By Frances Rice
“Why Sarah Palin Quit: The Five Best Explanations” by Jay Newton-Small quotes Alaska state legislators who lay the blame at the door of the Democrats. Quoted is Alaska State Senator Gene Therriault, a Republican representing the town of North Pole who said: "We started seeing a proliferation of ethics complaints against her. It was an orchestrated effort to take her down”. That article can be found on the Internet at: http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1908800,00.html
Governor Sarah Palin’s surprising resignation announcement in the face of the horrific treatment she received from Democrats and their media allies struck within me a familiar cord. Although Palin’s abuse was mental harassment inflicted through public humiliation via spoken and written words and mounting debt from frivolous ethics charges, she was nonetheless effectively hounded out of public office. This brought to mind the sinister tactics used by Democrats against Republicans after the American Civil War that freed blacks from slavery.
Determined to keep blacks in virtual slavery after losing the Civil War, Democrats set about the task of ending Reconstruction and driving out of the South all Republicans, a result that kept blacks at the mercy of ruthless Democrats for over 100 years.
The facts about the horrors inflicted upon Republicans by Democrats are laid bare in the books “A Short History of Reconstruction” by Dr. Eric Foner and “Unfounded Loyalty” by Wayne Perryman.
The meticulous research by Foner and Perryman uncovered inhumanity by Democrats so startling as to seem surreal. Democrats, Perryman wrote, used every means possible to destroy Reconstruction including lynching, whippings, murder, intimidation, assassinations and mutilations.
Foner exposed how the Ku Klux Klan, that was founded in 1866 as a Tennessee social club and became the terrorist arm of the Democrat Party, spread into nearly every Southern state, launching a “reign of terror” against Republican leaders, black and white. The Klan lynched over 2,000 black Republicans and 1,000 white Republicans.
In a chilling passage Foner wrote: “Jack Dupree, a victim of a particularly brutal murder in Monroe County, Mississippi - assailants cut his throat and disemboweled him, all within sight of his wife, who had just given birth to twins - was ‘president of a republican club‘ and known as a man who ‘would speak his mind’” .
Sarah Palin is a woman who speaks her mind. She is a decent and honorable citizen who loves her family and country. Palin was subjected to a high-tech lynching by Democrats and their media minions because she had the audacity to be a Republican elected official and an apparent great political threat to the Democratic Party’s ruling elite.
For nearly a century, most blacks were aligned with the Republican Party and, thereby, posed a significant threat to the Democratic Party’s quest for power. Terror was used by Democrats for 100 years and monetary handouts for the past 50 years to mold blacks into reliable pawns in the Democratic Party’s political power game. It is ironic that the Democratic Party is now led by President Barack Obama, a black man who unabashedly helps Democrats keep blacks corralled on the Democratic Party’s economic plantation, voting mindlessly for any politician identified as a Democrat.
America, how did we come to the point where we are all held in the Democratic Party’s iron grip of fear of being destroyed personally, as was Sarah Palin, while the Democrats work feverishly to make us economic slaves?
A mock liberal rant, “I Still Hate You, Sarah Palin - The Republicans bring a knife to a gunfight, and lose again” by David Kahane presents a hysterical tirade against Palin by a fictional Democratic Party operative. A comparison of Kahane’s feigned scorn with the real hatred directed at Palin by Democrats shows that his article is close to reality. That article can be found on the Internet at: http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NDE3MmE5MDVmMGM1YjQ2NmVhMjJkN2I2ZTcxMzhlNjU=
The NBRA tribute to Sarah Palin made long before her resignation announcement can be viewed on the NBRA website at: http://www.trustedpartner.com/docs/library/000143/NBRA%20Tribute%20To%20Palin%20Newsletter.pdf
Frances Rice is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, a lawyer and chairman of the National Black Republican Association. She can be contacted at: www.NBRA.info
Showing posts with label governor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label governor. Show all posts
Thursday, July 9, 2009
My biggest beef with Governor Mark Sandord
Yes, I have serious problems with the fact that Governor Mark Sanford betrayed his marriage vows and the trust of those who elected him in South Carolina. If I wanted to get into those areas I could write volumes. He has a lot to answer for to his wife, children and everyone who respected him.
However, my biggest beef with Sanford is his stupidity, his lack of political savvy, his inability to see the big picture and the devastation his acts would cause.
What made this man think he could do what he did and be invisible? What inner weakness made him willing to toss away everything for a woman? Guess that one's an age-old question.
However, age old questions aside...
Anyone in the public eye these days should know that they can't get away with anything for long. If they haven't been caught or outed already, there's someone somewhere holding onto the juicy tidbit just waiting for the right moment to use the info. Whether they want to use the indiscretion to blackmail, coerce or destroy, there is a political opponent who's hanging onto the ticking time bomb with hand-rubbing glee.
Sanford of all people should have known that once he defied Obama his opponents would be coming after him... big time. He should have known they'd be watching him like a hawk, digging for dirt and trying to find his weaknesses. Unfortunately, that's politics. In fact, it's not just politics, it's business, it's life.
But for someone who's ratcheted up their visibility in the political arena to be so stupid as to think they could have an affair and NOT get caught is the ultimate idiocy.
Especially as a Republican, as a self-proclaimed Conservative.
Sure, we all make mistakes.
Sure, we all do silly things, sometimes stupid things, when we're in the throes of love or lust.
But you don't thrust yourself into the national arena, take a stand against whoever is in the highest office in the country and then expect to be invisible. It compounds the indiscretion, it magnifies the betrayal because you've thrust yourself into the spotlight and touted your values. You've asked to be a figure of trust for not only your family, fellow church members and local voters, but for your Party and the country as a whole.
What the heck did this man think when he decided to take off to another part of the world to be with a woman? with the "other" woman??? Never mind, I already know the answer to that one... we know he wasn't thinking about anything but his own self-gratification.
At a time when more than anything we need strong leaders with a strong core, Sanford let not just his wife and family down, he let his country down, he let every person who believed in what he was "selling" down.
The last thing Republican's need at this critical time in our country is to be opening doors for anyone to attack with credibility.
Look at Sarah Palin. She has done nothing wrong, she stands on principles, sticks to her core values, protects her family, fights the good fight and gets reviled. She should be an object lesson to anyone who puts themselves in the public eye. If you don't have to do anything other than breath to be attacked, you should definitely make sure you don't give your opponents anything REAL to use against you...
Sanford should have been intelligent enough to realize that those in the opposing political arena (even those in the same Party) look for weakness. They look for flaws. He had people gunning for him the moment he ran for office... more when his name came up as a potential Presidential candidate... and even more as soon as he said no to bailout monies...
Sanford's betrayal goes way beyond the devastation of his family life, his political career and the people of South Carolina. He gave the "other" side something to hang their attack hat on and hurt every Conservative who sticks to their guns, who's strong enough to stand on their values even when it costs them personally. He gave all of those who oppose Conservative values and principals mud to throw at ALL Conservatives.
We expect more of those we put into office. We know they're human, we know they make mistakes, but during these critical times when the Republican Party and Conservatives in all parties have enough to deal with, we need those in elected office to stand taller and to stand stronger.
Sanford deserves the censure of the South Carolina GOP. He deserves our censure. Asking for, and recieving, forgiveness doesn't mean there shouldn't be consequences.
However, my biggest beef with Sanford is his stupidity, his lack of political savvy, his inability to see the big picture and the devastation his acts would cause.
What made this man think he could do what he did and be invisible? What inner weakness made him willing to toss away everything for a woman? Guess that one's an age-old question
However, age old questions aside...
Anyone in the public eye these days should know that they can't get away with anything for long. If they haven't been caught or outed already, there's someone somewhere holding onto the juicy tidbit just waiting for the right moment to use the info. Whether they want to use the indiscretion to blackmail, coerce or destroy, there is a political opponent who's hanging onto the ticking time bomb with hand-rubbing glee.
Sanford of all people should have known that once he defied Obama his opponents would be coming after him... big time. He should have known they'd be watching him like a hawk, digging for dirt and trying to find his weaknesses. Unfortunately, that's politics. In fact, it's not just politics, it's business, it's life.
But for someone who's ratcheted up their visibility in the political arena to be so stupid as to think they could have an affair and NOT get caught is the ultimate idiocy.
Especially as a Republican, as a self-proclaimed Conservative.
Sure, we all make mistakes.
Sure, we all do silly things, sometimes stupid things, when we're in the throes of love or lust.
But you don't thrust yourself into the national arena, take a stand against whoever is in the highest office in the country and then expect to be invisible. It compounds the indiscretion, it magnifies the betrayal because you've thrust yourself into the spotlight and touted your values. You've asked to be a figure of trust for not only your family, fellow church members and local voters, but for your Party and the country as a whole.
What the heck did this man think when he decided to take off to another part of the world to be with a woman? with the "other" woman??? Never mind, I already know the answer to that one... we know he wasn't thinking about anything but his own self-gratification.
At a time when more than anything we need strong leaders with a strong core, Sanford let not just his wife and family down, he let his country down, he let every person who believed in what he was "selling" down.
The last thing Republican's need at this critical time in our country is to be opening doors for anyone to attack with credibility.
Look at Sarah Palin. She has done nothing wrong, she stands on principles, sticks to her core values, protects her family, fights the good fight and gets reviled. She should be an object lesson to anyone who puts themselves in the public eye. If you don't have to do anything other than breath to be attacked, you should definitely make sure you don't give your opponents anything REAL to use against you...
Sanford should have been intelligent enough to realize that those in the opposing political arena (even those in the same Party) look for weakness. They look for flaws. He had people gunning for him the moment he ran for office... more when his name came up as a potential Presidential candidate... and even more as soon as he said no to bailout monies...
Sanford's betrayal goes way beyond the devastation of his family life, his political career and the people of South Carolina. He gave the "other" side something to hang their attack hat on and hurt every Conservative who sticks to their guns, who's strong enough to stand on their values even when it costs them personally. He gave all of those who oppose Conservative values and principals mud to throw at ALL Conservatives.
We expect more of those we put into office. We know they're human, we know they make mistakes, but during these critical times when the Republican Party and Conservatives in all parties have enough to deal with, we need those in elected office to stand taller and to stand stronger.
Sanford deserves the censure of the South Carolina GOP. He deserves our censure. Asking for, and recieving, forgiveness doesn't mean there shouldn't be consequences.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
FRC: Urge "NO" Vote on Pro-Abortion Governor; Me: Magnify Your Efforts
The following is from the Family Research Council. You all know that Obama has filled his Cabinet with people with ethical challenges. They fly through without any major challenges. It seems that we are fighting against the wind as we write, call, fax our opposition to the many actions by Obama, Pelosi, Reid and friends.
I have a suggestion. Rather than JUST sending petitions to Washington D.C. and contacting our elected representatives, let's also contact every media outlet we can imagine. Not just this time, but every time you have a concern.
If you call your Senator, call the local news stations, too. If you write your Congressman, write every media outlet you can find (radio, television, newspaper, etc.). Duplicate everything you do ten-fold.
They're saying the opposition isn't there. They're ignoring our pleas for ethical representation. They're treating us like pesky flies that can be swatted away. Let's show them.
Magnify everything you do.
Get the addresses for every media outlet you can find and make sure you copy them when you send your letters. Get the email addresses of every national and local news outlet you can dig up and copy them on every email you send in protest.
Let's overwhelm them. Let's make it impossible for them to ignore us or swat us away.
