In 2010, I was honored to have the voters of Arizona elect me to a second four-year term on the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). I currently serve as chairman of the ACC and am scheduled to complete my chairmanship at the end of this year.

Over the past few months I have been monitoring the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission as it drew new congressional districts. During that time, it has been widely reported that I might run for Congress in one of the districts. An overwhelming number of people from throughout the state have encouraged me to run for a congressional seat. After careful consideration, I have concluded that Republicans will have outstanding candidates in each of the congressional districts for the 2012 election cycle. In light of the fact that there are several critical issues before the Corporation Commission, I believe that I can best represent the people of Arizona by continuing to serve as Chairman of the Corporation Commission.

Consequently, I will not be a candidate for Congress in 2012. I do not rule out a run for Congress or another state-wide office in the future.

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So who’s in?

On the Democrat side, Kyrsten Sinema, Andrei Cherny and David Schapira have all announced. Schapira won’t get very far. He’s got the excitement of Bradypus variegatus (everybody’s scrambling to Wikipedia) and no money raising skills. On the contrary, Kyrsten has made the contacts and trips to DC having rubbed elbows with DNC mukety-mucks and Obamatons. Andrei “I-can’t-wait-to-get-the-hell-outa-here” Cherny recently abandoned his chairmanship at the Arizona Democratic Party taking his mediocre fundraising skills with him. This leaves the ADP in a frantic scramble to replace him from among a rapidly diminishing talent pool. My assessment: Cherny and Sinema battle for the heart of Arizona leftists while it remains on life support. Close call in the August Primary but I’d have to guess Sinema eeks out a win. Cherny heads back to Califormia.

Travis Grantham

Now let’s talk about Republicans. Republicans actually have some great talent to put up. Some have ooodles of money, some are damn hard workers and others are simply looking for a career change to make a bigger difference. First to enter the race was Travis Grantham, a Gilbert resident, businessman and Air National Guard pilot. Grantham originally staked out a shot east of the new CD-9 but reoriented his trajectory not wanting to get caught in the crossfire of Adams vs. Salmon. Smart move but Grantham doesn’t live in the new CD-9 (although there’s nothing illegal with that.) He has a chance and is sitting on almost $120K.

Wendy Rogers

Next to file is my personal favorite (sorry gents, I always gravitate to the lady candidates), Wendy Rogers. Wendy actually lives in the district and has done so with her family for many years. She’s a retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel who works harder than anyone I know when it comes to anything she sets her heart on. Wendy has a loyal following of supporters not only here in Arizona but across the country who can be counted on to raise the money needed in a lickety-split second for this race. Wendy is a perfect match for the district.

In the wings waiting are Steve Moak, Vernon Parker, Gary Pierce and Martin Sepulveda. Maricopa County Supervisor Don Stapley has also been mentioned but with such high negatives and an already announced re-election campaign underway, his political days are numbered.

Steve Moak

Steve Moak ran in 2010 finishing 2nd in a 10-way primary. He’s likely got the cash but many question if he’s far more risk averse this time hesitant to charge up his 2012 campaign coffers.

Vernon Parker

Paradise Valley councilman Vernon Parker is also eyeing the race. Parker also ran in the crowded 10-way 2010 primary finishing 4th place. Parker is also seeking re-election to the Paradise Valley Council leaving many to question his motivations in seeking any public office. He is expected to decide any day.

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce also wants in on the action but he’s just settled into another term on the ACC. He’d have to step down under Arizona’s resign to run law given his term expires in 2014. Pierce has obviously run statewide but financed his ACC race using “Clean Elections” money. His ability to raise money for a federal campaign is probably one of the biggest factors he would have to weigh.

Gary Pierce

That leaves former Chandler City Councilman Martin Sepulveda as the last candidate considering. Sepulveda is a fiery US Navy combat veteran who have a great deal of respect for (we even had our own little political brush-up during the 2010 US Senate primary. What is it with us US Navy guys?) Given a sizeable number of Republicans reside in this portion of the district, Sepulveda would be competitive. He also served as a surrogate for our senior senator during the 2010 Republican primary. That kind of help could come in handy with the fundraising if the door is open.

Martin Sepulveda

That’s my assessment. I really can’t say who I’d like to see win the Republican primary but I do know that this will be a very competitive race with plenty of political drama. I can’t wait for the field to be set.

