In Time for Valentines' Day: Broken Condom No Problem, says OSU

Ohio State’s daily dead fish wrapper reported on Tuesday that the Wilce Student Health Center would soon be offering Plan B, the new pill that prevents victims of bad hookups from bearing the responsibility of having a child. This is in accordance with the pill becoming available over-the-counter last August. The move should hardly be regarded as surprising or shocking, as it is the latest implementation of Ohio State’s policy on sexual relations, which can best be described as “they’re going do it anyway, so we might as well make it easier for them to do it.”

Yes, the same people who gave you more condoms than you knew what to do with the first day you checked in to your residence hall (as well as extensive, mandatory lessons on how to use them) is now providing you with an additional escape route should any of those condoms fail. The pill has been a point of controversy on both sides of the abortion debate, pro-life and anti-life alike, since it was approved for use in 1999. “There’s no controversy here, we feel it is a part of routine care,” said Dr. Roger Miller, assistant director of clinical services for Student Health Services. Personally, if I’m any indication, sexual activity is anything but “routine.”

The pill marks the latest addition to the vast collection of contraception available to students at little or no cost. This is consistent with abortion advocates’ assertions that abortions be safe, legal, available to all, and taxpayer-funded. The addition is no doubt the university’s response to other pharmacists in Ohio daring to let their primitive notions of “ethics” and “morals” get in the way of 14-year-olds weaseling out of a surprise pregnancy. It is the assertion of this university that moral objections to dispensing Plan B are trumped by the pharmacists’ obligation to provide “treatment” to customers, or at least refer them to where they can get it themselves. It is well known that Unplanned Parenthood is adamant in dispensing this and other products to whoever wants it, regardless of age or circumstance, at reduced cost or no cost at all. And I even know where they’re located on campus.

Perhaps the best course of action for Ohio State and for Ohio pharmacies as a whole is to treat Plan B as they would treat Sudafed. As we all know, Sudafed is a cold medicine of somewhat questionable legality, since its main ingredient can be used to produce methamphetamine. States have tackled this problem not by attacking the meth manufacturers themselves or by enforcing existing drug laws but by making Sudafed virtually impossible to obtain. Therefore, if someone really needs Sudafed, they can get it, but only by jumping through a series of hoops. Pharmacies can place Plan B behind the check-out counter, keep track of how much they have and how much they sell, and make the little harlots ask for it by name with proof of age and identity. Certainly terminating a pregnancy is a matter more serious than treating the common cold. Or at least I thought it was.

Wilkins responds to Oregon's Swanson

Recently Oregon CR Chairman John Swanson lambasted candidate for KFCR Chairman and former CRNC and LI field rep Morgan Wilkins for her actions during the fall election season, and Wilkins has responded in kind to the statement. It looks like we could have a bit of a war of words on our hands here. First, Swanson's statement, followed by Wilkins' reply:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am clearly an outsider looking in – my relationship with KFCR officers in the past has been little more than brief conversations and the sharing of ideas. Maybe there is something I am missing in this equation, but based on what I have observed, I feel obligated to step up and voice my humble opinion.

In any political organization, there are 2 defining forces – those who make progress, and those who do not. Progress is made by carrying your message correctly, respectfully, and in a manner that convinces and attracts. I have every reason to believe that after Kentucky’s chapter growth and stable leadership, progress has occurred – and ought to be continued.

Progress is hindered when a message is either not carried out, or carried out improperly. Too often, College Republicans resort to unconvincing tactics to convey issues to their peers. It is always vital to judge your success based on the degree to which you grow the Republican Party – not the volume in which you shout at left-wing students. I was appalled to see that a representative of our national organization was using such immaturity – with blatant racism and seduction, evidence of which was apparent on several websites. I feel the College Republican National Committee is an organization of integrity, and the act of eliminating this loose cannon from payroll proved that the CRNC lives up to such a standard.

It is appalling to see that after jeopardizing the legitimacy of our organization, this same individual has gained momentum to become a state chair. I believe I speak for more state chairmen than just myself by saying that I have serious reservations to this. Delegates at the KFCR convention: Pretend you’re an HR manager, and you have 2 employees in front of you for 1 job. One was fired from a similar job for failure to perform adequately, and the other has a proven track record and recommended by a successful predecessor. The choice is clear – always aim for progress.

John Swanson
State Chairman, Oregon

John-
In your letter you claim that you are simply an "outsider" who is so troubled with the possibility of me becoming KFCR Chair that you feel the obligation to intervene. You also state several concerns that you have with me as a College Republican, and especially as a leader.

It is very unfortunate that we have never actually spoken to each other, and that instead of addressing me personally with your concerns, you resort immediately to writing a degrading letter on my opponent's facebook wall. Do you call that "progressive?"

You also say in your letter that "It is appalling to see that after jeopardizing the legitimacy of our organization, this same individual has gained momentum to become a state chair."

