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Gorman’s Strange Stand – Conservative Movement is Cheap and Lazy

December 23, 2009 By 16 Comments

And that, according to the LD6 State Senator, is why we lose.  No joke.

GormanIn her most recent blog post, the sophomore Senator set about to lecture the conservative movement on why it loses while the left and its allies like ACORN, win.  We have no idea what has the Senator so upset at Arizona conservatives, but she begins by declaring us “whiners” while the liberals are “winners”.  She then goes on to list a variety of behaviors which she feels the left owns the right on.  Of course, with one of the most conservative legislatures in Arizona history, one has to wonder how Gorman thinks we were able to win all of those races.  Instead, she makes it clear that we have been losing because we won’t get off of our collective rear ends.  But its not just our labor that Gorman wants from our uplifting rears, its our wallets.

Item number one on Gorman’s list is “Give money to campaigns. (ouch)”  Mind you, that’s not our “ouch”, that’s her original text.  If we had to guess why Gorman is frustrated at conservatives not giving money to campaigns, it might have something to do with this.  When you set an online goal of $20,000 and raise a lousy $120 from two total donors, you might get frustrated too.  Then again, Gorman might spend more time analyzing why people won’t give money to her while they are giving to plenty of other candidates.  We’re guessing it has something to do with their property tax bills.

Gorman goes on to describe all of the ways that money helps campaigns and decries the lack of financial support for the McCain for President campaign in 2008.  You see, if we had only given more money to McCain, he would have won and we wouldn’t be stuck with Obama.  Then she gets local.  ”At the local level, giving is even more pathetic” she writes, following it with “At some point, true conservatives (like myself) have to realize that if YOU don’t care enough to invest in the future, then we will constantly be on the losing end, which moves us logically to the inevitable honest reflection of our own sacrifices to serve.”

Get it?  The reason she doesn’t have enough money to think that the job is worth the sacrifices she makes is not because the donors disagree with her votes, but because we conservatives are lazy and cheap and don’t properly appreciate her and her sacrifices on our behalf.  Now, doesn’t that just fire you up to grab your checkbook and make a maximum contribution to Gorman for Senate?  You can do so here.

The views expressed are those of the individual writers and not necessarily those of Sonoran Alliance, its founder or editors.

Filed Under: Guest Opinion

Christmas Is Still A Religious Holiday

December 23, 2009 By 4 Comments

Justice of the Peace Gerald WilliamsBy Judge Gerald A. Williams, North Valley Justice of the Peace

Most modern Americans grew up watching Charlie Brown specials during the various holidays. While “The Great Pumpkin” certainly makes for a good story, it is hard to match the meaningful beauty of the Charlie Brown Christmas special.

At the climax of this iconic special, Linus retells the birth of Jesus Christ from the Gospel of Luke. It may be only time many hear those words this year and I cannot help but wonder whether such a cartoon would even be made today.

Oddly, government plays a key role in how religion in general is viewed. Governor Jan Brewer deserves credit for calling Arizona’s Christmas tree, a “Christmas” tree. Our previous governor preferred the term “holiday tree.” Even so, it is usually the judicial branch, not the executive, that is setting the rules in these areas.

The First Amendment reads in part, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . .” Over time, the U.S. Supreme Court has tended to focus more on the “establishment” clause than the “free exercise” clause.

Of note, the Constitution does not contain the phrase that most people believe it does. The actual text says nothing about a “separation between church and state.” That phrase became law in a 1947 case called Everson v. Board of Education.

The Court in Everson ended up holding that tax dollars could be used to provide transportation to students going to church schools as well as public schools. The case because famous for Justice Black’s rhetoric, which stated, “the First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach.”

If religious liberty is valued, then government efforts to always avoid anything that looks religious may not always advance that goal. While I am aware of nobody arguing for an official government religion, the size and scope of modern American government agencies have expanded into most aspects of daily life. The unfortunate consequence from that expansion is that religion often gets forced out.

While others have an absolute right to disagree with me, I still believe that Christmas is a religious holiday designed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. If you hold a different view, I only request that you be as tolerant of my views as you would like me to be of your own. Merry Christmas.

Judge Williams is the presiding justice of the peace for the Northwest Regional Court Center. His column appears monthly in The Foothills Focus.

Filed Under: Guest Opinion, Holiday

Brewer running into financial troubles even in campaign

December 23, 2009 By 12 Comments

The Arizona Guardian (see below) is reporting that Governor Jan Brewer is struggling to keep up with her primary opponents and assumed Democratic nominee, Terry Goddard, when it comes to raising the seed money under Arizona’s Clean Election system.

