ComMITTed to Romney!

For a small flyover state with only 11 electoral votes, Missouri is getting more national attention than you might expect.

The very astute political analyst, Larry Sabato, says that the Missouri Congressional race in the Ninth District is “leaning Republican,” which is another way of saying that Dr. Bob Onder’s campaign is in very good shape right now. Dr. Onder has raised an eye-popping $370,000 and has spent, thus far, the grand total of $1,000. When Dr. Onder says he is a fiscal conservative, you can take him at his word!

~~John Cronin~~

http://blogs.columbiatribune.com/politics/2008/06/run_to_the_hills_1.html

Larry Sabato, a professor at the University of Virginia who is one the most sought after political analysts in the land, penned his take on the scramble to replace U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia.

Sabato is in no position to predict who will come out of each party’s crowded primary, but he did rate the race “leaning Republican.” By contrast, Sabato rates the much ballyhooed race between U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, R-Tarkio, and former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes as a “likely Republican” retention:

‘With still two months to go until Missouri’s August 5th primary date, this race is as crowded as Arrowhead Stadium on a November Sunday. Five Republicans and four Democrats filed to run in their respective primaries, leaving handicappers without much of an idea about who the victors will be. The two candidates with the most money are Republican state representative Bob Onder who has raised $370,000 and Democratic state representative Judy Baker who has raised $216,000. Only one other candidate, Democratic county commissioner Lyndon Bode, has raised even $100,000.

Even with Onder’s big haul, he has spent just $1,000, indicative of his confidence that he will be the Republican nominee. Baker, on the other hand, is facing three opponents who all have spent $5,000 or more and one, Bode, who has spent over $65,000.

The salient issue in this nascent race thus far has been abortion. Onder even debated Democratic candidate and former state senator Ken Jacob on the issue, a rare event for two candidates of opposite parties who each still face a tough primary. Jacob pitches himself as the most ardent supporter of abortion rights, while Bode doesn’t hesitate to proclaim himself a pro-life Democrat.

The buzz from the NEW YORK TIMES CAUCUS BLOG is that speculation about Mitt Romney being asked to be John McCain’s VP is on the rise.

~~John Cronin~~

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/

By Michael Falcone

The speculation over who the two presumptive nominees will tap as their running mate is heating up as the media and the opposing campaign place more scrutiny, not only on the field of potential vice presidential contenders, but also on the campaign operatives who are combing through their resumes.

Tonight Senator John McCain is scheduled to appear at a fundraiser in Boston alongside his former rival for the Republican nomination, Mitt Romney. The Boston Herald’s Hillary Chabot notes that speculation that Mr. McCain might invite the former Massachusetts governor to be his No. 2 is on the rise.

Congressman Cannon (R-Utah) hears Jason Chaffetz’ footsteps coming up fast from behind and figures he better introduce some legislation quickly that will help him stave off the serious challenge he is getting in the Utah Republican primary on June 24.

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9534519

By Thomas Burr
The Salt Lake Tribune

WASHINGTON -

Riding the public outcry on soaring oil prices, Rep. Chris Cannon is introducing legislation that would allow the president to skip the red tape on permitting oil shale extraction.

It’s a move aimed at speeding up what Cannon calls a vast domestic energy source.

Utah, Colorado and Wyoming hold what some oil shale supporters say is a Saudi Arabian-sized reserve of synthetic oil in sedimentary rock that can be heated and processed into a fuel source. Six companies are now exploring the ability to extract the oil shale in Utah, but none are close enough to produce a commercially feasible product.

Cannon, a Utah Republican who is seeking re-election and faces an intraparty battle with Jason Chaffetz in two weeks, says his legislation will dramatically cut the time needed to open up fields of oil shale under federal lands.

Chaffetz called his primary opponent’s bill, days before the election, a “PR stunt.”

“He’s had his chance, and the time to act was when Republicans had the House, the Senate and the White House,” he said. “We didn’t even have to ask a Democrat back then.”

Great news from the Beatty Campaign. Jeff Beatty, former elite Delta force member and Purple Heart winner has easily qualified for the Republican Senate ballot in Massachusetts, pitting him against John Kerry, former 2004 democratic Presidential nominee and 24 year Senatorial incumbent.