The election season in Southern Arizona has gotten off to a roaring start with the resignation of Representative Giffords. There is so much more to life than politics – I wish her the very best as she continues to recover.

We have had people asking whether I would be willing to run in one of the new Congressional Districts – CD 1, CD 2 or CD 3. So I figured it was time to clearly end speculation. Through much thought and prayer and with mixed feelings, I have decided not to run for office this year. If I believe it is the right thing to do, I will be back on the campaign trail for the 2014 election.

The main reasons that have led me to this hard decision are, redistricting uncertainties and my job. I have studied the new redistricting lines. Will they be changed by the Department of Justice in the next few months? Or by lawsuits? I am in CD 3 but only several hundred yards from CD 2 and less than two miles from CD 1. Will I be in CD 3 when the lines are finished? It is hard to make an educated decision about running without complete details and statistics. I am also not a career politician. I work as a rocket scientist, so taking time work off to run isn’t easy.

There is more to the equation as to whether someone should run than the statistics. As you know, the numbers were against me when I ran against Congressman Grijalva, but I still felt it was the right thing to do. With many people’s help, we showed that no district is safe. I would imagine this led to having my three main voting blocs taken out of Representative Grijalva’s new district (CD 3).

I am humbled by how many of you throughout 2011 have been truly interested about whether I was running or not, and for which seat. Thank you! We have a long road to put this country back on the right track, so I plan on working with all of you – whether as a candidate or as a volunteer.

Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement!

Ruth McClung

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2012
CONTACT: Adam Deguire

Salmon Receives Endorsements from 14 Arizona State Senators

EAST VALLEY – Former Congressman and candidate for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District Matt Salmon today announced the endorsements from 12 additional Arizona state senators, joining previous endorsements from Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs (District 22) and Senator John McComish (District 20). Salmon released the endorsements from the following state senators:

Senate President Steve Pierce (District 1)
Senate Majority Whip Frank Antenori (District 30)
Senate President Pro Tempore Sylvia Allen (District 5)
Senator Judy Burges (District 4)
Senator Linda Gray (District 10)
Senator Gail Griffin (District 25)
Senator Lori Klein (District 6)
Senator Al Melvin (District 26)Senator Rick Murphy (District 9)
Senator John Nelson (District 12)
Senator Don Shooter (District 24)
Senator Steve Smith (District 23)

Former Congressman Matt Salmon stated, “My career as a public servant began as an Arizona state senator, so I am especially thrilled that so many of our current senators have chosen to stand with me in my campaign for Congress. These leaders have witnessed firsthand the dereliction of duty by our federal government to control runaway spending and pass down unfunded mandates to state governments. I commend them for the many sacrifices they continue to make as public servants, and I pledge to work with every state government official to provide a better and more prosperous life for all Arizonans.”

About Matt Salmon

Matt Salmon was first elected to the United States Congress in 1994 and served until 2000, honoring his term limit pledge. A proud conservative, Salmon was rated in the top five among all 535 members of the House and Senate by Citizen’s Against Government Waste for all six years he was in office. He is a lifetime member of the NRA with an A+ rating and also earned a 100% rating by the National Right to Life. He was also the proud recipient of the American Cancer Society’s “Top National Elected Official” award.

Matt Salmon has received the endorsements from Arizona Congressman Trent Franks, Arizona Congressman David Schweikert, former Arizona Congressman John Shadegg, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Mayor Scott Smith (Mesa), Mayor Jay Tibshraeny (Chandler), Mayor Hugh Hallman (Tempe), Mayor John Insalaco (Apache Junction), Mayor Gail Barney (Queen Creek), Arizona State Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs (LD22), State Senator John McComish (LD20), former State Senator Chuck Gray, and State Representatives Eddie Farnsworth (LD22), Jeff Dial (LD20), and Bob Robson (LD20). Salmon has also been endorsed by South Dakota Senator John Thune, Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn, Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey and Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-49).

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2012
CONTACT: NRSC Press Office

If You Want To Know Who Richard Carmona Will Stand With In Washington, See Who He’s Standing With In New York City Tonight
Carmona Set To Fundraise With Liberal New York Senator Chuck Schumer

WASHINGTON – Richard Carmona (D-AZ) likes to preach his independence on the campaign in Arizona, but an inside look at his fundraising apparatus tells a far different story. Tonight, Carmona’s political patron liberal U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) will host a fundraiser for Carmona at the posh Grace Hotel in New York City.

