Thursday, July 31, 2008

Sebelius Responds to Colbert

Good for our Governor for standing up for Kansas instead of putting it down (like here).

Pretty not-funny stuff from Colbert - you know - a comedian who tells jokes for a living. I know it is now cool for Democrats to watch "The Daily Show" and "Colbert Report" for their news intake - but Colbert is a comedian and tells jokes. I'm glad the Governor found time in her busy schedule to respond in a written statement to Colbert.

Way to go Governor! Way to stand up for Kansans.

Apparently the Governor has a lot of time on her hands considering she has been pretty busy these days campaigning for Obama, meeting with radical environmentalists in Colorado, speaking at fundraisers in San Francisco, posing for Vogue photo shoots, hanging out in Ohio, paling around in North Carolina, having tea in England, having more private meetings with the secret Bilderberg conference and now, responding to a comedian's lame attempt at a joke.

I'm so glad we are paying for her to work so hard.

I can't think of what is lamer--Colbert's joke, Sebelius's attempt at a joke back, or the way she has conducted herself in office the last 12 months.

I think we all know that answer.

5 days until the primary...

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

My Apology to Nancy Boyda

In a strange twist, the liberal blogosphere is all a tizzy over a letter to the editor in the Pittsburg Morning Sun yesterday.

You can read the letter here.

So, I apparently owe Nancy Boyda an apology for saying that she should tell the DCCC not to run ads in the 2nd District on her behalf, even though Nancy Boyda told the DCCC not to run ads in the 2nd District.

Huh? I am supposed to apologize to Nancy for making sure that she does what she said she would--run an independent campaign.

The pressure is now on the DCCC to abide by Nancy's demand and not spend the money in the 2nd District. Remember, Nancy wants to be "independent" and doesn't need or want help from the DCCC or other Washington liberals. Apparently the fact that she has already received thousands from Washington insiders like Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry, and Charlie Rangel is being overlooked.

Facts are tricky things. The fact is that Democrats, just as recently as last year, have caused similar organizations like the DCCC to take down, stop or modify ads. Just check out Mary Landrieu's race in Louisiana last year. (See Roll Call, January 11, 2008, Landrieu Persuades DSCC to Pull Ad Attacking Republican Foe)

However, what I will apologize for is not being more on the ball when Nancy voted for a huge budget increase which paves the way for the largest tax increase in American history. I should have been more on the ball when Nancy ran out in a toddler-sized temper tantrum over good news from Iraq. And, I wish I had been the one to tape Nancy on the streets of Washington, DC as she ran from a question about her storming out.



But, I will not apologize for holding Nancy Boyda accountable for her terrible votes, incoherent behavior in Washington and overall disgregard for the people of Kansas. Especially since she voted yesterday to adjourn Congress for their August recess without passing any sort of meaningful energy reform for Kansans who are suffering from high gas prices.

People can ask for apologies until they are blue in the face (heh, pun).

Until Nancy apologizes for her behavior in Washington (and all of the above) she will receive no apology from me.

What do I say to calls for apologies during the political season? Malarkey.

Slattery Fundraising Report Raises Questions

Earlier today, KS GOP Party released the following statement regarding Jim Slattery's most recent campaign finance report.

Executive Director Christian Morgan had this to say:
“Surprisingly, a Wal-Mart clerk from California was able to give the Slattery campaign $4,600 on the same day that two other people with the same last name, and lucrative jobs gave Slattery the exact same amount.

“The
average cashier at Wal-Mart is paid $8.23/hour for an annual take home amount of approximately $20,000. How can a person afford to give a quarter of their income to a campaign?

“It’s questionable that a person with this kind of limited income would be able to afford a contribution of this size. If a Wal-Mart clerk can afford a contribution like this, I am in the wrong business.”

The questionable contributions are from Jian Wang, Vincent Wang, and Yugi Wang. You can find them on pages 145-147 of the July quarterly report.

Win a trip to the RNC convention

The 2008 RNC Convention is offering a free trip to the national convention and the opportunity to spend one day on the campaign trail with Sen. John McCain as part of his press pool.

The deadline is this Friday, August 1st to submit your video telling us "Why you are a Republican in 2008?" Your video of two minutes or less might be one of the five finalists that America will vote on next week.

The producer of the winning video will receive a 3-day/2-night trip to attend the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minn., Sept. 1-4, 2008, where their video will be shown, along with a 1-day trip in the press pool with Senator McCain on the campaign trail.

You have less than three days to create a creative and compelling video, so get started today! To upload your video visit the official 2008 Republican National Convention YouTube page.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

McCain v. Obama: Inside the Numbers

It was funny to see the national media fawn over Barack Obama's trip to Europe, but what is even funnier is to see the National polls this morning showing a statistical dead-heat between the 2 candidates.

According to a USA Today/Gallup Poll yesterday, Barack Obama leads Senator John McCain 47% to 44%.

But according to LIKELY VOTERS in the November general election, Senator McCain leads 49% to 44%. Of course this morning we saw some "explanations" for this difference from good guys like Chuck Todd, MSNBC's Political Director. Chuck is a great guy and a great analyst. But I was struck this morning by the dicussion about the different polls.

