed innocent until proven guilty, these three young men will be forever guilty, regardless of their innocence.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Scary Movie 5: Negotiating with Iran
In order to keep things here at Red State Rampage in a bit lighter mood, I am going to keep posting videos that I come across and find funny. Some will be topical to politics, as these two are, and some will be just plain comical (like the Saturday Night Live sketch from last Friday). Without further ado, then, here are two videos made for the RNC by David Zucker, of Airplane, Naked Gun, and Scary Movie fame.
First, Zucker points out the sheer folly of trying to negotiate with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, a la Neville Chamberlain negotiating with Adolf Hitler, in a spoof of what would happen if the Baker-Hamilton Commission got their way:
Next, in this unaired ad from the 2006 midterm campaign season, Zucker goes after the Democrats for taxing Americans from birth until death. My favorite part is when the IRS agent makes the baby pay to exit the womb, and then the scene cuts to a funeral where the agent is climbing out of the buried coffin, hands full of valuables. Here it is:
First, Zucker points out the sheer folly of trying to negotiate with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, a la Neville Chamberlain negotiating with Adolf Hitler, in a spoof of what would happen if the Baker-Hamilton Commission got their way:
Next, in this unaired ad from the 2006 midterm campaign season, Zucker goes after the Democrats for taxing Americans from birth until death. My favorite part is when the IRS agent makes the baby pay to exit the womb, and then the scene cuts to a funeral where the agent is climbing out of the buried coffin, hands full of valuables. Here it is:
Marc Dann: Providing Comedic Fodder Since Birth
During a recent search of editorial pieces from the past few weeks in Ohio newspapers, I came across a piece that the Warren Tribune-Chronicle published a week before Christmas on Ohio Attorney General-elect Marc Dann. The Tribune-Chronicle predicts that Dann, currently a State Senator from the 32nd District, will play politics during his term upcoming as Attorney General. Earlier in the week, we at Red State Rampage reported on the selection of Tom Winters, former attorney to Tom Noe, as Dann's right-hand man in the AG's office. Previously, Dann recommended Capri Cafaro, failed Congressional candidate and daughter of shady character J.J. Cafaro, as his replacement in the 32nd Senate District. Members of the Cafaro clan, Capri included, have been big patrons of Mr. Dann in the past, and this election cycle was no exception.
Anyhow, as if two major gaffes before even taking office were not enough, the editorial from the Tribune-Chronicle reports that the AG satellite office in Youngstown promised by Dann during the campaign will be located in a mall owned by the Cafaro family themselves! One could not make this up! The guy who made his name criticizing Republican corruption in Ohio, and won his campaign by tying his opponent to that corruption, is diving headlong into the game of pay-to-play? No. Never! Marc Dann is clearly not going to perform his duties based upon who gave him a campaign contribution, right? Well, given these three moves in the past month, before he has even taken office, Dann is on a fast track to becoming a cellmate of Jim Traficant and Tom Noe.
Marc Dann's upcoming term as Ohio's Attorney General should provide material for yours truly until at least 2010, and likely beyond, as we see how quickly Mr. Dann is able to screw up one of the top AG's offices in the nation. One piece of advice to anyone looking to do business with or stay on the good side of Marc Dann: Get those donations in early and often or be left out in the cold!
Photos below courtesy of the Lorain County Democratic Party, taken at the Marc Dann-Barbara Sykes "Harry Buffalo" fundraiser in October.
J.J. Cafaro, taking a rare break from buying his daughter a district and shopping for politicians to line his pockets, seen here with defeated Democratic Auditor of State nominee Barbara Sykes. Please note that they are wearing Dann for AG stickers, but that Dann and Cafaro are not seen together in any of the pictures, likely to avoid any suspicions.
Defeated 13th (and 14th) Congressional District candidate Capri Cafaro with the woman she lost the May 2006 Democrat Primary to, US Rep.-elect Betty Sutton.
Anyhow, as if two major gaffes before even taking office were not enough, the editorial from the Tribune-Chronicle reports that the AG satellite office in Youngstown promised by Dann during the campaign will be located in a mall owned by the Cafaro family themselves! One could not make this up! The guy who made his name criticizing Republican corruption in Ohio, and won his campaign by tying his opponent to that corruption, is diving headlong into the game of pay-to-play? No. Never! Marc Dann is clearly not going to perform his duties based upon who gave him a campaign contribution, right? Well, given these three moves in the past month, before he has even taken office, Dann is on a fast track to becoming a cellmate of Jim Traficant and Tom Noe.
Marc Dann's upcoming term as Ohio's Attorney General should provide material for yours truly until at least 2010, and likely beyond, as we see how quickly Mr. Dann is able to screw up one of the top AG's offices in the nation. One piece of advice to anyone looking to do business with or stay on the good side of Marc Dann: Get those donations in early and often or be left out in the cold!
Photos below courtesy of the Lorain County Democratic Party, taken at the Marc Dann-Barbara Sykes "Harry Buffalo" fundraiser in October.
J.J. Cafaro, taking a rare break from buying his daughter a district and shopping for politicians to line his pockets, seen here with defeated Democratic Auditor of State nominee Barbara Sykes. Please note that they are wearing Dann for AG stickers, but that Dann and Cafaro are not seen together in any of the pictures, likely to avoid any suspicions.
Defeated 13th (and 14th) Congressional District candidate Capri Cafaro with the woman she lost the May 2006 Democrat Primary to, US Rep.-elect Betty Sutton.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Jarrett Ray: Hitting the ground running in Virginia
Earlier this month, while the CRNC was busy meeting in Denver, Virginia's College Republicans got together to pick a successor to Andrew Lamar. Jarrett Ray, a CR from James Madison, was elected to be the next Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Virginia, and he is the first of what will surely be many new faces on the national board in the next year. I recently had the chance to talk with Chairman Ray regarding his goals, vision, and ambitions for the upcoming year, and I, for one, came away very impressed with the newly-elected Chairman from Virginia. Enough of the blustering on, and on to what Ray had to say:
Red State Rampage: Congratulations on your recent election as CRFV Chairman. What is the top priority for you during your term as Chairman? What would you most like to accomplish in order to leave CRFV in better shape than you found it?
Jarrett Ray: My top priority is increasing the influence of Virginia's College Republican chapters. The newly elected board will keep this in mind as we lead the CRFV in 2007.
RSR: The man you are replacing, Andrew Lamar, is someone that was seen as a very solid State Chairman. What is one thing that you plan to continue from Andrew, and what is one thing that you will be changing from Andrew's tenure?
JR: Andrew Lamar was fantastic for Virginia and I am glad I can count him as a friend. I hope to maintain the image Andrew had with Virginia Republicans. Virginia's Republicans saw Andrew as the face of an organization that was both a volunteer base and also a group of committed conservatives looking to expand conservatism through many types of activism. I would like to continue the fantastic relationship Andrew shared with the Republican Party of Virginia and those who make up the party.
I would also like to expand this relationship. The College Republican Federation of Virginia will be behind several legislative policies which will be decided as a federation at our annual spring Issues Conference. College Republicans should not only help elect Republicans, they should also help shape the legislative policies of those whom they help elect. Young voters are often underrepresented, however, College Republicans are politically savvy individuals who by all account are prime examples of good citizens who vote and take an interest in the future of the community, the Commonwealth, and the country. The CRFV should attempt to promote this youthful activism and show politicians our age group can rally around common conservative causes.
RSR: I am sure, aside from calls of congratulations, you have already been asked to support someone in the upcoming CRNC elections. Have you made your pick yet, or are you still mulling it over? And, if you have chosen a candidate, who will be getting your support?
JR: A decision on who to lead such a respectable organization with over 100 years of tradition should properly be done over a drawn out period of time. It would be premature of me to presume I understand the CRNC and the candidates whom hope to lead it at this particular moment.
RSR: Virginia has a new GOP Chairman incoming as well in Ed Gillespie. I am sure you look forward to working with someone who has such great experience, but how will you attempt to work with the Virginia GOP to take back some of the ground Democrats have gained in the recent elections?
JR: Mr. Gillespie will be great for Virginia. His experience is unparalleled and the respect for him is unanimous among Virginians. The 2007 state elections are my priority. Working with Mr. Gillespie and the Republican Party of Virginia to target the competitive races and place volunteers appropriately will be the CRFV's primary responsibility. Virginia is very much a Red state and the results of the 2007 General Assembly elections will show it.
RSR: Obviously the Internet has completely changed the way political campaigns and organizations are run. How will you utilize technology to improve communications and public relations for CRFV? Are you looking into starting a blog or developing other methods of outreach through the Internet?
JR: The internet becomes increasingly important as a tool for public relations, activism, and recruitment due to the amount of time the average college student spends online. The CRFV is currently looking at starting an officially sanctioned blog. Beyond the blogosphere, tools such as Facebook and Myspace need to be utilized to increase awareness of College Republicans. The CRFV will also promote Operation Big Trunk. Chapters of all sizes should take advantage of the ability to create a free professional website that advertises their chapter.
RSR: As a College Republican, I can remember quite a few great events that I have been able to be a part of. What is your fondest memory of a CR event that you were involved in?
JR: Frankly the most fun I have ever had as a College Republican was crashing a Jim Webb rally and being interviewed by various media outlets the stump speech Webb gave. I was quoted several times as portraying Webb's economic plans as based on socialism. This condemnation of socialism in turn infuriated an elderly lady who wrote a letter to the editor of my local paper to complain that socialism pulled her and her family out of the Great Depression. Not once did the elderly lady deny that Webb believed in the positive power of socialism.
RSR: There are a couple of camps within College Republicans with regards to the role they should play: those who advocate a primary focus of campus activism and those who advocate direct involvement with candidates and campaigns. Do you fall into one of these camps, or do you think that CRs can fill both of these roles adequately?
JR: College Republicans should fulfill the role of being both campus activists and in leading aggressive grassroots efforts to secure Republican victory. The two roles can be theoretically exclusive. But I contend they are mutually beneficial. The school I attend, James Madison University, has a great relationship with our locally elected Republicans. We help them during their campaigns and they help grow our chapter. Conversely, campus activism has a positive and important role on campus of providing the sometimes sole voice of conservative thought. Campus activism also increases College Republicans presence on campus, which in turn increases membership. The CRFV will promote both types of involvement because they are both essential to running a successful chapter.
RSR: Best of luck this next year in Virginia, and we will look forward to hearing more great work coming out of Virginia.
Red State Rampage: Congratulations on your recent election as CRFV Chairman. What is the top priority for you during your term as Chairman? What would you most like to accomplish in order to leave CRFV in better shape than you found it?
Jarrett Ray: My top priority is increasing the influence of Virginia's College Republican chapters. The newly elected board will keep this in mind as we lead the CRFV in 2007.
RSR: The man you are replacing, Andrew Lamar, is someone that was seen as a very solid State Chairman. What is one thing that you plan to continue from Andrew, and what is one thing that you will be changing from Andrew's tenure?
JR: Andrew Lamar was fantastic for Virginia and I am glad I can count him as a friend. I hope to maintain the image Andrew had with Virginia Republicans. Virginia's Republicans saw Andrew as the face of an organization that was both a volunteer base and also a group of committed conservatives looking to expand conservatism through many types of activism. I would like to continue the fantastic relationship Andrew shared with the Republican Party of Virginia and those who make up the party.
I would also like to expand this relationship. The College Republican Federation of Virginia will be behind several legislative policies which will be decided as a federation at our annual spring Issues Conference. College Republicans should not only help elect Republicans, they should also help shape the legislative policies of those whom they help elect. Young voters are often underrepresented, however, College Republicans are politically savvy individuals who by all account are prime examples of good citizens who vote and take an interest in the future of the community, the Commonwealth, and the country. The CRFV should attempt to promote this youthful activism and show politicians our age group can rally around common conservative causes.
RSR: I am sure, aside from calls of congratulations, you have already been asked to support someone in the upcoming CRNC elections. Have you made your pick yet, or are you still mulling it over? And, if you have chosen a candidate, who will be getting your support?
JR: A decision on who to lead such a respectable organization with over 100 years of tradition should properly be done over a drawn out period of time. It would be premature of me to presume I understand the CRNC and the candidates whom hope to lead it at this particular moment.
RSR: Virginia has a new GOP Chairman incoming as well in Ed Gillespie. I am sure you look forward to working with someone who has such great experience, but how will you attempt to work with the Virginia GOP to take back some of the ground Democrats have gained in the recent elections?
JR: Mr. Gillespie will be great for Virginia. His experience is unparalleled and the respect for him is unanimous among Virginians. The 2007 state elections are my priority. Working with Mr. Gillespie and the Republican Party of Virginia to target the competitive races and place volunteers appropriately will be the CRFV's primary responsibility. Virginia is very much a Red state and the results of the 2007 General Assembly elections will show it.
RSR: Obviously the Internet has completely changed the way political campaigns and organizations are run. How will you utilize technology to improve communications and public relations for CRFV? Are you looking into starting a blog or developing other methods of outreach through the Internet?
