mrnewman's Diary

2011 Candidate Interview: Ari Winokur (R-MD)

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 21:30:06 +0000

Ari Winokur is a young Republican in Baltimore City who decided to stand up and run for City Council. A citizen of the Fifth Councilmanic District, Winokur wants to “…bring greater sensibility and transparency to government…” according to his website. I contacted Winokur to ask him some questions about his stances on the issues and his campaign. What follows are his answers.

Matthew Newman: What made you decide to run for City Council?
Ari Winokur:Over the time I have lived in Baltimore, I have seen the city proceeding in a downward spiral. Unfortunately, in the past 10 years this city has lost 30,000 people. We need to reverse this downward trend. We need to turn this city around and make it appealing once more for people to come to visit and to stay. There are so many wonderful things this city has to offer. What is needed is a city that has a persona to match it’s potential. I believe I can help make that happen.

MRN: What part of your background makes you uniquely qualified to be a member of the City Council?
AW: I am an optimistic problem solver and see this city in need of just that attitude. Baltimore is a very unique city with it’s own unique style and a very special history. Though some people would look at Baltimore as a lost cause and past it’s prime, I see a brilliant future for this city. I have many ideas of how to bring this city back to its former glory, and I hope that the voters give me the opportunity bring these ideas to fruition.

MRN: What is the most important issue facing the City of Baltimore?
AW: Unfortunately, Baltimore is in a state of decline. It is hard to point to a specific issue that ranks as number one. In the 2010 gubernatorial election, there were 11 questions on the ballot for Baltimore City, all financial. Instead of constantly looking for ways to borrow money, this city needs to invest the money it has to grow revenues. Some things may have to be cut, but if money can be directed to programs that will increase people coming to Baltimore and staying, revenues increase and the city will have more money to do more.

MRN: If elected, what would be the first piece of legislation you would proposed before the City Council?
AW: The first piece of legislation I would propose would be a transparency bill. Transparency in government is absolutely essential. We need to set a limit over which any investment needs to be broken down online for easy viewing by anyone. Also, the legislation should require all expenses of all elected officials to be listed online as well, including their initial expense accounts. Any special events such as trips like that taken by the pension board should also be included for close review. Having all this information provided with easy access will help the residents of Baltimore City know what their government is doing and if it is in their best interest.

MRN: As a candidate in a heavily Democratic region, how do you feel Republicans can reach out to historically Democratic leaning voters in areas like Baltimore City?
AW: The voters in Baltimore do have a tendency to vote Democrat; however, the city is on a downward spiral. Perhaps it is time for a change. There is a basic question that needs to be asked here. Are we better off after years of Democratic control? I believe the answer is a resounding no. It is time for a change of leadership in this City.

MRN: What is your opinion on the redistricting processes in Baltimore City?
AW: Redistricting is an important part of maintaining our representative government. The most essential part of any redistricting process, is to keep neighborhoods and communities together. What I fear with any redistricting is the splitting of communities. Splitting the population evenly among the districts and keeping neighborhoods together is key. After that, I want to hear from people directly effected by the redistricting before I make any final decisions.

MRN: What is your opinion on Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s “Employ Baltimore Executive Order?”
AW: The Employ Baltimore Executive Order is well intentioned, but is not the right action. Forcing people to meet requirements does not work. This will only move less business into the city. We are in a competitive job market and businesses are failing or fleeing. Creating additional hurdles for business is the wrong idea for our city. What we need to do, is open things up. Give companies incentives to work in the city and with the city. These incentives will produce more work and more job opportunities in the city.

MRN: What are your thoughts on Mayor Rawlings-Blake’s Fiscal Year 2012 budget?
AW: Seeing that the Mayor worked to close the deficit by cutting spending is a wonderful thing. Cutting budgets is a wonderful way to fix deficit issues; however, what you cut from is just as important. A lot of money was cut from programs for children such as rec centers and after-school programs. Also money taken from basic city services like 311 and graffiti removal. We need to have a cleaned up city to attract more people. I refer you to my proposed legislation. If the voters could see where the money was going, more work would be done to fix the budget.

MRN: If the 2012 GOP primary were held today, what candidate would you vote for?
AW: The current GOP slate of candidates is crowded with many great individuals. Each candidate brings their own unique views and skills to the race. I have not made a decision yet on whom I support.

