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Napolitano employs the Bart Simpson defense.

March 31, 2007 by 11 Comments

bart.jpg  Somewhere between chairing the National Governors Association, visiting Mexico City, and traveling to Iraq and Afghanistan the governor is suppose to be the chief executive of the State of Arizona. I have read with interest how a Democrat blog claims a Republican does not understand the difference between a state and federal issue. Maybe someone should remind the governor that her first responsibility is to run the state government, not jet set around the globe for various photo-ops.

It is a little disappointing to see the blame for not reacting sooner to the neglect at the Arizona State Veteran Home placed on staff. It is like Bart Simpson’s famous “I didn’t do it. You can’t prove it. Nobody saw me.” I wonder who hired the governor’s staff. At this rate I expect to see a press release next week from the governor’s office in which Napolitano blames the whole thing on State Senator Jack Harper for “forcing” her hire Alan Stephens. It is surprising to see a politically astute character like Janet not step forward and take responsibility for the issue and move forward to fix the situation. She is getting that fatal second-term blame someone else and circle the wagons mentality.

Hopefully for Arizona and its veterans someone will step forward and exercise leadership in this matter.

Filed Under: Government

Calling all Tucson area Pro-Lifers!

March 30, 2007 by Leave a Comment

20weeks.jpg     This is it! The big one! The famous Arizona Right to Life – Tucson Chapters Booth at the Pima County Fair. Do not miss this chance to spread the message of Life for All to the residents of Tucson. If you can sign-up to help cover a shift please send an e-mail to johne@azrtl.org.

     The dates of the fair are April 19th through April 29th. Please visit the Arizona Right to Life – Tucson Chapters web site for more information about this and other events. Remember, you might make a difference in one persons life and save another.

Filed Under: Sanctity of Life

Drinking Problem?

March 29, 2007 by 2 Comments

Drinking Problem

With today’s news of the arrest of the daughter of Scottsdale’s Chief of Police, something tells me that we might have an alcohol problem. Ya think?

Sure, lots of people are arrested for DUI but what makes this all the more resounding is when individuals writing the law or family members of individuals enforcing the law get busted. Can you imagine if a board member of MADD got arrested for having a little too much?

Hopefully, these incidents will send a wake-up call to the community that we need to exercise some self control and watch out for our neighbors.

Filed Under: Human Condition

AZGOP Press Release – March 29, 2007

March 29, 2007 by 4 Comments

Gabrielle Giffords 

 

For Immediate Release – March 29, 2007
Contact: Brett Mecum – bmecum@azgop.org
Phone: 602.957.7770
www.azgop.org

 

THAT BLUE DOG DON’T HUNT

Giffords votes for largest tax increase in American history

 

Phoenix, AZ – Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party chastised Gabrielle Giffords for voting lockstep with the liberal extremist wing of the Democrat Party and supporting the largest tax increase in American history today.

 

“Gabrielle Giffords just doesn’t get it,” said Pullen. “She seems to think that we can tax and spend our way to prosperity.  That’s never worked in the past, it doesn’t work now, and it won’t work in the future.  Because of Gabrielle Giffords, the average Arizonan will see their taxes increase by $2,701.86 next year.”

 

“Her vote today hurts all Americans from parents and grandparents to small business owners and middle class families to veterans and senior citizens to children and single mothers,” Pullen continued.

 

“Giffords showed that she is little more than a pawn of Nancy Pelosi, John Murtha, Hillary Clinton and Ted Kennedy. She is incapable of voting independently and is controlled by the most liberal factions of the Democrat Party. I dare her to come home to Arizona and try and talk about fiscal responsibility after her disgraceful actions in Washington.

 

“Meanwhile, the Republicans presented a fiscally sound alternative that would balance the budget in five years without raising taxes.  They also include a plan for protecting social-security, a point the Democrats choose to ignore,” concluded Pullen.

 

For more information contact Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.

