Linda McMahon gaining... Hot Connecticut race

Experience as a small businessperson. Fighting for small business.

(H/t NR)

Republicans winning control of the Senate, Where we stand...

by Clifford F. Thies

As I count it, including holdovers, Republicans are now looking at 47 Senators ... all current seats plus AR, CO, IN, ND, PA and WI. There are five remaining toss-up seats: CT, IL, NV, WA and WV. CA is a possibility. And, then there's DE.

RealClear still has Colorado in the toss-up category. This is because they're including a poll that is now a month old in their average. Things are changing in Colorado. We are moving past the post-primary disarray and resolving the mess in the race for Governor. Move this state to "Leans Republican."

Of the five toss-up's, I thinking most positively about IL and NV and then WV. In IL, we've got a strong Republican slate and a re-energized party. It's getting too late for the Obomber to turn on the magic. I'm thinking Kirk's slight lead is going to hold up.

NV should be ours. We're blowing away Son of Hairy in the Governor contest. The time is now to rally around our candidate. Way to go Dennis Miller. That's 49.

As I was saying way back during the summer, WV could be Number 50. The state is trending Republican in Presidential elections. We have good candidates in the Congressionals. And, our guy in the Senate race is - so far - succeeding in tying Governor Munchkin to the Democratic agenda. Maybe Munchkin can bring in Obomber to rally the Democratic base. WE HOPE!

We have some other irons in the fire. But, I'm now going to jump to DE. Our gal is far behind in this one. But, she's not hurting for dough. This is what usually kills the chances of someone far behind from making a comeback. The powers that be allocate money amongst their better possibilities and cut-off those with the odds against them. But, Christine O'Donnell has been riding a magic carpet this year, defying the odds with Tea Party enthusiasm. The Democrats don't think DE is a done deal. They're putting money into this state.

Why winning DE is important?

Assuming the Democrats lose the House and the Senate, they will have only two months left to do whatever they're going to do to spend every dime the U.S. government can borrow from foreigners or print up, to rob and steal what we own, to advance their multi-cultural agenda, and to regulate our economy in the name of climate change. It's called a lame-duck session of Congress. They plan to get together, after they're defeated, to pass whatever they can while they're still in control.

BUT...we have a plan. The winners of five Senate races will take office immediately upon being certified: IL and DE, to fill out the terms of President Obama and Vice President Biden; NY, to fill out the term of Secretary of State Clinton; CO, to fill out the term of Secretary of the Interior Salazar; and, WV, to fill out the term of the late Senator Robert Byrd. Although we can't immediately take over the Senate, we can dramatically change the tenor of that chamber with victories in these particular races on election day. This means we would be able to filibuster radical legislation during a lame-duck session of Congress. This is why DE is so important. If Christine O'Donnell can turn things around - and she has enough funding to do this - she can be instrumental in saving the Republic from the dying hands of the Democrats.

Dr. Thies is a professor of econo-metrics and statistics at the economics dept. of Shenandoah Univ. in Virginia.

New poll finds Texas Governor Rick Perry very appealing to Women

From Eric Dondero:

Men are overwhelmingly Republican, while women typically lean Democrat. You would think a rugged individualist, Western conservative like Rick Perry would gain most of his support from men. But something's at work down in Texas that's going against conventional wisdom. And the experts can't figure out why.

From the Austin American-Stateseman, Sept. 28:

this year in Texas, there's something unusual going on. Republican Gov. Rick Perry has a significant lead over Democrat Bill White among women.

"Perry is doing extraordinarily well among women," said Mickey Blum, whose firm, Blum & Weprin Associates Inc., conducted a poll on behalf of the American-Statesman and other newspapers. She said that in years of polling in Texas, this might be the first time she's seen more women than men backing the Republican.

One university professor is "stunned" and has no idea why females might be so attracted to the Governor. Continuing:

Democrats have enjoyed the support of a majority of women for about 30 years, said Sean Theriault, an associate professor in the government department at the University of Texas. Theriault said he's surprised by the poll results, given Perry's lack of desire to participate in a debate this fall and the way he attacked his female opponent, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, in the Republican primary.

Plus, Theriault said, "he's kind of like a man's man," someone who shot a coyote with a gun he was carrying on an early morning run.

"We think of women as being more grounded and fair-minded," Theriault said. "You'd think all those stories would make women even less drawn to him. I'm stunned."

Two new polls show Sean Duffy ahead - Wisconsin

From Eric Dondero:

Despite assaults from the DCC through negative campaign ads, libertarian-leaning Republican Sean Duffy maintains a lead against Democrat Julie Lassa - Wisconsin.

From CQPolitics.com:

The Garin-Hart-Yang Research survey taken for Lassa's campaign showed Duffy with 42 percent and Lassa with 41 percent, including voters who were only leaning toward one candidate or the other, and the poll had a margin of error of 4.4 points. Ten percent of voters were undecided, and independent Gary Kauther took seven percent. The firm polled 504 likely voters over Sept. 26 and 27.

The two are battling for the David Obey seat. Duffy, a County Prosecutor, starred on the MTV hit series Real World in the 1990s.

Iraq War Vet Edward Gonzalez Confronts Lofgren

For immediate release:

What's happening to House Ethics under Zoe Lofgren?

San Jose, CA, 29 September, 2010:  While Congresswoman Lofgren is busy inviting faux experts to speak at Congressional hearings she chairs, the real tragedy lies in her unwillingness to conduct a timely and thorough ethics hearing into the fate of two of her Democratic colleagues.

"Employing 'weapons of mass distraction' is a useful trick when a seasoned politician has something to hide."

Zoe was so pleased to bring celebrity status to her Immigration Subcommittee hearing, we can only wonder if she will do the same to her Ethics Committee hearings?

"Imagine the publicity to be generated by testimony from Stephen Colbert at Charlie Rangel's trial."

All this meaningless publicity is hiding Zoe's primary role which has been to serve a special interest constituency at the expense of the people of California's 16th Congressional District.

"It's time for Zoe to go."

                                                     ---------- Edward Gonzalez

Edward Gonzalez for Congress

http://EdwardMGonzalez.com

Contact: Ray Strong - press@EdwardMGonzalez.com

CALIFORNIA: Libertarian for Congress Edward Gonzalez for full and immediate repeal of ObamaCare

Edward Gonzalez pledges to repeal Obamacare

San Jose, CA, 28 September, 2010: Edward Gonzalez pledges to work with any and every Representative in Congress, independent of political affiliation, who will help repeal this pending Government takeover of one-sixth of our economy.

"We are just beginning to feel the bad effects," according to Edward.

"Over the next few months many will see how their health care choices have been reduced or eliminated."

"The Federal bureaucracy is already growing and taxes are already rising."

Edward's opponent, Zoe Lofgren, is part of the majority in Congress who have driven us to the brink of economic disaster, with Obamacare being the worst feature of their program to date.

