Okay, this will not shock any follower of this blog (all 8 of you). I am leaning hard to supporting Romney in the upcoming election - and DON'T CARE about "Romneycare". I would actually really love to see a Romney/Ryan ticket. But, this will not be about me and who I support, but instead about some concerns.
So, there was the "trump" card stuff. Show the Birth certificate, and how did this guy do well in college...why that "mother..well, ya know", then the stare at Seth Myers. So, The Donald was what we should have all thought he was, a self-promoter, who shoots from the hip - only problem, what was he shooting, and why in the world did so many get on his bandwagon..give me a break!
Then there was the "non-candidate" debate that was not a debate, which looked like a show where one participant (Paul) got another one (Johnson) high before to demonstrate how drugs shouldn't be regulated. This was so bad, that Herman Cain wins on one line..."how's that workin for ya" - Herman, it isn't. However, the BIG result, the guy who many thought was the ONE true candidate in the bunch, finished, at best 3rd (Pawlenty). He is now probably hoping someone will offer him a VP spot.
Then, there is Newt, and whoa. This is going to be something. Why did he come out against Ryan, is he trying to lose it before it gets started?
Then, there are polls, made of straws, leaders, and clowns. Just go looking, you will find a poll that says, Paul is winning, Palin is winning (is she running) Bachman is winning (again, is she running)...blah blah blah!
So far, there is ONE viable candidate and he proved it by raising $10.3 million in a single day. However, the list of "conservatives" lining up to attack him without ever reading a single word from his position statements. Of course, this guy is the aforementioned Romney. Can't wait to hear how I'm a sellout (again) for backing a RHINO..my response, borrowed from Cain - Obama, How's that workin out for ya!
Listen folks, it is time that conservatives start to not just get educated on the constitution, but also on politics - the dems have been kicking our butts long enough. Fortunately, so far, Obama has proven he (and more importantly his team) doesn't get strategy-two examples;
1. The Birth Certificate: Trump was the best friend Obama had, he was going to do extreme damage the longer he was "in" or at least on the news. Add to it that the whole time he was "birthering" it up, Obama knew he had the "trump card" to crush Trump, whenever he chose. Why put it out there when he did - not the smartest move.
2. Drill Now: For the record, I love this decision, but everyone knows the only reason he is moving on this is to take away a platform that R's were going to own...poor Herman Cain, that was his statement, and a liberal stole it away. However, the timing again, just doesn't make any sense. This isn't about amounts of oil, it is a move to bring speculation back down to earth. If that happens, gas prices will follow, consumer confidence would increase, and there would be a spike in the economy, that would probably show signs of stability in the job markets too. All of that sounds good, however, the timing is wrong! Two reasons, speculation might lower, but demand in the summer will hold prices high, and again, Obama should have left this until at least August, personally, if I were his adviser, I would have told him to hold it as long as he could, until about 5 months from the primary.
To all this I say...winning isn't everything - it is the future. It isn't about "winning the future" it is about "winning so we have a future".
Steve
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
What "Bingogate" Means for ALCD 5
I am fairly confident that as conservatives go, I have been somewhat pragmatic after the early days of the Les Phillip campaign - seeking to have this seat finally become what it should be - a republican owned seat. Moreover, not just one sat in by someone who claims to represent the conservative values of the district, but a seat that will be occupied for not just two years, but many years to come, by a conservative congressman. I even lost some "so-called" friends over my reasons for supporting Griffith prior to June 2 - wow, come to think of it, haven't thought of those loons for a while now...you all know who you are!
Which leads me to a "side-bar" comment. I am sick to death of the "career politician" and "throw the bums out" motive that so many small minded conservatives believe is a winning argument. I even think the campaign to "stop" or "fire" Pelosi is weak, though she is so bad, it is working and am much more excited about having a candidate that says, vote for me because here is what I have done, and vote for me because here is what I will do! Okay, back to the topic of bingogate's affect of the congressional campaign.
