ComMITTed to Romney!

Jeff Beatty Begins Air Campaign, John Kerry Heads for Bunker

John Cronin — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:07:45 +0000

I just received this press release from the Jeff Beatty for U.S. Senate from Massachusetts campaign. The early polls are very encouraging and although it will be very hard to defeat an incumbent with John Kerry’s name recognition, Team Beatty is up to the challenge.

One of his supporter’s came up with a gem that I wanted to share with you. This is a take off of the Mastercard commercial from quite a while ago, but maybe you remember it.

Jeff Beatty Bumper sticker: $1.50

Jeff Beatty Yard Sign: $2.50

John Kerry Concession speech: Priceless

~~John Cronin~~

Memo for Friends and Supporters of the Beatty for U.S. Senate Campaign

“Now Showing” - How would you like to buy a 30 second ad on TV for Jeff? You can do it for only $25 each. We want to be on the air next month and ask all of you to help by donating to buy 1 to 10 ads! Please go to www.jeffbeatty.com and hit donate!

It’s been two weeks since I’ve wrapped up the party’s nomination, and the campaign is kicking into high gear.

Talking Points for the Week

• A year of campaigning, fundraising, and building a strong grassroots organization has paid off. Jeff Beatty is now the Massachusetts Republican nominee and will defeat John Kerry for the US Senate in November.
• The campaign continues to get stronger, building more people, money and name recognition. 30K donors gave almost one million dollars to the campaign in the first quarter report. Hundreds of people gathered more than 25K signatures to put my name comfortably on the ballot. Over 2,000 volunteers around the Commonwealth have joined our cause.
• Recent polls show Massachusetts voters are ready for a new face. Only 37% say John Kerry deserves to be reelected and 56% say they want someone else to take this senate seat. That someone else is Jeff Beatty. (http://www.suffolk.edu/29407.html7)
• People in Massachusetts and around the country are beginning to realize that this senate race is winnable, if we can get the resources to get my name out there.
• I need people around the state to continue to build this campaign from its strong base. I’m asking people to hold a fundraiser or give a house party, write letters to your local newspaper or blog about the race on local or national political sites, and finally, come to hear me speak at one of the many events around the state.

Media Hits of the Week

Jeff in the Worcester Telegram
Jeff profile by the Associated Press
Jeff on the Chet Curtis Show on NECN
Campaign Review

Last week I had the good fortune, as the party’s standard bearer, to meet with Senator John McCain as he visited the Bay State. We look forward to his support and we’ll do our best to get him and the all the other Republicans on the ticket elected.

I had a number of events with my fellow veterans that were especially rewarding. On June 9th, I dined with the residents of the Worcester Veterans Center. I appreciate the support from Amanda Riik, Trevor Little, and Joe Boylan who made this event possible. A few days later, I participated in a ceremony where Captain (Retired) Tom Hudner was recognized by the citizens of Concord for earning the Medal of Honor during the Korean War. More recently, I visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington to meet with the wounded warriors from our conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. When I am elected, I will never break faith with my fellow brothers and sisters in arms.

I also had the chance to visit with Chet Curtis on his NECN program. People around the state say this was a solid interview and we will do more in the near future to build name recognition.
I had a great time marching in the Dedham Flag Day Parade! With the Victory Van! There were tens of thousands along the route and we’re confident that most of them enlisted in the Beatty Brigade. We could not ask for a more hospitable welcome. I owe a debt of gratitude to Joe Pascarella and Tom Gorman for supporting this endeavor. Later that evening, we ventured over to Quincy for their firework show and welcomed several more to our effort. A big debt of thanks to Jennifer Logue for helping out.

I would like to mention the support of several Republican Town Committees. I appreciate the support offered by the Attleboro and Quincy committees who graciously offered to help the campaign. Our campaign manager, Joe Manzoli, received the support and $1,100 from the Shrewsbury Town Committee. Lastly, James McDonnell and Kate Cantwell spoke before the Duxbury Town committee during their monthly gathering. I cannot overemphasize the fact that RTCs will be crucial to our success!

I am indebted to the financial support provided by my friends in Marblehead and Longmeadow over the past two weeks. Their generosity will help the campaign advance and more importantly, get the word out as to what we’re about.