Filed Under: Federal Budget, Taxation

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Santorum predicts McCain’s campaign will fade.

March 29, 2007 by 4 Comments
“The problem is that John McCain has [not] governed over the last several years as anything like a conservative ….” And in the process, Santorum feels the Arizona senator “has alienated just about every conservative, whether it’s social conservatives or economic conservatives or environmental — you name it.”
Filed Under: Political Parties

Trish Groe Confronts a Sobering Reality

March 28, 2007 by 33 Comments

I’ve struggled with what and how to write the news that Representative Trish Groe was recently arrested for DUI and has decided to take a leave of absence to check into rehab.

Its even more difficult since I consider her a friend and one of the most personable legislators at the capitol.

But there’s no excusing what she’s done and the law should treat each person the same no matter what their party affiliation or ideology.

Trish Gore has been a solid conservative vote in the House of Representatives. Shortly after she was first elected, she was enlightened by her Senate seat mate, Ron Gould, and became one more conservative and pro-life vote. We all applauded her and supported her.

In today’s Republic, she is quoted as saying, “I am so grateful to those officers who pulled me over. I’m thankful to God that I didn’t injure or kill anyone. Somehow, I’m going to take away something good from this.”

While I do not condone her problem, I must applaud her acknowledgement that she has fallen and more importantly, that she is seeking help.

That takes real courage, especially when you’re in the public arena.

Trish Groe has undoubtedly arrived at a sobering reality check. Like Trish, we should all be reminded that we are vulnerable and suceptible to mistakes big and small. Its how we respond that makes us a better and stronger person.

Trish Groe is doing the right thing and I support and pray for her. I ask you to do the same.

Filed Under: Human Condition

Every time gas prices rise above $2.50, Napolitano and Goddard grab the spotlight and do nothing

March 27, 2007 by 3 Comments

Have you ever noticed that every time the price of gas goes above $2.50, Governor Janet Napolitano has a press conference?

Attorney General Terry Goddard just complains that he doesn’t have jurisdiction, yet starts an investigation anyways. His investigation always goes nowhere, and he concludes that we need a price-fixing law.

Isn’t this a waste of taxpayer money funding their thinly disguised campaign commercials? Napolitano is becoming a professional press conference campaigner. Yesterday, with her lackeys at Horizon giving her free video coverage featured on the show later, she gave a speech to grandparents who stand to benefit from Rep. Leah Landrum-Taylor’s proposed taxpayer-funded giveaway for taking care of their grandchildren. There were about 15-20 grandparents total in attendance! Probably 100 chairs had been set out that were mostly empty. Can you imagine Horizon covering some equally dull topic by a conservative where only 20 people showed up?

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Economics, Government, Media, Political Parties

Republic “Wedging” East Valley People of Faith?

March 27, 2007 by 2 Comments

The Arizona Republic certainly appears to be exploiting a division between people of faith in their latest story, “Anti-Mormon DVD given to 18,000 homes.”

The story reads like a classic example of the reporter running back and forth between both parties trying to incite escalation: “Well they said that you…”

The reader is left to believe that the group, Concerned Christians, is nothing more than a handful of disgruntled former Mormons looking to take shots at their former church. That simply is not the case.

Pulling up the Concerned Christians website, which is never cited by the Republic, the ministry gives an explanation for what they believe.

Judge for yourself lest the Republic lead you astray. Something tells us stories like this will not go away as long as a Mormon is running for the Presidency.

 

 

Filed Under: Freedom of Speech, Media, Religion

Searching for Joe Shlabotnik

March 26, 2007 by 3 Comments

Dr. John Mark Reynolds of Biola University’s acclaimed Torrey Honors Institute, has a great posting at The Scriptorium on the dilemna presented to pro-lifers in the 2008 Presidential race.

For Peanuts fans, Charlie Brown set out on a quest to find the legendary Joe Shlabotnik baseball card. 

As Dr. Reynolds sees it, “In short Joe Shlabotnik represents the Chuck wing of the Republican party.”

