The ugliest and most heated senatorial election of 2008 still does not have a victor, and no end is in sight.
On Wednesday morning, Senator Norm Coleman proclaimed victory by a margin of a mere 725 votes. As of this writing, the lead has dropped to 206.
By state law, Minnesota election officials conduct an automatic recount in a race with a .5% margin or less. In this instance, the amount separating these men stands at less than .01%.
The official recount has not yet begun and partisan shenanigans are rampant. An election official from solidly Democratic Hennepin County left 32 absentee ballots in his car, forgetting to submit them before the deadline. Coleman's legal team challenged the validity of the ballots but eventually lost in what was the first of potentially many court struggles.
Voters must be suspicious of Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, who is in charge of overseeing the recount. A liberal Democrat, Ritchie was elected in 2006 due in large part from the assistance of ACORN and a progressive liberal group aimed at electing Democrats to election administering positions.
Perhaps the worst news is that a lengthy court battle is inevitable. As GOP strategist Sarah Janecek said "At this point everyone’s so entrenched I can’t imagine whoever loses the recount will just take the defeat.”
So much for "Minnesota Nice".
Monday, November 10, 2008
Spotlight: Paul Ryan
With numerous defeats still fresh in our minds, it is time to look to the future of the party. Those who will fall back to our roots on economic freedom, who do not buy into government intervention policies and who will fight for pro-growth reform. A well-spoken, charismatic and youthful candidate who will embody our dearest principles and bring our party back to prominence.
Let us look no further than the Casanova's native Wisconsin-
An ambitious and bright 38 year old congressman from the first congressional district, Paul Ryan has as good a chance as any at leading us towards salvation.
Having just been reelected to his sixth term in Congress, Mr. Ryan enjoys a loyal and devoted following. He has always achieved wide margins of victory over his opponents, garnishing a healthy 64% showing in last week's contest. As impressive as that statistic is on its own, consider the fact that the biggest section of his district, Racine County, voted for Obama 53-46%. Mr. Ryan obviously possesses appeal to members of both parties as well as independents.
Being the highest ranking Republican on the House Committee on the Budget, a member of the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, and serving on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Ryan frequently touts his conservative fiscal policies.
Ryan is a firm believer in a free market philosophy. He has called himself the "Paul Revere of fiscal policy" due to his desire to call attention to the damaging effects of socialism and government intervention. He is the only man who can stand against San Francisco Pelosi and the stammering idiot who oversaw the largest economic collapse in American history, Barney Frank.
The Wall Street Journal published a story focusing on the Congressman last week. In it, they write "...Mr. Ryan's economic knowledge and youthful energy make him the best choice to pull his party in a more promising direction."
Let us face facts: the GOP has been putting candidates up for president who were portrayed as too old or out of touch and at times had trouble forming coherent sentences: George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, George W. Bush and John McCain.
Here we have an opportunity to run a young candidate who is energetic, communicates effectively and looks good on television.
In a year which Barack Obama proved style is more important than substance, Paul Ryan is in the enviable position of possessing both.
Let us look no further than the Casanova's native Wisconsin-
An ambitious and bright 38 year old congressman from the first congressional district, Paul Ryan has as good a chance as any at leading us towards salvation.
Having just been reelected to his sixth term in Congress, Mr. Ryan enjoys a loyal and devoted following. He has always achieved wide margins of victory over his opponents, garnishing a healthy 64% showing in last week's contest. As impressive as that statistic is on its own, consider the fact that the biggest section of his district, Racine County, voted for Obama 53-46%. Mr. Ryan obviously possesses appeal to members of both parties as well as independents.
Being the highest ranking Republican on the House Committee on the Budget, a member of the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, and serving on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, Mr. Ryan frequently touts his conservative fiscal policies.
Ryan is a firm believer in a free market philosophy. He has called himself the "Paul Revere of fiscal policy" due to his desire to call attention to the damaging effects of socialism and government intervention. He is the only man who can stand against San Francisco Pelosi and the stammering idiot who oversaw the largest economic collapse in American history, Barney Frank.
The Wall Street Journal published a story focusing on the Congressman last week. In it, they write "...Mr. Ryan's economic knowledge and youthful energy make him the best choice to pull his party in a more promising direction."
