Rasmussen: Gingrich Tops Field in Latest Poll by 21 Points, Trust in National Security at 36% over Nearest Competitor Mitt Romney - Analysis

The current 2012 field - image pensitoreview.com


Newt Gingrich has taken a significant lead in the lasted Rasmussen poll, topping Mitt Romney by 21 points to lead the field with 38%. The Poll taken on the 30th of November and released December 1st by Rasmussen was based on 1000 likely GOP voters with a margin of error of plus/minus 3. The balance of the candidates polled as follows: Romney 17%, Cain 8%, Paul 8%, and Perry 4%, Santorum 4%, Bachmann 4%, Huntsman 3%, other 3%, and a narrowing field of. Should Herman Cain drop out of the race, the pickup for other candidates appears to favor Gingrich and Romney, with Gingrich at 43% and Romney at 19%. What this implies is that, of those polled, Gingrich and Romney are now considered the two top candidates going into Iowa and New Hampshire in 4 weeks.

Additionally, given the high rating on National Security issues, those polled are most likely closing watching the debates; where one saw Gingrich poll numbers take a turn upward after the National Security Debate held on November 22, and sponsored broadcast on CNN. The poll, which featured 73% Identified Republican and the balance as other, also indicated that Gingrich has the lead among both Republicans and Other Affiliations, as well as across ideological lines, all religious affiliations lines with the exception of “other” which went to Mitt Romney.

How firmly are those polled tied to a particular candidate? 42% are certain of their vote for Gingrich, with 35% on the fence, while Romney has 18% certain and 17% on the fence. The race, therefore, remains somewhat fluid.

More over with the Iowa and New Hampshire caucus /primary on the horizon, there are three debates prior to the caucus and primary in New Hampshire: December 10, 2011, co - sponsored by the Des Moines Register and the Iowa Republican Party and broadcast on ABC News at 9:00 PM eastern, December 15th, on Fox sponsored by the Iowa Republican Party at 9PM eastern and finally December 19th, PBS sponsored by the Des Moines Register, Iowa Public Television, PBS NEWSHOUR, Google and YouTube, at 4 PM EST.
It will be the performance at the debates that will allow for these candidates to make their point, not only to the Republican and likely Republican voters in each state for the respective primacy and caucus, but for all viewers, regardless of political affiliation, who may be seeking an alternative within the Republican Party.

As of this past week, Gallup suggested that from an historical perspective: Obama’s job approval was not encouraging for reelection. The President has an approval rating in this third year that is consistent with that of Jimmy Carter, and historically, if he were to win reelection, it would be an anomaly.

As to Newt Gingrich – now that he is at the top of the field, he has come under “scrutiny” from both his opposition candidates as well as the media (to be expected) – However, there are fewer questions arising regarding Gingrich’s background due to the fact that, of all the candidates, he has been the most “vetted” throughout his public life. Additionally, Gingrich has the ability, from all appearances, to swat away any criticism with ease, and has no compunction about meeting journalist head on in any venue. On the other hand, Romney, as the closest to Gingrich in polling, has had a dismal performance with a Fox News Journalist, Bret Bair. Romney appeared more than a bit uncomfortable taking questions, which could be due to several factors, such as the tight schedule that these candidates keep, causing exhaustion, the end result being a somewhat “testy” candidate. There have been, across the field, good and bad debate performances; however, Gingrich appears to have performed the best, in the majority of debates.

Should polls for Gingrich push him about the 40 percentile going into the early caucus and primary states, and should he take two of three early states (or all three for that matter), then one might see an early front runner as the established candidate for the nomination.

Although detractors in the media and the DNC are touting Gingrich as the one which Obama would prefer as his opposition on the basis of the DNC running ads against Mitt Romney (which are predictably about his change on position over the years on a range of issues, making him akin to John Kerry, (D-MA), the King of the Flip-Flops) - it is somewhat odd that one would consider that a sign that Gingrich is the preferred candidate of Team Obama. It is the silence on Gingrich, which gives pause. Perhaps that is because he has not, in the minds of the Democrat strategists, been in the “front runner” long enough, and alternately, there is little for them to say about Gingrich, that cannot be doubled for either their current or previous office holder. It would appear therefore, that by attacking Romney, they are pushing his “front-runner” status, in hopes that he will be recognized as the perpetual front runner, and that it is Romney who they would prefer to run against Barack Obama.