John, the legitimacy of the organization was not jeopardized by me, but by the person who signed deceitful fundraising letters two years ago; the person you voted for: our national chairman, Paul Gourley.

One event does not compare to the culture of corruption that took over the CRNC years before I even got involved, but one vote legitimizes it: your vote for Paul Gourley. And maybe this could be forgiven, but even today you continue to voice your support for someone who brought shame to our organization. Liberty has no time for moderates.

The KFCR is suffering in many ways that you, as an outsider, may not realize. I am currently working together with many College Republicans across the state to make this federation all that is should be. We are making significant progress.

If you would like me to fill you in on KY matters in more detail in the future, then please feel free to contact me personally.

Respectfully,
Morgan Wilkins

The CRNC campaign thus far, plus what to expect

Colorado's Charlie Smith has had the floor for the better part of a month now, and while he has not used the open microphone very extensively, he is still the lone candidate in the race. For better or worse, whether you agree with his silence since announcing his candidacy or not, no one is exactly forcing him to explain himself.

No platform? No problem, because there is no one there to call him out about running for an office for which he has no plans for. No website? No problem, because no one else can say they have a better one. No announcement of a national chapter and state tour? No problem, because there is no need to get out on the stump for votes when there is no opposing candidate.

This past week, feathers were ruffled when Smith turned down the invitation to appear on a panel at CPAC, a panel which also featured Leadership Institute mogul Morton Blackwell. A group of state chairmen sent him an email expressing their displeasure for this move, but it was largely misconstrued as anger that Smith was appearing to slight the Leadership Institute. The real reason for the email? Well, it is right there in the email, for all to see: how can Charlie Smith claim to not be the CRNC's favored son when they chose him to appear on the panel? In 2005, when it came time for CPAC, Chairman candidate Paul Gourley was tapped to appear on the CRNC's behalf. The CRNC generally gets "their guy" to do this, and while Smith chose not to accept, the very fact that he was asked sends bad signs.

Next weekend is the planned summit of the key players in this election in California, at a pseudo-conference with Michael Davidson that looks to be a much more contentious version of Yalta, where the Churchill and FDR figures will not let the Stalin figure out of line an inch. This is not the first such meeting of the minds, but it is the broadest such gathering of this election season to date. Along with state chairmen and key figures like Davidson will be several key advisors to the former "Opposition" movement, which now finds itself seemingly splintered into a thousand little fragments, a mere shell of its former self.

Charlie Smith has had the ear of Davidson before, but came away without winning the key endorsement. Davidson signing on with Smith would be the death knell sounding upon any hopeful candidate looking get in the race, as California would likely be off the table and in Smith's column. All signs from former Real Reform principals Brian Siler and Brent Ludeman, both of whom will attend next weekend's gathering, point to New Jersey's Frank Luna as the current flagbearer. Luna, however, has been reluctant to commit to a run, taking more of a wait and see approach.

Time, especially in this campaign, is of the essence, simply due to the difficulty of getting College Republicans gathered together in large groups to address. Next month’s edition of CPAC is really the only chance for candidates to have the ears of a multitude of CRs from around the country until July’s CRNC Convention. The March 1 kickoff for CPAC is looming right around the corner, and it leaves only a week and a half after this weekend’s California summit to make preparations for a campaign kickoff. That is roughly ten days to book a location for the announcement reception/campaign kickoff event, get campaign collateral designed and printed, develop a platform for the campaign, organize a street team of supporters to get the word out and promote your candidacy, and get a fully-functioning website up and running. Ten days surely creates something of a time squeeze to say the least.

The next twenty five days will be among the most exciting of the spring for anyone following this CRNC campaign, and especially for those actually involved in it. Imagine this schedule for a random state chairman traveling this weekend to California:

Friday afternoon, February 16: Board plane for cross-country flight, plus connections and layovers en route
Friday evening: Dinner with the other attendees
Saturday, February 17: Meetings and discussions all day
Saturday night or Sunday: Board plane for return trip home
Monday through Friday (2/19-2/23): Classes, midterms, and state federation business
Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25: In the case of Ohio’s Brian Siler, a Leadership Institute YLS and Ohio Board Meeting
Monday through Wednesday (2/26-2/28): Classes, midterms, preparing to travel to DC.
Wednesday afternoon through Thursday early morning: depart for CPAC, hotel check-in, CPAC registration
Thursday through Saturday (March 1-3): CPAC itself, all state federation gatherings, CRNC events, and any other meetings scheduled
Sunday morning, March 4: depart DC for home

In any case, this race will take shape over the next twenty-five odd days, and we will work here to keep you updated on every twist, every turn, every little bit of information that you need to know.

Effects of the Minimum Wage: We Told You So!