MRN: In closing, what is one thing you want potential voters to know about your campaign?
AW: The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. If we, as a people and as a city, cannot open our minds to opportunity and diversity then we will remain limited and subject to a one party, reduced opportunity reality. My campaign is about promoting Baltimore City and making it a better, more attractive place. Please take the time to visit my Facebook page and website to keep updated on my campaign. Vote for me on November 8.

I thank Mr. Winokour for his time. He is a very active candidate trying to make inroads in a difficult city for Republicans. I admire his enthusiasm as he traverses the City in an off-year election. If you would like to learn more about his campaign, check out his official website here or, if you’re on Twitter, follow him.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant

2012 Candidate Interview: Daniel Bongino (R-MD)

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:32:20 +0000

Saturday morning at 8:00 AM I received a call from 2012 US Senate candidate Daniel Bongino. Bongino is 37 year old Republican from Maryland who’s goal is to take on incumbent Ben Cardin in the general election. Bongino has an extensive background in law enforcement, serving four years in the New York City police department and twelve years in the Secret Service, serving under President’s Clinton, Bush, and Obama. Bongino left the Secret Service in early May. He has a Master’s degrees in Psychology and an MBA from Penn State University. Bongino and his wife have founded and run a number of successful small businesses. He was genuine, knowledgeable, and open to any question I was ready to throw his way. When asked about his platform, Bongino said, “I’m not just trying to tote the conservative line, [this is my platform] because these policies work.” I agree. What follows is the transcript of my interview with Bongino and some additional comments.

Matthew Newman: What grade would you give our incumbent Senator?
Daniel Bongino: An unequivocal F. Capital F. Failure in every regard – tax issues, education issues, second amendment issues, economic issues, and social issues. An F across the board. But, I give him an A for politics. In 44 years, he’s become quite the expert.

MN: As a first time candidate, how difficult do you feel it will be to compete in the primary or general election against more seasoned, political veterans?
DB: It is going to be difficult, no doubt about it. Maryland is not an enormous state, but it is difficult to traverse…our message is strong. I feel my message in the primary is the strongest. My ideas on education, health care, and the economy are strong and resonating. In 12 years of research on macroeconomic policy. You know what I found? You spend your money better than other people do. Not surprising.

MN: What characteristics you look for in a potential judicial nominee?
DB: Strict constitutionalist. We need people who read the Constitution for what it says. In my years in law enforcement, I never carried a gun when off-duty. It was a personal choice. I never felt the need to. The fact that this choice is not available to other people, although it clearly stated as such in the Second Amendment, I find offensive. The Constitution is the Constitution, not as its interpreted by a Supreme Court nominee.

MN: What is your opinion of Paul Ryan’s recent budget proposal?
DB: I like Paul Ryan a lot, met him a few times. The basic principles are correct. What he’s trying to do is connect the supplier to the consumer. The problem with costs in entitlements is that there is no connection between supplier and consumer. When you have a third party payer (the government) the user has no reason to monitor cost. On the other side, you have a provider who has no motivation to provide excellent service. They get paid either way. This fundamentally distorts the system.

I don’t agree with every single component, but I like the principles in Ryan’s plan. The way to reform entitlements is to connect the two [supplier and consumer]. Ryan wants to offer the Federal Employee Health Benefits – an excellent program. FEHB is better than Medicare. Medicare gives you insurance, but not health care. If your insurance is not accepted, which is where the program is going, it’s not really health care and our Seniors deserve better.

If a board, such as the proposed IPAB, decides that a procedure is not covered by Medicare, than that’s it your choice was made for you…We need to give people choices and make providers accountable.

At least we’re doing something. I’m not a hard liner on this, I’m open to new ideas. But this is better than the Democrat’s plan which is to do nothing.

[Bongino said that he's had advisers tell him to not speak about Medicare to Seniors. He found that preposterous and always does. The result? He said that he generally has had positive responses with many seniors saying that they had not heard it framed that way, and appreciated it.]

MN: What would be the first piece of legislation you would consider proposing, if elected?
DB: He [Cardin] voted down the DC Charter

Bongino for US Senate

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 01:38:46 +0000

It’s official – 36 year old former Secret Service Agent Daniel Bongino is running for US Senate in Maryland. Here’s where I posted his background. He’s got a fascinating background and I look forward to seeing what he has to say on the issues. Here’s his press announcement below the fold.