JR: The internet becomes increasingly important as a tool for public relations, activism, and recruitment due to the amount of time the average college student spends online. The CRFV is currently looking at starting an officially sanctioned blog. Beyond the blogosphere, tools such as Facebook and Myspace need to be utilized to increase awareness of College Republicans. The CRFV will also promote Operation Big Trunk. Chapters of all sizes should take advantage of the ability to create a free professional website that advertises their chapter.
RSR: As a College Republican, I can remember quite a few great events that I have been able to be a part of. What is your fondest memory of a CR event that you were involved in?
JR: Frankly the most fun I have ever had as a College Republican was crashing a Jim Webb rally and being interviewed by various media outlets the stump speech Webb gave. I was quoted several times as portraying Webb's economic plans as based on socialism. This condemnation of socialism in turn infuriated an elderly lady who wrote a letter to the editor of my local paper to complain that socialism pulled her and her family out of the Great Depression. Not once did the elderly lady deny that Webb believed in the positive power of socialism.
RSR: There are a couple of camps within College Republicans with regards to the role they should play: those who advocate a primary focus of campus activism and those who advocate direct involvement with candidates and campaigns. Do you fall into one of these camps, or do you think that CRs can fill both of these roles adequately?
JR: College Republicans should fulfill the role of being both campus activists and in leading aggressive grassroots efforts to secure Republican victory. The two roles can be theoretically exclusive. But I contend they are mutually beneficial. The school I attend, James Madison University, has a great relationship with our locally elected Republicans. We help them during their campaigns and they help grow our chapter. Conversely, campus activism has a positive and important role on campus of providing the sometimes sole voice of conservative thought. Campus activism also increases College Republicans presence on campus, which in turn increases membership. The CRFV will promote both types of involvement because they are both essential to running a successful chapter.
RSR: Best of luck this next year in Virginia, and we will look forward to hearing more great work coming out of Virginia.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Red State Rampage back in 54th Carnival of Ohio Politics
Red State Rampage is back for more in this week's Carnival of Ohio Politics after taking a week off for the holidays. Go check out what other Ohio bloggers are saying about the events of the past week in Ohio and nationally, and broaden your horizons a bit. Here are the three posts I submitted from Red State Rampage in the past week, if you have yet to read them:
Columbus AM Radio Shakeup: Beck, Air America Out; Savage, Ingraham, Rome, and Riley In
Ohio Politics: My Late Two Cents
Giving a fox keys to the henhouse: Tubbs-Jones to Chair House Ethics Committee
Check them out, and hit up the 54th Carnival while you are at it!
Columbus AM Radio Shakeup: Beck, Air America Out; Savage, Ingraham, Rome, and Riley In
Ohio Politics: My Late Two Cents
Giving a fox keys to the henhouse: Tubbs-Jones to Chair House Ethics Committee
Check them out, and hit up the 54th Carnival while you are at it!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Columbus AM Radio Shakeup: Beck, Air America Out; Savage, Rome, Ingraham, and Riley In
Fans of Glenn Beck and Columbus-area listeners of Air America Radio are both seeing eye-to-eye on one thing this week: they are not happy with the planned shakeup at Columbus radio stations 610 WTVN and 1230 WTPG, beginning on January 9, 2007. At 610 WTVN, Glenn Beck is out (for now), and local host Joel Riley is in from 9 AM to noon. Rush Limbaugh will remain in his slot from noon until 3 PM; John Corby will be on air an extra hour each day, from 3 to 7. Sean Hannity moves up on 610, from 7-10 nightly, followed by Mark Levin from 10 PM to midnight. Beck will be leaving Columbus airwaves due to contractual matters, but it is my hope that he will return to some area station. This is his second market loss in Ohio, after 1100 WTAM in Cleveland booted Beck in favor of Jerry Springer in 2004. Joel Riley seems to do a good job with his current show on 610, airing from 6-9 PM, so we will see how the show does in a primetime slot. I am not the biggest fan of Sean Hannity or Mark Levin, so having them on at night simply means I will not be tuning in.
Over at 1230 WTPG, the changes are more substantial, including a change in format and in call letters. Air America Radio will be dropped, and the station will become 1230 WYTS, instead. Laura Ingraham and Michael Savage are both being picked up for primetime spots, and one of my personal favorites, Jim Rome, will bring his sports program to the air in Columbus from noon to 3 PM. Dave Ramsey, who hosts a syndicated financial help show, will also be joining the lineup, as will syndicated hosts Quinn & Rose, who take over morning drive time on 1230. I do not like Air America, obviously, but I am not a big fan of either Ingraham or Savage. As conservative as I am, Michael Savage is too far gone for my liking, and Ingraham brings nothing original to the table (the same reason that I do not listen to Sean Hannity). Jim Rome and Dave Ramsey are both welcome additions for me, though, with Rome's show being exceptionally great. Liberals in Columbus are predictably up in arms, and there is talk of conspiracy, boycott, and other ridiculous action that will not materialize.
Over at 1230 WTPG, the changes are more substantial, including a change in format and in call letters. Air America Radio will be dropped, and the station will become 1230 WYTS, instead. Laura Ingraham and Michael Savage are both being picked up for primetime spots, and one of my personal favorites, Jim Rome, will bring his sports program to the air in Columbus from noon to 3 PM. Dave Ramsey, who hosts a syndicated financial help show, will also be joining the lineup, as will syndicated hosts Quinn & Rose, who take over morning drive time on 1230. I do not like Air America, obviously, but I am not a big fan of either Ingraham or Savage. As conservative as I am, Michael Savage is too far gone for my liking, and Ingraham brings nothing original to the table (the same reason that I do not listen to Sean Hannity). Jim Rome and Dave Ramsey are both welcome additions for me, though, with Rome's show being exceptionally great. Liberals in Columbus are predictably up in arms, and there is talk of conspiracy, boycott, and other ridiculous action that will not materialize.
Ohio Politics: My Late Two Cents
Over the last week, between traveling twice for Christmas and working on other side-projects, I have neglected a few rather important Ohio stories. Most of them are still topical, and everyone is still talking about them, so I will throw in my two cents, albeit slightly tardy.
-One of the measures passed by the General Assembly before the end of this session was HB 690, essentially the enacting/enabling bill for this November's Issue 2, which raised the minimum wage in early 2007 to $6.85. Issue 2, which also requires a yearly raise of the minimum wage to adjust for inflation, was backed by groups who did not even pay their petition circulators the current minimum wage. No one ever accused liberals of being intellectually honest, though. Issue 2 passed in November, and so the General Assembly reacted with HB 690, the language of which enables the enforcement of Issue 2. The issue was penned with sloppy language (a la the TEL Amendment that was dropped earlier in 2006), so the legislature cleaned it up as they saw fit. If you don't want the issue you put on the ballot to be messed with, then learn how to write legislation! All of these half-cocked issues campaigns kill me, because half of them are ill-conceived, and the rest are written so poorly that they are never enacted in the manner intended. As far as minimum wage increases go, I will go ahead and tell you that this hike is another nail in the Ohio economy's coffin. Prices will rise, benefits will fall, and the inflation alone caused by this will negate any of the short-lived benefits.
-After running a campaign for Attorney General here in Ohio against Betty Montgomery, during which he lambasted her for perceived ties to felon Tom Noe, Attorney General-elect Marc Dann wishes to have Noe's attorney as his second-in-command. Tom Winters may be a fine lawyer, and he may do a great job in the end. However, picking a guy who worked for Tom Noe as your number two, especially when you ran your race almost entirely against Noe's GOP connections, is high hypocrisy. Dann, a camera seeker if there ever was one, is not off to a good start in his AG tenure.
-All outgoing politicians are given farewell speeches, sort of like their last meal, and outgoing State Rep. Geoff Smith (R-Upper Arlington) was no exception. He raised a few eyebrows, especially Speaker Jon Husted's, during his nearly half-hour diatribe with several off-color comments. Most notable among the shocking remarks was a quip about fellow Columbus-area State Rep. Larry Flowers (R-Westerville), involving his wife needing "more hose" in the bedroom. I am all for our politicians speaking their mind and against most all political correctness, but Smith went a little bit over the top in the whole speech. He even had the audacity to call his speech brief, and say that he hated droning on, after 26 minutes! That is long, even for a politician! Smith also was very brash in saying that he often did not do what was best for his district, being very easily talked into voting otherwise. I am not a very big fan of Smith, in full disclosure, but this was a bit much to keep quiet about.
H/T to Right Angle Blog on the YouTube clip of the speech, found here.
-Columbus City Councilman Mary Jo Hudson (D) was appointed to be Director of Insurance under Governor-elect Ted Strickland. Hudson will still have to be approved by the Ohio Senate, but I am not too surprised by this move. First of all, given the ineptness of the GOP in Columbus municipal elections of late (0 GOPers on City Council and no candidate for Mayor in 2003), incumbency is not even a needed advantage for Columbus Democrats. Secondly, Hudson has a background with the Ohio Dept. of Insurance, so this makes sense. Anyhow, a lot of my fellow GOP and conservative bloggers are up in arms over this appointment, because Hudson is openly gay. I say this: who cares? So long as she does her job, why does it matter? If Hudson strays from her duties, I will be sure to call her out on it, but I would do that with anyone not doing their job. Get over it, and move on to more important things.
-Another bill under consideration in Ohio would cap union donations to political campaigns under the premise that unions are businesses. Anyone who still sees a union as a non-profit entity should ask themselves why all of the union bosses are getting rich quick off of their membership dues? I will not get into the relative irrelevancy of unions in modern America, as one must only look to their flip-flop on illegal immigration to see their own desperation. That is another topic for another day. I personally am not a big fan of campaign contribution limits and all of the ridiculous restrictions that McCain-Feingold brought us nationally, but if we are going to cap donations, unions should not be exempted. If you will go back a year to 2005, it was Democrats in Ohio who were trying to limit personal and business contributions further, and they were soundly rejected. It is also telling that Democrats have railed against corruption in Ohio, yet when given the opportunity to end a form of pay-to-play, choose not to do so.
-One of the measures passed by the General Assembly before the end of this session was HB 690, essentially the enacting/enabling bill for this November's Issue 2, which raised the minimum wage in early 2007 to $6.85. Issue 2, which also requires a yearly raise of the minimum wage to adjust for inflation, was backed by groups who did not even pay their petition circulators the current minimum wage. No one ever accused liberals of being intellectually honest, though. Issue 2 passed in November, and so the General Assembly reacted with HB 690, the language of which enables the enforcement of Issue 2. The issue was penned with sloppy language (a la the TEL Amendment that was dropped earlier in 2006), so the legislature cleaned it up as they saw fit. If you don't want the issue you put on the ballot to be messed with, then learn how to write legislation! All of these half-cocked issues campaigns kill me, because half of them are ill-conceived, and the rest are written so poorly that they are never enacted in the manner intended. As far as minimum wage increases go, I will go ahead and tell you that this hike is another nail in the Ohio economy's coffin. Prices will rise, benefits will fall, and the inflation alone caused by this will negate any of the short-lived benefits.
-After running a campaign for Attorney General here in Ohio against Betty Montgomery, during which he lambasted her for perceived ties to felon Tom Noe, Attorney General-elect Marc Dann wishes to have Noe's attorney as his second-in-command. Tom Winters may be a fine lawyer, and he may do a great job in the end. However, picking a guy who worked for Tom Noe as your number two, especially when you ran your race almost entirely against Noe's GOP connections, is high hypocrisy. Dann, a camera seeker if there ever was one, is not off to a good start in his AG tenure.
-All outgoing politicians are given farewell speeches, sort of like their last meal, and outgoing State Rep. Geoff Smith (R-Upper Arlington) was no exception. He raised a few eyebrows, especially Speaker Jon Husted's, during his nearly half-hour diatribe with several off-color comments. Most notable among the shocking remarks was a quip about fellow Columbus-area State Rep. Larry Flowers (R-Westerville), involving his wife needing "more hose" in the bedroom. I am all for our politicians speaking their mind and against most all political correctness, but Smith went a little bit over the top in the whole speech. He even had the audacity to call his speech brief, and say that he hated droning on, after 26 minutes! That is long, even for a politician! Smith also was very brash in saying that he often did not do what was best for his district, being very easily talked into voting otherwise. I am not a very big fan of Smith, in full disclosure, but this was a bit much to keep quiet about.
H/T to Right Angle Blog on the YouTube clip of the speech, found here.
-Columbus City Councilman Mary Jo Hudson (D) was appointed to be Director of Insurance under Governor-elect Ted Strickland. Hudson will still have to be approved by the Ohio Senate, but I am not too surprised by this move. First of all, given the ineptness of the GOP in Columbus municipal elections of late (0 GOPers on City Council and no candidate for Mayor in 2003), incumbency is not even a needed advantage for Columbus Democrats. Secondly, Hudson has a background with the Ohio Dept. of Insurance, so this makes sense. Anyhow, a lot of my fellow GOP and conservative bloggers are up in arms over this appointment, because Hudson is openly gay. I say this: who cares? So long as she does her job, why does it matter? If Hudson strays from her duties, I will be sure to call her out on it, but I would do that with anyone not doing their job. Get over it, and move on to more important things.