There’s an old saying that I’m sure you’ve all heard: be careful what you wish for, you may get it. Teenagers in Arizona are learning that the hard way thanks to their recently-enacted minimum wage hike. Bombarded with the same emotional garbage you and I were hit with this fall over how nobody can ever support themselves or their families on (whatever the current rate was) an hour, voters with the best of intentions passed similar raises in states across the country. Now, not even two months after many of these initiatives went in to effect, workers in these states are suffering from a case of unintended consequences.

Libertarians and conservatives threw everything they could at these initiatives- objective information, logic, charts, and the basic knowledge you learn in Economics 100 courses- but they were ignored by voters and labeled as heartless and unsympathetic to the needs of the poor. Never mind that the vast majority of those on minimum wage are young and work part-time, rather than the struggling single mom with several kids trotted out in the commercials: a whopping two percent of the American workforce above the age of 25 makes the minimum wage, and all of 4.1% of those on minimum wage are single parents. I’m sure most of you reading this have completely forgotten what they teach you in the very first economics course you ever take, assuming you took it at all. Raising the minimum wage makes hiring more people more expensive and thus, more difficult to do, especially for those small businesses liberals love to talk to us about in contrast with the evil corporations. With this in mind, businesses are forced to hire the best workers they can for even the most basic of tasks, since they can’t afford to take risks on the uneducated and inexperienced. I shouldn’t have to explain that if it’s more difficult for you to get hired, it’s more difficult for you to get a job, but even this basic tautology is lost on the political left.

Consider what is currently happening in Arizona. The good people, while feeling warm and fuzzy inside because they think they’ve helped the poor, are now witnessing the havoc they’ve wrought, often while searching for jobs themselves. The recent hike has caused some employers to cut hours, institute hiring freezes, and lay off employees because they simply can’t afford to do otherwise. And guess who the first to get the pink slips were! Businesses, especially in the food industry, are being forced to take fewer and fewer chances on workers with little education or experience, effectively pricing them out of the labor market. For those on the left, that typically means you and me. On the other side of the coin, those who were fortunate enough to keep working were enjoying the benefits of slightly more money. Yes, raising the minimum wage is great . . . if you can keep your job.

While those suffering the consequences of the minimum wage hike would appear to be clear enough, those reaping the benefits are not. Some of the most ardent supporters of the new hike (besides elected officeholders desperate to find some issue that could beat the Republicans) were union members. This would seem ironic since their wages are typically well above the minimum wage. In fact, they’re often contractually tied to the minimum wage, guaranteeing them a certain percentage above the mandated rate. That’s right, the one’s who are really profiting off the short-sightedness of American voters are not the poor, the downtrodden, or the single moms, they’re economically comfortable unionized workers who don’t give a damn about the poor, the downtrodden, or the single moms. All I can say is “we told you so.”

Free food and beverage to be in abundance at CPAC

Let alone the fact that this is a CRNC campaign year, and that candidates in that race will undoubtedly throw open-bar bashes, and you will still find plenty of free plunder to be had during next month's edition of CPAC. Mainefest is always on everyone's calendar for the trip to DC, and we reported last week that Ohio will also throw a separate party during CPAC as well. Ohio has historically hosted an event for all Ohio CRs in attendance, but will for the first time be opening the doors to all. Emails were sent out yesterday to state chairmen inviting them to DC Fest 2007, hosted by Mike Keough's DC Federation of College Republicans on the first day of CPAC at the Hawk n Dove. Please consider this my open plea to OCRF officers to NOT name the Ohio party "Ohio Fest". I thought that a "fest" was usually a title reserved for a hippie convention, but I could very well be wrong.

Correction: Colorado Candidate McCoy, not Conroy

We mistakenly listed a potential candidate to succeed Charlie Smith in Colorado as Craig Conroy, but intended to name instead Craig McCoy, who is the Regis University CR Chairman. Thank you to the commenter who caught this, and shame on us for failing to catch the misprint before publication. We have also heard in the past week that McCoy may not be in the race at all; we will work to clarify this and report when more information is available.

Boehner speaks to high school and college crowd in hometown

Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) spoke in the city he calls home in Ohio's 8th District this morning to a crowd of high school and college students gathered at Westchester's Lakota West High School. The event was organized by Lakota senior Parker Novak, who is also a member of the SOB Alliance (Viking Spirit Blog) and is a very involved GOP grassroots worker in Southwest Ohio. Boehner spoke for about 25 minutes to the assembled crowd and covered several topics currently being debated in Congress. Boehner mused that Republicans largely lost control due to a combination of factors, but that too many of his colleagues valued re-election more than real results. Rep. Boehner urged finding solutions that lead to success in Iraq, lest the terrorists follow US troops home, and he spoke generally about developing a new group of Republican solutions to the problems being faced here at home with entitlement programs and fiscal matters.
More pertinent to College Republicans reading this would be the attendance of OCRF Chairman Brian Siler, and the surprise appearance of Morgan Wilkins, candidate for KFCR Chairman. One must wonder if anything was discussed between them, but to the best of our knowledge, the two do not see eye-to-eye on matters of consequence. This probably bodes nothing, but it still an interesting encounter.