Schumer is an unabashed supporter of Barack Obama’s tax-and-spend agenda, supporting key initiatives like Obama’s failed $825 billion stimulus and $2.5 trillion healthcare law. Additionally, Schumer is a strong opponent of the Second Amendment and has consistently voted to raise taxes on families and small business owners in Arizona. On every major issue, Schumer has been in lockstep with President Obama, who personally recruited Carmona to run last year.

“If Arizonans want to see who Richard Carmona will stand with in Washington, they don’t need to look any further than to see who he is hobnobbing with in New York City today,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox. “It’s clear liberal Democrats like President Obama and Chuck Schumer know that Richard Carmona will be a loyal vote for their big government agenda of higher taxes, reckless spending and job-killing healthcare takeovers.”

BACKGROUND …

Senator Chuck Schumer’s Official Invitation

“This Wednesday, February 8, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the Grace Hotel in Times Square, Senator Chuck Schumer and I would like to introduce you to an outstanding individual who is running for United States Senator from Arizona. In fact many key national leaders are now working on behalf of Dr. Richard Carmona and we are asking for your support in helping him get elected as the next United States Senator from the state of Arizona.” (Peter Fontanes, Dr. Richard Carmona Reception, Accessed On Facebook On 02/08/12)

Schumer Received A “F “Rating From The Gun Owners Of America

• Schumer Received A “F” From The Gun Owners Of America. (Gun Owners Of America Website, www.gunowners.org, Accessed 2/8/12)

And Has A “F” Rating From The National Taxpayers Union

• In 2010, Schumer Received A “F” From The National Taxpayers Union. (National Taxpayers Union Website, www.ntu.org, Accessed 2/8/12)

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 7, 2012
CONTACT: Julie Lind

Tempe Candidate for Mayor and Current Tempe Mayor Praise County Attorney for Showing the Way

(Tempe, Arizona)Candidate for Tempe Mayor Michael Monti is joining Mayor Hugh Hallman in calling for gift bans and reporting requirements in Tempe. Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery has proposed a long list of restrictions to prevent another Fiesta Bowl scandal. Monti and Hallman believe Tempe should lead the way and adopt a strict set of rules on the municipal level. They include:

• Reporting any gifts worth more than $15 dollars
• Banning all gifts valued at more than $50
• Immediate reporting of gifts on the city website
• Penalties for officials who knowingly violate the rules
• Immediate reporting of taxpayer funded travel expenses

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman has set the standard in Tempe by refusing gifts of any kind. He has even turned down perks such as a parking space at Tempe City Hall. County Attorney Bill Montgomery has listed a set of rules that can easily be adopted at all levels of government.

Monti said, “Our Mayor has set the standard. Our County Attorney has identified the proper standards. Now it’s time for Tempe to adopt those standards so that we can lead the way in clean government. Not everyone has followed Mayor Hallman’s example.”

Michael Monti, owner of Tempe’s historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja, co-founded Local First, Arizona. He is also active in the Tempe Diablos Charities, and is the youngest inductee in the Arizona Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame.

His campaign is based on bringing private sector ideas to government, fiscal responsibility, civic involvement, economic opportunity, and innovation. His proposals include:

• Financial incentives for city workers who save tax dollars
• The creation of the Tempe Community Corps to increase volunteerism, and aid Tempe neighborhoods Partnerships with ASU and the business community to bring more jobs to Tempe
• The creation of a public swimming beach at Tempe Town Lake, paid for by the private sector
• Partnerships with the ASU College of Nursing to aid Tempe seniors
• Encouraging businesses to embrace eco-friendly projects such as the Blink Car Charging Stations at Monti’s La Casa Vieja
• A ban on texting while driving in Tempe
• Gift bans and strict reporting requirements

Arizona leaders and organizations that have endorsed Michael Monti include:

• Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman
• Tempe Council Member Onnie Shekerjian
• Tempe’s first elected Mayor, Rudy Campbell
• The Tempe Chamber of Commerce
• Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne
• Congressman David Schweikert
• Former Tempe City Council Member ‘Hut’ Hutson
• Former State Rep. Laura Knaperek
• Tempe Democrat Carl Hayden
• Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery

To visit the Monti4 Mayor Website click here or log on to www.monti4mayor.com (@monti4mayor).