The aforementioned conclusion based on the fact, that consistently, as poll watchers, analysis and strategist, surely noted Romney holding 20 to 25% over the past 8 years, which, when taken in context, shows a candidate who may be weak in key areas, and unable to garner the support necessary, even within his own party going into a general election. Recent polling appears to be bearing that out, as one front runner after another has emerged.

GOP 2012 – Two Choices: Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich – Romney Unpredictable in Debate - Gingrich: Stalwart, Calm in Face of Criticism

Likely 2012 Choices - Going Forward - Who do you Trust? - image from pensitoreview.com

When one looks at the very capable field of “contenders” for the 2012 GOP Presidential nomination, one understands that the time between the Iowa and New Hampshire caucuses has grown so short, that any recovery for those who are not Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich would be nothing short of miraculous. With today being December 1st, there are approximately four weeks left to sort the chaff from the wheat, and the early primary and caucus states will be the harbinger of things to come.

The Candidates, from this perspective, offer two very clear choices, one in Willard Mitt Romney, who has a track record as Governor of Massachusetts, but more of a track record in business, giving rise to his claim as a “Washington Outsider”. However, it is a fact that Romney attempted to be a Washington outside, but lost that bid in a no-contest run at the Senate against one Teddy Kennedy. It was in the debate arena where Romney suffered, and the more probable lack of ground support in state that rarely knows there is an opposition candidate to an incumbent until the last hour – the outcome is usually predicable, which leaves the Democrats in fairly firm control of the Bay State. Given the fact that Massachusetts historically elects Republican’s to the corner office, it is not a surprise that going back and running for Governor, Romney was able to win the critical election – the one that allowed him a stepping stone to the 2008 Presidential race. Therefore Romney’s career in “government” was approximately three years long. In that time, he pushed through a universal health care reform bill in the Bay State, instituted fees (s.i.c.) taxes for licenses of all sorts (it is now out of the reach of most families to take their children fishing), and he did balance the budget. To be fair to Romney, and those in the Republican Establishment that truly believe a candidate must be as close to a Democrat ideologically to get elected in Massachusetts or the country for that matter. One must be politically correct. Notice how painful Romney appears when he is “throwing red meat” to conservatives. It is obviously going against his grain. In addition – as far as appearances are concerned, he cannot always be counted on to maintain his composure. He becomes visibly angry – For the latest example see the article here on Romney in the Miami Herald, regarding his Fox News Interview with Bret Bair. Romney took exception to being asked certain questions.

Newt Gingrich, who is now the most targeted man in American, given his climb in polls both in the early primary states as well as the latest Rasmussen Poll, where he bests Obama, is dealing with the arrows and slings thrown by “friends and foes “alike in a most calm and straightforward manner. He does not duck questions, rather, he has answers. When asked about his personal life, he talks about the human condition – we are all capable of making mistakes. When there is a bit of a fabrication, he calls it out (specifically the rumor of his handing a dying wife divorce papers – one which is totally baseless and came from a left, hoping to remove then Speaker of the House – Newt Gingrich – apparently he was too conservative. – The facts: his dying wife is still alive and well, and it was she who was asking for the divorce, this from a daughter who was present at the time in question.) When asked about his stance on Global Warming being man-made, he gives the best answer on the subject: “we don’t’ know”. Which is the truth – there simply has not been any credible research to established global warming (see University email scandal to create results to support global warming), nor to dismiss it – when was the last time someone was working on the theory of “global cooling?”

On participating in a commercial with Nancy Pelosi on the same subject: “It was stupid” – Refreshing, asked and answered in a completely understandable way.

On his private business taking fees from clients, even if that client were a government subsidies entity (i.e. Freddie and Fannie), or an industry that is constantly targeted by the left, it was a private business, one which he ran successfully. Consultants abound, Gingrich just happens to be one of them – the Government routinely hires contractors, (outside firms) the majority of which save the taxpayers’ dollars. It simply boils down to this: it was his choice of business, he was more than capable and qualified, yet opposition teams that are slipping like stones in the polls, and or realize that they stand no chance whatsoever to reach the goal of GOP nominee in 2012, are grasping at any available straws in order to cast doubt on Gingrich.