"We need to elect representatives who will undo the damage."

Note - Gonzalez, a Veteran of the War in Iraq, is the Libertarian Party candidate for Congress against incumbent Democrat Zoe Lofgren (San Jose area). There is no Republican on the ballot.

EdwardMGonzalez.com

Christine O'Donnell taking on cautious GOP leadership: Wants full repeal of ObamaCare

From Eric Dondero:

Not happy with simply repeal and replace, Delaware's Christine O'Donnell is taking a more principled stance for full and fast repeal.

From ABC News "O'Donnell Says GOP Leaders 'Lazy' in Approach to Health Care Law"

“You’re hearing this cop-out excuse that we can’t repeal Obamacare as long as Obama is in office,” she told conservative Baltimore talk radio host Tom Marr. “That is simply not true. That’s a lazy approach to dealing with this.”

Still, O’Donnell believes when there’s a will, there’s a way –- and that Republicans could effectively put President Obama at risk of an intraparty challenge for the nomination in 2012.

“If the House and the Senate both pass a bill to repeal Obamacare, and the year before Obama’s reelection he dares to veto it, he dares to thumb his nose to the will of the people, he’s setting himself up to be very vulnerable to a primary challenger,” she said

Note - Editor on the ground in Delaware.

Reid campaign: Free Market approach to Health Care is mean and "callous"

Democrats continue assault on libertarian values

From the L.A. Times, "Reid launches Health Care attack on Angle" Sept. 30:

Democrats nationwide have struggled to promote the healthcare law, whose messy passage and complexity frustrated voters and helped spur the small-government "tea party" movement.

In Nevada, healthcare reform has long been a potential quagmire for Reid. His approval ratings were already dismal, and libertarian-leaning voters balked at the legislation's vast reach.

Reid aired a TV ad highlighting Angle's vote, as a state lawmaker, against requiring insurers to cover colonoscopies if they were providing treatment for colon cancer. " Colon cancer kills, unless you catch it early," intones the announcer, adding that Angle opposes "making insurance companies cover colon cancer tests, mammograms or anything else."

On Monday, Sebelius headlined the Reno forum, which included a breast cancer survivor and a pediatrician who pounded Angle's free-market approach as callous.

Angle's view:

"Sharron sides with Nevadans and strongly supports repealing and replacing 'Obamacare,' while Harry Reid has totally ignored Nevadans in order to please President Obama," said her spokesman, Jarrod Agen.

her spokesman said she was merely criticizing "costly unfunded government mandates that drive up the cost of health insurance and reduce the level of care." That dovetails with Angle's philosophy that government should have as little role as possible in private industry.

BLOCKBUSTER! Dennis Miller to appear at Vegas fundraiser for Sharron Angle

Pro-Defense libertarian lines up behind libertarian-conservative, naturally

From Eric Dondero:

What welcome news for conservative-leaning libertarians. One of our leading lights has decided to throw his weight behind libertarian-conservative Sharron Angle for US Senate in Nevada.

Angle was a guest on our show "Libertarian Politics Live" two nights after she had secured the GOP nomination. And she's also supported by Pro-Defense libertarian, and 2008 Libertarian Party vice-presidential candidate Wayne Root of Las Vegas.

Now this from the Las Vegas Review-Journal "Comedian Dennis Miller to headline fundraiser for Angle in Vegas" Sept. 28:

Comedian Dennis Miller plans to headline a fundraiser for U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle this Saturday night in Las Vegas.

The private event for Sen. Harry Reid's Republican challenger will be at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, west of the Las Vegas Strip.

Angle is scheduled to tout the fundraiser on Wednesday when she'll call into Miller's radio show, according to her campaign.

Miller is a former Saturday Night Live cast member and "weekend update" anchor on the show.

The comedian calls himself a libertarian, but he has taken on more conservative stances since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. After the attrack, Miller became one of the Hollywood celebrities who backed the war in Iraq and then-President George W. Bush.

Now, he's a regular commentator on Fox News and is supporting Angle in her race to defeat the Democratic incumbent Reid.

The article went on to hint of a couple surprise guests from Hollywood.

The choice in Arizona's 7th

Clear difference.

"We're not just running against a Republican in our district, we're running against a philosophy" -- incumbent Democrat Cong. Raul Grijalva

Ruth McClung's philosophy:

lower taxes, less intrusive government regulations, and a smaller government

Support Ruth4AZ.com

The Colorado conundrum: Tancredo

From Cliff Thies

In Colorado, Tancredo is now within 10 of Hickenlooper, 34 to 44, with Maes having 15. By my rule of "hidden strength," this state's Governor race is more like toss-up than "Likely Democrat." That is. undecided (12 points) are not evenly split between Hickenlooper and Tancredo. Let's say there are 4 points, net, to Tancredo. And, with Maes relegated to also-ran status, expect a lot of his votes to shift to Tancredo. Let's say 10. Such shifts would give Tancredo a net 2 point advantage over Hickenlooper.

Rolling Stone interview: Obama uses the 'L' word

In response to a question from Rolling Stone in an interview released yesterday, Obama mentioned "libertarians" as part of the Tea Party movement Rolling Stone:

I think the Tea Party is an amalgam, a mixed bag of a lot of different strains in American politics that have been there for a long time. There are some strong and sincere libertarians who are in the Tea Party who generally don't believe in government intervention in the market or socially. There are some social conservatives in the Tea Party who are rejecting me the same way they rejected Bill Clinton, the same way they would reject any Democratic president as being too liberal or too progressive. There are strains in the Tea Party that are troubled by what they saw as a series of instances in which the middle-class and working-class people have been abused or hurt by special interests and Washington, but their anger is misdirected.

And then there are probably some aspects of the Tea Party that are a little darker, that have to do with anti-immigrant sentiment or are troubled by what I represent as the president. So I think it's hard to characterize the Tea Party as a whole, and I think it's still defining itself.

It's now officially a Wave Election

Only question now, how Big?

From Eric Dondero:

The House is now all but lost for the Democrats. Charlie Cook's new lowball figure for minimum Republican gains is 40. Only 39 is needed for the GOP to take control.

And this intriguing tidbit from Politico "Tussles over Dem dough" Sept. 28:

In some cases, donors report that they are being urged to fund Senate campaigns at the expense of the House, where Democrats are in danger of losing their majority.

One House Democratic fundraiser said that some Senate operatives are telling big donors and union officials, “The House is lost; you have to save the Senate.”

But their chances of "saving the Senate" look increasingly grim. Two new polls out in the last couple days suggest Republicans now have a better-than-even chance of taking the upper chamber.

