Palin Announces Support for Three Additional Female GOP Candidates – Women Rising in GOP

FromPolitico this morning, comes the announcement that Sara Palin is backing three more GOP candidates – all women. The source - Palin’s Facebook profile - where Politico took Palin’s “Mama Grizzlies” tag-line to headline article and their political analysis the three candidates chances of winning an election.

The three women: Mary Fallon, an Oklahoma House Rep running for Governor, Star Parker, political analyst, running for the California 37th and Cathy McMorris, running for reelection to the Washington 5th, are found by Politico to be an “odd collection when it comes to winning”.

According to Politico, Star Parker’s candidacy is a “long-shot”.
Parker, who is seen by the local press as a rising GOP Star, may be a long-shot by Politico’s standards, but then again, so was Scott Brown (R-MA). Parker is challenging, incumbent Democrat, Laura Richardson, who is a solid progressive, second term congressional representative. Richardson’s “edge” over Parker is the districts “ethnic” makeup as well as the fact that Obama won the district by large margin (again refer to Massachusetts, Senator Scott Brown and the Eastern Massachusetts districts). The fact that incumbents, or Democrats in general, especially in districts where Obama won handily in 2008, have been having a bit of a problem in election bids, is lost on Politico (and the rest of those who consistently use “Obama” math to predict outcomes. Additionally, Richardson who voted for the massive Health Care legislation, also brings a slew of pork to the district, all of which can be found on her website here . The question now remains, can a conservative, African American GOP candidate, with name recognition, who would reign in government growth and spending, running against an apparently “run-amok, tax-and-spend liberal” who has only two terms under her belt, and has consistently voted with the Obama administration win? Yes, even in California.

Palin’s recent support of female candidates running in primaries has been spot on – apparently, regardless of how one feels about Sarah Palin, personally, she sure can pick them. It has less to do with the fact of Palin’s endorsement being a negative or positive for these particular candidates, but more to do with Palin’s handi-capping skills. Palin is, despite the detractors, politically savvy, and with the homey Alaskan” (or possibly Western) tag line of “Mama Grizzlies”, which drives those who cannot stand Palin “speak” crazy, is apparently resounding with the “regular folks”.

Local colloquialisms are defined as an informal phrases or expression on a local or regional basis. One may say “pop”, while the other prefers “soda”, apparently, with so many non-politico’s running for office across the country, one can anticipate a good deal of “colorful expressions” being denigrated outside of the region by those who sport an Ivy League pedigree, and have never stepped foot into a backyard barbecue. "You betcha".

The fact that the number of women running as Conservatives (i.e. Republicans), is in itself, heartening, and as one can imagine, the face and possibly the tone of Congress will be altered considerably, for the better, as these candidates would join the small contingent of Democrat Women, who are currently serving (and in some cases, (see Star Parker) replacing them). Will all women running under the GOP banner succeed? Not necessarily, as the anti-incumbent mood is as strong as the anti-establishment Tear Party movement. Dana Walsh, who was, in this blogs opinion, possibly in the best position to defeat incumbent Nancy Pelosi, in the California 8th Congressional district lost in the primary to John Dennis, a solid conservative candidate backed by the Tea Party.

Tea Party Candidates, however, cannot be counted out, especially in California and Nevada, where the movement has its roots. California Chapters can be found here. Although Dennis and the three women mentioned above may not be “Tea Party Candidates” per se, the additional backing of Tea Party chapters certainly helps more hurts, especially in states where Liberal has recently been replaced by “Liberty”. Of note, as the media’s misrepresentation of those “tea-party” activists as fringe –right –wing activities, continues, one should expect a journalist to leave the office and find out exactly where the party affiliation of those who join a “tea party”. Should they take the time, they would find: Democrats, Green Party, Libertarians, Republican’s and a slew of those who are either designated “unenrolled” or “independent”.

The change, therefore, in the political landscape of American Politics will be evidenced by the primaries yet to be held and the general election in November. As to Palin’s Picks, take a closer look at each candidate and their opposition – in the New York 23rd, Palin backed the Conservative Candidate who lost to the Democrat, in a three way race, which included the Republican who was more liberal than the Democrat who won, in fact, before dropping out of the race, the Republican candidate, whose name was still on the ballot, endorsed the Democrat over the Conservative Party candidate. There will be a rematch in November. In the Pennsylvania 12th, Palin endorsed Burns, the conservative over Critz, the Democrat who ran as a conservative and eventfully won that race. Again, there will be a rematch in November. Otherwise, Palin’s been spot on. I’d not count Parker out prematurely.