Although sensational for the day or so the you tube ad, or the comments to some talking head are part of the 24-7 news cycle, Gingrich appear to be able to calmly and with not a little bit of humor, offer a explanation or mea culpa, with a genuineness – that’s wise. Most importantly, unlike most “holier than though” politicians’ he admits to making mistakes. Anyone with any sense understands that as human beings, one goes through stages, where one makes mistakes, grows older, repents of those errors, and learns from said mistakes or missteps.

Given the fact that the nation is now down to three in the 2012 political arena, those being: Barack Obama, Mitt Romney, and Newt Gingrich – one must start coming to grips with the obvious choices of supporting one who is wise enough to admit mistakes, and rocks in the debate forum, over one who is less willing, or for that matter incapable of admitting mistakes, and takes umbrage at being asked questions on his past policy – and finally one who, as President, has led the nation according to his own ideology, which, is appears to be one of a progressive world view, and one which allows for constant campaigning, rather than governing.

The reality – there is no perfect candidate, however, one might prefer a candidate that not only knows they are not “perfect” (meaning for every single voter), and is also willing to admit to failings. As there is no way to predict outcomes, and as there is no way to know how those in the first caucus and primary states will cast their votes, it is quite possible, that Mitt Romney could go on to become the nominee, whereas, a good percentage (75% - given Romney’s consistent polling in the 20’s), will hold their nose and vote for Romney or just stay home.)

That would be this bloggers choice, never having missed or wasted a vote, it would be a vote that would be cast with a bit of angst – angst that there might not be the stellar debate performances that are necessary for today’s media consumers to make a clear choice between the incumbent and the GOP nominee. Should, during the course of the general campaign, a reporter be rebuffed for asking a question, the already hostile media would ensure that topic remained front and center for weeks. It is possible that Romney could win the Presidency – possibly.

However, with Gingrich the vote would be cast enthusiastically, despite his human failings, despite having “stupidly “made a commercial with Nancy Pelosi, despite his stance on global warming, because of his stance on immigration (which is sane), and his ability to be both smart, pompous, and funny in the course of answering a question in the debate arena.
Therefore, although this counts for little in the greater scheme of things, this blogger endorses the candidacy of one Newt Gingrich for President. A disclaimer will accompany future posts even though this is an opinion blog. The reasons for this endorsement are outlined above.

For Edification:

You Tube Video: from the Senate Campaign Debate with Kennedy: It is only a 5 minute section of the debate, and one is hard pressed to find anything other than “cuts” of the debate by political opposition teams.


Link to video from the Ron Paul Campaign on Romney Losing Temper with Reporters: You Tube.

In fact, if one looks at the Ron Paul You Tube channel, one can find opposition videos for all candidates – Romney takes the majority of hits, most likely given his role as “leader” for the past two elections.

Gingrich 2012 - The Debator - Poll: Obama 43: Gingrich: 45

From:Rasmussen: Newt Gingrich is now in a statistical tie with President, Barack Obama. The polling was took place from November 28-29, with one thousand likely voters, and a margin of error of plus or minus 3%.

The President's approval rating on Gallup dropped, surpassing President Jimmy Carter, to teh lowest level recorded in modern history.

Gingrich and Romney, according to Rasmussen, are the only two candidates a majority of those polled considered qualified to be president.

GOP Smackdown 2012 – Romney Attacks Gingrich as “Lifelong Politician” – Déjà vu 2008

Photo via Reuters: One gets a clear sense about how Romney feels about Gingrich



Reuters: Former One-term Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 2008 GOP Presidential Candidate and 2012 GOP Presidential CandidateWilliard Mitt Romney, insists that his biggest obstacle to the White House, one Newt Gingrich, is a “lifelong politician" who lacks credibility on how the U.S. economy works.” (Reuters).

Watching Romney throughout the 2008 GOP primary process, one became accustomed to attacks on candidates that might pose a problem to “Mitt”, specifically one Governor Mike Huckabee, whose battles with Romney are the stuff of legends – Romney’s criticisms started as soon as it was clear that Huckabee might be gaining momentum: From the Boston Globe Dec. 16, 2007:”Romney Calls on Huckabee to Apologize to President (Bush) over foreign policy criticism” - and that was a mild.

There was not a conservative paying attention who was not aware that Mitt Romney was the choice of the Beltway, nor was it a secret that he was backed by the “Establishment GOP”. With all this support however - Romney was out of the race come February.

He has the same support in 2011.

From the Kansas City Star: one Anne Coulter, on Mitt Romney - and then candidate McCain

Coulter also called John McCain a “douchebag,” but that was bleeped out.