From Quinnipiac:

Propelled by Connecticut likely voters who say they are "angry" with government, former wrestling executive Linda McMahon, the Republican U.S. Senate candidate, is closing in on Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the Democrat, and now trails just 49 - 46 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

And then there's this out of West Virginia, Rasmussen (via Hedgehog):

US SENATE – WEST VIRGINIA (Rasmussen)
John Raese (R) 48%
Joe Manchin (D) 46%

Meanwhile, Fox News just released a slew of polls showing Republicans leading in four key races: Johnson over Feingold in Wisconsin 52 to 44%, Mark Kirk holding a small but steady lead over Alexi Giannoulias in Illinois 44 to 42%, Ken Buck over Michael Benet in Colorado 47 to 43%, and Rob Portman easily over the Dem in Ohio by 13. Even in Washington State, Dino Ross is improving his standing to within 1 point of Patty Murray, 48 to 47.

Only question left, will the wave be big enough to catch East Coaster Christine O'Donnell in Delaware and West Coaster Carly Fiorina in California?

Chris Christie pleasing social conservatives in a fiscally conservative way

by Eric Dondero

While libertarians disagree over the issue of abortion itself, we all agree in our staunch opposition to government funding. On this, we find common ground with our conservative friends. Fiscal conservative hero Chris Christie is now taking a stance consistent with both libertarian values and social conservatism.

From Lifenews.com (H/t Jim Hoft) "New Jersey Planned Parenthood Abortion Biz Closes After Christie Cuts Funds" Sept. 28:

Marie Tasy, the head of New Jersey Right to Life, told LifeNews.com she applauded the state Senate for not overriding Christie's veto of the Planned Parenthood funding bill.

"We applaud the Senators who voted No to override Governor Christie’s veto of S2139," she said. "This debate was never about health care, it is about advancing a political agenda and rewarding 'friends' and a radical special interest group with our tax dollars."

"We commend Governor Christie for his steadfast opposition to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse and for working to promote the best health care for all NJ citizens," Tasy added.

Christie won the praise of pro-life advocates in July by vetoing a bill that would restore the family planning funds his administration cut from the state budget because of deep economic troubles.

However, Republicans who supported the bill would not buck their party's governor by supporting the override vote.

Although a majority of the Senate voted to restore the abortion businesses' funding, the Senate voted on a party-line 23-17 vote, well short of the two-thirds needed to override.

Note - Planned Parenthood is of oourse, one of the biggest contributors to Democrat coffers nationwide.

For libertarian Rush fans, a treat is on the way...

Beyond the Lighted State

As Marty Dodge notes in his BC Music review, Sept 28:

For many Rush fans 2112 was either their introduction to the band or even better, the best album to date. It not only introduced the great, hard rock hordes to Rush, it gave many an Ayn Rand fan their introduction to the author. Side one of the CD was inspired by a work of the libertarian author and she is thanked on the inside sleeve.

Editor's Note - I had the pleasure of seeing Rush in Manchester, NH Aug. of 2008, while up in New Hampshire petitioning for Libertarian Party ballot access.

Republican Reid Ribble getting hammered by Dems for supporting Social Security privatization

From Eric Dondero:

The Democrats have produced a new ad attacking Republican for Congress Reid Ribble running in Wisconsin's 8th District. Ribble is running against Democrat incumbent Rep. Steven Kagen.

But libertarian-minded voters may actually be attracted to his view, and be more likely to vote for Ribble. The quote via National Review:

“Somehow we have to establish a phase-out of the current Social Security system to a new system. And that will have to happen over time. It could happen in a single generation.”

Ironically, Ribble is not a libertarian, but rather mainline conservative, who actually defeated libertarian/Tea Party candidate Terri McCormack in the GOP primary. There is no Libertarian Party candidate on the ballot in the 8th.

Socialist Economist Robert Reich talks of Republicans' Social Darwinism as if it's a bad thing

by Eric Dondero

Former Clinton administration Labor Secretary Robert Reich blasted Republicans in an editorial carried by the ultra-leftwing UK Progressive for being uncaring capitalist extremists and "Social Darwinists." The editorial is titled "Republican Economics as Social Darwinism."

From the UK Progressive, Sept. 24:

Republicans have wanted to destroy Social Security since it was invented in 1935 by my predecessor as labor secretary, the great Frances Perkins. Remember George W. Bush’s proposal to privatize it? Had America agreed with him, millions of retirees would have been impoverished in 2008 when the stock market imploded.

Of course Republicans don’t talk openly about destroying Social Security, because it’s so popular. The new Republican “pledge” promises only to put it on a “fiscally responsible footing.” Translated: we’ll privatize it.

Medicare, on the other hand, is a huge problem and its projected deficits are truly scary. But that’s partly because George W. Bush created a new drug benefit that’s hugely profitable for Big Pharma (something the Republican pledge conspicuously fails to address). The underlying problem, though, is health-care costs are soaring.

He continues:

Republicans also hate unemployment insurance. They’ve voted against every extension because, they say, it coddles the unemployed and keeps them from taking available jobs.

Apparently Mr. Reich believes Republicans are somehow ashamed of the label "Social Darwinist." He continues throughout the piece that we Republicans are running away from Social Darwinism.

He is obviously completely unaware of the GOP's libertarian wing. Mr. Reich, we proudly declare our support for complete privatazation of Social Security, Medicare and even repeal of Unemployment Insurance. And yes, we most certainly adorn the "Social Darwinist" label with openess and great pride.

Further, it doesn't appear to be much of a liability either, for libertarian Republican candidates nationwide are currently surging in the polls.

Connecticut Senate race now down to a 5-point spread

From Eric Dondero:

Linda McMahon was at one point last spring down 30 points. She has now climbed to within 5 points of defeating Democrat Richard Blumenthal.

From the Litchfield Register-Citizen Sept. 28:

According to a recent poll, Democrat Richard Blumenthal’s lead over Republican Linda McMahon has dropped to just five points.

The latest poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports found that, of likely voters in Connecticut, 50 percent will vote for Blumenthal to take over Chris Dodd’s Senate seat, while McMahon commands 45 percent of the vote.

Interestingly, McMahon has been attacked recently in TV ads by a Democrat front-group called Mothers Against McMahon for taking a libertarian stance against regulation. The group is charging McMahon that when she was in charge of the WWE she promoted "lax or non-existent safety regulations." (Source: HuffPo)

Massachusetts Gov's race getting tighter: Republican surging

GOP ticket "libertarian tendencies"

From Politico "Baker closes in on Patrick":

The Massachusetts governor’s race remains balanced on a knife’s edge, with Republican challenger Charlie Baker virtually eliminating Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick’s advantage in a Boston Globe poll released over the weekend.

