12 Dec 2011

Reaction to the Blagojevich Sentencing

By various
Moline, IL...State Representative Rich Morthland (R-Cordova) responded to today's sentencing of convicted former Governor Rod Blagojevich on 18 federal counts, including that Blagojevich sought to auction off the Senate seat Barack Obama was vacating to become president:

 

"I have full faith in our legal system's ability to deliver justice to the people of Illinois. Rod Blagojevich's corrupt reign as Governor of the State of Illinois has tarnished our State. The former governor betrayed the trust of the hard working citizens of Illinois.

 

"While we are ready to put this chapter of Illinois history behind us, we must let this violation of public trust serve as a constant reminder to elected officials to remain steadfast in their duty to the citizenry as honest and faithful servants."

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison today.

 

For questions or more information, please contact the constituent services office at (309) 762-3008 or via e-mail at repmorthland@gmail.com.

 

####

 

Lt. Governor Simon statement on Blagojevich sentencing

 

CHICAGO - December 7, 2011. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today said the sentencing of former Governor Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges will not kill the state's pay-to-play culture unless it prompts serious ethics reform.

"We cannot rely on a prison sentence to deter corruption," Simon said. "Illinois needs stronger ethics laws to kill pay-to-play politics. It's time we expose conflicts of interest before they cost taxpayers, and clear the way for true public servants to rebuild trust with the public. Increased transparency, coupled with the threat of serious prison time, can end these shameful courtroom battles. Together we can put this chapter behind us, restore integrity to government and live up to our legacy as the Land of Lincoln."

Simon is a former Jackson County prosecutor and served on the Illinois Reform Commission, which was created in 2009 in the wake of Blagojevich's arrest and helped pass the state's first campaign finance limits law. She will work with the General Assembly to pass legislation in 2012 to strengthen the state's financial disclosure law.

###

 

12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul to Hold Two College Campus Youth Rallies in Iowa

By Gary Howard
'Countdown to the Caucus' events hosted by 'Youth for Ron Paul' aim to solidify youth support
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul will address college students and Iowans at two "Youth for Ron Paul" campus rallies to energize young supporters and reach out to new and undecided voters in the run-up to the January 3, 2012, Iowa Caucuses.

The first event, which is free and open to supporters of all ages, will be held on Thursday, December 8th in the Iowa State University (ISU) Memorial Union Great Hall, located at 2229 Lincoln Way in Ames.  Doors will open to the public at 6:30 p.m.  To enter 30 minutes early and secure a spot near the front of the room, RSVP for the ISU event featuring Dr. Paul at http://ronpaulatisu.eventbrite.com/.

The second event, which also is free and open to supporters of all ages, will be held on Friday, December 9th at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) in the Commons - Slife Ballroom, located at 1224 West 23rd Street in Cedar Falls.  Doors will open to the public at 6:30 p.m.  To enter 30 minutes early and secure a spot near the front of the room, RSVP for the UNI event featuring Dr. Paul at http://ronpaulatuni.eventbrite.com/.

Youth for Ron Paul (YFP), an initiative of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign, launched on Wednesday, September 7th and since its inception more than 15,300 people signed up to get involved, forming 307 chapters in 46 states.

"The enthusiastic support for Ron Paul continues to grow, especially among college students.  Young people understand he is the only presidential candidate who will fix our economy, so they're eager not only to vote for him, but also to volunteer for his campaign," said Edward King, National Youth Director for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign.

"Young people from across the country are inspired by Dr. Paul's message of a strong national defense, prosperity, and individual liberty.  No other campaign can claim or match the dedication of our youth support," said Ani DeGroot, Midwest Regional Director for Youth for Ron Paul.

To learn more and sign up for Youth for Ron Paul, please visit: www.YouthForPaul.com and "like" the Facebook page found at: www.Facebook.com/YouthForPaul.

###
12 Dec 2011

Evangelical Leader Advises Iowan Christians on Caucus Vote

By Rev. Rob Schenck
    To Evangelicals in Iowa:

    These days, because I'm an Evangelical minister, a missionary to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, and chairman of the Committee on Church and Society for the Evangelical Church Alliance, the question I'm asked most is, "How do evangelicals pick the right candidate this time around?" The implication is whether Evangelicals are bound to pick only an evangelical candidate, even if that person can't win in the general election. My answer is simple: We should pick our candidates for president in the same way we pick our doctors -- on their skills, experience, reputation, and approach to our problems. When it comes to the lineup in Iowa, Evangelicals should ask particular questions about the person seeking their vote:

    Does this person have the skills to address the problems our country is currently facing and will face when my children and grandchildren are my age?