Earlier this week, along with our communications director, Kahlil Byrd, we had a rewarding visit to our nation’s capital. I met with a number of Republican Party officials and activists who have pledged their support to the campaign. A big thank you to Thea White who arranged this much worthwhile trip.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the support of Alan Linkevitch who is currently being treated for diabetes at a local hospital. Despite his afflictions, he was heartened by the news that I am the sole Republican running for the U.S. Senate. After meeting with him, I was as motivated as ever to press on.
The Road Ahead

We will be on the road over the next few days and I look forward to seeing you at some of the following events:

• 1 July. Northborough VFW Post 234 at 402 West Main Street at 5:30 PM for a meet and greet
• 3 July. Randolph’s Independence Day Parade.
• 3 July. Franklin’s Firework Display
• 4 July. Chelmsford’s Independence Day Parade
• 4 July. Falmouth’s Firework Display.
Your Help

At the Dedham parade, a resident shouted: “You have to beat him!” I responded that “We have to beat him!” I cannot stress the fact that your support is crucial to our campaign.
More than ever before, we are confident that we can win and your support will be the difference maker.

A few days ago, a Suffolk University survey indicated that 51% of those polled, thought it was time to give someone else a chance (to represent Massachusetts in the Senate), while 38 % said that Senator Kerry should be re-elected. David Paleologos, who conducted the poll, thought that these numbers could help Jeff Beatty as he noted that with “…a big influx of independents, who knows what happens here.”

For those who are able, we look forward to your financial contributions, for those cannot donate at this time, we ask that you write to your local newspaper or call your local talk radio station to discuss the viability of Jeff’s campaign and how the current junior Senator has worn out his welcome with the Commonwealth’s voters. Every little bit helps!

I will close on a note from a friend of the campaign who came up with this wonderful motto:
“Jeff Beatty bumper sticker…………….$1.00.
Jeff Beatty lawn sign………………………$2.50.
John Kerry concession speech……..Priceless!”

Chaffetz Wins Big—He Turns Cannon Into a Lame Duck

John Cronin — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:39:55 +0000

Jason Chaffetz rode the crest of voter anger and frustration over Congress’ dithering on illegal immigration and the energy crisis to sweep Open Borders Congressman Chris Cannon out of office! If I were an incumbent of either party who has been playing the “go along to get along” game while ignoring the express wishes of the people who put me in office, I would be experiencing an epiphany this morning.

Congratulations to the team of unpaid grassroots activists who helped put Jason over the top! Your campaign success is truly “Participatory Democracy” in action.

~~John Cronin~~

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700237809,00.html

By Tad Walch
Deseret News
Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:30 a.m. MDT

A groundbreaking grassroots organization built by challenger Jason Chaffetz combined Tuesday with a growing storm of Republican discontent to sweep six-term Congressman Chris Cannon out of office.

Chaffetz handily defeated Cannon, earning 60 percent of the vote to land the Republican nomination for Utah’s 3rd District seat in Congress, a seat held by Cannon since 1996.

“I got a nice call from Congressman Cannon wishing us all the best. That was a sweet call to take,” Chaffetz said after 200 supporters greeted him at 11 p.m. with chants of “Jason, Jason, Jason.”

Unhappy Republican voters stayed home Tuesday, and those who did vote expressed their frustration with $4 gas and other problems. Cannon termed it a revolution, a sign that the anger that swept Democrats to power in Congress had lapped up on Utah’s borders.

Chaffetz agreed voters are frustrated.

“We have to get serious about $4 gasoline, fiscal discipline and the illegal immigration problem in America,” he said. “This is just the beginning. I need your help. We need to take this all the way through November.”

He’ll clearly follow the same blueprint that won the primary.

Veepstakes “Final Four” - Go vote for Mitt!

David Kim — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:15:41 +0000

Mitt is now in the Final Four going up against Pawlenty. He’s currently the top vote getter at 69% with 28K votes in!

If you haven’t voted yet, click here, and take Mitt to the finals! (looks like he will be up against Colin Powell)

Mitt Romney on “Your World”

amanda — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 04:46:24 +0000

Mitt’s still a key player in the GOP, and he’s still being as well-spoken and educated as ever on today’s tough issues. Enjoy.

IRS Investigating Internet Evangelist

John Cronin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:59:15 +0000

Bill Keller, who really hit the Media’s radar screen during the primaries with his infamous quote about Mitt Romney is being investigated by the IRS according to EarnedMedia.Org in a story referencing the original article in the NEW YORK TIMES.

I thought his remark was way off base and apparently the IRS does as well. It will be very interesting to see how the case develops.

~~John Cronin~~

http://www.earnedmedia.org/wdc0624.htm

MEDIA ADVISORY, June 24 /Christian Newswire/ –

The New York Times has broken the story that Bill Keller, founder of Liveprayer.com with over 2.4 million subscribers to his Daily Devotional and host of the Liveprayer TV program, is under investigation for possibly violating his tax exempt status in speaking out last year against former Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormon beliefs. Keller, who was the first Christian leader to speak out nationally against Romney’s beliefs coined the now infamous phrase, “A vote for Romney is a vote for Satan.”