Flash forward to 2011

The Daily Caller: Coulter: If not Romney Who? If not Now? When?

To Coulter’s credit, she did end up supporting McCain, however to get there she went through her favorite Conservative to be President first (and not one stood a snowball’s chance in Hades.)

Therefore, an endorsement from Ann Coulter, at this point in time, with the polls pointing way from her favorite candidate, is predicative of the turn of events to take place in the next six to ten weeks.


Will someone please poll Massachusetts, pitting Romney against Gingrich for the 2012 primary?

Quote of the Month: Charles Hurt, Washington Times on Mitt Romney (with Analysis and Opinion)

“Getting Republicans to line up behind Mitt Romney, it turns out, is like trying to stuff a cat into a trash can. No matter how you present the feline to the receptacle, at least one claw always manages to reach out at the last second and cling desperately to the rim.”
This quote came from Mr. Hurt’s column ”Gingrich Is GOP’s Latest Not Romney”, an analysis and opinion piece that take’s the serious matter of a GOP General Election Primary, complete with the angst general “Republican’s” feel about an orderly election, and adds a good dollop of humor.

Charles Hurt presents the mood of the voters a’la Frankenstein’s monster and the rise of the Candidate Gingrich over the front-runner of the Beltway, Mitt Romney. In his arguments for Gingrich, he has a solid point in his closing paragraphs presented in a very pithy and to this mind very accurate manner.

However, it is from a Massachusetts point of view that, although the savior of the Olympic Games and Governor of a Commonwealth with the most liberal, criminal and hostile of governments – Romney, for all his business acumen appeared to use Massachusetts as a springboard to the 2008 general election primary, the Commonwealth’s “fees” rose consistently, and of course, there’s that “mandatory” health care bill, - which has all but bankrupted the state. It is not so much the fact that he changed positions on every imaginable issue, it is not his perfect hair, nor his religion, it is truly the record on which Romney is attempting to run that is problematic – more so because Romney defends and glorifies the same.

Additionally, from this point of view, Gingrich is not the “not-Romney”, he is the guy who from the start of the general was the least appealing, and who through his appearances on varied news programs and especially his debate performances, won the hearts and minds of voters, all of his own accord.

That is the purpose of the primary, to winnow away the proverbial wheat from the chaff – perhaps not as orderly and as perfect as those who live in a perfect word might like, but a system that allows the cream to rise to the top.

2012 GOP Update: Gingrich Takes Heat from Press; Cain Has New Accuser, Romney Shown as “Flip-Flopper” in DNC Ad - Analysis

Cain, Gingrich and Romney - image business insider


Newt Gingrich has been coming out with some pretty savvy remarks as of late, most probably designed in part to differentiate himself from Mitt Romney, who had been considered the front runner (especially by the Political Class and Beltway Pundits), and in part due to his intellect, age with life experience, and wisdom acquired through study. Having been there and done that in Congress, Gingrich’s record from the moment he set foot in the U.S. Congress to his Leadership in the House during the Clinton Administration that brought about significant changes that enhanced the nation. These records are all currently available online through the The Library of Congress. (However, of great interest is the fact that the Congressional Records available on line will be shut down as of 2012.)

Gingrich, and his record, are, therefore, an open book, one by which he can stand as a Conservative and as a Political strategist who understands how to get legislation through both sides of the political aisle. In other words, he understands how to avoid the stalemate that is our Congress and Government today. Upon leaving Congress, Gingrich opened a consulting firm, thinks tanks and authored numerous books – He is a man who understands history – not an insignificant asset when one governs.

That said opposition to the current Position as Tied or First in the polls, has the left-leaning media in frenzy – as Newt Gingrich is, in this opinion, the best choice to lead the nation at this point in history. Therefore, to find that the Washington Post’s Political Opinion writer of “The Fix”, Aaron Blake, tweeted the following: “Hey Tweeps: Looking for outlandish/incorrect predictions and quotes from Newt Gingrich's past. Any ideas for me?” (See Screenshot below as this “Tweet” has since been removed.)


Washington Post Op-ed Writer seeks dirt on Gingrich


It is, unfortunate, that Mr. Blake cannot take the time to scroll through the Congressional Record, and/or read a few of the former Speakers books, since surely there must be something there that he would find to be “outlandish” or “incorrect” – or perhaps not, which is apparently, the problem.