Government to Take Over Student Loan Business – Part of the Reconciliation Bill passed by Congress on March 21. What industry is next?

Obama and Biden - two cats who ate more than one canary - image: Drudge Report

In yet another power grab by the Obama Administration, the $70 plus billion dollar student loan industry is about to be moved into the “owned by the government column”. Written as part of the Reconciliation Bill passed by Congress, which included the Health Care Reform Bill, another Government Owned Industry was thrown in and almost no-one noticed. The media is now just beginning to report, and the AP picked up the story on after the Senate had the bill in Committee, approved and put into the reconciliation bill, any “fixes” added by the House to this new scheme. This occurred while they were busy ramming the Health Care Bill (signed yesterday by Obama) through (He signed the Senate version), either wittingly or unwittingly (the latter being most probable), the House took away from the nations lenders one of the most risk-free segments of the lending business.

Now it’s back to the Senate, with the fact that it had been added to the reconciliation (approved) by the house, it is a given this will be the latest in a series of industries that the Government owns. What it means to the general public: The Senate version reduces the amount of percentage of income allowed to be devoted to student loan repayment by to 10% (now at 15%), Pell Grants are not increased, but remain the same, and if one chooses to attend college in Europe, say, as a U.S. Citizen they would not be allowed to go to a lending institution outside of the U.S. The interest rate the government deems fair is 6.8%, a slightly higher interest rate than is now available.

What happens if someone defaults? They owe the Federal Government, which will fall to the Federal Collection Agency to collect on any outstanding debt – this agency is otherwise known as the I.R.S.

Therefore, not only will those 17,000 new IRS hires pegged to be responsible for overseeing those $25,000 fines on all Americans that choose (or cannot afford) the Government Brand of health care, they will, undoubtedly be tasked with collecting student loans. That’s a lot of revenue expected, according the AP report, somewhere in the neighborhood of $61 billion in 10 years, 19% of which would go to bail out the deficit, which is, when one see deficit projections in the trillions, is a drop in the bucket.

What of the banks and their employees? The banks go under and with them, their employees. Ironically, Ben Nelson, Democrat Senator from Nebraska, is now balking at this portion of the bill. Apparently, Nelnet, one of the largest Student Loan Lenders is based in Nebraska. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that once an industry loses its basis of operation, more individuals are faced with unemployment. (The total estimate of unemployed in the Student Loan Lending Industry is 30,000. Source - US News). Nebraska, who is also suing the Federal Government over Health Care under the commerce clause, is about to see their unemployment numbers ramped up a tad. Nelson, already on the ropes and most likely unelectable in 2012, especially once the Senate Bill is signed by Obama, and the unemployment rate in Nebraska continues its upward climb.

This leads one to the question; if the President and his like-minded cohorts in the Congress and the Senate, in getting the majority (Democrats) to sign onto a reconciliation bill sight unseen (unread), what else might be lurking in that bill that will affect the lives of millions of American’s and their relationship with the IRS?

As everyone should be aware, by now, the only reason that the Massachusetts version of Health Care for All had managed to go red by only $295 million dollars this year, was because of the massive subsidies given by the Federal Government. With the deals given to the Mass. Democrat Congressional group (that body may face big changes in 2010, despite the national pundits), of Medicare supplements till the cows come home if they towed the line and voted on Reconciliation, one gets the picture rather quickly that in order for a program of this magnitude in a state that, in respect to population and size, is minuscule in comparison to Florida, New York, Michigan and California, how on earth is the Federal government going to sustain a nationalized version without going red, and quick, or raising taxes on the remaining U.S. businesses and every working household in America? Apparently the new tax on Tanning Salons may not cover the entire bill so count on more taxes and more government run previously private industry.