Let us face facts: the GOP has been putting candidates up for president who were portrayed as too old or out of touch and at times had trouble forming coherent sentences: George H.W. Bush, Bob Dole, George W. Bush and John McCain.
Here we have an opportunity to run a young candidate who is energetic, communicates effectively and looks good on television.
In a year which Barack Obama proved style is more important than substance, Paul Ryan is in the enviable position of possessing both.
The Big Bang
President-elect Obama signaled his intention to engage in "Big Bang" economics theory which combines a short-term stimulus with large public investments to raise the longer-term growth rate.
A major concern should be that we have not yet seen the effect of the initial federal bailout plan. These policies require time and further study to ensure they are working as planned.
But before we can witness the bailout's full outcome, Barack Obama wants to write another check.
These plans are a direct result of his decisive electoral win. John Podesta, Obama's transition chief said "I think that he feels like he has a real mandate for change. We need to get off the course that the Bush administration has set."
This is dangerous thinking. We need to see the big picture of our current economic state before more taxpayer dollars are sent to the private sector.
According to The Financial Times, Economists have estimated the United States budget deficit could more than double next year to almost $1 trillion. This is not including Obama's campaign pledge to spend $150 billion researching alternative energy or his gargantuan plan of universal health care.
You would think with all the Clinton loyalists Obama is bringing into his administration, one would mention arguably the greatest achievement of their old boss: deficit reduction.
As Dick Morris, a lifelong Democrat, said this morning on "Fox and Friends"-
"This is simply the Clinton administration but without the Clintons".
A major concern should be that we have not yet seen the effect of the initial federal bailout plan. These policies require time and further study to ensure they are working as planned.
But before we can witness the bailout's full outcome, Barack Obama wants to write another check.
These plans are a direct result of his decisive electoral win. John Podesta, Obama's transition chief said "I think that he feels like he has a real mandate for change. We need to get off the course that the Bush administration has set."
This is dangerous thinking. We need to see the big picture of our current economic state before more taxpayer dollars are sent to the private sector.
According to The Financial Times, Economists have estimated the United States budget deficit could more than double next year to almost $1 trillion. This is not including Obama's campaign pledge to spend $150 billion researching alternative energy or his gargantuan plan of universal health care.
You would think with all the Clinton loyalists Obama is bringing into his administration, one would mention arguably the greatest achievement of their old boss: deficit reduction.
As Dick Morris, a lifelong Democrat, said this morning on "Fox and Friends"-
"This is simply the Clinton administration but without the Clintons".
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Meet Bobby Jindal
Born Piyush Jindal out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1971 to Indian-American parents, Bobby has quite the American success story.
He adopted his nickname from his love of the hit show The Brady Brunch. At age four, it was his favorite television program and he especially enjoyed Bobby Brady. From then on, his family simply called him Bobby.
Born Hindu, Jindal converted to Catholicism at age seventeen. He has studied many other sects of Christianity and is a scholar in Baptist and Pentecostal teachings as well.
After graduating from a public high school, Jindal attended Brown University in Rhode Island where graduated with honors in both biology and public policy.
Originally considering a career in medicine, he was accepted to both Yale and Harvard universities. At the last moment, Jindal changed his mind and found a calling in politics. He was accepted to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and graduated with a degree in political science.
Bobby returned to his roots in Louisiana not long after attaining his degree. He took a number of jobs within the Republican party and the state government. In 1999 he was recognized by Louisiana's governor and became the youngest president of the University of Louisiana system.
In 2003, Jindal made his first run for governor. In a hard fought race, he ended up losing by a thin margin. His opponent won with 52% of the vote.
Vowing that his career in public service was not over, he ran in 2004 for the U.S. Congress. Bobby achieved a landslide win with a whopping 78% of the vote.
In 2007, Bobby won a crowded gubernatorial contest in his home state. In a four way race, he was able to capture 54% of the vote. For the record, the runner up garnered a mere 17%.
Jindal will not stay governor of Louisiana for very long. His track record on issues will warm a conservative's heart. He has a 100% voting record from the Right to Life committee, an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association, voted for an amendment banning flag burning and is opposed to federal funding of stem cell research.