SEVERNA PARK, MARYLAND -Today, Daniel Bongino declared his candidacy for the United States Senate. Bongino, a Maryland resident since 2002, was formerly with the New York City Police Department and the United States Secret Service concluding with his assignment to the Baltimore Field Office.

“You can’t choose where you were born, but you can choose where you live and raise your family. And my wife and I chose to raise our family in Maryland. Since moving here in 2002, we fell in love with Maryland, our adopted home. Our neighbors have welcomed us with open arms. And it would be an honor to serve them in the United States Senate.”

After a distinguished sixteen year career in law enforcement, including four years with the New York City Police Department and twelve years with the Secret Service, Bongino says he felt compelled to leave the security of a promising career to enter the race because of political leaders making decisions which are making America a follower and not a leader in the global economy.

“In my career, I’ve seen the effects of failed policies on citizens in our inner cities. I’ve had the honor of traveling to 27 countries with the Secret Service. And the common theme in every country is a line around the block at the US Embassy. America is an extraordinary place. But our citizens must be given a chance to compete in the world economy. It is an ideas economy, and we know what works and what doesn’t. This is an ‘open-book’ test, but politicians insist on trying systems that either have already failed in other countries, or are in the process of failing. Whether we are talking about education, health care, social programs or tax structure, Americans are the most creative entrepreneurs in history. But they are being held back by our government.”

Bongino’s campaign will be chaired by Brian Murphy, former Republican candidate for governor of Maryland, who’s campaign garnered national media attention.

“I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Daniel over the past few years, and it’s an honor to support him. I’m looking forward to rallying Republicans, fiscally concerned Democrats and Independents behind this campaign,” said Murphy.

Bongino has both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology, as well as an MBA. He lives in Severna Park with his wife, Paula, and their daughter, Isabel. The couple is expecting their second child later this year. Paula Bongino is a first generation immigrant, and a small business owner.

Follow the campaign on Twitter@dbongino and Facebook and at www.Bongino.com.

Media inquiries please contact Karla Graham at (410) 924-4577 or via email at karla@Bongino.com

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant

2012 Candidate Interview: William Capps (R-MD)

Thu, 12 May 2011 01:02:31 +0000

William T. Capps, Jr is one of the candidates vying to take on Ben Cardin in the 2012 GOP primary. Capps is an Army veteran with no prior political experience except for a bid for State Senate in 2010. According to his biography, he’s been through quite a bit – at certain points making less than $14k a year. That said, he’s never asked for or taken a handout from the government. I contacted Capps and asked him a few questions about his views on the issues and his campaign. What follows are his answers.

Matthew R. Newman: What made you decide to consider a bid for US Senate?
William T. Capps, Jr: I’m tired of seeing Maryland families struggle for the necessities of every day life. Our culture is turning into one of entitlements instead of personal responsibility. I see the changes that are occurring everyday, and I cannot sit idly by and allow Maryland families to be pushed to the wayside. I have decided to run for US Senate in 2012 because our country is at a crossroads, and on the brink of economic and social collapse. We need to get back to citizen representation instead of career politicians and special interest groups.

MRN: What about you personally makes you uniquely qualified for this role?
WTC: Everyday, Maryland families are finding it harder and harder to balance their obligations. I understand those fears and frustrations. I have been through those same struggles, and I will always put Maryland families first.

MRN: How difficult do you feel it will be to compete in the primary against other higher profile candidates, such as 2010 candidate Eric Wargotz?
WTC: I feel that I am the only true candidate to be able to stand up and fight for Maryland families against Senator Ben Cardin, and I will not leave the fight early!!

MRN: What grade would you give our incumbent Senator and why?
WTC: I give Senator Cardin a “D” for delinquency in serving the state of Maryland and putting its families first.

MRN: If elected, what would be the first piece of legislation you would introduce?
WTC:Provide federal funding to institute E-verify nationwide.

MRN: The filibuster is sometimes a more controversial measure in the US
Senate. What is your opinion on this procedure?
WTC: The filibuster is a parliamentary tool that Senators have at their disposal to use against questionable legislation, and to allow more dialogue to take place. I would not hesitate to use this if need be.

MRN: What qualifications would you look for, for a potential Supreme Court nominee?
WTC: One who has a clear history of constitutional temperament and who does not legislate from the bench his or her political views.

