Happy President’s Day |
I’m of the persuasion that we should go back to celebrating Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays separately, but who am I to argue with the idea that President Buchanan and Andrew Johnson deserve equal billing?
Enjoy your mail-free day!
~~~Thomas
Heading home… |
I’m heading home today from my Michigan trip. I wanted to make sure all the roads were clear before I attempted it, considering I’m not a very good winter weather driver having lived in warmer climates for my entire adult life (not exactly snow weather). Anyway, I digress, I am heading home today, and when I get home I’ll put more stuff on the blog from the Announcement on Tuesday. I’ve had several technological issues since I arrived, so my ability to get things up as been definitely not to be desired. Once I get home I can get all that straightened out and get more info about it. I appreciate all of your visits, and to the bloggers that blog with me here I am thankful for your service to this site.
See ya again later (after I give my kids all the attention they deserve, they’ve sacrificed a lot this week).
Best,
Ann Marie
***Searching for viewer from Alpine Utah*** |
If you are from Alpine Utah, your ISP is Qwest Communications you came into the site through Bloglines at 9:59PM YOUR time, and the last place you visited was South Carolinians for Romney PLEASE CONTACT ME!!! You’re an important numbered visitor. When this person contacts me, hopefully they’ll tell their “Romney Story” and I can give you what number visitor they are 
Ann Marie
UPDATE: I have the winner…He’s the 200,000th visitor to the site, more details to come!
WANTED: Your Stories! |
I am interested in your stories of how you came to support Governor Mitt Romney for President. Was it the spectacular Olympics? Was it his business acumen? Or something completely personal for you? If you’ll email me at pr @ electromneyin2008 . com. I will publish them here on this site, and then others can read them and come to support him too. Please put MY STORY in the subject line of your email.
Thanks,
Ann Marie
My one plug for Cystic Fibrosis research |
http://www.cff.org/Great_…9&idUser=126378
Some of you might remember that last year I made an impassioned plea for people to donate to my Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides walk team. Well, it’s getting to be that time of year again. For those of you who don’t know. My daughter Erin was diagnosed with CF last year. After her diagnosis we thought we’d had a miracle when they found that one of the medications she was taking might cause a false positive, but after being removed from that medication and the fact that she did have CF symptoms as well it was reconfirmed that she had the life-shortening disease.
Anyway, every year the CF foundation has these walks across the nation to raise money for CF research. These events are called Great Strides. Our walk site is The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, and our walk date is May 20th. The name of our walk team is Butterflies for Erin, as our daughter really loves them. Last year we raised almost $2500 in less than two months time. This year we have almost triple the time, and I want to blow the top off of last years total. This is where you come in, would you be willing to help me that goal? Even a small donation can help in a big way.
Background on donating:
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the primary sponsor of critical research that is making tremendous advances toward a cure and control of cystic fibrosis (CF). We have been recognized by publications such as SmartMoney as being one of the most efficient organizations of our kind. Nearly 90 cents of every dollar of revenue we raise is available for investment in vital CF programs to support research, care and education.
We receive no federal funding and depend on the generosity of individual donors and corporations to support our lifesaving mission. We will not rest until we find a cure.
Thank You for helping make CF stand for Cure Found!
Ann Marie Curling
Mother of Erin (age 7) with Cystic Fibrosis
A speech from a former Great Communicator on the 21 yr anniversary of the Challenger Tragedy |
I know that this is completely unrelated to Romney running for President, but as I have in the past with the passing of Gerald Ford and the resignation of Sandra Day O’Connor from the US Supreme Court I am taking a diversion and including this beautiful speech from a former Great Communicator. Ronald Reagan gave this speech 21 years ago after the Space Shuttle Challenger Tragedy. For me this was a huge event, in that I always marveled at space exploration. It was the first “where were you” moment of my generation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d planned to speak to you tonight to report on the state of the Union, but the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans. Today is a day for mourning and remembering. Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss.
Nineteen years ago, almost to the day, we lost three astronauts in a terrible accident on the ground. But we’ve never lost an astronaut in flight. We’ve never had a tragedy like this. And perhaps we’ve forgotten the courage it took for the crew of the shuttle. But they, the Challenger Seven, were aware of the dangers, but overcame them and did their jobs brilliantly. We mourn seven heroes: Michael Smith, Dick Scobee, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe. We mourn their loss as a nation together.
For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we’re thinking about you so very much. Your loved ones were daring and brave, and they had that special grace, that special spirit that says, “Give me a challenge, and I’ll meet it with joy.” They had a hunger to explore the universe and discover its truths. They wished to serve, and they did. They served all of us.