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2012
CONTACT: Chris Baker

Another CD6 Leader Endorses Schweikert 

(Scottsdale) Schweikert for Congress Campaign announced today that Scottsdale Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane has endorsed Congressman David Schweikert for reelection in Congressional District 6.

Mayor Lane’s endorsement is another in a line of leaders in CD6 who have endorsed David Schweikert’s reelection.

“I am very pleased to have Mayor Lane’s endorsement for my reelection,” said Congressman David Schweikert. “Mayor Lane’s leadership in Scottsdale has been fantastic. I am proud to have his support.”

Mayor Lane’s endorsement comes on the heels of endorsements by Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio, and former State Senator Jim Waring.

“There is no question that Congressman Schweikert is the right choice in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District,” said Mayor Lane.

“Congressman Schweikert’s leadership and long-time ties to our community have served us well in Congress, and I am confident that he will continue to be our strongest advocate. I encourage all of my fellow District 6 voters to join me in supporting David.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2012

Citizens United endorses Jesse Kelly in AZ-08 special

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For Immediate Release: February 7, 2012
Contact: Joshua W. Jones

PHOENIX – Today, Save Our Secret Ballot (SOS Ballot) announced that Gov. Jeb Bush will keynote an event in Scottsdale, Az., on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, to highlight the continued need for a secret ballot wherever state or federal law requires an election.

Chaired by the Hon. Ken Blackwell, SOS Ballot appeared on the 2010 ballot in four states, including Arizona, where it passed with 60 percent of the vote—sending a firm statement that the majority of Arizonans want to protect workers’ rights to a secret ballot.

“Big Labor is demanding to change the way unions are organized: namely, to end an employee’s right to a secret-ballot when deciding whether or not to join a union,” said Blackwell. “Eliminating the secret-ballot requirement opens the process up to widespread intimidation,” he continued.

“If unions get their way, a business could be unionized virtually overnight—no campaign, no election and certainly no secret ballot,” said Blackwell.

Shortly after passing SOS Ballot, the union-controlled National Labor Relations Board threatened to file legal suit against each of the four states SOS Ballot passed if the states recognized the provisions approved by voters.

In April, the NLRB initiated suits against Arizona and South Carolina, reserving the right to initiate a suit against the other two states.

To the NLRB lawsuit, Joshua W. Jones, a spokesman for SOS Ballot says, “Bring it on.”

“The radical progressives in the Obama Administration have made it clear that they do not want to respect workers’ rights,” said Jones.

“Unions spent $171 million during the 2010 congressional elections and more than $400 million to elect Obama,” said Jones. “While Obama continues to represent well-funded-union-interests, SOS Ballot will continue fighting to represent the average American worker,” he continued.

The event on Feb. 13 has already drawn the support of dozens of Arizona legislators and all four attorney generals where SOS Ballot was passed in 2010.

“We are enthusiastic to have Gov. Bush joining us at our event on Monday,” said Blackwell. “At SOS Ballot, we are gearing up for an aggressive fight in front of the United States Supreme Court, the venue where this issue will ultimately be decided,” he continued.

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Chaired by the Hon. Ken Blackwell, SOS Ballot, Inc. (Save Our Secret Ballot) is a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to educating the American public on the continued need for a secret ballot wherever state or federal law requires elections. To continue to protect this inalienable right, SOS Ballot will file and place on the ballot in various states a Constitutional Amendment to protect this right. SOS Ballot and our supporters believe that a voter’s right to a secret ballot is an essential and fundamental principle in our society and offers opportunities for broader voter participation. Without the ability to vote secretly, individual political freedom will decline and be subject to threats and intimidation by those who want voters to pursue a specific course of action or ideology.

PHOENIX, AZ: Representative Ben Quayle issued the following statement regarding his decision to seek reelection to the House of Representatives. Quayle announced today that he will be running in Congressional District 6, where more than two-thirds of his current constituents live:

“The House of Representatives was conceived and designed to provide local representation of the diverse communities of America. The work of Arizona’s redistricting commission has placed many people in difficult positions, but at the end of the day my choice is to continue representing the people I represent today. The large majority of them are in District 6, and their values are my values.