MRN: What is your opinion of Paul Ryan’s recent budget proposal?
WTC: Unless we take our debt problem seriously now, we won’t have the time it will take to implement Chairman Ryan’s budget. That is why I support a constitutional amendment to balance the budget and would vote no on raising the debt ceiling.

MRN: Would you mind explaining to me what you feel are the three most important issues facing our country?
WTC: It is impossible to just pick three, so here are my concerns: The national debt, jobs, trade, China, and national security. All are interconnected, I cannot just pick three. To do so will not solve the issues we as a nation are facing.

MRN: What is your opinion on the Libyan situation?
WTC: We should not be the world’s police force without being compensated for it. I do not think we should have gone into Libya; they are not a national security threat.

MRN: If the 2012 Presidential primary were held today, who would you support and why?
WTC: I am undecided at this time. However, I can tell you this: I want a President that understands the serious problem we have with China. I want a President that has America first on his mind, and puts economic, energy, and national security issues at the top of his agenda. I want a President, as well as a Congress, that does not permit this country to have to depend on other nations to operate our government by way of loans. I want a President that will have the Federal Reserve audited so all Americans can see where these loans go so that we know what our liabilities are, should they not be paid. I want a President that will crack down on those who are unlawfully in our country.

MRN: In closing, what is one thing you want to ensure that potential primary voters know about your candidacy?
WTC: I want all Marylanders to know that I, William Capps, will always fight for and put our families first. My loyalty will be to all Maryland families, not a political party or process.

I thank Mr. Capps for his time and wish him luck in the primary. If you’d like to learn more, check out his official website here.

Cross-posted from Old Line Elephant

Baltimore County Redistricting: Predominantly Democratic Donors

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:40:57 +0000

The County Council has announced their redistricting team. One Republican on the list, Robert Latshaw. The rest? Well, let’s see.

We have Jim Gillis who is a former special assistant to outgoing Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith, a Democratic aide to a Democratic County Executive.

We have Dunbar Brooks, who donated $500 to Ruppersberger and $250 to Obama in 2008. According to the State Board of Elections, Dunbar has also donated to a number of Democratic / liberal causes in the past including $200 to a “Progressive Reform PAC” and $500 when former Teacher’s Union President Pat Foerster ran for public office. Here’s a screenshot from the MD Board of Election’s site of Brooks’ donations since 2002.

Next, we have Ed Crizer, who donated to a few candidates running for Congress in Maryland’s 2nd Congressional district in the past; both Democrats. He’s also donated quite a bit locally – with $800 to County Council member John Olszewski, Sr, who appointed him to the Board of Appeals in 2009; $340 to Olszewski, Jr, the County Counciman’s son and incumbent Delegate; $1,350 to Governor O’Malley; and $500 to incumbent, Democratic County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Here’s a screenshot from the MD Board of Election’s site of Crizer’s donations since 2002.

The final choice is Anne Neal, who’s an attorney and owner of the legal recruiting firm Neal Consulting. Neal’s a smaller donor, only approximately $270 in the 2010 election cycle to local Democratic causes. Other than that, she has had few other donations in the past.

What’s fairly clear about this is a few things. First – Olszewski clearly values loyalty in who he appoints to posts. Second – John Olszewski, Sr’s County Council seat is going nowhere. And third, Republicans may have a harder time in 2014 if the majority of Democratic connected personnel on this committee have their way.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant

No, NY-26 is Not NY-23

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:21:10 +0000

In 2009, a special election arose in New York’s 23rd Congressional District. Behind closed doors, the GOP decided to pick who they felt was the best candidate to face off in the general election, they picked a liberal Republican Assemblywoman with skeletons in her closet, Dede Scozzafava. The Conservative Party, annoyed that they picked one of the few people they would not be willing to endorse, stood proudly behind Doug Hoffman in that special election. Many other conservative organizations nationwide supported Hoffman and he rose in the polls. I did too. Scozzafava, proving everyone right about her, endorsed the Democrat who won the special election.

This year, Chris Lee in NY-26 resigned his seat in scandal. The Republican Party, trying to avoid the mistakes of NY-23, have picked a different candidate – they picked AssemblywomanJane Corwin. Who’s Jane Corwin? She’s a member of the NYS Assembly with high marks from business groups and the NRA. In 2010, she received some of the highest ratings from anyone in the New York State Assembly by the Conservative Party of New York. As a former small business owner, she understands the issues facing these companies and the problems with red tape in federal and state Government. Even Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long said that she’s the frontrunner for his party’s line.

