Ron Barber Offers Rare Glimpse of Truth in CD8 Debate

By Sam Stone

Democrat Ron Barber’s campaign to replace his former boss, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, has to be disappointing to Democrats because, if you believe what Barber says, he’s pretty much just a Republican with the wrong letter after his name on the ballot. Unfortunately, what Ron Barber really believes remains a mystery to voters (You can read more about why here). But an interesting exchange midway through the recent CD8 debate on KUAT TV should provide a few clues.

Like most political contests, this one is a two-way battle between Barber and his Republican opponent, Jesse Kelly. But also, as per usual, the fringe-party people just can’t resist the opportunity to nab a little face time and distract voters from the real issues by inserting themselves into the debates.

In this case, that fringe is one Charlie “Occupy” Manolakis, purportedly representing the Green Party although he didn’t once mention the environment during the hour-long debate, choosing instead to focus on Socialist theories of federal government authority and eliminating State’s Rights in favor of the collective. If it was worth the time, I would rebut his ridiculous ideas. But it’s not.

One of the first things candidates learn on the campaign trail is to ignore and never, never under any circumstances engage the fringe. Yet midway through his debate with Jesse Kelly, Barber did just that. Why? What did he have to gain? Manolakis, a self-proclaimed Occupier, isn’t a factor in this race and never will be. Frankly, why KUAT and other local organizations even let these people in front of a camera is baffling.

Yet there was Ron Barber, the self-proclaimed “Mr. Civility”, aggressively taking on Manolakis when the Occupier challenged him for not taking a stand in favor of universal healthcare and Medicaid for all. Barber had absolutely nothing, politically, to gain by firing away at the fringe. But he just couldn’t help himself. Why?

The answer is telling. While Ron Barber might be pretending to be a conservative in the hopes of winning this election, nothing in his history suggests that he actually believes anything he’s saying right now. Ron Barber is a life-long social worker who proudly stood at Gabrielle Giffords side when she cast votes in favor of Obamacare, Cap and Trade, and the rest of the Obama / Pelosi radical agenda. His first fundraiser was co-hosted by Pelosi and local Socialist icon Raul Grijalva. Simply put, Ron Barber is as liberal as they come, and he couldn’t stomach being attacked from the left.

Barber’s campaign team must have been terrified. All that careful work and planning – clearing the field so he didn’t have to expose himself in a primary, studiously copying the talking points of Kelly’s primary challengers Martha McSally and Dave Sitton, hours spent listening to Republican talk radio – all of it almost went up in the smoke curling from Barber’s ears when the Occupier called him out.

Ron Barber would like you to believe that he’s just a “moderate”, friendly old guy: the Grandpa next door who watches your kids for you when you have to run to the store. But all it took to expose him as yet another loony liberal was one loony Occupier. Apparently, the Occupy movement was good for something after all.

Sam Stone is a Republican political consultant from Southern Arizona.

 

Speaking in Forked Tongues

The counter culture, drug,  and anarchist Left has developed over the years a rather extensive street language of which Conservatives need to be aware, because it’s moved off the street and out of the drug dens into mainstream political discourse.   Using very common terms, there exists a parallel universe dialect to communicate vulgar and abusive insults through the most innocuous rhetoric. Thus, all sorts of hidden messages are conveyed openly in public, without the public understanding it’s all code.

The Tea Party public did not know for over a week that the highly paid network ‘news reporters’ were displaying their true dirty characters, looking straight into the camera and taking advantage of general ignorance of the term ‘tea-bagger,” using a gay slang name for a sex act to insult the Tea Party movement in the most demeaning manner possible.

The Trayvon Martin case: it was widely reported that he was a little kid with a bag of Skittles and a bottle of ice tea. It’s a confirmed fact that Trayvon was over 6 feet tall, a 17-year-old young man and suspended from his school for possession of traces of drugs. So, what’s so relevant about the Skittles and ice tea?

In the street slang: Skittles: A misc mix of assorted narcotics pills, tossed together in a bag. Due to the random collection, it is usually multi-colored like a bag of Skittles. Potentially lethal, as identification of the individual pills is not possible, so the effects are an unpredictable high.

Ice tea: a slang term for pot

While some  local Florida schools encouraged kids to solidarity parade with candy Skittles and cans of ice tea, the truth remains shrouded … no one knows outside the police department and the prosecutor which Skittles and ice tea Trayvon had in his possession – highly germane to the circumstances of the case.