First, with either poll, both candidates are within the margin of error, so neither can really claim to have a "lead." Second, and most interesting, is the qualifying discussion of the "likely voter" poll done by Gallup. Chuck Todd and others on MSNBC and various other media outlets seem to downplay this poll because it doesn't take into effect the "historial nature of this election" - meaning - the poll doesn't take into effect the thousands of voters who will definitely turn out because Barack Obama is such a rock star, shows up on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine (twice, grrrrr) and is given the benefit of the doubt on his flip-flops because he is new, young and fresh....

But I digress.

I am not saying Senator McCain is way up in the polls - but just like you cannot discount Gallup's tracking poll that shows Obama up a few, you can't discount the LIKELY VOTER poll. Overall, this race is close - which is amazing considering the 3 major news anchors traveled with Obama to Europe to rock the Euro-Vote and considering that it appeared that everyone and their "O"mama(?) had an exclusive with Obama in London.

Taking all this "bounce" into consideration, McCain and Obama are basically tied. So much for the Euro-Vote. But we will see. There are still 98 days left until election day, anything can happen.

But it is good to see the American people not buying the Barack Obama side-show in Europe or in the United States for that matter. The more people research Barack Obama and discover his real views on the issues the less they like what they are discovering.

You can also follow the Presidential race with this daily tracking poll by Rasmussen Reports.

On a more local note, there are 7 days left until the August 5th Republican Primary. Advanced voting is going on now. Click here for advanced voting locations in your county.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Breaking News: I agree with a Democrat

Special attention needs to be made to Senator Chris Steineger's letter to the editor in the Lawrence Journal World a while back. He isn't all right in the letter - but when he actually talks about something he is informed about (i.e., Democrats) he is dead-on.

The letter surely irked many of the Governor's minions inside the Kansas Democratic Party and, especially, Hensley's staff who has been working overtime trying to kick Gilstrap out of the Party (I would say the Governor's staff but they are too busy planning the Governor's next trip to Paris or New York, or Washington, D.C.).

Read the letter here.

Here is the money part of Steineger's letter to the editor...

...Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Senate Democratic leader Anthony Hensley are resorting to similar tactics within the Kansas Democrat Party by imposing a litmus test that tramples on the right to free speech and association.

State Sen. Mark Gilstrap, a 12-year incumbent from Wyandotte County, is a conservative, Catholic Democrat who is staunchly opposed to abortion and tax hikes. His voting record demonstrates his personal beliefs on these issues and, having been elected three times, he is clearly supported by the people he represents.


In 2006, Mark Gilstrap chose to support the re-election of former Attorney General Phill Kline, a choice that did not sit well with the Sebelius or Hensley. They have adopted the tactics of conservative Republicans by supporting Gilstrap's opponent in the Democrat
primary. While I personally disagree with Mark's choice of Kline, I adamantly support his right to associate and vote for whom he wants


The absolutism of the governor and Hensley impinges on Gilstrap's rights, is divisive within the Democrat Party, and tramples the American ideal of freedom of speech and association.


Sen. Chris Steineger,
Kansas City, Kan.

I would just like to bask in the glow of this statement:

The absolutism of the governor and Hensley impinges on
Gilstrap's rights, is divisive within the Democrat Party, and tramples the American ideal of freedom of speech and association.



Love it.

I have no love for Gilstrap - he needs to go and needs to be replaced by Steve Fitzgerald in the November general election. If Gilstrap makes it past Hensley's and Sebelius's annointed candidate in the 5th, he will have a hard time standing up to the ideas, leadership and vision Fitzgerald will provide for the District.

But for now, 8 days out - it is fun to watch Democrats try to kick people out of their Party. We, at the Republican Party, welcome their division.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Ms. Independent and the DCCC


Last week on this blog, we reported that, after 7 days of waffling, Nancy Boyda decided to actually keep a campaign promise (a first!) to be “independent” and told her liberal Democrat colleagues in Washington to spend their money elsewhere.

In this article, she told the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) to take their $1.2 million ad buy and, “Get the heck out of my race.”

But seven days later, where is the follow through from the DCCC? Numerous political publications have listed the 2nd Congressional District race as one of the most vulnerable in the country. Will the DCCC help keep Boyda's word, or is it one of those “wink, wink—nudge, nudge” type of statements.

For the liberal bloggers and some (cough, in the media, cough, cough) who have asked: NO, the DCCC does not have to pull the ad buy just because Boyda said so. But, if the DCCC really wants to help Boyda, they will listen to their Representative and go elsewhere. If the DCCC doesn't pull their ad buy, we will assume that Boyda will decry every penny spent on her behalf by the DCCC in the 2nd District race.

After all, she is "Ms. Independent," right?

Is it going to be business as usual for Boyda—breaking campaign promises and not following through on what she said she would do, or will she actually keep her word and really run an independent campaign?

The ball is in the DCCC's court. Will the DCCC stay or will they go? At some point, Kansans will have to know...will you stay or will you go?