-Another bill under consideration in Ohio would cap union donations to political campaigns under the premise that unions are businesses. Anyone who still sees a union as a non-profit entity should ask themselves why all of the union bosses are getting rich quick off of their membership dues? I will not get into the relative irrelevancy of unions in modern America, as one must only look to their flip-flop on illegal immigration to see their own desperation. That is another topic for another day. I personally am not a big fan of campaign contribution limits and all of the ridiculous restrictions that McCain-Feingold brought us nationally, but if we are going to cap donations, unions should not be exempted. If you will go back a year to 2005, it was Democrats in Ohio who were trying to limit personal and business contributions further, and they were soundly rejected. It is also telling that Democrats have railed against corruption in Ohio, yet when given the opportunity to end a form of pay-to-play, choose not to do so.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas to All!
As I take a few quick minutes away from the Christmas celebrations with my family today to wish you all a very merry Christmas, I wanted to pass along a couple of quick reflections and thoughts on the holidays. Growing up, there were near constant family get-togethers, reunions, parties, and events, and I can remember getting sick and tired of my forced attendance. To me, it never seemed all that important, or all of that pressing of a need, to see and fellowship with my relatives on a weekly basis. Then, I was still in the mind that my parents had no clue what they were doing, and, after all, you pick your friends because you cannot choose one's family, right? It got to the point during my high school years that, when possible, I would try to work during these family events or be busy with something else, like we all often do.
Now that I have moved away from any of my family, and have the opportunity to see them much less often, I have realized just what my parents had in mind. You see, I have begun to understand, in all of the profound wisdom of my twenty years, that family is indeed essential to our well-being. Friends are there for a season, and most will move on at some point, but family is in it for the long-haul. When the chance to spend time with our relatives comes along, now but two or three times each year, we should jump at it. Family is not there just to recollect and reminisce alongside, or to watch terribly awful home movies with, but to lean on and rely on in time of need. Time spent with family serves to keep us focused, and grounded, and to remind us just what it is we come from and where we are going.
So, I do hope that you have an excellent day today, and a great Christmas, but in all of that, I ask that you simply appreciate those you spend your day with. We too often take them for granted until they are gone, so cherish this time that you have with them. God bless you and yours, and have a very merry Christmas!
Now that I have moved away from any of my family, and have the opportunity to see them much less often, I have realized just what my parents had in mind. You see, I have begun to understand, in all of the profound wisdom of my twenty years, that family is indeed essential to our well-being. Friends are there for a season, and most will move on at some point, but family is in it for the long-haul. When the chance to spend time with our relatives comes along, now but two or three times each year, we should jump at it. Family is not there just to recollect and reminisce alongside, or to watch terribly awful home movies with, but to lean on and rely on in time of need. Time spent with family serves to keep us focused, and grounded, and to remind us just what it is we come from and where we are going.
So, I do hope that you have an excellent day today, and a great Christmas, but in all of that, I ask that you simply appreciate those you spend your day with. We too often take them for granted until they are gone, so cherish this time that you have with them. God bless you and yours, and have a very merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Draft Derek Hall for CRNC Chairman
Just a couple of quick thoughts on the Draft Derek Hall blog that popped up earlier in the week that I wanted to pass along:
-Derek Hall was considered a front-runner most of the first half of 2006, and a run for CRNC Chairman looked increasingly likely heading into the fall. Then Kentucky Chairman Hall resigned his post to run a local campaign, and talk of such a move quieted considerably. This talk of a Hall campaign is not a new phenomenon, though.
-Hall was always seen as a reluctant candidate, one who did not necessarily yearn for the spotlight. He got things done in Kentucky, doubling the number of chapters and running his own field program. However, even given his track record of success and seemingly endless likability, Hall has never been an eager candidate. A draft movement with strong support and deep roots is probably the best way to convince him to run.
-There are a couple of key relationships to keep in mind when it comes to looking at a Derek Hall for Chairman campaign. First of all, Hall is close with Missouri's Justin Smith, an endorser of Real Reform. His replacement in Kentucky, Brian Weber of Morehead State, is also a public Real Reform supporter. Finally, Hall is reportedly close with Ohio Chairman (and Real Reform kingpin) Brian Siler as well. It is hard to see him striking it out on his own if these three are not behind it.
-Here is the bottom line, as I see it currently: there may very well be a continued presence of a Draft Derek Hall movement within this CRNC campaign, but I seriously doubt Derek will end up at the top of a ticket. More likely, instead, is a spot a bit lower on a ticket, more than likely whatever Siler and Brent Ludeman are hashing out. My personal hope is that Hall gets involved once again, hopefully on a national level, so that he can bring his leadership to a wider audience of College Republicans.
-Derek Hall was considered a front-runner most of the first half of 2006, and a run for CRNC Chairman looked increasingly likely heading into the fall. Then Kentucky Chairman Hall resigned his post to run a local campaign, and talk of such a move quieted considerably. This talk of a Hall campaign is not a new phenomenon, though.
-Hall was always seen as a reluctant candidate, one who did not necessarily yearn for the spotlight. He got things done in Kentucky, doubling the number of chapters and running his own field program. However, even given his track record of success and seemingly endless likability, Hall has never been an eager candidate. A draft movement with strong support and deep roots is probably the best way to convince him to run.
-There are a couple of key relationships to keep in mind when it comes to looking at a Derek Hall for Chairman campaign. First of all, Hall is close with Missouri's Justin Smith, an endorser of Real Reform. His replacement in Kentucky, Brian Weber of Morehead State, is also a public Real Reform supporter. Finally, Hall is reportedly close with Ohio Chairman (and Real Reform kingpin) Brian Siler as well. It is hard to see him striking it out on his own if these three are not behind it.
-Here is the bottom line, as I see it currently: there may very well be a continued presence of a Draft Derek Hall movement within this CRNC campaign, but I seriously doubt Derek will end up at the top of a ticket. More likely, instead, is a spot a bit lower on a ticket, more than likely whatever Siler and Brent Ludeman are hashing out. My personal hope is that Hall gets involved once again, hopefully on a national level, so that he can bring his leadership to a wider audience of College Republicans.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Real Reform adds another: Missouri's Burks signs on
Real Reform solidified their base of support within key reform state Missouri, who has the largest membership presence on Facebook according to Hotline with over 3000 members. Incoming Missouri Chairman Taylor W. Burks has signed on to Real Reform, ending any speculation that Missouri would be looking elsewhere. Here is a brief snippet of Burks' statement on supporting Real Reform:
"I understand the need for real change within the CRNC. Anyone can make off-hand promises and it's not enough to offer vague posturing on reform--we need Real Reform at the CRNC to make our organization strong and united. We need leadership that shows our federations and our party that CRs are to be valued and trusted. Brian and Brent offer that leadership and change that we need."
"I understand the need for real change within the CRNC. Anyone can make off-hand promises and it's not enough to offer vague posturing on reform--we need Real Reform at the CRNC to make our organization strong and united. We need leadership that shows our federations and our party that CRs are to be valued and trusted. Brian and Brent offer that leadership and change that we need."
Arizona CRs, Chairman Troy Hyde, Show Support for McCain
Arizona College Republicans have become the latest CR group to "go McCain", which is no surprise considering that the Senator hails from Arizona. Chairman Troy Hyde had this to say about Senator John McCain:
“We need effective leaders in our legislature, in our Congress, and in the White House. In two years, voters will once again be given the opportunity to change America. Senator McCain has been one of our country’s best minds, and I look forward to supporting him in 2008.”
This brings the total of sitting state chairmen to five that are publicly supporting McCain, a group which also includes Michigan's Dan Carlson, Massachusetts' Michael Miltenberger, Alabama's Blake Harris, and South Carolina's Vic Bailey.
“We need effective leaders in our legislature, in our Congress, and in the White House. In two years, voters will once again be given the opportunity to change America. Senator McCain has been one of our country’s best minds, and I look forward to supporting him in 2008.”
This brings the total of sitting state chairmen to five that are publicly supporting McCain, a group which also includes Michigan's Dan Carlson, Massachusetts' Michael Miltenberger, Alabama's Blake Harris, and South Carolina's Vic Bailey.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Kentucky CRs in the News: Weber joins Real Reform; Draft Derek Hall?
Kentucky's Brian Weber today became the latest state chairmen to announce his public support for Real Reform, saying that " [these] principles of reform...are crucial to the success of the CRNC." While Weber does not hold Kentucky's vote on the National Board at this point, he may well hold that vote following Kentucky Federation of College Republicans elections in the spring of 2007. Currently, the National Committeeman from Kentucky is Derek Hall, who retained that post upon his resignation from his office of Chairman earlier this year. Weber, who was the second-in-command under Hall, is serving the rest of the term.
Derek Hall is making other CRNC news as well, after a blog popped up earlier this evening urging College Republicans to "Draft Derek Hall" to run for National Chairman. Hall was considered a front-runner for the nod heading during the summer of 2006, and still would be a very viable candidate. At this point, though, it appears he is already backing someone, although we cannot say who until it becomes public. You certainly could do much worse than a Chairman Hall, in our opinion. We will keep an eye on this blog, and any other developments related to this story.
Derek Hall is making other CRNC news as well, after a blog popped up earlier this evening urging College Republicans to "Draft Derek Hall" to run for National Chairman. Hall was considered a front-runner for the nod heading during the summer of 2006, and still would be a very viable candidate. At this point, though, it appears he is already backing someone, although we cannot say who until it becomes public. You certainly could do much worse than a Chairman Hall, in our opinion. We will keep an eye on this blog, and any other developments related to this story.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Giving a fox keys to the henhouse: Tubbs-Jones to Chair House Ethics Committee
Ohio Congressman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones (D-Cleveland) will be the next Chairman of the House Ethics Committee, one of the worst kept secrets in political circles since the November elections where Democrats slithered into power. This is simply amazing to me; anyone who was wishing to see Congress be cleaned up can bid that pipe dream adieu. Tubbs-Jones is the same Representative who continually brings up claptrap in the House about Bush and Blackwell conspiring to steal the 2004 election, and it is hard to see her going after members of her own party with as much zeal as she will go after GOPers. Expect to see her carry out vendettas against several GOP Congressman, not the most surprising of which would be Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-Akron). I doubt we are going to see Jack Murtha or Bill Jefferson, let alone Allan Mollohan or Alcee Hastings, receive the scrutiny they deserve. Incredible move by the Democrats to show that they are serious about cleaning up the crap going on in D.C. today.
-One of my favorite political sites, Politics 1.com, is being sued in New York by a fringe write-in candidate, who lost his bid to be election Governor of New York. I am not sure what place the kook came in, but apparently he is taking Ron Gunzburger, who runs Politics 1.com, to court seeking $5 million in damages. The lawsuit also seeks money from George Pataki, Rudy Giuliani, and Michael Bloomberg. Since I like Politics 1 so much, I am asking that you join me in sending this character an email informing him of his idiocy. Besides being absolutely ridiculous, he spouts the same baloney about Ohio elections being stolen as Tubbs-Jones. Speaking of this, why doesn't someone get this fella a job creating Democratic talking points?
-One of my favorite political sites, Politics 1.com, is being sued in New York by a fringe write-in candidate, who lost his bid to be election Governor of New York. I am not sure what place the kook came in, but apparently he is taking Ron Gunzburger, who runs Politics 1.com, to court seeking $5 million in damages. The lawsuit also seeks money from George Pataki, Rudy Giuliani, and Michael Bloomberg. Since I like Politics 1 so much, I am asking that you join me in sending this character an email informing him of his idiocy. Besides being absolutely ridiculous, he spouts the same baloney about Ohio elections being stolen as Tubbs-Jones. Speaking of this, why doesn't someone get this fella a job creating Democratic talking points?
New Mexico's Marshall signs on to Real Reform
New Mexico's Dusty Marshall can be added to the growing list of people endorsing Real Reform, as he is now listed on the website as a supporter of Real Reform. It appears that Blake Harris of Alabama and Charlie Smith of Colorado have now joined the Support Real Reform Facebook group, as well, but there is no word on whether the two will be making any move further than this purely ceremonial gesture. Also, in a related development, it appears that the idea of a Unity platform is dead in the water, so you can scratch the two websites I told you about yesterday. It appears that this race will now be one run on records, since everyone is supporting reform like it is going out of style. Just my opinion, but it is tough to see Brian Siler losing a race purely on record (although a pure race is impossible to imagine).
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
BREAKING: Charlie Smith buys Unite The CRNC Domain
UPDATED 12.19.06 @ 11:30 PM)
(Note: I keep hearing that this was up on Truth Caucus a month ago, and it was not. No one has talked about him buying a domain for his campaign website, or linked to it. Yes, the worst kept secret was that Smith is running on a Unite the CRNC platform, but no one has said a thing about the website yet until today. Read the linked Truth Caucus post all you want; the fact is that this has not been covered. Get over it!)