Keller maintains that he has done nothing to violate his tax exemption status and says his attorneys are confident the ministry will be cleared of any wrongdoing. Keller stated, “I have every right to educate people on spiritual matters and deal with the pressing spiritual issues of our day, even those that transcend into the political arena. Unlike many Christian leaders, I have never, or ever will endorse any candidate for public office and have never told people who to or not to vote for.” He has recently been in the national news making the case that the Democratic nominee for President, Senator Barack Obama is not a Christian.

New York Times story from Tuesday, June 24, 2008: http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/23/challenging-the-irs/

Dr. Bob Onder Pledges to Oppose Energy Tax Hikes; Challenges Opponents to Follow His Lead

John Cronin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:39:09 +0000

How ironic it would be if the people who are partially responsible for $4 per gallon gasoline, the Congress, would then get to gleefully impose a tax on the product whose price they helped drive up!!

Luckily, we have men like Dr. Onder who are committed enough to sign no new tax pledges BEFORE they are elected.

Go to www.bobonder.com and check out Dr. Onder’s positions on the issues that are important to us. If you agree with me that Dr. Onder will not be part of the problem once he gets to Washington, but will become part of the solution, please consider making a campaign contribution to help defray the high cost of elective office.

~~John Cronin~~

Columbia, MO -

With gas prices hovering above $4 a gallon and without any relief in sight, Dr. Bob Onder today pledged to vigorously oppose all efforts to raise energy taxes relating to climate change that would result in a net increase in federal revenue.

The pledge, sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, a non-profit taxpayer advocacy group with a strong presence in Missouri, reads:

I, Bob Onder, pledge to the taxpayers of Missouri’s Ninth District and to the American people that I will oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in federal government revenue.

“High energy prices harm American families and small businesses,” Dr. Onder said. “By signing this pledge, I have committed to helping Missourians by fighting all efforts to raise energy prices by government order.”

“For continued prosperity, the American people should have access to affordable, homegrown energy,” he continued. “As a member of Congress, I will help make this a reality by opposing energy tax hikes and supporting exploration of American energy sources.”

Dr. Onder, the leading Republican candidate in the Ninth District, also issued a direct challenge to the other candidates in the Ninth District race. “If the other candidates in this race are serious about lowering the price of gas, the least they can do is sign this pledge to oppose energy tax increases,” he said. “If they don’t sign it, we can assume that they would consider, or even favor higher gas taxes.”

Carl Bearden, Executive Director of Americans for Prosperity in Missouri, applauded Dr. Onder’s pledge. “”Americans for Prosperity-Missouri applauds Dr. Bob Onder for stepping up to voluntarily sign the No Climate Tax pledge. All candidates are encouraged to sign these pledges and go on the record in opposition to using the climate change issue to raise taxes.”

The Carbon Tax Pledge was started by Americans for Prosperity in response to the Lieberman-Warner Secure Climate Act, a piece of legislation that would have imposed a $1.2 trillion tax hike on the American public over the next ten years. Though the bill was sold as a “market-based system,” it would have imposed significant regulatory taxes on energy that would have been passed along to Americans in the form of higher gas, electricity, heating, oil, and food prices. More information on the pledge can be found at www.nocarbontax.org.

Dr. Onder has previously called for the federal government to allow oil exploration in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and on the continental shelf, and was pleased to see Republican Presidential candidate John McCain adopt his position on offshore drilling late last week.

Press inquiries should be directed to Jay Barnes at 573.418.0719 or jaybarnes@bobonder.com. Dr. Onder will be available for interviews regarding this announcement Tuesday afternoon.

IQ Scores of Republican/Democratic Politicans

Steve Andrew — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:03:35 +0000

IQ Scores

The IQ scores below (unless otherwise stated) are estimates.

2008 Republican Nominees:

John McCain 133 {confirmed}

Mitt Romney 122

Mike Huckabee 110-125

Ron Paul 130 -140

Duncan Hunter 120-130

Fred Thompson 123

Rudy Giuliani 123

2008 Democratic Nominee’s:

Barack Obama 130-148

Hillary Clinton 140 {confirmed}

John Edwards 124

Mike Gravel 115-122

Dennis Kucinich 116-126

Bill Richardson 124-133

Former Presidents Of The United States:

Ronald Reagan 105

Benjamin Franklin 160

George W. Bush 138

Dwight D. Eisenhower 122

Franklin D. Roosevelt 147

George H.W. Bush 132

George Washington 118

John F. Kennedy 119

Jimmy Carter 156

John Q. Adams 175

Richard M. Nixon 155

Bill Clinton 159

Al Gore 134

Abraham Lincoln 150

It’s a nice, neat thing to know about people but having a high IQ score is not all of it. You have to have character and humility. You don’t want to be smart and be like Christopher Langan - 195:

USA Today: Mitt Romney Most Popular Choice for VP in Either Party

John Cronin — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:36:20 +0000

According to USA TODAY, Mitt Romney is the most popular choice for VP in either party!