How goeth the on-going viral campaign by the NGO Invisible Voices which bought us the manipulative  KONY 2012 ? They racked up 35 million Youtube hits to rally high school and college students around the world to donate their cash to pay for KONY 2012 T-shirts, KONY 2012 posters, bumper stickers.

After a growing backlash from critics who actually know something about Joseph Kony and the LRA, and to where all the money is going, the Invisible Voices director seemingly did the next best thing to actual ‘in hiding’ to avoid questions, via exposing himself in public and being ‘put away,’  Invisible Voices has come out with KONY 2012 The Sequel, wherein they continue their manipulative distortions of the Joseph Kony history, continue to solicit for money primarily amongst high schools and college students, and continue to urge students to ‘organize’ with posters, t-shirts, what looks like KONY pizza boxes … and stencils for that triangle, they took an A and rotated it and stylized, with a new plan of mass vandalism:  Cover the Night: April 30th. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_Ue6REkeTA

Apart from the laundry list of factual inaccuracies and distortions in both their KONY 2012 videos, a very little research into the anarchist world reveals the creepy spirit of Invisible Voices:

The A: This symbol is so important to their message, they dedicated a Youtube video to “make your own.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JufdQIs76g

And encourage students to put it everywhere: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbuHC3XNWMo&feature=relmfu

Let’s look elsewhere if A has any significance. It is seen on flags at #OWS camps, usually inside a circle.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=anarchy+a&view=detail&id=387B7CFD26EAB5A5E7DF298AD32A3F4ACB117A65&first=0&qpvt=anarchy+a&FORM=IDFRIR

A for Anarchy: “Popular among school aged children today, this symbol for anarchy fits the message that pervades the most popular video games, role-playing games, movies and television. The lines of the “A” often extend outside the circle. To many Satanists and other fast-growing occult groups it represents their slogan, “do what thou wilt.” A former occultist explained that it represents the ASMODEAS: a demonic force driving teenagers toward sexual perversion and suicide.” http://www.crossroad.to/Books/symbols1.html

This is a bit of a chilling coincidence given that the KONY 2012 director stripped, went off masturbating in public and has been detained ostensibly for his own safety.

Given symbolism is so important to this strange group of Liberals who are actually redefining crass and money-grubbing, using the name of a murderous warlord to raise money for themselves along with their stated goal to keep the current administration in office, to raise funds amongst gullible students, then is there an unstated but in-your-face reason for why they choose April 30th to ‘Cover the Night” in red – the color of blood? Type in April 30th and what do we find?

The hard core Left of Invisible Voices picked the day Adolph Hitler committed suicide, a day of black and red mourning for NAZI socialists and neo-NAZIs, April 30, 1945, which in tidy coincidence, happen also to be the colors of the NAZI flag.
So is Invisible Voices actually implying a superstitious power convergence based on t-shirts, picking up trash and painting walls to do something about Joseph Kony, a murderous warlord, to raise money out of the pockets of students to carry out vandalism and defacing in cities across the world during the night of the anniversary of Adolph Hitler’s suicide, under the benign cover of ‘caring?’  It’s a convenient all-nighter in red to slide into the Socialist’s reddest holiday, May 1st, the Worker’s holiday, so #OWS wants a General Strike (called #M1GS) to celebrate.  From Joseph Kony to Workers Solidarity against illegal forclosures, evil bankers,  in less than 24 hours.

Kony’s general whereabouts are already known by security forces in the region. Does Invisible Voices actually need him alive for a little longer at the expense of local villagers, to let some money be made off him, first, after Invisible Voices has led our youth into sly Hitler commemorations? What is really going on? Parents around … anywhere?  Those are their children  and their money going to …  celebrate … conjure … what? Who?

In more mundane venues, recently many Conservative blogs were flooded with new posters who tore their robes and wailed about how awful Rush Limbaugh was to add up Sandra Fluke’s patently outrageous claims that all the women she knows ‘need’ $3,000 worth of contraceptive reimbursements, to arrive at the sum … summed up as “slut.” Outrageous statements beg the logical conclusions, but a strong offense is the best defense, so out came the Miss Prissies … legions of them.

It was all a staged act of Left trolls using innocuous names that are used on the street and in anarchist circuits comprised of 99% vulgar gay sex acts and 1% just plain vulgar other sex acts when translated through the Urban Dictionary. So the Left gimmick counterattack surging through the blogs to denounce Limbaugh was: loudly pitch the irate tantrum about the use of the word, ‘slut’ while concurrently insulting in the most hateful, degrading sexual perversions and disrespectful manner possible, far worse than any timid slut … hidden in plain view in the nic.

