Arizona Politics for Conservatives: Sonoran Alliance
Arizona Politics, News, Commentary and Information with a Blatantly Conservative Worldview Presented by an Alliance of Writers, Activists, Consultants and Government Insiders.
In case you missed it, here is the video from my appearance on 12 News Lunch Cast with Brahm Resnik and liberal blogger, Donna “Democratic Diva” Gratehouse.
On camera appearances like this “move” very quickly and you’re lucky if you get all your points made before the end of the segment.
Thanks to Brahm Resnik and the crew at 12 News for having me on to represent the conservative Tea Party movement!
I’m going to try to remain as objective as I can in this post. After all, I’m only reporting what happened over the last 24 hours when our good friend, Senator John McCain, went all mavericky on the floor of the Senate by endorsing a Wall Street Journal article ridiculing the Tea party. Here is the video clip that caused war to break out between Middle Earth and the “City of Satan.”
McCain’s remarks brought the conservative side of the GOP (isn’t that the majority?) to arms prompting swift responses from the likes of Sean Hannity who called McCain out on his remarks. McCain attempted to explain it away as follows:
From Glenn Beck:
And from former Tea Party Republican Nevada Senate candidate Sharron Angle:
One man in Washington, who chose Sarah Palin to be his VP running-mate and came to Nevada to campaign for me last year in the Senate race against Harry Reid, is now promoting attacks against Tea Party activists, ordinary American citizens, and fiscally conservative members of Congress — all of whom are adamantly opposed to continuing the deficit-spending strategies proposed by some congressional members and the president.
Ironically, this man campaigned for Tea Party support in his last re-election, but now throws Christine O’Donnell and I into the harbor with Sarah Palin. As in the fable, it is the hobbits who are the heroes and save the land. This Lord of the TARP actually ought to read to the end of the story and join forces with the Tea Party, not criticize it.
Former Tea Party Republican Maryland Senate candidate, Christine O’Donnell, also let loose on our senior Senator when she posted on her Facebook page:
I think that it is inappropriate to insult the judgment of the majority of Republicans in Nevada and Delaware and that the implication that nominating RINOs somehow means we win was irrefutably disproven by McCain’s own presidential candidacy debacle. After that nightmare, McCain had to veer right so fast he almost got whiplash from all his flip-flopping just to keep his Senate seat. It doesn’t help him to attack those conservatives and Tea Partiers who graciously gave him another chance to keep his job.
But perhaps everyone is wanting to know what McCain’s former running mate, Governor Sarah Palin, is thinking about the Senator’s remarks attacking the Tea Party, which is her strongest base.
Without injecting my own opinion – I’m only reading from the news accounts – I’d like to know what our readers are thinking.
Tomorrow, the US House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the Cut, Cap & Balance legislation at 10:30 am (AZ Time).
Arizona’s entire Republican House delegation will vote in favor of this crucial legislation which is expected to easily pass the House. Nevertheless, we encourage you to contact your representative and register your voice vote with them as the real battle actually starts with the US Senate.
After the House passes the bill, we can expect the mainstream media to begin the hyperbole and hysteria against the Republicans as the bill heads to the US Senate. Watch for the Arizona Republic and Arizona Daily Star to print hellish editorials against the Republican plan and droolish infatuated blatherings in support of the Democrats and President Obama.
One of the best resources you can access to help educate, inform and spread the word is the website Cut, Cap and Balance Act (http://www.cutcapandbalanceact.com). We encourage you to “arm’ yourself with the truth and facts and to most importantly, to use your voice in getting this legislation passed.
One thing you will notice on this website is the counters showing the number of Congressmen, Senators, Governors, Presidential candidates and citizens who have signed this pledge to pass the legislation. Let’s make these counters move!
Now it’s time to prepare for battle to save this Republic!
WASHINGTON (AP) — In an effort to stem the illicit flow of weapons into Mexico, the Justice Department announced Monday that all gun shops in four Southwest border states will be required to alert the federal government to frequent buyers of high-powered rifles.
The only flow of illicit guns from the four border states are those purchased with taxpayer money by the government of the United States.
How long ago was it when Secretary of Homeland (In)Security made the audacious claim that weapons being used were being supplied by gun shops in the border states?
She expected us to believe that the Drug Cartel’s with their massive stockpiles of cash were purchasing semi-automatic (that’s all you can legally purchase in the US without a special license) weapons one at a time and paying full over the counter retail. That’s how out of touch this moron of an ex-Arizona governor is… or how politically motivated she is.
When those claims were proved to be false, rather than admitting they were slightly in error, Napolitano and the Administration simply regrouped and called in Eric Holder who proceeded to launch a taxpayer funded effort to insure that the guns used by the Drug Cartell’s and in crimes committed in the border states had their origins with lawful FFL holders in gun shops from Yuma to Brownsville.
How ripe it is that Holder to deflect the true purpose of Fast and Furious is now ordering via administrative policy new gun regulations for the now discredited BATFE to execute.
Rep. Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said the new policy “is exactly what ATF agents on the ground told Congress — that reporting multiple sales of military-grade assault weapons is a crucial tool to identify and disrupt Mexican drug cartels engaged in gun trafficking.”
Military grade assault weapons? Does Mr Cummings even know what those are? Does Mr Cummings even know that you can’t buy “military grade” weapons over the counter in the United States? But then knowledge and truth seem to be alien concepts to some in Congress and the Administration (and for some time now).
It is therefore no surprise that Eric Holder is now doing exactly what that Wiener guy did when first confronted with the T-R-U-T-H … continuing to tell his lie louder. As the AP story goes on to explain, Holder is rushing to institute policy within the rogue BATFE before the chickens come home to roost and Holder’s role in ordering Fast & Furious (along with a couple of other similar dubious operations) is brought to full light.