Hillary Clinton is close to the bottom of the barrel with a whopping 64% negative rating! When you think about it, that is actually a landslide in reverse. I am shocked, shocked I tell you!

~~John Cronin~~

http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2008/06/rice-mccain-fei.html

As for what the other questions have shown, if you look at the spread between “yes” votes and “no” votes:

• Republican Mitt Romney has been the most popular of anyone in either party. He’s 20 points “up” in the “yes” column — 56%-36% at this time.

• The next closest is former secretary of State Colin Powell. Among Republicans choices, his “yes” vote is 52%, compared to a “no” vote of 40%. He doesn’t fare as well if he’s positioned as a Democratic possibility. Then, it’s 49% “no” and 46% “yes.”

• The most negative reactions by far have been to two Democrats. Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius gets a resounding “no:” 62%-22%. Former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton also fares poorly. Her “no” vote is 64%. Her “yes” vote is 31%.

• None of the Democrats so far have gotten more “yes” than “no” votes, though Sen. Joseph Biden is coming close.

My Perspective On The Electoral Map

Steve Andrew — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:29:16 +0000

Okay folks, I know its too early in the General Election to start looking at the Electoral Map, but let’s just speculate and take a look at it again mid July.

I’m using CNN’s electoral map and currently the numbers run like this:

Barack H. Obama - 153 Safe Electors/58 Leaning Electors

John Sidney McCain - 125 Safe Electors/69 Leaning Electors

I am assuming both candidates leaning electors will remain with their respective party. Here is what I think will happen:

Barack H. Obama will get the following states regardless of the Vice - Presidential pick:

Ohio
Iowa
Wisconsin

John Sidney McCain will get the following states, with Governor Romney as the Vice - Presidential pick (which I don’t think will happen, but I really want to be proved wrong):

Nevada
Colorado
Florida
Virginia
Missouri
Michigan
New Hampshire
Minnesota

That brings the final count to:

Barack H. Obama - 248

John Sidney McCain - 264

Again, this is only an early prediction/speculation and a whole lot can change from here until November. I imagine the race will grow tighter.

Post if you see any discrepancies

McCain Campaign “Very Slow” to Get Offices in Missouri

John Cronin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:14:54 +0000

Not sure what the McCain strategy is in Missouri, but he better get something ‘ginned up quick if he wants the State’s 13 Electoral votes in his column come November.

~~John Cronin~~

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080622/NEWS01/
806220382/1007

Springfield, Mo.

Arizona Sen. John McCain knows he has a lot of work ahead of him if he’s going to win Missouri in the Nov. 4 general election — especially in southwest Missouri.

In the Feb. 5 primary, McCain lost soundly to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in 11 area counties but managed to carry the state by 8,411 votes.

“I’m going to have to be coming back to Missouri a lot,” McCain told reporters following his Wednesday town hall meeting at Missouri State University in Springfield.

But since McCain wrapped up the nomination in early March, some southwest Missouri Republicans say the McCain campaign has done little to reach out to the party faithful here.

Danette Proctor, chairwoman of the Greene County Republican Party, said the McCain campaign’s establishment of offices and field directors in the state has been “very slow.”

Karl Rove: New Ramparts, Old Battles

John Cronin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 22:35:32 +0000

Although I think Karl Rove’s pushing for the illegal immigration amnesty bill last year was a colossal mistake, generally I find him to be a very bright and very informed man.

This Washington Post article is interesting from the standpoint that Rove has so ruffled the Left’s feathers, they continue to pursue him in the hope of getting a belated payback.

~~John Cronin~~

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article
/2008/06/22/AR2008062201863.html

By Michael Abramowitz

Monday, June 23, 2008; Page A13

He’s been gone from the White House for nearly a year, but Karl Rove continues to provoke liberal ire and present a big bull’s-eye on his back for congressional Democrats.

Rove has moved from full-time politics to punditry, with high-profile perches as a commentator and opinion writer at Fox News, the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek magazine. He’s writing a book about his experiences in the White House. He’s also said to be involved in trying to line up conservative money for independent expenditures in this fall’s presidential campaign.