For anyone who has followed this blog (not updated in a while) you understand that I believe (rightfully so) that Bud Cramer still has the most influential voice in the district, and believe that whichever candidate received his endorsement, would have an edge over the other. I also have said that he is a smart guy, who doesn't waste political capitol, and believe he was close to coming out for Raby, though I have no evidence of it. However, Alabama politics just got messy! Time may show that the PAC Steve Raby ran was connected, but it also might show he had no part in it - either way, it doesn't matter. The impact of Bingogate is, Cramer will most likely stay quiet, and if he does, I hope Mr. Raby didn't quit his day job, because I am beginning to hear that overweight (but lovely) neighbor of mine singing a tune!
Your comments are both welcome and hoped for - four weeks away!!
Which leads me to a "side-bar" comment. I am sick to death of the "career politician" and "throw the bums out" motive that so many small minded conservatives believe is a winning argument. I even think the campaign to "stop" or "fire" Pelosi is weak, though she is so bad, it is working and am much more excited about having a candidate that says, vote for me because here is what I have done, and vote for me because here is what I will do! Okay, back to the topic of bingogate's affect of the congressional campaign.
For anyone who has followed this blog (not updated in a while) you understand that I believe (rightfully so) that Bud Cramer still has the most influential voice in the district, and believe that whichever candidate received his endorsement, would have an edge over the other. I also have said that he is a smart guy, who doesn't waste political capitol, and believe he was close to coming out for Raby, though I have no evidence of it. However, Alabama politics just got messy! Time may show that the PAC Steve Raby ran was connected, but it also might show he had no part in it - either way, it doesn't matter. The impact of Bingogate is, Cramer will most likely stay quiet, and if he does, I hope Mr. Raby didn't quit his day job, because I am beginning to hear that overweight (but lovely) neighbor of mine singing a tune!
Your comments are both welcome and hoped for - four weeks away!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Next Candidate Get Together Assumptions
I was just reading over the list of "confirmed" candidates for the upcoming WVNN Candidate Get-Together at Masons 8/23/10, and noticed a couple interesting observations. First, and for this blog, most importantly, NEITHER candidate for ALCD 05 is listed. I will try to find out for sure and update what I find out.
Second, there are three Democrats who are coming, but the one I am looking forward to meeting the most, Tom Butler from AL SD 02. I have heard so many people say what a "blue dog" he is, but everything I hear from those familiar with what happens in Montgomery, says, there are NO blue dogs anymore. He is facing an increasingly difficult challenge from Bill Holtzclaw (endorsed on this blog), and Bill has to be at the Madison City Council meeting that night.
I hope you are able to come out as these are always great fun!
A couple other endorsed candidates who will be there:
Mary Scott Hunter - AL Board of Education
Clay Scofield - AL SD 9
Second, there are three Democrats who are coming, but the one I am looking forward to meeting the most, Tom Butler from AL SD 02. I have heard so many people say what a "blue dog" he is, but everything I hear from those familiar with what happens in Montgomery, says, there are NO blue dogs anymore. He is facing an increasingly difficult challenge from Bill Holtzclaw (endorsed on this blog), and Bill has to be at the Madison City Council meeting that night.
I hope you are able to come out as these are always great fun!
A couple other endorsed candidates who will be there:
Mary Scott Hunter - AL Board of Education
Clay Scofield - AL SD 9
Thursday, July 1, 2010
WVNN Candidate Get Together
Greetings:
I am sure most of you who will see this and live in the Huntsville area, already know about tonight's function, the WVNN 770 Candidate Get Together. However, I wanted to just add my two cents to the importance of not only being involved and educated, but also being engaged.
I have found that one can be "involved and educated" about who the candidates are, but still not have a good feel for what type of leader they will be. It takes getting to know them. When you meet someone in person, you gain a deeper understanding of who that person is, which will lead you to a better conclusion of who to vote for.
I have put out a few endorsements before, and wanted to follow up on where I stand now. I believe it is important to take a stand, not just sit comfortably on the sideline. Here are a few suggestions/endorsements to consider.
1. Bradley Byrne for Governor: I have met Bradley and found him to be true to who he is. I will also add, that I like Dr. Bentley, and believe that he HAD run the most effective campaign of the cycle, coming from way back to "in the run-off". However, since then, there have a been a few directional changes that cause me to be solid for Byrne. First, restructuring his campaign staff, seemingly to make room for a Huckabee plant (not long before Huckabee announced an endorsement). {On a side note; Huckabee has done more to hurt his chances in 2012 than he has done to help them - he should "go away" for a few months if he is considering running}. Byrne has stood up to the AEA (who will be Bentley's biggest fan) and is not scared to stand against what is wrong. It is imperative that all go out and vote, because there will be a major push on the dems side to go out and vote for Bentley, because they rightfully believe Bentley will be a candidate that Sparks has a chance against.