“It has been a privilege to get to know my constituents, both as a candidate and as their Congressman. In my initial year in Congress I have focused on maintaining my connection to them. The interactions I’ve had with them and the relationships we’ve built have enabled me to be an effective advocate and voice for the community.

“As this primary moves forward I sincerely hope we will see a campaign focused on the critical issues facing Arizona and our country. This should be a substantive race with a tone that honors our party, our nation and the voters of the 6th District.

“I ran for Congress because Washington needs real reform. We need to simplify the tax code, end unnecessary regulations and free America’s creative spirit. I believe that members of Congress need to give up their gold-plated pensions and perks and share in the same sacrifice as all Americans. I believe we need to end the complacent career culture of politics in Washington and shake up the system. I believe we have a president who fundamentally misunderstands America, and an administration that has serially abused Arizona. I want to go back to Washington to fight for the state I love and the values I believe in. With the continued support of my fellow Arizonans, that’s what I will do.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2012
CONTACT: Adam Deguire

Arizona Congressman calls Salmon a “principled conservative” in video message 

EAST VALLEY – Former Congressman and candidate for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District Matt Salmon today announced the endorsement of Arizona Congressman David Schweikert. Congressman Schweikert, known as one of the Republican Party’s rising conservatives, endorsed Salmon in a video message released today.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Congressman Schweikert stated, “Our nation is facing so many challenges and we need our most experienced and principled leaders in Congress to help get America back on the right track. I chose to endorse Matt Salmon for Arizona’s East Valley congressional seat because Matt has been a trusted conservative leader as a state senator and Congressman before, and I know he’ll be that same trusted leader when he returns to Washington. I’m proud to join his growing team of supporters.”

Former Congressman Matt Salmon stated, “Arizonans are fortunate to have David Schweikert in Congress and I am honored to have his support for my campaign. David is a true statesman who always puts the interest of his constituents first. I’m excited to return to Congress and serve alongside leaders like David so we can restore fiscal responsibility and accountability in Washington.”

About Representative David Schweikert
David Schweikert has been a lifelong advocate for Arizona. He was raised in Scottsdale and attended Arizona State University where he earned a BA degree in finance and real estate as well as his MBA.

David is serving his first term in the United States House of Representatives representing Arizona’s 5th district. He serves on the Financial Services Committee.

Prior to being elected to the 112th Congress, David served as Treasurer of Maricopa County in 2004. As Treasurer of one of the largest counties in the United States, David was responsible for protecting billions of taxpayer dollars and earning over $300 million in investment income while never showing a deficit despite a tough economic environment.

David first became a public servant in 1991, when he was elected to serve in the Arizona State House representing his hometown, Scottsdale and Fountain Hills. David and his wife Joyce reside in Fountain Hills with their famous Wheaten Terrier, Charlie, and two cats. Together they run a real estate business.

About Matt Salmon
Matt Salmon was first elected to the United States Congress in 1994 and served until 2000, honoring his term limit pledge. A proud conservative, Salmon was rated in the top five among all 535 members of the House and Senate by Citizen’s Against Government Waste for all six years he was in office. He is a lifetime member of the NRA with an A+ rating and also earned a 100% rating by the National Right to Life. He was also the proud recipient of the American Cancer Society’s “Top National Elected Official” award.

Matt Salmon has received the endorsements from Arizona Congressman Trent Franks, former Arizona Congressman John Shadegg, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Mayor Scott Smith (Mesa), Mayor Jay Tibshraeny (Chandler), Mayor Hugh Hallman (Tempe), Mayor John Insalaco (Apache Junction), Mayor Gail Barney (Queen Creek), Arizona State Senate Majority Leader Andy Biggs (LD22), State Senator John McComish (LD20), former State Senator Chuck Gray, and State Representatives Eddie Farnsworth (LD22), Jeff Dial (LD20), and Bob Robson (LD20). Salmon has also been endorsed by South Dakota Senator John Thune, Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn, Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey and Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-49).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2nd, 2012
Contact: Chad Heywood

Kirk Adams Campaign Releases New Video Featuring Sen. Jon Kyl 

East Valley, AZ – Honorary Campaign Chairman, Senator Jon Kyl recently held an event for Kirk Adams and it was recorded into a web video, which the Kirk Adams campaign released today.