    Does this person have a proven track record in solving these problems--and in what ways will this person solve them? Because our most urgent problems are economic, we must ask if this person has the extensive private sector experience necessary, as well as the meaningful executive level public sector experience, to get the job done.

    What is this person's professional reputation? More importantly, what is this person's personal reputation? Is this person known as a good, morally upright individual who has demonstrated--over a credible time--a commitment to the highest values of conduct and fidelity? As we've already seen, under the bright lights of day-in, day-out, 24-hour media scrutiny, personal issues can become an insurmountable obstacle to victory.

    What kind of leader is this person? Is this person open to change for the better? Can this person effectively lead others toward better solutions? A willingness to change is good when it's change for the best. All of us hope and pray our elected officials will seek wisdom for a better direction in which to lead our country, for, "In the multitude of counselors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14)

    When it comes to picking a president, evangelical doctrine is not a litmus test of whether that person will serve well. George Bush (who was highly favored by Evangelicals) was a United Methodist, and, when in office, attended an Episcopal church; Bill Clinton (much disfavored by Evangelicals) was a Baptist. Ronald Reagan attended Hollywood Presbyterian Church (affiliated with the liberal Presbyterian Church USA), while Jimmy Carter, the first self-professed "born again" president, taught Sunday school in a Southern Baptist church.

    History has not judged these presidents on their church affiliations, but on their record as leaders. This will be true for the next president.

    It's not helpful to make a decision on a candidate's religious label, whether it's Newt Gingrich as a Roman Catholic (he left his Baptist roots in 2008), or Mitt Romney as a lifelong Mormon, the two leading contenders. The same applies to the other candidates.

    Jesus said, "Ye shall know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:16 ) This says nothing about the person's religious identity. Jesus made this clear in the parable of the Good Samaritan by holding up a Samaritan (considered an infidel by his fellow Jews) as the paragon of virtue over a priest and a Levite--two certified Jewish doctrinal authorities.

    My prayer is that Christians in Iowa will make their choice for president based on the best overall leader--and one that is electable. This may be the most important presidential race in our nation's history. The next president will leave a legacy far beyond four or eight years, because this president will likely choose Supreme Court justices who serve lifetime terms, deciding cases on the the sanctity of life, marriage, and the family. In other words, the choices of this next president will affect the future of American civilization. The consequences are too grave to risk wasting a vote.

    As Iowan Christians prayerfully vote in the caucuses, we should all pray that our choices will, in the end, be the best for our families, our communities, and our nation.

    Rev. Rob Schenck
Rev. Rob Schenck, who speaks here as an individual citizen and not for any organization, has been an ordained evangelical minister for 29 years. He his a graduate of Faith Evangelical College and Seminary and is president of Faith and Action, a Christian outreach to government officials in Washington, DC. He is also a board member of the Evangelical Church Alliance.
12 Dec 2011

Not Defeated, Still Dedicated

By Friends of Herman Cain

Friends,

On behalf of my wife Gloria and I, our dedicated and talented campaign staff, the army of Herman Cain volunteers and all who worked tirelessly to make this campaign an amazing experience, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I am grateful for all those who donated precious time and hard-earned money to support and promote this extraordinary crusade for positive change for the country we love so much.  Your passionate support was inspiring.

You're not defeated as long as you never stop fighting. And while my presidential campaign is suspended, it's important to remember that my pursuit of the presidency was only a means to an end. As long as the end is achieved, victory will be at hand.

I'm disappointed we did not achieve the ultimate outcome of winning the Presidency, but make no mistake: You made an astonishing and long-lasting impact, not only on this election - but on the entire American political discourse for years to come.

It is my strong intent going forward to assist not only other campaigns, but to influence the entire political landscape. We will continue to evaluate that influence, how it can be improved, and what can be done to persuade others to promote and implement our bold solutions.

I continue to be dedicated to making positive change in our economy, our culture and our country. God bless you, and God bless America.

Your friend,


Herman Cain

12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Iowa Team Announces Latest Families Joining 'Homeschoolers for Ron Paul' Nationwide Coalition

By Rick Martin
New members hail from Blackhawk, Warren, Polk, Linn and Scott Counties
ANKENY, Iowa - In the latest display of steady momentum and organizational growth for the Iowa segment of the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign, the Iowa team announced today additions to one of its many growing official coalition organizations, "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul."