So, what’s the problem? Some people have a problem with her stance on abortion, which isn’t 100% pro-life all the time. CPNYS Chair Long doesn’t have a problem with that, saying, “…[W]e’re not a single issue party.” David Bellavia is considering a run for this seat, trying to find a way to get himself on the ballot. I ask him to not do so. In the words of Eerie County CPNYS Chair Lorigo, “…[T]his is not the 23rd district. It’s not the Hoffman situation, we don’t have a liberal running. It doesn’t line up that way.”

Corwin is an acceptable candidate. She’s solid on fiscal issues, which are the most critical issues our nation are facing at this moment. Corwin will stand with the GOP. She’s an 84% conservative according to the CPNYS, which is FAR better than the 15% Scozzafava received in 2008, the year before running in NY-23. This is not NY-23. Bellavia is not a conservative hero if he runs in the Special Election, he’s going to hurt our chances of retaining that seat and is part of the problem. Corwin is not Scozzafava and Bellavia is not Hoffman. Corwin can win and is an excellent choice. Let’s get behind her.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant.

Local Politician Profile: JB Jennings (R-MD)

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:53:32 +0000

J.B. Jennings is a recently elected conservative Maryland State Senator. The former Delegate from the 7th Legislative District, Jennings stuck to his self-imposed term limits and decided not to run for reelection in 2010. Instead, he had the opportunity to run in the seat that became open when Andy Harris ran for Congress. Outside of his governmental experience, Jennings has a varied background ranging from his service as a volunteer fire fighter, helping fight wildfires in California to his experiences as President of the Mill of Hereford, Inc / as a dairy farmer. Jennings is also an Air National Guardsman and was recently called to duty for a federal training mission at Robbins Air Force Base in Georgia. As a Delegate, Jennings had not missed a single vote and while he recognizes that he will during active duty, Jennings said, “The timing isn‟t perfect But having to miss a portion of legislative session is no different for me than the sacrifices made by thousands of other Americans who are called to duty in the midst of their own busy family and work schedules.”

In 2010, I interviewed Jennings before the primary and he had a solid, conservative platform. Now that he’s been elected as a State Senator, I had a few new questions for State Senator Jennings. His answers are below:

Matthew R. Newman: How has the transition been from the House of Delegates to the State Senate?
J.B. Jennings: It’s been relatively painless. The subject matter is the same. It’s just been learning the different operating procedures between the two chambers has been the most diffiucult thing to learn.

MRN: What’s the most important part of your upcoming legislative agenda?
JBJ: Working to help balance the state budget. Our biggest obstacles are legislators who would rather increase taxes than cut programs.

MRN: What are your thoughts on the recent shakeup in the State Senate leadership?
JBJ: It was shocking that it took place. Dissapointed to see Sen Kittleman step down, but at this point, he did. It’s a done deal. We elected a new leader and I’m happy to serve with Sen Nancy Jacobs, leading the charge of the Rep party.

MRN: How will the Republican minority fight the Democratic majority’s agenda and prevent the state from falling further into debt?
JBJ: We’re going to talk common sense, to demonstrate how their ideas are going to be detrimental to businesses and the tax payers in this state.

MRN: What are your general thoughts on the Governor’s proposed budget?
JBJ: I’m glad that he sees that tough cuts need to be made. At this point, everything is on the table including education, which has previously been a sacred cow. We’re going to have to work hard to make sure that they stick to cuts and not just revert to raising taxes.

MRN: If the 2012 primaries for President were held today, who would you vote for the nomination?
JBJ: Chris Christie

I thank Senator Jennings and wish him luck in this legislative session. It’s going to be tough with such a small Republican minority in the State Senate, but if they stick to their principles they can keep on fighting to help fix Maryland.

Festivus 2010

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 23:34:16 +0000

This time every year, we gather around the metal pole and celebrate Festivus – the made up holiday from Seinfeld discussing our grievances. As is tradition – I will air mine. I’m disappointed in all of the following people.