Congratulations to Jeff and to Team Beatty, including the unsung heroes of all successful campaigns, the grassroots activists who are the foot soldiers who ring the doorbells, put out the yards signs and make good things happen!

~~John Cronin~~

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday. June 3, 2008
CONTACT:
Joe Manzoli
774.722.1611
joe@jeffbeatty.com

Summary: US Senate Candidate Jeff Beatty, a Republican from Massachusetts, has secured a spot on the ballot thanks to a grass roots campaign that gathered 17,000 certified signatures. Beatty thanked volunteers, staff members, donors and supporters at a gathering in Westborough this past weekend, where he also outlined his campaign plans for the coming months.

US SENATE CANDIDATE JEFF BEATTY THANKS VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF FOR SUCCESSFUL NOMINATION DRIVE, OUTLINES CAMPAIGN TO NOVEMBER

Grass roots effort results in 17 thousand certified signatures delivered to the Secretary of State’s office, assuring Beatty’s place on ballot

Boston - US Senate candidate Jeff Beatty, Republican, celebrated gaining access to the ballot by personally thanking supporters and volunteers who powered his signature drive. For two months, hundreds of supporters canvassed the Commonwealth sharing Beatty’s campaign vision and filling enough nomination sheets necessary to get Beatty on the ballot. Beatty’s successful nomination follows another significant milestone announced last month - 30 thousand donors who gave almost $1 million dollars to his campaign.

“I’m honored by how many people have decided to invest in our campaign, giving their time and effort to bring new leadership to the U.S. Senate,” said Beatty at a supporter gathering held in Westborough over the weekend. “This proves that people are excited about this race and, after 24 years of lackluster leadership, are ready to send a real fighter to Washington.”

Beatty began this campaign a year ago by launching an exploratory committee in April 2007. Since then he has traveled throughout Massachusetts listening to voters and sharing his vision to protect their families, protect their jobs and protect the Commonwealth and country.

“It is time to send someone with relevant experience to Washington to fight for these basic values,” said Beatty, a former Delta Force Officer and founder of a homeland security and public safety company. “I have owned a business, worked for years in public safety and security, and developed the background to solve the serious problems we face today. I’m running because we have waited too long for someone to step up and do the work.”

Beatty will spend the remaining spring and summer months introducing himself to voters and preparing for the hard contest coming in the fall.
###

Jeff Beatty is a Candidate for the US Senate who can be found at www.jeffbeatty.com. Beatty is a small businessman (founder of totalsecurity.us) who previously served in The Delta Force where he received a Purple Heart while helping rescue hundreds of Americans. He also served as a Special Agent of the FBI, advising the national Hostage Rescue Team and as a CIA Counter-terrorism Officer running successful operations in Europe and the Middle East.Beatty has received broad media coverage, at the national level from CNN and Fox News and locally from WBZ, The Boston Herald and Boston Globe. Beatty has also received great attention and support from bloggers across the state.

Jeff Beatty
20 Lyman St Suite 201
Westborough, MA 01581
774 733 4077

I’d like to ask for some feedback from our Maine Mittheads. I don’t know anything about Charlie Summers and I am posting this not as an endorsement but as an FYI.

If you have followed Mr. Summer’s Congressional service, please post your comments. I’d like to get your take on his policy positions.

~~John Cronin~~

http://www.politickerme.com/jessicaalaimo/1632/gov-romney-endorses-summers-congress

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney endorsed Charlie Summers for Congress today.

Romney, a former presidential candidate, won the Maine Republican caucuses in February before dropping out of the race.

In a statement, Romney said:

“Conservatism’s strength is based in the belief in family, the individual, and the goodness of America and Charlie Summers embodies that strength. His experience in the private sector combined with his service as a Maine State Senator, as head of the Small Business Administration in New England, and most recently his service in Iraq make him the ideal person to represent Maine in the United States Congress. Charlie embodies the qualities necessary to effectively represent his constituency from the moment he is sworn-in as Maine’s next First District Congressman.

