Obama before the Congress: 71 Minutes too long

by Clifford F. Thies

One of the craziest things about communism was being forced to listen to very, very long speeches. Fidel Castro was famous for haranguing his country with very long speeches. According to the Guinness Book of Records, he holds the records for the longest speech and for the longest uninterrupted speech to a captive audience, 32 hours and 21 minutes, and 7 hours and 10 minutes. One of the speeches of Joseph Stalin was released on vinyl records, a set of eight of them, with the flip side of the eighth being one long, standing ovation. Today, Hugo Chavez, the budding dictator of Venezuela, gives weekly speeches lasting as long as 6 hours, broadcast to the people of his country. So, why would anybody complain that Barack Obama took 71 minutes to deliver this year’s State of the Union address?

Speakers in democratic countries generally respect the time required of their audience to not only listen to their speech but also to consider critical analysis and contrary viewpoints. The difference between the length of the State of the Union address between recent Democratic Presidents, e.g., Obama and Bill Clinton, and recent Republicans, e.g., George W. Bush, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, is small, but is noticed. These two Democrats have tended to speak a bit longer, and to go beyond the apparent target length of one hour.

We now have a long history of Presidential addresses, including inaugural addresses, State of the Union addresses (which sometimes have been delivered orally and sometimes in written form), and Nomination Acceptance speeches. I have developed charts of the lengths of these addresses from the data of John Woolley and Gerhard Peters of the University of California at Santa Barbara with respect to the State of the Union addresses, and by using the word count function with respect to inaugural addresses and acceptance speeches.

With regard to the State of the Union addresses, it is clear that the written presentations have tended to be longer than the oral. It also appears that the length of the State of the Union address when it has been in written form, has been growing over time. Jimmy Carter’s last State of the Union address, which was in written form, is the longest.

With regard to the length of inaugural addresses, the longest is William Henry Harrison’s two-hour speech. While nobody knows how long that speech would have lasted if the man had not contracted pneumonia while making it, the lesson was learned that you should not make your speech too long when you are to deliver it outdoors during the winter. The shortest inaugural address was George Washington’s second. Not only in terms of word count, but also in terms of substance, he was just phoning it in. The third shortest, Abraham Lincoln’s second, is widely considered to have been the best. John F. Kennedy’s inaugural is widely considered to be one of the better ones, and it is on the short side.

Looking at acceptance speeches, Bill Clinton’s in 1996 was relatively long, but, William Howard Taft was not only our largest President, he was also the most verbose as far as acceptances speeches are concerned.

As to whether Democrats since Grover Cleveland tend to give longer speeches, I checked it out, and – statistically speaking – they don’t. The computer model I developed takes into account whether the address is in written or oral form, the tendency of each form to grow over time; the type of address, and whether an address is the first of that type given by a particular president or presidential candidate. The lengths of the speeches of Clinton and Obama are simply within the range of unpredictable variation.

Editor's Note - Dr. Thies is willing to forward the graphs as an attachment to anyone interested. If you'd like, send me an email request and I'll forward it along to him, ericdondero@yahoo.com.

Meg Whitman losing some appeal to limited government reformers

by Paul Jacob

Meg Whitman is running for the California governorship. Obviously, Whitman very much wants Californians to cast a vote for her this year. And then, apparently, she wants to stop Californians from casting a vote on much of anything else in the future
Repeatedly, the billionaire former CEO of eBay has attacked California's ballot initiative and referendum process. Last May, right after California voters clobbered a number of issues referred to the ballot by legislators, measures that would have raised taxes and played three card monte with parts of state spending, Whitman told an audience, "In many ways, the proposition process has worn out its usefulness."

Last week, she told the gang on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" program:

I mean, the referendum process, you know, dates back to 1918, I think. And it has its useful purpose, but there's no question we have too many referendums on the ballot and too much spending has been, ah, you know, propositioned into process. So, I think you got to have a different approach, no question about it.

Some might argue that Whitman simply isn't a fan of voting at all, period, since she didn't vote for 28 years until she was 46 years old, and then only voted sporadically. But she has repeatedly apologized for her serial omissions, or at least repeated the same apology over and over again, refusing to elaborate. (Her latecomer status as a voter echoes in her latecomer status as a party member: She waited to register as a Republican until 2007.)

Frankly, I can better understand someone being too busy or even uninterested in voting than someone wishing to actually remove the other voters from the process of government in whole or part.

What is she against, exactly? Golden State citizens being permitted to propose laws or constitutional amendments or to force a referendum vote on acts of the state's majority Democrat legislature. Why? Well, she predicates her opposition on the propensity of voters to spend money via the ballot box.

Perhaps not coincidentally, that's the charge hurled forth again and again by California's elite, from politicians to pundits to judges. The only problem is that the charge is false.

Oh, sure, people have occasionally voted to spend tax money or protect education funding. But this misses the forest for the scrub brush.

As three analysts with the Reason Foundation wrote last year in the Wall Street Journal: "Whatever the wisdom of ballot initiatives . . . they are not the root cause of California's fiscal disaster. That cause is the government's spending addiction. From 1990 to 2008, California's revenues increased 167%, but total spending soared 181%."

Bob Stern, president of the Los Angeles-based Center for Governmental Studies, recently told legislators on the select committees on Improving State Government, "Most of the ballot-box budgeting has come from you." The Center found that 84 percent of ballot measures that required additional state spending between 1988 and 2009 were put forward by legislators, not through citizen initiatives.

Yet, we certainly don't hear Meg Whitman suggesting the legislature has "worn out its usefulness."

There's another important element in the debate: Proposition 13.

Prop 13 cut property taxes back in 1978, when an arrogant and out-of-touch government splurged on programs, while ignoring the plight of citizens losing their homes to soaring tax bills. The citizen initiative, championed by the legendary Howard Jarvis and opposed by virtually every politician of any stripe, also required a two thirds vote of the state legislature to hike taxes.

Those looking for ways to destroy or severely curtail the ability of Californians to initiate ballot measures have a very clear goal: Kill Proposition 13. Why? To make it easier to raise taxes. Side goals include such things as slaying the state's legislative term limits, which again came from the people by initiative . . . not from the legislature.

Certainly, Whitman's position against initiative and referendum is far from the only one that would likely disturb conservatives -- or members of her own Party, the GOP. She supports public funding of abortions, saying, "[I]t's unfair to women who cannot afford an abortion, and that's why I support public funding." She supported, contributed to and raised money for Democratic U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer's 2004 campaign. And Whitman has a deep affection for Van Jones, who resigned as Obama's "green jobs" czar after his involvement in a communist group was exposed.

But for all Californians, her opposition to allowing them to vote on the issues that affect their lives provides the best reason to look for someone else.

Rand Paul more of a "Scott Brown Republican"?

From Eric Dondero:

Rand Paul is a diehard Ron Paulist on economics and Constitutional matters down-the-line. But his image and emphasis on the issues may be more closely matched with newly elected Massachusetts Senator.

From The Louisville Courier-Journal:

Republican prospects in every state, particularly in federal elections, improved still more a couple of days after the Massachusetts vote.