Let’s put this to the test? How does a small sampling of self-described Liberals and Democrats who post on Sonoran Alliance name themselves? We take a few nics and look them up at Urban Dictionary:

True Conservative : A weak definition of a conservative used by some overly-nationalist douche who has no idea what they’re talking about and usually thinks that any American who existed in the 19th century was a conservative

Lampoon: what one accomplishes before being arrested for bestiality and statutory rape.

Nordin: a typically potty mouth pompous male or female

Crub: rubbing a certain unmentionable female body part thru clothing

A couple other nics of the most spotted Liberal Left posters who come to tell readers at SA how stupid they are, were not really possible to re-convey in non-vulgar language, so let’s just stop there. Morbidly curious readers can confirm for themselves. Many words or names have multiple entries – which plays into the game of double-triple-entendres – which entry was intended? The innocuous one or the third and fourth ones down the list? The one seemingly by itself or the vulgar one not showing until one scrolls down an apparently blank page?

A quick perusal will confirm that much of the Urban Dictionary is NSFW not safe for work. It is a window into a world of re-translating everything normal into pure filth and degradation, the dissolute, decadent and hateful dialect of #OWS and the Left.

Decent people who value morals, truth and genuine justice must be aware of the language, the hate and aggressive hidden agendas and symbolism of the Left. In this political battle, it is long past urgent necessary to let more people be aware of the dual nature of the Left’s vernacular and how it’s used against ordinary Americans.
The Urban Dictionary: http://www.urbandictionary.com

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Frank Antenori Overwhelmingly Wins Vote After CD-8 GOP Debate

Frank Antenori

TUCSON – In a straw poll of attendees following last night’s debate in Oro Valley, State Senator Frank Antenori was selected as the preferred candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress in CD-08 with more than 40% of the vote.

The winner of the poll, largely decided by voters who indicated at the beginning of the debate that they had not yet selected a candidate, was announced this morning on KVOI’s Wake Up Tucson program.

“There is a difference in this race,” Antenori said. “The other candidates all say nice things but not one of them has actually had a measurable impact on improving the economy by reducing the size and cost of government like I have.”

Antenori says he has “proven” his ability to “earn the support of Republicans, Independents, and conservative Democrats through his blunt spoken style, relentless advocacy for government reform and liberty. He was re-elected in the last election by over 60% of the vote in a district with only 43% Republicans.

“In America, one earns the right to be promoted based on performance. I am asking the voters for a promotion based upon my performance,” he said. “The other option is to pass over someone who has delivered for one who just walked in off the street.”

The results of the straw poll are as follows:

Frank Antenori – 48 Votes – 40%
Martha McSally – 30 Votes – 25%
Dave Sitton – 22 Votes – 18%
Jesse Kelly – 19 Votes – 16% 

Early voting is underway now and in-person voting for the primary will occur on April 17th.

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PIMA COUNTY YOUNG REPUBLICANS HOST IMPORTANT CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE TONIGHT

All Four Republican Candidates Seeking to Fill Gabrielle Giffords’ Seat Attending 

(Tucson, AZ) The Pima County Young Republican Club in partnership with the Legislative District 26 Republican Party is proud to announce a Congressional Candidate Debate tonight, Monday, March 26 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the auditorium of Canada del Oro High School (CDO).

All four Republican candidates running to fill the open CD-8 seat previously held by Representative Gabrielle Giffords will be participating. This includes State Senator Frank Antenori, Jesse Kelly, Colonel Martha McSally, and Dave Sitton. The CD-8 Special Election will be an important bellwether with national implications going into the 2012 Presidential Election.

The debate will be simulcast live on radio station KVOI 1030 AM The Voice. Joe Higgins will act as debate moderator. Mr. Higgins is a local Republican entrepreneur, a former candidate for County Supervisor in District 1, and the host of “Wake Up Tucson,” a radio program on The Voice.

Other special debate sponsors include the Oro Valley Republican Women’s Club and the Pima County Tea Party Patriots.

The Young Republicans will conduct a Congressional Candidate Straw Poll at the debate for $2 per entry with a strict limit of one entry per person. Straw poll results will be announced the following day on the Pima County Young Republican blog at PimaYRs.blogspot.com. The Young Republicans will also be collecting early ballots for people who want to turn them in at the debate.