If Obama can’t secure his promise of increased draconian gun control through legislation, he and his cronies will do it the way Tyrants and Dictators have always done it… by executive fiat … er, of course I mean order. After all, for them its all about order.
Side bar: Senator Klein
The Senator receives an “F” in handgun responsibility. Give her the Scott Bundgaard Award for Stupidity
Seems the story appears to have taken place last January because the July 10 article by Richard Ruelas which appeard in the Arizona Republic cites in a later paragraph the date of January 10th during which the episode occurred.
“No more training, background checks or permitting required, thank you very much.”
The above quote is taken from an Editorial in AZ Central July 12 and provides stark evidence just how imbecilic the Editorial board of the financially challenged Arizona Republic truly is; because background checks are a federal law and are conducted by a licensed FFL in the United States on each and every firearm sale made at a gun shop.
Regarding the lack of training or permitting for handgun ownership; just look at the carnage on the highway over any holiday weekend in SoCali due to motorists lacking proper training and permits . Oh and Lorie? Please try to remember that a gun is not a designer accessory.
It’s far too early to suggest the government can’t be fixed by normal channels when voting still works. The November 2010 elections are proof that that power of The People still exists. How peculiar to be arguing isolation and despair when the 2012 elections are just ahead, a BIG chance to make CHANGE at the BALLOT BOX.
PATIENCE is a VIRTUE. We need to remind ourselves of this in this instant gratification age.
There is NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK. If people want change in 2012, they will have to work together with a lot of other poeple to achieve that at the ballot box. It means putting aside petty differences and functioning as a national team, the PEOPLE acting through the Constitution to preserve their Constitutional rights.
It is not right to discourage people into believing government is not changeable through lawful processes. That’s simply not true at this point in time. Further, unlawful processes have no backing by the majority of the People. If the system is torn down, there is no consensus as to lawful means of gaining power. Then chaos and anarchy rule, and usually the toughest, baddest prevail, precisely NOT what people wanted.
This is also unBiblical to advocate non-cooperation, as God commands to “obey the authorities.” The teachings of Christ constantly state that the kingdom is in heaven, NOT on earth. Earth will be problematic, be challenging, be hard. Any preaching to establish a kingdom on earth is heresy, one of the three temptations Satan put to Jesus Christ to intice him off his purpose.
Even in a tyranny, any nation is in a better state after a lawful removal of leaders than by an unlawful removal of leadership. Honduras was an excellent example of the RIGHT way to deal with presidential unlawfulness because they established a CONSTITUTIONAL CONSENSUS amongst the branches of government. Devastated Liberia and Sierra Leone are grim warnings that unlawful seizing of power, even with the seductive excuse of a corrupt government creates WORSE problems. Usurpers may have self-righteously removed the heads of state, but tiem and time again prove by wretched failures that they have not captured the CONSENT of the PEOPLE.
That said, “grumpy isolationists” and their alarmist rhetoric haven’t yet demonstrated they deserve being lumped in with “terrorists” who are designated as such by a proven record of murder and mayhem. It seems to diminish the guilt of the historical and contemporary terrorists who are blowing up people and chopping off heads, while inflating the threat of people who spent most of their time spouting high-falutin’ rhetoric without doing much else that actually bothers anyone else. Just trying to argue and convince to win people to the debate side isn’t enough. That’s just free speech.
The Constitution discusses the right of dissolving offending governments by the consensus of the people, which means VOTE. Until THAT mechanism is totally taken from the PEOPLE, it is the way to orderly and lawful changes of goevrnance.
Plenty of political unrest brewing over an event scheduled Thursday night featuring the President of Americans for Tax Reform and founder of the Islamic Free Market Institute, Grover Norquist.
National security advocates including Pamela Geller, David Horowitz and Frank Gaffney have all been very vocal in their opposition to Norquist’s standing in the conservative movement.
In March, 2010, Pamela Geller wrote an article for American Thinker:
Grover Norquist’s ties to Islamic supremacists and jihadists have been known for years. He and his Palestinian wife, Samah Alrayyes — who was director of communications for his Islamic Free Market Institute until they married in 2005 — are very active in “Muslim outreach.” Just six weeks after 9/11, TheNew Republic ran an exposé explaining how Norquist arranged for George W. Bush to meet with fifteen Islamic supremacists at the White House on September 26, 2001 — to show how Muslims rejected terrorism. (read entire article, “Grover Norquist Jihad.”)
Over a year ago, Founder and President of The Center for Security Policy, Frank Gaffney, issued the following video warning and challenge:
And here is what David Horowitz had to say about Norquist as recent as February 12th of this year during his keynote at CPAC 2011:
Arizona advocates for strong national security and border security policy should be more than a little concerned about Norquist’s appearance at this casual Republican event tomorrow night. Friends of Israel should be even more alarmed that the Norquist soiree will hoodwink more conservatives into a false sense of peace and security regarding our single most important ally in the Middle East.
Those Arizona conservatives who venture to show at tomorrow night’s Norquist event should ask Mr. Norquist the hard questions. At at time when the country is debating the proper burial treatment by the Obama Administration of the most notorious terrorist in history, someone ought to press Mr. Norquist on his sensitivities and sensibilities in the battle against Islamic terrorism.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 4, 2011
CONTACT: Robert Johnson
PHOENIX – Former Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely shined yesterday at the candidate debate hosted by the group, Citizens of Phoenix. Neely displayed the breadth and depth of her understanding of the issues in the first meeting of the five mayoral candidates.
“I am pleased with the results of the debate,” said Neely. “It was a wonderful opportunity to share ‘The Phoenix We Want’ with the citizens and my vision for more jobs, a balanced budget, and increased transparency. Most importantly, I had fun.”