For every good piece of legislation written into either of these bills, they are far outweighed by the bad. Here is another one which might be put in the rescind column when the House, Senate and White House are changed in 2014. For had taken out loans for college – non-traditional students (those returning to the workforce, at a later age), may be faced with over-zealous collection methods, should, in this economy, they somehow manage to be unable to pay their now, government owned, student loans. When one has no wages to garnish besides a home, a car, and social security payments, what does one expect the government to take first? It is no wonder that, in re-writing the bankruptcy rules, the very same Democrat Congress, exempted student loans from bankruptcy filing (See who’s in charge of the House Finance Committee – one online gambling friendly Barney Frank). Therefore, should one be in dire straits, they will be faced by the IRS, who will not be as willing to offer endless loan forbearance for hardship, that the current private lenders now allow.

What’s next? Who knows? The government now owns car companies, the banks, (the mortgage industry), the student lending industry, the health care industry, and with cap and trade on the block, one can bet the utilities will not be far behind. (If said bills are not already being hastily written into a piece of legislation that those who hold sway over the United States can deem and pass without a vote – before November 2010).

The Ethical Reasons Why Eric Massa Should Not Have Resigned His Congressional Seat

Congressman Eric Massa - image multichannel

Yesterday at 5:00 pm, Eric Massa, Democrat, resigned his 29th District Congressional Seat. He did so, in part, because he was under a congressional ethics investigation. Apparently, the Junior Congressman had sexually harassed a male staffer at an event – so the question follows – how is that any different from several key Democrats who’ve had ethics complaints against them – for decades? Take recently dismissed Charles Rangel, who held onto his Chairmanship of the House Ways and Means Committee while under the cloud of tax issues and most recently, a corporate kickback of one trip to the Caribbean, which was, apparently, too much for Pelosi to endure. Then there’s Massachusetts 4th district’s, Barney Frank, who, in 1989, hired a male prostitute as a “companion” and “household employee”, who then ran a prostitution ring out of Frank’s home , allegedly unbeknownst to Frank. He endured calls for his resignation, and yet today he is the Chair of the powerful House Finance Committee. So, while Eric Massa had a bit too much to drink at a party, and basically made an off the cuff remark to a male staffer, which constituted Sexual Harassment, he must be banished.  Massa is a card-carrying member of the same party, the party that turns its back when one of its favored members is pulling one egregious stunt after another, protecting and defending them till the last vote is cast.

Something is fishy here, and Massa’s claims that he was set-up and pushed out because he refused to play ball with the Obama administration is more probable than not, given party history of ethics. In fact, the Democrats are treating Eric Massa just like a Republican! Recall any Republican who had an infidelity of any sort in the past two decades and the calls for ethics investigations and resignations came first from the Democrats. The word hypocrite is strongly advised as an adjective in this case.

Then Massa called it like it was, on radio, letting the world, or whoever would listen, know that he was pushed out because he refused to vote for Obama’s Health Care Reform Plan. He even had a visit from Rham Emanuel, while in the shower. (Politico). Massa alleges that Rham came at him in the shower, yelling, and himself naked – it is not just a circus in Washington now, it is a shambles. Democrat members of the house now understand that if they don’t vote for health care, they may have to face a naked and angry Rham Emanuel – that will be sure to change a vote or two.

It’s a matter of principle and it’s a matter of backbone, so, when Eric Massa came out and let the world know what had taken place, he should have stayed right where he was, in his seat, until November, but he didn’t. Massa promptly resigned, giving rise to speculation that the shower visit from Emanuel may have been followed up by other threats.  It's time the nation saw another Nathan Hale. If not Massa, then who will rise to the occasion?

Now, Massa’s had been called into question by an ethics investigation as early as February (reported by Politico). His aides were grilled for over 3 hours and the gist of the questioning was whether or not the Congressman was gay. Now, not for nothing, but Barney Frank is openly gay, but he’s a standard bearer for the party, so what is the problem here? Eric Massa would not play ball with Barack Obama.

As conservatives embrace Massa because of his outing of the Administration, Democrats (no less)warn that they should be not be too hasty ) and certain Conservative Talking Heads, are joining in  - with the “sky is falling”, beware, of ethics violations and possible conspiracy theories rhetoric dished up by the Democats in charge.