The hard reality comes at the end when he states, “I will not be voting for this years Joe Shlabotnik, the lovable pro-life loser. Losing will not save any lives . . . and will give a ticket that looks to be the most anti-life in American history power.”

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Sanctity of Life

Sending the wrong message

March 24, 2007 by 10 Comments

As someone who has lost a close family member to breast cancer, my heart goes out to Elizabeth Edwards as she faces the incredible challenge that lies ahead.

What has me shaking my head in disbelief is that John Edwards is continuing his campaign for the presidency.  Yes, I know that Elizabeth said that she wants him to continue to run because she believes that he is what our country needs.  And, I understand the argument that this is their way of facing the disease and showing people that you don’t have to give up.

But what this really demonstrates is that our society is losing its bearings on what really matters.  While many people applaud the courage of Elizabeth Edwards, and many are rewarding Edwards’ campaign with a spike in fundraising, they are only making matters worse.

Today people are more self-absorbed than at any point in our nation’s history.  Rather than pursuing the altruistic course of action, too often people are completely egocentric.  Unfortunately, the real message being demonstrated by John Edwards is that raw ambition is more “courageous” than selfless compassion.  I don’t doubt that Elizabeth Edwards believes this country needs her husband as president.  But he should be enough of a man to realize that his wife needs her husband at this very difficult time.

And what about the children?  What message does it send to the impressionable minds of a six year-old and an eight year-old that daddy thinks that pursuing his life dream is more important than spending the rest of his wife’s life with her, comforting her, loving her, making memories with her.

No one knows how much time she has.  But as time goes on, I believe that more and more people will think that John Edwards’ selfish pursuit of the White House makes him unworthy to reside there.

For now, our prayers are with Elizabeth.  May God bless her and be with her.

On a lighter note, if you have any doubt of how self-absorbed John Edwards is, check this out:

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Family

Symington courts crucial voting block on McCain’s behalf.

March 23, 2007 by Leave a Comment

ufo.jpg     One of our contributors saw the addition of Symington as a co-chair to the McCain campaign as the addition of a has-been.

We now realize that it was a shrewd move by the Senator to go after the UFO crowd. I bet Rudy and Mitt are kicking them selves right now. We have heard that quite a few citizens believe in space aliens but we do not have specific data on how it breaks down by party. Anyone have a source for those numbers?

Filed Under: Demographics, Political Science

The Sanjaya Conspiracy

March 23, 2007 by 9 Comments

Sanjaya 

Having worked in the political world on numerous elections, I’ve seen several types of technologies used to the benefit or the detriment of candidates and committees.

One such tool I’ve had access to is an autodialer. This is an automated phone technology that can employ thousands of phone calls in rapid fire in a very short period of time. Almost anyone can rent the use of this service at a relatively low cost to bombard households to move voters and influence elections. Presently, most companies that provide this service are idle awaiting the next election cycle when they can jack up the price.

Step in American Idol and a renegade group called VoteTheWorst.com.

Because American Idol does not block repeat calls, it would be easy to program up one of these autodialers with the phone number of the worst singer and dump tens of thousands of calls in for that idol wannabe.

This could explain the loss of several good singers – the last being Stephanie Edwards – and the continuance of Sanjaya Malakar.

The solution: One call per phone number. That will stop the nonsense of an autodialer possibly sabotaging the good singers.

Incidentally, our favorite is our own home grown Arizonan, Jordin Sparks. Go Jordin!

Filed Under: Media

Press Release: Pullen Praises Flake

March 22, 2007 by 3 Comments

For Immediate Release – March 22, 2007
Contact: Brett Mecum
bmecum@azgop.org
Phone: 602.957.7770
www.azgop.org
Cell: 602.448.9883
Fax:602.224.0932

State GOP Critical of “Pork Spending” Extension – Pullen praises Flake for standing against runway spending

Phoenix, AZ – Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican Party and Congressman Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) were both critical today of a move by congressional Democrats to extend the earmark request deadline by six weeks.