The debate ranged on a number of issues including neighborhood preservation, public safety and jobs. Neely discussed working closely with neighborhoods on issues such as preserving open space, addressing water rates, and pushing for increased efficiencies across the city.
“Last year, I pushed for efficiency studies in departments across the city including police, fire, courts, and the water department,” said Neely. “Streamlining the size of government is something we will never stop doing. We will always look for new ways to get the job done – to reinvent an old process. Changing things in government is never easy. The system wants things to stay the same – it fights change. But some things have to change. They need to change.”
On the topic of jobs, Peggy made it clear that she is no stranger to attracting businesses to Phoenix.
“My focus is on jobs, jobs, jobs. My priority as the Mayor of Phoenix, my focus each day as I go to work, my commitment of time and energy will be on jobs. I will work as Mayor to attract business and investment to attract high wage employers,” said Neely.
During her time on the city council, District 2 has been a strong leader in job creation attracting companies such as Republic Services, Mayo Clinic Hospital, W.L. Gore and Associates, American Express, Axway, APL, Ryan Companies, and Penske Automotive Group/ Chauncey Ranch Auto Boutique developing thousands of jobs and attracting regional and national headquarters in Phoenix.
“I think Peggy scored major points with her experience in creating jobs,” said Kathy Landis. “It was really clear that she was the candidate with the most real experience. It is that kind of leadership we need for the city as a whole.”
Neely stuck to the issues and responded with real actions she took while on council and the plans contained in her extensive policy agenda. She also pointed to the need for accountability and transparency in local government and the need for the Mayor and council to go above and beyond in being open and accountable for her actions.
“When it comes down to it,” explained Ken Cada, “Peggy is the only candidate with a real plan. The voters of Phoenix deserve real plans – and Peggy delivered.”
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DISCLAIMER: The contents of this post represent my beliefs, and in no way should be viewed as being the views of Sonoran Alliance. Sonoran Alliance has a policy of permitting posters with a wide variety of views and does not endorse the content of all posters.
I want to make clear that I am not affiliated with the mystery group or the website that is demanding the resignation of our Chairman via anonymous demands. Although I feel it would be best for him to resign, Tom Morrissey is still the duly elected Chairman of our party. As such, he deserves the respect of people willing to speak in a civil tone and under their own name about their grievances. I am making the case that Tom Morrissey is unfortunately not the leader to lead us to victory in 2012. I have stated the facts to the best of my knowledge and ability and even removed and re-worked the post after someone claimed an inaccuracy in the numbers. There are many debates to be had over this issue, and I ask you to reflect in a respectful and reasoned manner as to the role of the State GOP Chairman. For the sake of a false “unity” should we cripple the party for two critical years? We must have an effective, strong organization against the Democrats in 2012.
AZGOP: Headed in the Wrong Direction
Republican organizations across the country have made fundraising a priority for the 2012 election cycle. The newly elected RNC Chairman, Reince Preibus, stated his priorities would be to raise enough money to compete with President Obama and erase the party’s debt. Preibus is well on his way to accomplishing these goals – the RNC announced last week they have raised $17.7 million in the 1st Quarter, with over $7 million contributed in March alone. Additionally, the RNC has reduced its debt by nearly $5 million.
So the question begs to be asked: What has the Arizona Republican Party, under Chairman Morrissey’s leadership, done to accomplish these same goals?
Fundraising
According to FEC (Federal Election Commission) Reports, the AZGOP is headed in the wrong direction. Year-to-date, our State Party has raised $176,653. Republican revenue was $80,129 in January, $62,526 in February and $33,998 in March. Since Tom Morrissey was elected as our State Party Chairman, revenue has dropped 46%.
The Arizona Democratic Party, on the other hand, has raised an outstanding $220,448 to date, with $70,617 in January, $72,588 in February, and $77,243 in March.
These numbers show that Democrats are increasing their contributions even as Republicans are showing declining revenue. The Democrats have out-raised Republicans in Arizona by $91,942 in only three months. The election of the young, dynamic Andrei Cherny has given the Democratic Party an effective leader who moved quickly to heal splits in his Democratic Party, and has given the AZGOP a formidable adversary. It should also be noted that Cherny’s election was heavily contested; indeed, factions within the Democratic party attempted to prevent his nomination as Chairmen on procedural ground. Despite the overwhelming Arizona Republican victories of 2010, Arizona only has an 11% Republican registration advantage and the Democrats appear to have been motivated to rally in the face of their setbacks. We Republicans have grown complacent and the State Party under Tom Morrissey has shown the troubles this can cause.
Reducing Debt
As of February 28, 2011, the AZGOP had $7,505.41 in debt, consisting primarily of monies owed to CBIZ MHM, LLC for FEC Report Preparation.
By the end of March 2011 the Party’s debt ballooned to $73,616.67. As Republicans at every level of government are fighting against wasteful spending, incredible deficits & unsustainable debt, the AZGOP has increased their debt by nearly 1,000% in 30 days. It is hard to imagine the party ever previously going through a period of such staggering debt accumulation.
Where did this debt come from?
Following are some of the questionable expenditures by the AZGOP since Morrissey became Chairman:
In March 2011, the AZGOP paid Political Media $14,334 for web page work. This is in addition to the $4,954 they paid Political Media in February for web page consulting. That brings the total year to date cost for web page consulting to a staggering $19,228.You may visit www.AZGOP.org and decide for yourself if the new website is worth nearly $20,000.
Business leaders understand “to make money you have to spend money.” Unfortunately, the AZGOP is spending money with no results. In March, the AZGOP spent $35,574 on various fundraising efforts consisting of Direct Mail and Telemarketing. These efforts raised $33,998, resulting in a net loss of $1,575. To put this in perspective, they spent $1.05 for every dollar they brought in and considering the $20,000 website could have generated some donations, this is a generous assumption.