Paul's father is U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, whose 2008 presidential campaign base provides the financing to make his son competitive. But Rand Paul is not just running on that base or his father's name.

He is riding much the same wave that elected Scott Brown: Voters who don't believe the economic stimulus package was worth the $1trillion it added to the national debt, who fear health reform, and who want the federal government reined in, starting with its spending habits.

Notably, the younger Paul has broken with the elder on foreign policy issues. For instance, Rand Paul takes a Scott Brown position opposing the closure of Gitmo and relocation of Gitmo detainees to the United States.

As the article out of Kentucky suggests, he seems to be "catching the Scott Brown wave."

Celebrity Sex trouble-maker may be Libertarian Party candidate for NY Governor?

BREAKING NEWS!!

by Eric Dondero

Kristin Davis, famed New York City Madam, is flirting with a run for Governor of New York on the Libertarian Party ticket. Ms. Davis showed up to a local Libertarian Party meeting in Manhattan last night, accompanied by the often eccentric GOP political consultant Roger Stone.

Stone is a self-described "Republican hitman." He served in various capacities in Ronal Reagan's presidential campaigns in the 1980s, and was responsible for the infamous "Willie Horton ads," for Bush '88. He's also a close friend and political confidante of Donald Trump. He describes himself as a "Goldwaterite libertarian." Many also know his former wife Republicans for Choice President Anne Stone.

From the Examiner:

At the Manhattan Libertarian Party Convention on Saturday, a curious entourage invaded the subterranean confines of the Ukrainian Village Restaurant on Second Avenue. Kristin Davis, the madam who ran the call girl service that Eliot Spitzer was so fond of, was escorted to the event by the notorious Republican political trickster, Roger Stone. Ms. Davis is seeking the gubernatorial nomination from the Libertarians.

We first reported on Madam Davis back in July. She had appeared on the Opie & Anthony Sirius/XM show and hinted strongly that Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell had also been a client of her Escort Service. From LR, July 25:

Some respectable Right blogs and media are now zeroing in on Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell as the mysterious "John" mentioned by Madame Kristen Davis. She had asserted in a recent magazine interview that Elliot Spitzer wasn't the only client of her escort firm who was a Governor. Davis said that one of her "courtesans," had multiple visits from another prominent head of state. The escort described her client as polite, and a real gentleman. Further, she hinted that Client II was relatively quick in finishing his business, unlike the somewhat kinky, overly demanding Spitzer.

(Source: DeusExMalcontent)

A Shock Jock, a Socially Libertarian former Governor, and now an Escort Service CEO

This won't be the first time the New York Libertarian Party has run Celebrity Sex candidates. Howard Stern was a candidate for the Party's nomination for 3 to 4 months in 1992, after ultimately dropping out. He said at the time, his lawyers looked into the legalities, and found that it would be a great conflict with his syndicated radio show. However, others speculated that Republican Senator Alfonse D'Amato, talked Stern out of the run, figuring he'd take votes away from George Pataki.

Also of note, William Weld, in his New York Governor's bid in the 2008 Republican primary, briefly sought the Libertarian Party nomination. Though, after he was soundly defeated for the GOP nomination, he declined to run on the Libertarian line.

There's some speculation that Republican mischief may be at work with the Davis candidacy as well.

From Albany Libertarian stalwart Eric Sundwall (2009 special election candidate for Congress - Kirsten Gillibrand seat):

So Stone (photo - bottom left) trots in the one time fancy of A-Rod (photo - top right) and has her tout her credentials as a high school valedictorian, hedge fund manager, successful entrepreneur and future recipient of an unnamed Master’s degree. All great stuff for the political rubes who brought you the nominations of Howard Stern and William Weld. Both of whom left the doe eyed libertarians at the electoral alter. Only to be replaced by relative unknown party stalwarts who carried the water to the finish line without the prize of 50,000 votes which presumes to bring legitimacy to the endeavor by so many believers.

Sexual Libertine vs. the Ron Paul man

If Davis does indeed follow through, the nomination won't be a cakewalk. A serious-minded, though admittedly rather dull Libertarian has already declared for the nomination.

Warren Redlich is a "Ron Paul Republican," from upstate New York. He served as one of Paul's attorneys in his 2008 Presidential campaign. He also ran for Congress twice on the GOP ticket in 2004 and again in 2006.

From his Bio (RedlichforGovernor.com):

He started his own law firm... worked for the New York State Court System and for an insurance company.

Born and raised in New York State, Warren graduated from Rice University with a degree in Mathematical Economics. He has a Master’s degree from Stanford University and a J.D. from Albany Law School.

A lawyer/mathematician versus a flashy media savvy escort service Madam; ought to make for an interesting Libertarian primary battle. Ironically, at the moment there's little if any excitement on the GOP side. The only prospective candidate is the guy who lost to Hillary - Rick Lazio.

Surely Republicans can come up with a bit more pizzaz than that. This is New York, after all.

Revealed: Scott Brown really did save the Republic

Speculation has run rampant since Republican Scott Brown's miraculous victory on Jan. 19, that his win stopped ObamaCare dead in its tracks. Now comes solid confirmation.

From The Hill, "Health deal was reached days before Brown's Senate victory" Jan. 30:

The latest revelation shows how agonizingly close Democrats came to passing a final healthcare bill in time for President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address.

[Tom] Harkin (D-Iowa), who attended healthcare talks at the White House, said negotiators were on the cusp of bringing a bill back for final votes in the Senate and House.

Harkin said “we had an agreement, with the House, the White House and the Senate. We sent it to [the Congressional Budget Office] to get scored and then Tuesday happened and we didn’t get it back.” He said negotiators had an agreement in hand on Friday, Jan. 15.

Note - Scott Brown will be seated in the US Senate on February 11.

Scott Brown: Perfectly libertarian on abortion

Scott Brown confirms he's pro-choice, but against government funding.

From the AP via Breitbart, Jan. 31:

Republican Sen.-elect Scott Brown of Massachusetts says he opposes federal funding for abortions, but thinks women should have the right to choose whether to have one.

Brown says the abortion question is one that's best handled by a woman, her family and her doctor. He also says more effort needs to go into reducing the number of abortions in the U.S.

He says he's fiscally conservative but more moderate on social issues.

Editor's Note - The vast majority of libertarians, myself included, are pro-choice. All libertarians oppose government funding, and most support parental notification laws, and oppose late-term abortions. However, in fairness, pro-life libertarians, though a distinctly minority view, are valued and welcomed members of the libertarian coalition.

Could Tony Rezko, Blagojevich make a come-back as key issues for 2010?

The Old Chicago Gang back together again

by Eric Dondero

High political drama coming out of Chicago this week. It's almost like something straight out of an HBO series.

The Democrats appear to be on the verge of nominating a Tony Rezko (photo w/Obama) friend and confidante as their Senate nominee in Illinois. Alexi Giannoulias (photo - right) is a snazzy guy. A consumate back-slapper, he's well-liked and popular among the Chicago set. The Democrat machine is pleased cause he's got a proven ability to raise the big bucks. But he's also got a decidedly shady past, stemming from questionable land deals, loans, and past associations with convicted criminals.