Here's the email on Sebelius. We need to do everything possible to stop her from being confirmed. Time is short.
Time is running out to stop the confirmation of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to be President Obama's Secretary of Heath and Human Service. A floor vote in the U.S. Senate is imminent and your signature is urgently needed on our petition to block this nominee. Gov. Sebelius has compiled a record that is anti-woman and anti-life, yet President Obama has chosen her not only to lead the federal government's largest agency but to oversee a massive expansion of the government's role in health care.
Troubling news about Gov. Sebelius continues to pour in. Her close alliance with Kansas's abortion industry has been known, but the extent of her ties, as now revealed, suggest that she may owe her entire political career to the huge sums this industry spent on and gave to her campaigns for public office. In particular, the notorious George Tiller, who has established his Wichita, Kansas facility as a national hub for second- and third-trimester abortions, helped launch Gov. Sebelius by:
This record underscores how beholden Sebelius is to the ugliest business in America. It renders her unfit for any office, but particularly to lead the agency charged with protecting our families' health.
Please click here to watch the video I've made about the Tiller-Sebelius pipeline and to sign our petition to Senate leaders. We have no time to lose to prevent one of the worst Cabinet choices in U.S. history.
Thank you and God bless you.
Watch the video on the Tiller-Sebelius pipeline and sign our petition urging Senate leaders to reject the nomination of pro-abortion Gov. Sebelius.
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins
President
Family Research Council
801 G Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001
P: 202/393-2100 or 888/372-2284
W: frc.org
I have a suggestion. Rather than JUST sending petitions to Washington D.C. and contacting our elected representatives, let's also contact every media outlet we can imagine. Not just this time, but every time you have a concern.
If you call your Senator, call the local news stations, too. If you write your Congressman, write every media outlet you can find (radio, television, newspaper, etc.). Duplicate everything you do ten-fold.
They're saying the opposition isn't there. They're ignoring our pleas for ethical representation. They're treating us like pesky flies that can be swatted away. Let's show them.
Magnify everything you do.
Get the addresses for every media outlet you can find and make sure you copy them when you send your letters. Get the email addresses of every national and local news outlet you can dig up and copy them on every email you send in protest.
Let's overwhelm them. Let's make it impossible for them to ignore us or swat us away.
Here's the email on Sebelius. We need to do everything possible to stop her from being confirmed. Time is short.
Time is running out to stop the confirmation of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to be President Obama's Secretary of Heath and Human Service. A floor vote in the U.S. Senate is imminent and your signature is urgently needed on our petition to block this nominee. Gov. Sebelius has compiled a record that is anti-woman and anti-life, yet President Obama has chosen her not only to lead the federal government's largest agency but to oversee a massive expansion of the government's role in health care.
Troubling news about Gov. Sebelius continues to pour in. Her close alliance with Kansas's abortion industry has been known, but the extent of her ties, as now revealed, suggest that she may owe her entire political career to the huge sums this industry spent on and gave to her campaigns for public office. In particular, the notorious George Tiller, who has established his Wichita, Kansas facility as a national hub for second- and third-trimester abortions, helped launch Gov. Sebelius by:
Donation $200,000 in abortion proceeds to his own political action committee in Kansas in 2002, making it the largest PAC in the state and a primary supporter of Sebelius's.
Raising $70,000 from other Kansas abortionists for this fund to support Sebelius.
Donating more than $23,000 directly to Sebelius's own campaign committee, after which, as governor, she vetoed legislation that would have guaranteed minimum health standards to protect women in the state's abortion mills.
This record underscores how beholden Sebelius is to the ugliest business in America. It renders her unfit for any office, but particularly to lead the agency charged with protecting our families' health.
Please click here to watch the video I've made about the Tiller-Sebelius pipeline and to sign our petition to Senate leaders. We have no time to lose to prevent one of the worst Cabinet choices in U.S. history.
Thank you and God bless you.
Watch the video on the Tiller-Sebelius pipeline and sign our petition urging Senate leaders to reject the nomination of pro-abortion Gov. Sebelius.
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins
President
Family Research Council
801 G Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001
P: 202/393-2100 or 888/372-2284
W: frc.org
Friday, January 9, 2009
Will Sarah Palin run for Governor again?
After my last post rec'd this comment:
I thought it was a great question, approved it for posting, but wanted to answer here instead of stuck at the end of my last post.
There are a number of reasons I think she won't run for Governor again.
Now that she's "out there" in the national eye, I think it will be harder for her to convince Alaskans that she's NOT going to run for Prez. She'd have to run for Governor answering questions about whether she'll complete her term or take off after a year (or less) to campaign. I can't see her lying or giving the typical political waffling answer so many give when they plan to run in the middle of their current term if elected.
I don't think she can afford to take a chance on losing, or not coming in as strong as she has in the past, because part or all of her electorate believe she'll be running for prez.
She also has the liability of now being in the media's eye in a negative manner. They continue to go after her like she's a sitting terrorist or worse. It's unprecedented and completely off-balanced and biased. Some people are being brain washed, not just hear in the lower states, but up there in her state I'd imagine. Time will tell on that front. We're doing everything we can to combat the smears!
Another reason for not being a sitting Governor while running for President is that as we saw in this last election, it's becoming a much longer process. It's not impossible to run for President and still try to run a state, but it's not easy and a lot of constituents will not be happy.
I think it was easy for Alaskans to understand having their Governor be tapped out of the blue to be a Vice Presidential candidate. It's a different matter when she's planning a run for an office.
What's she going to be doing for two years?
She'll be making sure she's on the right shows, in the right places and preparing for the biggest and most important election of her life --- and ours! She'll be lining up the right people to help her win. She'll be testing people for loyalty, organizing, getting the grassroots movement networked and many, many other things.
She'll be working to win.
Just curious: if you don't think that Governor Palin is going to run for
re-election in 2010, what do you think that she will be doing in those two years
between when her term ends and 2012? I would think that she'd have a better
chance at getting elected as president if she was a sitting governor in her
second term. Also, why exactly don't you think that she will run for
re-election?
I thought it was a great question, approved it for posting, but wanted to answer here instead of stuck at the end of my last post
There are a number of reasons I think she won't run for Governor again.
Now that she's "out there" in the national eye, I think it will be harder for her to convince Alaskans that she's NOT going to run for Prez. She'd have to run for Governor answering questions about whether she'll complete her term or take off after a year (or less) to campaign. I can't see her lying or giving the typical political waffling answer so many give when they plan to run in the middle of their current term if elected.
I don't think she can afford to take a chance on losing, or not coming in as strong as she has in the past, because part or all of her electorate believe she'll be running for prez.
She also has the liability of now being in the media's eye in a negative manner. They continue to go after her like she's a sitting terrorist or worse. It's unprecedented and completely off-balanced and biased. Some people are being brain washed, not just hear in the lower states, but up there in her state I'd imagine. Time will tell on that front. We're doing everything we can to combat the smears!
Another reason for not being a sitting Governor while running for President is that as we saw in this last election, it's becoming a much longer process. It's not impossible to run for President and still try to run a state, but it's not easy and a lot of constituents will not be happy.
I think it was easy for Alaskans to understand having their Governor be tapped out of the blue to be a Vice Presidential candidate. It's a different matter when she's planning a run for an office.
What's she going to be doing for two years?
She'll be making sure she's on the right shows, in the right places and preparing for the biggest and most important election of her life --- and ours! She'll be lining up the right people to help her win. She'll be testing people for loyalty, organizing, getting the grassroots movement networked and many, many other things.
She'll be working to win.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Guess it's never too early?
I've run and worked on many campaigns in past years, been involved in politics for quite some time. I've never thought it was a good idea to publicly announce too early that your were running for a particular office. In the past, if you started a campaign two years out by the time the election rolled around a number of things had happened.
One, people were pretty tired of hearing the candidates name by the time the election cycle got heated up.
Two, the early start kept the election "out there" leading to more opponents cropping up than possibly would have happened if they'd waited.
Three, that candidate usually lost as they'd given their opponents plenty of time to research and come up with opposing views, and they'd given their opponents plenty of ammunition to shoot at them.
It usually worked better to prepare "behind the scenes". Candidates joined organizations, started making sure they were at the right place at the right time, they found good ways to get their names in the media, etc.
Timing may not be everything in an election, but it's important. Announce too soon and all of the aforementioned things might happen, too late and there's not enough time, etc., etc. You want to announce early enough to scare off any potential candidate who's on the fence about running (if you're a strong enough candidate).
There are so many ins and outs, rights and wrongs, involved in running a campaign it would make most crazy trying to keep up! I could go into more analysis and discuss this long enough to put you to bed early, primed for a long sleep, but I'm leading to a short news story I just read so will quit and post the article.
Sarah Palin already has an announced opponent on the Democratic side if she decides to run for Governor in Alaska again. I don't expect her to run again. I think she'll either run for President or she'll head to the Senate. In fact, because I believe she's going to run for President, part of what I'm doing in my "spare" time is trying to start now getting people on board to help her in the 2012 election.
So, knowing she's probably not going to run for Governor again anyway, here's the article from Anchorage Daily News (quite a lot of build up for this little ditty, wasn't it?):
First candidate begins campaign for governor
NAME RECOGNITION: He has almost none, so he's starting early.
By SEAN COCKERHAM
Published: January 7th, 2009 10:19 PM
Last Modified: January 7th, 2009 10:20 PM
Bob Poe says he is running for governor as a Democrat, and he's starting his campaign nearly two years before voters go to the polls.
http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/646183.html
One, people were pretty tired of hearing the candidates name by the time the election cycle got heated up.
Two, the early start kept the election "out there" leading to more opponents cropping up than possibly would have happened if they'd waited.
Three, that candidate usually lost as they'd given their opponents plenty of time to research and come up with opposing views, and they'd given their opponents plenty of ammunition to shoot at them.
It usually worked better to prepare "behind the scenes". Candidates joined organizations, started making sure they were at the right place at the right time, they found good ways to get their names in the media, etc.
Timing may not be everything in an election, but it's important. Announce too soon and all of the aforementioned things might happen, too late and there's not enough time, etc., etc. You want to announce early enough to scare off any potential candidate who's on the fence about running (if you're a strong enough candidate).
There are so many ins and outs, rights and wrongs, involved in running a campaign it would make most crazy trying to keep up! I could go into more analysis and discuss this long enough to put you to bed early, primed for a long sleep, but I'm leading to a short news story I just read so will quit and post the article
Sarah Palin already has an announced opponent on the Democratic side if she decides to run for Governor in Alaska again. I don't expect her to run again. I think she'll either run for President or she'll head to the Senate. In fact, because I believe she's going to run for President, part of what I'm doing in my "spare" time is trying to start now getting people on board to help her in the 2012 election.
So, knowing she's probably not going to run for Governor again anyway, here's the article from Anchorage Daily News (quite a lot of build up for this little ditty, wasn't it?):
First candidate begins campaign for governor
NAME RECOGNITION: He has almost none, so he's starting early.