The AZGOP spent $4,000 in March to lease a copy machine, and also spends $140 per month for a landscaper to maintain the grounds (ie. the half dozen trees scattered around the rock and asphalt) at headquarters. One can easily make the argument the State Party is wasting the money it is raising, and not spending it on the essentials. Those that attended the April Executive Guidance Committee meeting realized that the extravagant spending of the AZGOP does indeed have its limits – the air conditioning was broken. Rob Haney has moved the May meeting as well due to the air conditioner being still in need of repair, and recently noted that he has reserved locations to hold the meetings outside the Republican Headquarters in June and July, with reservations for August and September are in progress as well. Although I cannot speak on behalf of the Maricopa Republican Chairman, I hope he is not alluding that the Republican Headquarters expects to be without air conditioning for the entire summer.
The Arizona Republican Party needs true leadership, a leader who can fill our war chests for the inevitable redistricting fight that will influence Arizona politics for the next decade. We are all aware the Democrats will file suit in every case where the district boundaries do not serve their interests, and right now we do not have the financial resources to fight any legal battle. In fact, we have already taken ourselves deeper into debt with $20,000 of unpaid legal fees. Sadly, the Arizona Democrats, who are in the exact same position with new party leadership, seem to be gearing up for this fight. They have out raised and out spent us without accruing any additional debt.
The Arizona Republican Party seems to be on a fast track to bankruptcy and demise from internal and external destruction. We need a consistent, qualified leader that can fundraise and ultimately, unite the party when it really matters. Without this unity, we are not only diminishing our ability to defeat Obama in 2012, but also risking our majority Arizona Congressional Delegation, and the super-majorities we have gained in the Arizona House and Senate. With the 2012 election right around the corner we need a strong State Party more than ever, and so far we have yet to see the results or actions we need.
I, personally, did not support Tom Morrissey for State Chairman. However, I feel that barring extraordinary circumstances, it is important to support a State Chair. Unfortunately, these are extraordinary circumstances. Asking for a State Chair to step down is a very serious matter, and should not be taken lightly or for reasons of philosophical differences. It should only be done in times of grave crisis. I fear we are heading for that crisis.
Arizona Republicans need a leader who can be effective in preparing our State Party for the challenges that await us in 2012. Tom Morrissey is not that man. Tom Morrissey is not a leader.
You may verify the numbers above on the FEC website:
http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/dcdev/forms/C00008227/725939/
You are invited to attend
A Special Event Fundraiser for the Arizona Democrats & Republicans
To Celebrate the Opening of Downtown Phoenix’s New Power Dining Spot
Join Us for a Pre-Opening Happy Hour
WHEN: February 19, 2011, 3-5 PM
WHERE: CityScape, 2 East Jefferson Street, #150, Phoenix
(Northwest Corner of Jefferson and 1st Street – Map)
COST: $20 Per Person
(Includes select drinks and a sampling of hors d’oeuvres. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Arizona Republican and Democratic Parties.)
ABOUT: Quality Food. Premium Drinks. Lively Bantor. Dine In. Take Out. Or, enjoy a drink at the bar. Get used to hearing the words, “Welcome Back.”
Space is limited! First to call gets a spot.
RSVP REQUIRED
Call (480) 751-2176 for your reservation.
Wednesday night, both Congressman Ed Pastor and Republican nominee Janet Contreras attended a congressional candidates forum sponsored by Arizona Bridge to Independent Living. Several other candidates were present but the real showdown occurred over the CD-4 race.
When asked about his vote on several issues, Pastor proceeded to blame George W. Bush and then admit he was told to vote for TARP. He also confessed his support for Cap and Trade legislation.
Republican candidate, Janet Contreras, clearly left her impression with those in attendance when she stood up in clear contrast to Pastor’s big government, less jobs approach to governing.
Contreras, who opposes Cap & Trade and would have voted against every bailout and government takeover, also spoke passionately about protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Here is a brief video expose of what was said at the event:
Thanks to Mike with AgapeMedia.net for putting this together!
OPENING STATEMENTS
During the opening statements, Rep. Sinema, an ultra-left-wing incumbent legislator who is termed out of the House and seeking a seat in the Senate, claimed that the Republicans are evil because they’ve cut spending and the state has lost jobs. Kyrsten has no clue what she’s talking about. First, the economy as a whole has shed jobs. It is only to be expected that Arizona, an epicenter of the government-caused distortions of the housing bubble, would be hit hard. It is not the state legislature’s fault except that it spent way too much in the Napolitano years and is now having to scale back. The housing bubble has been in the making by BOTH Republicans and Democrats at the federal level for decades. Second, Arizona has NOT cut spending. We’re still spending at 2009 levels. If anything, the legislature has kept spending in check when we SHOULD be cutting. So, what Sinema is really whining about is that we’re not spending MORE! Um, we’ve already been shown during the Obama Administration that Keynesian spending is a losing proposition. It always has been and it always will be. Whenever the government tries to meddle in an economy it does nothing but prolong recoveries, create distortions, cause downturns, etc.
The best route is to get government out of the way and that’s what Bob Thomas, the Republican candidate opposing Sinema for the Senate seat, proposed. Thomas is a military veteran and a small businessman. While Sinema whines about jobs, Thomas has created them and has never laid any employee off. He’s not a career politician like Sinema and Thomas doesn’t have the self-aggrandizing Congressional aspirations that Sinema has.
Katie Hobbs, one of the Democrat nominees for a house seat, seems to be a little clone of Kyrsten Sinema. She could have just said, “ditto” after Sinema gave her answers and she would have been as effective at the debate.