Colorado's Charlie Smith has purchased two domains for his campaign, now in disarray following the recent endorsement of Real Reform by Michael Davidson. Both are displaying page holders for Unite the CRNC, and the domains are www.unitethecrnc.com and www.unitethecrnc.com, both of which direct to Unite the CRNC. We will continue to follow this developing story, as well as the apparent endorsement of Real Reform by Michael Davidson. Details will be posted as they become available.
UPDATED (12.19.06 @ 4:30 PM)
A few observations about Charlie Smith, that I have posted before or alluded to, but not all in one place. This is not a hit job, but simply a few observations I have made over the course of the past few months.
-The letter that Charlie released with 20 supporters signed on stated that he, "thanked Brian and Brent for joining the conversation." No one really talked about this wording, and while smart on his end, it is entirely false. Brent and Brian have been involved in the Reform movement for much longer than Charlie has been. Just the facts.
-A few weeks removed from the CRNC Board Meeting, a few things are more clear. Charlie Smith was clearly gearing up to make his campaign announcement, and then he stopped short of making it formal. What happened in Denver? Well, if you connect a few dots, like CRNC officials being none too pleased with Mr. Smith, Dan Schuberth not seeking re-election as Vice-Chairman of the Maine GOP, and only four reform states joining his Unity platform, one thing is clear. His support has been in a great deal of flux, and his establishment backing is not as solid as it was just one month ago.
(Note: I keep hearing that this was up on Truth Caucus a month ago, and it was not. No one has talked about him buying a domain for his campaign website, or linked to it. Yes, the worst kept secret was that Smith is running on a Unite the CRNC platform, but no one has said a thing about the website yet until today. Read the linked Truth Caucus post all you want; the fact is that this has not been covered. Get over it!)
Colorado's Charlie Smith has purchased two domains for his campaign, now in disarray following the recent endorsement of Real Reform by Michael Davidson. Both are displaying page holders for Unite the CRNC, and the domains are www.unitethecrnc.com and www.unitethecrnc.com, both of which direct to Unite the CRNC. We will continue to follow this developing story, as well as the apparent endorsement of Real Reform by Michael Davidson. Details will be posted as they become available.
UPDATED (12.19.06 @ 4:30 PM)
A few observations about Charlie Smith, that I have posted before or alluded to, but not all in one place. This is not a hit job, but simply a few observations I have made over the course of the past few months.
-The letter that Charlie released with 20 supporters signed on stated that he, "thanked Brian and Brent for joining the conversation." No one really talked about this wording, and while smart on his end, it is entirely false. Brent and Brian have been involved in the Reform movement for much longer than Charlie has been. Just the facts.
-A few weeks removed from the CRNC Board Meeting, a few things are more clear. Charlie Smith was clearly gearing up to make his campaign announcement, and then he stopped short of making it formal. What happened in Denver? Well, if you connect a few dots, like CRNC officials being none too pleased with Mr. Smith, Dan Schuberth not seeking re-election as Vice-Chairman of the Maine GOP, and only four reform states joining his Unity platform, one thing is clear. His support has been in a great deal of flux, and his establishment backing is not as solid as it was just one month ago.
BREAKING: Davidson Joins Up with Real Reform; Moffett Follows
Michael Davidson, unofficial leader of the CRNC, has joined the Support Real Reform group on Facebook. Lindsay Moffett, Tennessee CR Chairman and Maryville College student, has also signed on to the Facebook group. Developing...
Friday, December 15, 2006
Decisions, Decisions
As everyone is heading home to spend Christmas break with family and catch up with friends unseen in months, a few things are becoming more clear in the horseless race that is the CRNC election. First of all, I have surely focused on College Republicans all too much. An interesting topic it may be, and I will still cover it thoroughly, but broader discussion will once again rule the day, after the holidays. I also apologize for the utter neglect I have shown Red State Rampage over the past weekend, but sometimes family and their well-being simply must come before all else. Anyhow, without further bullshit, here are a few observations on the state of the CRNC:
-Nothing is certain. Nothing at all. Remember this, above all, in the coming weeks. Those who you think may be running for higher office may not be doing so at all in the end, and those who you thought were sitting this one out may wind up on a ticket after all. There is much fluidity in this race right now.
-No one is talking about Charlie Smith's meeting with Michael Davidson, at least publicly or on the record. Just my own observation here: if the meeting had went extremely well (i.e. an endorsement or an agreement of any nature at all) you would be hearing about it. It is very funny to me, though, that two years removed from the last National Chairman campaign, it is the defeated candidate who means more to this race than the one who got elected. This may go a long way toward my personal theory that the past election was not actually won, but Paul Gourley merely survived it.
-No one is releasing any new supporters at this point, but this does not mean there are no discussions taking place. The 15 odd chairmen who have not chosen sides are all holding out, and all are doing so for their own separate reasons.
-Neither of the sides in this fight will keep all of the states who have endorsed them. There will be battles to succeed a great many state chairmen, and there will surely be casualties. Do not be surprised at all to see a couple of sitting state chairs knocked off in re-election bids, but it will not be related to the national campaign. When you do not do the job you were elected to do, people will look elsewhere for leadership.
-There is a growing list of state chairmen not seeking re-election, and a couple of chairmen who are already stepping aside. Aside from Andrew Lamar (Virginia) recently completing his term, Missouri's Justin Smith has resigned due to graduation. Michigan's Dan Carlson, Arkansas' John Burris, and Colorado's Charlie Smith are all planning to call this term their last as well. At least one state chairman whom is definitely running for re-election is Florida's Scott Wacholtz, and many others will definitely be making decisions on that matter at hand very soon.
-There is a growing realization by the CRNC Executive Board that a mistake was made last spring in not recruiting friendly candidates in enough states. Do not be surprised if there is a complete reversal of this strategy come 2007. For the record, outside meddling in states is completely uncalled for, but it happens. Some may even deem it necessary. Be assured, that if Gourley and Co. come knocking in your state, the opposition will follow along like a pack of hungry dogs, and vice versa.
-From talking to all parties involved, there is a consensus that people want to see a clean campaign this time around. Everyone also agrees, generally speaking, that the moment someone fires the first salvo of grapeshot, the race will get very nasty in a hurry. Let us hope this does not come to fruition.
-CPAC will be back and better than ever, no doubt with many an open bar (this is a CRNC election year after all). Besides the three-ring circus that is the CRNC, there is another important race: the one to be the GOP candidate for President in 2008. There will be no shortage of fireworks, and if we at Red State Rampage see checks being tossed about in turn for support, we may just incite a riot or three.
-Campus activists everywhere are salivating at the prospects of the incoming Donkey-dominated Congress. As the Clinton's were to high comedy, so shall this Congress be to galvanizing conservative activists.
There will be plenty more news and commentary posted in the coming week, as well as our interview with incoming Virginia CR Chairman Jarrett Ray, so be sure to stay tuned. And whether it offends you or not, please consider this my personal wish to you to have a Merry Christmas!
-Nothing is certain. Nothing at all. Remember this, above all, in the coming weeks. Those who you think may be running for higher office may not be doing so at all in the end, and those who you thought were sitting this one out may wind up on a ticket after all. There is much fluidity in this race right now.
-No one is talking about Charlie Smith's meeting with Michael Davidson, at least publicly or on the record. Just my own observation here: if the meeting had went extremely well (i.e. an endorsement or an agreement of any nature at all) you would be hearing about it. It is very funny to me, though, that two years removed from the last National Chairman campaign, it is the defeated candidate who means more to this race than the one who got elected. This may go a long way toward my personal theory that the past election was not actually won, but Paul Gourley merely survived it.
-No one is releasing any new supporters at this point, but this does not mean there are no discussions taking place. The 15 odd chairmen who have not chosen sides are all holding out, and all are doing so for their own separate reasons.
-Neither of the sides in this fight will keep all of the states who have endorsed them. There will be battles to succeed a great many state chairmen, and there will surely be casualties. Do not be surprised at all to see a couple of sitting state chairs knocked off in re-election bids, but it will not be related to the national campaign. When you do not do the job you were elected to do, people will look elsewhere for leadership.
-There is a growing list of state chairmen not seeking re-election, and a couple of chairmen who are already stepping aside. Aside from Andrew Lamar (Virginia) recently completing his term, Missouri's Justin Smith has resigned due to graduation. Michigan's Dan Carlson, Arkansas' John Burris, and Colorado's Charlie Smith are all planning to call this term their last as well. At least one state chairman whom is definitely running for re-election is Florida's Scott Wacholtz, and many others will definitely be making decisions on that matter at hand very soon.
-There is a growing realization by the CRNC Executive Board that a mistake was made last spring in not recruiting friendly candidates in enough states. Do not be surprised if there is a complete reversal of this strategy come 2007. For the record, outside meddling in states is completely uncalled for, but it happens. Some may even deem it necessary. Be assured, that if Gourley and Co. come knocking in your state, the opposition will follow along like a pack of hungry dogs, and vice versa.
-From talking to all parties involved, there is a consensus that people want to see a clean campaign this time around. Everyone also agrees, generally speaking, that the moment someone fires the first salvo of grapeshot, the race will get very nasty in a hurry. Let us hope this does not come to fruition.
-CPAC will be back and better than ever, no doubt with many an open bar (this is a CRNC election year after all). Besides the three-ring circus that is the CRNC, there is another important race: the one to be the GOP candidate for President in 2008. There will be no shortage of fireworks, and if we at Red State Rampage see checks being tossed about in turn for support, we may just incite a riot or three.
-Campus activists everywhere are salivating at the prospects of the incoming Donkey-dominated Congress. As the Clinton's were to high comedy, so shall this Congress be to galvanizing conservative activists.
There will be plenty more news and commentary posted in the coming week, as well as our interview with incoming Virginia CR Chairman Jarrett Ray, so be sure to stay tuned. And whether it offends you or not, please consider this my personal wish to you to have a Merry Christmas!
Real Reform makes it a Burke's Dozen
Real Reform added the endorsement today of Wisconsin Federation of College Republicans Chairman Mary Ellen Burke, bringing the total number of state chairman signed onto the platform to thirteen. Here is the statement Burke released in her endorsement:
"I support Real Reform because we need a federation based on ideas and not bureaucracy."
"I support Real Reform because we need a federation based on ideas and not bureaucracy."
Rant #2: Why the GOP lost Ohio
While I am on a good roll (and my head is still on the verge of exploding) I am going to tackle a topic that I have not covered yet on Red State Rampage: why the Republicans lost elections in Ohio. Can everyone stop blaming the right-wing nutjobs or the RINOs or the religious right for one freaking second? All three groups share some of the blame for Republicans losing, because THEY ARE ALL DAMN REPUBLICANS! The Religious Right did not turn out to volunteer like they were promised, a lot of the RINOs did not vote or support GOP candidates in this cycle, and the right-wing nutjobs, well they were simply along for the ride. Bob Taft and Tom Noe and Bob Ney did not all conspire to lose the election for us, as ridiculous and malignant as their actions may have been. Yes, that hurt, but where were Ohio Republicans calling on Taft to resign after his guilty plea (or his 6% approval rating)? Where were they in the two years that the Ney investigation was going on (because you don't all of a sudden become guilty at the tail end of an investigation)? Bob Bennett did not solely lose the election; the Ohio GOP actually did quite a phenomenal job considering the circumstances. College Republicans did not lose the election by not giving 24 hours a day; to count on a 24/7 commitment from college kids is ridiculous to expect in the first place (can someone tell campaign staffers this?). We did not lose because of terrible candidates; if this were true then Sandy O'Brien would not have received roughly the same number of votes as the rest of the ticket. We did not lose because of the Iraq War, because if this were true, we would have lost more Congressional seats than one.
No, Republicans lost for one simple reason: we continually have campaigned as conservatives and governed as, well, whatever the heck we feel like doing. Sure, everything else played a role, but people were absolutely sick of being two-faced. More than anything, voters want results, and they are going to go with whomever it is that they think will get them results. And, when it comes to results, the GOP has not exactly delivered in Ohio. How do you get the 3rd highest tax burden in the nation with 16 years of fiscal conservatism? It doesn't exactly add up, now does it?
What amazes me is that it took this long to get the GOP thrown out for making promises they never kept. I guess that this can be chalked up to the continuing naivete of voters who do not trust politicians one iota, until it comes to election time when they believe all of the baloney they are being spoon-fed. I know that the majority of our elected GOPers in the General Assembly are not crappy lawmakers; simply look at what has been accomplished by them in the last month alone. Voters lit a fire under their collective ass and things are getting done!
So where do we go from here? Well, that is another topic for another post, one not so full of piss and vinegar. But, rest assured, it is coming soon.