By SEAN COCKERHAM
Published: January 7th, 2009 10:19 PM
Last Modified: January 7th, 2009 10:20 PM
Bob Poe says he is running for governor as a Democrat, and he's starting his campaign nearly two years before voters go to the polls.
http://www.adn.com/news/politics/story/646183.html
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Fed's Release re: Blagojevich Arrest, Federal Corruption Charges
ILLINOIS GOV. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH AND HIS CHIEF OF STAFF JOHN HARRIS
ARRESTED ON FEDERAL CORRUPTION CHARGES
Blagojevich and aide allegedly conspired to sell U.S. Senate
appointment, engaged in “pay-to-play” schemes and threatened to
withhold state assistance to Tribune Company for Wrigley Field to
induce purge of newspaper editorial writers
CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff,
John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption
charges alleging that they and others are engaging in ongoing
criminal activity: conspiring to obtain personal financial benefits
for Blagojevich by leveraging his sole authority to appoint a United
States Senator; threatening to withhold substantial state assistance
to the Tribune Company in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field
to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members
sharply critical of Blagojevich; and to obtain campaign contributions
in exchange for official actions – both historically and now in a
push before a new state ethics law takes effect January 1, 2009.
Blagojevich, 51, and Harris, 46, both of Chicago, were each charged
with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of
bribery. They were charged in a two-count criminal complaint that was
sworn out on Sunday and unsealed today following their arrests, which
occurred without incident, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United
States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D.
Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation. Both men were expected to appear later today
before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan in U.S. District Court in
Chicago.
A 76-page FBI affidavit alleges that Blagojevich was intercepted on
court-authorized wiretaps during the last month conspiring to sell or
trade Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack
Obama for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his
wife. At various times, in exchange for the Senate appointment,
Blagojevich discussed obtaining:
* A substantial salary for himself at a either a non-profit
foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions;
* Placing his wife on paid corporate boards where he speculated
she might garner as much as $150,000 a year;
* Promises of campaign funds – including cash up front; and
* A cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself.
Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor
that he might “get some (money) up front, maybe” from Senate
Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to
insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for
Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on
October 31, Blagojevich described an earlier approach by an associate
of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’
That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the
other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a
Senator.”
On November 7, Blagojevich said he needed to consider his family and
that he is “financially” hurting while talking on the phone about the
Senate seat with Harris and an advisor, the affidavit states. Harris
allegedly said that they were considering what would help the
“financial security” of the Blagojevich family and what will keep
Blagojevich “politically viable.” Blagojevich stated, “I want to make
money,” adding later that he is interested in making $250,000 to
$300,000 a year, the complaint alleges.
On November 10, in a lengthy telephone call with numerous advisors
that included discussion about Blagojevich obtaining a lucrative job
with a union-affiliated organization in exchange for appointing a
particular Senate Candidate whom he believed was favored by the
President-elect and which is described in more detail below,
Blagojevich and others discussed various ways Blagojevich could
“monetize” the relationships he has made as governor to make money
after leaving that office.
“The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering,”
Mr. Fitzgerald said. “They allege that Blagojevich put a ‘for sale’
sign on the naming of a United States Senator; involved himself
personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman
meeting his annual sales target; and corruptly used his office in an
effort to trample editorial voices of criticism. The citizens of
Illinois deserve public officials who act solely in the public’s
interest, without putting a price tag on government appointments,
contracts and decisions,” he added.
Mr. Grant said: “Many, including myself, thought that the recent
conviction of former governor would usher in a new era of honesty and
reform in Illinois politics. Clearly, the charges announced today
reveal that the office of the Governor has become nothing more than a
vehicle for self-enrichment, unrestricted by party affiliation and
taking Illinois politics to a new low.”
Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Grant thanked the Chicago offices of the
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S.
Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of
Inspector General for assisting in the ongoing investigation. The
probe is part of Operation Board Games, a five-year-old public
corruption investigation of pay-to-play schemes, including insider-
dealing, influence-peddling and kickbacks involving private interests
and public duties.
Federal agents today also executed search warrants at the offices of
Friends of Blagojevich located at 4147 North Ravenswood, Suite 300,
and at the Thompson Center office of Deputy Governor A.
Pay-to-Play Schemes
The charges include historical allegations that Blagojevich and
Harris schemed with others – including previously convicted
defendants Antoin Rezko, Stuart Levine, Ali Ata and others – since
becoming governor in 2002 to obtain and attempt to obtain financial
benefits for himself, his family and third parties, including his
campaign committee, Friends of Blagojevich, in exchange for
appointments to state boards and commissions, state employment, state
contracts and access to state funds. A portion of the affidavit
recounts the testimony of various witnesses at Rezko’s trial earlier
this year.
The charges focus, however, on events since October when the
Government obtained information that Blagojevich and Fundraiser A,
who is chairman of Friends of Blagojevich, were accelerating
Blagojevich’s allegedly corrupt fund-raising activities to accumulate
as much money as possible this year before a new state ethics law
would severely curtail Blagojevich’s ability to raise money from
individuals and entities that have existing contracts worth more than
$50,000 with the State of Illinois. Agents learned that Blagojevich
was seeking approximately $2.5 million in campaign contributions by
the end of the year, principally from or through individuals or
entities – many of which have received state contacts or appointments
– identified on a list maintained by Friends of Blagojevich, which
the FBI has obtained.
The affidavit details multiple incidents involving efforts by
Blagojevich to obtain campaign contributions in connection with
official actions as governor, including these three in early October:
* After an October 6 meeting with Harris and Individuals A and
B, during which Individual B sought state help with a business
venture, Blagojevich told Individual A to approach Individual B about
raising $100,000 for Friends of Blagojevich this year. Individual A
said he later learned that Blagojevich reached out directly to
Individual B to ask about holding a fund-raiser;
* Also on October 6, Blagojevich told Individual A that he
expected Highway Contractor 1 to raise $500,000 in contributions and
that he was willing to commit additional state money to a Tollway
project – beyond $1.8 billion that Blagojevich announced on October15
– but was waiting to see how much money the contractor raised for
Friends of Blagojevich; and
* On October 8, Blagojevich told Individual A that he wanted to
obtain a $50,000 contribution from Hospital Executive 1, the chief
executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which
had recently received a commitment of $8 million in state funds. When
the contribution was not forthcoming, Blagojevich discussed with
Deputy Governor A the feasibility of rescinding the funding.
On October 21, the Government obtained a court order authorizing the
interception of conversations in both a personal office and a
conference room used by Blagojevich at the offices of Friends of
Blagojevich. The FBI began intercepting conversations in those rooms
on the morning of October 22. A second court order was obtained last
month allowing those interceptions to continue. On October 29, a
court order was signed authorizing the interception of conversations
on a hardline telephone used by Blagojevich at his home. That wiretap
was extended for 30 days on November 26, according to the affidavit.
Another alleged example of a pay-to-play scheme was captured in
separate telephone conversations that Blagojevich had with Fundraiser
A on November 13 and Lobbyist 1 on December 3. Lobbyist 1 was
reporting to Blagojevich about his efforts to collect a contribution
from Contributor 1 and related that he “got in his face” to make it
clear to Contributor 1 that a commitment to make a campaign
contribution had to be done now, before there could be some
skittishness over the timing of the contribution and Blagojevich
signing a bill that would benefit Contributor 1. Blagojevich
commented to Lobbyist 1 “good” and “good job.” The bill in question,
which is awaiting Blagojevich ’s signature, is believed to be
legislation that directs a percentage of casino revenue to the horse
racing industry.
Sale of U.S. Senate Appointment
Regarding the Senate seat, the charges allege that Blagojevich,
Harris and others have engaged and are engaging in efforts to obtain
personal gain, including financial gain, to benefit Blagojevich and
his family through corruptly using Blagojevich’s sole authority to
appoint a successor to the unexpired term of the President-elect’s
former Senate seat, which he resigned effective November 16. The
affidavit details numerous conversations about the Senate seat
between November 3 and December 5. In these conversations,
Blagojevich repeatedly discussed the attributes of potential
candidates, including their abilities to benefit the people of
Illinois, and the financial and political benefits he and his wife
could receive if he appointed various of the possible candidates.
Throughout the intercepted conversations, Blagojevich also allegedly
spent significant time weighing the option of appointing himself to
the open Senate seat and expressed a variety of reasons for doing so,
including: frustration at being “stuck” as governor; a belief that he
will be able to obtain greater resources if he is indicted as a
sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor; a desire to remake
his image in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016;
avoiding impeachment by the Illinois legislature; making corporate
contacts that would be of value to him after leaving public office;
facilitating his wife’s employment as a lobbyist; and generating
speaking fees should he decide to leave public office.
In the earliest intercepted conversation about the Senate seat
described in the affidavit, Blagojevich told Deputy Governor A on
November 3 that if he is not going to get anything of value for the
open seat, then he will take it for himself: “if . . . they’re not
going to offer anything of any value, then I might just take it.”
Later that day, speaking to Advisor A, Blagojevich said: “I’m going
to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and
therefore I can drive a hard bargain.” He added later that the seat
“is a [expletive] valuable thing, you just don’t give it away for
nothing.”
Over the next couple of days – Election Day and the day after –
Blagojevich was captured discussing with Deputy Governor A whether he
could obtain a cabinet position, such as Secretary of Health and
Human Services or the Department of Energy or various
ambassadorships. In a conversation with Harris on November 4,
Blagojevich analogized his situation to that of a sports agent
shopping a potential free agent to the highest bidder. The day after
the election, Harris allegedly suggested to Blagojevich that the
President-elect could make him the head of a private foundation.
Later on November 5, Blagojevich said to Advisor A, “I’ve got this
thing and it’s [expletive] golden, and, uh, uh, I’m just not giving
it up for [expletive] nothing. I’m not gonna do it. And, and I can
always use it. I can parachute me there,” the affidavit states.
Two days later, in a three-way call with Harris and Advisor B, a
consultant in Washington, Blagojevich and the others allegedly
discussed the prospect of a three-way deal for the Senate appointment
involving an organization called “Change to Win,” which is affiliated
with various unions including the Service Employees International
Union (SEIU).
On November 10, Blagojevich, his wife, Harris, Governor General
Counsel, Advisor B and other Washington-based advisors participated
at different times in a two-hour phone call in which they allegedly
discussed, among other things, a deal involving the SEIU. Harris said
they could work out a deal with the union and the President-elect
where SEIU could help the President-elect with Blagojevich’s
appointment of Senate Candidate 1, while Blagojevich would obtain a
position as the National Director of the Change to Win campaign and
SEIU would get something favorable from the President-elect in the
future. Also during that call, Blagojevich agreed it was unlikely
that the President-elect would name him Secretary of Health and Human
Services or give him an ambassadorship because of all of the negative
publicity surrounding him.
In a conversation with Harris on November 11, the charges state,
Blagojevich said he knew that the President-elect wanted Senate
Candidate 1 for the open seat but “they’re not willing to give me
anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them.” Earlier in that
conversation, Blagojevich suggested starting a 501(c)(4) non-profit
organization, which he could head and engage in political activity
and lobbying. In that conversation with Harris and other discussions
with him and others over the next couple of days, Blagojevich
suggested by name several well-known, wealthy individuals who could
be prevailed upon to seed such an organization with $10-$15 million,
and suggesting that he could take the organization’s reins when he is
no longer governor, according to the affidavit.
On November 12, Blagojevich spoke with SEIU Official who was in
Washington. This conversation occurred about a week after Blagojevich
had met with SEIU Official to discuss the Senate seat, with the
understanding that the union official was an emissary to discuss
Senate Candidate 1's interest in the Senate seat. During the November
12 conversation, Blagojevich allegedly explained the non-profit
organization idea to SEIU Official and said that it could help Senate
Candidate 1. The union official agreed to “put that flag up and see
where it goes,” although the official also had said he wasn’t certain
if Senate Candidate 1 wanted the official to keep pushing her
candidacy. Senate Candidate 1 eventually removed herself from
consideration for the open seat.