CDO High School is located at 25 W Calle Concordia, Tucson, AZ 85704. The auditorium holds up to 650 people, and a full crowd is expected. Doors will open at 6:00. Early arrival is suggested to ensure a seat.

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Pima County Young Republicans to Host Important Congressional Debate

PIMA COUNTY YOUNG REPUBLICANS

All Four Republican Candidates Seeking to Fill Gabrielle Giffords’ Seat Attending

(Tucson, AZ) The Pima County Young Republican Club in partnership with the Legislative District 26 Republican Party is proud to announce a Congressional Candidate Debate this coming Monday, March 26 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the auditorium of Canada del Oro High School (CDO).

All four Republican candidates running to fill the open CD-8 seat previously held by Representative Gabrielle Giffords will be participating. This includes State Senator Frank Antenori, Jesse Kelly, Colonel Martha McSally, and Dave Sitton. The CD-8 Special Election will be an important bellwether with national implications going into the 2012 Presidential Election.

The debate will be simulcast live on radio station KVOI 1030 AM The Voice. Joe Higgins will act as debate moderator. Mr. Higgins is a local Republican entrepreneur, a former candidate for County Supervisor in District 1, and the host of “Wake Up Tucson,” a radio program on The Voice.

Other special debate sponsors include the Oro Valley Republican Women’s Club and the Pima County Tea Party Patriots.

The Young Republicans will conduct a Congressional Candidate Straw Poll at the debate for $2 per entry with a strict limit of one entry per person. Straw poll results will be announced the following day on the Pima County Young Republican blog at PimaYRs.blogspot.com. The Young Republicans will also be collecting early ballots for people who want to turn them in at the debate.

CDO High School is located at 25 W Calle Concordia, Tucson, AZ 85704. The auditorium holds up to 650 people, and a full crowd is expected. Doors will open at 6:00. Early arrival is suggested to ensure a seat.

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Frank Antenori Wins Debate

Frank Antenori

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2012

TUCSON – Demonstrating a superior grasp of the issues facing southern Arizonans, the Antenori campaign tonight declared victory following the first debate of the Republican candidates seeking the nomination in the April 17th primary for the special election for Congress in Arizona’s CD-08.

“I truly like all the candidates in this race, but they all need some experience fighting and delivering for this community before we entrust them to deliver for us in the major league battles going on in Washington, DC,” State Senator Frank Antenori noted, following the debate held by the 388 Republican Club in Tucson.

Antenori, who has adopted the slogan “Results for a Change”, noted that none of his opponents have “cut one dime from a spending program, reduced the size of government, stopped a politician from spending money he didn’t have, or stand in the way of a tax hike”.

“We have had too many candidates say the right words only to morph into a politician that delivers nothing,” Antenori said. “This election is about who will go to Washington to get in the ring with Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to restore our economy and get the government off of our backs. We need experienced fighters, not rookies.”

Specifically, Antenori chided Jesse Kelly for his inability to attract independent voters in the last congressional election. “Southern Arizona voters are sophisticated and reluctant to take a chance on someone who has yet to prove themselves to this community,” the Senator said. “Kelly lost in a Republican district in a Republican year. We cannot afford to take that chance again.”

The Senator welcomed Jesse Kelly back to Tucson. Kelly has spent his time in Texas since losing the last congressional race. A noted absent from the debate was Martha McSally, who had been living in Germany and was in DC raising money rather in Arizona learning and speaking on the issues.

“I respect that both candidates had things to do in places far away from here, but while they were elsewhere I was fighting in the trenches of our State Legislature to eliminate a $3 billion deficit caused by politicians spending money they didn’t have,” Antenori said.

“We fixed Arizona’s budget despite intense opposition from politicians and special interest groups. We stood up to them and I’d love the opportunity to stand up to the politicians and special interest groups in Washington that are bankrupting our country,” Antenori said, noting that his third opponent – sportscaster Dave Sitton – was here but not involved or helpful in fixing Arizona’s budget.

“Dave is used to sitting on the sidelines calling the play by play. He hasn’t been in the game and when we could have used his help last year he was absent,” the Senator said.

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Newt Gingrich Highlights From National Journal/CBS Debate

Here are the highlights from Speaker Newt Gingrich during the National Journal / CBS Debate Saturday night.

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Michigan Presidential Debate Video Highlights

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Newt Gingrich sets the record straight, schools the media!

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DeeDee Blase is a Liar and Engaging in Libel.

OK DeeDee Garcia Blase. If you want to play this game on the blogs, let’s play. I’m calling you out!