Baker took 34 percent of the vote in the Globe survey, conducted by the University of New Hampshire, and Patrick took 35 percent. Independent state Treasurer Tim Cahill trailed in a distant third place, with 11 percent of the vote.

the Waltham Daily News-Tribune wrote in 2009:

Enter Charles D. Baker, Jr. and it's a completely new ball game for Republicans, not to mention long-suffering frustrated Democrats and independents. Baker owns the respect of political insiders on both sides of the aisle. He can also inspire confidence among business leaders. Conservative Republicans may not be thrilled at Baker's libertarian tendencies, but at least he is one who can be influenced by reason.

Note - Richard Tisei, a member of the Gay Republican group Log Cabin Clubs and minority Senate leader, is Baker's running mate.

Minnesota's Michele Bachmann fully behind Alaska's Joe Miller

NORTHWOODS REPUBLICANS STICK TOGETHER

Tea Party Congressional Caucus leader Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota produces a video for Alaska voters, expressing her support for libertarian-leaning Republican Joe Miller. He is opposed by Democrat Scott McAdams and write-in candidate incumbent Lisa Murkowski

Charle Lollar against Steny Hoyer for Congress - Maryland

From Stacy McCain:

You want to beat Steny, don’t you? Well, Lollar is the man for the job.

Here’s the thing: Democrats think Hoyer is bulletproof, but there are good reasons to believe that the incumbent is far more vulnerable this year than anyone suspects. As I explained before the primary, GOP candidate Collins Bailey got 80,000 votes in 2008 — a high-tide year for Democrats when Obama carried the 5th District by a 2-to-1 margin.

Democrat enthusiasm is way down this year, so their turnout is likely to be far lower. In 2006, a midterm election that was also a big year for Democrats, there were barely 200,000 votes cast in the 5th District race. So if there is a similar turnout Nov. 2, and Lollar merely matches the GOP’s 80,000 total from 2008, that puts him at 40%. Add another 15,000 votes, and he’s in shocker-upset range.

Donate now! CharlesLollarforCongress.com

BREAKING!! Rasmussen has Christine O'Donnell - Coons race tightening

49% to 40%

From Eric Dondero:

If Mike Castle runs as a write-in, which looks increasingly likely, Republican Christine O'Donnell pulls within only 9 points of ultra-leftist Democrat Chris Coons.

Just released from Rasmussen:

A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Delaware voters finds Coons with 49% support, while O’Donnell earns 40% of the vote. Castle, a longtime congressman who lost to O’Donnell in the state’s GOP Primary, picks up five percent (5%). Another five percent (5%) remain undecided. (See toplines).

Polling for write-in campaigns is always challenging, so results should be interpreted with caution. For this survey, Rasmussen Reports asked respondents about a choice between Coons and O’Donnell without mentioning Castle. That is the choice voters will see when they enter the voting booth. However, when response options were offered to survey respondents, Castle’s name was mentioned.

Editor's Note - I am on the ground in Delaware. More to come later today...

6 Weeks Out: Polls under-estimating Republican voter strength?

by Clifford F. Thies

Coakley (D) was ahead of Brown (R) by an average of 13 points in the polls in a very Democratic state. Brown won by 5 points.

Corzine (D) was ahead of Christie (R) by an average of 7 points in the polls in a Democratic state. Christie won by 4 points.

MCDonnell (R) was ahead of Deeds (D) by an average of 4 points in the polls in a swing state. MCDonnell won by 18 points.

Average Swing:- 14 points

I'm not saying we're going to win all the races where our guy or gal is not more than 14 points behind in the polls. Here's what I'm saying: we have a very good chance of winning even where we are behind according to the polls by as much as 14 points.

MASSACHUSETTS: Sales Tax reduction initiative polling ahead

Could help Republicans with fiscal conservative turn-out?

From Eric Dondero:

A Libertarian-backed initiative is on the ballot in Massachusetts to roll back the state sales tax by more than half.

From the Salem News "Voters to mull cutting sales tax" Sept. 25:

The ballot question would reduce the state sales tax from 6.25 percent to 3 percent, starting Jan. 1. Supporters, led by former Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Carla Howell, argue the proposal is the only outlet voters have on Election Day to directly cut taxes and curb government spending. Opponents warn the scale-back would deliver a colossal blow to essential public services, like schools, police and fire.

So far, polls have shown support for the tax reduction, but opponents, flush with cash from teachers unions, are likely to campaign heavily in the less than six weeks before the election.

And a recent poll shows the initiative with a growing amount of support. Continuing:

In a State House News Service poll conducted in late August, 54 percent of the 400 Massachusetts residents surveyed favored the proposal, compared to 44 percent who opposed it. Two percent were undecided. The poll's margin of error was plus or minus 4.8 percent.

Of course, it could boost turn-out for fiscally conservative-minded voters which would undoubtably help the Republican ticket up and down the ballot. Initiative sponsor Carla Howell:

There is a different climate out there," Howell said. "People are really getting fed up.

IOWA: A safe race to Vote Libertarian and send a Message

Grassley's with commanding lead - "Stick a fork in it"

From Eric Dondero:

Republicans and independent fiscal conservatives in Iowa, looking for an opportunity to send a hardline libertarian message, can feel free in the Senate race. Charles Grassley is way out ahead in the stratosphere of high polling numbers.

From the DeMoines Register:

Grassley has such a commanding lead over Democrat Roxanne Conlin — 31 points — that it might be impossible for her to eke out a victory on Nov. 2, analysts said.

If the election for U.S. Senate were held today, 61 percent of voters would support Grassley, while 30 percent would pick Conlin, the poll shows. Six percent aren’t sure or named someone else, and 3 percent would select Libertarian John Heiderscheit.

“Put a fork in it,” said Jennifer Duffy, senior editor for The Cook Political Report in Washington, D.C.

Heiderscheit is a US Army Reservist and Lawyer. On his website, he highlights his Tea Party credentials:

I would support eliminating, over a reasonable period of time, all programs that are better carried out by the states, ineffective or simply unconstitutional. As an initial step the Congress should enact an across-the-board 6% cut in spending for fiscal year 2011. This cut would include defense and entitlement programs. Certain federal spending programs, while almost certainly counterproductive and inconsistent with the Constitution, would need to be phased out over time to avoid unnecessary hardship for those currently benefiting from the particular program.

Heidersheit celebrates Tea Party victories over establishment GOPers in Alaska, Florida:

Let's get Iowa in on the party -- send Charles Grassley a message this fall: please do not ignore your constitutional conservative and libertarian base!

Libertarian Wayne Root applauds Republican Christine O'Donnell's victory in Delaware

Big Win against Obama's "radical Marxist agenda"

Excerpt, Wayne Root's column in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Sept. 25"One nation under Tea Party revolt"

I predicted that Barack Obama's radical Marxist agenda would lead to a citizen revolution, the likes of which had not been seen in this country since 1776. I predicted that this revolution to take back our country would be led by a coalition of libertarians, conservatives, disgruntled Republicans, independents, taxpayers, small business owners, gun owners, patriots and Christians. That revolution now has a name: The Tea Party.