2. Mo Brooks for AL Congressional District 5: I have posted about this already, but wanted to make sure everyone does their due-diligence here. Mo will be running against "nice guy" Steve Raby. Mr. Raby has not had to take a stand on any issues in the primary, and would not answer how he would have voted on the Health Care Bill. He will have a TON of money to get a message out to people that will sound good, but he is dangerous, because we have no idea where he truly stands on issues. Mo has from the beginning, been very clear where he stands on issues.
3. Mary Scott Hunter for State School Board District 8: This has not been an easy one for me, but true to my comment that we "need to take a stand" I have decided to back Mary Scott for this position. She has shown the passion and diligence to "get the job done." I believe that she is uniquely gifted in communicating her ideas to others, and will be very effective in helping our state improve the quality of education.
4. Dr. Charles Elliott for State School Board District 6: I have met Dr. Elliott and was very impressed by his passion and commitment to improving education in Alabama. If you live in his district, make sure you get a chance to meet him.
5. Bill Holtzclaw for State Senate, District 2: The state senate desperately needs solid conservative leadership, and Bill meets this standard. He is running against Tom Butler who has served as the senator for this district for 27 years. Mr. Butler is a democrat, and considers himself a conservative one - but from what I have learned about how our state senate operates, how could this exist. Considering the "great divide" between the conservatives and liberals in our state senate, I am not willing to accept someone as a conservative democrat any longer. Having said that, it really doesn't matter to me what Mr. Butler is or isn't, Bill Holtzclaw is the right man for the job. He will make an excellent State Senator, and has a bright future in politics!
6. Clay Scofield for State of Senate, District 9: Honestly, this is the most difficult "call" for me. Both Clay and Don Spurlin would make excellent Senators. But, if I were voting here, I would choose Clay. He has run an effective campaign, and seems to understand the district very well. I know he is a very hard worker, and will work hard as a Senator as well.
Please take a few minutes to visit the candidates websites, and I hope to see you tonight at Mason's!
I am sure most of you who will see this and live in the Huntsville area, already know about tonight's function, the WVNN 770 Candidate Get Together. However, I wanted to just add my two cents to the importance of not only being involved and educated, but also being engaged.
I have found that one can be "involved and educated" about who the candidates are, but still not have a good feel for what type of leader they will be. It takes getting to know them. When you meet someone in person, you gain a deeper understanding of who that person is, which will lead you to a better conclusion of who to vote for.
I have put out a few endorsements before, and wanted to follow up on where I stand now. I believe it is important to take a stand, not just sit comfortably on the sideline. Here are a few suggestions/endorsements to consider.
1. Bradley Byrne for Governor: I have met Bradley and found him to be true to who he is. I will also add, that I like Dr. Bentley, and believe that he HAD run the most effective campaign of the cycle, coming from way back to "in the run-off". However, since then, there have a been a few directional changes that cause me to be solid for Byrne. First, restructuring his campaign staff, seemingly to make room for a Huckabee plant (not long before Huckabee announced an endorsement). {On a side note; Huckabee has done more to hurt his chances in 2012 than he has done to help them - he should "go away" for a few months if he is considering running}. Byrne has stood up to the AEA (who will be Bentley's biggest fan) and is not scared to stand against what is wrong. It is imperative that all go out and vote, because there will be a major push on the dems side to go out and vote for Bentley, because they rightfully believe Bentley will be a candidate that Sparks has a chance against.
2. Mo Brooks for AL Congressional District 5: I have posted about this already, but wanted to make sure everyone does their due-diligence here. Mo will be running against "nice guy" Steve Raby. Mr. Raby has not had to take a stand on any issues in the primary, and would not answer how he would have voted on the Health Care Bill. He will have a TON of money to get a message out to people that will sound good, but he is dangerous, because we have no idea where he truly stands on issues. Mo has from the beginning, been very clear where he stands on issues.