“Today, I am proud to endorse Charlie Summers and I encourage all my Maine supporters to actively campaign and vote for Charlie on June 10th.”

Summers said: “I am honored by Governor Romney’s support. Maine voters strongly showed their support for Governor Romney during the March Presidential caucuses and his strength among Maine voters will continue to build the momentum of this campaign through the primary and on to a win in November.”

Summers is running as a Republican in the First Congressional District.

Please don’t think I feel anything but best wishes for Sen. Kennedy and his family at this trying hour. As Republicans, we always want to win seats in the Congress, but not this way. I am writing about this only because it is possible, hopefully not probable, that Sen. Kennedy will not be able to serve out the remainder of his Senate term. If that turns out to be the case, then the people of Massachusetts will have to decide who will represent them. One of the names being mentioned is Mitt Romney.

~~John Cronin~~

http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/05/21/news/3201228.txt

BY JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 2:19 AM EDT

For a brief time in 2004, it looked like U.S. Sen. John Kerry had a real shot at being elected president.

Massachusetts Democrats at the time feared that a Kerry victory would mean that Gov. Mitt Romney would get to appoint a fellow Republican to fill Kerry’s Senate seat.

The Democratically-controlled Legislature reacted by changing state law so that a vacated Senate seat would remain open until a special election could be held within 145 to 160 days, rather than have the governor appoint a replacement.

Now that law will prevent Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick from naming a successor should Sen. Edward Kennedy prove unable to complete his term because of a malignant brain tumor.

News from Dr. Bob Onder’s campaign office shows a growing list of influential Missouri leaders have endorsed his candidacy. His first quarter fund raising shows some financial firepower as well.

While the national press is ringing the death knell for the Republican Party in this election, it seems the good citizens of Missouri didn’t get the memo.

~~John Cronin~~

Jefferson City – Representative Bob Onder today announced the support of twenty-two current and two former state elected officials in his bid to represent the people of the Ninth District.

Dr. Onder’s announcement comes shortly after winning the first-quarter fundraising race against
all other candidates to replace Representative Kenny Hulshof when he raised over $370,000,
more than any other candidate in the race regardless of party affiliation.

“As I prepare to bring my prescription for change to Washington, I am honored to have the
support of so many conservative leaders in the 9th District and around our great state,” said Dr. Onder. “These leaders understand what it takes to defend our freedoms and fight for mainstream Missouri values. I greatly appreciate their support.”

“Dr. Onder has been a leader in the General Assembly from his first day in office,” said House
Republican Majority Floor Leader Steve Tilley. “Simply put, he is a proven winner who gets
things done on the issues that matter most to Missourians. I know he’ll take that same ability to
Washington.”

“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to represent the people of the 9th District than Dr.
Onder,” said Representative Doug Funderburk of St. Peter’s. “His experience as a doctor and
lawyer, and his willingness to fight for the right-to-life and tax relief and to stop illegal
immigration and wasteful spending will serve the people of Missouri well in Washington.”

“From watching him work in the Missouri House, I know that Dr. Onder will stand up for
principle and Missouri values when he gets to Congress,” said Representative Jason Smith of
Crawford County. “He’s just the type of leader we need to fight the liberal excesses of Nancy
Pelosi and the MoveOn.org crowd in Washington.”

Representative Brian Nieves noted that Dr. Onder’s leadership is not restricted to the pro-life
issue. This year, Dr. Onder also sponsored House Bill 1549, an effort to outlaw sanctuary cities
in Missouri and to give local law enforcement the tools they need to stop illegal immigration.
“Last year, I stood side-by-side with Bob Onder when we passed my bill to put English as the
official language on this year’s ballot,” said Representative Brian Nieves of Franklin County.
“This year, I was proud to stand by him as he proposed House Bill 1549. When he gets to
Washington, I know Dr. Onder will fight for effective enforcement of our immigration laws and
against San Francisco-liberal calls for amnesty.”