No, Republicans lost for one simple reason: we continually have campaigned as conservatives and governed as, well, whatever the heck we feel like doing. Sure, everything else played a role, but people were absolutely sick of being two-faced. More than anything, voters want results, and they are going to go with whomever it is that they think will get them results. And, when it comes to results, the GOP has not exactly delivered in Ohio. How do you get the 3rd highest tax burden in the nation with 16 years of fiscal conservatism? It doesn't exactly add up, now does it?
What amazes me is that it took this long to get the GOP thrown out for making promises they never kept. I guess that this can be chalked up to the continuing naivete of voters who do not trust politicians one iota, until it comes to election time when they believe all of the baloney they are being spoon-fed. I know that the majority of our elected GOPers in the General Assembly are not crappy lawmakers; simply look at what has been accomplished by them in the last month alone. Voters lit a fire under their collective ass and things are getting done!
So where do we go from here? Well, that is another topic for another post, one not so full of piss and vinegar. But, rest assured, it is coming soon.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Editorial: Going McCain
(This is the first official rant posted here at Red State Rampage. For your definition purposes, a rant is when I get so fired up about something that my head teeters on the verge of explosion, and I forget all logical line of argument and begin to randomly curse. Enjoy!)
The latest phenomenon within College Republicans has been to endorse John McCain for President. Excuse me, I meant to say, join Straight Talk America and praise McCain endlessly. It has all of the benefits and requirements of an actual endorsement, but you apparently can go back to your fellow College Republicans and say that you have not actually sold your soul to him yet. We now have four state chairmen who have "gone McCain" in the last couple of months, and there will undoubtedly be more to follow on the heels of Dan Carlson, Michael Miltenberger, Vic Bailey, and Blake Harris, along with the vast majority of their state CR leadership.
I have many problems with endorsing in a primary, so let me get right down to it here. First of all, in South Carolina (and this was the only blatant case), CR chapters were given $1000 checks upon signing up for Straight Talk. No one has answered a damn question about why they took the money and what is expected in return. For anyone who has ever done any fundraising, you will know that there are always strings attached to money. Always. Paying off a volunteer organization for their support is just not kosher in my opinion.
Secondly, these College Republicans have stated that their organizations are not making any endorsement, yet they are using the organization names and their elected titles to give weight to the pledge. This is absolutely ludicrous to see take place. If the organization is not backing the guy, then leave the damn titles out of it.
This primary election is still a full year away, so what effect is your pithy little endorsement going to have in the end anyway? If you want a job with John McCain, go and ask for one damnit! John McCain still is going to be hiring staffers by the boatloads, so your endorsement is not going to magically give you a job that is not readily available to someone else who did not endorse him. Contact the campaign, tell them that you are interested in helping the guy out, and do it like all of the other rank and file CRs have to do!
Come next fall, and then in the spring, I better not see any of your freaking states working solely for McCain unless your ENTIRE state fed has decided to do so. There had better be no exclusion of Rudy, Mitt, Sam, or Newt from recruiting their own CR volunteers because you got a cute little title or a nice check from Mr. McCain. We need this primary as a party more now than ever, and you had better not work behind the scenes to exclude the other candidates. So help me, if I find out about this, I will personally call you out and wreak a Sherman-esque path of destruction in my wake.
And by the way, to the gentleman from Massachusetts: how exactly do you have the audacity to form a one-man committee? How exactly does that work? Now I am going to go duct-tape the fragments of my skull back together and try to prevent another coronary from coming on! Damnit!
The latest phenomenon within College Republicans has been to endorse John McCain for President. Excuse me, I meant to say, join Straight Talk America and praise McCain endlessly. It has all of the benefits and requirements of an actual endorsement, but you apparently can go back to your fellow College Republicans and say that you have not actually sold your soul to him yet. We now have four state chairmen who have "gone McCain" in the last couple of months, and there will undoubtedly be more to follow on the heels of Dan Carlson, Michael Miltenberger, Vic Bailey, and Blake Harris, along with the vast majority of their state CR leadership.
I have many problems with endorsing in a primary, so let me get right down to it here. First of all, in South Carolina (and this was the only blatant case), CR chapters were given $1000 checks upon signing up for Straight Talk. No one has answered a damn question about why they took the money and what is expected in return. For anyone who has ever done any fundraising, you will know that there are always strings attached to money. Always. Paying off a volunteer organization for their support is just not kosher in my opinion.
Secondly, these College Republicans have stated that their organizations are not making any endorsement, yet they are using the organization names and their elected titles to give weight to the pledge. This is absolutely ludicrous to see take place. If the organization is not backing the guy, then leave the damn titles out of it.
This primary election is still a full year away, so what effect is your pithy little endorsement going to have in the end anyway? If you want a job with John McCain, go and ask for one damnit! John McCain still is going to be hiring staffers by the boatloads, so your endorsement is not going to magically give you a job that is not readily available to someone else who did not endorse him. Contact the campaign, tell them that you are interested in helping the guy out, and do it like all of the other rank and file CRs have to do!
Come next fall, and then in the spring, I better not see any of your freaking states working solely for McCain unless your ENTIRE state fed has decided to do so. There had better be no exclusion of Rudy, Mitt, Sam, or Newt from recruiting their own CR volunteers because you got a cute little title or a nice check from Mr. McCain. We need this primary as a party more now than ever, and you had better not work behind the scenes to exclude the other candidates. So help me, if I find out about this, I will personally call you out and wreak a Sherman-esque path of destruction in my wake.
And by the way, to the gentleman from Massachusetts: how exactly do you have the audacity to form a one-man committee? How exactly does that work? Now I am going to go duct-tape the fragments of my skull back together and try to prevent another coronary from coming on! Damnit!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
One Year Anniversary for Carnival of Ohio Politics
This week's edition of the Carnival of Ohio Politics is a special one, as the Carnival is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Along with the normal weekly update of the Ohio blogosphere, this edition includes an archive of sorts linking to highlights of the first year. We here at Red State Rampage are proud to be making a return appearance in the Carnival, and wish that there will be many more anniversaries to celebrate.
Real Reform platform supported by Wyoming's Stevens
Tonight Real Reform released a statement from Wyoming's Jessica Stevens, Chairman of the Wyoming Federation of College Republicans, on her support of reforms within the CRNC. Here is what Stevens had to say:
"I support Real Reform because it brings people together with programs and ideas that improve our organization, our federations, and our chapters."
This brings the total number of state chairmen pledged to support this platform to twelve. In other news, Justin D. Smith, Missouri Federation of College Republicans Chairman, has stepped down in a long-awaited move. Smith is graduating, and since Missouri's Constitution requires that officers be in school, he feels it time to move on. Smith released a letter containing his resignation in it; what follows is an excerpt from the letter:
"Although I could complete my term by enrolling in additional electives, I do not believe it would be right just so that I could keep my title for a few months longer. On top of that, many of you know that I am a vision and goals-oriented person. My goal as chairman was to make the College Republicans effective in the elections, and we made it with flying colors. But now that Election Day is behind us, I am afraid that by remaining I will halt the progress we have made. I do not want to be the reason our organization loses its momentum."
Smith will be succeeded by Vice-Chairman Taylor Burks, who is also a College Republican at Truman State in Missouri. Burks will complete Smith's unfinished term and appoint a new Vice-Chairman to fill his vacancy. It is not clear at this time whether Burks will pursue election to a full term as Chairman, but he would be in school and thus able to serve a full term next year. It is also not clear what role Smith will seek upon leaving his office. We will continue to follow this developing story.
"I support Real Reform because it brings people together with programs and ideas that improve our organization, our federations, and our chapters."
This brings the total number of state chairmen pledged to support this platform to twelve. In other news, Justin D. Smith, Missouri Federation of College Republicans Chairman, has stepped down in a long-awaited move. Smith is graduating, and since Missouri's Constitution requires that officers be in school, he feels it time to move on. Smith released a letter containing his resignation in it; what follows is an excerpt from the letter:
"Although I could complete my term by enrolling in additional electives, I do not believe it would be right just so that I could keep my title for a few months longer. On top of that, many of you know that I am a vision and goals-oriented person. My goal as chairman was to make the College Republicans effective in the elections, and we made it with flying colors. But now that Election Day is behind us, I am afraid that by remaining I will halt the progress we have made. I do not want to be the reason our organization loses its momentum."
Smith will be succeeded by Vice-Chairman Taylor Burks, who is also a College Republican at Truman State in Missouri. Burks will complete Smith's unfinished term and appoint a new Vice-Chairman to fill his vacancy. It is not clear at this time whether Burks will pursue election to a full term as Chairman, but he would be in school and thus able to serve a full term next year. It is also not clear what role Smith will seek upon leaving his office. We will continue to follow this developing story.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
BREAKING: Texas' Eliza Vielma NOT Endorsing Siler/Ludeman
Headlines were made yesterday when Real Reform released Texas Federation of College Republicans Chairman Eliza Vielma as a supporter of Real Reform on their website. Truth Caucus then went on to make headlines with the news, coming just a day after Vielma was listed by Charlie Smith as someone who was answering his challenge to pursue honest reforms. Keen observers made light of the fact that Vielma's statement on Real Reform was the only one not mentioning support of Brian Siler and Brent Ludeman. Controversy has swirled since that point as to whose camp Vielma is in, and we contacted the Texas Chairman to speak on the matter. Here is the statement that Vielma has issued regarding the matter:
"Yesterday, a statement from myself appeared on the website for Real Reform that was cast as an endorsement of Brian Siler and Brent Ludeman's platform of reform for the CRNC. I would like to state unequivocally that I am not endorsing anyone as a candidate at this point, because I want to see more than simple calls for reform. College Republicans, myself included, want tangible plans that will translate into successful results for our organization. My support will go to whomever is able to do this. I, as well as my fellow College Republicans nationwide, want to see more than rhetoric. I will stand behind whomever is truly committed to getting results for the College Republican National Committee."
No one associated with either Real Reform or Charlie Smith were available for comment at this time. We will continue to follow this developing story, as it unfolds.
"Yesterday, a statement from myself appeared on the website for Real Reform that was cast as an endorsement of Brian Siler and Brent Ludeman's platform of reform for the CRNC. I would like to state unequivocally that I am not endorsing anyone as a candidate at this point, because I want to see more than simple calls for reform. College Republicans, myself included, want tangible plans that will translate into successful results for our organization. My support will go to whomever is able to do this. I, as well as my fellow College Republicans nationwide, want to see more than rhetoric. I will stand behind whomever is truly committed to getting results for the College Republican National Committee."
No one associated with either Real Reform or Charlie Smith were available for comment at this time. We will continue to follow this developing story, as it unfolds.
Newsmakers: Morgan Brooke Wilkins
Morgan Wilkins is a College Republican and conservative activist from Kentucky, and the first subject here at Red State Rampage in what will be a weekly series of interviews. I am very excited, not only about this interview, but the three others that are coming over the next few weeks. Without further ado, on to the questions:
Red State Rampage: I have to ask first about your recent trip to London and your meeting with Margaret Thatcher at the International Young Democrat Union Conference. How did you get involved with the IYDU, and do you think that College Republicans should maintain an active role in it?
Morgan Wilkins: Although it probably goes with out saying, my trip to London is an experience I will never forget. As a young woman in politics Margaret Thatcher is my icon. If I can only possess a fraction of her strength then I will be satisfied. I also met with David Cameron who is rumored as possibly the next PM. However, to answer your question, I became involved with IYDU through the Leadership Institute. LI is probably connected to every young conservative organization in the world. Yes, I most definitely think that the College Republicans should maintain an active role in the IYDU. We are one of, if not the most established and well organized conservative youth organizations in the world. We deserve and should always want a big seat at the IYDU table.
RSR: There has to be a follow-up to that, because I know that Eric Hoplin, former CRNC Chairman, was in attendance at the conference. Were you able to talk with Chairman Hoplin, and, if so, how did that go?
MW: I did talk to Eric, quite a bit actually. As soon as we shook hands for the first time Eric could tell I was a little unsure of how he would react to me. He reassured me by saying, "I made a rule a long time ago not to judge people until I meet them." I told him that was a very good rule. IT IS A VERY GOOD RULE. We talked through out the whole conference about a lot of things. He even gave me his advice on the state chair race in KY. When the conference was over and everyone was saying his or her goodbyes, Eric told me that if I ever need help with anything to let him know and he will do what he can to help me. I was a little taken back by his kindness and asked him if he REALLY meant that. He just reminded me of his rule not to judge people until he meets them and he said that meeting me was a wonderful experience. I would have to say the same about meeting him. I was pleased to see him re-elected as IYDU Vice-President.
RSR: Speaking of the CRNC, that is kind of your claim to fame. Three good months removed from that whole fiasco, would you do it all over again? Is there anything that you would change in how you approached your work?