Harry Reid / Nancy Pelosi – Despite leading their respective caucuses to historic loses in the House and Senate, the two of them acted as though the people hadn’t spoken and decided to use a lame duck session filled with people who lost reelection to force through legislation the American people did not ask for. The people have spoken, they didn’t listen. That is why they lost power this year. I’m disappointed that they did not hear the voice of the people. I’m disappointed that instead of trying to help remove the restrictions federally that are in place to our businesses, or focusing on how to rebuild our economy – they decided to focus on pet issues that the liberal base wanted to see completed – healthcare “reform,” Don’t Ask / Don’t Tell, immigration reform, food safety – issues that won’t bring a single job back to the US. Issues that were not pressing.Barack Obama – I wanted one thing out of an Obama Presidency – a non-divisive President. Apparently, he can’t even do that. He’s been as divisive as Bush before him, many Americans even would prefer we still had Bush as President. That’s bad, considering the approval ratings Bush had when he left office.

Joe Miller – I supported Miller in the primary against Murkowski. He ran a spirited campaign and came from behind to win. He had a solid, conservative platform and was the official Republican nominee in the general. He lost, which was disappointing, but he lost to a fellow Republican / incumbent US Senator. Once all the votes were tallied – he should have stepped aside and accepted the loss. This would have set him up to run against the Democratic incumbent in 2014. Instead, he’s been dragging the election on…and on…and on with legal issues. Miller is destroying any good will he may have still had among voters and ruining his chance to get into the US Senate. It’s incredibly disappointing because, despite all this, I still think he would have been a good US Senator.

Bob Ehrlich – I liked Bob Ehrlich. I voted for Bob Ehrlich and I don’t regret that vote. His run for Governor was viewed as the Republicans best chance of recapturing the Governor’s mansion. It wasn’t. He wasn’t great in the debates – the anger between the two Governors was obvious and was the headline instead of the issues. And he still owes each of us who actively supported him in the election a better explanation for the robo-call situation. We’ll probably never get one – and that’s disappointing.

Cam Cameron – Seriously – running Ray Rice every single opening play is full of epic failure. You need to learn how to mix up the plays better – or give up and let the Ravens hire someone better. Someone who will let Joe Flacco throw. Someone who will realize that the old, “hand Ray Rice the ball and pray it’ll work…” doesn’t work every single time. I’m disappointed.

NRSC / RNC – The RNC did not fully fund their traditional 72 hour program, which is disappointing and could have helped close candidates in close races such as in Nevada, Alaska, Colorado, and Washington. The NRSC continued to early endorse candidates pre-primary and failed to fully fund eventual winners. Ken Buck should have won in Colorado, Dino Rossi should have won in Washington, Miller should have won in Alaska. They didn’t. Instead of providing last minute funds to people within single digits…they donated last minute to candidates who lost by almost double digits in California. That was disappointing – that was poor strategy – that should not have happened.

The Writers of The Office – I was looking forward to this season of The Office. The problem? It’s been boring so far. Michael’s become awkward and a little creepy. Jim and Pam are no longer interesting. Angela and Dwight’s relationship went too far. The love triangle involving Andy Bernard, Erin, and the third uninteresting character from corporate is barely played up and, when it is, it’s uninteresting. Erin’s the only fun part of the show – she’s had the best lines this season and has been the only one who’s been consistently funny. That’s a shame, because there are a lot of funny actors / actresses on that show. Fix it in 2011, please.

Doug Hoffman – In 2009, Doug Hoffman was a conservative hero. With no primary and behind closed doors, the local GOP selected a candidate for a special election in a safe Republican seat who was a liberal. Hoffman said no and ran on the Conservative Party line. It was fine in the special election – it was, effectively, the equivalent to the primary since one did not take place. In 2010, he ran in the primary just as he wanted to have happen in 2009. He failed. Instead of dropping out post-primary to allow the Conservative Party to select the Republican nominee – he didn’t…until after the drop date, making it so that he remained on the ballot in the general. When the Republican lost by less than 1/3 the vote that Hoffman received on his 3rd party line that he wasn’t actually running on – it’s his fault that we lost that seat.

Martin O’Malley – You pretty much lied about Ehrlich’s record as Governor and never got called out on it. He also has put our debt in state while increasing our taxes, and already said tax increases are on the table for next year. O’Malley is a poor Governor and will be remembered as such. Period.