CR Power Rankings

As requested by you, the reader, we present the latest attempt at CR Power Rankings. There are some new names, some old names, and some people that should probably just move on past their glory days. These rankings are completely scientific, so feel free to treat them as such. Without further ado, on to stroking egos:

National Power Rankings:

1) Michael Davidson: Please note that potential candidates to replace Chairman Gourley are gunning for Davidson's approval, not Gourley's.
2) Amanda Hydro: Lay the blame for the past two years at her feet, as she is effectively playing Chairman at this point.
3) Frank Luna: Has everyone waiting to see if he jumps into the race. CPAC fast approaches, so time is of the essence.
4) John Plecnik: His name is here simply for ego stroking purposes. If we were being honest, he wouldn't even smell such a list.
5) Charlie Smith: Mr. Smith has the floor, certainly, but will he take advantage of it or continue backroom dealing?
6) Brian Siler: My humble attempt to suckle at the teet of power.
7) Derek Hall: He may not necessarily ask for importance, but everyone wants his approval just as much as Davidson's.
8) Paul Gourley: Even though he has been effectively forced out of the day-to-day, he may just pop up at the ACU as a comeback of sorts.
9) Mason Harrison: Unless he makes a pledge of support soon, his time will be in high demand come CPAC-time.
10) Lindy Dinklage: Not in the employ of the CRNC any longer, but meddling has always been a favorite pastime.
11) Blake Harris: Moved up the hierarchy of advisors this cycle, but did he forsake what got him there?
12) Michael Miltenberger: Unmistakably making the rounds with Mr. Smith, and has probably landed himself on the ticket. Did he do anything substantive to deserve it though?
13) Brent Ludeman: Found the sledding tough yet again in his second solo go-round.
14) Ryan Bilodeau: Has a network of connections that rivals most state chairman, let alone any rank and file College Republican.
15) Nick Miccarelli: Making the rounds with as well; how high will he be on the ticket?

State Chairman Candidate Rankings:
1) Steve Japinga: Election is a sure thing for him, but how long will the coat tails be in Michigan?
2) Morgan Wilkins: Running the race on her own terms, and most definitely defining the debate in Kentucky.
3) Sean Matthew: Almost seems assured of victory, and Pennsylvania is always a player nationally.
4) Chris Stark: Will he remain unopposed in Jersey, and can he continue Luna's cleanup job of the past year?
5) Erin Karriker: Out of state players are trying to knock him off, but are they a nuisance or a threat?

Power on the wane:
1) Nate Walton: Maine Fest is all he has going it seems.
2) Sarah Armstrong: We will believe it when we see it, but word on the street has Connecticut slipping from her grasp come springtime.
3) Erin McTiernan: New York is always volatile, and we hear plenty of unrest with the way she has (or hasn't) run the state fed.
4) Paul Gourley: Go ahead and add the "former" to his Chairman title.
5) Dan Schuberth: Rumors of a late jump into the national race have all but disappeared.

Ones to watch:
1) Justin Jordan: Who knows what he will say or do next, but we will be watching for sure.
2) Frank Luna/Brian Siler: Will they or won't they? Time will tell, but time they do not have.
3) Ryan Bilodeau: Could be part of the new crop of state chairs, but he has plenty of influence regardless.
4) Michael Davidson: Upcoming consortium in California is last shot to impress before CPAC, and a non-endorsement is as good as a death knell for any opposition to Smith.
5) Presidential candidates: Who gives money, and to whom, will be an interesting saga indeed.

Michigan YR Chairman subject of criminal investigation

Last summer, the National Federation of Young Republicans held their annual convention in Cleveland, and Michigan YR Chairman Michael A. Flory is waking up to quite the bad hangover nearly seven months later. Cleveland police received a report from a Michigan woman, also in town last July for the convention, that Flory had sexually assaulted her. A 17-count indictment was handed down that looks to be very serious against Flory, who will face charges of rape and kidnapping, among others. He will be arraigned on February 22; we at RSR will continue to follow this case.

Michigan is in the midst of a heated battle for Michigan GOP Youth Chairman, which is a separate office from the Michigan YRs, but seems to be involving all Republicans in the state. As of this time, we have been unable to find out which, if either, candidate Flory endorsed, although he has endorsed John McCain in the Presidential Primary. The Youth Chairman race pits Matt Hall against Trevor Pittsley in what some are calling a proxy battle between Presidential hopefuls Mitt Romney, a native of Michigan, and Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Wilkins issues second debate challenge to Kentucky opponent

Candidate for Kentucky State Chairman Morgan Wilkins has issued a second challenge to debate to her opponent, Louisville CR Chairman Michael Wray. Wray reportedly has yet to reply to the original challenge, issued almost a week ago, and his silence on the matter apparently has some of his own supporters asking questions. Wray entered the race with the blessing of Derek Hall, among others, after Wilkins kicked off her campaign in mid-January.