Also on November 12, in a conversation with Harris, the complaint
affidavit states, Blagojevich said his decision about the open Senate
seat will be based on three criteria in the following order of
importance: “our legal situation, our personal situation, my
political situation. This decision, like every other one, needs to be
based upon that. Legal. Personal. Political.” Harris said: “legal is
the hardest one to satisfy.” Blagojevich said that his legal problems
could be solved by naming himself to the Senate seat.
As recently as December 4, in separate conversations with Advisor B
and Fundraiser A, Blagojevich said that he was “elevating” Senate
Candidate 5 on the list of candidates because, among other reasons,
if Blagojevich ran for re-election, Senate Candidate 5 would “raise
[] money” for him. Blagojevich said that he might be able to cut a
deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided Blagojevich with something
“tangible up front.” Noting that he was going to meet with Senate
Candidate 5 in the next few days, Blagojevich told Fundraiser A to
reach out to an intermediary (Individual D), from whom Blagojevich is
attempting to obtain campaign contributions and who Blagojevich
believes is close to Senate Candidate 5. Blagojevich told Fundraiser
A to tell Individual D that Senate Candidate 5 was a very realistic
candidate but Blagojevich was getting a lot of pressure not to
appoint Senate Candidate 5, according to the affidavit.
Blagojevich allegedly told Fundraiser A to tell Individual D that if
Senate Candidate 5 is going to be chosen, “some of this stuff’s gotta
start happening now . . . right now . . . and we gotta see it.”
Blagojevich continued, “You gotta be careful how you express that and
assume everybody’s listening, the whole world is listening. You hear
me?” Blagojevich further directed Fundraiser A to talk to Individual
D in person, not by phone, and to communicate the “urgency” of the
situation.
Blagojevich spoke to Fundraiser A again the next day, December 5, and
discussed that day’s Chicago Tribune front page article stating that
Blagojevich had recently been surreptitiously recorded as part of the
ongoing criminal investigation. Blagojevich instructed Fundraiser A
to “undo your [Individual D] thing,” and Fundraiser A confirmed it
would be undone, the complaint alleges.
Also on December 5, Blagojevich and three others allegedly discussed
whether to move money out of the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund
to avoid having the money frozen by federal authorities and also
considered the possibility of prepaying the money to Blagojevich’s
criminal defense attorney with an understanding that the attorney
would donate the money back at a later time if it was not needed.
They also discussed opening a new fund raising account named Citizens
for Blagojevich with new contributions.
Misuse of State Funding To Induce Firing of Chicago Tribune Editorial
Writers
According to the affidavit, intercepted phone calls revealed that the
Tribune Company, which owns the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Cubs,
has explored the possibility of obtaining assistance from the
Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) relating to the Tribune Company’s
efforts to sell the Cubs and the financing or sale of Wrigley Field.
In a November 6 phone call, Harris explained to Blagojevich that the
deal the Tribune Company was trying to get through the IFA was
basically a tax mitigation scheme in which the IFA would own title to
Wrigley Field and the Tribune would not have to pay capital gains
tax, which Harris estimated would save the company approximately $100
million.
Intercepted calls allegedly show that Blagojevich directed Harris to
inform Tribune Owner and an associate, identified as Tribune
Financial Advisor, that state financial assistance would be withheld
unless members of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board were fired,
primarily because Blagojevich viewed them as driving discussion of
his possible impeachment. In a November 4 phone call, Blagojevich
allegedly told Harris that he should say to Tribune Financial
Advisor, Cubs Chairman and Tribune Owner, “our recommendation is fire
all those [expletive] people, get ‘em the [expletive] out of there
and get us some editorial support.”
On November 6, the day of a Tribune editorial critical of
Blagojevich, Harris told Blagojevich that he told Tribune Financial
Advisor the previous day that things “look like they could move ahead
fine but, you know, there is a risk that all of this is going to get
derailed by your own editorial page.” Harris also told Blagojevich
that he was meeting with Tribune Financial Advisor on November 10.
In a November 11 intercepted call, Harris allegedly told Blagojevich
that Tribune Financial Advisor talked to Tribune Owner and Tribune
Owner “got the message and is very sensitive to the issue.” Harris
told Blagojevich that according to Tribune Financial Advisor, there
would be “certain corporate reorganizations and budget cuts coming
and, reading between the lines, he’s going after that section.”
Blagojevich allegedly responded. “Oh. That’s fantastic.” After
further discussion, Blagojevich said, “Wow. Okay, keep our fingers
crossed. You’re the man. Good job, John.”
In a further conversation on November 21, Harris told Blagojevich
that he had singled out to Tribune Financial Advisor the Tribune’s
deputy editorial page editor, John McCormick, “as somebody who was
the most biased and unfair.” After hearing that Tribune Financial
Advisor had assured Harris that the Tribune would be making changes
affecting the editorial board, Blagojevich allegedly had a series of
conversations with Chicago Cubs representatives regarding efforts to
provide state financing for Wrigley Field. On November 30,
Blagojevich spoke with the president of a Chicago-area sports
consulting firm, who indicated that he was working with the Cubs on
matters involving Wrigley Field. Blagojevich and Sports Consultant
discussed the importance of getting the IFA transaction approved at
the agency’s December or January meeting because Blagojevich was
contemplating leaving office in early January and his IFA appointees
would still be in place to approve the deal, the charges allege.
The Government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reid
Schar, Carrie Hamilton, and Christopher Niewoehner.
If convicted, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a
maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while solicitation of bribery
carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, and each count carries a
maximum fine of $250,000. The Court, however, would determine the
appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States
Sentencing Guidelines.
The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is
not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are
entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of
proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.=
ARRESTED ON FEDERAL CORRUPTION CHARGES
Blagojevich and aide allegedly conspired to sell U.S. Senate
appointment, engaged in “pay-to-play” schemes and threatened to
withhold state assistance to Tribune Company for Wrigley Field to
induce purge of newspaper editorial writers
CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff,
John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents on federal corruption
charges alleging that they and others are engaging in ongoing
criminal activity: conspiring to obtain personal financial benefits
for Blagojevich by leveraging his sole authority to appoint a United
States Senator; threatening to withhold substantial state assistance
to the Tribune Company in connection with the sale of Wrigley Field
to induce the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members
sharply critical of Blagojevich; and to obtain campaign contributions
in exchange for official actions – both historically and now in a
push before a new state ethics law takes effect January 1, 2009.
Blagojevich, 51, and Harris, 46, both of Chicago, were each charged
with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of
bribery. They were charged in a two-count criminal complaint that was
sworn out on Sunday and unsealed today following their arrests, which
occurred without incident, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United
States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D.
Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation. Both men were expected to appear later today
before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan in U.S. District Court in
Chicago.
A 76-page FBI affidavit alleges that Blagojevich was intercepted on
court-authorized wiretaps during the last month conspiring to sell or
trade Illinois’ U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack
Obama for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his
wife. At various times, in exchange for the Senate appointment,
Blagojevich discussed obtaining:
* A substantial salary for himself at a either a non-profit
foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions;
* Placing his wife on paid corporate boards where he speculated
she might garner as much as $150,000 a year;
* Promises of campaign funds – including cash up front; and
* A cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself.
Just last week, on December 4, Blagojevich allegedly told an advisor
that he might “get some (money) up front, maybe” from Senate
Candidate 5, if he named Senate Candidate 5 to the Senate seat, to
insure that Senate Candidate 5 kept a promise about raising money for
Blagojevich if he ran for re-election. In a recorded conversation on
October 31, Blagojevich described an earlier approach by an associate
of Senate Candidate 5 as follows: “We were approached ‘pay to play.’
That, you know, he’d raise 500 grand. An emissary came. Then the
other guy would raise a million, if I made him (Senate Candidate 5) a
Senator.”
On November 7, Blagojevich said he needed to consider his family and
that he is “financially” hurting while talking on the phone about the
Senate seat with Harris and an advisor, the affidavit states. Harris
allegedly said that they were considering what would help the
“financial security” of the Blagojevich family and what will keep
Blagojevich “politically viable.” Blagojevich stated, “I want to make
money,” adding later that he is interested in making $250,000 to
$300,000 a year, the complaint alleges.
On November 10, in a lengthy telephone call with numerous advisors
that included discussion about Blagojevich obtaining a lucrative job
with a union-affiliated organization in exchange for appointing a
particular Senate Candidate whom he believed was favored by the
President-elect and which is described in more detail below,
Blagojevich and others discussed various ways Blagojevich could
“monetize” the relationships he has made as governor to make money
after leaving that office.
“The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering,”
Mr. Fitzgerald said. “They allege that Blagojevich put a ‘for sale’
sign on the naming of a United States Senator; involved himself
personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman
meeting his annual sales target; and corruptly used his office in an
effort to trample editorial voices of criticism. The citizens of
Illinois deserve public officials who act solely in the public’s
interest, without putting a price tag on government appointments,
contracts and decisions,” he added.
Mr. Grant said: “Many, including myself, thought that the recent
conviction of former governor would usher in a new era of honesty and
reform in Illinois politics. Clearly, the charges announced today
reveal that the office of the Governor has become nothing more than a
vehicle for self-enrichment, unrestricted by party affiliation and
taking Illinois politics to a new low.”
Mr. Fitzgerald and Mr. Grant thanked the Chicago offices of the
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S.
Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of
Inspector General for assisting in the ongoing investigation. The
probe is part of Operation Board Games, a five-year-old public
corruption investigation of pay-to-play schemes, including insider-
dealing, influence-peddling and kickbacks involving private interests
and public duties.
Federal agents today also executed search warrants at the offices of
Friends of Blagojevich located at 4147 North Ravenswood, Suite 300,
and at the Thompson Center office of Deputy Governor A.
Pay-to-Play Schemes
The charges include historical allegations that Blagojevich and
Harris schemed with others – including previously convicted
defendants Antoin Rezko, Stuart Levine, Ali Ata and others – since
becoming governor in 2002 to obtain and attempt to obtain financial
benefits for himself, his family and third parties, including his
campaign committee, Friends of Blagojevich, in exchange for
appointments to state boards and commissions, state employment, state
contracts and access to state funds. A portion of the affidavit
recounts the testimony of various witnesses at Rezko’s trial earlier
this year.
The charges focus, however, on events since October when the
Government obtained information that Blagojevich and Fundraiser A,
who is chairman of Friends of Blagojevich, were accelerating
Blagojevich’s allegedly corrupt fund-raising activities to accumulate
as much money as possible this year before a new state ethics law
would severely curtail Blagojevich’s ability to raise money from
individuals and entities that have existing contracts worth more than
$50,000 with the State of Illinois. Agents learned that Blagojevich
was seeking approximately $2.5 million in campaign contributions by
the end of the year, principally from or through individuals or
entities – many of which have received state contacts or appointments
– identified on a list maintained by Friends of Blagojevich, which
the FBI has obtained.