That’s the disconnect with the public – whereas a Congressman who may or may not have done anything specifically wrong by Congressional Standards (Democrat), resigns and then tells all, in hopes of stopping a health care fiasco pushed by the President, is being turned into a pariah of sorts by both the left and the extreme right. It’s easy to Monday morning quarterback, and one cannot know all the facts (just those that trickle down).  However, it is also glaringly apparent that this man went out to let the world know what had taken place because he did not want to go with the Obama flow. Given the use of the word “thug” in conjunction with the administration on a fairly consistent basis from Right of Conservative Talking Heads, one has to give this guy points for standing up and speaking out. One also has to wonder, again, what threats he endured to actually resign his seat.

It is far too easy to cast aspersions on what amounts to a “whistle blower”, what boggles the mind is that, to date, few are coming to his defense against a backdrop of a Congress that holds so many corrupt in its embrace. It is not so much that Massa was “disgraced”; it was more that a message was sent to the rest of the Democrats in Congress, one that is clear and without doubt; either stand with us, or pay the price.

Without Massa coming out, so to speak, the public would not be aware of the alleged tactics used by this administration. With that in mind, he has given the media that cares one whit, the option of keeping close tabs on all of the Democrat Congressional Representatives who previously had voted no on this health care bill, and who suddenly change their minds, either by threat or by bribery (see Ben Nelson). Either way, it casts a very dark shadow over the administration. In this instance, its determination to run a bill through both houses, one that is not wanted by the American Public, but what of future plans?

In historical terms, this November will be the most critical of all mid-term elections. Should the house or the senate remain in concert with the administration, the health care reform package may be the least of our concerns, as the tax and spend rampage will undoubtedly continue unabated. Although his scenario is highly unlikely, (given the current polls), Eric Massa made it extremely clear, that all American’s should take a hard at where we are, and where we could be. Should the Congress flip, and nothing be done for two years, it would be in the best interest of the nation.

Saturday Night Live Video Parodies Realities of Health Care Reform – Obama, Reid & Pelosi The Targets

Saturday Night Lives skit this weekend on Health Care Reform (see You Tube Video below), featured “Obama” flanked by “Pelosi” and “Reid”, the gist: Health Care Reform is so unpopular, but Obama feels he is so popular, that he won’t have any fallout (politically) from the “unpopular” bill. The word “unpopular” is used with some regularity during the skit – specifically when it comes to Harry Reid, who, in the Skit, and real life, has dismal ratings in Nevada. According to the latest polls from Real Clear Politics Reid is bested by either of the Republican candidates going into the primary by double digits. Nothing short of a miracle will send Reid back to the Senate in November.

When speaking of Pelosi’s chances of re-election, the Skit notes that she is considered safe, because Republican’s come in 4th in the district, behind “homeless people” and “Dominatrix’s”. Apparently, those script writers have been too busy to research the District lately, where John Dennis, a Republican, is making significant headway (http://www.johndennis2010.com/). From a somewhat snarky article in the San Francisco Weekly one gets the impression that there may be trouble in Pelosi’s backyard.

Pelosi, perhaps more so than Reid, has baggage at home that makes her vulnerable – not the least of which was the embarrassing CIA debacle (in which it appeared Pelosi may have been lying when she decried knowledge of torture - That is a big hurdle to overcome with her base of supporters. Add to that, one gets the impression that Nancy is not all that popular on her home turf – (from comments made on articles in the Bay Area) – just like most Massachusetts races (in the past), polling for Pelosi’s seat is a not even considered – unless, and until the focus on Dennis in the district becomes so hot, that Rasmussen and the rest will poll (See late polling on Scott Brown). However, no one throws good money after bad just to make a point, and in districts like the Mass. 4th and the California 8th, there is an investment taking place. It’s not millions, (yet) but it is enough, so far, to run ads introducing the candidates that will take a stand against long-standing politicians like Pelosi and Frank.

Also of interest in the Los Angeles Times article today, entitled Health Care Overhaul comes down to Obama and Pelosi, a piece on Obama’s final (one should not bet on that) push for Health Care Reform, and Nancy Pelosi’s aid in that endeavor.

How popular is Health Care Reform? From Rasmussen: “55% Say Congress Should Start over on Health Care”>, with other local pollsters showing similar scenarios.