PARTISANSHIP
This portion of the debate gave me the biggest belly laugh. Sinema, of all people, talked about the lack of civility and decried extremists being nominated or holding office. Excuse me? Ms. Sinema started out the debate bashing Republicans. She’s the Asst. Minority Whip and she drops all else to jump in front of cameras and mics to attack Republicans. She has no compunction about lying about the facts while on the air. The prime example of this was claiming, on the radio, that S.B. 1070 would allow law enforcement officers to inquire about the status of those reporting crimes. That’s patently false and the Phoenix law Enforcement Association called Sinema out on the issue. Sinema is also a left-wing extremist, so, her cries about extremist being nominated are absolutely hypocritical. Just take a look at her scores from Goldwater and Americans for Prosperity. She scores at the bottom consistently. If she were some kind of moderate, her scores would be in the middle.
DREAM LEGISLATION
The CCEC then asked what dream legislation the candidates would like to pass. While Bob Thomas was concerned that more children are adopted, Sinema, on the other hand, wanted to rewrite the tax code to tailor the economy to her whims. The hypocrite said that the Republicans had created Swiss cheese out of the tax code, but then she admitted that she wanted to create Swiss cheese of her own by providing incentives to solar companies and other leftist causes. She wants the government to pick winners and losers in our economy. Sinema’s stupidity didn’t stop there. She said she wants to “close corporate tax loopholes,” and she wants to force those mean and evil corporations to pay “their fair share.” That’s Leftist code for wanting to raise taxes. In the middle of a recession, she wants to burden business expansion and job creation by sucking more money out of the private sector. The other stupidity to Sinema’s statement, and the stupidity in general of many Democrat pronouncements about increasing taxes on corporations and the rich, is that corporations simply pass on increased taxation to their consumers. That’s right, Sinema wants to impose new taxes on YOU. We can’t afford Sinema’s impact on our pocketbooks.
Mini-Sinema (a.k.a. Hobbs) wants to reinstate all-day kindergarten. Perhaps if kids were actually taught to read in Kindergarten, I remember reading before Kindergarten, I might actually think this is worthwhile, but Arizona kids aren’t required to read until 3rd grade. That’s appalling.
Paul Yoder had a good idea for dream legislation: tort reform. He’s absolutely right that we have a litigious society and that lawsuits make lawyers fat and rich while imposing increased costs on the rest of us. One area where this is very evident is health care. People love to sue doctors because they are considered deep-pockets. This is why malpractice insurance premiums are so high that doctors are forced out of business, the supply of doctors is artificially depressed while demand for services is high, and we have to pay more for medical services.
OBAMACARE
The candidates were then asked about Obamacare. Of course, Sinema supports it. She was one of Obama’s point men on his Health Care Task Force. Thanks to her, we’re already seeing our health care premiums go up. Thanks for taking health care LESS affordable, Kyrsten! We appreciate it! We WANTED to pay more for health care because it wasn’t expensive enough! Thanks to Sinema, we’re also seeing businesses simply drop their health care coverage. Yeah, just what we need, Ms. Sinema: less coverage and fewer benefits. The Dims all talked about forcing insurers to cover those with pre-existing conditions. Guess what that does to the rest of us? Drives up our premiums? BINGO! We’re already seeing insurers being driven out of our markets and we’ve heard that some companies may be dropping their health care coverage all together. Mini-Sinema, taking her cues from Big Sister Sinema, gave a one word answer that she supports Obamacare.
Bob Thomas has two doctors and three nurses in his family. He understands health care well. He understands that Obamacare will blow another $1.1 BILLION hole in the budget each year for the next ten years. Guess where the state government is going to go for that cash? That’s right, they’re going to try to tax you if Sinema and Obama have their way. Again, times are tough and YOU need your money, not the government. We can’t afford Sinema. Bob Thomas also understands the constitution well enough to know that Article 1, Section 8 simply doesn’t permit the federal government to require U.S. citizens to purchase anything. Sinema, on the other hand, thinks we have a national government of general powers and whatever the feds do is OK and the Supremacy Clause covers anything the feds want to do.
JOB GROWTH
The CCEC asked about stimulating job growth. The Leftists all talked about picking winners and losers, tailoring the economy to fit their whims. They’re entirely command economy types. The greatest illustration of this was Kyrsten Sinema’s crowing about tailoring the economy to fit her whims by providing incentives to solar companies to come to Arizona. Solar companies? This is Arizona. Solar companies should be FIGHTING to come here, not be BRIBED to come here. Want businesses to come here? Do the opposite of what Sinema suggests: make taxes on businesses universally low and cut regulation. Sinema also is crazy enough to think that meddling in the economy can somehow kill the cyclicality of economics. Yeah, Bill Clinton claimed he defeated the business cycle. How’s that working out for us right now? Sinema’s economic policies would either worsen our economic downturn, or prolong it.
IMMIGRATION
The debate turned to immigration. Sinema said she opposed SB 1070. She openly admitted that she supports amnesty. What she didn’t tell you is that against the will of 70% of Arizonans, she urged Gov. Brewer to veto S.B. 1070. What Sinema also failed to tell you is that she thinks if you report illegals to the authorities, you should go to jail. She favors illegals over U.S. citizens. It’s disgusting that someone like Sinema can even get elected in America. Mini-Sinema trotted out the loser line that we need to rely on the feds. Um…Ms. Hobbs, they haven’t done anything to secure the border and they have no desire to either…Oh! That’s right! That’s the Left’s aim: open borders and amnesty for all! Lela Allston, the other Democrat nominee for the House in LD 15, opposes deporting illegals with American born children. The Democrats look for ANY excuse to allow illegals to stay in this country.
Bob Thomas is endorsed by Sheriff Joe Arpaio and Russell Pearce. He believes that we should secure the border before we deal with other immigration issues. He opposes amnesty.