The affidavit details multiple incidents involving efforts by
Blagojevich to obtain campaign contributions in connection with
official actions as governor, including these three in early October:
* After an October 6 meeting with Harris and Individuals A and
B, during which Individual B sought state help with a business
venture, Blagojevich told Individual A to approach Individual B about
raising $100,000 for Friends of Blagojevich this year. Individual A
said he later learned that Blagojevich reached out directly to
Individual B to ask about holding a fund-raiser;
* Also on October 6, Blagojevich told Individual A that he
expected Highway Contractor 1 to raise $500,000 in contributions and
that he was willing to commit additional state money to a Tollway
project – beyond $1.8 billion that Blagojevich announced on October15
– but was waiting to see how much money the contractor raised for
Friends of Blagojevich; and
* On October 8, Blagojevich told Individual A that he wanted to
obtain a $50,000 contribution from Hospital Executive 1, the chief
executive officer of Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, which
had recently received a commitment of $8 million in state funds. When
the contribution was not forthcoming, Blagojevich discussed with
Deputy Governor A the feasibility of rescinding the funding.
On October 21, the Government obtained a court order authorizing the
interception of conversations in both a personal office and a
conference room used by Blagojevich at the offices of Friends of
Blagojevich. The FBI began intercepting conversations in those rooms
on the morning of October 22. A second court order was obtained last
month allowing those interceptions to continue. On October 29, a
court order was signed authorizing the interception of conversations
on a hardline telephone used by Blagojevich at his home. That wiretap
was extended for 30 days on November 26, according to the affidavit.
Another alleged example of a pay-to-play scheme was captured in
separate telephone conversations that Blagojevich had with Fundraiser
A on November 13 and Lobbyist 1 on December 3. Lobbyist 1 was
reporting to Blagojevich about his efforts to collect a contribution
from Contributor 1 and related that he “got in his face” to make it
clear to Contributor 1 that a commitment to make a campaign
contribution had to be done now, before there could be some
skittishness over the timing of the contribution and Blagojevich
signing a bill that would benefit Contributor 1. Blagojevich
commented to Lobbyist 1 “good” and “good job.” The bill in question,
which is awaiting Blagojevich ’s signature, is believed to be
legislation that directs a percentage of casino revenue to the horse
racing industry.
Sale of U.S. Senate Appointment
Regarding the Senate seat, the charges allege that Blagojevich,
Harris and others have engaged and are engaging in efforts to obtain
personal gain, including financial gain, to benefit Blagojevich and
his family through corruptly using Blagojevich’s sole authority to
appoint a successor to the unexpired term of the President-elect’s
former Senate seat, which he resigned effective November 16. The
affidavit details numerous conversations about the Senate seat
between November 3 and December 5. In these conversations,
Blagojevich repeatedly discussed the attributes of potential
candidates, including their abilities to benefit the people of
Illinois, and the financial and political benefits he and his wife
could receive if he appointed various of the possible candidates.
Throughout the intercepted conversations, Blagojevich also allegedly
spent significant time weighing the option of appointing himself to
the open Senate seat and expressed a variety of reasons for doing so,
including: frustration at being “stuck” as governor; a belief that he
will be able to obtain greater resources if he is indicted as a
sitting Senator as opposed to a sitting governor; a desire to remake
his image in consideration of a possible run for President in 2016;
avoiding impeachment by the Illinois legislature; making corporate
contacts that would be of value to him after leaving public office;
facilitating his wife’s employment as a lobbyist; and generating
speaking fees should he decide to leave public office.
In the earliest intercepted conversation about the Senate seat
described in the affidavit, Blagojevich told Deputy Governor A on
November 3 that if he is not going to get anything of value for the
open seat, then he will take it for himself: “if . . . they’re not
going to offer anything of any value, then I might just take it.”
Later that day, speaking to Advisor A, Blagojevich said: “I’m going
to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and
therefore I can drive a hard bargain.” He added later that the seat
“is a [expletive] valuable thing, you just don’t give it away for
nothing.”
Over the next couple of days – Election Day and the day after –
Blagojevich was captured discussing with Deputy Governor A whether he
could obtain a cabinet position, such as Secretary of Health and
Human Services or the Department of Energy or various
ambassadorships. In a conversation with Harris on November 4,
Blagojevich analogized his situation to that of a sports agent
shopping a potential free agent to the highest bidder. The day after
the election, Harris allegedly suggested to Blagojevich that the
President-elect could make him the head of a private foundation.
Later on November 5, Blagojevich said to Advisor A, “I’ve got this
thing and it’s [expletive] golden, and, uh, uh, I’m just not giving
it up for [expletive] nothing. I’m not gonna do it. And, and I can
always use it. I can parachute me there,” the affidavit states.
Two days later, in a three-way call with Harris and Advisor B, a
consultant in Washington, Blagojevich and the others allegedly
discussed the prospect of a three-way deal for the Senate appointment
involving an organization called “Change to Win,” which is affiliated
with various unions including the Service Employees International
Union (SEIU).
On November 10, Blagojevich, his wife, Harris, Governor General
Counsel, Advisor B and other Washington-based advisors participated
at different times in a two-hour phone call in which they allegedly
discussed, among other things, a deal involving the SEIU. Harris said
they could work out a deal with the union and the President-elect
where SEIU could help the President-elect with Blagojevich’s
appointment of Senate Candidate 1, while Blagojevich would obtain a
position as the National Director of the Change to Win campaign and
SEIU would get something favorable from the President-elect in the
future. Also during that call, Blagojevich agreed it was unlikely
that the President-elect would name him Secretary of Health and Human
Services or give him an ambassadorship because of all of the negative
publicity surrounding him.
In a conversation with Harris on November 11, the charges state,
Blagojevich said he knew that the President-elect wanted Senate
Candidate 1 for the open seat but “they’re not willing to give me
anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them.” Earlier in that
conversation, Blagojevich suggested starting a 501(c)(4) non-profit
organization, which he could head and engage in political activity
and lobbying. In that conversation with Harris and other discussions
with him and others over the next couple of days, Blagojevich
suggested by name several well-known, wealthy individuals who could
be prevailed upon to seed such an organization with $10-$15 million,
and suggesting that he could take the organization’s reins when he is
no longer governor, according to the affidavit.
On November 12, Blagojevich spoke with SEIU Official who was in
Washington. This conversation occurred about a week after Blagojevich
had met with SEIU Official to discuss the Senate seat, with the
understanding that the union official was an emissary to discuss
Senate Candidate 1's interest in the Senate seat. During the November
12 conversation, Blagojevich allegedly explained the non-profit
organization idea to SEIU Official and said that it could help Senate
Candidate 1. The union official agreed to “put that flag up and see
where it goes,” although the official also had said he wasn’t certain
if Senate Candidate 1 wanted the official to keep pushing her
candidacy. Senate Candidate 1 eventually removed herself from
consideration for the open seat.
Also on November 12, in a conversation with Harris, the complaint
affidavit states, Blagojevich said his decision about the open Senate
seat will be based on three criteria in the following order of
importance: “our legal situation, our personal situation, my
political situation. This decision, like every other one, needs to be
based upon that. Legal. Personal. Political.” Harris said: “legal is
the hardest one to satisfy.” Blagojevich said that his legal problems
could be solved by naming himself to the Senate seat.
As recently as December 4, in separate conversations with Advisor B
and Fundraiser A, Blagojevich said that he was “elevating” Senate
Candidate 5 on the list of candidates because, among other reasons,
if Blagojevich ran for re-election, Senate Candidate 5 would “raise
[] money” for him. Blagojevich said that he might be able to cut a
deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided Blagojevich with something
“tangible up front.” Noting that he was going to meet with Senate
Candidate 5 in the next few days, Blagojevich told Fundraiser A to
reach out to an intermediary (Individual D), from whom Blagojevich is
attempting to obtain campaign contributions and who Blagojevich
believes is close to Senate Candidate 5. Blagojevich told Fundraiser
A to tell Individual D that Senate Candidate 5 was a very realistic
candidate but Blagojevich was getting a lot of pressure not to
appoint Senate Candidate 5, according to the affidavit.
Blagojevich allegedly told Fundraiser A to tell Individual D that if
Senate Candidate 5 is going to be chosen, “some of this stuff’s gotta
start happening now . . . right now . . . and we gotta see it.”
Blagojevich continued, “You gotta be careful how you express that and
assume everybody’s listening, the whole world is listening. You hear
me?” Blagojevich further directed Fundraiser A to talk to Individual
D in person, not by phone, and to communicate the “urgency” of the
situation.
Blagojevich spoke to Fundraiser A again the next day, December 5, and
discussed that day’s Chicago Tribune front page article stating that
Blagojevich had recently been surreptitiously recorded as part of the
ongoing criminal investigation. Blagojevich instructed Fundraiser A
to “undo your [Individual D] thing,” and Fundraiser A confirmed it
would be undone, the complaint alleges.
Also on December 5, Blagojevich and three others allegedly discussed
whether to move money out of the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund
to avoid having the money frozen by federal authorities and also
considered the possibility of prepaying the money to Blagojevich’s
criminal defense attorney with an understanding that the attorney
would donate the money back at a later time if it was not needed.
They also discussed opening a new fund raising account named Citizens
for Blagojevich with new contributions.
Misuse of State Funding To Induce Firing of Chicago Tribune Editorial
Writers
According to the affidavit, intercepted phone calls revealed that the
Tribune Company, which owns the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Cubs,
has explored the possibility of obtaining assistance from the
Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) relating to the Tribune Company’s
efforts to sell the Cubs and the financing or sale of Wrigley Field.
In a November 6 phone call, Harris explained to Blagojevich that the
deal the Tribune Company was trying to get through the IFA was
basically a tax mitigation scheme in which the IFA would own title to
Wrigley Field and the Tribune would not have to pay capital gains
tax, which Harris estimated would save the company approximately $100
million.
Intercepted calls allegedly show that Blagojevich directed Harris to
inform Tribune Owner and an associate, identified as Tribune
Financial Advisor, that state financial assistance would be withheld
unless members of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board were fired,
primarily because Blagojevich viewed them as driving discussion of
his possible impeachment. In a November 4 phone call, Blagojevich
allegedly told Harris that he should say to Tribune Financial
Advisor, Cubs Chairman and Tribune Owner, “our recommendation is fire
all those [expletive] people, get ‘em the [expletive] out of there
and get us some editorial support.”
On November 6, the day of a Tribune editorial critical of
Blagojevich, Harris told Blagojevich that he told Tribune Financial
Advisor the previous day that things “look like they could move ahead
fine but, you know, there is a risk that all of this is going to get
derailed by your own editorial page.” Harris also told Blagojevich
that he was meeting with Tribune Financial Advisor on November 10.
In a November 11 intercepted call, Harris allegedly told Blagojevich
that Tribune Financial Advisor talked to Tribune Owner and Tribune
Owner “got the message and is very sensitive to the issue.” Harris
told Blagojevich that according to Tribune Financial Advisor, there
would be “certain corporate reorganizations and budget cuts coming
and, reading between the lines, he’s going after that section.”
Blagojevich allegedly responded. “Oh. That’s fantastic.” After
further discussion, Blagojevich said, “Wow. Okay, keep our fingers
crossed. You’re the man. Good job, John.”
In a further conversation on November 21, Harris told Blagojevich
that he had singled out to Tribune Financial Advisor the Tribune’s
deputy editorial page editor, John McCormick, “as somebody who was
the most biased and unfair.” After hearing that Tribune Financial
Advisor had assured Harris that the Tribune would be making changes
affecting the editorial board, Blagojevich allegedly had a series of
conversations with Chicago Cubs representatives regarding efforts to
provide state financing for Wrigley Field. On November 30,
Blagojevich spoke with the president of a Chicago-area sports
consulting firm, who indicated that he was working with the Cubs on
matters involving Wrigley Field. Blagojevich and Sports Consultant
discussed the importance of getting the IFA transaction approved at
the agency’s December or January meeting because Blagojevich was
contemplating leaving office in early January and his IFA appointees
would still be in place to approve the deal, the charges allege.