I have always believed that running Olivia Cortes was a huge mistake if not just plain stupid. Gaming the system in such a manner goes against the American Association of Political Consultants Code of Ethics.

I did not participate in the fiasco of running her as a candidate other than providing a forum for supporters and detractors to discuss her participation in the race.

Ultimately what Tom Ryan did to her was evil by dragging her through the mud and into the court system. If there was anyone YOU should be attacking for disrespecting Latinas, it is Tom Ryan and his minions for humiliating her in the courts. Shame on you DeeDee for not defending her!

Yes, Olivia Cortes was dragged into this stupid, unnecessary recall fiasco as a means to game the system. Those who pulled her into this were wrong for doing so.

DeeDee Garcia Blase, we may agree on several other issues but you are DEAD WRONG on my participation in the Cortes fiasco.

You should also go back and read Sonoran Alliance and see that I gave Jerry Lewis supporters the opportunity to post on Sonoran Alliance as guest opinions. I even gave Tyler Montague and Chad Snow space and time to get their opinions out:

Deep Thoughts from Team Pearce: A new interpretation of, “We report, you decide.” by Tyler Montague

Citizens for a Better Arizona Official Statement – “Why a Recall – Why Now?” by Chad Snow

You need to do your research before you start hysterically lashing out at what you don’t know.

This blog is well read across the State of Arizona and in Washington, D.C. Anyone who is a frequent reader and visitor will see that I have given each side the opportunity to voice their opinions.

If you want to continue to pursue this and tell lies about my position, I will be more than willing to dedicate space on Sonoran Alliance to make sure that you received negative ink on a daily basis. This is your opportunity to retract your posts that are outright lies and likely libelous. In exchange, I will remove this post. The choice is yours DeeDee Blase.

Finally, go back and read Sonoran Alliance in 2010 and you will see that John McCain had his supporters also posting on the blog. It was NOT one-sided as you alleged on your most recent post.

I am getting sick and tired of people like you who think that I write every post on Sonoran Alliance or don’t allow other viewpoints. There are plenty of people who will back me up that Sonoran Alliance bends over backwards to give equal access to both sides. Hell DeeDee, I would even give you your own login if you asked!

So tell the truth DeeDee Blase and take the opportunity to correct and retract your statements before you wear out my graces.

Arizona GOP Announces Mesa Arts Center as the Location for Republican Presidential Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2011
CONTACT: Mark Stanton

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey announced Tuesday that Mesa Arts Center will be the location for the Arizona Republican Presidential Debate featuring candidates seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2012.

The nationally-televised debate is being sponsored by the Arizona Republican Party and the Cable News Network (CNN), and will be conducted and aired live on CNN at 6 p.m. local time (8 p.m. ET) on November 30.

Mesa Arts Center, which opened in 2005, is a world-class facility well-suited to host this world-class event. The $98-million complex sits on seven acres and includes more than 212,000 square feet of theaters, studios and exhibition space.

“Mesa Arts Center is an ideal venue for the debate,” said Chairman Morrissey. “This state-of-the-art facility will be front and center as Arizona welcomes the candidates for this important event.”

Governor Jan Brewer, who played a key role in securing the debate in Arizona, called the event a critical opportunity to spotlight southwestern issues and have the candidates hear directly from Arizona voters. As Arizona’s top-elected official, she stated that this debate is very important to the state and the nation.

“This is a tremendous honor,” said Governor Brewer. “Arizona will play a key role in the coming election, and I’m looking forward to our voters getting an up-close look at our nation’s candidates for president.”

“I’m thankful to CNN and the Arizona Republican Party for their sponsorship of this important debate,” Governor Brewer added, “and the City of Mesa for its work in making this event a reality. I know the Mesa Arts Center will truly help Arizona shine on the national stage.”

Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said the national exposure of the debate will pay dividends for both the State of Arizona and City of Mesa.

“Mesa is honored to host this important event at our beautiful arts center,” Mayor Smith said. “We are confident that we can demonstrate all Arizona has to offer to both the attendees and millions of viewers.”

The Mesa Arts Center is an architecturally-stunning facility located in the heart of downtown Mesa. Arizona’s largest arts center is home to four theaters, five art galleries and 14 art studios. Guests, patrons and students come to Mesa Arts Center to enjoy the finest live entertainment and performances, world-class visual art exhibitions and outstanding arts education classes. The facility is an architectural showpiece and a destination for visitors to the Phoenix area. For a map of the facility go to www.mesaartscenter.com. The Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in Mesa, Arizona 85201.