Romney On Guest List For Perry’s Fundraiser

John Cronin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:52:34 +0000

http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080623/NEWS/806230324

June 23, 2008

Former Gov. Mitt Romney, who few would deny has had a tough political year, isn’t letting that deter him from helping out his friends.

The former contender for the Republican presidential nomination will be on Cape Thursday at a reception for his fellow Republican and friend, state Rep. Jeffrey Davis Perry, R-Sandwich.

These two Republicans became friends during their shared time on Beacon Hill.

In 2006 when Perry’s 2-month-old granddaughter Paige Victoria Perry died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Romney quietly offered his emotional support to the Perry family, out of the public eye.

Thursday’s event is a fundraiser for Perry. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at the Cape Codder Resort, Route 132, Hyannis.

Banstable County Sheriff James Cummings will be the master of ceremonies

Murtha Lied, Obama Sighed

John Cronin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:39:04 +0000

It’s stories like the one below that make me a Republican. Even with all our faults, we don’t come close to the level of hypocrisy that the Democratic Party achieves on a regular basis.

The disgraceful hounding of eight Marines, serving their country under life and death circumstances, by the craven Congressman Murtha, as a purely partisan political ploy in the 2006 election, is another reason why I will NEVER vote for a Democrat.

Any party that will sink this low to keep their shameful and now disgraced organization in power, deserves the unmitigated contempt of the American electorate.

~~John Cronin~~

By INVESTOR’S BUSINESS DAILY | Posted Friday, June 20, 2008 4:20 PM PT

http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=298857066210197

Justice: The latest Haditha Marine to be exonerated is considering suing Rep. John Murtha for calling him a cold-blooded killer. Will Barack Obama be a character witness for saying Murtha knows his stuff?

If you hadn’t heard, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani is the seventh of the Haditha 8 to either be acquitted or have charges dismissed regarding the deaths of civilians in the town of Haditha, Iraq, on Nov. 19, 2005.

Mainstream media and liberal Democrats, if that’s not redundant, are more preoccupied these days with protecting the rights of terrorists, even Osama bin Laden, to habeas corpus and other rights of U.S. citizens they were trying to kill. That has replaced Abu Ghraib and Gitmo as their cause celebre.

Now that Haditha hasn’t turned out to be the Iraqi My Lai they hoped for, they have no time for the innocent Marines, either to comment or apologize. The Los Angeles Times, during a slow period in the barrage of charges, asked in a headline, “Whatever Happened To The Iraqi My Lai?”

Well, the crime never happened, the guilty were found innocent and the lynch mobs dispersed.

Bob Lonsberry to Endorse Jason Chaffetz

John Cronin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:07:57 +0000

Conservative blogger Travis Grant reports that popular radio host Bob Lonsberry will endorse Jason Chaffetz on his program today. Utah Mittheads, call your friends and relatives and give them the heads up on the broadcast and then make sure they get to the polls tommorrow to vote for Jason Chaffetz, the candidate who has signed the No New Taxes Pledge and who will enforce our border laws.

~~John Cronin~~

http://gazelem.wordpress.com/2008/06/21/bob-lonsberry-to-endorse-jason-chaffetz/

21 June 2008 — Travis Grant

After yesterdays post, I don’t know if I should be eating crow or claiming bragging rights on this. But Bob Lonsberry on Monday will be making an official endorsement of Jason Chaffetz on Monday through his web site and I am sure even on the Radio.

This has renewed my faith in Bob. I am not sure what brought about the change. But his article might give some clues:

Jason Chaffetz is a Ronald Reagan conservative. Chris Cannon is a George W. Bush conservative.

And that distinction is the difference which has divided and diffused the Republican Party and the conservative movement. A brief season of power corrupted the Republican Party and has now cost it both its influence and its soul.
…
Chris Cannon is part of the regime that failed.

And while he could easily serve out the rest of his life in Congress, and do useful work on a variety of issues, he would do so as just one more of the Washington compromisers. His infatuation with the process of governing has drowned out his commitment to cause.

It’s not that he lacks the courage of his convictions, it’s that he has grown unsure of his convictions. That suits him very well to fit in in Washington, where he is indistinguishable from the big-name Republicans who have endorsed him, but it leaves him oddly out of sync with patriotic and passionate work-a-day Americans in his district.

Chris Cannon is a Doug Wright Republican. Jason Chaffetz is an Ezra Taft Benson Republican.

Chris Cannon is a good man.

But Jason Chaffetz is the better choice.

As the Republican Party prepares for a season in the wilderness, Jason Chaffetz is a voice to cry in the wilderness. He is the man to stand in the well of the House, even if he’s only speaking to a C-SPAN camera, and preach the truth.