Since Brewer officially entered the race on November 5th, she has yet to raise the $51,250 in $140 individual donations according to emails obtained by The Guardian. Gubernatorial candidate, Vernon Parker, was able to secure his seed money in just 41 days while Terry Goddard finished collecting his donations in 32 days.

Those who watch the campaign fundraising race closely will tell you that an inability to raise cash, even in limited small amounts, is an indicator of a lack of confidence among supporters who vote with their dollars. Most campaigns rely on a consultant to conduct most of the fundraising work. In Brewer’s case, Chuck Coughlin’s High Ground is most likely leading the effort to secure the campaign’s seed money.

John Munger, Robert Graham and Owen “Buz” Mills are also in the race as traditionally funded candidates but each has access to personal monies or wealthy donor networks. State Treasurer Dean Martin has yet to determine if he will enter the race but will likely run as a traditional candidate should he enter.

Next year’s gubernatorial race is likely to see upwards of $2-3 Million being spent by each candidate in the General Election.

Filed Under: Campaign Finance, Campaigns & Elections

Arizona Guardian: Brewer struggles to raise campaign cash

December 23, 2009 By 11 Comments

Money isn’t the only daunting challenge facing Jan Brewer’s campaign… her highly-paid consultant apparently is preparing for a September primary victory.  I think John Munger, Vernon Parker, Dean Martin, Buz Mills, Robert Graham, Doug Ducey and any other GOP gubernatorial hopeful will be looking to peak a little earlier, say August 24, 2009. 

– MBW

BREWER STRUGGLES TO RAISE CAMPAIGN CASH
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
By Dennis Welch 
The Arizona Guardian 
  
Gov. Jan Brewer isn’t raising money as fast as her political handlers would like and is lagging behind her GOP opponents. 
 
Brewer plans on running as a publicly funded candidate but is allowed to raise up to $50,000 in small contributions, known as seed money, until she qualifies. 
 
The governor’s political advisers were hopeful it would take just a few days to raise the money after Brewer announced on Nov. 5 that she was running for a full term. 
 
But it didn’t turn out that way. As of last week the governor was still chasing after seed money, according to emails obtained by the Guardian. 
 
Invitations for a Dec. 14th fund-raising event were very clear that the governor still needed donations. Those contributions are capped at $140 per person and $280 per couple. 
 
Chuck Coughlin, the governor’s chief political adviser, would not say whether Brewer has raised the rest of the money since the event last week. 
 
“We will not be playing any horse race games for tomorrow’s headlines,” Coughlin said Tuesday. “They only thing we care about is winning in September and November, of which I am assured.” 
 
It was Coughlin who sent out an email to potential donors that he wanted to wrap up the seed money in several days. That was more than six weeks ago.  
 
“The campaign needs as many $140/$280 contributions… as possible by close of business tomorrow,” Coughlin said in the Nov. 5 email. “It will take many oars in the water on this one but the campaign needs your help today and tomorrow… It would be great if we can knock this out in the next few days.” 
 
A candidate’s ability to raise money is traditionally considered an early test of the candidate’s viability. Brewer suffers from low approval ratings among voters, according to recent polling data.
 
Brewer is trailing her potential political rivals when it comes to raising her seed money. 
 
Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard finished up on Dec. 8, according to volunteers with his campaign. Goddard, who is considered the favorite to win the Democratic nomination for governor, formally announced his candidacy one day after Brewer. 
 
Paradise Valley Mayor Vernon Parker says it took him 41 days to raise his seed money. Parker, a Republican, launched his campaign last summer. 
 
The three candidates are running under the state’s clean elections system which means they will receive public money to pay for their campaigns. But before they can get their cash they must qualify by collecting $5 donations from about 5,000 registered voters. 
 
Once they are eligible, gubernatorial candidates receive about $777,000 for the primary and another $1.1 million for the general election. 
 
Other candidates for governor are not expected to run with public money. John Munger and Owen “Buz” Mills, both Republicans, are running traditional. And state Treasurer Dean Martin, also a Republican, is not expected to run as an clean election candidate should he decide to jump in the race.