MW: Yes, I would do it all over again. I made some life long friends during my time in Michigan. Chairman Carlson was great. Even when it could have hurt his reputation he still had my back during the whole fiasco. That means a lot in this field. Also, I believe that you learn much more from hardships than you do victories and my experience with the CRNC turned out to be nothing but a launch pad for me. Although, I will admit, it may have been a bad idea to create a facebook group claiming to "Make out with anyone who can get me 10 GOTV volunteers." I might have to renege on that statement. For the record, I will not make out with you if you get 10 GOTV volunteers. Unless maybe you are Chairman Charlie Smith, that boy's not bad looking.
RSR: Campus activism is a big part of College Republicans, and this obviously causes problems between CRs and other elements of the party apparatus. The event that you had planned, "Catch an Illegal Immigrant", is one that has been replicated across the country by other groups. Why do you think your situation became the one everyone zeroed in on? What made it so newsworthy and prominent?
MW: Great question. I have wondered this myself. My best guess is b/c the media misreported and wrote that I was employed by the RNC. When you drop that C off of CRNC it makes a big difference.
RSR: If you were in Paul Gourley's position, would you have fired Morgan Wilkins? In your opinion was his action justified?
MW: Ouch, tough question! Let me first say that your question may be better phrased, "If you were Amanda Hydro would you have fired Morgan Wilkins?" I am not sure if Paul had much say in the decision. And my answer is, I don't know. I really don't know. They were faced with a tough decision during a heated election year. I can't say with certainty if I would have fired me or not.
RSR: What lessons have you learned from your work with the CRNC and, later, the Leadership Institute? What have you brought away from that work that will guide you down the road?
MW: I learned that you have to take a hold of your own future and you can never, ever let other people shape your opinion of yourself. I also learned that conservative politics is where I want to be for quite some time.
RSR: Even though you have taken your fair share of heat and criticism, as well as praise, within the conservative movement, what motivates you to continue your involvement in it? Do you think that conservatism is still a philosophy that has a place in the Republican Party?
MW: I continue fighting for the conservative cause because my conscience wouldn't allow me to do otherwise. Liberal professors, media, and even politicians are deceiving young people and feeding them false information. As young conservatives we have the right philosophy we just have to make our voices heard on college campuses before it is too late. However, like you mentioned in your question, the really scary thing is that conservatism is holding less and less of a place even in the Republican Party. If the Republican Party doesn't return back to its conservative roots I think it will suffer.
RSR: For those who may not know, you have quite the personal story. Has everything that you have been through at such a young age helped you to become who you are today? What would you say to others in the same sort of situation that you once found yourself in?
MW: I am so happy you asked this. I don't have the typical College Republican past and I am thankful for that. It has made me strong. Statistically I should be on the streets but I have overcome a lot. I have been blessed enough to have an amazing family whom have helped me tremendously.
To any young person in the same situations I was in I would tell them first to go to church and then go to school. With faith and an education you will have the confidence to accomplish anything.
RSR: You have been a rumored candidate for Chairman of the Kentucky Federation of College Republicans. I am not asking for an announcement of any sort, but what are the top two priorities you would like to see KFCR engage in?
MW: You're right. I have tossed around the idea of State Chairman. However, the current officers are some of my best friends and are doing a commendable job right now. I would love to see KY more recognized nationally and I think we are on that path. I would love to see the KFCR more accessible and useful to the chapters. I would love to see the KFCR more advanced technologically. I also think there is a lot we could learn from other federations about fundraising. Our neighbors to the North in Ohio are excellent fundraisers and I would love to take some lessons from them. Nonetheless I am confident that together we are all up to these tasks.
RSR: After your time at the CRNC, you worked as well for the Leadership Institute. What was the biggest difference between LI and the CRNC, and is one group more effective than the other on college campuses right now?
MW: The biggest difference between the two is that the CRNC focuses on getting Republicans elected while LI focuses purely on expanding the conservative movement. LI has no party affiliation. Another difference is that LI pays their employees on time! I'm sorry, that was a low blow. It is hard to say if one group is more effective than the other since they play different roles. I would argue that their effectiveness is equal.
RSR: The Leadership Institute has also been through quite a bit of staff turnover and turmoil in the past few months. You have had a first hand view of the situation at LI, so do you think the organization has any serious problems or issues to address internally?
MW: It is funny that you ask this because in the office our nickname for LI is "Survivor" because we never know who was going to get cut this week. In my opinion, this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
RSR: Thank you very much for your candor and openness in answering these questions; best of luck to you in whatever it is you do in the future.
Red State Rampage: I have to ask first about your recent trip to London and your meeting with Margaret Thatcher at the International Young Democrat Union Conference. How did you get involved with the IYDU, and do you think that College Republicans should maintain an active role in it?
Morgan Wilkins: Although it probably goes with out saying, my trip to London is an experience I will never forget. As a young woman in politics Margaret Thatcher is my icon. If I can only possess a fraction of her strength then I will be satisfied. I also met with David Cameron who is rumored as possibly the next PM. However, to answer your question, I became involved with IYDU through the Leadership Institute. LI is probably connected to every young conservative organization in the world. Yes, I most definitely think that the College Republicans should maintain an active role in the IYDU. We are one of, if not the most established and well organized conservative youth organizations in the world. We deserve and should always want a big seat at the IYDU table.
RSR: There has to be a follow-up to that, because I know that Eric Hoplin, former CRNC Chairman, was in attendance at the conference. Were you able to talk with Chairman Hoplin, and, if so, how did that go?
MW: I did talk to Eric, quite a bit actually. As soon as we shook hands for the first time Eric could tell I was a little unsure of how he would react to me. He reassured me by saying, "I made a rule a long time ago not to judge people until I meet them." I told him that was a very good rule. IT IS A VERY GOOD RULE. We talked through out the whole conference about a lot of things. He even gave me his advice on the state chair race in KY. When the conference was over and everyone was saying his or her goodbyes, Eric told me that if I ever need help with anything to let him know and he will do what he can to help me. I was a little taken back by his kindness and asked him if he REALLY meant that. He just reminded me of his rule not to judge people until he meets them and he said that meeting me was a wonderful experience. I would have to say the same about meeting him. I was pleased to see him re-elected as IYDU Vice-President.
RSR: Speaking of the CRNC, that is kind of your claim to fame. Three good months removed from that whole fiasco, would you do it all over again? Is there anything that you would change in how you approached your work?
MW: Yes, I would do it all over again. I made some life long friends during my time in Michigan. Chairman Carlson was great. Even when it could have hurt his reputation he still had my back during the whole fiasco. That means a lot in this field. Also, I believe that you learn much more from hardships than you do victories and my experience with the CRNC turned out to be nothing but a launch pad for me. Although, I will admit, it may have been a bad idea to create a facebook group claiming to "Make out with anyone who can get me 10 GOTV volunteers." I might have to renege on that statement. For the record, I will not make out with you if you get 10 GOTV volunteers. Unless maybe you are Chairman Charlie Smith, that boy's not bad looking.
RSR: Campus activism is a big part of College Republicans, and this obviously causes problems between CRs and other elements of the party apparatus. The event that you had planned, "Catch an Illegal Immigrant", is one that has been replicated across the country by other groups. Why do you think your situation became the one everyone zeroed in on? What made it so newsworthy and prominent?
MW: Great question. I have wondered this myself. My best guess is b/c the media misreported and wrote that I was employed by the RNC. When you drop that C off of CRNC it makes a big difference.
RSR: If you were in Paul Gourley's position, would you have fired Morgan Wilkins? In your opinion was his action justified?
MW: Ouch, tough question! Let me first say that your question may be better phrased, "If you were Amanda Hydro would you have fired Morgan Wilkins?" I am not sure if Paul had much say in the decision. And my answer is, I don't know. I really don't know. They were faced with a tough decision during a heated election year. I can't say with certainty if I would have fired me or not.
RSR: What lessons have you learned from your work with the CRNC and, later, the Leadership Institute? What have you brought away from that work that will guide you down the road?
MW: I learned that you have to take a hold of your own future and you can never, ever let other people shape your opinion of yourself. I also learned that conservative politics is where I want to be for quite some time.
RSR: Even though you have taken your fair share of heat and criticism, as well as praise, within the conservative movement, what motivates you to continue your involvement in it? Do you think that conservatism is still a philosophy that has a place in the Republican Party?
MW: I continue fighting for the conservative cause because my conscience wouldn't allow me to do otherwise. Liberal professors, media, and even politicians are deceiving young people and feeding them false information. As young conservatives we have the right philosophy we just have to make our voices heard on college campuses before it is too late. However, like you mentioned in your question, the really scary thing is that conservatism is holding less and less of a place even in the Republican Party. If the Republican Party doesn't return back to its conservative roots I think it will suffer.
RSR: For those who may not know, you have quite the personal story. Has everything that you have been through at such a young age helped you to become who you are today? What would you say to others in the same sort of situation that you once found yourself in?
MW: I am so happy you asked this. I don't have the typical College Republican past and I am thankful for that. It has made me strong. Statistically I should be on the streets but I have overcome a lot. I have been blessed enough to have an amazing family whom have helped me tremendously.
To any young person in the same situations I was in I would tell them first to go to church and then go to school. With faith and an education you will have the confidence to accomplish anything.
RSR: You have been a rumored candidate for Chairman of the Kentucky Federation of College Republicans. I am not asking for an announcement of any sort, but what are the top two priorities you would like to see KFCR engage in?
MW: You're right. I have tossed around the idea of State Chairman. However, the current officers are some of my best friends and are doing a commendable job right now. I would love to see KY more recognized nationally and I think we are on that path. I would love to see the KFCR more accessible and useful to the chapters. I would love to see the KFCR more advanced technologically. I also think there is a lot we could learn from other federations about fundraising. Our neighbors to the North in Ohio are excellent fundraisers and I would love to take some lessons from them. Nonetheless I am confident that together we are all up to these tasks.
RSR: After your time at the CRNC, you worked as well for the Leadership Institute. What was the biggest difference between LI and the CRNC, and is one group more effective than the other on college campuses right now?
MW: The biggest difference between the two is that the CRNC focuses on getting Republicans elected while LI focuses purely on expanding the conservative movement. LI has no party affiliation. Another difference is that LI pays their employees on time! I'm sorry, that was a low blow. It is hard to say if one group is more effective than the other since they play different roles. I would argue that their effectiveness is equal.
RSR: The Leadership Institute has also been through quite a bit of staff turnover and turmoil in the past few months. You have had a first hand view of the situation at LI, so do you think the organization has any serious problems or issues to address internally?
MW: It is funny that you ask this because in the office our nickname for LI is "Survivor" because we never know who was going to get cut this week. In my opinion, this is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.
RSR: Thank you very much for your candor and openness in answering these questions; best of luck to you in whatever it is you do in the future.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Drawing the Battle Lines
(UPDATED 12.15.06 @ 11:00 PM)
(UPDATED 12.12.06 @ 11:30 PM)
(UPDATED 12.11.06 @ 5:30 PM)
Charlie Smith struck back in a big way on Sunday evening, releasing the names of twenty state chairmen that have "accepted my challenge to work towards thorough, honest reform". For the record, I love it that we are now arguing over who supports "Real Reform" and who supports "Honest Reform". It is good to see that 31 state chairmen in sum, and counting, have now gone on record as supporting reform in some form. I guess this is what we get in a horseless race, though. Here are the names, first for Real Reform, and then for Honest Reform (Eliza Vielma of TX is supporting both declarations at this point; clarification on this forthcoming):
Real Reform (Siler/Ludeman):
Brian Westad-Alaska
John Burris-Arkansas
Scott Wacholtz-Florida
Robert Kaufmann-Iowa
Justin Smith-Missouri
Will Selph-Montana
Frank Luna-New Jersey
Jon Thompson-North Carolina
Brian Siler-Ohio
Eliza Vielma-Texas
Brian Dayton-West Virginia
Brent Ludeman-Washington
Mary Ellen Burke-Wisconsin
Jessica Stevens-Wyoming
Honest Reform (Smith):
Blake Harris-Alabama
Troy Hyde-Arizona
Charlie Smith-Colorado
Sarah Armstrong-Connecticut
Chris Dempsey-Georgia
Eric Bussis-Indiana
Kelli Sparks-Kansas
Nate Walton-Maine
Michael Miltenberger-Massachusetts
Dan Carlson-Michigan
Tyler Sunderman-Minnesota
Scott Strain-Nebraska
George Higgins-Nevada
Michael Patlan-Oklahoma
John Swanson-Oregon
Nick Miccarelli-Pennsylvania
Lindsay Moffett-Tennessee
Eliza Vielma-Texas
Zach Howell-Utah
Zach Elmore-Vermont
Mike Keough-Washington, D.C.