As to Obama’s popularity – it appears that the writers, again, have failed to look to the polls, although given a comparative between the Speaker and the Majority Leader, Obama appears to be a Rock Star, with polls showing approval ratings just under 50% Real Clear Politics, polling on the President Obama Job Approval. A second term, at this point, (and granted it is early in the game) seems highly unlikely – more likely, Obama will be joining Reid and quite possibly Pelosi in forced retirement.

Saturday Night Live Skit on Obama, Pelosi and Reid Health Care Reform Unpopular

Bill Delahunt (D-MA) – Another Democrat Congressional Rep. Looking At Retirement Options

Delahunt pictured with Hugo Chavez - image from blog enemy of the left

William Delahuntthe Massachusetts 10th Congressional District Representative in the U.S. Congress, recently told the Boston Globe he is considering retirement. Delahunt has held the office in what was, until recently, “The Bluest State”, since 1996. The Globe suggests Delahunt’s ties to the CITGO, through Citizen’s Energy – a non-profit company headed by Joe Kennedy which give heating oil to those in need, is the key issue that the GOP will use in a campaign against Delahunt. The sticking point: CITGO is the nationalized oil company of Venezuela, (see: Hugo Chavez), which has partnered with the group, who has business initiatives globally. Frankly, in the global economy and most Democrat’s penchants for espousing the values of certain dictatorships, Delahunt’s ties to the organization are the least of his concerns. The fact of the matter is that the group does supply heating oil to those who need it most, and that regardless of any proverbial deals with the devil, they do good work.

The real problems that Delahunt faces are twofold: 1) he has held the seat in the 10th district since 1997. The election was extremely close, and although it appeared the Republican candidate had won, Delahunt sought legal means to ensure a recount, taking his quest for the seat, to the Massachusetts Supreme court, where he was declared the winner by a recount margin of 108 votes. Since that time his career in Congress has had a few highlights, he is part of Nancy’s Pelosi’s “30 something” working group, which attempts to engage youth in the political process.

In June of 2008, during hearings involving the use of water boarding as torture, Delahunt made a somewhat offhanded comment to Cheney Aide, David Addington, which Delahunt later backpedaled and noted he meant “no ill” towards the aide.

It is not so much his remarks or his close association with Speaker Pelosi that is at odds, it is the rejection of career politicians that pervades the nation’s independent voters (as well as voters in either political party), that is a real issue.

Therefore, for all intents and purposes Delahunt appears to be like so many other “Progressive Democrats” in Congress. Each week a Cape Code Today feature ”How Bill Delahunt Voted for Us Last Week”
An example from the February 7th edition:

House Vote 3:
BANNING EARMARKS IN CYBERSECURITY FUNDING: The House passed an amendment, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., to the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act (H.R. 4061) to prohibit earmarking cybersecurity grant funds. Proponents said: "We need to continue down the path to earmark reform" and that restoring the public trust demands more action from the government because, in the past, programs that were set up to be competitive or merit reviewed were simply earmarked later. The vote, on Feb. 3, was 396 ayes to 31 nays.
YEAS: Rep. Michael E. Capuano D-MA (8th), Rep. William D. Delahunt D-MA (10th), Rep. Barney Frank D-MA (4th), Rep. Stephen F. Lynch D-MA (9th), Rep. Edward J. Markey D-MA (7th), Rep. James P. McGovern D-MA (3rd), Rep. Richard E. Neal D-MA (2nd), Rep. John W. Olver D-MA (1st), Rep. John F. Tierney D-MA (6th), Rep. Niki Tsongas D-MA (5th)

At first glance, it appears that Delahunt and every single Massachusetts Democrat felt the same way about this particular bill: They all voted “Yea”.
When on reviews the balance of the House Votes: provided here by Cape Code Today a pattern emerges. Every single member of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation votes strictly along Party lines.

One can also visit the official site of the U.S. House of Representatives: Roll Call Votes (here) and, (this also includes archives), one can look back from this week through the decades to find the Massachusetts Delegation voting in lockstep – as if with one voice – as if for one party.

Until recently, average citizens of the commonwealth weren’t paying a lot of attention to “how they voted”, and now they are – which is why the most recent poll on Delahunt’s race, bode trouble for yet another Massachusetts career Democrat. The Poll taken February 11th by McLaughlin & Associates, showed Republican Joe Malone with a 3 point lead over the incumbent.