Over at Politico: An Opinion Piece queries: “Which Newt is the good Newt?” , contrasting Gingrich in the Congress to Gingrich on the Campaign Trail. Perhaps that same author might want to do a profile of “Which Obama is the Good Obama?” - comparing and contrasting the President in the same wise (as Senator, as President, and then on the Campaign Trail.) What one finds in this instance is the Candidate highlighting his or her belief’s but, enhance them to the point of rhetoric – only in Gingrich’s case, the rhetoric is a far cry from the incendiary, it is basically Newt Gingrich being incredibly honest and incredibly witty at the same time – one must have the same political ideology or non-ideology (the Independent) to get “it”.
What this author found as “good Newt” were quotes from his time in the House, the “bad Newt” is, obviously, ideas and quotes from the campaign trail. Are they both the same Gingrich? Of course, one changes as one ages, however, this piece which categorizes Newt as a “bully” today, also notes that should the governing Newt emerge, the Obama Campaign would be “reaching for the Maalox.” The point is they most likely are.

To face Newt Gingrich in the general, where he is attracting independents and one knows that the “ABO” (Anybody but Obama) voters - those now pumping for say “Mitt”, will vote for the former Speaker should he get the nomination. In addition, he has the ability to attract moderate Democrats, even in the heart of New York City, predicting a man who would appeal to all facets of the population – which means what? A true political force in the general election – therefore, it would not be surprising to see letters he scribbled in the first grade coming to “light” as “proof” of some character flaw.

Mitt Romney is being attacked by the DNC, go figure, for being a “Flip-flopper” – this in a web-based ad available on You-Tube – video below:



One has to believe that Mitt Romney is a Patriot; this blog has pointed that aspect of Governor Romney’s character out in previous posts. However, it is also true, having lived in Massachusetts under the Romney Governorship, one in which there were fee’s (not taxes, but fees – someone please tell this blogger the difference?), raised on everything that was not nailed down. In addition, this video does depict Mitt Romney as Governor of Massachusetts from 2006-2007, (approximately), and from 2007 to 2008 (when he was beginning to run for the GOP nomination in 2008) a “new, improved, Romney emerged. Is it fair to say that a man cannot change their mind? Absolutely not, however, the time frame in which this occurs in generally years, not months, which, unfortunately for Romney, rings hollow with Conservatives – which may be why he has not yet been able to break out of the 20% range in the polls. Also, those with a long enough memory remember his disastrous run against one Edward “Ted” Kennedy for the Senate, in which Romney was trounced every which way but Friday in the debate arena. Has he improved, yes, however, is it enough to take on Obama in that venue- the jury is out.

Finally, Herman Cain has yet another “accuser” this one with the allegation of a long-standing affair: The evidence is apparently access to Mr. Cain’s private cell, and a receipt for lunch at his favorite restaurant. As with the other accusers of Sexual improprieties (harassment plus), this woman, also has some financial difficulties as pointed out by ABC News . Incentives such as working for the Obama Administration, living in David Axelrod’s building, and just being plain crazy, have so far been the story on the other women “who came forward”. However, even fabricated, this consistent barrage of allegations has definitely hurt Cain’s candidacy, as well as having been timed to take Media pressure off –“name a scandal coming out of the White House.” One understands that Herman Cain is likeable, and that Herman Cain is a good business manager, and that, most likely, these claims are all false, to the core, however, Herman Cain did end up at the front of the pack, and that did not sit well with either the political class or the Democrats, which might explain this bevy of women who came out of the woodwork. Where Herman Cain lost, in truth, was in the debate arena, in the ability to pull together a solid and savvy political team. It is not that one will have seen or heard the last of Herman Cain – It has been painful to watch a combined political assassination with a campaign and candidate new to the big political arena, and completely unprepared. It is hoped that Cain overcomes, and goes on to be a force in our nation – the man has some solid ideas. He just could not get past, in this opinion, the continual assault, the allegations, and the constant drumbeat of incompetence and or innuendo from the media. To the credit of the entire GOP Field, not one denigrated or made comment on Cain’s accusers, as they understood the premise of Innocent until proven guilty. Something that is clearly lost on the American Public, the Washington Beltway Pundits and the Political Opposition Teams.