We’ve grown used to wonders in this century. It’s hard to dazzle us. But for twenty-five years the United States space program has been doing just that. We’ve grown used to the idea of space, and, perhaps we forget that we’ve only just begun. We’re still pioneers. They, the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers.
And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle’s take-off. I know it’s hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen. It’s all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It’s all part of taking a chance and expanding man’s horizons. The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we’ll continue to follow them.
I’ve always had great faith in and respect for our space program. And what happened today does nothing to diminish it. We don’t hide our space program. We don’t keep secrets and cover things up. We do it all up front and in public. That’s the way freedom is, and we wouldn’t change it for a minute.
We’ll continue our quest in space. There will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space. Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue.
I want to add that I wish I could talk to every man and woman who works for NASA, or who worked on this mission and tell them: “Your dedication and professionalism have moved and impressed us for decades. And we know of your anguish. We share it.”
There’s a coincidence today. On this day three hundred and ninety years ago, the great explorer Sir Francis Drake died aboard ship off the coast of Panama. In his lifetime the great frontiers were the oceans, and a historian later said, “He lived by the sea, died on it, and was buried in it.” Well, today, we can say of the Challenger crew: Their dedication was, like Drake’s, complete.
The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and “slipped the surly bonds of earth” to “touch the face of God.”
Thank you.
Ann Marie
Important News |
http://www.registerguard….ection=business
“Today, armed with a world record for highest pogo-stick hop - six feet - Vurtego sells through such retailers as Costco.com and claims such celebrity customers as Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, actor Jake Gyllenhaal and cyclist Lance Armstrong.”
Is Mitt Romney ready to offer alternative transportation plan? Well probably not, but as always you can find out the latest on Romney’s transportation record here:
http://myclob.pbwiki.com/Transportation
I’ll keep this page updated if I hear anything different.
~ Mike
The Bush State of the Union Address, your thoughts… |
President Bush gave his State of the Union Address today…
Give us your thoughts (positive and negative). Two years from now Governor Romney could be giving his first. What do you think will change between now and then? What do you envision a “President Romney” State of the Union to be?
Ann Marie
Governor Romney completes “lone walk” out of the Massachusetts Statehouse |
In which I’m sure was a bittersweet moment, Governor Romney completed the “lone walk” out of the Massachusetts Statehouse today. Now the nation and world gets to partake in what he has to offer.
Outgoing Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney walks with his wife, Ann, as they make their way along the red carpet while departing the Statehouse in Boston, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007. Gov.-elect Deval Patrick is to be sworn into office Thursday. (AP Photo/John Wilcox, Pool)
Outgoing Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, right, and his wife Ann turn to wave from the red carpet in front of the Statehouse, in Boston, as Romney completes the ‘lone walk’ out of the Statehouse, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007. Deval Patrick will be sworn in as the new governor on Thursday. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Romney Hands Over Power In Ceremonial Exchange
Deval Patrick took the reigns of power in Massachusetts from Mitt Romney Wednesday night during a ceremonial exchange of power at the Statehouse.In a break with tradition, Romney joined Patrick in the governor’s office on the eve of the governor-elect’s historic inauguration for an exchange of symbols. The ceremony has traditionally taken place on the same day as the inauguration.
During the ceremony, Romney passed several symbolic items onto Patrick as power shifted from one leader to another. The ceremonial items include a pewter key that fits the lock on the main door of the Corner Office, the Butler Bible that dates back to Gov. Benjamin Butler, who couldn’t find a Bible when he entered office 1883. A friend gave Butler a Bible to keep on his desk, and he left it there when he left office two years later. A ceremonial gavel, a relic of the U.S.S. Constitution or Old Ironsides, is also handed to the incoming governor. The Governor’s Council accepted the gavel as the permanent office gavel in 1906. The gavel is kept in a box made of wood taken from the old warship the same year. Finally, Romney handed Patrick a two-volume set of the Massachusetts General Statutes that dates back to 1860. The set includes handwritten notes from each governor to his successor. In keeping with tradition, Romney read the note he left for Patrick.
“To serve another person is an honor; to serve a great people has been a great honor. To help another person is rewarding; to help many thousands of people has been immeasurably rewarding. Each of those who has served others these last four years has spent themselves in a great work and so leaves a far richer person. May God continue to bless the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” Romney read from the book.
After the ceremony, Romney walked out of the Statehouse and was honored with a 19-gun salute as he and his wife, Anne, stood on the front steps. Flanked by Massachusetts State Police troopers, Romney thanked people gathered outside with handshakes and smiles.