Mesa, Arizona is home to nearly half a million people, making it the 39th most populous city in the United States – larger than Kansas City, Miami, St. Louis and Pittsburgh. The area’s economy is driven by five major industries: healthcare, education, aerospace, technology and tourism. Mesa is home to Chicago Cubs spring training, the Boeing Company’s Apache Helicopter, First Solar’s newest solar panel manufacturing plant and the Arizona Laboratories for Security and Defense Research (AzLabs), one of only a handful of high-level security facilities of its kind in the United States. For more information about the City of Mesa go to www.mesaaz.gov.

The Arizona presidential debate will be viewed worldwide, thanks to the global, 24/7 reach of CNN and CNN.com. The debate will be aired live from Arizona on CNN, and globally on CNN International, CNN en Espanol and CNN Radio.

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Arizona Republican Party Sets Date for Arizona Presidential Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2011
CONTACT: communications@azgop.org

Phoenix – The Arizona Republican Party is pleased to announce Thursday, December 1st as the date for the first Republican Presidential debate to take place in Arizona. The Cable News Network (CNN) has also agreed to partner with the Arizona Republican Party to carry the debate live that evening.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer played an important integral role in the discussion and decision for the debate and will continue to be a part of the process as details are finalized.

Tom Morrissey, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party commented, “Arizonans are clearly excited about this high profile debate opportunity. The voters look forward to watching the candidates give serious attention and discussion to issues critical to our economy, our national security role and the many other challenges we face here in Arizona and the Southwest.”

No venue has been chosen at this time but discussions are taking place to choose a location that optimizes the importance of the event. The debate will most likely take place in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Once a decision has been reached regarding the official venue, members of the media will be notified.

For more information regarding the Arizona Republican Party’s role in the December debate, please contact Thayer Verschoor at (602) 957-7770.

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No-Show Stanton!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 21, 2011
CONTACT: Daniel Scarpinato

Career-politician evades questions, cancels afternoon radio debate

PHOENIX – Last night, career-politician Greg Stanton continued his perpetual habit of evading tough questions and running from his record, namely raising water rates and favoring higher taxes.

Today, he’s ducking out of a pre-scheduled debate.

Both Stanton and Wes Gullett agreed to a live hour-long radio debate on KFNX 1100 AM, scheduled for this afternoon at 4 p.m. But Stanton has now backed out. Gullett still plans to attend and answer questions on-air.

“What is Greg Stanton afraid of? That voters will actually judge him on his record of raising water rates and growing the size of government?” said Gullett campaign spokesman Daniel Scarpinato. “Wes Gullett has put forward specific plans for how he will reform city government and get Phoenix working again. Greg Stanton is just another career-politician who won’t even answer questions.”

Stanton’s no-show follows his inability to answer simple questions directly at last night’s debate.

Stanton danced around the issue of whether he would repeal the food tax, eventually admitting he would not do so immediately, as Gullett has pledged.

But Stanton’s evasiveness was on greatest display in answer to a question on water rate increases (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWRCwfoCicU), which Stanton supported while on the City Council for nine years. After filibustering and providing a non-answer, Gullett asked Stanton directly: “I guess that means you were for it?”

Stanton sat silent for several seconds, looking down at the table, before looking up and only saying: “I have a record.”

Gullett is against further water-rate increases.

“Greg Stanton can’t run from his record,” Scarpinato said. “He might not want to show up for debates, but voters are learning more and more about Greg Stanton’s job-killing plans to raise taxes and increase the size of government.”

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Greater Phoenix Tea Party Patriots to Participate in 1st Ever Tea Party Presidential Debate!

Please join the Greater Phoenix Tea Party Patriots next Monday night as they actually participate in the Presidential debate hosted by the Tea Party Express in Tampa Florida.

Date: Monday, September 12, 2011
Time: 5:00-8:00 PM
Location: Anywhere with access to CNN

This underreported Presidential debate will be held in Tampa, FL at 8pm EST/5pm PST on CNN. This event is hosted by Tea Party Express. We have yet to see any coverage of this event on any media outlet. It is up to us to spread the word now so people will be able to watch this unique and historic event.

Over 700 tea party leaders will attend the debate in Tampa. Questions have been submitted to CNN by the patriots and will be asked by the moderators. Additionally, viewing parties will be held around the country to watch the debate. CNN has chose 3 cities to broadcast remotely from, and questions will also be submitted by patriots in these cities, which include Phoenix, Cincinnati, and Virginia Beach.