Filed Under: Campaign Finance, Campaigns & Elections Tagged With: , , , , , ,

JD or not JD? – That is the question

December 23, 2009 By 15 Comments

Clueless Grant Woods thinks he has the answer

(Reprinted from Common Sense)

For those of you who live in Rush Limbaugh’s Rio Linda, JD is former Congressman and current KFYI 550 AM conservative, radio talk-show host. Grant Woods is a washed up politician who formerly held the post of Arizona Attorney General.

JD HayworthYou can always tell when a politician is beginning to panic. A leading indicator is a poll that shows them losing ground or trailing another candidate. Not too long ago, Senator John McCain was shown to be out of touch with Arizona and another poll showed him in a statistical dead heat with JD Hayworth, in a bid for the Senate in the 2010 election. This is rather remarkable in-as-much as Hayworth is not even in the race. In fact, his position does not differ dramatically from that of Charlie the mailman who serves the postal route in our neighborhood. Charlie also has not declared his candidacy for the Senate seat, and we doubt he will. However, JD might, and this is why McCain is showing signs of discomfort.

Many seasoned politicians keep a bag of dirty tricks in their closets, that they haul out when the season starts. In a cowardly attempt to ensure they maintain the aura of “Mr. Clean,” they get someone else to do the dirty work for them. Grant Woods is apparently eager to fill that role. He recently filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission in Washington, alleging that Mr. Hayworth and his employer, Clear Channel, the owner of KFYI, are violating federal law through in-kind contributions, in a bid to launch JD’s campaign for the US Senate.

It is the nature of talk shows that callers will phone in and suggest that the host ought to run for this office or that. Some of JD’s fans have talked to him about running for governor; others have suggested taking back his seat from Congressman Harry Mitchell, and of course, some believe that JD would make a fine US senator. John McCain has alienated a substantial portion of his natural base by drifting leftward, and no issue separates candidate McCain and non-candidate Hayworth more than illegal immigration. McCain is virtually an icon for immigration reform, (wink-wink) which is just another way of saying: Let’s keep the floodgates open so non-citizens

can destroy our country (McAmnesty). Hayworth has been very critical of McCain and others on this, and wants sealed borders along with strong measures to encourage illegals to pack up and move to their natural homes. This division makes McCain and Hayworth natural political rivals, and sets the stage for a potential battle.

Will JD declare himself a candidate? At this point nobody knows, including Hayworth himself. Political life is not a bed of roses. It exposes anyone who decides to swim in those murky waters to the seedy underside of human behavior. Anything goes, families become fair game, and even non-candidates who are suspected of posing a potential threat become targets. Frequently it is the American people who suffer the most, when the vanguards of special interests prevail. Maybe this time we will get lucky. Keep your fingers crossed and support the candidate who supports us, the little guys. One thing is sure. Whatever feud simmered between Grant Woods and John McCain for almost two decades has been put aside in their mutual political panic concerning the popularity of JD Hayworth with the Republican Base in Arizona.

That’s a small miracle at this special time of year-and in its own strange way, makes Hayworth a uniter, not a divider!

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Guest Opinion

A(zgop) Christmas Story

December 23, 2009 By 1 Comment

Brought to you by the Arizona Republican Party

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the state house,

Democrats were complaining, continuing to grouse.

With the budget a bust, and no money to spare,

The Democrat solution? Never cut! Don’t despair!

“Blame Brewer, blame Republicans,” the Dems all agree,

“We have no answers or solutions!” They would decree.

Lujan and Sinema nestled snug in their beds,

With visions of stimulus flowing in from the feds.

Running out of options and all out of dough,

They seemingly just say – “nothing must go!”

As Republicans work into the night to close the gap,

It’s as if Democrats just woke from a long summers nap!

When out on the Capitol lawn there arose such a clatter,

The media sprang from its perch to see what’s the matter.

Away to the windows they flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

When, what to their wondering eyes should appear,

But the state’s AG, and the ninth floor so near.

The perennial candidate so lively so quick,

His repeated defeats, so comic, so tragic.

More rapid than eagles his patrons they came,

He whistled, he shouted, and called them by name.

“Now Kyrsten, now David! Now Albert and Rebecca!

Now Chad! Now Phil, Martha and Anna!

Let’s hang them out to dry, let’s blame them for it all!

Next year’s an election, we must hinder and stall!”

“But what if the voters should find out our course?”

Said the group’s leader without an ounce of remorse.

“You shouldn’t be worried,” said the AG,

“The third times the charm, and you’ll surely see,

A special present for taxpayers around our great state.

Return to reckless spending, and a burdensome tax rate.”