Over months of retail politicking and one-on-one interaction with the voters of Iowa, many everyday people representing significant population segments have stepped forward to offer their voice and endorsement of Dr. Ron Paul's message.  Noteworthy is the geographic dispersion of the families below, illustrating that Dr. Paul is making inroads among families and individuals that value education freedom in the run-up to the January 3, 2012 Iowa Caucus. 

"My husband and I participate in homeschooling our two youngest children.  Ron Paul believes that parents know what is best for their own children, not bureaucrats and politicians.  Values should come from the family and the church, not politicians.  This is one of the reasons we support Ron Paul," said Dawn Burns of her family, which resides in Waterloo, Blackhawk County.

Tom and Crystal McIntyre of Indianola, Warren County, offered the following reasons for their support:  "Our family has six children ages 19 and under.  There is not a doubt in our mind about Ron Paul's conviction to support each individual citizen's rights, especially when it comes to our family's right to educate our children.  Ron Paul has been an outspoken representative on homeschooling and we know he will continue that support in the future.  His lovely wife Carol is an example of what homeschool mothers aspire to become and the White House would be blessed to have such a woman living inside its walls.  'No other success can compensate for failure outside the home' is a quote said often in our home to help us align ourselves and the entire Paul family emulates this sentiment well."

Third grade teacher of one son Lori Leporte enthusiastically proclaims that Ron Paul is not only the best among other on education freedom, but on the whole platform.  She writes to us:  "Ron Paul 'gets it.'  In addition to his wholehearted support of homeschooling, the right-to-life, and the Second Amendment, Ron Paul distinguishes himself as the only candidate who is a strict Constitutionalist," said Mrs. Leporte of Des Moines, Polk County.

Lori and John Leporte are both HSLDA members.

Jonathan Crandall's homeschool family of Marion, Linn County speaks for how many families feel in a single, concise sentence, "I appreciate that Dr. Paul has been absolutely un-compromising in his pro-homeschool and pro-life positions."

And finally, Thomas Rutherford, a disabled veteran and resident of Davenport, Scott County reflects on the positive impact homeschooling made on his life while growing up on a fourth generation farm.

"My parents instilled in me a love of learning and a strong set of values, integrity, hard work, and perseverance.  At an early age, they recognized the moral decay being forced on us in the education system.  Their example taught me to do what's right - not what is popular," said Mr. Rutherford.

Homeschoolers of five children for nine years Matt and Mandie DeVries said, "I give Ron Paul my wholehearted support, and encourage others to check him out: you won't be disappointed," offered the couple, who reside in Ankeny, Polk County.

Mr. DeVries also serves on the national advisory board for the "Catholics for Ron Paul" nationwide coalition.  He also serves as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 10282 out of All Saints Catholic Church in Des Moines, and is a Ron Paul campaign co-chairman for Iowa's 3rd congressional district. 

As a function of this announcement, all of the above supporters now serve on the national advisory board of "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul."

So for those who are in Iowa and interested in joining the growing ranks of "Homeschoolers for Ron Paul," please visit www.RonPaul2012.com/Homeschoolers, or send an email inquiry to Meghann Walker, Director of Iowa Voter Outreach for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign, at meghannw@ronpaul2012.com. 

For more information on Ron Paul's stance on education freedom, click here.

###
12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Again Polls Second in New Iowa Survey

By Gary Howard
Support increased 8 percentage points since same survey was held in early October
ANKENY, Iowa - 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul placed second in a poll of likely Republican caucus goers, garnering 18 percent or 8 percentage points higher than when PPP last conducted this poll.  The 12-term Congressman from Texas is between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, who have 27 and 16 percent, respectively.

Poll highlights include the fact that Paul with 28 percent leads Gingrich by 10 percentage points among the 20 percent of likely caucus goers who are either Democrats or independents.  Paul also gets 23 percent of those who are under 45 years of age compared to 21 percent for Gingrich, 16 percent for Rep. Michele Bachmann, and 15 percent for Romney.

Paul leads Gingrich 23 to 20 percent with voters who care most about a candidate's stances, and of the 29 percent of likely voters who have seen one of the candidates in person, Ron Paul outclasses Gingrich by 27 to 22 percent.  In addition 62 percent of Paul supporters are strongly committed to him but just 49 percent of Gingrich supporters respond that they will definitely vote for him.