The remarkable Tea Party victories on Sept. 14 are yet more proof this is not business as usual. Entrenched incumbents and establishment D.C. insiders are being swept away like debris in a tsunami. Most importantly, it isn't only liberal Democrat scalps the Tea Party is taking. At the top of the list are the enablers -- big government RINOS (Republicans in name only). Exhibit A is Mike Castle.

The longtime Delaware Republican congressman and former governor is the kind of GOP insider that normally survives times of voter unrest. Political insiders like Castle have always known how to turn on the charm, raise lots of money and use that money on advertising campaigns to convince voters that "next time" they'll vote with the people. It's always "next time." Except for Castle, there will be no more next times. This citizen revolution sent Castle to the unemployment line.

Castle is a RINO whose votes gave bipartisan cover to big government expansion and an ever-expanding welfare state. Castle was the exact type of Republican fraud who through his compromise and "bipartisanship" (sellout) made fiscal conservatives and free-market libertarians fighting for the survival of our children and grandchildren appear as "extremists, radicals and nutcases." The reality is the extremists are those who have bankrupted our once great country and left us with more than $100 trillion in debt and unfunded liabilities

Root describes himself as a "Reagan Libertarian."

L.A. Times confirms Fiorina in favor of Off-Shore Oil Drilling

Plus support from libertarian Koch Brothers

From Eric Dondero:

Two more reasons for libertarians to be enthusiastic about Carly Fiorina's race for US Senate against Barbara Boxer.

Firstly, according to the L.A. Times she's a big supporter of off-shore oil drilling. Secondly, this stance has led to her picking up the supporte of the libertarian Koch brothers, one of whom was the 1980 Libertarian Party Vice-Presidential candidate.

From the L.A. Times, "Fiorina's billionaire backers
Billionaire industrialists David and Charles Koch appear to be taking a particular interest in California politics this year" Sept. 25:

That makes the budding relationship between Republican senatorial candidate Carly Fiorina and billionaire industrialists David and Charles Koch all the odder. The Kochs own and run America's second-largest privately held company, Koch Industries an amalgam of oil, gas, pipeline, chemical, fertilizer and wood products companies, including Georgia-Pacific. Lump them together, and the Koch brothers have the country's third-largest fortune $35 billion — after Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

According to a New Yorker profile, the Koch brothers' father was one of the original members of the John Birch Society, and his sons embraced his conservative politics, ultimately drifting into the anarchist-inflected wing of the libertarian movement. They're currently major funders of the "tea party" and of conservative Republican candidates across the country.

Though one brother lives in Wichita, Kan., and the other in Manhattan, they seem to be taking a particular interest in California politics this year. They helped mount the campaign for Proposition 23, the ballot measure that essentially would gut AB 32, the state law mandating lower carbon emissions as a step toward addressing global warming. A Koch Industries PAC has also donated $5,000 to Fiorina, and the company was among the sponsors of a Washington fundraiser for her Thursday night.

After a good deal of back and forth, Fiorina, who also supports offshore oil drilling, another Koch favorite...

And yet another hilarious video from Joel Demos for Congress

MINNESOTA

Republican against incumbent ultra-leftist Democrat Keith Ellison, Minneapolis area District.

VoteDemos.com

How to Get Active in a local GOP race for Congress

From Eric Dondero:

Well, we're almost in October; we're just 30 some days out from the most important election of all of our lifetimes. If you're visiting this site, chances are you're a libertarian Republican or at least aligned with the libertarian Republican movement.

Well, here's a new way to get active and make a difference. Yes, we understand the NFL is in full swing. But if you can pull yourself away from the tube for 4 weekends, you'll still have November and December all for football.

There's a new website for GOP activists. It's 40seats.com. You can see by their neat little (downloadable) poster that there's bound to be a Republican race in your local area that could use your help. They'll give you the details on who to contact them, and the variety of ways you can be of assistance. And if you live on the East Coast and Mid-West, you can see from the map there are a load of GOP candidates who need your help!

Four weekends, that's all we ask. Then back to the Patriots, Packers, Giants, Cowboys, and Broncos.

Note - I happen to be on the East Coast today, and will be volunteering for a very critical Senate race next couple days. I'll be walking precincts in this "Small Wonder." More details on my activities to come...

Turns out Libertarian Party might play a role in Delaware Senate race, if Castle goes write-in

From Eric Dondero:

Taking a page from the Lisa Murkowski playbook, Mike Castle may now be seriously considering a run as a write-in challenger to Republican nominee Christine O'Donnell and Democrat nominee Chris Coons. Jim Geraghty at National Review going by a trusted source on the ground in Delaware, now puts the odds of a run at "50/50."

But there's a potential Libertarian twist to the election drama. As Geraghty notes a Libertarian is also on the ballot. And he theorizes this might even prove helpful to O'Donnell.

I’m sure a lot of Christine O’Donnell fans will not be happy with this news, but this may very well work out quite well for her options, particularly if Castle sends as much time criticizing Coons as he does O’Donnell. Her victory threshold may be dropping from 50 percent plus one to as low as 33 percent plus one. (Yes, there are candidates from the parties of Libertarians, Independence

Jim Rash serves as Libertarian Party of Delaware Chairman, and the Party's Senate nominee. Rash is a Navy Vet and a professional Real Estate broker downstate. He calls himself a "Constititionalist conservative." On his campaign website he notes his reasons for running:

I'm tired of lawyers running (ruining?) the country and the only choices we were hearing about at that time were Mike Castle... Chris Coons' name popped up so I did some research and, imagine my surprise, he's a lawyer!

He doesn't criticize O'Donnell. Could Rash in the debates make O'Donnell appear more moderate, attack Coons and Castle perhaps?

Christine O'Donnell picks up a new, old fan

GOP BLAST FROM THE PAST

From Eric Dondero:

Bob Dole, WWII decorated Veteran, former longtime Kansas Senator, and 1996 Republican candidate for President has taken the unusual step of endorsing a Senate candidate.

The endorsement may help sway some wavering moderates in Delaware.

Politico reports that he's "willing to assist" Christine O'Donnell:

Christine O’Donnell’s message resonated with the voters, and to the surprise of many she defeated Congressman Mike Castle, who many of us thought would win. The primary is over and in my opinion it is time for voters to join hands and support Christine O’Donnell. The Delaware seat is important and the winner in November could well determine whether Republicans or Democrats control the Senate.

I find many of the attacks on O’Donnell to be personal and lacking in balance and fairness. If her campaign wishes I am willing to assist in a limited way since I am still a patient at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I will have surgery Monday, September 27.

He just had knee surgery, so door-knocking may be a bit too much for the senior senator.

Boycotting the Browns: NFL franchise goes Nanny-State

"Family Friendly" enforcement

From Eric Dondero:

Some loyal fans of the Cleveland Browns are in open rebellion. Regulations at Brown stadium have become increasingly strict and oppressive per order of the new team owner.