From the Washington Post, Jan. 31:

CHICAGO -- Not a good week for the Democrats here trying to hang on to President Obama's old Senate seat.

The party's leading contender -- state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias -- has spent these last precious days before Tuesday's primary scrambling to explain why regulators have targeted his struggling family bank for greater oversight. Giannoulias, once a senior lending officer at Broadway Bank, is being pressed relentlessly by his Democratic rivals and the media about his role in the bank's woes.

In an interview, Giannoulias played down the impact the bank's problems could have on his campaign, noting that "these are challenging times for community banks, and my family is not immune." But the news lands on an electorate highly suspicious of banks, and in a state yet to recover from former Democratic governor Rod Blagojevich's indictment on charges he tried to sell this very Senate seat to political contributors after Obama was elected president. He finally appointed Roland Burris, who will not run for the seat
Giannoulias said he hasn't worked at the bank in four years. Still, both Kirk and Democratic rivals have pointed out that large loans were made to people with questionable reputations on his watch, including convicted felon Tony Rezko.

Back in October of 2008, long before any thoughts of a Giannoulias candidacy for US Senate, reporter Rick Moran did some investigating. From American Thinker, Oct. 11, 2008:

Rezko is not necessarily a problem for Obama. But one of the convicted fraudster's cronies might be:

It is the Giannoulias family and their ownership of The Broadway Bank. Specifically, the bank's vice president and chief loan officer Alexi Giannoulias who has, to put it mildly, a rather checkered history:

A man who has long been dogged by charges that the bank his family owns helped finance a Chicago crime figure will host a Windy City fund-raiser tonight for Sen. Barack Obama.

Alexi Giannoulias, who became Illinois state treasurer last year after Obama vouched for him, has pledged to raise $100,000 for the senator's Oval Office bid.

Before he promised to raise funds for Obama, Giannoulias bankrolled Michael "Jaws" Giorango, a Chicagoan twice convicted of bookmaking and promoting prostitution.

Giannoulias is so tainted by reputed mob links that several top Illinois Dems, including the state's speaker of the House and party chairman, refused to endorse him even after he won the Democratic nomination with Obama's help.

And this from the Chicago Tribune via Citizen Wells:

In the 2006 Democratic primary, for example, Obama endorsed first-time candidate Alexi Giannoulias for state treasurer despite reports about loans Giannoulias’ family-owned Broadway Bank made to crime figures. Records show Giannoulias and his family had given more than $10,000 to Obama’s campaign, which banked at Broadway.”

Back to the Post:

Republicans are relishing that the trial of the ever-colorful Blagojevich is expected to start in June and could create an unwelcome circus for Democrats.

Should Giannoulias win on Tuesday, the corruption issue will certainly become front and center in the Illinois Senate race, and could virtually hand the seat to Mark Kirk and the GOP. But the ramifications stretch far wider. With Giannoulias as a poster boy Democrat Senate nominee in a major state right in the middle of America's Heartland, Republicans could make hay of the corruption issue in Senate races nationwide.

Illinois Senate: Mark Kirk, not perfect, but acceptable choice for fiscal conservatives and even GOP libertarians

Votes for Taxpayers 58% of the time

by Eric Dondero

The big news in the political world until Wednedsay will be out of Illinois. The State is the first to hold absurdly early primaries. The Republican side is pretty certain.

Moderate-to-conservate GOPer Mark Kirk looks all but certain to lock up the nomination. He's way out ahead in the polls over his staunchly conservative challenger, Paul Hughes.

Kirk is a four-term Congressman from the North Shore. He's also a longtime Naval Veteran, with two tours in Afghanistan under his belt. Conservatives are suspicious, mainly due to his moderately pro-choice stance on abortion and middle-of-the-road on gay rights. But he's a good fit for socially moderate Illinois. From the Washington Post:

Democrats will portray Kirk as a Washington "insider" and a "flip-flopper" who veered to the right to satisfy conservatives to win the primary.

This is the first primary in a series of states where moderate Republicans are being pushed to the right by the conservative "tea party" movement, raising GOP concerns that winning primary candidates will find it difficult to return to the middle for the general election.

Ironically, the Dems plan to hit him as a "Sarah Palin-ite." Continuing:

Democrats have criticized Kirk for soliciting support from Sarah Palin...

Still, social conservatives, most notably radio talk show host Laura Ingraham, have been crusading against Kirk, and for their choice little-known challenger Patrick Hughes.

GayPatriot reminds fellow Republicans:

Kirk did vote against the “stimulus” and against Obamacare. He may not be as good as Hughes, but he’s better than whatever Democrat the president’s party nominates...

[He's] not ideal, but then again, Scott Brown is not ideologically ideal... [With Kirk, we'll] have someone voting for you 60% of the time, instead of voting against you 90% of the time.

And although Kirk is not a favorite among social conservatives, he has some other support on the Hard Right. Chicago Libertarian stalwart Jeff Wartman is supporting him. From Libertarian Republican, Jan. 12:

While it’s true that many social reactionary Republicans will oppose Congressman Kirk based on a small amount of fringe issues, the fact of the matter remains that Congresman Kirk has been helping to lead the fight to oppose the Democrats national takeover of health care, reduce the deficit, cut taxes, and keep our country safe.

On the latter, Kirk takes a firm stance on a key national security issue: He is one of the most vocal opponents to Obama's "Illinois Gitmo" plan. (See video House floor speech)

Here's the bottom line: Mark Kirk scores an all-time 48 on ACU and a 58 on NTU. The American Conservative Union score includes social issues. So, from a purely libertarian/socially moderate perspective, a 48 score is not so bad. National Taxpayers Union is more reflective of libertarian thought. And a 58 score, is decent, particularly considering this is Illinois. And his "Yes" votes came on some very key Tax legislation:

* Capital Gains & Income Tax cuts

* Eliminating Estate Tax

* Making Bush Tax Cuts permanent

* Providing Tax Relief and Simplification

* Eliminate the Marriage Tax Penalty

Now compare that 58% score to the last available scorer on NTU for the Illinois Senate seat, which was a lowly 5%. No, that lowly score does not belong to Roland Burris. It's too soon to index his votes. But rather, to Burris's predecessor Senator Barack Hussein Obama.

Obviously, replacing Obama/Burris with Kirk, and going from 5% to 58% would be a significant improvement.

Michael Moore got Government Subsidy for Anti-Capitalist Movie

New from the Michigan Macinac Center

The Michigan Film Industry tax break allows for film makers who produce movies in Michigan to receive more funds back from the State than they actually pay in. Moore, a Board Member of the MI Film Industry Commission, took full advantage of the Tax Refundable program for his movie "Capitalism: A Love Story."

Ironically, Moore, as a Council Member, originally opposed the program:

"Multi-national corporations, ViaCom, GE, Rupert Murdoch, all these studios. Why do they need our money from Michigan, from our taxpayers? We're already broke here..."