Dr. Onder has been a leader his entire life, particularly on pro-life issues. After graduating with a
medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis, he opened his own medical practice in
St. Charles. Later, after seeing so many of his physician friends face frivolous lawsuits, he went
to night school to get a law degree at St. Louis University. He is an active member of St. Gianna Catholic Church in St. Charles, and has six children with his wife, Allison. He has served on the boards of Missouri Right to Life, the Catholic Medical Association, and the Center for Bioethics and Culture. In 2006, he led the statewide fight against Amendment 2 as President of
Missourians Against Human Cloning.

The growing list of endorsements, combined with the first-quarter fundraising win, shows
Onder’s increasing momentum and widespread support. A full list of endorsements and
statements follows:

ENDORSEMENTS

Senator Scott Rupp R-Wentzville
Brian Nieves R-Union
Jason Smith R-Salem
Sally Faith R-St. Charles County
Mark Parkinson R-St. Charles County
Doug Funderburk R-St. Peters
Cynthia Davis R-O’Fallon
Stanley Cox R-Sedalia
Jane Cunningham R-Chesterfield
Ward Franz R-West Plains
Tim Jones R-Eureka
Don Ruzicka R-Mt. Vernon
Dwight Scharnhorst R-Manchester
Shane Schoeller R-Willard
Ryan Silvey R-Kansas City
Rick Stream R-Kirkwood
Mike Thomson R-Maryville
Don Wells R-Cabool
Rod Jetton R-Marble Hill-Speaker of the House
Steve Tilley R-Perryville-Majority Floor Leader
Senator Jason Crowell R-Cape Girardeau
Former Representative Bob Behnen R-Kirksville
Former Representative John Bennett R-St. Charles
–##–

Ron Frey created this ad proposal; and I think that it well represents our petition and our unity in supporting Mitt Romney.

Our Petition is still getting signatures and can now viewed at: yesmittvp.com  I would like to thank Sterling, who was kind enough to assign the domain to our site. Please keep letting your friends and family know about our petition. If you have not signed it and would like to:

      CLICK HERE

I am also looking into an ad buy to let more people know who we are, and who we stand with. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know.

I have created a petition to ask Sen. McCain to choose Gov. Romney as his running-mate. If you are interested in signing it, please click here.

(AP)

SALT LAKE CITY — In a show of Republican unity, one-time bitter foes John McCain and Mitt Romney raised money and campaigned together Thursday for a single goal — getting McCain elected president.

“We are united. Now our job is to energize our party,” McCain said in an airport hanger, flanked by Romney and Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., an early McCain supporter.

Both men have been mentioned as potential vice presidential picks, and while McCain praised each, he did not tip his hand on whether either was under consideration.

Romney, for his part, praised McCain and promised to do all that he could to help, saying: “He is a man who is proven and tested” and without question the right man to be president.

In February, Romney won 90 percent of the vote in Utah to McCain’s 5 percent. Romney’s ties to the state run deep, from his Mormon faith to his work overseeing the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

“Look, that wasn’t the only state I lost to Governor Romney in — it was just the largest loss,’ McCain said chuckling. He joked that it was abject humiliation that was understandable given Romney’s Utah links. “I was at least hoping to break into double digits though!”

“I think he did just fine in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida, California …,” Romney said, laughing as well

McCain and Romney then headed to Denver for another fundraiser.

McCain, who has struggled to raise campaign money compared with Democratic rivals Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, is on a weeklong western fundraising swing. Romney is popular in Utah and Colorado, states with large numbers of residents who are members of his Mormon faith.

The former Massachusetts governor dropped out of the race last month after it became apparent it would be near impossible to topple McCain in the convention delegate race. A week later, he endorsed the Arizona senator and pledged to do whatever he could to help McCain win the nomination.

Since then, McCain has praised Romney repeatedly as someone who is certain to continue playing a large role in the GOP. Romney, for his part, has suggested that he’d accept the No. 2 spot on the ticket, though some Republicans privately speculate that he’s looking ahead to 2012 and a possible repeat run.

Neither man appeared especially fond of the other during the campaign. Romney cast McCain as outside of the GOP’s conservative mainstream and a Washington insider who contributed to the problems plaguing a broken system. McCain, in turn, argued that Romney’s equivocations and reversals on several issues indicated a willingness to change his positions to fit his political goals.