(UPDATED 12.12.06 @ 11:30 PM)
(UPDATED 12.11.06 @ 5:30 PM)
Charlie Smith struck back in a big way on Sunday evening, releasing the names of twenty state chairmen that have "accepted my challenge to work towards thorough, honest reform". For the record, I love it that we are now arguing over who supports "Real Reform" and who supports "Honest Reform". It is good to see that 31 state chairmen in sum, and counting, have now gone on record as supporting reform in some form. I guess this is what we get in a horseless race, though. Here are the names, first for Real Reform, and then for Honest Reform (Eliza Vielma of TX is supporting both declarations at this point; clarification on this forthcoming):
Real Reform (Siler/Ludeman):
Brian Westad-Alaska
John Burris-Arkansas
Scott Wacholtz-Florida
Robert Kaufmann-Iowa
Justin Smith-Missouri
Will Selph-Montana
Frank Luna-New Jersey
Jon Thompson-North Carolina
Brian Siler-Ohio
Eliza Vielma-Texas
Brian Dayton-West Virginia
Brent Ludeman-Washington
Mary Ellen Burke-Wisconsin
Jessica Stevens-Wyoming
Honest Reform (Smith):
Blake Harris-Alabama
Troy Hyde-Arizona
Charlie Smith-Colorado
Sarah Armstrong-Connecticut
Chris Dempsey-Georgia
Eric Bussis-Indiana
Kelli Sparks-Kansas
Nate Walton-Maine
Michael Miltenberger-Massachusetts
Dan Carlson-Michigan
Tyler Sunderman-Minnesota
Scott Strain-Nebraska
George Higgins-Nevada
Michael Patlan-Oklahoma
John Swanson-Oregon
Nick Miccarelli-Pennsylvania
Lindsay Moffett-Tennessee
Eliza Vielma-Texas
Zach Howell-Utah
Zach Elmore-Vermont
Mike Keough-Washington, D.C.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Through the Cracks: The stories I couldn't fit in of the week past
Every week there are so many stories in the news that I read and think need to be included here on Red State Rampage, but I just cannot ever fit them all in. This is the first installment of what will become a regular feature here at RSR as I attempt to bring a little more structure to the blog. For your information, we will be getting back to posting a Weekend Wrapup on Mondays, Ohio Politics Roundup twice a week (or more depending on the volume of news), and beginning a new weekly series of interviews with young conservative figures. There will also be at least weekly updates on the Presidential primaries and the CRNC elections, and a weekly column on some issue within sports. And, as always, the news comes first, so amidst it all, the news of the day will be right here at Red State Rampage. So, without further ado, on to the stories that slipped through the cracks:
-Ann Coulter's column from the day after the election (November 8) on why there are no accusations of voter fraud when the Democrats win is a piece I have been meaning to mention for some time now. She makes a very good point here, though, in saying that no one in the media is calling for the destruction of Diebold after Democrats are victorious. Apparently, the voters always want Democrats to win and represent them, so when a Republican is elected, something must be wrong with the machines. She also points out that the sixth-year pickup for the Dems is historically low when compared to other such situations, as they have not even picked up 40 seats in the Congress.
-Great news on the continuing Hurricane Katrina relief efforts: the government has been able to collectively enrich some of the 'victims' to the tune of $1 billion (yes, billion with a 'b'). And that is just the $1 billion worth of fraud that has been found so far! And then on Page 2 of the article comes this news to brighten your day:
"A U.S. judge last month ordered the Bush administration to resume aid payments for housing after FEMA cut the assistance off citing an insufficient explanation. ACORN, a community organization that filed a challenge, said the payments would help 11,000 families in Texas and Louisiana."
Maybe it makes me a cold-hearted hatemonger, but are a full fourteen months not enough to find a job somewhere and pay rent? You lived in New Orleans, and the culture may be wonderful, but the city sits below water! It is not like you lived on the top of Mount Everest and got flooded out; you were below sea level! Take some responsibility for yourself, quit taking the free handouts, and support yourself like the rest of America does! What I want to see is how long these people keep holding their palms out, expecting for the government to pay their bills. Although, when you have a generation living on welfare, I guess we should not be surprised at all. Allow me to go take a quick 5 minute break to slow the bleeding from the blood vessel that just burst out of my head.
-No one has been named to fill the departing John Bolton's post as US Ambassador to the United Nations, but add another name to the list of rumored replacements. Lincoln Chafee and Mike DeWine both lost their re-election bids to the US Senate, and both have garnered mention as possibilities. The new name is also a former Senator, currently doing a bang-up job as Chief Witchhunter for Major League Baseball, George Mitchell of Maine. For the record, none of these three would be great, but DeWine would be the better option if these were the only three candidates. Chafee would be terrible, on account of his complete disregard for solid US foreign policy. Picking the next Ambassador from these clowns is akin to picking Miss America at a fat farm.
-ABC's Brian Ross is a sad excuse for a hard-nosed investigative reporter, but he actually did a decent job in rooting out Chelsea Clinton's likely future father-in-law and his involvement in those ridiculous African fortune scam e-mails. This guy, Ed Mezvinsky, and his wife, Marjorie Margolies, are both former Democratic Congressmen, and dear old Ed should fit right in with the Clinton clan (I hear you have to at least commit a third-degree felony for full acceptance into the family). Word is that he made several trips to Africa to pick up shipments of "Black Money" (essentially black paper worth nothing), and was duped into buying a special dye remover to turn the bills back into usable currency. What a genius! One can only wonder why this story has gotten zero attention from the drive-by media types, and how big of a story it would be if it were a Republican. I bet if Ed were of the GOP, President Bush probably would be subject to impeachment for simply having the same (R) beside his name.
-This woman is in a bit of hot water for keeping three fetuses in her freezer at home. Apparently there is something wrong with keeping them in deep freeze, but when you throw them out back in the dumpster (a la abortion clinics) it is completely acceptable. What kills me (no pun intended) is that we have laws like Lacy's Law, making it a murder offense to take the life of a pregnant mother and her unborn child, yet we accept abortion on demand as a necessary right. Incredible.
-Alec Baldwin, renowned expert on US foreign policy, thinks that the solution to all of our problems is to disband the CIA. Right, Alec. Hey, I hear they are looking for a UN Ambassador; how about we nominate Alec Baldwin? Speaking of stars who are out of their element, George Clooney is being recruited by Democrats in Kentucky to return home and challenge Mitch McConnell, the current Republican Senator. Hey, if it keeps him from making crappy movies for a couple of years, I am all for it!
-Ann Coulter's column from the day after the election (November 8) on why there are no accusations of voter fraud when the Democrats win is a piece I have been meaning to mention for some time now. She makes a very good point here, though, in saying that no one in the media is calling for the destruction of Diebold after Democrats are victorious. Apparently, the voters always want Democrats to win and represent them, so when a Republican is elected, something must be wrong with the machines. She also points out that the sixth-year pickup for the Dems is historically low when compared to other such situations, as they have not even picked up 40 seats in the Congress.
-Great news on the continuing Hurricane Katrina relief efforts: the government has been able to collectively enrich some of the 'victims' to the tune of $1 billion (yes, billion with a 'b'). And that is just the $1 billion worth of fraud that has been found so far! And then on Page 2 of the article comes this news to brighten your day:
"A U.S. judge last month ordered the Bush administration to resume aid payments for housing after FEMA cut the assistance off citing an insufficient explanation. ACORN, a community organization that filed a challenge, said the payments would help 11,000 families in Texas and Louisiana."
Maybe it makes me a cold-hearted hatemonger, but are a full fourteen months not enough to find a job somewhere and pay rent? You lived in New Orleans, and the culture may be wonderful, but the city sits below water! It is not like you lived on the top of Mount Everest and got flooded out; you were below sea level! Take some responsibility for yourself, quit taking the free handouts, and support yourself like the rest of America does! What I want to see is how long these people keep holding their palms out, expecting for the government to pay their bills. Although, when you have a generation living on welfare, I guess we should not be surprised at all. Allow me to go take a quick 5 minute break to slow the bleeding from the blood vessel that just burst out of my head.
-No one has been named to fill the departing John Bolton's post as US Ambassador to the United Nations, but add another name to the list of rumored replacements. Lincoln Chafee and Mike DeWine both lost their re-election bids to the US Senate, and both have garnered mention as possibilities. The new name is also a former Senator, currently doing a bang-up job as Chief Witchhunter for Major League Baseball, George Mitchell of Maine. For the record, none of these three would be great, but DeWine would be the better option if these were the only three candidates. Chafee would be terrible, on account of his complete disregard for solid US foreign policy. Picking the next Ambassador from these clowns is akin to picking Miss America at a fat farm.
-ABC's Brian Ross is a sad excuse for a hard-nosed investigative reporter, but he actually did a decent job in rooting out Chelsea Clinton's likely future father-in-law and his involvement in those ridiculous African fortune scam e-mails. This guy, Ed Mezvinsky, and his wife, Marjorie Margolies, are both former Democratic Congressmen, and dear old Ed should fit right in with the Clinton clan (I hear you have to at least commit a third-degree felony for full acceptance into the family). Word is that he made several trips to Africa to pick up shipments of "Black Money" (essentially black paper worth nothing), and was duped into buying a special dye remover to turn the bills back into usable currency. What a genius! One can only wonder why this story has gotten zero attention from the drive-by media types, and how big of a story it would be if it were a Republican. I bet if Ed were of the GOP, President Bush probably would be subject to impeachment for simply having the same (R) beside his name.
-This woman is in a bit of hot water for keeping three fetuses in her freezer at home. Apparently there is something wrong with keeping them in deep freeze, but when you throw them out back in the dumpster (a la abortion clinics) it is completely acceptable. What kills me (no pun intended) is that we have laws like Lacy's Law, making it a murder offense to take the life of a pregnant mother and her unborn child, yet we accept abortion on demand as a necessary right. Incredible.
-Alec Baldwin, renowned expert on US foreign policy, thinks that the solution to all of our problems is to disband the CIA. Right, Alec. Hey, I hear they are looking for a UN Ambassador; how about we nominate Alec Baldwin? Speaking of stars who are out of their element, George Clooney is being recruited by Democrats in Kentucky to return home and challenge Mitch McConnell, the current Republican Senator. Hey, if it keeps him from making crappy movies for a couple of years, I am all for it!
Wild & Wonderful: West Virginia CRs
While the football sure ain't been bad in West Virginia this fall for the Mountaineers, a completely different group has seen a very impressive season as well. The West Virginia Federation of College Republicans is booming, having expanded from just three chapters last year, to seven at the beginning of the fall, to a whopping 16 federated schools at the present time. WVFCR Chairman Brian Dayton appears to have orchestrated a quite impressive revival of the College Republicans in West Virginia. Chairman Dayton, keep up the good work!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Conroy next in line for Colorado CRs
Sources say that Charlie Smith, widely expected to be a candidate for CRNC Chairman in 2007, will not be running for another term at the helm in Colorado. Chief among the candidates to succeed Smith will be Craig Conroy of Regis University, although nothing is formally declared yet (what is it with Colorado and waiting to declare?). More coming on this soon..
-One note on candidate for Chairman of Michigan Fed. of College Republicans Steve Japinga is that he has launched a Facebook group to support his candidacy. The group has quite a few members (175+), and Japinga has also added to a lengthy list of supporters on the campaign website. He is actively campaigning at campuses around Michigan as well; his ticket includes current MFCR 1st Vice Chairman Ryan Thompson of Hillsdale College as the Co-Chairman candidate. Also, Justin Zatkoff, current MFCR Executive Director, was rumored to be running against Japinga, but it appears now that he is a candidate for Co-Chairman instead. Look for an interview with Japinga forthcoming on Red State Rampage.
-We are working on several other exclusive interviews as well, so stay tuned.
-One note on candidate for Chairman of Michigan Fed. of College Republicans Steve Japinga is that he has launched a Facebook group to support his candidacy. The group has quite a few members (175+), and Japinga has also added to a lengthy list of supporters on the campaign website. He is actively campaigning at campuses around Michigan as well; his ticket includes current MFCR 1st Vice Chairman Ryan Thompson of Hillsdale College as the Co-Chairman candidate. Also, Justin Zatkoff, current MFCR Executive Director, was rumored to be running against Japinga, but it appears now that he is a candidate for Co-Chairman instead. Look for an interview with Japinga forthcoming on Red State Rampage.
-We are working on several other exclusive interviews as well, so stay tuned.
Ludeman and Siler team up for real reform
As I was in the processing of working on a few other things (exclusive interviews that will be up on the site soon), I missed something very important for the CRNC Elections. It appears the reform forces have united, and this honestly caught me by surprise as I thought it would be a few weeks down the road at least. Anyhow, Washington's Brent Ludeman and Ohio's Brian Siler are teaming up to bring real reform to the CRNC. They have a rather in-depth platform on the site, and ironically enough it looks quite a bit like a platform I drew up a few weeks back (it was far too long to put up on here). Anyhow, there is no declaration of formal candidacy, but neither of these guys had quite enough support on their own to win the whole shebang. All in all, this is a good move on both sides, and we will keep you posted on it.