Straight Party-line Vote For/Against raising Debt limit

No Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum on Fiscal matters before Congress

by Eric Dondero

Many 3rd party partisans, including some in the Libertarian Party like to use the old mantra: "there's not a dime's worth of difference between the two major parties." Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum is their common refrain. But on an increasing amount of critical votes in Congress, the differences are blaringly stark: Health care - straight party line, not a single Republican vote for socialist proposal; Obama Stimulus earlier in the year - near straight party line vote, only one single GOP House member voted for the bill, (Rep. Anh Cao, LA) and he has since recanted.

Now, another critical vote has just been taken: Raising the debt limit. From the NY Times, Jan. 27:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Senate voted narrowly on Thursday to increase the government's borrowing authority to $14.3 trillion, which would allow the Treasury Department to continue servicing the country's spiraling national debt through most of 2010.

Senate Democrats hope the 60 to 40 party-line vote will enable them to avoid another politically toxic vote on the issue before the November congressional elections.

Even moderate Republican Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine, George Voinivich of Ohio and Lindsay Graham of South Carolina, voted against the measure.

Of note, Senate-elect Scott Brown has yet to be seated. Acting Senator from Massachusetts, Democrat Paul Kirk is still casting votes.

In Congress as of late, one-party clearly represents both sides; Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dummer.

Hot GOP Political Rumors out of the Great Northwest

From Eric Dondero:

New polling data is showing that incumbent Democrat Senator Patty Murray is vulnerable to a Republican challenge. Last week we featured the candidacy of constitutionalist conservative Art Coday for Murray's Senate seat. But now a new name has emerged: Dino Rossi. The name of the former two-term Republican Gubernatorial candidate is being whispered in GOP circles in Washington State. He narrowly lost two races to Gov. Christine Gregoire, though notably the first race he actually won, but lost in subsequent recounts due to effective Democrat re-count ballot-stuffing in Seattle.

Next door in Oregon, longtime incumbent Democrat Senator Ron Wyden could receive a GOP challenger in the coming weeks. Libertarian Republican has learned that an individual is about to announce against him, and this individual comes from the "libertarian wing." He's youngish, entrepreneurial, and promises to run a non-traditional Republican effort, (emphasis on non-traditional), that could attract a key constituency away from the Democrat base.

We hope to be among the first to bring you the news on the prospective Oregon Republican's candidacy.

Tea Party candidate Andrzjewski for Illinois Gov. gains a big International supporter

Cold Warrior Lech Walesa travels to Chicago to campaign for Adam Andrzjewski

An underdog in the race, but gaining fast, Adam Andrzjewski just won a major endorsement, and it came from an unlikely source. From the Chicago Sun-Times, Jan. 29:

Former Polish President and Solidarity founder Lech Walesa made his first-ever endorsement of an American political candidate Friday -- for longshot Republican gubernertorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski. Though Walesa started as a union activist, he was socially conservative and economically suppportive of a free market, so he supports Andrzejewski for his stands, not just his Polish heritage, Walesa told a freezing crowd of tea partyers in the federal plaza Friday. He promised to come back and campaign for Andrzejewski in the general election.

"I wish you all success, and, if you succeed, I will show up again," Walesa told the tea partyers. In longer, indoor comments earlier, Walesa and fellow Solidarity founder Mieczyslaw Gilsaid they saw themselves in Andrzewjewski, 40, when they were his age -- a young man not willing to work within the existing system and willing to try to restructure it, they said.

Meanwhile, Adam Brickly, of Draft Sarah Palin for VP fame, reported at Race42012.com:

Still more momentum for Adam Andrzejewski with an appearance on Judge Andrew Napolitano’s “Freedom Watch”. Also – waiting for final totals on a very successful moneybomb.

Andrzejewski has identified himself as a Glenn Beck/Sarah Palin style libertarian-leaning GOPer. (Original LR article)

In an interview with Brickley at Race42012, Andrzejewski said the following:

[What I like about] Glenn Beck is that [he's] libertarian, that social conservatives and libertarians – that’s the marriage that Ronald Reagan created to be the winning majority back when times were good and we brought down the Soviet Union without firing a shot.

Polls show essentially a 4-way race, with none of the top contenders edging over 20% of the vote heading into Tuesday's election. On the Democrat side, incumbent Gov. Patrick Quin is facing a number of challengers, but is expected to win the primary comfortably.

Geert Wilder's trial begins

American libertarians rally to support Dutch libertarian hero

World's leading libertarian, Dutch Member of Parliament Geert Wilders, on trial for supposed free speech violations for criticisms of Islam.

Editor's Note - We will highlight Wilders and his Party of Freedom here at Libertarian Republican this weekend.

BREAKING!! Obama Pay for Play? AZ's Ecotality, big Dem contributors, received $100 million from Dept. of Energy

Famed Tucson Tea Party Whistle-blower uncovers connection

by Eric Dondero

Robert Mayer is the "boy wonder" of the Arizona Tea Party movement. He is the co-organizer of the Tucson Tea Party group. They are currently leading a recall movement for the Mayor and City Council, called "Take Back Tucson."

Mayer, originally from Boston, refers to himself as a "Scott Brown" diehard.

He's also a bit of an international freedom fighter. From Tucson Tea Party:

I spent 2005-2007 studying, writing about, and connecting with the people involved in the democratic revolutions sweeping the former Soviet bloc states of Georgia and Ukraine, among other countries. After the Orange Revolution in Ukraine, I traveled to the capital Kiev and did some work with democracy activists there and in Belarus — the last dictatorship in Europe.

Some commentators are drawing comparisons, calling this win the “Brown Revolution“. My friend Andy Ignatov, whose work in the Orange Revolution helped connect and organize activists using the internet, used Facebook to type up his agreement, “Yep :)”.
So let me get to the point: If it can happen in Massachusetts, it can happen anywhere.

Mayer may now be taking on bigger fish than just the Tucson Mayor, the Council, and even Dictators in Belarus.

Mayer watched Obama's State of the Union speech Wednesday night, and something clicked in his freedom-obsessed mind. Ecotality, an Arizona-based firm, was featured prominently in Obama's speech. Turns out it wasn't by accident.

From Mayer this morning via Gateway Pundit:

Ecotality, based out of Scottsdale, and it was the lead receiver of a $100 million grant from the Department of Energy through the stimulus bill. (Ecotality, which used to be called Alchemy Enterpreises, has MANY subsidiaries, so much of this money is actually going to those subsidiaries rather than directly to Ecotality. One such example is Electric Transportation Engineering Corp., a division of Ecotality, which will be putting in electric vehicle infrastructure as far away as Oregon).

President Honors ECOtality/eTec in State of the Union Address

Total jobs added? According to them, 15 in 2009 and 27 in 2010. For $100 million. Am I supposed to cheer for that?

And it appears on the surface that there are political connections — of course, there always are! — to how Ecotality got this grant.

Its CEO, Jonathan Read, is a successful entrepreneur with wide-ranging political connections in Phoenix. He maxed out his political donations in 2006 to Harry Mitchel (D), who beat incumbent JD Hayworth (R) that year. Ecotality falls within Mitchell’s district.