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Some folks go back to Washington, and they change,” Kyl said, “We need folks like Kirk in Washington; these are really difficult times as you know and Kirk has the experience, he’s got common sense, he’s practical but he’s idealistic in a conservative way.”

Kirk Adams shook up Arizona’s state Capitol, and the conservative reformer will do the same in Congress.

A rising star in the Republican Party, Adams joined the state House in 2006 and was soon frustrated by the unwillingness and inability of Republicans in the Legislature to stand up for conservative principals. He launched a long-shot campaign to oust the veteran Speaker of the House and shocked the Republican establishment when he won Speakership at only 35 years of age.

Adams put the House back on a fiscally responsible track. Tackling some of the most challenging issues in Arizona history, Adams demonstrated true political courage and aggressively pushed his conservative reform agenda.

A native Arizonan and small business owner, Adams lives in Mesa with his wife JaNae and their six children.

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Click here to view the embedded video.

Now, if I understand correctly, the Teaparty created itself after the now famous Rick Santelli rant on CNBC  in response to the passage of Obamacare.

Read that again – a REAL conservative response to Obamacare.  Patriotic Americans nationwide organized themselves to march on Washington in protest of Obamacare, organized themselves locally to fight the implementation of Obamacare, to replace RINOs and send REAL conservatives to Congress to REPEAL OBAMACARE.

Read that again – to REPEAL OBAMACARE.  R E P E A L

Along comes the self-proclaimed leaders (admittedly not all) of the Arizona Teaparties supporting Newt Gingrich.

So what’s the problem with that?

Well notwithstanding Newt’s belief in global warming and support for international communism as a solution for global warming and his direct work with Nancy Pelosi

Click here to view the embedded video.

notwithstanding Newt’s work in support of Al Gore’s initiatives,

notwithstanding Newt’s lobbying for the ethanol “bio-fuel” industry,

now it comes to light that Gingrich SUPPORTS OBAMACARE and the INDIVIDUAL MANDATE!

Well lo and behold, as they say, a new Newt every day!  LOL

You can hear Newt here (at 00:40) clearly state his support for Obamacare individual mandates.

It may be time for a little Teaparty revolt in Arizona.  If you are a Teaparty member like I am, make sure to print this out and bring it to your next meeting.  If your Teaparty’s “leadership” is promoting Newt Gingrich, it’s time to *REMOVE* that Teaparty leader.  It’s time to expose them for being a spineless RINO  infiltrator and replace them with a real conservative and PATRIOT who understands that Americans’ freedom is not for sale or barter in this or ANY election and that any support for Obamacare will not be tolerated!

Teaparty, y’all!

Recently, there was a press release from the Jesse Kelly campaign that showed the results of a polling survey that was conducted by TeleOpinion. While Kelly attempted to tout the poll as having overwhelming support, Kelly himself was only able to garner 35%. This is after Kelly had been the GOP nominee in 2010 and had several million dollars spent by both his campaign and independent expenditure groups on his behalf. Sure, he lost by about 4400 votes, but that was 2010 – the best Republican year in over a generation. Congressional District 8  by enrollment numbers, is a Republican district. While he was running against an entrenched Democrat incumbent, so were many other Republicans throughout the nation in 2010. A comparison of those races show that Jesse Kelly was the only Republican candidate to lose in a Republican district anywhere in the country in 2010.

In his present poll, Kelly’s level of support reveals that 65% of likely primary voters prefer either another candidate or are undecided about the race. This does not bode well for Jesse Kelly. In fact, given the dynamics of this race and the fact that Kelly had run for this very high-profile, high-dollar race before, Kelly has most likely peaked at this point and his poll numbers have nowhere to go but down.

How does Kelly try and remain competitive in this race? His only option is to go negative. Watch for Team Kelly to start launching negative (in many cases unsubstantiated) attacks against both State Senator Frank Antenori and Dave Sitton. Kelly will try to tear his opponents down because that’s his only option to move the needle.

Unfortunately, this will also have the effect of turning off many potential voters to Jesse Kelly and will further spirally his support numbers downward. The question that Jesse now has to answer is: Is he willing to mortally wound fellow Republicans that have an opportunity to win CD-8 back? Or, will he cost Republicans in Arizona and across the nation an additional seat in Congress by continuing a quixotic campaign?

Governor Brewer today proclaimed April 17th as the date for the special congressional election in District 8. Let the games begin!