3. Mary Scott Hunter for State School Board District 8: This has not been an easy one for me, but true to my comment that we "need to take a stand" I have decided to back Mary Scott for this position. She has shown the passion and diligence to "get the job done." I believe that she is uniquely gifted in communicating her ideas to others, and will be very effective in helping our state improve the quality of education.
4. Dr. Charles Elliott for State School Board District 6: I have met Dr. Elliott and was very impressed by his passion and commitment to improving education in Alabama. If you live in his district, make sure you get a chance to meet him.
5. Bill Holtzclaw for State Senate, District 2: The state senate desperately needs solid conservative leadership, and Bill meets this standard. He is running against Tom Butler who has served as the senator for this district for 27 years. Mr. Butler is a democrat, and considers himself a conservative one - but from what I have learned about how our state senate operates, how could this exist. Considering the "great divide" between the conservatives and liberals in our state senate, I am not willing to accept someone as a conservative democrat any longer. Having said that, it really doesn't matter to me what Mr. Butler is or isn't, Bill Holtzclaw is the right man for the job. He will make an excellent State Senator, and has a bright future in politics!
6. Clay Scofield for State of Senate, District 9: Honestly, this is the most difficult "call" for me. Both Clay and Don Spurlin would make excellent Senators. But, if I were voting here, I would choose Clay. He has run an effective campaign, and seems to understand the district very well. I know he is a very hard worker, and will work hard as a Senator as well.
Please take a few minutes to visit the candidates websites, and I hope to see you tonight at Mason's!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Put Primary Positions in the Past!
Greetings:
This has been a very interesting (and fun) republican primary in AL05. However, regardless of what positions you took in the last few month - it is now time to GET TOGETHER and back the republican nominee, Mo Brooks.
This might be the most important election in our country's history, and most certainly in our district's history (at least recent). With the anti-liberal (and elimination of the "Blue Dog" bull) we have a chance to turn this seat to a republican seat for many years to come. However, it will not be easy.
The democrat opponent will be a formidable one. He will also be a well funded candidate, if we allow him to get any momentum going forward, because if the DCCC believes that Raby can win, they will fund him extensively. I encourage you to start now in your vocal, visible (yard signs) and financial support for Brooks. The other danger about Raby, he was able to skate through his primary without taking a stand on ANY major issue, which allows him to create what he stands for now. It will be important for us to keep a close eye on his positions as we move forward, and remember - there is NO such thing as a blue-dog in this administration!
Let's build the "Mo" for Mo!
This has been a very interesting (and fun) republican primary in AL05. However, regardless of what positions you took in the last few month - it is now time to GET TOGETHER and back the republican nominee, Mo Brooks.
This might be the most important election in our country's history, and most certainly in our district's history (at least recent). With the anti-liberal (and elimination of the "Blue Dog" bull) we have a chance to turn this seat to a republican seat for many years to come. However, it will not be easy.
The democrat opponent will be a formidable one. He will also be a well funded candidate, if we allow him to get any momentum going forward, because if the DCCC believes that Raby can win, they will fund him extensively. I encourage you to start now in your vocal, visible (yard signs) and financial support for Brooks. The other danger about Raby, he was able to skate through his primary without taking a stand on ANY major issue, which allows him to create what he stands for now. It will be important for us to keep a close eye on his positions as we move forward, and remember - there is NO such thing as a blue-dog in this administration!
Let's build the "Mo" for Mo!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Some Decisions that Effect the District
I will list some of the races that I have made decisions, and will give my best reasons why:
1. Governor: Tim James - This has been a slow process for me. I actually made my mind up at the Young Republicans - Right On Huntsville gubenatorial forum at the Davidson Center on March 2nd, because James was far more impressive at that event. He was articulate with his answers, and seem to have clear vision for where he wants to lead the state. However, the more I watched his commercials, the more concern I had about the direction of his campaign (an poorly run campaign will usually destroy even the best candidate): makes sense to me.....does it to you? I have now been able to get past that concern, and believe he is the best candidate.
2. Lt. Governor: Kay Ivey - She showed much wisdom in pulling out of the Governor's Race and entering this race. As a result of her name recognition, she gives the Republicans a realistic chance of winning, that Hank Erwin (who seems like a great guy) would not.