As much as I want to produce more of this. I really don’t have permission to print this much. I just use it to show that Bob has finally seen things the way that I do. While Chris Cannon is a good man. While he has served us well for the past 12 years. It is time that we get right of the Bush Republicans and return to the Reagan Republicans of yesterday.

This is awesome news for me. I hope that this is enough to get those fence sitters to realize like Bob and I do that this is about returning the party and this country back to what made us so great.

So, what made Bob change his mind. I honestly don’t know. I am inclined to believe that after interviewing both Jason Chaffetz and Chris Cannon yesterday (MP3), that Bob realized that principle mattered more than anything else.

My wife insists that it was because Bob read my post yesterday and I swayed him. I am inclined to denounce this assertion, but my stat counter makes it seem plausible.

Poll: Hottest Races On Republican Side

John Cronin — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:48:47 +0000

All eyes are on Utah this weekend as voters get ready to cast their ballots this Tuesday, June 24. The race between incumbent Chris Cannon and Jason Chaffetz is getting national attention because the stakes are so high and because the race is a surrogate referendum on whether we start drilling for domestic oil and wean ourselves from our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and whether we will finally secure our borders and insist that our immigration policies will be guided by the rule of law.

If you want to see these positions upheld in Congress and you live in Utah’s 3rd Congressional District, please be sure you vote for Jason Chaffetz and bring along 2 or 3 like minded friends or relatives.

Vote for Jason Chaffetz for Congress in Utah’s 3rd District this Tuesday!!

~~John Cronin~~

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=3581444

It’s a primary election too close to call, and the hottest political races are among Republicans.
Congressman Chris Cannon is facing another close election next Tuesday, this time against fellow Republican Jason Chaffetz. And that’s not all: The state’s treasurer’s race is close too.

These are a hard-fought Republican-versus-Republican races, and an exclusive Dan Jones poll for KSL and The Deseret News shows no clear winner in either race.

In the 3rd Congressional District race, challenger Jason Chaffetz is aggressive about running for office. Before and since the Republican state convention, he’s been attacking incumbent Chris Cannon’s record.

The race has boosted interest in the primary. Of the 312 registered voters in the 3rd District, interest is high. All of them expressed they are very or somewhat likely to vote. But how will they vote?

The poll shows Cannon with a slight edge over Chaffetz, 44-40 percent. But the remaining 16 percent are undecided, which means Tuesday’s results could depend on turnout.

“Of those, those who show the most interest, Chaffetz is one or two points ahead. But of those who plan to vote, it is Mr. Cannon,” said political pollster Dan Jones.

McCain’s Meeting With Chicago Hispanics

John Cronin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:47:51 +0000

Hat Tip to Doug for the heads up on this story. I continue to believe that we will have to remain very actively engaged in the political process no matter who is elected in November. Reports like the one below reinforce that belief.

~~John Cronin~~

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080620/D91DI6LO0.html

Jun 19, 11:22 PM (ET)

By MICHAEL TARM

CHICAGO (AP) - Republican presidential John McCain assured Hispanic leaders he would push through Congress legislation to overhaul federal immigration laws if elected, several people who attended a private meeting with the candidate said Thursday.

Democrats questioned why the Arizona senator held the meeting late Wednesday night in Chicago. But supporters who were in the room denied that McCain held the closed-door session out of fear of offending conservatives, many of whom want him to take a harder line on immigration.

Both McCain and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama support giving legal status to millions of illegal immigrants, but neither has made the issue a centerpiece of the campaign. At one time, McCain’s campaign suffered because of his stance on the issue.

Obama and McCain Spout Economic Nonsense

John Cronin — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:07:07 +0000

If Obama and McCain really believe what they are saying about the oil companies, they both need to re-open their studies of Economics 101. The quotes below show a stunning lack of understanding about both economics and human nature. Although I am not a big fan of McCain, Obama’s policies are radioactive. What he says in the quote below is just good old fashioned socialism and I don’t use that term lightly. He proposes to take money from Exxon, in other words from American citizens who own Exxon stock and then redistribute it to other Americans to use however they see fit. The implication, of course, is that if you will vote for me, I’ll confiscate someone else’s property and turn it over to you.

This attitude is flat out dangerous. Mr. Obama must be defeated at the polls this November. You might be tempted to think, well, I don’t own any Exxon stock, so his policy won’t adversely affect me. Don’t think for one moment that he will stop with Exxon. To politicians who think like Obama, the U.S. Treasury is their very own gigantic piggy bank and it exists only to fund whatever ideas emanate from their fevered brains.