"Ron Paul continues to demonstrate the kind of sustainable growth required to make a respectable showing in Iowa.  There's no point in climbing Mt. Everest one day, only to fall into the Grand Canyon just days or weeks later," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

"We're also pleased that Ron Paul attracts independents and Democrats because while our focus is on winning Republican votes in key early states, the end goal is to unseat an incumbent president whose base is increasingly weak-kneed," said Mr. Benton.

PPP surveyed 572 likely Republican caucus goers via telephone from December 3rd to the 5th, and the poll's margin of error is +/- 4.1 percent.  For full poll results including tables, click here.

###
12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Campaign Releases 60-Second Version of Newt Ad

By Gary Howard
Ad takes hard look at the former Speaker's record
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today that it will release a shorter 60-second version of an earlier web advertisement that challenges former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on a group of issues dear to conservative voters.

Much of the ad is in the former Speaker's own voice, and after a few statements by Newt it features news clips about the former Speaker's lobbying ties to government mortgage giant Freddie Mac, a firm that helped perpetuate the financial crisis and recession. In addition, the spot showcases discussion of Newt's lobbying ties to healthcare firms prior to his support of an Obama-Pelosi-Reid individual mandate as part of the recent wildly unpopular healthcare reform, to the absolute horror of nationally-syndicated conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. 

The campaign is shipping the ad to Iowa TV stations today, and it will be going up as part of an expanded Paul buy in Iowa beginning on Wednesday. It will run in conjunction with Paul's other new ad, 'Big Dog'.

"We wanted to ensure this ad reached as many voters as possible, to debunk the myth that the Newt we are seeing on the 2012 campaign trail is the conservative he has been touted to be all along," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton. 

"The voters are looking for authentic conservatives who are able to show a decades-long career of consistently walking the walk of Constitutional principles, limited government, and promoting sound economic policies.  Ron Paul is the only Republican presidential candidate with that record."

To view the ad, click here.

###
12 Dec 2011

Facts are stubborn things

By Howard Kaloogian - Tea Party Express

In 2008 Barack Obama's campaign shtick was "change." That resonated because President Bush was spending too much and the country meant to change Washington. But Obama meant to change the country.

In response the Tea Party movement has arisen to implement the real change, putting brakes on that out of control big government growth. Our message to Washington is simple: you have run out of our money, stop excessive spending. You cannot borrow your way out of debt; you cannot spend your way out of deficits.
What is President Obama's response to our message of fiscal responsibility? Shared sacrifice; everyone must feel his pain. By everyone he means the people, not the government. Winston Churchill was more eloquent when he observed that "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy,its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."
Last year Obama used Pennsylvania's Allentown Metal Works as a backdrop to tout his so-called stimulus spending as a success. A couple of months later, the plant closed.
Then Vice President Joe Biden bragged to a Pittsburgh crowd that all the runaway deficit spending would produce 250,000 to 500,000 jobs created each month by the start of last summer. We're still waiting Joe.
Obama claimed his extreme spending spree would prevent unemployment from going above 8%. It's been above that for the last 27 months.  To be fair, not everyone has done poorly under Obama. Federal government union employees have prospered. Federal employment has grown by over 100,000 positions. Federal civil servants average pay and benefits were $123,049 in 2009 while private workers that year earned $61,051 average pay and benefits, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
Take the Department of Transportation as a specific example of excessive government growth. Before Obama, only one bureaucrat there made over $170,000. After Obama's spending spree, 1,690 bureaucrats are paid over $170,000 a year. How has Departments services improved the nations transportation services, has anyone noticed? Now Obama claims austerity by wanting to freeze it at that exponentially higher level for a short while before increasing it again.
I guess that is what Obama meant when he said he "will not rest" until he creates jobs, jobs, jobs. But growing the government is not the same as growing the economy. Extending unemployment insurance payments is not a jobs program. Adding more Americans to food stamps is not a jobs program. Redistribution schemes do not create more wealth; it just shuffles the stack of what was already there, nothing new. No real help there.
News flash to Washington politicians: you don't create jobs. The American people do. In the private sector, without government money, ordinary Americans start businesses and hire people. All that is needed is that the government leaves our money in our pockets and gets out of the way ending excessive and burdensome regulation.
If you succeed, Obama's government would take your profits in oppressive taxation, to consume on growing the government overhead and whatever is left over is redistributed to government dependents who will vote for more handouts.
The truth is only 30% of the money intended to be redistributed actually gets to people liberals claim they want to help. If the government were a United Way charity with 70% overhead expense, would you contribute to it voluntarily? If the government were a company, would you buy its stock? When you hear that Obama wants to raise taxes on anyone, what you are hearing is his call for big and bigger government. The government does not deserve a pay increase. It's time to cut spending.
We here at the Tea Party Express are guided by 6 basic principles:
12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Scores a 'Favorability Fest' in Des Moines Register Poll