Slade Mead is on the board of directors. He is a lawyer and former Republican state legislator turned Democrat who has given more than $17,000 to Democrats since 2005. He maxed out to Harry Mitchell’s 2006 campaign.

Further, Colin Read is the Vice President of Corporate Development. He was the Assistant Finance Director for Harry Mitchell’s successful 2006 bid for Congress.

They also met with VP Biden not all that long ago.

Mayer goes on to conclude:

The real take away from this? Obama points to this company as an example of the stimulus bill’s success; but it is really just another example of money being doled out to political allies to little effect. How much of that stimulus money do you think will end up going back as political contributions?

Mitchell now faces a tough re-election bid. His most likely Republican opponent is Tea Party Patriot and former Maricopa Budget Auditor David Schweikert (photo). The District leans Republican. It's notable that during the effort to defeat Hayworth, allegations surfaced of Democrat voter fraud and even possible ACORN involvement.

If the GOP re-takes this seat, no doubt certain individuals involved in these sheananigans may receive a real audit by Arizona taxpayers and tea party patriots.

Schweikert for Congress

Latest Polls out of Pennsylvania: Arlen on the ropes, Pat Toomey preparing to do the Rocky dance

From Denise Clark:

In a poll conducted by The Philadelphia Daily News, Pat Toomey, a former U.S. Representative from the Allentown area, has opened up a 14-point lead over Specter in the fight for the Senate seat coming up for grabs. Could Pennsylvania be the next Massachusetts? I pray so.

Among likely voters, Toomey leads Snarlin' Arlen 45-31 percent with 20 percent undecided. I will tell you folks that in Pennsylvania, that's saying something.

From Philly.com, "Poll: Toomey over Specter by 14 points
Democrats found to lack enthusiasm" Jan. 27:

Former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey has opened up a 14-point lead among likely voters in his bid to deny U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter a sixth term, according to the latest Daily News/Franklin & Marshall Poll.

Poll director G. Terry Madonna said that the results reflect a growing national Republican resurgence mixed with a lack of Democratic enthusiasm as the two parties battle over issues like health care and the economy.

"I can't deny it's all very encouraging," Toomey said. "But I'm also very aware of the fact that the election is nine months away. A lot can happen. So I'm going to run like I'm 20 points behind."

Pat Toomey lost to Specter in 2004, but it was a narrow victory for Specter, who defected to the Dems last year.

I never thought I'd live to see the day where Arlen Specter would be unseated. Here in Pennsylvania, he's become almost as entrenched in his seat as Ted Kennedy was. How this all plays out is going to be interesting to watch.

Denise's blog is The Right Stuff. She lives in Western PA.

SHOCK POLL!! Top AntiWar Democrat would lose Senate to Bush War on Terror Supporter

From Eric Dondero:

Strident AntiWar Leftist Democrat Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin now looks to be in serious trouble. A new poll by Rasmussen finds him behind former Bush Administration official and former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson. As of yet, Thompson has not declared for the seat.

From Rasmussen:

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters in Wisconsin finds Republican Tommy Thompson edging incumbent Russ Feingold 47% to 43% in a hypothetical U.S. Senate match-up. Five percent (5%) like some other candidate, and four percent (4%) are undecided.

Any incumbent who attracts less than 50% support at this point in a campaign is considered potentially vulnerable.

Thompson was a staunch advocate of the War on Terror and supported both the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Feingold opposed both.

The communist-leaning Nation magazine has called Feingold a "progressive icon." They described his foreign policy stance:

the senator who cast a lonely vote against the Patriot Act in 2001, proposed the first timeline for bringing the troops home from Iraq and sought to censure President Bush over the warrantless wiretapping program...

Of note, Tommy Thompson is the brother of Libertarian-Republican (member of both the Libertarian Party and Republican Party) Ed Thompson, Mayor of Tomah, and current GOP candidate for WI State Senate. Ironically, if the elder Thompson declares, the brother duo of like mind, will appear on the same ballot for two different offices in some Wisconsin locations.

Clarification: Of course The Nation in their piece quoted above, left out "Warrantless wiretapping program" of suspected Islamic Terrorists.

Vanderbilt Univ. Professor equates Homosexuality with Bestiality; Says Gay behavior should be punishable by Death

"We don't make any excuses about that... it's the Koran"

According to Youths for Western Civilization, the Islamic Republic of Iran has executed over 4,000 homosexuals since 1980. Now a Muslim professor at a distinguished American university says he agrees with that policy.

At the YWC website, conservative youth leader David Saucier writes:

I have often been puzzled about the unholy alliance between Muslims and leftists – how could the latter, who fervently support multiculturalism, gay marriage, and gender equality, ally with the former, who support religious and cultural supremacy, traditional marriage, and the oppression of women?

Saucier recounts a recent speech he attended by Vanderbilt Univ. professor Awadh A. Binhazim. Ironically, the forum was sponsored by the Muslim Students Association (MSA). The event was titled "Common Ground: Being Muslim in the Military"

During Q&A Saucier challenged him on the Islamic view on homosexuality:

SAUCIER: Under Islamic law is it punishable by death if you are a homosexual?

PROF. BINHAZIN: Yes. It is punishable by death.

Binhazin then went on to make the following statement:

"God is very straightforward about this — not we Muslims, not subjective, the Sharia is very clear about it, the punishment for homosexuality, bestiality or anything like that is death. We don’t make any excuses about that, it’s not our law — it’s the Koran."

(H/t Youth for Western Civilization)

Dick Morris: ObamaCare has destroyed his presidency, worse than Clinton's Monica Lewinsky affair

Dick Morris, syndicated column, post SOTUS analysis. From NewsMax:

As to Obama being seemingly deaf to the message of the GOP victory in the Massachusetts special Senate election and relentlessly pushing healthcare reform in the State of the Union, Morris was adamant:

"His push for healthcare has completely destroyed his presidency." The healthcare debacle has been far more ruinous to his presidency than the Lewinsky affair was to President Clinton’s presidency, Morris said, and far more damaging than Iraq was to President George W. Bush.

Note - Morris has at various times, described himself as essentially a "libertarian," Republican.

Right Libertarian reaction to SOTUS, Obama jab at Justice Alito

The State of (I want my Socialist) Union Speech

From Tim Daniels, Left Coast Rebel:

Tonight's scolding of the Supreme Court and clear usurpation of the integrity of separation of power in this country is just one of those things too. It's bigger than the entire charade of a 'State of (I want my socialist) Union' by the Obamanation. It speaks to the highest order of malfeasance and monarchical evil.

Jim Lagnese, The Right Guy:

Obama chides the Supreme Court... The dilettante in chief continues his populist rehabilitation tour with his SOTU speech before congress. Does this guy understand anything? Can he and does he take responsibility for anything? Can he ever give a speech that isn't about him at all? He a sorry excuse for a president and leader of a country.

Steve Nielson, The Liberty Republican:

the spending freeze, tax cuts, and budget cuts are being proposed by a man eager to win back the hearts and minds of the independents ahead of the 2010 election with hopes that in two more years he can ram through socialist ideal after socialist ideal.