The Government is being represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reid
Schar, Carrie Hamilton, and Christopher Niewoehner.
If convicted, conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a
maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while solicitation of bribery
carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, and each count carries a
maximum fine of $250,000. The Court, however, would determine the
appropriate sentence to be imposed under the advisory United States
Sentencing Guidelines.
The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is
not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are
entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of
proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.=
Friday, October 10, 2008
Ruling on Governor Palin, Walt Monegan, Alaska
McCain-Palin 2008 spokeswoman Meg Stapleton issued the following statement on today's release of Stephen Branchflower's report:
"Today's report shows that the Governor acted within her proper and lawful authority in the reassignment of Walt Monegan. The report also illustrates what we've known all along: this was a partisan led inquiry run by Obama supporters and the Palins were completely justified in their concern regarding Trooper Wooten given his violent and rogue behavior. Lacking evidence to support the original Monegan allegation, the Legislative Council seriously overreached, making a tortured argument to find fault without basis in law or fact. The Governor is looking forward to cooperating with the Personnel Board and continuing her conversation with the American people regarding the important issues facing the country."
"Today's report shows that the Governor acted within her proper and lawful authority in the reassignment of Walt Monegan. The report also illustrates what we've known all along: this was a partisan led inquiry run by Obama supporters and the Palins were completely justified in their concern regarding Trooper Wooten given his violent and rogue behavior. Lacking evidence to support the original Monegan allegation, the Legislative Council seriously overreached, making a tortured argument to find fault without basis in law or fact. The Governor is looking forward to cooperating with the Personnel Board and continuing her conversation with the American people regarding the important issues facing the country."
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Alaskan Pilots Do NOT Want Us to Elect Sarah Palin!!!
A friend of ours just got back from a big fly-in for pilots of some type small airplane. Pilots came from all over the country for the big multi-day shindig. According to our friend, to a man all of the pilots from Alaska tried their best to talk everyone out of voting for Sarah Palin.
I was shocked given her high approval ratings and all the good reports from Alaska. I could understand one, maybe two, but not all of these guys. I have no idea how many we're talking about, but it was more than a few!
Why? Why? Why?
It's because they don't want to lose her as Governor!
They said she is the first truly honest Governor they've had.
They said she was doing a great job.
They said they wanted to keep her!
Talk about a huge endorsement for Sarah Palin as Vice President!
Did I scare you? Did you think this was going to be something bad? It is bad. It's bad for Obama!
I was shocked given her high approval ratings and all the good reports from Alaska. I could understand one, maybe two, but not all of these guys. I have no idea how many we're talking about, but it was more than a few!
Why? Why? Why?
It's because they don't want to lose her as Governor!
They said she is the first truly honest Governor they've had.
They said she was doing a great job.
They said they wanted to keep her!
Talk about a huge endorsement for Sarah Palin as Vice President!
Did I scare you? Did you think this was going to be something bad? It is bad. It's bad for Obama!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Cool tribute vid for Sarah Palin & John McCain (mostly Sarah ;-)
Great tribute video, love the song and love the lady.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
"Coburn On Palin And The Bridge To Nowhere"
"Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), who hollered earliest and loudest about Alaska's 'Bridge to Nowhere,' says that he spoke with Gov. Sarah Palin as the controversy was unfolding and she told him 'that she was going to kill it because she thought it was wasteful.' ... Biden and Obama, said Coburn, 'voted for [the bridge earmark] every time it came up because they played the game on earmarks.'" -- Politico
"Coburn On Palin And The Bridge To Nowhere"
Ryan Grim
Politico
September 10, 2008
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), who hollered earliest and loudest about Alaska's "Bridge to Nowhere," says that he spoke with Gov. Sarah Palin as the controversy was unfolding and she told him "that she was going to kill it because she thought it was wasteful." ...
"And can you imagine a governor telling [Alaska Republican Sen.] Ted Stevens what he will or won't do?" Stevens was a vocal supporter of the earmark. He has since been indicted for not reporting gifts he received. ...
McCain was a cosponsor of an amendment that Coburn tried to push through that would have moved the money from Alaska to Louisiana to repair the I-10 freeway damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Joseph Biden (D-Del.) opposed that amendment. Biden and Obama, said Coburn, "voted for [the bridge earmark] every time it came up because they played the game on earmarks. Remember what the appropriators said: 'If you don't vote for this, your earmarks are next. We'll come after your earmarks.' That was the veiled threat." ...
Read The Article
"Coburn On Palin And The Bridge To Nowhere"
Ryan Grim
Politico
September 10, 2008
Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), who hollered earliest and loudest about Alaska's "Bridge to Nowhere," says that he spoke with Gov. Sarah Palin as the controversy was unfolding and she told him "that she was going to kill it because she thought it was wasteful." ...
"And can you imagine a governor telling [Alaska Republican Sen.] Ted Stevens what he will or won't do?" Stevens was a vocal supporter of the earmark. He has since been indicted for not reporting gifts he received. ...
McCain was a cosponsor of an amendment that Coburn tried to push through that would have moved the money from Alaska to Louisiana to repair the I-10 freeway damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Joseph Biden (D-Del.) opposed that amendment. Biden and Obama, said Coburn, "voted for [the bridge earmark] every time it came up because they played the game on earmarks. Remember what the appropriators said: 'If you don't vote for this, your earmarks are next. We'll come after your earmarks.' That was the veiled threat." ...
Read The Article
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Nightly southeast update
Tuesday, 9/9/08
56 Days to the Election of John McCain
McCain Nightly Memo
From: SE Regional Offices, Tallahassee
To: McCain Team Member
Topic: Paying Tribute to 9/11 Anniversary
Countdown to Victory Rally
Please join Senator Saxby Chambliss and Julianne Chambliss, along with Governor Sonny Perdue, Senator Johnny Isakson, Secretary of State Karen Handel, School Superintendent Kathy Cox, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, Congressman Tom Price, Congressman Phil Gingrey, GA GOP Chairwoman Sue Everhart and Special Guest U.S. Senator Richard Burr, and other elected officials to kick off and begin the countdown to Victory in November!
When: Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 AM
Where:
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
Habersham Ballroom
2450 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339
RSVP: georgia@johnmccain.com and put "Countdown to Victory" in the subject line.
* There will be McCain-Palin yard signs and bumper stickers available
John McCain and Barack Obama Release Joint Statement to Commemorate 9/11
This Thursday, September 11th, John McCain and Senator Barack Obama will remember the victims of 9/11 by making a joint appearance at Ground Zero to mark the seventh anniversary of 9/11.
The statement, released on Saturday, is posted below:
Arlington, VA- Today, John McCain and Barack Obama issued the following statement on coming together to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks:
"On September 11, 2008, we will join together to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at Ground Zero.
"All of us came together on 9/11-- not as Democrats or Republicans-- but as Americans. In smoke-filled corridors and on the steps of the Capitol; at blood banks and at vigils-- we were united as one American family. On Thursday, we will put aside politics and come together to renew that unity, to honor the memory of each and every American who died, and to grieve with the families and friends who lost loved ones. We will also give thanks for the firefighters, police, and emergency responders who set a heroic example of selfless service, and for the men and women who serve today in defense of the freedom and security that came under attack in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania."
Must Clicks
Senator Barack Obama was on the campaign trail today touting his record on education. In fact, Barack Obama has only one legisative accomplishment on education, and its not necessarily an accomplishment he should be proud of.
Watch this advertisement to learn more: Education
Senator John McCain's presidential campaign released a new advertisement on Monday entitled "Original Mavericks"
In Case You Didn't Know
Entrepreneurs are at the heart of American innovation, growth and prosperity. John McCain believes that entrepreneurs should not be taxed into submission.
He will preserve low taxes for small business and create more jobs. On the other hand, Senator Obama's proposal i s to lift the payroll tax income cap, which would result in the largest Tax increase in American history. Senator Obama will raise taxes on 3 million small business owners.
John McCain's economic plan will help small businesses grow by providing investment incentives. His proposal would allow businesses to immediately deduct the cost of equipment investment, providing a valuable pro-growth investment incentive. Meanwhile, Senator Obama will impose across the board tax increases which will leave small business owners with fewer resources to invest in their businesses.
The bottom line is that across this country, millions of American families are hurting. They are concerned about the prospect of losing a job or a home and need help from our nation's leaders. As president, John McCain will act quickly and decisively to meet today's economy challenges. He will implement the reforms needed to promote the country's economic growth. Senator Obama's plan for the economy is about raising taxes, increasing government spending and isolating America from the benefits of the global economy.
Must Reads
We'll Protect Taxpayers From More Bailouts
By John McCain & Sarah Palin
The Wall Street Journal
September 9, 2008
The bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is another outrageous, but sadly necessary, step for these two institutions. Given the long-term mismanagement and flawed structure of these two companies, this was the only short-term alternative for ensuring that hard-working Americans have access to affordable mortgages during this difficult economic period.
We are strong advocates for the permanent reform of Fannie and Freddie. For years, C ongress failed to act and it is deeply troubling that what we are now seeing is an exercise in crisis management rather than sound planning, and at great cost to taxpayers.
To read more, click here: We'll Protect Taxpayers From More Bailouts
Independents Flocking to McCain
By S.A. Miller
Washington Times
September 9, 2008
Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain has gotten a jolt of support right where he wanted it - from the independent voters whom he courted so aggressively at last week's convention - and now holds a healthy lead over his Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, in the chase for that key constituency.
To read more, click here: Independents Flocking to McCain
Obama Tax 3.0
The Wall Street Journal
September 9, 2008
The good news is that Barack Obama said on ABC Sunday that he might not go through with his plans to increase taxes.
The bad news is that the economy has to be mired in recession to avoid the largest tax increase in the nation's history.
To read more, click here: Obama Tax 3.0
Finally This Evening...
Would you like to share your excitement about John McCain and Governor Palin with your community? If so, John McCain and Governor Palin are calling you to action. We need people to write Letters to the Editor and submit them to their local newspaper.
Writing a Letter to the Editor on behalf of John McCain is a great way to make an important contribution to our grassroots campaign. A consistent stream of Letters to the Edt ior across Georgia that are supportive of John McCain will demonstrate to your neighbors and undecided voters that momentum and enthusiasm are building for our campaign.
This is a small, but crucial effort that you can undertake for the campaign. It will only require an hour of your time each week to write a Letter to the Editor, but it will make a difference in your community.
We strongly encourage you to write a Letter to the Editor. Click here to find the Email Address for Your Local Newspaper.
Reform, Prosperity and Peace
56 Days to the Election of John McCain
McCain Nightly Memo
From: SE Regional Offices, Tallahassee
To: McCain Team Member
Topic: Paying Tribute to 9/11 Anniversary
Countdown to Victory Rally
Please join Senator Saxby Chambliss and Julianne Chambliss, along with Governor Sonny Perdue, Senator Johnny Isakson, Secretary of State Karen Handel, School Superintendent Kathy Cox, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, Congressman Tom Price, Congressman Phil Gingrey, GA GOP Chairwoman Sue Everhart and Special Guest U.S. Senator Richard Burr, and other elected officials to kick off and begin the countdown to Victory in November!
When: Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 AM
Where:
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
Habersham Ballroom
2450 Galleria Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339
RSVP: georgia@johnmccain.com and put "Countdown to Victory" in the subject line.