Ladies and gentlemen, you would do well to remember Bobby Jindal.
He adopted his nickname from his love of the hit show The Brady Brunch. At age four, it was his favorite television program and he especially enjoyed Bobby Brady. From then on, his family simply called him Bobby.
Born Hindu, Jindal converted to Catholicism at age seventeen. He has studied many other sects of Christianity and is a scholar in Baptist and Pentecostal teachings as well.
After graduating from a public high school, Jindal attended Brown University in Rhode Island where graduated with honors in both biology and public policy.
Originally considering a career in medicine, he was accepted to both Yale and Harvard universities. At the last moment, Jindal changed his mind and found a calling in politics. He was accepted to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and graduated with a degree in political science.
Bobby returned to his roots in Louisiana not long after attaining his degree. He took a number of jobs within the Republican party and the state government. In 1999 he was recognized by Louisiana's governor and became the youngest president of the University of Louisiana system.
In 2003, Jindal made his first run for governor. In a hard fought race, he ended up losing by a thin margin. His opponent won with 52% of the vote.
Vowing that his career in public service was not over, he ran in 2004 for the U.S. Congress. Bobby achieved a landslide win with a whopping 78% of the vote.
In 2007, Bobby won a crowded gubernatorial contest in his home state. In a four way race, he was able to capture 54% of the vote. For the record, the runner up garnered a mere 17%.
Jindal will not stay governor of Louisiana for very long. His track record on issues will warm a conservative's heart. He has a 100% voting record from the Right to Life committee, an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association, voted for an amendment banning flag burning and is opposed to federal funding of stem cell research.
Ladies and gentlemen, you would do well to remember Bobby Jindal.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Meet The Future
In an effort to reassure concerned citizens that the Republican party is alive and well, I will be providing a couple "snapshots" of our brightest rising stars.
As I mentioned today, this party must reinvent itself in order to survive. This election was not about a political ideology.
It was the combination of many ingredients dangerous to the GOP.
President Bush's basement low approval ratings, an unpopular war in Iraq, a stagnant economy, and widespread disenchantment with the party itself all contributed to the losses suffered.
So in the coming days, I will be profiling those in the party who are poised to take the reins and become her new carriers.
This is an exciting time for a conservative as we actually have the opportunity to stock our party full with those who share this ideology.
It is a return to our roots.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the future...
As I mentioned today, this party must reinvent itself in order to survive. This election was not about a political ideology.
It was the combination of many ingredients dangerous to the GOP.
President Bush's basement low approval ratings, an unpopular war in Iraq, a stagnant economy, and widespread disenchantment with the party itself all contributed to the losses suffered.
So in the coming days, I will be profiling those in the party who are poised to take the reins and become her new carriers.
This is an exciting time for a conservative as we actually have the opportunity to stock our party full with those who share this ideology.
It is a return to our roots.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the future...
Tomorrow
John McCain's touching and emotional speech last night reminded all Americans how he came to the brink of the presidency. Quelling several outbursts from an angry crowd booing President-elect Barack Obama, McCain solidified his place in our history textbooks as a man who truly can transcend party lines.
Capturing the eloquence that had been alluding the Senator for most of his campaign, he said "I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president."
Pundits and analysts will most certainly dissect this campaign in the coming days, months, and years. It was a disheartening loss because of the great character of John McCain. He is moving forward, as the party must as well.
Agree with President-elect Obama or not, there is no denying the historical significance of his victory. A nation whose roots are seeded in African slavery has now elected its' first president of color. That is a remarkable accomplishment and reinforces my belief that this nation is the greatest in the history of the world.
Politically speaking, last night was arguably the worst night the GOP had witnessed in over a decade. Continued losses in the House. Stinging defeats in the Senate. Not to mention, a lost presidential bid.
So where do we go from here?
Republicans need to reinvent themselves; plain as that. I will not shift the entirety of the blame to President Bush but he has strayed so far from the conservative ideology on which he was elected.
Was last night a defeat for conservatism in America? Was last night, as some have suggested, America's step to the left of center?
Absolutely not.
Last night was not a conservative loss because John McCain is admittedly a moderate. Furthermore, Barack Obama's campaign took a conservative tone in the last several months. He has defended gun ownership, pledged to reduce the federal budget, and cut taxes. Those are all conservative principles.