By Rick Martin
Paul benefits from candidate ratings as well as federal department closure preferences
ANKENY, Iowa - Emerging details from a poll commissioned by the influential Des Moines Register newspaper announced this weekend reveal voter attitudes highly favorable to 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul.

Paul polls a strong second place garnering 18 percent, behind Newt Gingrich and ahead of Mitt Romney who have 25 and 16 percent, respectively.  Paul's Iowa support has grown in the last three Des Moines Register polls from 7 percent in June to 12 percent in October to 18 percent presently.  Paul is also among those whose support did not wane over the period the poll was taken.

Poll details found here and here reveal that 15 percent of respondents reported seeing Paul in person within the last year, while 20 percent reported seeing Rep. Michele Bachmann.  Yet, Rep. Bachmann polls at a low 8 percent, less than half of what Paul polls. 

With pizza baron Herman Cain having suspended his presidential run, Gingrich with 14 percent now leads among respondents who, regardless of whom they support, believe is most likely to have a scandal in the White House if elected.  Respondents said Paul with 2 percent, is among the candidates least likely. 

Paul with 24 percent is regarded as the most principled candidate, 7 points ahead of Bachmann and a whopping 13 percentage points ahead of Gingrich.  Paul with 32 percent is deemed the most fiscally responsible, more than double his nearest contender Gingrich who garnered just 15 percent. 

Paul with 17 percent is judged to be among the most socially conservative of all candidates, 7 percentage points ahead of Gingrich.  This is especially notable given that Rick Santorum - who is neither first nor second - makes family-friendly issues a cornerstone of his candidacy. 

Paul in this poll is also given high marks for being among the candidates best able to bring about real change and among the candidates best able to turn the economy around.

New poll details also reveal broad support among Republican caucus goers for closing the federal departments of HUD and Education by measures of 60 and 54 percent, respectively, and 57 percent of respondents favor shuttering the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Of respondents, 45 percent favor closing Energy, 42 percent favor eliminating the TSA, 36 percent favor getting rid of the Federal Reserve Bank, 34 percent want to shutter Commerce, and 32 percent want to close Interior.  These data are available in today's print edition of the Des Moines Register. 

Given that Ron Paul's "Plan to Restore America" proposes eliminating five federal departments, and that he is the nation's foremost Fed and TSA skeptic, information of this kind too bodes well for Paul's candidacy.  Paul's plan also calls for $1 trillion in spending cuts during year one of a Paul presidency, resulting in a balanced federal budget in year three.

These data are derived from the 401 likely Republican caucus goers and have a margin of error of +/- 4.9 percent.

###
12 Dec 2011

Ron Paul Campaign to Air New TV Ad in Early Voting States

By Gary Howard
30-second spot 'Big Dog' touts Paul's resolve in cutting outsize federal debt, uncontrolled spending
LAKE JACKSON, Texas - The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today the release of its newest television ad "Big Dog," which touts the 12-term Texas Congressman's seriousness on federal debt and spending reductions.

Beginning today the 30-second ad will air on broadcast and cable television in the key early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire.  The spot contrasts establishment Republican candidates unwilling to make difficult choices on spending cuts and debt reduction with the sole candidate whose bite on such matters equals his bark: Ron Paul. 

In particular the ad informs viewers about major provisions of Ron Paul's "Plan to Restore America" including his proposal to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget in year one of a Ron Paul presidency, and his proposed elimination of the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Education, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, and Interior.

"This ad is fun and energetic, yet the issues it focuses on are grave and weigh heavily on the minds of voters across America.  Through this ad we continue to argue that Ron Paul is the only candidate with a serious economic plan to end out-of-control federal spending, reduce the debt, and curtail government activism that hampers economic growth," said Ron Paul 2012 National Campaign Chairman Jesse Benton.

To view the ad online, click here.

###

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Amy Alkon Advice Goddess, Real Astrology, Red Meat cartoon and RCR Crossword every week?) 

* indicates required

View previous campaigns.

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.