* There will be McCain-Palin yard signs and bumper stickers available
John McCain and Barack Obama Release Joint Statement to Commemorate 9/11
This Thursday, September 11th, John McCain and Senator Barack Obama will remember the victims of 9/11 by making a joint appearance at Ground Zero to mark the seventh anniversary of 9/11.
The statement, released on Saturday, is posted below:
Arlington, VA- Today, John McCain and Barack Obama issued the following statement on coming together to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks:
"On September 11, 2008, we will join together to mark the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at Ground Zero.
"All of us came together on 9/11-- not as Democrats or Republicans-- but as Americans. In smoke-filled corridors and on the steps of the Capitol; at blood banks and at vigils-- we were united as one American family. On Thursday, we will put aside politics and come together to renew that unity, to honor the memory of each and every American who died, and to grieve with the families and friends who lost loved ones. We will also give thanks for the firefighters, police, and emergency responders who set a heroic example of selfless service, and for the men and women who serve today in defense of the freedom and security that came under attack in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania."
Must Clicks
Senator Barack Obama was on the campaign trail today touting his record on education. In fact, Barack Obama has only one legisative accomplishment on education, and its not necessarily an accomplishment he should be proud of.
Watch this advertisement to learn more: Education
Senator John McCain's presidential campaign released a new advertisement on Monday entitled "Original Mavericks"
In Case You Didn't Know
Entrepreneurs are at the heart of American innovation, growth and prosperity. John McCain believes that entrepreneurs should not be taxed into submission.
He will preserve low taxes for small business and create more jobs. On the other hand, Senator Obama's proposal i s to lift the payroll tax income cap, which would result in the largest Tax increase in American history. Senator Obama will raise taxes on 3 million small business owners.
John McCain's economic plan will help small businesses grow by providing investment incentives. His proposal would allow businesses to immediately deduct the cost of equipment investment, providing a valuable pro-growth investment incentive. Meanwhile, Senator Obama will impose across the board tax increases which will leave small business owners with fewer resources to invest in their businesses.
The bottom line is that across this country, millions of American families are hurting. They are concerned about the prospect of losing a job or a home and need help from our nation's leaders. As president, John McCain will act quickly and decisively to meet today's economy challenges. He will implement the reforms needed to promote the country's economic growth. Senator Obama's plan for the economy is about raising taxes, increasing government spending and isolating America from the benefits of the global economy.
Must Reads
We'll Protect Taxpayers From More Bailouts
By John McCain & Sarah Palin
The Wall Street Journal
September 9, 2008
The bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is another outrageous, but sadly necessary, step for these two institutions. Given the long-term mismanagement and flawed structure of these two companies, this was the only short-term alternative for ensuring that hard-working Americans have access to affordable mortgages during this difficult economic period.
We are strong advocates for the permanent reform of Fannie and Freddie. For years, C ongress failed to act and it is deeply troubling that what we are now seeing is an exercise in crisis management rather than sound planning, and at great cost to taxpayers.
To read more, click here: We'll Protect Taxpayers From More Bailouts
Independents Flocking to McCain
By S.A. Miller
Washington Times
September 9, 2008
Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain has gotten a jolt of support right where he wanted it - from the independent voters whom he courted so aggressively at last week's convention - and now holds a healthy lead over his Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, in the chase for that key constituency.
To read more, click here: Independents Flocking to McCain
Obama Tax 3.0
The Wall Street Journal
September 9, 2008
The good news is that Barack Obama said on ABC Sunday that he might not go through with his plans to increase taxes.
The bad news is that the economy has to be mired in recession to avoid the largest tax increase in the nation's history.
To read more, click here: Obama Tax 3.0
Finally This Evening...
Would you like to share your excitement about John McCain and Governor Palin with your community? If so, John McCain and Governor Palin are calling you to action. We need people to write Letters to the Editor and submit them to their local newspaper.
Writing a Letter to the Editor on behalf of John McCain is a great way to make an important contribution to our grassroots campaign. A consistent stream of Letters to the Edt ior across Georgia that are supportive of John McCain will demonstrate to your neighbors and undecided voters that momentum and enthusiasm are building for our campaign.
This is a small, but crucial effort that you can undertake for the campaign. It will only require an hour of your time each week to write a Letter to the Editor, but it will make a difference in your community.
We strongly encourage you to write a Letter to the Editor. Click here to find the Email Address for Your Local Newspaper.
Reform, Prosperity and Peace
The McCain-Palin Campaign has launched a Truth Squad! Finally....
The Left is coming up with all kinds of bogus smears against Sarah Palin. I'm glad to hear the McCain camp is finally going to start VERY actively trying to fight back. It's always hard to prove a negative, to counter half-truths and misinformation. You never know whether to give it credibility by acknowledging the idiotic garbage by trying to counter it or whether to just ignore it. In this crazy election and in our current atmosphere of mudslinging and lies using the overall cause as justification, I think it's generally best to counter each and every little thing.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, most Republicans aren't the kind of people who spend half their life on the Internet trying to counter stuff.
Here's a statement from the press release the McCain campaign sent out about the truth squad:
Palin has an outstanding record in Alaska and it is despicable that the Dems have sent THIRTY, 30, lawyers and garbage diggers to her home state to try and make up crap about her. Truthfully, I'm surprised they didn't send more! Although, given the number of bloggers they have who follow along like zombies I don't know they really needed the 30.
Here's the official members of the "National Members Of The Palin Truth Squad" who will be speaking out for Sarah:
· Former Governor Jane Swift (R-MA)
· Governor Linda Lingle (R-HI)
· Lt. Governor Sean Parnell, (R-AK)
· Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN)
· Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
· Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
· Congresswoman Thelma Drake (R-VA)
· Congresswoman Mary Fallin (R-OK)
· Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
· Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX)
· Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
· Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI)
· Congresswoman Sue Myrick (R-FL)
· Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)
· Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM)
· Jo Ann Davidson, RNC Co-Chair
· Rosario Marin, Former U.S. Treasurer
· Meg Stapleton, Former Aide To Governor Palin
· Kristan Cole, Lifelong Friend Of Governor Palin
State Members Of The Palin Truth Squad:
· Former Lt. Governor Jane Norton (CO)
· State Representative Amy Stephens (CO)
· State Board of Education Member Peggy Littleton (CO)
· State Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff (FL)
· County Commissioner Mildred Fernandez (FL)
· Former Iowa Senate President And Former U.S. Ambassador To The Eastern Caribbean, Mary Kramer (IA)
· State Representative Jackie Walorski (IN)
· State Representative Laura Brod (MN)
· Former GOP State Party Chairwoman And Former State Rep. Barb Sykora (MN)
· Jayne Millerick, Former NH GOP Chair (NH)
· State Senator Jennifer Beck, Honorary Co-Chair NJ Women For McCain-Palin (NJ)
· Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, Honorary Vice Chair NJ Women For McCain-Palin (NJ)
· Bergen County Clerk Kathe Donovan, Honorary Co-Chair NJ Women For McCain-Palin (NJ)
· DA Dona Ana County Susana Martinez (NM)
· Former Lt. Gov. Lorraine Bono-Hunt (NV)
· State Senator Barbara Cegavske (NV)
· State Assemblywoman Heidi Gansert (NV)
· Sue Lowden, Nevada GOP Chair (NV)
&# 183; Kay Ayres, OH GOP Vice Chair (OH)
· Betty Montgomery, Ohio Women For McCain-Palin Chair (OH)
· Mary Taylor, Ohio Auditor Of State (OH)
· Margie Hughes, Clackamas County Chair Of Women For McCain-Palin (OR)
· Linda Neace, West Linn Small Business Owner For McCain-Palin (OR)
· Deanna Smith, Women For McCain-Palin Chairwoman (OR)
· Renee Amoore, PA GOP Deputy Chair (PA)
· Joyce Haas, PA GOP Vice Chair (PA)
· State Senator Lisa Baker (PA)
· Diana Irey, Washington County Commissioner (PA)
· Christine Toretti, RNC National Committeewoman and McCain-Palin Pennsylvania Co-Chair (PA)
· Kim Ward, Westmoreland County Commissioner and McCain-Palin Pennsylvania Regional Chair (PA)
· Former First Lady Susan Allen (VA)
· Lori Ann Miller, Young Republican Federation Of VA Chairman (VA)
· Former Lt. Gov. Margaret Farrow (WI)
· Peggy Oban Boze, McCain-Palin Chairwomen For King County (WA)
· Susan McCaw, Former Ambassador To Austria (WA)
· Della Newman, Former Ambassador To New Zealand (WA)
Go Sarah Palin, don't let the Dem Dogs get you down!!!
Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, most Republicans aren't the kind of people who spend half their life on the Internet trying to counter stuff.
Here's a statement from the press release the McCain campaign sent out about the truth squad:
"We're proud of Governor Palin's leadership in Alaska and record of taking on
entrenched special interests and the good old boys network," said former
Governor Jane Swift. "Governor Palin's commitment to reform is well-known but
there are those who would seek to distort that record with vile rumors and
smears against her, her husband, her children and her friends. We will not allow
those on the left and in the media to smear a woman who has always served her
constituents with honor. We know the truth and are committed to ensuring it as
well."
Palin has an outstanding record in Alaska and it is despicable that the Dems have sent THIRTY, 30, lawyers and garbage diggers to her home state to try and make up crap about her. Truthfully, I'm surprised they didn't send more! Although, given the number of bloggers they have who follow along like zombies I don't know they really needed the 30.
Here's the official members of the "National Members Of The Palin Truth Squad" who will be speaking out for Sarah:
· Former Governor Jane Swift (R-MA)
· Governor Linda Lingle (R-HI)
· Lt. Governor Sean Parnell, (R-AK)
· Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN)
· Congressman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
· Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
· Congresswoman Thelma Drake (R-VA)
· Congresswoman Mary Fallin (R-OK)
· Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
· Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX)
· Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
· Congresswoman Candice Miller (R-MI)
· Congresswoman Sue Myrick (R-FL)
· Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)
· Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM)
· Jo Ann Davidson, RNC Co-Chair
· Rosario Marin, Former U.S. Treasurer
· Meg Stapleton, Former Aide To Governor Palin
· Kristan Cole, Lifelong Friend Of Governor Palin
State Members Of The Palin Truth Squad:
· Former Lt. Governor Jane Norton (CO)
· State Representative Amy Stephens (CO)
· State Board of Education Member Peggy Littleton (CO)
· State Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff (FL)
· County Commissioner Mildred Fernandez (FL)
· Former Iowa Senate President And Former U.S. Ambassador To The Eastern Caribbean, Mary Kramer (IA)
· State Representative Jackie Walorski (IN)
· State Representative Laura Brod (MN)
· Former GOP State Party Chairwoman And Former State Rep. Barb Sykora (MN)
· Jayne Millerick, Former NH GOP Chair (NH)
· State Senator Jennifer Beck, Honorary Co-Chair NJ Women For McCain-Palin (NJ)
· Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, Honorary Vice Chair NJ Women For McCain-Palin (NJ)
· Bergen County Clerk Kathe Donovan, Honorary Co-Chair NJ Women For McCain-Palin (NJ)
· DA Dona Ana County Susana Martinez (NM)
· Former Lt. Gov. Lorraine Bono-Hunt (NV)
· State Senator Barbara Cegavske (NV)
· State Assemblywoman Heidi Gansert (NV)
· Sue Lowden, Nevada GOP Chair (NV)
&# 183; Kay Ayres, OH GOP Vice Chair (OH)
· Betty Montgomery, Ohio Women For McCain-Palin Chair (OH)
· Mary Taylor, Ohio Auditor Of State (OH)
· Margie Hughes, Clackamas County Chair Of Women For McCain-Palin (OR)
· Linda Neace, West Linn Small Business Owner For McCain-Palin (OR)
· Deanna Smith, Women For McCain-Palin Chairwoman (OR)
· Renee Amoore, PA GOP Deputy Chair (PA)
· Joyce Haas, PA GOP Vice Chair (PA)
· State Senator Lisa Baker (PA)
· Diana Irey, Washington County Commissioner (PA)
· Christine Toretti, RNC National Committeewoman and McCain-Palin Pennsylvania Co-Chair (PA)
· Kim Ward, Westmoreland County Commissioner and McCain-Palin Pennsylvania Regional Chair (PA)
· Former First Lady Susan Allen (VA)
· Lori Ann Miller, Young Republican Federation Of VA Chairman (VA)
· Former Lt. Gov. Margaret Farrow (WI)
· Peggy Oban Boze, McCain-Palin Chairwomen For King County (WA)
· Susan McCaw, Former Ambassador To Austria (WA)
· Della Newman, Former Ambassador To New Zealand (WA)
Go Sarah Palin, don't let the Dem Dogs get you down!!!