We will continue to follow this story as it develops, but we surmise that this move goes a long way to dispel any rumors of Wilkins dropping out of the race. It appears that she is in, and in to win. Kentucky will gather for its annual convention and elections on the weekend of April 13 and 14, a weekend that is already shaping up to be a busy one with a flurry of other state gatherings scheduled as well. A practical solution to ensure as many CRs as possible see the debate would be to hold it before or after the next KFCR Board Meeting, if anyone in Kentucky is listening.

Former OCRF and CRNC Field Rep garners national media attention

Yesterday Truth Caucus linked to an ABC News story about Ohio University senior and former field representative for the Ohio College Republican Federation and College Republican National Committee Charlie Vansant's car being mistakenly stolen, and Vansant made the media rounds today. We spoke with him this morning as he prepared for an interview with ABC's Columbus affiliate, who aired a piece on the incident during tonight's 5 PM news broadcast. Charlie seemed to be in a rather jovial mood, considering that he was without his vehicle to travel to classes, forcing him to walk instead in the coldest week of Ohio's winter thus far. Vansant was interviewed by FOX News earlier in the morning, and told us that he had more lined up for the afternoon.

The incident occurred when a mother of a fellow Ohio University student mistook Vansant's 1987 Toyota for her daughter's similar vehicle, and drove it to her home. No charges are being pressed, but Charlie's car has been broken down since the "theft", ironically enough. The story of how he left the CRNC to work for the OCRF was one of the great untold stories, really, of the 2006 election season, especially given that his resignation from the CRNC came amidst several other high-profile situations with other CRNC field reps.

Following just one week in Ohio, David Lazo was removed and relocated to Indiana after the Ohio Republican Party asked Chairman Paul Gourley to pull Lazo from the state. A few weeks later, CRNC rep Angie Poole was removed and relocated to the New England area, due to circumstances that deserve to be told in its own story. Following that, the third of four CRNC field reps sent to Ohio was asked to leave as well, when OCRF Chairman Brian Siler requested to have Marc Baylen pulled. After all of this happened, Charlie Vansant resigned his post to take a similar job at the OCRF.

Anyhow, all of this is another story for another day, really. We hope that Charlie gets his car up and running soon, and if you wish to see for yourself the segment from this evening's news tune into FOX 28 WTTE at 10 PM for the re-airing.

Ohio AG Dann experiences need to compensate for shortcomings

Photo taken from today's edition of The Columbus Dispatch.

The Columbus Dispatch reports this morning that Ohio's new Attorney General Marc Dann (D-Warren) has purchased a new 2007 Chevrolet Surburban LT, valued at well over $40,000 for use as his personal transportation while in office. He bought the SUV from a campaign donor, to boot, and your tax dollars will foot the bill. It is five times more valuable than former AG Jim Petro's personal car, a 2003 Mercury Sable. The Dispatch also reports on the other statewide office holders' choices of vehicle, all of which besides Governor Strickland's are cheaper and get better gas mileage. Kudos to Treasurer Rich Cordray for using either his own vehicle, or a pool vehicle for his transport rather than springing for a new ride. But for Marc Dann, this is simply the latest in an embarassing line of decisions since being elected. No word yet on whether Dann will be speaking out against global warming from his new SUV ot not.

Arkansas State Chairman race update

Arkansas was not a state included in our mass update on the various state chairman races earlier in the week, but a couple of names have surfaced. Arkansas Chairman John Burris, of Arkansas Tech, is not reportedly seeking re-election, and at least two names have been tossed around in the past few weeks. Most recently, former Arkansas Tech Chairman and current Grassroots Director for AFCR Bryant Davis announced his intention to run for the post. Davis has a website up and running for the campaign, and has promised a platform to be forthcoming. A name that has been in circulation for awhile now is that of Chase Dugger of Arkansas State. We will follow this race as it develops.

Godless Governor Removes Environmental Heretic

It was Ann Coulter who first described modern day American Liberalism not merely as an ideology devoid of religion but as a religion in and of itself. With that in mind, Oregon’s Governor Ted Kulongoski, himself a devout Liberal, is set to fire the State Climatologist for daring to disagree with one of the central pillars of the faith, that global warming is caused by man. Interestingly enough, Kulongoski has no authority to do so presently, since the position was created by Oregon State University and not the state government itself. He has publicly stated that George Taylor’s views interfere with his regime’s stated goals of combating greenhouse gases within the state, and wishes to appoint a practicing Liberal to the position himself.