From Reason H&R:

The Libertarian Guy - [You Lie!]I would give a weeks' pay to hear someone yell that again.

Or "Shut the fuck up, you smooth-talking proto-socialist prick". I'd give TWO weeks' pay to hear that, verbatim.

Editor's Note - Libertarian Guy, who is also a frequent commenter at HotAir.com, made the above comment before the Alito "Not true..." moment. We know of some great libertarian campaigns (Marco Rubio, Allan West, Pat Toomey, et.al.) that he could donate his week's pay too.

SOTUS: Republican response simple libertarian message - "The government does too much"

Republican response to State of the Union Speech by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell speaking to an audience in Richmond. From Fox News:

"Today, the federal government is simply trying to do too much," McDonnell said. "In the past year, more than 3 million Americans have lost their jobs, yet the Democratic Congress continues deficit spending, adding to the bureaucracy, and increasing the national debt on our children and grandchildren."

"I'm hopeful the administration's new focus on the economy will lead it to say 'no' to more spending and debt, more bailouts and more government," McConnell said.

Osama bin Laden still calling the shots from a cave

By Ron Hart

Osama bin Laden, who makes more disturbing tapes than Paris Hilton and is similarly fighting to remain relevant, reappeared recently taking credit for the Nigerian crotch bomber’s failed mission to Detroit. I predict that in his next missive, Osama will claim responsibility for moving Jay Leno to the 10 P.M. time slot on NBC.

Osama has so many tapes out there that you can now buy them all from a late night commercial, and they will throw in a special spring break video, “Jihad Girls Gone Wild,” for free! Collect the whole set!

First bin Laden sent the bumbling shoe bomber, Richard Reed, and, now this guy. You have to give Osama credit; he somehow convinced these two genius jihadists that they could start out in al Qaeda as suicide bombers and work their way up in the organization. Osama was smarter. I hear he started out in the al Qaeda mail room and worked his way up through Operations.

U.S. “intelligence” says bin Laden is still living in the Pakistan border region. However, that does not mean that he doesn’t like to slip into Afghanistan from time to time for a musical or a concert, or to enjoy an elegant dinner with his wives. Maybe he prefers living in the Pakistan suburbs for the schools and lower taxes. He was recently quoted as saying, “There is less Shiite to put up with out here.”

Osama is reportedly still the wealthiest person in the tribal area. It speaks volumes about their form of capitalism and government when the richest guy lives in a cave. Why are we so scared of these people?

Here is my idea to help our 16 government agencies catch Osama bin Laden. Based on what we know about him (he is 6’5”, has 52 brothers and sisters, and has fathered forty kids with at least five different women all by himself), and he carries guns---so they might want to make sure he is not playing in the NBA. I would suggest checking the LA Clippers, as no one else pays attention to who they have on their team and so he could hide easily.

Ron Hart is a libertarian op-ed humorist whose new book, No Such Thing as a Pretty Good Alligator Wrestler, is available at www.RonaldHart.com

Marlin Stutzman for US Senate - Indiana

Straight Talk from America's Heartland

Marlin Stutzman may now be the likely Republican Challenger to Senator Evan Bayh in the Hoosier State. (Cong. Mike Pence has decided not to seek the seat.)

Marlin Stutzman is a State Senator (Michiana area), and owner of the long-established Stutzman Farms, as well as Stutzman Trucking.

Among Stutzman's top issues: Spending cuts first, support for rights of home schoolers, 2nd Amendment, protecting our borders by cracking down on illegal immigration, and energy independence.

StutzmanforCongress.com

In current anti-Obama environment even "moderates" like Evan Bayh of Indiana are not safe

By Clifford F. Thies

In post 1-19 America, (Scott Brown Massachusetts Miracle), anything seems possible, including - in particular - a Republican winning a Senate race in Indiana. Well ... not according to CQ. CQ continues to say Bayh's Senate seat is safe. And, overall, CQ is pointing to a net GOP pick-up of only two Senate seats.

A just-released Rasmussen Poll in the Indiana Senate race puts Congressman Pence ahead of Senator Bayh by 3 points, and puts former Congressman Hostettler behind Bayh by 3 points. This looks more like a toss-up state than a safe one.

So, how does the GOP get to a net pick-up of nine? Let's start with the two seats even the braniacs at CQ concede Republicans look to pick-up, viz., Delaware and North Dakota. CQ's thinking is that the retirement of Senator Dorgan and the declining of Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden (as in, the son of VP Biden) to jump into the race are the reason the Republicans are favored. Wrong! CQ is confusing the effect with the cause. Dorgan and Biden recognized they would be swimming upstream and that's why they removed themselves from these two contests.

Now, let's look at the four Democrat seats that CQ is calling "toss-up." In Arkansas, Colorado and Nevada, Senators Reid, Bennett and Blanched-Lincoln have been repeatedly shown to be behind Republican challengers by up to double-digits. Oh, I forget, the election is months away and anything can happen. Such as ... these races could become competitive. But, unless and until such a thing happens, these seats are ours, baby. As for Illinois, CQ is calling it a toss-up because of the wide-open contest within the Democratic Party. Certainly, a primary adds an element of uncertainty to a race. But, as for right now, you've got to think the Republicans with the strong candidate that they have must be looking to the general election with some anticipation.

We now look at the one Democrat seat that CQ says merely "leans" Democrat. Pennsylvania features a cross-over Democrat, Arlen Specter, who faces a potentially fratricidal primary, and a solid Republican opponent. Toss-up would seem more appropriate.

There are two Democrat seats that CQ tabs as "likely" Democrat. In California, Senator Boxer has been consistently 3 points or more ahead of Carly Fiorina and Tom Campbell. This seems more like "leans" than "likely." In Connecticut, Senator Dodd has been persuaded to quit while he was behind in the polls, and his apparent successor state Attorney General Blumenthal enjoys a Martha Coaxley-type 30-point lead.

We now look at two other Democrat seats that CQ rates as "safe." New York, it was thought, might be competitive if Rudy Giuliani challenged Senator Gillibrand. And, Rudy bested her in a number of hypothetical match-ups. But, Hizzoner said he wasn't going to run for the seat. But, wait, former Governor Pataki is now looking strong in the polls. So, maybe all is not lost. Washington state may be another state thought to be safe seat where the Republicans have a chance.

So, as I see it, in terms of pick-up opportunities, Republicans look good in five states (ND, DE, NV, AR, CO), are even-steven in three (IL, IN and PA), and have a good chance albeit are the underdogs in three (CA, NY and WA). Of course, we need to hold onto each of our seats, including, in particular, MO, OH, and NH (which I rate as toss-up, toss-up and leans Republican).

The thing is, these Senate races are not "independent events." They will tend to break one way or the other. Candidate recruitment, fundraising and other such "inside stuff" will impact certain races. More importantly, continued double-digit unemployment rates and the start of what might turn into a hyperinflation will continue to shift the numbers strongly toward the Republicans.