The next few weeks will be telling, Gingrich should handily fend off the nonsense coming from the left, and the right, for that matter (See Ann Coulter and her push for Mitt Romney – Coulter, who one may agree or disagree with, has a dismal record of choosing winning Candidates) and sail into the primary/caucus season on the winds of reason, intellect and the ability to out-debate just about anyone (there may be someone out there).

Blogger Disclaimer: It is not that Newt Gingrich was the first, more like the last choice of this blogger, placing Gingrich in the “old” pack, while looking towards Palin, and Donald Trump as outsiders who made things interesting, had experience, and were conservative in their respects (Palin, the most qualified). As time went on, and the debates began, warming up to Newt Gingrich was found to be increasingly easy with each debate. An associate in New York noted “I’m hating Gingrich a whole lot less” lately (a Bill Clinton fan), and this blogger agreed in principle. Fast forward to six week’s out and Gingrich is “The man”. One has to ask, how this older, wiser, grandfather has become the new “rock star” of politics, without taking on the mantel of being a pompous jerk? (Ok, witty comments about teleprompters are fine with those seeking political “red meat”, and someone who is not living in the land of political correctness). Newt is being Newt Gingrich, having reviewed his record, read his books, looked at his speeches and debates, it is clear he is the best choice for the Presidency, let alone the GOP nomination, going forward.

Barney Frank (D-MA4) Will Not Be Seeking Re-Election in 2012

Barney Frank - DMA-4 - Not Running for Re-election: image the LMagazine.com

From: myfoxboston.com: Barney Frank, the Democrat who co-authored the Dodd-Frank Credit Bill, and was the major architect behind the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae fiasco, will announce today that he is not seeking re-election. In the mid-term, Frank struggled against a newcomer, Sean Bielat, a Republican, in what was, at the time, a heavily gerrymandered district.

The Massachusetts Redistricting that just took place, made Frank's position more vulnerable, removing the large urban area of New Bedford, and giving Frank conservative suburban areas in the Worcester Area.

It is not, at this time, known, who will run to replace Frank in the 2012 election cycle.

Massachusetts Spending 11 Million Annually on 442 Families in Western Mass Hotels – State Cannot find affordable rent for $2000 per month!

A typical rental property in Western MA, Rental starts at $650 - image from homes.com

A recent story in the Springfield Republicanspeaks to the woes of those families living under less than perfect conditions in Western Massachusetts Hotels. There are complaints from these families ranging from lack of cooking options, to mothers dealing with “gang fights” and “drug sales”. The problem: The State’s Rental Assistance program is not longer taking applications.

The program:

“HomeBASE is a new housing program for homeless families with children and for pregnant women. It starts on August 1, 2011.
HomeBASE can help pay for rent or other housing costs for up to 3 years. You must follow a Stabilization Plan.
What can HomeBASE pay for?
An apartment for you to stay in while you look for housing (if you have no other safe place to stay) and either
A. Up to $4,000 a year to help you move into your own apartment or stay with others or
B. A rental subsidy to help you rent a low-cost apartment. You will have to pay 35% of your income for rent and utilities.”

Doing the Math:

From the Republican

The nightly room rates are slightly below market, but the homeless families provide hotels a steady clientele. State records show the nightly expenditure to house 81 families at the Quality in is $5,670; the average nightly rate is around $70. The state pays a total of $33,314 a night to 10 shelter hotels around Western Massachusetts.

That’s $11,726,528 per year, for housing assistance in hotels for 442 families in Western Massachusetts or $26,530 approximate per month, per family, for housing. More to the point, the $2200 plus per month should be enough to find “affordable” rentals in Western Massachusetts.

Therefore instead of offering a $4000 annual stipend, and an additional 35% of rental,
the Commonwealth might take a differ route: For example a Craig’s list rental listing for Chicopee MA offers a 5 room, 3 bedroom apartment for $675 per month. With the starting monthly budget for hotels at $2200, including last months deposit the total is $1350, leaving a balance of $850 for utilities, which would, in this area, cover electric, telephone and cable easily.
Are there 442 apartments for rent in the area – undoubtedly, there were over 100 posted on Craigslist on Sunday November 27th, other options include local newspaper classifieds, as well as rent.com, etc. Conclusion: there are affordable rentals for $2000 per month in Western Massachusetts.

What is somewhat confusing is the fact that the states program for rental assistance is broke, yet the state is spending more on substandard hotel room housing, so much so that each family housed could easily afford an apartment in the area.
One has to question the relationship between the hotels and the State, and the “boon” to business this has been for the hotel franchises.