OTHER NOTES
Thomas, Condit and Yoder, the Republican nominees, have challenged the Democrats to a second debate on October 5th at Orangewood Church. The Democrats have given false excuses for not debating. Hobbs and Sinema claim they have class on the 5th while the ASU website proves that Sinema’s class is on Monday the 4th. Sinema is also a raging hyprcrite on the issue since she has criticized Brewer for refusing future debates with Goddard on Twitter. Hey, Sinema, if you’re going to criticize Brewer for not debating, shouldn’t you be showing up at Orangewood?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 2, 2010
Contact:
Stefani Zimmerman
920-915-5323
PRESCOTT, AZ – This evening, Dr. Paul Gosar won the Yavapai Tea Party Forum by demonstrating his commitment to a smaller, less regulated government. Liberal Ann Kirkpatrick admitted that she was in favor of more spending projects. In these challenging economic times, the last thing Arizonans need is more wasteful, government programs that treat the taxpayer’s money like a blank check. As a small business owner, Dr. Gosar understands this and that is why his performance at tonight’s debate demonstrated that he is the only candidate that will rein in government spending once and for all.
FACT CHECK ON KIRKPATRICK’S REMARKS AT THE YAVAPAI TEA PARTY FORUM:
CLAIM: In her introductory remarks, Kirkpatrick claimed she is concerned about spending.
FACT: Kirkpatrick voted for H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which cost the American taxpayer $787 billion, increased mandatory spending by an estimated $267 billion over 10 years, and increased discretionary spending by $308.3 billion over 10 years.
CLAIM: Kirkpatrick touted her support for H.R. 1 and said that teachers and firemen were glad for her vote. She then went on to say that she is “always looking for more spending projects.”
FACT: H.R. 1 has not helped small businesses, the backbone of Arizona’s economy. As of June 30, 2010, www.recovery.gov reports that Arizona’s First Congressional District has received $709,260,804 in stimulus funding, yet only 3,610.6 jobs have been created. That means, the cost to create or save each of these jobs was $196,438.48 per job. Meanwhile, the median household income in the district is $41,997.
CLAIM: Kirkpatrick claims she read the entire health care bill and that she supports the bill because it will protect seniors impacted by the Medicare doughnut hole.
FACT: The health care overhaul legislation contains approximately $500 billion in cuts to Medicare. Medicare Advantage alone would be cut by more than $100 billion. 7.4 million fewer seniors could be enrolled in Medicare Advantage because of the cuts and some seniors may lose the Medicare benefits they now enjoy.
CLAIM: Kirkpatrick claims the health care bill will save $140 million over time.
FACT: The bill does not include the prevention in a pending 21% reduction in Medicare payments to physicians, which would by itself wipe out the “savings” that the White House and Congress continue to take credit for. Furthermore, the final health care package raises taxes, penalties and fees by $525 billion and taxpayers earning less than $200,000 a year will pay roughly $3.9 billion more in taxes in 2019 alone.
CLAIM: Kirkpatrick said she has always pushed to secure the border.
FACT: As a state legislator, Kirkpatrick voted against allowing the National Guard to defend the border if a state of emergency is declared by the Governor. (HB 2766)
CLAIM: Kirkpatrick said she is opposed to amnesty.
FACT: As a state legislator, Kirkpatrick sponsored legislation to give tax credits to people seeking amnesty. (HB 2847)
CLAIM: Kirkpatrick said she is a strong supporter of second amendment rights and has an “A” rating with the NRA.
FACT: As a state legislator, Kirkpatrick received a “D” rating from the NRA.
CLAIM: Kirkpatrick said her number one priority is to bring jobs back to Arizona.
FACT: Since Kirkpatrick has been in Congress, Arizona’s unemployment rate has increased 20%, and more than 30,000 jobs have been lost.
CLAIM: Kirkpatrick said that border security is about national security and that she believes in securing the border to fix the problem with the drug cartels.
FACT: As a state legislator, Kirkpatrick voted against creating a border security fund that would have created a border radar system with cameras and voted against denying bail to illegal immigrants charged with felony offenses. (SB 1273 and HCR 2028)
CLAIM: Kirkpatrick stated that she will “listen to the voices of the American people.”
FACT: Yet in 2009 Kirkpatrick walked out on constituents during a health care town hall meeting.
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Paid for by Paul Gosar for CongresHere is a video clip from this morning featuring former Congressman, JD Hayworth advocating for the TEA Party position. The clip was called “Viewer Outrage: Can the TEA Party Fix the Economy?” Watch as JD runs circles around his leftist opponent, David Callahan.
WHERE are our sitting US Senators, McCain and Kyl, all our Arizona Congressmen and Congresswomen, publically and vociferously defending Arizona and Arizona local law enforcement on the floor of the Senate and the House and through every and all media outlet, against the Obama Administration’s cynical and toxic approval of coordinated campaigns to dishonestly smear our police, sheriffs and deputies as racists, agitating street violence by bussing in professional protestors with radios and scanners to harass, interfere with, abuse and exhaust local law enforcement officers? WHERE are they denouncing all Unconstitutional actions to destroy domestic tranquillity by divisive and damaging boycotts against Arizona and Arizonans?
AZ law enforcement is under siege and our two senators are AWOL; AWOL for Federal enforcement actions, border security and AWOL for addressing local AZ state hardships. Aren’t they sent to Washington by the citizens of this state to advocate and use all their political skills to insure that Federal border responsibilities are met for the protection of Arizonans, and by that, all Americans? Pick a random agitator from one of “32 unions” advertised as rolling into Arizona this past week from out of state, and ask what party they vote for: DEMOCRAT. Pick a random boycotting-voting LA City Council member, what party are they of: DEMOCRAT. A California city mayor decreeing a rupture of city business with Arizona: DEMOCRAT. A random pick of a boycotting non-governmental organization voter from say, La Raza: DEMOCRAT. An Arizona-elected Congressman encouraging a boycott of Arizonans for wanting to enforce the laws of our nation: DEMOCRAT. An Arizona city mayor disparaging the men and women in the police and sheriff’s departments who keep him safe: DEMOCRAT. Given that partisan behavior, how much credibile action to preserve our domestic tranquillity can we expect from ANY of our representatives who belong to the Democratic Party? NO respresentative, Democrat or Republican should have anything to do with such corrosive tactics, but evidently the Democrats perceive too much politican gain to listen to reason or to refresh their oaths to preserve the Constitution.