“The tax and spend Democrat house leadership gave six more weeks to dream up more earmarks – but when was the last time Congress gave taxpayers six more weeks to pay their tax bill,” asked Pullen.  Rather than going on yet another spending spree, Democrats should walk the talk on fiscal responsibility that they continuously preached before the November elections.” 

Pullen continued, “While the Democrats in Congress continue to spend like drunken sailors, we in Arizona are fortunate to have leaders like Jeff Flake who has been a steadfast supporter of earmark reform.  I applaud Jeff’s efforts and know that he will continue to fight against irresponsible spending in Washington.”

Congressman Flake said, “Despite what they said during the last campaign cycle, it doesn’t look like pork barrel projects are going to end with the Democrats in charge.  It’s just business as usual.” 

On Wednesday, Appropriations Chairman Dave Obey (D-Wisconsin) extended the date U.S. House members must submit their requests for special projects by six weeks to April 27th.

For more information contact Brett Mecum at 602.957.7770 or at bmecum@azgop.org.

Filed Under: Federal Budget, Press Release

McCain’s Double-Talk Express

March 22, 2007 by 1 Comment

I have to wonder if Senator McCain envisioned the widespread use of the web for political speech when he sought to pass the First Amendment quashing Bi-Partisan Campaign Finance Reform Act (McCain-Feingold).

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Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Freedom of Speech

In through the back door.

March 22, 2007 by 11 Comments

groundbreaking.jpg

     Yesterday was the ground breaking ceremony for the controversial Oro Valley Marketplace. The project was delayed when a $23,000,000 tax rebate approved by the town council was sent to the voters. The initiative in favor of the rebate passed overwhelmingly after a massive public relations campaign paid for by the Phoenix based developer Vestar.

     Oro Valley Marketplace was touted as a high quality project but the developer was careful not to commit to which stores would or would not be involved. Many local residents were surprised when it was finally announced that a Wal-Mart Supercenter would be going in at the site.

     Most people that I have talked with were hoping for something a little higher end but they are not ready to jump out of any windows.

     Some people are getting near the edge and have set up several web sites. One of them can be found at Let Oro Valley Excel. There you will find a link to Oro Valley First. The page encourages support for local businesses but quickly devolves into classic Wal-Mart bashing.

     (I was surprised to learn that Wal-Mart lowers the value of surrounding residential properties. I wonder what the million dollar homes in Tucson National would sell for if there was not a Wal-Mart located in the vicinity. Rich people must be delighted that they only have to pay $1.4 instead of $1.6 for their winter golf house just because there is a large retailer down the street.)

     The Oro Valley First has a place where you can register and pledge not to shop at the Wal-Mart or even any stores at the Oro Valley Marketplace. I wonder what will happen with all those names and addresses in the future. At the bottom of the Oro Valley First page it says Vistoso Media, which seems to be connected to Salette Latas.

     Salette and her husband Jeff (former Democrat candidate for congress) live in the exclusive gated community of The Estates at High Mesa. (Not exactly the Wal-Mart crowd.) Salette has announced that she is running for a seat on the Oro Valley Town Council. Would I be cynical if I wondered if some of those names and addresses from the pledge to stop Wal-Mart from coming to Oro Valley ended up on a mailing list for Salette’s campaign? It would be a good fit since she seems to be making the Wal-Mart store one of her issues.

     Oro Valley is overwhelmingly Republican but due to the non-partisan nature of the vote by mail election it would be very possible for someone like Salette to end up on the council. She may do well by tapping into the community angst about Wal-Mart and the planned Crematorium.