And they heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,

“Good riddance to prudence, and thanks for your support,

You’ve set the state back for which there is no retort.

I’ll see you on the trail, for it’s still in my blood,

Even if year after year, they’ve found a me a dud.”

Filed Under: Arts, Holiday

The Center is a Relative Concept

December 23, 2009 By 5 Comments

By Emil Franzi, Special to The Explorer

The late GOP Congressman and 1972 American Independent Party Presidential candidate John Schmitz always claimed he was a member of the John Birch Society to appeal to the moderates in his district. In 1968, I was elected chairman of the Los Angeles County Young Republicans as the centrist candidate. I was supported by both the Birchers and the Objectivists.

I’m not making this up. I only report it to again illustrate that the center is a relative concept, and that moderation is far more a demeanor than an epistemology.

I was correctly taken to task for a prior column where I stated that should State Sen. Jonathan Paton enter the race for the GOP nomination in CD8 next year, he might run as a moderate. Sen. Paton called to tell me that’s difficult for someone with his solid conservative voting record on issues from gun control and abortion to taxation and spending.

The “moderate” possibility came from a Democrat consultant friend of his. Paton responded that was someone proposing how he should run, not how he would if he does.

Fair enough, but some advice. Spend a little more time with Tea Party folks and a little less with Democrat consultants.

My old colleague Jim Nintzel at the Tucson Weekly sees Paton as the GOP heavyweight in the CD8 race, and thinks it’s a replay of the Democrat CD8 primary of 2006, where Iraqi combat veteran Jeff Latas was wiped out by State Sen. Gabby Giffords’ late entry, with Iraqi combat veteran Jesse Kelly playing the Latas role and Paton Gabby’s. Putting aside two other Iraqi combat vets already in the GOP race, Brian Miller and Andy Goss, and Paton’s own Iraqi service, the races aren’t analogous. Here’s why.

Democrats aren’t Republicans. Democrat primary voters aren’t impressed by a 20-year lieutenant colonel with an Air Force Cross, and are downright suspicious even when he’s a lefty. My take on Democrat behavior erred judging that race because of my own biases. Jim’s current take on GOP behavior errs for the same reason.

2010 isn’t 2006. Politics are tidal. Conservative Republicans now have the wind at their back instead of in their face. And incumbent legislators have hardly grown in stature.

Latas never raised any money. Kelly already has a quarter million. Latas garnered little big name support. Kelly has many heavy hitters both in and out of state, including talk show host Mark Levin, Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann, and former House Armed Services Chairman Duncan Hunter joining Congressman Trent Franks, Sheriffs Joe Arpaio and Paul Babeu, and Paton’s State Senate colleague Al Melvin in state. Even more important, the troops who turn out primary voters really like him.

Others are already committed to Goss, who’s from the Cochise County portion of Paton’s Senate district, and Miller, who gets to even more gun shows than I do. Paton may be too late. Eight months ago when Kelly announced, Gabby looked like a re-election slam dunk. Somewhere between Cap and Tax and ObamaCare the blue dog faded to pastel.

One comparison Republicans hope won’t re-occur is the clumsy muscle job party heavies pulled in favor of State Rep. Steve Huffman in the 2006 GOP primary. Conservatives would now rebel if you tried to force feed them Ronald Reagan. And some who drove the Huffman operation, like GOP money guru Jim Click, already support Kelly.

Paton isn’t Huffman. He’s in the GOP conservative mainstream ca. 2010 along with Kelly, Miller and Goss. Should he choose to run he’ll have a good shot as long as whatever GOP establishment types supporting him don’t follow the heavy-handed route and make him look like Huffman.

Hear Emil Franzi and Tom Danehy Saturdays 1-4 p.m. on KVOI 1030 AM.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections, Political Parties, Political Science

Take Back AZ CD’s on Facebook

December 23, 2009 By 11 Comments

Take Back CD-1Take Back CD-5A quick plug for two “groups” on Facebook that conservatives need to join.

Take Back CD-1 is geared toward reclaiming Arizona’s Congressional District 1 from Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick. If you are a Facebook member, be sure to join this group and follow what’s happening in this race.

Take Back CD-5 is entirely focused on unseating Harry Mitchell and handing it back to the Republican nominee in the November, 2010 General Election. Get on board with this FB group and feel free to lodge your complaints against Mitchell. Between this FB group and Harry Mitchell Watch, the voters should be able to restore Arizona’s Congressional District 5 to the Republicans.

Filed Under: Campaigns & Elections