Now, on to the feat’s of strength! Happy Festivus.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant

Draft Suggestion: Ken Cuccinelli for VA-SEN

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:00:19 +0000

From the diaries by Erick

In 2012, the people of Virginia will have the opportunity to replace their sitting US Senator, Jim Webb. Webb is a Democrat who had served in the Reagan Administration as his Secretary of the Navy. He wasn’t in that role for less than a year. Because he refused to reduce the size of the Navy, so he resigned. In 1979, Webb had written an editorial about how women had no place in combat situations. This, unsurprisingly, offended some people. In 2012, the people of Virginia need someone to stare down Webb and recapture this US Senate seat. I think Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli could be that candidate.

Cuccinelli is a former State Senator, first elected in a special election in 2002. He was staunchly pro-life, supporting a number of pro-life related regulations. He pushed stricter immigration laws including allowing businesses to sue competitors using undocumented workers and pushed to change state law to establish that the inability to speak English in the workplace is cause for disqualification for unemployment benefits. He pushed for eminent domain reform and fought tax increases / former Governor Warner’s bloated budget. He’s an all around conservative that would make the grassroots very happy in Virginia.

Then…let’s add on his tenure as Attorney General. First, he joined in an amicus brief with a number of other states to help fight the federal government’s suit against Arizona. Second, he issued a legal opinion stating that police enforcement officials to investigate the immigration status of those they arrest. Third, he plans to file a suit against the federal government’s March 2010 new fuel efficiency standards. The fourth is the reason I like to call him my hero – his suit challenging Obamacare.

In the case of Commonwealth of Virginia, Ex Rel. Kenneth T. Cuccinelli, II v. Sebelius, Cuccinelli sued the federal government over the individual mandate part of Obamacare. You can read more details about the case here. The bottom line: Cuccinelli won and the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that the individual mandate is unconstitutional. While the courts did not block the implementation of the law while it works through the court system – this was a big step towards the dismantling of Obamacare. Cuccinelli helped lead the charge – and won the first skirmish of the overall battle against Obamacare. That has made him a grassroots conservative hero, that will provide him with some nationwide momentum going into 2012.

Webb voted for Obamacare – and Cuccinelli is the man who struck the first blow against the bill. Cuccinelli can challenge Webb on the constitutionality of the legislation and on the constitutionality of much of the federal legislation that comes through. He can challenge Webb on his misogynistic remarks from the past. He can challenge him with a perfectly conservative record on fiscal issues.

If you want to learn more, check out his official website here. I think he’d make a solid candidate – and hope we can convince him to run.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant

Draft Suggestion: Mark Schweiker for PA-SEN

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:24:11 +0000

In 2012, single term US Senator Bob Casey will be up for reelection. The pro-life Democrat who, after failing in a bid for Governor, decided to run for US Senate against Rick Santorum in a heavily Democratic year. Santorum was a controversial Republican who spouted out at the mouth specifically about social issues (ex. comparing homosexuality to beastiality) who running for reelection in a bad Republican year in a purple state. Santorum was doomed against a popular State Treasurer. In 2012, the stars may be aligned to take out Bob Casey, I suggest we try to draft Mark Schweiker.

Schweiker served as Bucks County Commissioner from 1988 to 1995 when he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. In 2001, when Governor Ridge resigned to become President Bush’s first Homeland Security Secretary, Schweiker stepped in as Governor. He championed some of the most sweeping tort reforms in state history, funded a new pre-school program, and personally oversaw the 77-hour rescue operation from the Quecreek Mine disaster. He dealt with budget shortfalls, helped rebuild the state police, and beefed up state security. That was in 2002, the full year he served as Governor.

Despite the fact that polling showed him defeating eventual nominee Ed Rendell handily, Schweiker decided not to run for a full term. Following his tenure as Governor, Schweiker worked in the private sector as CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce from 2003 until 2009. In 2009, Schweiker became the President of business process outsourcing of the Philadelphia area pharmaceutical manufacturer.

With nearly 10 years out of politics, Schweiker comes as a fresh face, but with a solid background / experience that is unquestioned. His heroic role in leading the rescue operation from the Quecreek Mine disaster is unforgettable to many in Pennsylvania. Schweiker could be a solid candidate and, with the right platform, could help take back this US Senate seat. Rumor has it that he’s already being approached about the seat – I hope he considers the race.

Cross-posted to Old Line Elephant