This is an incredible opportunity for the Republicans. The American people sent a very loud message last night that the party is severely out of touch. The Reaganesque optimism of the 1980s and a commitment to American innovation has been missing from the GOP for quite some time.
This party is filled with rising young stars poised for national prominence. Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Governor Bobby Jindal in Louisiana, and of course Alaska's own Sarah Palin.
These must be the new faces of our Grand Ole Party.
So let us suppress our disappointment over last night's outcome.
Now is the time to start focusing on tomorrow.
Capturing the eloquence that had been alluding the Senator for most of his campaign, he said "I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president."
Pundits and analysts will most certainly dissect this campaign in the coming days, months, and years. It was a disheartening loss because of the great character of John McCain. He is moving forward, as the party must as well.
Agree with President-elect Obama or not, there is no denying the historical significance of his victory. A nation whose roots are seeded in African slavery has now elected its' first president of color. That is a remarkable accomplishment and reinforces my belief that this nation is the greatest in the history of the world.
Politically speaking, last night was arguably the worst night the GOP had witnessed in over a decade. Continued losses in the House. Stinging defeats in the Senate. Not to mention, a lost presidential bid.
So where do we go from here?
Republicans need to reinvent themselves; plain as that. I will not shift the entirety of the blame to President Bush but he has strayed so far from the conservative ideology on which he was elected.
Was last night a defeat for conservatism in America? Was last night, as some have suggested, America's step to the left of center?
Absolutely not.
Last night was not a conservative loss because John McCain is admittedly a moderate. Furthermore, Barack Obama's campaign took a conservative tone in the last several months. He has defended gun ownership, pledged to reduce the federal budget, and cut taxes. Those are all conservative principles.
This is an incredible opportunity for the Republicans. The American people sent a very loud message last night that the party is severely out of touch. The Reaganesque optimism of the 1980s and a commitment to American innovation has been missing from the GOP for quite some time.
This party is filled with rising young stars poised for national prominence. Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Governor Bobby Jindal in Louisiana, and of course Alaska's own Sarah Palin.
These must be the new faces of our Grand Ole Party.
So let us suppress our disappointment over last night's outcome.
Now is the time to start focusing on tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Climax
We are finally here.
It feels like an eternity since we first noticed election coverage in our newspapers and on our televisions.
John McCain announced his candidacy in late 2006 and Barack Obama has been running for president since he was elected as a senator in 2004.
We are at the crossroads of history, the culmination of both campaigns.
We have witnessed the highs and lows of both sides; every gaffe, every shift in momentum, every new poll- we were there.
These men have spent an enormous amount of time, money and effort trying to win us over. We were bombarded with campaign literature, television ads and stump speeches.
But today belongs to us. This day is ours.
As you go to the polls today, take a moment and think about the awesome power that is democracy. Think about the countless lives lost to ensure our freedoms are protected and our voices never silenced. Think about the candidate who is selfless, who will sacrifice his needs in order to ensure our union is a prosperous one. Think about the numerous threats posed to this country that are very real and grow more threatening with each passing day. Lastly, think about which candidate you will entrust with your life and the lives of your loved ones.
And then go out and vote for the Republican of your choice.
It feels like an eternity since we first noticed election coverage in our newspapers and on our televisions.
John McCain announced his candidacy in late 2006 and Barack Obama has been running for president since he was elected as a senator in 2004.
We are at the crossroads of history, the culmination of both campaigns.
We have witnessed the highs and lows of both sides; every gaffe, every shift in momentum, every new poll- we were there.
These men have spent an enormous amount of time, money and effort trying to win us over. We were bombarded with campaign literature, television ads and stump speeches.
But today belongs to us. This day is ours.
As you go to the polls today, take a moment and think about the awesome power that is democracy. Think about the countless lives lost to ensure our freedoms are protected and our voices never silenced. Think about the candidate who is selfless, who will sacrifice his needs in order to ensure our union is a prosperous one. Think about the numerous threats posed to this country that are very real and grow more threatening with each passing day. Lastly, think about which candidate you will entrust with your life and the lives of your loved ones.
And then go out and vote for the Republican of your choice.
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