In addition, free food, free rent, etc., is considered the “norm” in Massachusetts in the year 2011, going back to the year 1973, free housing was unheard of, if one lost a job, and or had a child out of wedlock (archaic now), one got a job, and did one’s best to get the father to pony up – with help from the state - Welfare was considered a shameful situation, not a given. It was perhaps, that era was still under the influence of the Depression era, hard working, savings, individuals, who would take a hand up, but not a hand out – FDR’s workfare program being a perfect example.

Should the state continue to house homeless, and or provide rental to those in need of assistance up to three years, (according to the state’s website), would it not behoove, the state to institute workfare? This would build confidence, and offer these families, rentals, whereby, the rental would be part of the payment for doing a State Job. Given the fact that State Jobs are at a rate more often above the private sector, the families would be on "easy street", also, there this would eliminate costly programs that end up underfunded.

Taxpayers would save money, there would, with these individuals working and living in the area, be more taxpayers for the state – the only foreseeable problem: the hotel franchisers might suffer. Again, that is a relationship which bears further scrutiny from someone in the State Government that would have the sense to see that there is the potential to offer a humane and one might even say generous solution to these homeless families, while at the same time, increasing the tax rolls, thereby saving the state and the taxpayers a few bucks.

2012 GOP Update – Gingrich on a Roll – New Hampshire Union Leader Endorses

Newt Gingrich at the New Hampshire Union Leader - image NH Union Leader

Newt Gingrich, 2012 GOP Presidential Candidate, has received the endorsement of the editorial board of the New Hampshire Union Leader. The Union Leader, in its endorsement, does not sound one whit like pre-2010 newspaper endorsement – in fact, not unlike the changes in the New Hampshire political scene since that time, the editorial board should be applauded for its straight forward, what might be considered “Tea Party”, approach to the endorsement of the former Speaker.

The endorsement, from the publisher, Joseph W. McQuaid :

“This newspaper endorses Newt Gingrich in the New Hampshire Presidential Primary.

America is at a crucial crossroads. It is not going to be enough to merely replace Barack Obama next year. We are in critical need of the innovative, forward-looking strategy and positive leadership that Gingrich has shown he is capable of providing.

He did so with the Contract with America. He did it in bringing in the first Republican House in 40 years and by forging balanced budgets and even a surplus despite the political challenge of dealing with a Democratic President. A lot of candidates say they're going to improve Washington. Newt Gingrich has actually done that, and in this race he offers the best shot of doing it again.

We sympathize with the many people we have heard from, both here and across the country, who remain unsure of their choice this close to the primary. It is understandable. Our nation is in peril, yet much of the attention has been focused on fluff, silliness and each candidate's minor miscues.

Truth be known, many in the liberal media are belittling the Republican candidates because they don't want any of them to be taken as a serious challenger to their man, Obama.

Readers of the Union Leader and Sunday News know that we don't back candidates based on popularity polls or big-shot backers. We look for conservatives of courage and conviction who are independent-minded, grounded in their core beliefs about this nation and its people, and best equipped for the job.

We don't have to agree with them on every issue. We would rather back someone with whom we may sometimes disagree than one who tells us what he thinks we want to hear.

Newt Gingrich is by no means the perfect candidate. But Republican primary voters too often make the mistake of preferring an unattainable ideal to the best candidate who is actually running. In this incredibly important election, that candidate is Newt Gingrich. He has the experience, the leadership qualities and the vision to lead this country in these trying times. He is worthy of your support on January 10.”

The Hill article on the endorsement Here discusses the papers’ “track record” in endorsing candidates, and points to a poll taken by Suffolk University which gave GOP Candidate Mitt Romney the advantage in New Hampshire - consider the beltway. A poll taken a week prior to the Suffolk poll, by a New Hampshire Journal in conjunction with Magellan Strategies, showed Gingrich in a statistical and numerical dead heat with Romney (Analysis of both the Suffolk and the Journal poll here,). Mitt Romney is considered the establishment candidate, had a somewhat poor showing in the critical National Security Debate, and should he fumble again (verbally), in the upcoming CNN Debate on December 1st, it will be an uphill battle for the former Massachusetts Governor.