But with just hours left of his term as Massachusetts governor, Romney said Wednesday that he was filing papers to form an exploratory committee to run for president in 2008.
“We filed exploratory papers today, so the process is moving forward on that front,” Romney said.
While he looks forward to moving on, Romney said he is taking some time to look back on the memories, including the battle over gay marriage. On Tuesday, lawmakers voted to advance a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage.
“The voice of the people is sovereign and a vote to allow people to decide something as important as marriage is the right way to go,” Romney said.
But Patrick disagrees with Romney and said he will try to influence the next vote on the proposed gay marriage ban.
In one of his final official acts, Romney swore in the 200 members of the new session of the House and Senate on Wednesday morning, including 16 new House members and two new senators. The new Legislature is overwhelmingly Democratic with Republicans only holding five of the 40 Senate seats and 19 of the 160 House seats.
Romney also signed a bill into law on Wednesday that restored simulcasting to the state’s four horse and dog tracks for another two years.
Ann Marie
Statement of Governor Mitt Romney on the Passing of President Gerald R. Ford |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
December 27, 2006 Eric Fehrnstrom
(617) 725-4025
Statement of Governor Mitt Romney on the Passing of President Gerald R. Ford
Today, America mourns the loss of President Gerald R. Ford, a great public servant who showed steady leadership during a turbulent time in our country’s history.
President Ford was proud of his heritage and where he grew up. Wherever he traveled, both at home and overseas, Hail to the Victors; was played, a fitting accompaniment for a son of Michigan.
As a leader in the Congress, and then in the White House, President Ford demonstrated the highest levels of integrity and decency. He counted among his friends political rivals, and he worked across the political aisle to do the people’s business. And in a dark hour for America, he brought credit and honor to the highest office of the land and restored America’s faith in itself.
Ann and I extend our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and to President Ford’s entire family on their loss.
###
Gerald R. Ford, 7/14/1913 - 12/26/2006 |
The oldest living President has died at the age of 93.
I was fortunate to fly into the airport that bears his name in November when I was deployed to Michigan in advance of the November elections. I was not able to see his museum due to time constraints but you can definitely feel the Ford touch in the area.
Rest in peace Mr. President!
“My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over. Our Constitution works. Our great republic is a government of laws and not of men. Here the people rule.”
“I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your president by your ballots. So I ask you to confirm me with your prayers.”
-Gerald R. Ford after becoming President of the United States in 1974
Source: MSNBC
Story from his hometown Grand Rapids paper here
Further coverage here
Ann Marie
P.S. Feel free to leave any remembrances/tributes of President Ford in the comments section.
R.I.P. Milton Friedman |
http://money.cnn.com/2006…=rss_topstories
Milton Friedman, one of history’s great economists whose influence has led directly to President Reagan’s policies and the economic miracle the United States has enjoyed since the early 80s (two minor recessions in over 20 years) has died.
Back from my deployment… |
Hi Everyone,
On Wednesday I returned from my deployment by the RGA to Michigan. While the outcome was less than desired the experience was one that I will not soon forget. It was so nice to meet with Michigan voters, and talk to them either on the phone, when I went to their houses, or when they stopped by our Muskegon Victory Center. For the most part the people I spoke with were very cordial and inviting. My team members were very cool to work with, and we had a lot of fun. I was able to meet Saul Anuzis (Chairman of the MI GOP), Congressman Pete Hoekstra (MI-2), and other local GOP officials and candidates.
Much to my surprise I made the front cover of The Muskegon Chronicle on Election Day. It was above the fold and everything. I knew they were taking pictures, but I couldn’t have dreamed that I’d hit the front cover.
While I am very saddened by the results of Tuesday, I see much promise for the future. We’re down, but we’re definitely not out, and Governor Romney is the future and that future is very bright.
All the best to each and every one of you who peruse this site!
Ann Marie Curling
Red Auerbach Passes |
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15462048/
The legendary ex-coach of the Boston Celtics and one of the Bay State’s great icons has died of a heart attack. At age 89 he was still the team’s president.
~~~Thomas
Open Topic Friday |
You know how on Fridays Rush Limbaugh has “Open Line Friday” where his callers can talk about whatever topic they wish to discuss? Well, I’m going to use a similar theme with this blog today, and have “Open Topic Friday”. You can discuss whatever topic in the comment section Romney related that you want, if you have questions about a certain Romney stance or issue feel free to ask those as well. I look forward to hearing what you all have to say.
Ann Marie