Tony Mazur, top Browns fan, wrote a column for Sports radio Cleveland, "Browns Continue With Nanny State On Gameday":

There were 16 arrests at the Browns’ home opener Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The arrests were all alcohol-related, though they were mainly due to profanity-laced jeers directed toward the field of play.

Team president Mike Holmgren is laying down the law, literally, on the conduct of the fans in the stands. The organization is taking a zero tolerance policy to rid the stadium of profanity and public drunkenness and to make the facility more family-friendly.

For the most part, the fans are a passionate bunch, and each year there are more and more restrictions placed on them.

This is called a Nanny State. These are folks in suits who claim they are here to protect the greater good of the fans, but they are really just a bunch of busybodies who just want to ruin your experience at the ballgame, no matter how much you spent on parking, tickets, beer, etc.

It has come to the point where attending Browns games have become a nauseating and unfulfilling experience.

Mazur points out that there are already "safe" alternatives for family viewing pleasure:

If a parent does not want to be around salty language, either sit with your kids in the Applebee’s Family Zone, leave them at home, or just stay home. Do not ruin 72,000 other fans’ good time because of an occasional ‘f-bomb’.

NFL becomming the "No Fun League"?

Finally, Mazur concludes, that it may just be best to stop attending the games altogether; stay at home with a bowl of chips and all the beer you can drink. Continuing:

These are all reasons why the NFL has rapidly become the “No Fun League”. Does the league really care about the safety of others, or our families more likely to spend money at a ballgame than the single fan?

Holmgren may want to cool it with the crackdown... Until the organization realizes that they are doing a detriment to a fanbase, it is best for the passionate fans to stay away from Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Browns have begun the season with an 0-2 record. They are in last place in the AFC North. And they're schedule does not get any easier. In the coming weeks they face, Cincinnati, Baltimore and Atlanta.

Alexi Giannoulias: Not the greatest of drivers

Don't let your Friends Vote Alexi

From Eric Dondero:

Not the most substanative ad produced, but this new one from supports of Mark Kirk gets the message across in a fun, interactive sort of way.

Raimondo accuses Rand Paul of being a panderer to Zionists and Racists

by Eric Dondero

It all started with a feature piece on Kentucky Republican Senate nominee Rand Paul, on Wednesday in GQ Magazine "Did somebody say Fringe?". It was authored by the very same reporter Jason Zengerle, who broke the Rand Paul Aqua Budha "scandal" back in August. This newer piece however, came out as rather fair-minded and a much more accurate portrayal of the often times quixotic Paul.

Of particular note, in regards to his foreign policy views, the article made note of Rand Paul meeting with a couple Jewish groups in D.C. to listen to their concerns over national security and defense matters.

here he was in Washington, seeking out a secret meeting with some of the Ron Paul Revolutionaries’ biggest bogeymen. At a private office in Dupont Circle, he talked foreign policy with Bill Kristol, Dan Senor, and Tom Donnelly, three prominent neocons who’d been part of an effort to defeat him during the primary. ‘He struck me as genuinely interested in trying to understand why people like us were so apoplectic,’ Senor says of their two-hour encounter. ‘He wanted to get educated about our problem with him. He wasn’t confrontational, and he wasn’t disagreeable. He didn’t seem cemented in his views. He was really in absorption mode.’"

This set far left extremist pacifist and publisher of AntiWar.com Justin Raimondo into a tizzy.

it was Rand who was "seeking out" the meeting, and he wanted it "secret." So he was slinking around drumming up support, like any ordinary run-of-the-mill politician – so what?

Sure, he’s a politician, and they all (with one exception, as far as I know) suck up to everyone and anyone, but these three – Kristol, Senor, and Donnelly – aren’t just anyone. They are the three most anti-libertarian figures on the American Right, with King Kristol being the godfather of the neocons...

what kind of family values is it when a Republican candidate has no compunctions about stabbing his own father in the back? Faced with the crew that relentlessly slandered Ron Paul at every opportunity, Rand, we are told, went into "absorption mode."

It was a personal and ideological betrayal on a scale that’s painful to contemplate...

Meanwhile, Brian Doherty, Senior Editor at Reason responded on Thursday to the piece, however, with a largely more balanced critique. Doherty did however, at times take Paul to task for his support of a strong national defense.

Unpromising indeed for those who love Rand’s dad Ron’s political bravery and sense on matters of foreign intervention. And I understand why that is infuriating to the extent that Rand is seen as some sort of gold standard for what “libertarian” or even “libertarian-leaning” is going to mean in American politics. But if you are just looking at him as a potential Senate candidate for the Republican Party, well, that means that maybe he’ll be just as bad as every single other one of them on foreign policy. Disappointing, yes, but not infuriating.”

This critique was not radically anti-War enough for the stridently leftwing San Francisco activist Raimondo. He whipped off a ranting piece, "Spinning the Rand Paul Disaster" attacking Doherty.

Raimondo may have given in to the temptation of ranting just a bit much, and may have hit the send button just a tad bit too soon. For his piece contained a couple gems for Raimondo critics.

In the follow-up piece he accused Paul of now being under the spell of Zionists as a result of his meeting with the two Jewish groups.

"plumbing for war with Iran on Israel’s behalf..."

And the finale, where he accuses Paul of giving in to racists.

[Paul] is a genuine embarrassment and openly panders to racist anti-Muslim hysteria.

Of course, calling Rand Paul a panderer to racists is an utterly ridiculous charge. Presumably, Raimondo is talking of opposition to the Ground Zero Mosque here. Thus, the 61% of Americans who oppose the building of the Mosque in his view, including Kentuckians who oppose it, are "racists."

The hit is so spectacularly absurd, that one has to wonder if Raimondo may indeed be secretly on the payroll for Rand Paul for Senate.

After all, being so viciously attacked by a leftwinger from San Francisco like Raimondo can only serve to help Paul in Lexington, Franfurt, Louisville and Paducah. For sure it will beef up his credentials with those pro-national security conservatives and pro-defense libertarians in and out of Kentucky, who have previously been rather cool to Paul's campaign.

Donate: RandPaul2010.com

Nevada race getting brutal: Fight breaks out in the crowd

From Cliff Thies:

Fight breaks out at Angle-Reid "debate"

Sharon Angle was there, and Hairy Reid transmitted his taped responses to questions, at a candidate forum in Las Vegas. Then, when Angle, going last, was giving her closing remarks, the Reid supporters started leaving the auditorium. Well, you don't really expect people who would use the government to steal from us and regulate our private behavior to be polite, would you? Then, a scuffle broke out.

Looks like I'm not the only one to notice the Angle-Reid race is a toss-up.

Note - Angle was also heckled severely at the event during Q&A.

Latest poll numbers (Memeo) have it all tied up 43 to 43.