Taylor’s differing perspective on global warming is tantamount to heresy in the Liberal faith. He has stated repeatedly that the recent observable changes in the climate are caused by documented natural variations that have gone on for thousands of years instead of by affluent suburbanite Republicans driving SUV’s as Liberals claim. This is in spite of a proclamation Friday by hundreds of the top Liberal clergy (in what is tentatively being called “Kyoto II”) that man is, in fact, the cause of global warming, evidence to the contrary be damned. The fact that there are a large number of prominent scientists, including Taylor, who do not accept this finding should be enough to declassify man-made global warming as scientific fact. That is unless Hummers existed 400 million years ago.

The assertion at Kyoto II does not so much represent irrefutable scientific fact as much as it does Liberal religious dogma. Taylor is being punished by Governor Kulongoski for holding a view contrary to that of the Church of Liberalism. There is a bill currently being proposed that will give Kulongoski the authority to fire Taylor and personally appoint a successor. Senator Brad Avakian (D-Washington County) has even gone so far as to invite Taylor to testify to his beliefs before his committee (doesn’t that sound familiar?). While it hasn’t yet reached the scale of the Catholic Church’s persecution of Galileo and Copernicus for questioning the geocentric theory of the universe, Taylor is having his employment threatened in a state which will almost certainly blacklist him for his heretical beliefs. Quite simply, George Taylor’s high profile and contrarian beliefs on global warming could make him almost unemployable in a state as devoutly and fanatically Liberal as Oregon.

In his place, Governor Kulongoski wants to fire Taylor and replace him with a stanch Liberal who will defend the flat earth- er, artificially warming earth- dogma. This intolerance of dissenting views (and the evidence to prove them) represents the doctrine of infallibility characterized by Ms. Coulter in her recent book. Furthermore, the assertion that man-made global warming cannot be disproved separates the statement of belief from mainstream science. Instead of someone who might pose a threat to the Liberal view of the world, Kulongoski wants to be able to appoint someone to a position the state government never had any jurisdiction over in the first place in order to carry out their crusade against greenhouse gasses. Let this action serve as a warming to all of us who challenge Liberal orthodoxy. After all, no one expects the Liberal Inquisition!

CR Power Rankings on the way...

A few housekeeping matters to announce for Red State Rampage:

-CR Power Rankings are forthcoming within the week, so if you have anyone that you see as worthy of inclusion, feel free to shoot an email our way with names and why they should be included.

-The CRNC Convention is set for July, and CPAC is just weeks away, all of which means we find ourselves in full swing of state and national CR elections. For the next few months, much of the coverage here at RSR will be of CR matters, with national politics and Ohio politics taking a bit of a back seat. That being said, there will still be coverage of real politics and news, but it will be sparing compared to the space given to CRs.

-We are looking to expand here at RSR, and some of these changes will be evident in the coming months. Aside from expanding the site itself, we are always looking for interested contributors. If this is you, simply email us for more information.

Christopher Stark to run for NJCR Chairman

Election season for College Republicans is heating up as CPAC rapidly approaches, and New Jersey now has a potential successor to Frank Luna in the pipe. Seton Hall junior Christopher Stark is currently the NJCR Executive Director, and he appears to be supported, although not formally endorsed, by Luna. We will provide a link to his website when it goes live in the coming days, and continue to report on any other candidates in the race. His platform centers on expanding the NJCR presence to every campus within the Garden State and proposes the hiring of a Field Coordinator to supplement any CRNC help. Other stated goals of Stark include improved training, an increased presence on the Internet, decentralization to a degree, and more regular communication within the organization. Keep an eye on New Jersey in the coming weeks, in any case, because we continue to hear whisperings of a Frank Luna run for CRNC Chairman.

Former CRNC Chairman Bill Spadea is seen here on the left with Christopher Stark, candidate for NJCR Chairman.

State Chairman Race Rundown

As promised, coverage of the various CR State Chairman races that are gearing up is here. For now, here is a list of the candidates for office in each state, along with additional pertinent info on the race itself.

Kentucky:
Morgan Wilkins (KCTCS) vs. Michael Wray (Louisville)

Wilkins is the outside candidate in this Reform-held state, running against former KFCR Chairman Derek Hall's candidate of choice in Wray. It is also of note that while Wray would obstensibly hold the same, or similar, views with regard to national matters, Wilkins has not spoken publicly about these matters in any sort of depth. Wilkins arrived on the national scene this past fall after a very public controversy surrounding her performance as a CRNC Field Rep in Michigan, for which some feel she was dealt with in a bad way. She has also joined up with Students for Brownback as the Kentucky Chairman, while Wray's 2008 loyalties are heretofore unknown.

North Carolina:
Erin Karriker (UNC Charlotte) vs. Tyson Grinstead (UNC Chapel Hill)

Former CR John Plecnik appears to be meddling back in his old stomping grounds, as he has recruited Grinstead to run against outgoing NC Chairman Jon Thompson's pick in Erin Karriker. Both have released platforms, and this has been a slightly contentious race to date. Sources say, however, that Karriker has the votes necessary to win.