It will be interesting to see how CNN treats the Conservative base in this debate. Please work your magic and get this event to go viral, as we counteract the media’s silence!

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Violence is in the Eye of the Beholder

Statement released by Democrat and House Minority Leader, Chad Campbell:

“First, the actions of the Pima County Republicans are shocking, disrespectful and in poor taste at best. To raffle off the same brand of gun used to assault Congresswoman Giffords and kill and injure several others, including a 9-year-old girl, is unconscionable. 

“Arizona is still healing from these wounds. If any good could have come out of this horrific event, it would be civility in our state or employing sensitivity when needed, not reopening the wounds or making light of them. 

“I am gun owner myself, a supporter of the Second Amendment and I also believe in common sense. Their raffle is not common sense; it is sick, and the Pima County GOP should call off the raffle in respect for the Arizonans who died and were injured in the Tucson shooting. It’s time for all of us to check ourselves in mutual respect for one another so we can all work together to make our state stronger.”

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UPDATE: The White House made this official statement regarding yesterday’s speech by Teamster President, Jimmy Hoffa:

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Arizona Republican Party Statement on GOP Presidential Debate in Arizona

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2011
CONTACT: Thayer Verschoor

Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Republican Party Chairman Tom Morrissey released the following statement today regarding Arizona’s role in a Republican Primary Presidential debate in Arizona:

“The Arizona Republican Party shares and supports Governor Jan Brewer’s goal to ensure that Arizona voters are heard loud and clear during the presidential nomination process. So, I was pleased to learn that the Republican National Committee has preliminarily granted Arizona an RNC-sanctioned debate among GOP candidates, preferably in December 2011.

The Arizona Republican Party will shortly submit to the RNC an official application for this debate and will be coordinating with the Governor regarding other arrangements for this exciting opportunity. Morrissey continued, “I am grateful to Governor Brewer for her leadership in this process. All Arizonans can look forward to this debate, which will give our voters an up-close look at the candidates and make certain that issues critical to Arizona and the Southwest are addressed in a serious and substantive manner.”

For more information regarding The Arizona Republican Party and its role in this important event, please contact Thayer Verschoor at (602) 957-7770.

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Are Phoenix City Hall & the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce trying to illegally influence an election?

Coming to a city near you… Unions, lobbyists, special interests controlling election outcomes.

Out of six ballot-qualified candidates in the Phoenix Mayoral election, two women candidates were excluded from a debate held at a City of Phoenix owned facility on August 15. The debate was hosted by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (@PhxChamber). One of the candidates excluded, Jennifer Wright is polling at the top of the field. So why would a frontrunner be excluded?

A reasonable person would conclude that this is the same good ol’ boys politics often used by incumbents, unions and special interests to control elections.

In response to this unacceptable and alleged illegal interference with the election process, the 2012 Project, a grassroots organization, hand delivered a notice of violation (ARS 9-500.14) to both the City of Phoenix Mayor and City Manager.

Ron Ludders and Lee Earle, leaders of the Arizona 2012 Project, also requested that either the two excluded candidates ( Anna Brennan and Jennifer Wright) be allowed to participate, or that the debate be cancelled in the name of fairness.

At a press conference outside City Hall , Ron Ludders said, “Three of the four candidates that are running have been a part of city hall….this is an obvious exclusion of anyone that’s a newcomer in the political field.”

The Phoenix City Attorney , Gary Verburg, also released the following statement in response to the 2012 Project’s letter and notice of violation just moments before the scheduled debate:

“Assistant City Manager, Ed Zuercher, has asked me to respond to your letter dated August 15, 2011. The City of Phoenix Convention Center, of which Symphony Hall is a part of, operates as an enterprise leasing space to tenants who are interested in conducting events at the facility. The City has standard rental rates which are charged for the use of the facilities. With respect to the use of Symphony Hall, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce has entered into a lease agreement to utilize Symphony Hall and is paying the standard rate for such use. No City resources are being utilized to sponsor or host the event. As the tenant, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce exercises the control and use of the premises during the event. As such, your concerns regarding the participants invited to the event should be addressed by the Chamber.”

Verbur’s statement glaringly fails to address the fact that the City of Phoenix is an active voting member and participant in the arrangement allowing the Phoenix Chamber to host the debate and would neither recuse or exonerate itself from the alleged violation of ARS 9-500.14.