Monday, September 8, 2008
"Post Endorses John McCain"
The Post today enthusiastically urges the election of Sen. John S. McCain as the 44th president of the United States. McCain's lifelong record of service to America, his battle-tested courage, unshakeable devotion to principle and clear grasp of the dangers and opportunities now facing the nation stand in dramatic contrast to the tissue-paper-thin rsum of his Democratic opponent, freshman Sen. Barack Obama." -- New York Post
"Post Endorses John McCain"
Editorial
New York Post
September 8, 2008
The Post today enthusiastically urges the election of Sen. John S. McCain as the 44th president of the United States.
McCain's lifelong record of service to America, his battle-tested courage, unshakeable devotion to principle and clear grasp of the dangers and opportunities now facing the nation stand in dramatic contrast to the tissue-paper-thin resume of his Democratic opponent, freshman Sen. Barack Obama.
McCain has been in Washington for many years now, but he is not of Washington. He knows where the levers of power are located - and how to manipulate them - but he is not controlled by them.
McCain's selection of the charming, but rock-solid, outsider Sarah Palin as his running mate underscores the point.
Neither plays well with others.
And this is an unalloyed asset at a time when special interests - lobbyists, lawyers and organized labor chief among them - wield enormous influence in the nation's capital.
McCain's Democratic opponents, Obama and Sen. Joseph Biden, lead a party constructed of special interests - public-employee unionists in particular.
There are many reasons to support the McCain-Palin ticket. Here are but a few:
* National security: The differences between McCain and Obama are especially stark.
McCain says 9/11 represented a two-decade "failure ... to respond to ... a [growing] global terror network." He understood that Iraq is a critical front in the war on terror - and he urged perseverance even in the dark days that preceded the success of "the surge."
Obama backed policies that would have abandoned Iraq to its fate, he bitterly opposed the surge, and once insisted that US forces invade Pakistan in search of Osama bin Laden - seemingly without regard for the potential consequences of attacking a nuclear-armed nation, ally or not.
Regarding a nuclear Iran, McCain has pushed for the strongest possible international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Obama opposes sanctions.
And, when Russia invaded the former Soviet republic of Georgia, threatening a return to the Cold War, McCain reacted with stern disapprobation: "We must remind Russia's leaders that the benefits they enjoy from being part of the civilized world require their respect for the values, stability and peace of that world."
Obama called for UN action - unaware, apparently, that Russia's Security Council veto would have prevented any.
* Taxes: McCain knows that when government absorbs ever-larger shares of national income, the economy suffers.
High tax rates diminish investment, killing jobs and stunting growth.
And while Obama promises tax cuts for "95 percent" of Americans, what he actually is proposing is some $650 billion in tax-credit-driven hikes in entitlement and other spending, to be paid for with heavier imposts across the board, but especially on investment - like a sharply higher capital-gains tax.
This is bad news for the millions of ordinary Americans who own stocks, either personally or through pension funds or who plan someday to sell their homes or other real property.
McCain, wisely, vows to keep capital-gains taxes at 15 percent and to keep the Bush-era tax cuts in place - understanding that new growth will boost revenue, and promising to make up the rest with spending restraint.
And he's called for a one-year freeze on most discretionary spending and an end to pork-barrel giveaways.
* Trade: "I object when Senator Obama and others preach the false virtues of economic isolationism," says McCain - noting that "globalization is an opportunity" for US workers. He adds that while emerging economies like those of China and India are worrisome, the answer is competition informed by education and innovation - not protectionism.
* Energy: On the economic issue most vexing Americans today - energy prices - McCain is aggressive
He is a strong convert to offshore drilling: "We have trillions of dollars' worth of oil and gas reserves in the US at a time we are exporting hundreds of billions of dollars a year overseas to buy energy."
He also strongly backs nuclear power - a carbon-free form of energy that America can produce relatively cheaply.
Obama, meanwhile, hews to the Democratic Party line on energy: no nukes, no drilling and no comprehension of the consequences of such policies.
None of this implies an iota of disrespect toward Obama. It took a formidable candidacy to defeat Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton - a candidacy, by the way, which we strongly supported earlier this year.
And the intelligence, the organizational skills and the ability to communicate that Obama demonstrated from the beginning dramatically underscore the history that is being made by the first African-American to head a major-party presidential ticket.
He should be around for a long time, and we hope that he is.
In the end, though, sound security, economic and energy policies - plus allegiance to principle - are critical to keeping America safe and strong.
On all counts, John McCain and Sarah Palin understand this - and that's why we're in their corner to the finish.
Read The Editorial
"Post Endorses John McCain"
Editorial
New York Post
September 8, 2008
The Post today enthusiastically urges the election of Sen. John S. McCain as the 44th president of the United States.
McCain's lifelong record of service to America, his battle-tested courage, unshakeable devotion to principle and clear grasp of the dangers and opportunities now facing the nation stand in dramatic contrast to the tissue-paper-thin resume of his Democratic opponent, freshman Sen. Barack Obama.
McCain has been in Washington for many years now, but he is not of Washington. He knows where the levers of power are located - and how to manipulate them - but he is not controlled by them.
McCain's selection of the charming, but rock-solid, outsider Sarah Palin as his running mate underscores the point.
Neither plays well with others.
And this is an unalloyed asset at a time when special interests - lobbyists, lawyers and organized labor chief among them - wield enormous influence in the nation's capital.
McCain's Democratic opponents, Obama and Sen. Joseph Biden, lead a party constructed of special interests - public-employee unionists in particular.
There are many reasons to support the McCain-Palin ticket. Here are but a few:
* National security: The differences between McCain and Obama are especially stark.
McCain says 9/11 represented a two-decade "failure ... to respond to ... a [growing] global terror network." He understood that Iraq is a critical front in the war on terror - and he urged perseverance even in the dark days that preceded the success of "the surge."
Obama backed policies that would have abandoned Iraq to its fate, he bitterly opposed the surge, and once insisted that US forces invade Pakistan in search of Osama bin Laden - seemingly without regard for the potential consequences of attacking a nuclear-armed nation, ally or not.
Regarding a nuclear Iran, McCain has pushed for the strongest possible international sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Obama opposes sanctions.
And, when Russia invaded the former Soviet republic of Georgia, threatening a return to the Cold War, McCain reacted with stern disapprobation: "We must remind Russia's leaders that the benefits they enjoy from being part of the civilized world require their respect for the values, stability and peace of that world."
Obama called for UN action - unaware, apparently, that Russia's Security Council veto would have prevented any.
* Taxes: McCain knows that when government absorbs ever-larger shares of national income, the economy suffers.
High tax rates diminish investment, killing jobs and stunting growth.
And while Obama promises tax cuts for "95 percent" of Americans, what he actually is proposing is some $650 billion in tax-credit-driven hikes in entitlement and other spending, to be paid for with heavier imposts across the board, but especially on investment - like a sharply higher capital-gains tax.
This is bad news for the millions of ordinary Americans who own stocks, either personally or through pension funds or who plan someday to sell their homes or other real property.
McCain, wisely, vows to keep capital-gains taxes at 15 percent and to keep the Bush-era tax cuts in place - understanding that new growth will boost revenue, and promising to make up the rest with spending restraint.
And he's called for a one-year freeze on most discretionary spending and an end to pork-barrel giveaways.
* Trade: "I object when Senator Obama and others preach the false virtues of economic isolationism," says McCain - noting that "globalization is an opportunity" for US workers. He adds that while emerging economies like those of China and India are worrisome, the answer is competition informed by education and innovation - not protectionism.
* Energy: On the economic issue most vexing Americans today - energy prices - McCain is aggressive
He is a strong convert to offshore drilling: "We have trillions of dollars' worth of oil and gas reserves in the US at a time we are exporting hundreds of billions of dollars a year overseas to buy energy."
He also strongly backs nuclear power - a carbon-free form of energy that America can produce relatively cheaply.
Obama, meanwhile, hews to the Democratic Party line on energy: no nukes, no drilling and no comprehension of the consequences of such policies.
None of this implies an iota of disrespect toward Obama. It took a formidable candidacy to defeat Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton - a candidacy, by the way, which we strongly supported earlier this year.
And the intelligence, the organizational skills and the ability to communicate that Obama demonstrated from the beginning dramatically underscore the history that is being made by the first African-American to head a major-party presidential ticket.
He should be around for a long time, and we hope that he is.
In the end, though, sound security, economic and energy policies - plus allegiance to principle - are critical to keeping America safe and strong.
On all counts, John McCain and Sarah Palin understand this - and that's why we're in their corner to the finish.
Read The Editorial
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Love it when OBAMA feels the need to attack Sarah!
When in history has a Presidential candidate felt so threatened that they had to go after the VICE Presidential pick of their opponent? Barack Obama is feeling the heat and is spending his time attacking Sarah.
Sarah Palin has more experience than he does in any area that matters in government and the fact that he is now talking about Sarah Palin brings home the point.
He and his machine are trying to twist what Sarah said during her speech when she compared her experiences as a Mayor and Governor with his experience as a community organizer. They're trying to say she was denigrating community activists, volunteers and organizers.
Huh?
They come out swinging, attempting to hit her on experience. She simply bites back with her barracuda biting humorous touch and says her experience is better than his and the Dems start attempting to change her words.
I think most are much smarter than to be suckered into that one, but who knows? There are a lot of folks out there who simply listen to sound bites and go forth and protest (or worse, vote).
Keep it up Sarah, you have 'em on the run!
Sarah Palin has more experience than he does in any area that matters in government and the fact that he is now talking about Sarah Palin brings home the point.
He and his machine are trying to twist what Sarah said during her speech when she compared her experiences as a Mayor and Governor with his experience as a community organizer. They're trying to say she was denigrating community activists, volunteers and organizers.
Huh?
They come out swinging, attempting to hit her on experience. She simply bites back with her barracuda biting humorous touch and says her experience is better than his and the Dems start attempting to change her words.
I think most are much smarter than to be suckered into that one, but who knows? There are a lot of folks out there who simply listen to sound bites and go forth and protest (or worse, vote).
Keep it up Sarah, you have 'em on the run!
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