Florida:
David Stevens (Florida State) vs. Tommy Keller (Stetson)

Stevens is currently the second-in-command to outgoing Chairman Scott Wacholtz, and is rumored to have his support as well. Keller is the current Treasurer of FFCR, and has not made public his support for any of the P2008 candidates. Stevens is believed to be a Romney supporter, and this race appears to be up in the air. We give a slight edge to Stevens.

Michigan:
Steve Japinga (Michigan State)

Controversial two-term Chairman Dan Carlson is on his way out, and Japinga has been in the race for awhile now. At first, rumors swirled as to who Carlson would tap to run against Japinga, but leading potential candidate Justin Zatkoff settled for a run at a lower ticket spot. While there is still time to put someone in the race, we see Japinga as the likely successor to Carlson. Zatkoff is facing Michigan State's Jeff Wiggins for the Co-Chairman slot, a race that is less crowded after Ryan Thompson bowed out last week.

New York:
Kelly Eustis (SUNY Potsdam)

Eustis is the rumored successor to Erin McTiernan, if she decides not to run again. Her announced reason for not seeking a national run was to strengthen her home state, which is truly in shambles. New York has always been a tumultuous state federation, so this will be a state to watch regardless.

Minnesota:
Bethany Dorobiala (Minnesota-Twin Cities)

Dorobiala appears to be next up in Minnesota, and she has paired up with Co-Chair candidate Nathan Swanson for her run. We are currently researching this race and will report information on it as we have it.

Pennsylvania:
Sean-Tamba Matthew (Penn)

Nick Miccarelli's pick is the only known candidate in Pennsylvania at this time, and we will continue to report on this race as more information is known.

Arkansas:
Chase Dugger

Dugger would appear to be the choice of current Chairman John Burris, who will not be seeking another term.

Colorado:
Craig Conroy (Regis)

Conroy has been a rumored successor to CRNC Chairman candidate Charlie Smith, but is not certain at this time.

Tennessee:
Jonathan Bryant (Bryan College)

Lindsay Moffett's handpicked successor currently serves as her second in command.

West Virginia:
Brian Dayton (WVU)

Dayton has done a solid job in his first term, and is rumored to be seeking a second term.

Rhode Island:
Ryan Bilodeau (URI)

Bilodeau is a favorite of RSR, as he has run a phenomenal chapter at URI and is a staunch conservative. He is known to be interested in seeking to follow outgoing Chairman Ethan Wingfield, and there will possibly be opposition to his candidacy from a couple of minor candidates.

Texas:
Eliza Vielma (Texas State) or Justin Jordan (Texas Southern)

Jordan would come to the forefront if Vielma decides not to seek another term, especially with long-rumored candidate Jason Fite graduating.

Ohio:
Although no one has announced, it is believed that if Chairman Brian Siler decides not to seek re-election this spring, his chosen replacement will come from his fellow Executive Board members, most likely one of his appointed officers who were instrumental in executing Ohio's highly successful field program last fall. There is not any major opposition to Siler within the state, but Ohio has a history of candidates hopping in the race as late as convention time in April.

Connecticut:
Over the past few days, Opposition operatives have been bragging openly about picking off this solid Establishment stronghold. We will see how this race develops.

We will continue to report on each of these races, and follow the remaining states as their respective elections near. If you have any information on these, or any other races, feel free to email or AIM us (AIM: redstaterampage).

Red State Rampage to Attend CPAC

-MEDIA ADVISORY

February 6, 2007

(Columbus, OH)--Officials at Red State Rampage have announced today that contributors to Red State Rampage will indeed be attending CPAC 2007 this March 1-3 in our nation's capitol, contrary to reports of a supposed CPAC boycott that surfaced in the past week. Site founder, known only as Cut the Crap, informed an anxious crowd of reporters earlier this morning that rumors of a boycott were without grounds and were simply part of the smear campaign against the site. "We at Red State Rampage are privileged to be attending this great event, as it serves to educate and motivate conservatives, young and old alike, in the coming year," said the shadowy character.

Also of note at the de facto press conference was the mention of support for the College Republican No-Bullshit Caucus. Rumors of a CRNBC Meeting to take place at CPAC have abounded for weeks, and, according to sources, will take place. "We wholeheartedly support the actions undertaken by the No-Bullshit Caucus, and would like to encourage their further actions in making light of the poppycock spewed forth from many College Republican leaders open mouths."

The pool of press invited to the event were also informed that the founder will be accepting requests for audiences during the convention; all requests are to be submitted to the RSR media contact as soon as possible for review and likely denial.

For more information, please contact Red State Rampage at redstaterampage@gmail.com, or simply wait for them to contact you. As is the policy at RSR, if you are deemed necessary to have words with, you will be notified that your presence is required.