Although Delahunt has not made his “retirement” official, and is merely “thinking about it”, the writing in on the proverbial wall – should he run, he’ll face a battle, one which, he is not guaranteed to win, and one which, will by no means be close enough to challenge a recall. (Given very recent Massachusetts electoral history). The poll referred to above, cites one Republican seeking Delahunt’s seat, however, as in every race, in every Congressional District in the Commonwealth, several Republicans and independents are challenging Delahunt. The list includes: Sandwich Rep. Jeff Perry, Don Hussey of Hingham, Ray Kasperowicz and Joe Malone.

As the polling gets though, one might find more retirements in the various districts in the Commonwealth. Internal polls from one campaign suggest that Barney Frank may also face an uphill battle for his seat and rumors of his retirement (unconfirmed) are beginning to surface.

Can Howard Dean Save the DNC? – Dean Possible 2012 Candidate as a Growing number of Congressional Retirements Announced.

Howard Dean, former Governor of the State of Vermont, is not in favor of the current “rush” to push a health care bill through Congress, specifically if it does not include a public option see Deans PAC Democracy For America (here). Dean, was responsible for Vermont’s Current Public Option, one which, has not fare as well as Dean had hoped. Dean’s main concern is that the current bill in the Senate favors the insurance companies, and will do nothing more than raise premiums, without a public option in place.

That said, no-one really knows what is contained in the Bill, as Harry Reid’s version has yet to hit the Senate Floor and is unlikely to do so until Christmas Eve. The new Reid/Pelosi Strategy to push the Obama administration agenda, is to literally hold members of Congress hostage until they vote on what-ever is hidden in the 10 ton bills that are thrown at them, with no time to even peruse 10 pages let alone thousands. The point, Obama promised health care reform, and we’ll deliver, no matter what it costs and no matter how bad a plan it may be, in order to “make history”.

In an era where making mistake after mistake appears to be the norm, and the likelihood of a second Obama term is growing less probable by the day, Dean has been positioned as a possible candidate for 2012.. He’ll face some company in that primary, as Hillary Clinton is now polling at a 75% approval rating - Clinton understands that the Administration is in deep trouble when Gallop recently announced that 44% of American’s would like to see Bush back in office. Those polls may indicate more than a bit of buyer’s remorse. Clinton, who, by all rights, should have been the standard bearer for the DNC in 2008 - (after all, she did have the popular vote,with the exception of the votes of Pelosi and her daughter, pushing the super-delegate vote in favor of Obama – no sisterhood there) would, be able to trump Obama handily in any future matchups. The problem that Dean and Clinton face is a steep decline in the value of the Democrat stock – brand gone bad, so much so that over twelve congressional representatives are seeking retirement, rather than face the music in their home districts – an article here "Democrats Heading for the Exits”,from the new ledger, is a quick, prophetic read. It was precisely this mix of public disgust, and bloated bills that allowed the GOP to sweep into power in 1994. Can Howard Dean or Hillary Clinton save the party in time for 2012? It now appears unlikely, even at this early date, the Ghost of Carter’s programs past, will make it almost impossible for the Party to recover. That said Dean and Clinton would be fine standard bearers for the next available round. It makes political sense to begin to position now – in order to start rebuilding the brand.

Dean appears to have taken the first steps in doing so, by actively criticizing the administration and being furiously rebuffed by White House Press Secretary, Robert Gibbs who called Dean “irrational” for opposing the version of the senate bill. That was when Dean shot back with a quip regarding his less than enthusiastic future support for one Obama.




One would bet that the war of words would be won by Dean, who was responsible for the Democrats rise to power with his 50 state plan,and therefore understands politics a bit better than those junior politicians currently in charge of the White House. As to congress, Pelosi and Reid (and a host of characters), appear to be pushing for speed, rather than accuracy, in order to either make themselves look good (see 154 billion dollar job creation fiasco in the making), or to make history (health care reform that has huge price tag and unknown results) for the sake of Obama. Dean, as a party elder, who knows a thing or two, (even should one not agree with Dean in principal), understands one thing more than any other, if the powers that currently be, do not reign in spending and produce reasonable and responsible legislation, it will be the undoing of the Party.