Larry Elder returns to L.A. Radio

From Eric Dondero:

Larry Elder, hero to pro-defense libertarians nationwide, was unceremoniously canned from his longstanding radio host slot during the height of the 2008 presidential campaign by KABC. Many suspected politics at work at the time.

Now, KABC has decided to rehire him.

From About.com:

Long-time Los Angeles radio personality, Larry Elder, is returning to 790 KABC to do the 9 a.m. to noon shift. Elder has been gone from the station for almost two years. ocregister.com writes: "Elder, a libertarian known to KABC listeners as 'The Sage of South Central,' will talk about local and national issues."

A change in the political climate perhaps?

MINNESOTA: Emmer gains very slight edge in Gov's race

From Eric Dondero:

Libertarian-leaning Hockey Dad Tom Emmer has posted his first lead in the race for Minnesota Governor.

New from Rasmussen:

Republican Tom Emmer and Democrat Mark Dayton are virtually tied now in the race to be Minnesota’s next governor.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Minnesota Voters shows Emmer earning 42% support to Dayton’s 41% when leaners are included. Independence Party candidate Tom Horner is a distant third with nine percent (9%) of the vote. Six percent (6%) like some other candidate in the race, and two percent (2%) are undecided.

Emmer is backed by Sarah Palin. He is a Tea Partyer from the movement's founding. He's a staunch Constitiionalist, taking a fiercely states rights stance on implementation of ObamaCare and other mandated programs from the Feds.

Emmer's campaign manager Mark Buesgens is a self-described "libertarian." As a Republican state legislator he has been a staunch support of marijuana legalization. See our article from July 16, "Emmer's Campaign Manager "too libertarian" - He wants to Privatize State Parks, A Pot Legalizing Republican too"

Emmer's 18-year old son Tripp was recently arrested for underage drinking. See our article "Tom Emmer & Family libertarian on 21-Drinking Age?"

New all-time Low in approvals for Obama per CNN

From Eric Dondero:

You know it's bad when even the left-leaning networks are showing you way down.

Obama's brand new approval number according to CNN - 42%, "an all time low in CNN polling and 8 points lower than where Obama was only three weeks ago."

From CNN Political Ticker (Memeo):

The president's sagging poll numbers couldn't come at a worse time for congressional Democrats, themselves facing a nine-point deficit in the so-called "generic ballot" question heading into the midterm elections. In fact, the president's approval rating is the same as that of President Clinton's in 1994 – the midterm election year that saw Republicans wrest control of both the House and Senate.

Note - ironically Fox News has Obama at 42% in their latest poll released last week.

GOP Pledge to America firmly grounded in fiscal libertarian principles

Fits the priorities of the "Libertarian-leaning Tea Party"

CBS News highlights the GOP Pledge to America as emphasizing economic issues along the lines of the Tea Party, with little mention of a social conservative agenda.

From CBS Political Hotsheet, "Pledge to America: Are Social Conservatives Losing Their Voice in the GOP?" Sept. 24:

The document goes on to devote a small section to opposing using tax dollars to pay for abortion, an issue tied in large part to the health care overhaul legislation. But beyond that, there is almost nothing in the document - which comes in at 48 pages in its final version - that focuses on social issues.

Indeed, the Pledge is overwhelmingly focused on fiscal, national security and small government issues - chief among them cutting spending, repealing and replacing the health care bill, and lowering taxes. That fits with the priorities of the Libertarian-leaning Tea Party movement, which is largely (though not completely) pushing a vision for the country grounded in fiscal, not social, conservatism.

Continuing:

In fact, many of the leaders of the Tea Party movement - DeMint, Pence, Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann and Christine O'Donnell among them - are social conservatives. But their rhetoric suggests that, for the most part, they recognize that their supporters are energized by fiscal issues, not subjects like homosexuality and abortion. And the Pledge to America is another piece of evidence that -- at least for now -- social conservative concerns appear to have been relegated to the GOP's back burner.

Photo GOP House leadership, Rep. Marsha Blackburn - TN

Alaska's Joe Miller re-affirms support for Social Security choice

In an interview with the leftwing TPM radio, Alaska Republican Senate nominee Joe Miller expressed support for allowing greater individual choice on Social Security.

From TPM (via Memeo):

government is into something that it shouldn’t have gotten into. Now we’ve got a whole generation of people that are dependent on it, plus we have others that are getting ready to enter into the Social Security payment system, and they are, they simply don’t have time to transition out of it . [...]

He then suggested that handling of benefits in the interim may be best overseen by the states. Continuing:

Social Security should be transitioned into a program, there’s no question about it, that will allow either the states, or the private entities — whatever the dialogue, I think, results in — to provide payments to you. It is ultimately the government’s responsibility to follow the mandates of the Constitution.

The Libertarian Party platform position on Social Security (LP.org) is as follows:

Retirement planning is the responsibility of the individual, not the government. We favor replacing the current government-sponsored Social Security system with a private voluntary system. The proper source of help for the poor is the voluntary efforts of private groups and individuals.

Dem incumbent Rep. Patrick Murphy now way behind in suburban Philadelphia district

As the Philly Suburbs Go, so Goes the Nation

From Eric Dondero:

High drama. Very confrontational. Democrat Congressman refuses to meet with constituents in a town hall meeting back in May.

Murphy has since avoided any open town hall meetings, preferring to meet at pre-scheduled events with supporters.

Murphy was the first prominent Pennsylvania Democrat to endorse Obama in 2008. He has voted with Nancy Pelosi 97% of the time.

Now this from Alex Roarty, The Hotline:

Republican challenger Mike Fitzpatrick leads Rep. Patrick Murphy (D) by 14 points among likely voters in the 8th Congressional District, according to a Franklin & Marshall College poll released Thursday... Fitzpatrick leading Murphy by 10 points among registered voters, 46% to 36%. The split grows 4 points when only likely voters are considered, a sign that the enthusiasm gap between Republicans and Democrats is again a factor in the race as it is midterm election nationwide.

The numbers will likely send shivers down the spines of Democrats everywhere because many pundits have dubbed the 8th District race a national bellwether.

Note - Fitzpatrick comes in at about the 7 minute mark, humbly pleading with the Congressman to conduct a town hall.

Delaware Governor Jack Markell once attended a Wiccan gathering

Warlocks & Witches cool to O'Donnell

From Eric Dondero:

Delaware's current Governor is a Democrat. While running for Governor 4 years ago, he attended at least one meeting of a Delaware Pagan group. It was dubbed a "meet and greet" for dabblers in the occult.

From the Daily Beast "Witches Blast O'Donnell":

According to Ivo Dominguez Jr., the owner of what he calls a “metaphysical general store” in Dover, Delaware, O’Donnell’s dabbling with witchcraft is really just another window into her Christian beliefs.“There are probably more pagans in Delaware than Unitarians,” Dominguez said. Each year, the Delmarva Pagan Pride Festival draws several hundred Wiccans and other pagans to Dover from Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. “In past years, we have had politicians or parties show up at Pagan Pride Day with politicians wearing buttons and handing out stickers.”