Analysis: Why no one wants to coach at Miami and 'Bama
Much has been made over the last few days about Rich Rodriguez' flirtation with the University of Alabama and their open spot as football coach. This afternoon, news comes that Rodriguez will be staying at West Virginia, albeit for a pay raise. That job is still open, and there is not a top-tier candidate to fill it. Miami last night broke down and hired from within in promoting Defensive Coordinator Larry Shannon, forgoing any premier candidates. Everyone is wondering why no one wants to coach there, and the answer is this: Miami and Alabama are just not premier programs right now, and it will probably take another coach or two at each school to get things turned around.
Is it really that simple? Well, yes, it is. Miami did win a BCS Championship under Larry Coker, but they have fallen far in the three years since. The 'Canes have become a team with a clear lack of discipline, stomping on the logo at Louisville, getting into numerous on-field altercations, and building up a decent rap sheet off it. Sure, I feel sorry for the loss of DT Brian Pata mid-season, and I hope that his killers are found, but let us not allow it to take away from the facts here. When you have no discipline and structure, you just are not going to be a successful football team. It simply does not happen.
The real problem at Miami goes beyond firing a coach and bringing in a new guy to call the shots. Miami's Athletic Dept. is also in bad shape, and their President, Donna Shalala is not exactly doing a great job either. Both of them seem to have been immune from criticism in this whole mess, but they should not be. If Ohio State was guilty of a lack of institutional control a few years back, then Miami most certainly is as well. There needs to be a total house cleaning, not just shifting around the wall ornaments and fluffing the pillows.
So that brings me to ask, will Larry Shannon be successful at Miami? Well, at first glance his defenses at The U have been very successful, and he is certainly familiar with the surroundings, having played and coached there. However, the offense needs a lot of work. Anyone who watched the Hurricanes play this season can attest to a horrid offensive gameplan. Not that ACC defenses are complaining about it, though. Shannon inherits a rather veteran team, with a solid defense, a middling offense, and a veteran QB who has never lived up to expectations. And they have absolutely no receiving talent.
If nothing changes, the 'Canes should win a few more games next season, simply based on experience alone. However, the program will continue to go downhill after that if Shannon fails to instill some character in his squad. This is where I think promoting from within is a bad move; an insider is not prone to upending the apple cart. Shannon is going to have to buck this trend and knock some heads together in Miami. My first move would be to institute a zero-tolerance policy, and proceed to boot the first player who so much as flirts with the line I've drawn off of the team. The animals have to be stopped from running the zoo down there, and that is the bottom line.
And that brings us to the Crimson Tide, who possess a football program in serious decline since Bear Bryant retired. Sure, they won a championship in the 90s, but that was a mere blip on the radar. In the hyper-competitive SEC, 'Bama is just not a team that can contend year in and year out, especially with the emergence again of Arkansas and South Carolina. Last year was their year, and they couldn't get it done. Mike Shula may have gotten canned, but after all of the pressure he was under to win this season, you have to think he is relieved to be gone.
The biggest problem in Alabama right now, and I have heard this echoed by several people, including a couple of former D-I players I know, is that there are far too many boosters who have to have their say on where the program goes in Tuscaloosa (and that it is Tuscaloosa, which means "middle of nowhere" in the original Greek). The boosters running the program is just as bad as the players doing so, and I think the best evidence of this will come about 5 years down the road when the Oklahoma State football program is in ruins. Just because they have some cash does not mean that they should be calling the shots. Until you resolve this situation (or get out of the SEC) there are going to be problems with building a consistent winner there.
Escalating the problems at The U and 'Bama are the emergence of new powerhouse programs like Louisville, West Virginia, and Wake Forest. They are not quite at yearly contender status yet, but there is a group of schools bubbling under the surface, and it is only a matter of time until they boil over. Once upon a time, Miami, Florida State, and Alabama were in the same position, struggling under dominant Army, Navy, and Notre Dame football teams. Now, the tables have turned, and all I have to say is get used to it!
Is it really that simple? Well, yes, it is. Miami did win a BCS Championship under Larry Coker, but they have fallen far in the three years since. The 'Canes have become a team with a clear lack of discipline, stomping on the logo at Louisville, getting into numerous on-field altercations, and building up a decent rap sheet off it. Sure, I feel sorry for the loss of DT Brian Pata mid-season, and I hope that his killers are found, but let us not allow it to take away from the facts here. When you have no discipline and structure, you just are not going to be a successful football team. It simply does not happen.
The real problem at Miami goes beyond firing a coach and bringing in a new guy to call the shots. Miami's Athletic Dept. is also in bad shape, and their President, Donna Shalala is not exactly doing a great job either. Both of them seem to have been immune from criticism in this whole mess, but they should not be. If Ohio State was guilty of a lack of institutional control a few years back, then Miami most certainly is as well. There needs to be a total house cleaning, not just shifting around the wall ornaments and fluffing the pillows.
So that brings me to ask, will Larry Shannon be successful at Miami? Well, at first glance his defenses at The U have been very successful, and he is certainly familiar with the surroundings, having played and coached there. However, the offense needs a lot of work. Anyone who watched the Hurricanes play this season can attest to a horrid offensive gameplan. Not that ACC defenses are complaining about it, though. Shannon inherits a rather veteran team, with a solid defense, a middling offense, and a veteran QB who has never lived up to expectations. And they have absolutely no receiving talent.
If nothing changes, the 'Canes should win a few more games next season, simply based on experience alone. However, the program will continue to go downhill after that if Shannon fails to instill some character in his squad. This is where I think promoting from within is a bad move; an insider is not prone to upending the apple cart. Shannon is going to have to buck this trend and knock some heads together in Miami. My first move would be to institute a zero-tolerance policy, and proceed to boot the first player who so much as flirts with the line I've drawn off of the team. The animals have to be stopped from running the zoo down there, and that is the bottom line.
And that brings us to the Crimson Tide, who possess a football program in serious decline since Bear Bryant retired. Sure, they won a championship in the 90s, but that was a mere blip on the radar. In the hyper-competitive SEC, 'Bama is just not a team that can contend year in and year out, especially with the emergence again of Arkansas and South Carolina. Last year was their year, and they couldn't get it done. Mike Shula may have gotten canned, but after all of the pressure he was under to win this season, you have to think he is relieved to be gone.
The biggest problem in Alabama right now, and I have heard this echoed by several people, including a couple of former D-I players I know, is that there are far too many boosters who have to have their say on where the program goes in Tuscaloosa (and that it is Tuscaloosa, which means "middle of nowhere" in the original Greek). The boosters running the program is just as bad as the players doing so, and I think the best evidence of this will come about 5 years down the road when the Oklahoma State football program is in ruins. Just because they have some cash does not mean that they should be calling the shots. Until you resolve this situation (or get out of the SEC) there are going to be problems with building a consistent winner there.
Escalating the problems at The U and 'Bama are the emergence of new powerhouse programs like Louisville, West Virginia, and Wake Forest. They are not quite at yearly contender status yet, but there is a group of schools bubbling under the surface, and it is only a matter of time until they boil over. Once upon a time, Miami, Florida State, and Alabama were in the same position, struggling under dominant Army, Navy, and Notre Dame football teams. Now, the tables have turned, and all I have to say is get used to it!
Friday Blogosphere Update (or what Matt Naugle is up to)
-Apparently Eric Vessels of Progress Ohio and Buckeye State Blog has challenged Matt Naugle to a boxing match in the name of charity. Naugle, for the uneducated, ran the Blackwell Campaign blog and also runs Right Angle Blog. This made the PD's Openers today, and there are calls for an undercard as well. I would most definitely watch any boxing match that goes down, but why not just make it a royal rumble style match? Now that would be entertaining!
-In other Matt Naugle news, he is now working on the side for Human Events and their own Right Angle Blog. Naugle will be posting daily on the Rightometer at around 11 AM and providing a roundup of right-wing blogger posts. Good luck and congratulations to Matt on this move! I will be adding another link on the sidebar to the Rightometer very soon.
-Finally, voting is open in the 2006 Weblog Awards and will stay open until December 15. You can vote once per day until then; the italicized links are to the actual voting pages. You can see the blogs themselves by clicking on the blog names that are linked below. There are five blogs that I am officially endorsing in these contests, and here they are:
Best Business Blog-BizzyBlog
Best Culture Blog-Tucker Max
Best of Top 1001-1750 Blogs-Willisms Blog
Best of Top 2501-3500 Blogs-VikingSpirit Blog
Best of Top 6751-8750 Blogs-Right Angle Blog
-In other Matt Naugle news, he is now working on the side for Human Events and their own Right Angle Blog. Naugle will be posting daily on the Rightometer at around 11 AM and providing a roundup of right-wing blogger posts. Good luck and congratulations to Matt on this move! I will be adding another link on the sidebar to the Rightometer very soon.
-Finally, voting is open in the 2006 Weblog Awards and will stay open until December 15. You can vote once per day until then; the italicized links are to the actual voting pages. You can see the blogs themselves by clicking on the blog names that are linked below. There are five blogs that I am officially endorsing in these contests, and here they are:
Best Business Blog-BizzyBlog
Best Culture Blog-Tucker Max
Best of Top 1001-1750 Blogs-Willisms Blog
Best of Top 2501-3500 Blogs-VikingSpirit Blog
Best of Top 6751-8750 Blogs-Right Angle Blog
Ohio Roundup for Friday
-Bob Bennett will try to stay on for one last term as Chairman of the Ohio GOP in order to groom a successor. Who that will be is only speculation at this point, but here is to hoping that he does a bit of house cleaning before he goes. All of the Republicans who are affiliated with the ORP and went to publicly support and even financially support Democrat candidates this election cycle should be at least censured, and at most booted out. This would include Brian Hicks, former Chief of Staff to Gov. Bob Taft, who I can remember seeing at one GOP fundraiser back in the spring leaving for the Democratic fundraiser across the hall. Integrity at its best there. All in all, Bennett has done well for the party, and staying on one last term will be a good thing, what with a Presidential Election coming up in 2008.
-US Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) will be the new minority ranking member on the House Small Business Committee. I, for one, am glad to see this move, as Chabot is one of my favorite Congressmen, especially in Ohio. He sticks to his guns, and is very good on fiscal and business matters. The man knows his stuff and will continue to represent his district, and Ohioans, very well.
-The Ohio Senate is gearing up for the override veto vote early next week on the updated Concealed Carry law, one that would strike all local gun laws on the books and implement a statewide standard. This is a great idea, but apparently Bob Taft enjoys living in assault weapons-free Columbus, as he vetoed the bill in one last inept act. The House has already bucked Taft, but the Senate will need to pick up a couple of votes to do the same, as they voted 19-10 to pass the measure originally.
-US Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) will be the new minority ranking member on the House Small Business Committee. I, for one, am glad to see this move, as Chabot is one of my favorite Congressmen, especially in Ohio. He sticks to his guns, and is very good on fiscal and business matters. The man knows his stuff and will continue to represent his district, and Ohioans, very well.
-The Ohio Senate is gearing up for the override veto vote early next week on the updated Concealed Carry law, one that would strike all local gun laws on the books and implement a statewide standard. This is a great idea, but apparently Bob Taft enjoys living in assault weapons-free Columbus, as he vetoed the bill in one last inept act. The House has already bucked Taft, but the Senate will need to pick up a couple of votes to do the same, as they voted 19-10 to pass the measure originally.
Taking lay of the field
Here is an update on what the respective Presidential primary fields look like at this point:
GOP:
John McCain
Mitt Romney
Rudy Giuliani
Tommy Thompson
Sam Brownback
Duncan Hunter
Newt Gingrich
Democrats:
Evan Bayh
Barack Obama
Hillary Clinton
Tom Vilsack
Bill Richardson
John Kerry
John Edwards
Wesley Clark
Dennis Kucinich
Mike Gravel
GOP:
John McCain
Mitt Romney
Rudy Giuliani
Tommy Thompson
Sam Brownback
Duncan Hunter
Newt Gingrich
Democrats:
Evan Bayh
Barack Obama
Hillary Clinton
Tom Vilsack
Bill Richardson
John Kerry
John Edwards
Wesley Clark
Dennis Kucinich
Mike Gravel
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Indians Shoring Up the Pen
Yesterday, the Cleveland Indians inked former Florida Marlins closer Joe Borowski to a one-year deal worth $4 million with a club option on 2008, continuing their quest to improve the bullpen, one of the worst in baseball last season. As I wrote awhile back, the bullpen was one of the areas where improvement was most needed, and if they could simply find pitchers who were even merely awful, improvement would be seen in the win column. Obviously, the Tribe are loaded with offensive talent, and have added two more bats to the lineup since the season ended in OF David Dellucci and 2B Josh Barfield. Along with Borowski, GM Mark Shapiro has brought in RP Roberto Hernandez and RP Aaron Fultz to set up for the closer. As has been rumored in the past few weeks, there is also interest being shown by Cleveland in former Dodgers P Eric Gagne, coming off of a second major surgery, and RPs Keith Foulke and Octavio Dotel, both of whom have had injuries as well. Barring a major trade (or minor one), the Indians are probably about set for Spring Training, roster-wise. As many are predicting, expect a lot from the Tribe in 2007.
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