     This is a classic battle of the hate Wal-Mart crowed vs. the business / development crowd. I wonder if Vestar will poor a little more money into Oro Valley so that we don’t end up with a partisan Democrat on the council now that they have given her a great issue on which to run.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Government

Maybe He Can Be McCain’s Secretary of Defense and Get to the Bottom of This

March 22, 2007 by 1 Comment

Governor Symington 

As mentioned in a previous post, former Governor Fife Symington has signed on as a co-chair for McCain’s Arizona campaign. But that’s not all the former Guv is doing these days.

From an interview last night on Anderson Cooper 360

Symington: “If you had been here 10 years ago, standing out there looking up there at the lights and the view, you would have been astounded. You would have been amazed.”
Tuchman: “Governor Symington is referring to what is now known as the Phoenix lights, an object videotaped by many and seen by thousands over several nights in the Arizona sky in 1997. … The former governor, a Vietnam Air Force veteran, had never publicly acknowledged seeing it until now.
Symington: “And I suspect that, unless the Defense Department proves us otherwise, it was probably one form of an alien spacecraft.”
Tuchman: “So why didn’t he say anything then? Partly because he didn’t want people to panic.”
Symington: “I think as a public figure you have to be very careful about what you say because people can have pretty emotional reactions. And I said my goal wasn’t to try to stir the pot.”
More Symington: “The lights were really brilliant. And it was just fascinating. I mean, it was enormous. It just felt otherworldly. You know, in your gut, you could just tell it was otherworldly.”
Tuchman: “Symington will be talking about this in an updated film about UFOs called ‘Out of the Blue.’ He is also talking with an organization that wants UFO information more out in the open. … Governor Symington says he did tell his family, friends and staff about what he saw early on.”
Symington: “I still, behind the scenes, tried to investigate it, but I got nowhere”

Filed Under: National Security

Has-Beens for McCain

March 22, 2007 by 8 Comments

John McCain has announced his home state campaign co-chairs.  And what a group it is! Consisting of the powerhouse crowd, hangers-on and wannabees, it is an impressive list, indeed.

Leading the pack of co-chairs is former Gov. Jane Hull.  She is remembered as much for her sucker-punch to McCain’s 2000 presidential bid, as for her flame-colored hair.  Her endorsement of George W. Bush was not warmly received by AZ’s senior senator in his previous race for the White House. This New York Times article details her view of the ill-tempered McCain:
McCain Having to Prove Himself Even in Arizona

Nice to see they’ve mended those fences.

Arizona’s other US Senator, Jon Kyl is serving as state campaign chairman.

The majority of the state Republican congressional delegation is in his corner.  Only Trent Franks has broken ranks with his endorsement of California Congressman, Duncan Hunter. But, Reps. Jeff Flake, Rick Renzi and John Shadegg have all dutifully signed on as co-chairs. There are cabinet and diplomatic appointments, federal judgeships and McCain’s vacant senate seat up for grabs if he wins the big prize.

The West end of the party is represented with former Attorney General Grant Woods, former Secretary of State Betsey Bayless. Another former Governor Fife Symington and two former Reps. Jim Kolbe and Matt Salmon have also hopped aboard.  Former Superintendent of Public Instruction, Lisa Graham Keegan is another co-chair.

Oops! Nearly forgot the list of former state GOP party chairmen, Mike Hellon, Burt Kruglick, Mike Minnaugh and John Munger. What happened to Bob Fannin?

The list is resplendent with “formers.”
Final count: 2 former governors, 5 former party chairmen, 2 former congressman (We’re counting Salmon in two columns both as a congressman and chairman), 2 former Secretaries of State (counting Hull twice) and 1 former Superintendent of Public Instruction.

To be fair, there is a sprinkling of current Arizona office holders: Others supporting the McCain  presidential candidacy are Secretary of State Jan Brewer, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, State Senate President Tim Bee, Arizona Corporation Commissioners Mike Gleason, Jeff Hatch-Miller, Kris Mayes, Bill Mundell and Gary Pierce and Arizona Mine Inspector (and former state legislator) Joe Hart. Yep. An impressive list, indeed.

Filed Under: Political Parties
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