“Our current governor came to a meet-and-greet that he knew ahead of time was going to be mostly Wiccan or pagan,” said Dominguez. Questions for Gov. Jack Markell, who was then a candidate in the Democratic primary, were mostly about the environment. “There were no questions about will you appoint an openly pagan blah blah blah,” said Dominguez. “At this moment of history, that’s not where our community is.”

Oddly, his visit with the group received little attention at the time.

Major pick-up in Texas for House seat on the way

Flores over Edwards by 19

From Eric Dondero:

We wrote here at LR back in May:

Chet Edwards has been a thorn in Republican's sides for decades. A liberal in moderate clothing Democrat in the heart of conservative Texas country, Edwards has managed to squeek by in reelection bid after reelection bid, against some well-funded and rather strong GOP contenders.

Now this, as reported by Roll Call:

A new OnMessage Inc. poll conducted for Republican Bill Flores’ campaign shows him ahead of Rep. Chet Edwards (D), 55 percent to 36 percent. The poll of 400 likely voters was taken Sept. 19-20 and had a margin of error of 4.9 points.

Another Democrat goner.

Republicans rally behind Senate nominees, from Delaware to Colorado to California to Alaska

New Ad by the NRSC

With appearances by libertarian-leaning GOP Senate nominees Rand Paul, Ken Buck, Marco Rubio, Pat Toomey, Sharron Angle, Joe Miller, and Christine O'Donnell.

And appearances by others libertarian Republicans are supporting, including: Carly Fiorna, Linda McMahon, Dino Rossi and Kelly Ayotte.

We can't stop Now! Donate: NRSC.org

HUGE SHOCK POLL!! Gillibrand up by only 1 point in New York over GOPer DioGuardi

45 to 44

From Eric Dondero:

Republican leaders were looking to the West Virginia Senate race between Republican John Raese, and Democrat John Manchin to be the magic number 51 to put them over the top for a majority. A poll out three days ago, showed Raese now ahead by 3 points.

But they may also look to New York. Or, perhaps the NY race could turn out to be magic number 52.

Little-known former two-term Congressman Joe DioGuardi is within 1 point of incumbent Democrat Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, according to SurveyUSA.

From the NY Daily News, (Memeo) this morning:

New York voters will, unusually, elect 2 United States Senators in 2010. In the Special Election to fill the final 2 years of Hillary Rodham Clinton's term, incumbent Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand and former Congressman Republican Joe DioGuardi today finish effectively even, Gillibrand's nominal 1-point lead being within the survey's theoretical margin of sampling error. Gillibrand leads in the 5 boroughs of NYC, trails elsewhere. Men vote Republican, women vote Democrat and, in this contest, cancel each other out. Lower-income voters break significantly Democrat. Middle-income and upper-income voters break slightly Republican.

Nerd Accountant and Proud Dad

Who is Joe DioGuardi? He likes to joke that his daughter is much more of a celebrity than he is, and she most certainly is. Kara DioGuardi is a former American Idol contestant.

DioGuardi himself fashions himself just a boring numbers cruncher CPA. He even authored a book "Unaccountable Congress: It Doesn’t Add Up." He was first elected to congress in 1985 and served two terms. Since then, he's been a tireless advocate of fiscal conservatism and tighter budgets for state and county governments.

A Second Ron Paul Republican in the Senate?

From his campaign website:

In 1990, the bill that I introduced as a junior member of Congress, the “Chief Financial Officer and Federal Reform Act,” to help bring fiscal sanity to the budget process in Washington, DC, was signed into law. Two years later, I wrote a book to warn the American people about the gross lack of fiscal responsibility, financial accountability, and transparency on Capitol Hill, even predicting the inevitable insolvency of America. Today it is absolutely clear that my grave concerns can no longer be ignored, as millions of Americans lose their jobs and their homes. I want to finish the job that I began in 1985 to insure that the United States is once again acting in a fiscally responsible way to protect our economic and national security.

DioGuardi is a big Tea Partyer. Ron Paul libertarians have been especially excited about his candidacy (Ron Paul Forums). He has favored auditing the Fed (Video).

On foreign policy, DioGuardi was opposed to the War in Iraq. However, he's also just as opposed to the Ground Zero Mosque. (See YouTube video).

Anti-Vietnamese remark by Dem Congresswoman gives Republicans an opening in Southern Cal

"The Vietnamese are trying to take this Seat"

From Eric Dondero:

Despite the massive Republican wave sweeping the Nation, there are very few prospects for GOP gains for the House in California. David Harmer is running a spirited campaign in northern California CD-11 and has a decent shot at knocking off incumbent Dem backbencher Jerry McNerny. The only other race with decent GOP prospects is in Orange County.

State Rep. Van Tran is running hard against outspoken liberal Democrat Rep. Lorreta Sanchez. District 47 includes northern Orange County: Santa Ana, Anaheim and Fullerton.

From the libertarian-leaning OC Register, Sept. 9:

State assemblyman Van Tran is the latest Republican to challenge Orange County's lone Democratic congressional representative, Loretta Sanchez. Ms. Sanchez has been elected to the House from central Orange County's 47th Congressional District seven times, but this year she faces her toughest Republican challenger since she unseated Congressman Bob Dornan in 1996.

Born in Saigon, South Vietnam, in 1964, Mr. Tran and his family were evacuated by U.S. forces shortly before the fall of South Vietnam in 1975. His childhood experience with oppressive regimes, he said, made him a conservative, and he is running for Congress to protect those values. "Having been a product of the Vietnam government, where the regime was dictatorial and oppressive, I understand the need for less government regulation," he said. "Encroachment of government on virtually every aspect of American life has inspired me to run for Congress."

One poll done in early September by American Action forum (via RCP) shows Tran and Sanchez neck and neck.

CA-47: Republican Van Tran trails Democratic incumbent Loretta Sanchez 45 percent to 43 percent.

But Sanchez may have just commited a major blunder. In a interview on Spanish TV caught on video, the Congresswoman states:

“The Vietnamese and the Republicans are, with an intensity, trying to take away this seat, this seat that we have done so much for our community, take away this seat from us and give it to this Van Tran, who’s very anti-immigrant and very anti-Latino.”

The comment has received a great amount of attention. And there has been no apology yet issued by the Sanchez campaign.

Tran is an enterpriser Jack Kemp-style conservative. As a young conservative Tran interned for both Republican Congressman Bob Dornan and Cong. Ed Royce.

From his campaign website:

Assemblyman Tran’s agenda includes balancing the budget deficit through spending restraint, eliminating waste in the bureaucracy, and improving our local roads.