Ski California getting increasingly difficult thanks to Nanny State regulations

California now officially a "No Fun Zone"

by Eric Dondero

Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, getting increasingly difficult at California's famous resorts? Blame it on the Nanny State, more specifically un-elected bureaucrats and the Democrat-controlled legislature. Authorities in California are getting increasingly safety conscience to the point of outright bans on those seeking a little Winter fun.

From Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for San Gabriel Valley News Group, Whittier Daily News, "Nanny state forces us to settle for slush" Jan. 25:

Forget about taking responsibility for your actions anymore.

"Officials" and "authorities" take a strong stand against personal responsibility. At least that's what I got out of an article that appeared in Monday's newspaper.

The story, by staff writer Brian Day, had some information that makes clear just how much we've become a nanny state:

About 900 people drove up San Gabriel Canyon Sunday seeking snow.

Unspecified safety concerns caused authorities to close roads above 3,200 feet.

Families hoping to enjoy a day frolicking in fresh fallen snow instead settled for slushy remains at lower elevations.

Gabriel sums up his frustration:

Enough already.

We've allowed anonymous "authorities," "experts" and "officials" to control our lives and turn California into a virtual no-fun zone.

Events in San Gabriel Canyon this weekend and in the state Legislature this month stand as good reminders for us all. California is now a place where... snow is too dangerous.

So we settle for slush.

But it doesn't stop at higher elevation closures. Democrats in the state legislature are now seriously proposing mandatory helmets for California skiiers.

Nanny-statism should be part of California culture says Democrat lawmaker

From the Sac Bee, "Two Bills would require helmets on Ski Slopes" Jan. 25:

California children must wear a helmet to ride a bicycle, skates, skateboard or non-motorized scooter...

The measures by Sacramento Assemblyman Dave Jones and San Francisco Sen. Leland Yee, both Democrats, would make it clear that the constitutional right to pursue happiness does not include skiing bareheaded.

"Lots of Californians take advantage of some wonderful skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and we want to make sure that they are as safe as possible," said Jones, whose bill also targets other aspects of snow-sport safety.

Yee said families would abide by a mandatory ski and snowboard helmet law, realizing that the goal is to reduce the number of head injuries in a sport where one fall can cause permanent harm.

"People will understand that the culture has changed and that (wearing helmets) is the way we do it now," he said.

Republicans, a minority in both houses, have reacted swiftly to oppose the legislation. Continuing:

Opponents criticize the new legislation as "nanny government" in which lawmakers usurp parents in deciding what is best for children.

Sen. Tom Harman, R-Huntington Beach, characterized the proposal as "kind of silly."

"I think it's overregulation," he said. "I'm sensitive to sometimes the government watching out for people, but people need to learn to take care of themselves, and look out for themselves."

Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R- Irvine, said life and sport inevitably pose risk of injury and overzealous government, left unchecked, someday could require thrill-seekers to wear a full crash helmet and cover themselves in bubble wrap.

"Where do we stop?" DeVore asked.

As of yet, ski enthusiast, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has not indicated where he stands on the proposeld legislation.

Of course, runaway entitlement spending by the Democrat-controlled legislature has also led to state park closures, adding to the woes of winter fun seekers.

California's loss may be other states' gains. Ski Utah anyone?

ARIZONA: J.D. Hayworth takes different stance from McCain on Obama Birth Certificate

Former libertarian-leaning Republican Congressman J.D. Hayworth is challenging incumbent John McCain in the GOP primary for his US Senate seat. He appeared on Chris Matthews, MSNBC last weekend. One of the main topics of discussion was the controversy of Obama's birth certificate.

From Motor City Liberal blog:

MATTHEWS: Are you as far right as the birthers? Are you one of those who believes that the President should have to prove that he’s a citizen of the United States and not an illegal immigrant? Are you that far right?

HAYWORTH: Well, gosh, we all had to bring our birth certificates to show we were who we said we were and we were the age we said we were to play football and youth sports. Shouldn’t we know exactly that anyone who wants to run for public office is a natural born citizen of the United States and is who they say they are? [...]

MATTHEWS: Should the Governor of Hawaii produce evidence that the President is one of us, an American? Do you think that’s a worthy past time for the Governor of Hawaii?

HAYWORTH: No, look…I’m just saying the President should come forward with the information, that’s all. Why should we we depend on the Governor of Hawaii?

Senator McCain has largely deflected on the issue of the Obama birth certificate, and at times, has called such views out of bounds for discussion.

Austin Right Bloggers Conference covered by PJTV

From the Editor:

Roger Simon, President of Pajamas Media, posted a 7 minute video of the Right Bloggers conference last weekend in Austin. The majority of the video is going to the "Shooting range with Gov. Rick Perry." Patrick Ruffini, Andrew Breitbart, Roger Cooper, Matt Lewis, Mellisa Clouthier and other titans of the Right Blogger community make an appearance.

At precisely 4:50 minutes in Simon pans the audience for the conference portion of the event. My wife and I are visible in the middle of the audience. (I wave my hand; my wife is the one wearing the red blouse.)

You may want to check out the video at PJTV.

More Scott Brown fall-out: Lieberman asserts he's solid "Independent," hints at switch to GOP

Republican Caucus in the Senate now at 62?

In what could be seen as yet another blow to the Democrats, following on the footsteps of two major losses for Governor in New Jersey and Virginia, a Congressional party switcher to the GOP, and a major Senate seat switch from Democrat to Republican in Massachusetts, Connecticut Independent-Democrat Senator Joe Lieberman has now declared himself completely Independent. He has previously identified himself as an "Independent-slash-Democrat."

Asked by an interviewer which affiliation would he run for re-election under in 2012, Lieberman responded:

LIEBERMAN: I must tell you at this moment in our political life, which is so partisan... I like being an Independent. So, if you asked me that would be the most likely of the choices.

EYEWITNESS NEWS REPORTER: Could you see yourself as a Republican? Is that possible?

LIEBERMAN: Yeah, it's possible. A good old fashioned New England moderate Republican.

Note - a full switch by Lieberman, plus a Republican pick-up in CT of the Dodd seat, would put the GOP at parity with the Democrats in New England Senate seats, 6 to 6.

See the complete video interview at RCP.

Katherine Jenerette: Not your typical "Good Ole' Boy" for Congress

South Carolina GOP Primary choice for limited government Conservatives

by Stephen Maloney, Pennsylvania

Scott Brown won his monumental victory on Tuesday because of American patriots dedicated to protecting our Constitution and preserving our way of life.

I'll forever be grateful that so many people trusted me six weeks ago, when I suggested long before he was on anybody's radar screen, that electing then-little-known Lt. Col. Scott Brown was vital to America's future. (See one of my original post here at Libertarian Republican on Scott Brown's campaign.)

Now, I'm asking you to trust me again in supporting and promoting the candidacy of Katherine Jenerette, a commisioned Army officer from the legendary 82nd Airborne Division.

I deeply believe that my friend, Katherine, has the same character, devotion to country, and commitment to conservative limited government values that Americans have found in Scott Brown.

Katherine's running for Congress in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, one that stretches along the coast from Charleston all the way up to the North Carolina border. She is running, just as Scott Brown did, against the concept of family dynasties "owning" a seat and the reality of "good ole boy" politics.