Is this the new form of  ’voter suppression’ by unions and special interests that has taken control of city governance – silencing a candidate that is polling well? Just ask the four candidates who participated at the debate August 15th who all have union ties and are beholden to special interest groups.

If you you agree to unsustainable union salaries and pensions paid for by the the 2% tax on food, and the endless water bill increases, then vote for one of the four “city-chamber chosen” candidates who participated in the August 15th debate. But if you want an end to the ‘business as usual’ tax-and-spend career politicians, look to Jennifer Wright, who knows that Government does not create jobs, and promises to create a business-friendly environment which will create jobs in Phoenix.

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New Poll: Who won the Iowa GOP Debate?

Time for a brief post on my impression (and yours) of the Thursday evening Iowa GOP debate.

Mitt Romney remains the steady even-steven frontrunner. He gave the impression of being presidential, made few mistakes and had no deer-in-the-headlights moments like he did during the 2008 debates. When asked about healthcare and Romney care, his answer was still very much the government is the answer solution. He still remains committed to the concept of government-mandated healthcare which drives conservatives crazy. At least I will give him credit for being firm on an issue many believe is wrong.

Michele Bachmann again, did very well. She held her own in a field of men of which three strongly attacked her. At one point, the debate became a verbal joust between the Minnesota twins of Pawlenty and Bachmann. Michele gave very principled and committed answers on both fiscal and social issues. At one point, Byron York asked her a theological question about wives submitting themselves (Ephesians 5:22) in which she returned a very wise and personal answer. At this time, she is my favorite candidate because I identify with her positions more than any other candidate.

Let’s face it, Tim Pawlenty was a disappointment. He cannot seem to shake his passive aggressive temperament and presentation and this really became manifest when he attacked Congressman Bachmann. Pawlenty is having a tough time convincing voters that he is a fighter or has the fire in the belly to take on Obama (although I think anyone can beat Obama right now.)

In contrast to Pawlenty, Rick Santorum really stuck out as the righteous anger passionate candidate tonight. He was forceful and commanding in his arguments. He had me believing he was on the move until his anger turned on Michele Bachmann and then he came off as bitter and critical. His temperament lost me.

Newt Gingrich also stood out tonight. Just as Romney won the war, Gingrich won the battle in tonight’s debate. His answers and presentation gave the perception that his campaign may be on the road to recovery. Newt is probably the smartest guy on that stage but he does not convey executive leadership and I think almost everyone sees that clearly. After the Republicans win back the White House, Newt should be the top choice as Secretary of State or Secretary of Education, if that department doesn’t get eliminated.

Herman Cain was also somewhat of a disappointment. He had a few great answers but he did not command the stage and stand out as a strong leader contrasted to the other candidates. He seemed to get lost as an observer to the other fireworks show on stage.

Frankly, I’m surprised that John Huntsman is even running as a Republican. His presentation was extremely staged and the positions he holds and argued are more in line an Independent candidate. My guess is that he won’t remain in the race too much longer.

Then there’s the angry old man from Texas, Congressman Ron Paul. You’ll probably be surprised to know that I happen to agree with his philosophy on the role of government. (Although I am slightly torn about his position on the war and isolationism.) It’s just that the wrong Paul is running for President. Paul does not convey leadership but rather that of an alarmist. If his son, Rand Paul, were in this race, I’m sure that he would be doing much better than his father. A note to the Paulistinians out there who read this: I’ve included Ron Paul on the online poll but I would ask you not to flash mob it.

Finally, there’s much to be said in the days ahead about the Governor of Texas. Governor Rick Perry was not part of tonight’s lineup because he was probably sitting at home watching the GOP Vice-Presidential debate. No seriously, Perry has indicated that he will announce this Saturday that he is entering the race. This will have the effect of throwing a wrench into the campaign machine of Mitt Romney. Perry has every chance and likelihood of quickly overshadowing Romney in all areas with the exception of campaign cash on hand. Unlike Romney, Perry is currently serving as Governor of a state that is prospering especially in job growth compared to every other state. Perry is tremendously popular and can certainly brag about recent accomplishments that reflect the conservative agenda. And most important, Perry does not have to worry about a record of making deals with Democrats for his own political survival. When Perry enters the race, the Republican primary will essentially become a two man battle between him and Romney. At that point, Bachmann becomes the dark horse or top VP pick. All the other candidates will need to prepare their resumes for cabinet positions.

The new poll is up and we’re asking who you think won the debate. Feel free to share the poll with others but I’d also like your comments on the debate and where you think the race is going at this point in time.