3. Attorney General: Troy King - This might be the hardest decision (save the Parker Griffith one) in the bunch. Also, I don't have very convincing reasons - I just hope that as a result of being an incumbent, he will be better positioned to weather the storm that a three party general will bring. I told you I didn't have a good reason!
4. State Treasurer: Young Boozer - He just might be the most qualified candidate for State Treasurer ever in Alabama. I probably feel stronger about this race than any of the races I will vote on in the primary. If you have not done your due dilligence - this is a race to make sure you do. He has a undergrade degree from Stanford and a Masters from Wharton. He has served in executive offices in Banking and Investment sectors. He is right - funny name, serious leadership.
5. Congressman: Parker Griffith - Just in case you missed my last post, but go back to it for the reasons.
That is all for now - would love to hear your thoughts?
1. Governor: Tim James - This has been a slow process for me. I actually made my mind up at the Young Republicans - Right On Huntsville gubenatorial forum at the Davidson Center on March 2nd, because James was far more impressive at that event. He was articulate with his answers, and seem to have clear vision for where he wants to lead the state. However, the more I watched his commercials, the more concern I had about the direction of his campaign (an poorly run campaign will usually destroy even the best candidate): makes sense to me.....does it to you? I have now been able to get past that concern, and believe he is the best candidate.
2. Lt. Governor: Kay Ivey - She showed much wisdom in pulling out of the Governor's Race and entering this race. As a result of her name recognition, she gives the Republicans a realistic chance of winning, that Hank Erwin (who seems like a great guy) would not.
3. Attorney General: Troy King - This might be the hardest decision (save the Parker Griffith one) in the bunch. Also, I don't have very convincing reasons - I just hope that as a result of being an incumbent, he will be better positioned to weather the storm that a three party general will bring. I told you I didn't have a good reason!
4. State Treasurer: Young Boozer - He just might be the most qualified candidate for State Treasurer ever in Alabama. I probably feel stronger about this race than any of the races I will vote on in the primary. If you have not done your due dilligence - this is a race to make sure you do. He has a undergrade degree from Stanford and a Masters from Wharton. He has served in executive offices in Banking and Investment sectors. He is right - funny name, serious leadership.
5. Congressman: Parker Griffith - Just in case you missed my last post, but go back to it for the reasons.
That is all for now - would love to hear your thoughts?
Monday, May 10, 2010
My Ride from Parker to Parker
Greetings:
It has been a long time since I have posted anything to this blog. There are many reasons for this, but I will not focus on the delay, but instead on the point of this post: How I went from Parker (Wayne) to Parker (Griffith), and why!
After leaving the Les Phillip campaign in early March, I found my support for his candidacy dying and myself at a loss for a candidate. Naturally, as a conservative, I opened my mind up to either of the two candidates I considered conservatives, Les or Mo? Like many of you, I attended the UAH debate. I left with a shocking conclusion, that has led me to throw support behind the "other" candidate in the primary. I could not have seen this coming - so I hope that you will continue reading, and at least hear out the how and why!
First, the conclusion: There is a candidate who can't win the primary, a candidate who can win the primary but can't win the general, and ONE candidate who can win both. Now, that is just my opinion, but I have yet to ask anyone who follows this election, who can't fill in the names to those descriptions - and I have talked to supporters of all three candidates, and ALL have answered correctly. Les, Mo, and Parker Griffith.
Next, I want to give you more reasons for how I ended up where I am. I have not been convinced that Parker Griffith has always been a conservative. However, most who dislike him, will at least give him credit for being an experienced politician and an extremely intelligent individual. As a result of those two things, since 12/23/2009, Griffith has voted 100% with the Republican party - and my assumption is, he will continue to. As a result, each of us has to ask, can we live with a guy representing us who votes the way we want him to, oh wait, isn't that what we are supposed to want?
Digging into this even deeper, I said there were two candidates who could win the primary, and only one who could win the general - why? Well, there are several reasons, and here they are.
1. Money is the "mother's milk" of politics. Take a look at this report. However, take a look at Steve Raby. Notice that he out-raised everyone in Q1! He will likely be the democratic nomination, and he has already proven, he can and will raise money and he has not loaned any money to his campaign! Next, look at lines 3 and 4 on the report, for Flippo and Cramer. Flippo has already endorsed Raby, and can throw some or all of that money to Raby. However, the big name, Cramer, is the one to think about. Which leads me to point #2.