It is, for most 2012 voters, the questions now of who could best Obama in the debate arena, as well as appeal to several factions in order to secure an election: the Tea Party (check), Independents (check) and rank and file Republicans (check) – as of this moment, that candidate is Newt Gingrich. Should Gingrich win the Iowa Caucus, go on to win in New Hampshire, and pull out South Carolina, it will be difficult, if not impossible for another candidate to “catch-up” as Super Tuesday follows fast on the heels of the early primary states.

In 2008, Romney won three primary states, and eight caucus states (CNN), coming in 2nd and 3rd in the Southern and Mid-Western States that are critical to the general election. Should Gingrich take the three of the four first primary states, specifically New Hampshire (which is, this must be understood, a Tea Party, rather than establishment Republican state), then the 2008 GOP primary scenario may very see Romney bow out by March.

President Bill Clinton on Gingrich: Would Appeal to Independent Voters; RCP Video: Obvious Clinton would Prefer a Romney nomination

then Speaker Gingrich and President Clinton - Gingrich known to hold the line on Conservative values while working with the Administration - image unabashedleft.blogspot.com

President Bill Clinton, perhaps one of the most moderate Democrats (or old school Democrats) of our time, has plenty to say about Newt Gingrich, the 2012 GOP Candidate. It is a natural course of events, when one considers that the two worked together (although at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum) in order to Balance the Budget and reform welfare so that it gave people a hand up and got them off the roles. Clinton, more than most politician’s, understands the process and who is up or down by looking at a combination of polls and strategy. In the video shown below, by NewMax.com TV, Clinton discusses the 2012 GOP contenders, and “predicted” that Newt Gingrich would break out of the pack, due to his ability to think about and present issues in a manner that is smart and compelling (paraphrasing).

In the video released this weekend by both Newsmax and Real Clear Politics, Clinton goes further noting that Gingrich’s performance in the debates has been outstanding, and that the National Security Debate in particular would put him in good stead with Independent voters. Clinton noted:

Former President Bill Clinton tells Newsmax: “He's articulate and he tries to think of a conservative version of an idea that will solve a legitimate problem,” Clinton said, by way of explaining the Gingrich resurgence. "For example, I watched the national security debate last night. And Newt said two things that would make an independent voter say, ‘Well, I gotta consider that.’"

However, what is missing from both the Real Clear Politics short story and the Newsmax longer article on the subject with video here at www.newsmax.com?headline?Bill-Clinton-Praises-Newt/2011/11/26/id/41943 is the fact that Clinton’s obvious preference for the GOP nomination, although he praises Gingrich, would be another less articulate thinking candidate that appeals to independents: Paraphrasing: (abridged transcript from video) “Romney comes across as strong forceful and knowledgeable, uh and I think that Perry had a better debate last night, I found it interesting.” He then reverts to Gingrich, as the question asked. One has to understand, there is a divide between praising a former foe with admiration, and taking the concerns of one’s political party into consideration.

With Newt Gingrich rising in the polls, (although it is still early in the game in terms of polling and political fortunes), there are several reasons those who wish to replace President Obama and stand a best chance of doing so, would choose Newt Gingrich:
1. He is, by far, the best in the debate arena
2. He appeals to independents
3. He has sound conservative, yet sensible solutions
4. He is by no means a moderate, stands on principle and gets the job done (based on his Congressional Record available here at Thomas.govsearchable by session. (Of particular interest are Bill’s written and sponsored by Newt Gingrich during his tenure in Congress: Focus on fairness in tax laws, education, and reform of social programs across the board are evident. In other words, he has a solid background as a Conservative during his time in the house.
5. He’s an open book: Try as they might, the media has got to dig deep to come up with something someone doesn’t know about Newt Gingrich – all personal and all ancient history (in this day and age, anything over 10 days or more). In addition, anything that Speaker Gingrich may have done, is less than (by comparison) Democrat counterparts.
6. He’s a professor of History

The last item on the list is critical to one who values and studies history. Had the current President studies the cause and effects of President Carters administration, perhaps, just perhaps, the economy would be in better shape right now. An old and appropriate adage: Those who fail to understand history are doomed to repeat it”.

In addition it behooves those who would look upon the answers proposed for immigrants by the former Speaker as reasonable, rather than taking an all or nothing approach. The all or nothing, deport ten to twenty or more illegal immigrants simply has not worked, not in the time Republican’s owned all three branches of government, and it has not improved. What the nation needs is reasonable and practical solutions.

Video: Clinton on Gingrich prediction he would rise in the polls.