She is an underdog; but I assure you, we will this contest. As Katherine says, "I don't fight like a girl; I fight like a PARATROOPER."

Please take a quick look Katherine's campaign website, and you will discover an American woman with the same character and unlimited potential we find in Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, and Liz Cheney.

A Scott Brown Republican... with a Pick-up Truck

From Katherine:

Obviously, I'm not your garden-variety politician, and that not just because I jump out of airplanes . . . and drive a pickup. I've been called "the good ole boys worst nightmare" because I don't believe in political chicanery, back-room deals, special-interest deals, or dynasties.

If you send me to Washington, DC, I won't be one that goes along . . . to get along. In my military career, I've sworn to protect my fellow Americans and our Constitution. That oath is a lifetime commitment.

Like most people in this state, I'm a conservative and, constitutionally, a strict constructionist. I believe in "the 3 Fs," faith in God, family, and fidelity to our country.

I'm pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, pro-private enterprise, and pro-military. In my Army career, I've been willing to give my life, if necessary, for our beloved nation, and now I'm willing to devote my life to serving God, my brother and sister South Carolinians, and my fellow Americans.

Again, I'm asking you to adopt -- and embrace the candidacy of --this remarkable woman -- Katherine -- committed to winning a tough election and primary. With your strong support, victory will be a certainty. Please support this mother (of four), soldier, patriot, and leader.

Please consier at least a small contribution to Katherine's campaign, using this link: Katherine Jenerette for U.S Congress.

Democrats now attacking SC Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer for personal lifestyle

LR FOLLOW-UP

He made pro-individualist, pro-capitalist statements cause he's a "bachelor"

From Eric Dondero:

The furor over libertarian-leaning Republican Andre Bauer's statements in favor of individual responsibility rather than rampant moocherism, continues to grow. (See our previous story for full-length "Social Darwinist Republican," for comments by Bauer at Som'sPost). Now South Carolina Democrats and NetRoots Liberals nationwide are attacking the Gubernatorial candidate for his personal lifestyle.

From the Charleston City Paper:

South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Carol Fowler points out that Bauer is a bachelor who has never had another mouth to feed: "His notion of punishing children by not feeding them because their parents missed a PTA meeting flies in the face of basic South Carolina values."

From Wonkette:

Andre Bauer, the allegedly gay-as-the-dickens French lieutenant governor of “America’s Bordeaux,” South Carolina, has provided CNN with his gayest-ever photo to accompany its article about how he regrets comparing poor people to poor French farm animals...

From Queerty:

Bauer is also the guy who's rumored to be gay himself... And if that CV wasn't long enough, Bauer is now also the guy who referred to poor people who rely on public assistance as "animal[s] … [that] will reproduce, especially ones that don't think too much further than that. And so what you've got to do is you've got to curtail that type of behavior." He's also the guy who won't apologize.

Scott Brown the Tea Party, even "Libertarian" US Senator

"He embraced tenants... of the Libertarian Party"

Scott Brown win is increasingly seen as libertarian-leaning Tea Party victory.

Mike Huckabee, Fox News:

Scott Brown's defeat of Martha Coakley in the Massachusetts Senate campaign on Tuesday was a second Boston Tea Party as tons of Democrat hubris, elitism and paternalism were dumped into Boston Harbor.

From Fred Barnes, writing in the Washington Examiner:

conservatives and tea partiers joined moderates and independents in the Brown coalition.

He was skillful in encapsulating an anti-Obama message: "Raising taxes, taking over our health care, and giving new rights to terrorists is the wrong agenda for our country."

That's a mantra conservatives, tea party people, moderates, and independents can embrace.

David Bernstein at Volokh Conspiracy:

Like others who oppose much of President Obama’s legislative agenda, I’m pleased that Scott Brown won, and even more pleased that he won relying on generally libertarian themes...

Robert Laurie at The Daily Caller:

He embraced tenants of the Tea Party movement and the Libertarian Party, fusing them into a new take on classic conservatism. At least it feels new, since we haven’t seen it in so long. Issues like personal liberty, states’ rights, upholding the 10th Amendment, stopping cap and trade, and national sovereignty were front and center in a Massachusetts election, and they won.

More evidence fear of Islamic Terrorism may have been factor in Scott Brown win

The Pew Research Center just released findings on public policy priorities of the American electorate. Number three - Terrorism.

From Pew:

in the wake of the failed Christmas Day terrorist attack on a Detroit-bound airliner, defending the country from future terrorist attacks also remains a top priority

Did National Security issues matter in Massachusetts?

Jamie Glazov of Frontpage interviewed Andrew McCarthy of National Review,"Brown's National Security Win" Jan. 25:

The Brown campaign’s internal polling told them something very interesting. While it’s true that healthcare is what nationalized the election and riveted everyone’s attention to it, it was the national security issues that put real distance between the two candidates in the mind of the electorate—in blue Massachusetts of all places. Sen.-elect Brown was able to speak forcefully and convincingly on issues like treating our jihadist enemies as combatants rather than mere defendants, about killing terrorists and preventing terrorism rather than contenting ourselves with prosecutions after Americans have been killed, about tough interrogation when necessary to save innocent lives. Martha Coakley, by contrast, had to try to defend the indefensible, which is Obama-style counterterrorism. It evidently made a huge difference to voters.

Gruesome murders northwest of Houston, suggested links to Islam

From Eric Dondero:

Bellville (pop. 4,000) is an exurb approximately 50 miles northwest of Houston. It is the county seat for Austin County. The town is in close proximity to the world-renowned Katy Mills Mall, Katy, TX.

A week ago Sunday, Maron Thomas, 20, allegedly murdered 5 of his family members. Details are now just emerging. He reportedly shot them to death. But officials are also confirming that he took a machete and hacked off the head of his two-year old niece. The bodies were discovered by a woman named Anita Hassan. (Source: News Blaze)

From another source, local reporter John Kays with the Student Press, reports:

A final tidbit was picked up last night on CNN Headline with Mike Galanos. I don`t have the exact transcription, so it`s from memory only. Mike interviewed Courtney Zubowski, a reporter CBS affiliate KHOU in Houston. Courtney has the latest scoop on the suspect. One thing that she said is that Maron had to be restrained when the police were taking blood samples. He really tore up the lab.

The other thing is that Maron was acting strangely in the days leading up to the shootings. He was ranting and raving about white people... Exactly what he was saying and who heard him say it, is yet to be determined.

Maron was a recent convert to Islam. There is some speculation on various blogs, though unconfirmed, that he converted while in prison. Though, notably, other sources are reporting that Thomas has no previous criminal history.

From the Houston Chronicle, Jan. 20:

Thomas' sister, Ka'Tara Price, 24, of Houston, said she believes anger and Thomas' conversion to the Muslim religion influenced his actions. She said she is not aware of him suffering from any mental illness.

“It's anger and pure evilness,” Price said Wednesday night.

“This is one of the most horrific crimes we've had in Austin County,” District Attorney Travis Koehn said.

Photo made available through the Austin County Sheriff's Dept. Hat tip to Jawa Report.