2. The "Cramer Effect!" If you were to poll people in this district (even conservatives) and ask them which of these people do you consider the most powerful, a) Bud Cramer, b) Parker Grifith, c) Mo Brooks or d) Steve Raby - they would probably finish in that order. That leads me to this point, if Steve Raby runs against Parker Griffith - Bud Cramer will most likely stay out of the fray (because he has already endorsed PG and they remain friends). However, if it is Raby vs. Brooks - watch for Cramer to actively campaign for Raby (and possibly throw some of that money behind him as well). I have yet to have a single person tell me after I mention this, that Mo could still win - NOT ONE!
3. I do not want my grandchildren to be waiting for the next Republican congressman from AL05 - it has been 130 yrs or so since the last one. If we send Parker Griffith back, after he retires, this will be a "republican seat".
So, I end with this. I am too much of an idealog (sp?) to vote for anyone other than Parker Griffith! I hope that all will give serious thought to what I have brought up here, before going to the poll on June 1 - this is a very important election, and we are making a "general" decision in the republican "primary".
Steve
It has been a long time since I have posted anything to this blog. There are many reasons for this, but I will not focus on the delay, but instead on the point of this post: How I went from Parker (Wayne) to Parker (Griffith), and why!
After leaving the Les Phillip campaign in early March, I found my support for his candidacy dying and myself at a loss for a candidate. Naturally, as a conservative, I opened my mind up to either of the two candidates I considered conservatives, Les or Mo? Like many of you, I attended the UAH debate. I left with a shocking conclusion, that has led me to throw support behind the "other" candidate in the primary. I could not have seen this coming - so I hope that you will continue reading, and at least hear out the how and why!
First, the conclusion: There is a candidate who can't win the primary, a candidate who can win the primary but can't win the general, and ONE candidate who can win both. Now, that is just my opinion, but I have yet to ask anyone who follows this election, who can't fill in the names to those descriptions - and I have talked to supporters of all three candidates, and ALL have answered correctly. Les, Mo, and Parker Griffith.
Next, I want to give you more reasons for how I ended up where I am. I have not been convinced that Parker Griffith has always been a conservative. However, most who dislike him, will at least give him credit for being an experienced politician and an extremely intelligent individual. As a result of those two things, since 12/23/2009, Griffith has voted 100% with the Republican party - and my assumption is, he will continue to. As a result, each of us has to ask, can we live with a guy representing us who votes the way we want him to, oh wait, isn't that what we are supposed to want?
Digging into this even deeper, I said there were two candidates who could win the primary, and only one who could win the general - why? Well, there are several reasons, and here they are.
1. Money is the "mother's milk" of politics. Take a look at this report. However, take a look at Steve Raby. Notice that he out-raised everyone in Q1! He will likely be the democratic nomination, and he has already proven, he can and will raise money and he has not loaned any money to his campaign! Next, look at lines 3 and 4 on the report, for Flippo and Cramer. Flippo has already endorsed Raby, and can throw some or all of that money to Raby. However, the big name, Cramer, is the one to think about. Which leads me to point #2.
2. The "Cramer Effect!" If you were to poll people in this district (even conservatives) and ask them which of these people do you consider the most powerful, a) Bud Cramer, b) Parker Grifith, c) Mo Brooks or d) Steve Raby - they would probably finish in that order. That leads me to this point, if Steve Raby runs against Parker Griffith - Bud Cramer will most likely stay out of the fray (because he has already endorsed PG and they remain friends). However, if it is Raby vs. Brooks - watch for Cramer to actively campaign for Raby (and possibly throw some of that money behind him as well). I have yet to have a single person tell me after I mention this, that Mo could still win - NOT ONE!
3. I do not want my grandchildren to be waiting for the next Republican congressman from AL05 - it has been 130 yrs or so since the last one. If we send Parker Griffith back, after he retires, this will be a "republican seat".
So, I end with this. I am too much of an idealog (sp?) to vote for anyone other than Parker Griffith! I hope that all will give serious thought to what I have brought up here, before going to the poll on June 1 - this is a very important election, and we are making a "general" decision in the republican "primary".
Steve
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