Disclaimer: In no way is this press release intended to be a slight aimed at The Honorable and Benevolent John Plecnik, His Majesty, who sent out an actual press release to announce his plans to attend CPAC in past years. It is also not intended to be a jab at self-important State Chairmen located in the New England states of Maine or Massachusetts who send out press releases such as this to announce meaningless things, such as this.

Buckeye State Breakdown

This past weekend, the state board of the Ohio College Republican Federation gathered, and a few things of note came out of the meeting:

-Ohio will be holding a party/event at CPAC to rival MaineFest, although the two events will not be held at the same time to allow you, Joe CR, and you, pompous jackass (better known as Joe State Chairman), to attend both celebrations. Watch your mail for invitations to the gala, likely to be held at either Stars & Stripes or Hawk & Dove.

-It appears as well that Ohio will be a large presence again at CPAC with chapters attending the meeting reporting at least 300 Ohio CRs are making plans to attend the annual convention.

-Bids were entertained for the upcoming OCRF Convention, to be held in mid-April, and three separate bids were submitted to the board: Bowling Green State University, University of Akron, and a collaborative effort between Ohio State, Columbus State, and Otterbein College, three Columbus-area schools. The collaborators are seeking to bring 2007's convention to Downtown Columbus and were reportedly the only bidders ready to present said bid. A source has informed us that a website will soon be up and running to promote the effort.

-Keen listeners at the meeting noted the seeming annointment of a hand-picked successor to Chairman Brian Siler, and we will report more on this development as it unfolds.

-We at Red State Rampage would like to congratulate two of the newly elected Chapter Chairmen in Ohio: Natalie Brown of Franciscan University of Steubenville and Mary Estock of The Ohio State University. Best of luck to both of them in the next year, and a special thanks to outgoing FUS Chairman Billy Valentine and outgoing OSU Chairman Matt Kocsan for their service to their chapters, and the state organization itself.

Back and better than ever...

I wanted to make it a full month away, because there are certainly things to be done within College Republicans that are far more important than blogging, but the dialogue has dropped off so far in the past few weeks that I find it impossible to wait any longer before returning. So, with that out of the way, I am back and better than ever, and will no longer cut people the same slack once afforded them. Posts will be coming on some of the individual State Chairman contests, the state of the race for CRNC Chairman, and the happenings around the landscape of College Republicans, as well as coverage of events in the real world, also known as the things that really matter.

A Streetcar Without Desire

So Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman wants a streetcar service to run downtown. Great. For a minute there I thought we had run out of ideas for things the city didn’t need that nobody would use. Then again, this seems to be a dominant paradigm of though amongst the powers that be in public transportation, and not just in Ohio. Too often multi-million dollar transport boondoggles are forced upon the citizens of major (or even minor) metropolitan areas whether they want the service or not. With this obsolete and costly transport burden upon the citizenry, Columbus may yet join the proud ranks of my beloved Portland as cities whose sense of nostalgia overwhelmed their knowledge of the market.

To be fair, there was a period in American history where streetcars were both popular and profitable. In the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, they were reliably known as the most effective form of mass transit within major cities, replacing the horse-drawn carriage (at least Mayor Coleman doesn’t want to bring those back). They also were electric-powered, which conserved rationed fuel during wartime, and provided a means for commoners to get around the city, since the personal automobile was still considered a rare luxury item. Like most means of mass transportation, however, the streetcar died out in popularity once owning a car became more common.

The postwar popularity of the automobile made getting from 15^th and High to the Statehouse in less than half an hour a possibility and represented a sense of independence and self-reliance that socialist government public policies have never been able to destroy. The simple fact is that no matter how high gas prices get, no matter how many different and quirky forms of public transportation are conceived and constructed, and no matter what Algore’s scare tactics might allege, people will never give up their cars. Public transportation nowadays represents a niche market at best, to which the likes of college students like myself belong. If these riders had cars (and if I had the ability to drive one), they wouldn’t be riding buses. It simply makes no sense to drive your car to a designated “Park and Ride” location only to take a bus to get to your destination in a lot more time, other than it making the rider feel warm and fuzzy about saving the planet. Pollution is still pollution whether it comes from your car or their bus.

Granted there are cities in this country that can and do support public transportation like New York’s subway, Washington’s metro, and the Bay Area’s BART. Columbus is not one of them. Its population and rider statistics suggest a mid-sized city in love with their cars, a combination that proves lethal to these projects. Again, that doesn’t seem to bother transit agencies like COTA. My hometown of Portland recently installed a streetcar line running through a downtown loop. Not only is ridership well below what was projected but the streetcar is entirely dependent on TriMet for funding, since it operates in Fareless Square, where all bus, light rail, and streetcar rides are free. The result is a multi-million dollar white elephant that only adds to the traffic congestion it was supposed to fight in a similarly-sized city. But at least it looks nice from the window of your car.