~~John Cronin~~

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121383441884986739.html?mod=googlenews
_wsj

By KARL ROVE

June 19, 2008; Page A13

Barack Obama and John McCain are busy demonstrating that in close elections during tough economic times, candidates for president can be economically illiterate and irresponsibly populist.

In Raleigh, N.C., last week, Sen. Obama promised, “I’ll make oil companies like Exxon pay a tax on their windfall profits, and we’ll use the money to help families pay for their skyrocketing energy costs and other bills.”

Set aside for a minute that Jimmy Carter passed a “windfall profits tax” to devastating effect, putting American oil companies at a competitive disadvantage to foreign competitors, virtually ending domestic energy exploration, and making the U.S. more dependent on foreign sources of oil and gas.

This past Thursday, Mr. McCain came close to advocating a form of industrial policy, saying, “I’m very angry, frankly, at the oil companies not only because of the obscene profits they’ve made, but their failure to invest in alternate energy.”

Pence Needs 23 More Signatures

John Cronin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:12:53 +0000

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=27085

Congress is just 23 signatures away from a vote that could finally end the archaic Fairness Doctrine and create a permanent free-market system for talk radio.

Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.) continues to urge congress members to sign the Broadcaster Freedom Act discharge petition. The petition will “prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from repromulgating the fairness doctrine,” originally initiated in the 1930s under Franklin Roosevelt.

During its glory days, the Fairness Doctrine was never applied to ensure conservatives’ air time. In fact, conservative voices were shunned while liberal bias seemed to mysteriously remain under the radar of the FCC. The Fairness Doctrine’s attempt at “fairness” created the most imbalanced media atmosphere possible. Or, some journalists simply avoided any coverage of controversial issues in order to avoid the nuisance of finding contrasting viewpoints on every issue raised in a story.

This biased radio and television coverage thrived until former President Reagan removed the doctrine in the 80s. Conservative talk radio – which had been an oddity – quickly became a commercial success.

Onder Pans Immigration Decision

John Cronin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:56:25 +0000

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

June 17, 2008

Congressional contender and state Rep. Bob Onder, R-Lake Saint Louis, condemned a U.S. Supreme Court decision that made it easier for individuals who overstay their visas to seek to remain in the United States legally.
From the AP:

The court ruled 5-4 Monday that someone who is here illegally may withdraw his voluntarily agreement to depart and continue to try to get approval to remain in the United States.
The decision essentially embraced a proposed Justice Department regulation governing the treatment of similar cases in the future.

Samson Dada, a Nigerian citizen, stayed beyond the expiration of his tourist visa in 1998. He married an American the following year and soon began trying to obtain a visa as an immediate relative of a citizen. But Dada and his wife apparently failed to submit some documents, causing immigration officials to deny the visa.

Onder said the decision “created new rights for illegal aliens out of thin air.”

“When I get to Washington, I will fight for the values that Missourians hold dear,” said Onder in a statement. “And one of those values is respect for the rule of law. I will fight for effective law enforcement against illegal immigration in Washington just as I successful fought for it in our own state capitol in Jefferson City.”

Onder is in a five-way Republican primary in the race to replace U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-Columbia. Another candidate for that post - former state Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, R-St. Elizabeth - addressed the issue of immigration earlier this month.

Dr. Bob Onder Honored To Receive Eagle Forum Endorsement

John Cronin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:44:34 +0000

Congratulations to Team Onder on receiving the endorsement of the highly respected and influential EAGLE FORUM PAC.

~~John Cronin~~

Washington, MO -

Dr. Bob Onder today thanked the conservative Eagle Forum PAC for its endorsement in his race for Congress in Missouri’s Ninth District.

In a Tuesday, June 17 press release, fellow Missourian and Eagle Forum Founder and President Phyllis Schlafly said, “I am happy to endorse Dr. Bob Onder. Bob is a proven leader on all the issues important to Missouri families and Eagle Forum members. He led the fight against the HPV vaccine mandate and authored a bill to crack down on illegal immigration.”

“We know we are getting a fighter with Bob. He isn’t just a reliable vote, he’s an articulate leader, especially on the issue of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research and other pro-life issues,” Schlafly continued. “Bob Onder isn’t a career politician, but a homeschooling Dad who wants to make a difference. That’s a refreshing change in Washington.”

“Eagle Forum has long defended the values which have made our nation strong. Values like limited government, the right to life, a strong national defense, and the rule of law are all of vital importance to Eagle Forum and to our country’s future prosperity,” said Dr. Onder. “I am honored to receive their endorsement.”