It’s more than a disgrace that this is falling along partisan political lines when the threat to our domestic tranquility – our local, state and national security – will negatively affect everyone, no matter the political party or ideology. With the Democratic Party loyalties of the overwhelming majority of the agitators, on the streets, in the courts, in the media, and in Congress, and nothing but divisive rhetoric coupled with willingness to act on boycotting from the Democratic Party, we look to the Republican Party to bring this back to reason, rationality and self-preservation of the nation.
So, where are the REPUBLICANS who are DENOUNCING this injustice? Arizona sent not one, but TWO Republican Senators to Washington. Where are the photos of them standing shoulder to shoulder with Governor Jan Brewer, or with Sheriff Joe Arpaio, or the deputies of Maricopa county, or the police of Nogales and Tucson, or relentlessly on national media insisting that freedom to speak one’s mind politically, and peaceful marches is one thing, but blocking traffic, making physical obstructions so that citizens can’t get to work on time, defacing and damaging public and private property, engineering chaos so that businesses can’t reach their customers, anarchist mobbing and banging at the county jail gates as part of a plan to harass and overwhelm policing,” is quite another thing. So is inexcusable silence from ALL our elected officials as Arizonans are smeared nationally by the Democrats in the administration, the Congress, the national media, and internationally by our State Department, hypocritically employing what they claim they are against, massive group stereotyping and profiling, as “racists.”
“Hispanic” is a precise term in linguistics, but a very mushy and undefined one in international terms, encompassing people from over a dozen countries – on three continents, with many accents, dialects and cultural differences. Does this “Hispanic” favoritism extend to the Spanish of Spain or the West Africans of the Spanish Western Sahara or is it really code for a specific country, favored even over its own “Hispanic” neighbors? With “brown people” invoked even more frequently by Democrats now than “Hispanic,” then surely the Hispanics of Africa’s Equatorial Guinea are far browner than ANY Central or South American could EVER aspire to be, so by the reasoning, shouldn’t then Equatorial Guineans get to be head of the line for a freebie to definitely prove to everyone that Americans or specifically Arizonans, are not racists?
If the oft-invoked, yet actually undefined “Hispanic” community succeeds in unlawfully forcing capitulation to allow “Hispanic” foreigners of a specified geopolitical zone, to jump the queue of legal applications for US citizenship, before all others, then who’s the NEXT group who will try mob rule to get what they want? If it works, then it’ll become the “process.” How many people doing it by the book will throw down their two-three-four-five years of applications, paperwork and fees with a, “The hell with this!” in disgust?
Arizona is already host to organized crime expanding out of its base in Mexico. That the average Arizonan citizen doesn’t see much of it is a testimony to the effectiveness and diligence of our LOCAL law enforcement in confronting and containing this violent and dangerous foreign-based criminality. WHERE are our elected officials publically thanking our law enforcement, showing solidarity, and assuring them and the public, in word and in deed, that they back every single man and women in law enforcement in Arizona?
Actions have consequences, long term consequences, sometimes irrevocable consequences. Degeneration and decay take far less energy and effort than advancement and improvement. A loss of trust is nearly impossible to restore. A failure to uphold fair application of laws will lead to rampant lawlessness in all levels of society. An unwillingness to defend, by representatives who were elected by their constituents, who are the PEOPLE of the Constitution of the United States, is a failure and especially in this case, that has long-term local, state and national ramifications, none of them positive. The People, as voters, have the responsibility to chose their representatives wisely, take personal responsibility to become informed, to be active, and to hold their representatives accountable.
Perhaps Americans have to live through a period of chaos and destruction before they truly comprehend what they had, and squandered … but with little hope then of ever recovering it.
Last night, CD-5 Republican candidates debated live on Scottsdale Channel 11. For those of you who may have missed it, the debate will be rebroadcast on Cox Channel 11 for Scottsdale residents on Sunday, July 25, at 2PM, 6PM, and 9PM. Additionally, non-Scottsdale residents can view the debate online at the same time via http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov. Click on Watch Channel 11 Live under Quick Links.
Look for a post on Sunday with my thoughts on the debate.
CLARK SILVER
Clark Silver spoke about lowering our tax rates to attract businesses to Arizona. In particular, Clark wanted to lower the business personal property tax rate to incentivize businesses to come to Arizona. He understands that a reduction in tax rates will increase revenue by attracting jobs, employing people and broadening the tax base. Clark also advocated reducing regulation to encourage business to thrive in Arizona.
Clark Silver supports SB 1070 and has said its employer sanctions are too soft. He advocates treating all business locations as one for purposes of determining how many times a business breaks laws against employing illegal aliens. He also believes that the three year probation terms in SB 1070 are too light.
Clark opposed Prop. 100 and stated that waste, fraud and abuse should be cut from government.
Mr. Silver noted that Arizona spends more per pupil than does Florida, yet even Florida’s disadvantaged students outperform Arizona’s students. He stated that he believes that we’re paying too much for our top-heavy school administration.
When comparing Clark’s positions to those of Nelson and Nunez, it’s clear that Clark is the only true conservative in the race.
NELSON
The CCEC refused to ask one of the most important questions: why was Nelson fundraising with Democrats at the Greater Phoenix Leadership’s Twelve in `10 fundraiser? No true Republican should have been helping Democrats raise money. Additionally, if these RINO legislators and candidates are for special perks for businesses and they are a mixture of Democrats and Republicans, that illustrates these individuals will be voting together and against the Republican belief in the free market. Nelson is no free market Republicans and his consistent D’s and F’s from the Goldwater Institute paints a very clear picture of him as a big government “Republican”.
Sen. Nelson strolled in right before the debate started, sat down, and started mumbling something about a water resources bill being signed. How tone deaf can someone be? First, we’re in an anti-incumbency year and he starts spinning the same “Experience” line that failed Hillary Clinton. Second, a water resources bill is hardly a sexy issue, nor one of the most important to voters right now. Immigration, the budget and education seem to be FAR more important than water resources. Nelson also styled himself as someone who can get bills through the legislature…in other words he’s a compromising deal maker. This is not the year for compromisers. We need legislators who are going to stand their ground on the issues. Compromises lead us to the tax increase. If the legislature holds firm, whether it was against Napolitano years ago or against Jan Brewer today, it is best for the citizens. When governors bully the legislature, we get tax increases and excessive spending.
On immigration issues, Nelson claims he supports SB 1070, but he TWICE failed to vote on SB 1070’s predecessor bill to end sanctuary city policies, SB 2280. If Nelson were an anti-illegal immigration stalwart, he would have bothered to vote on the bill.
The anti-incumbency sentiment is a TEA Party sentiment and that acronym initially meant “Taxed Enough Already.” Building on his tone-deafness, Nelson then states his support for Prop. 100. Only a spin doctor would claim the tax increase was popular when the special election was held on an odd date and several organized constituencies were rabid to enrich themselves at taxpayer expense. Raising taxes is a Democrat thing to do and Nelson shows his RINO colors in supporting the tax increase. Additionally, it shows that Nelson doesn’t have the stomach for cutting government.
Not only did Nelson support Prop. 100, but he warns against tax cuts. He says tax cuts must be done judiciously so as not to affect government services. That’s a pro-big government stance coming out of a “Republican.” That’s the point of tax cuts and spending reductions, John: a roll back of unnecessary government services. Nelson’s statement also betrays that he does not believe that tax cuts lift burdens off the economy and can thereby result in an increase of revenue. Nelson buys into the Democrat “wisdom” that tax cuts always result in less revenue.
Nelson gets it backwards on jobs too. He said he wants to attract businesses first, THEN cut taxes. No, John, you cut taxes to attract the businesses. Doing it your way means more government giveaways and more government engineering of the economy. That failed in Soviet Russia and the Eastern Bloc, John.
Despite reports that the U.S. may be seeing around 10% employment and abysmal growth for some time to come, Nelson thinks we’re coming out of the recession. He said he wants to create more programs and incentives for small business. That’s a pro-business, not a free market stance. A conservative would be getting government out of the way of business, but Nelson thinks its government’s role to pick winners and losers.
Then Nelson speaks out of the other side of his mouth and says he wants to streamline government. A conservative would do that by reducing regulation and making government smaller. How does RINO Nelson want to streamline government? By creating more government. He’s not only sponsored bills to create government efficiency commissions, but he’s STILL championing the idea. If a politician needs some government commission to tell them where to cut government, not only are they out of ideas, but they aren’t doing their jobs. Remember, this is the guy that got straight Ds and Fs from Goldwater for voting to regulate the economy. HE is the reason why government isn’t efficient.
NUNEZ
The “Reverend” and former Democrat Eve Nunez who STILL refuses to state if she’s received any theological schooling, spoke favorably of government meddling in the economy and picking winners and losers. She too is tone deaf because she’s ignoring the criticism the federal government got for picking winner and losers in its bailouts.
Ms. Nunez incorrectly stated that Arizona was last in spending per pupil. Not only does Arizona spend THOUSANDS more per pupil, but we perform below those states which spend less per pupil. She shows her true Democrat colors when she exhibits that she believes that throwing more money at the problem will solve our education woes. Arizonans have been throwing money at education for years and nothing has changed.
Nunez was critical of tax cuts leading to our budget difficulties rather than pointing at excessive spending. This statement could have come out of Kyrsten Sinema’s mouth it is such a Democrat canard. Nunez needs to go back to being a Democrat.
Like the Democrat she is, Nunez is soft on crime. Just as she did in 2008 when she ran for the LD 12 House as a Democrat, she thinks we spend too much on the Department of Corrections and she wants to release prisoners early.
Like any Democrat in the state legislature, Nunez is anti-1070. She has characterized it as inhumane. She says the federal government should do its job, granted, it should, but if we rely on the federal government, we’re embracing the status quo or trying to stem the tidal wave of illegal immigration with meager federal efforts. The second best line of the night, and a complete lie from Nunez, was her claim that just because she’s Hispanic that cops can stop her and ask for her birth certificate. Apparently, like the Obama Administration, she hasn’t bothered to read the bill.
Like Nelson, Nunez wants to “do job creation.” That’s code for she wants the government to meddle in the economy. A free market conservative would get government out of the way.
In general, Nunez made several emotional appeals in her explanation of her policy positions. Running on emotions rather than facts is a Democrat thing to do.
The best lines of the night were Nunez criticizing Mr. Silver for breaking Reagan’s 11th Commandment and angrily claiming that she’s a Reagan Republican. I guess she is a Reagan Republican if she means that she was a former Democrat and favors amnesty. Clark might have been guilty of violating the 11th Commandment if he had been criticizing a Republican.
Finally, I had a belly laugh when Somos Republicans reported that the TEA Partiers in attendance were jumping ship to support Nunez. That’s not what the TEA Partiers reported here.