Dr. Onder, a devoted husband and father of six, is a small business owner, state representative, and lifelong conservative activist. He is a past board member of Missouri Right to Life and a 30-year Life Member of the National Rifle Association. In 2006, Bob served as President and Chairman of the Board of Missourians Against Human Cloning, a position from which he led the fight against state-funded and constitutionally-protected embryonic research in Missouri.

As a state representative, Dr. Onder consistently stood up for conservative principles. He sponsored legislation to provide tax relief for all Missourians and limit spending growth in state government. He immediately became a legislative leader on pro-life issues. In 2007, he championed legislation to make permanent Missouri Alternatives to Abortion, a state program which provides expectant mothers with the resources they need to choose life. This year, he sponsored legislation to protect women and children by making Missouri’s informed consent laws the strongest in the country and to make it a crime to coerce a woman to have an abortion. He also carried the banner for House Bill 1549, which reforms Missouri’s laws on illegal immigration, providing law enforcement officers with the tools they need to stop illegal immigration in our state.

Paid for and authorized by Onder for Congress

Kevin Madden to Join Glover Park Group Public Affairs Practice

John Cronin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:27:19 +0000

Press Release on Team Romney Alumnus Kevin Madden joining PR firm.

~~John Cronin~~

http://newsblaze.com/story/2008061806430300004.pnw/topstory.html

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ – The Glover Park Group announced that Kevin Madden, a prominent communications and political operative, will become Senior Vice President at the firm. Madden, who has served as a senior communicator for presidential campaigns and prominent politicians, will join Glover Park Group’s public affairs division, engaging immediately on a range of public policy challenges faced by the firm’s clients.

Madden most recently served as National Press Secretary and Senior Communications Strategist for Governor Mitt Romney’s 2008 presidential campaign. He designed and executed a strategic communications effort that was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as “hard-working, well-organized and quick off-the-mark.” Madden directed the communications efforts aimed at promoting Governor Romney’s major speeches, policy initiatives and political events.

Strickland Fundraiser Featuring Mitt Romney Surpasses Expectations

John Cronin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:27:39 +0000

http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/dennert/archives/2008/06/the-money-game.html

P R E S S R E L E A S E FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Matt Guthrie June 18, 2008 (805)

***-**** STRICKLAND FUNDRAISER FEATURING MITT ROMNEY SURPASSES EXPECTATIONS

Strickland Campaign Raises Nearly Quarter Million Dollars (Westlake Village) Last night, featured speaker Mitt Romney addressed a packed room of close to five hundred donors and supporters of Tony Strickland at the State Senate candidate’s highly anticipated fundraiser in Westlake Village. The event, which highlighted the importance of the 19th District Senate race, surpassed the original fundraising goal of $200,000 and took in nearly a quarter-million dollars. The sold out event was an overwhelming success for Strickland and continues the trend of strong and growing support for his campaign. With only two days to prepare, the Strickland team was also able to organize a successful pushback to a protest at the event that had been planned for over a week and included between 30-40 people. At 92 supporters strong, the pro-Strickland crowd more than doubled that of the protest demonstration as they lined the streets with American flags and signs showing their support for Tony Strickland and welcoming Governor Romney to California. Strickland’s opponent also didn’t escape the wrath of supporters as they carried signs slamming her tax and spend positions and exposed the hypocritical nature of contributions received by Hannah-Beth Jackson and the democratic party. Governor Romney’s message to California voters was clear. “I believe Tony Strickland can cut back on wasteful spending and can remove the interest of special interests and bring new ideas to Sacramento,” Romney said in an interview before the event. Strickland received a standing ovation when speaking about the importance of this particular race and his message about growing the economy while being environmentally responsible played well with the crowd. “You can be pro-economy and pro-environment,” Strickland said. ” The solution isn’t raising taxes, it’s to help the economy grow. Raising taxes will only drive people and businesses out of the state. We need to push the green economy so we can get off of foreign oil and reduce gas prices for all Californians”. ###

2008 Republican Presidential Debates

Steve Andrew — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 10:14:30 +0000

Compliments of You Decide 2008

Scale Back

Steve Andrew — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:29:13 +0000

I must excuse myself for two reasons. One is for taking Ann’s spot on the thread list who I wish all the best in Florida and second because I said I would redesign the website. It hadn’t crossed my mind that we used WordPress until a short while ago when Ann reminded me so I am reluctant to say no change… at least not yet.

What I believe we can and will do, is change the actual template of the website and see what we can and can’t change in terms of style. I planned on having a logo created for comMITTed and a drawing of Governor Romney but let’s just stick to a change in template over the course of, let’s say, a month? I am really sorry if I made anyone think there would be a change in the outlook of comMITTed.

I thank everybody and hope everbody is looking forward to a wonderful weekend!