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Kansas Democrats admit DC Jim was AWOL

Kind of suprising today, the Kansas Democratic Party blog today admits "D.C. Jim" was AWOL during his last year in Congress saying, "he was in and out of Washington D.C. and in Kansas much of the time running for Governor."

How did that work out, Jim? Missing all that work on the taxpayer's dime, while running for a different political office-was all that time wasted and missed worth it?

Judge for yourself:

Graves 64%
Slattery 36%

Look for similar results this November when Kansans vote for Senator Pat Roberts - a dependable Kansan who always has and always will work for the people of Kansas and for our priorities.

Like this...



Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Slattery's Glass House

Earlier today, Jim Slattery released an ad on gas taxes. Here's the real story.

A thrill running up my leg - Barack Obama is loved

Good Tuesday morning,

I usually take with a grain of salt charges of media bias against Republican candidates during an election year. Sometimes, yes, the coverage seems skewed, like those of us on the Right have to fight to get ANYTHING in the news these days.

Largely I believe that the media is fair, especially here in Kansas, and has the best interest of Kansans in mind when writing political and news stories. With some small exceptions, the Kansas press corps covers politics pretty much down the middle.

But this video posted on http://www.johnmccain.com/ and found on Youtube is somewhat shocking but, mostly, hilarious. The absolute love affair the national press has with Barack Obama is a little uncomfortable and disgusting.

Check out this video...



Senator McCain traveled to Europe and the Middle East not more than a couple weeks ago...but I would venture to guess that not many people knew about it. Probably because Senator McCain has displayed this kind of leadership and willingness to engage in foreign policy issues his entire career as a public servant.

Obama, on the other hand, is a foreign policy neophyte hoping to learn on the job. Obama travels to first the Middle East then Europe and brings EVERY MAJOR NETWORK NEWS ANCHOR WITH HIM. Are you kidding me?????

I understand the coverage from one angle- it is a strange occurrence that Barack Obama travels to the Middle East, especially Iraq, and I understand that it's kind of like covering your kid's first day at school or watching him take his first step as an infant, but come on people. Barack Obama hasn't won anything, is not the President of the United States and is still the elitist from Chicago who points his finger at us all and lectures us on who we should be and why. No thanks, Barack...

But I digress...

Like I said, I'm not one to proclaim media bias at every turn, but when faced with evidence like the video above it's hard not to wonder - is the national media really simply covering the election, or covering their anointed candidate?

And don't get me started on Rolling Stone and their covers on Obama...

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Jordan for Congress opens new campaign headquarters

The Jordan for Congress campaign is hosting an open house at its new campaign headquarters, this Thursday, July 24 from 6-8 p.m. The headquarters is located at 10116 W. 105th Street, off of Highway 69 and 103rd Street.

For more information call (913) 485-9266.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Barack Obama: Switching postions on Iraq is his only constant

Notwithstanding Rolling Stone's two covers on Barack Obama - he is not the second coming of the Lord.

With his world tour started, I thought it would be a good time to point out Barack Obama's creative positions on Iraq with a video...



Take some time and study his various positions. Regardless of your position on the War on Terrorism, one has to be worried about a candidate for Commander-in-Chief who fails to provide leadership and consistency on the most important foreign policy issue facing America.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Ms. Independent takes our advice

Check out this article, posted late this afternoon in the Topeka Capitol Journal.

After a week of indecision, it appears that Nancy Boyda finally decided to follow through on part of her campaign pledge to be "independent."

The question now becomes, will the DCCC and the liberal powers that be in Washington heed Boyda's request?

Shifting, shifting, shifting...




In case you missed it here are several recent articles about Obama that you will find interesting.

This piece by the Chicago Sun-Times looks at Obama’s “Goodie Bag” handouts from his time in the Illinois State Senate—including a venture capitol fund linked to Jesse Jackson.

This article, entitled, “Welcome, Mr. Would-Be President” examines Obama’s upcoming trip overseas.

Here is an interesting Op-Ed from the Washington Post about Obama’s desire to speak in front of the famous Brandenburg Gate in Germany.

Finally, this week in “change” finds Obama defending his ever shifting positions, on well, everything.

He told PBS’ Gwen Ifill that he has “shifted his focus on issues like faith-based initiative and campaign finance.” The funny thing is that earlier this month he vigorously refuted the charge that he was shifting positions.

From The New York Times:
"Senator Barack Obama on Tuesday forcefully addressed concerns that he had moved too quickly to the political center, acknowledging complaints from 'my friends on the left' about his statements on Iraq, his approaches to evangelicals and his remarks on other issues that have alarmed some of his supporters. 'Look, let me talk about the broader issue, this whole notion that I am shifting to the center,' he told a crowd gathered at a town hall-style meeting in this Atlanta suburb. 'The people who say this apparently haven't been listening to me.'"
(Michael Powell, "Obama Says His Critics Haven't Been Listening," The New York Times, 7/9/08)
So far, Obama has "shifted" his positions on everything ranging from the Iraq withdrawal timetable, to accepting public funding for his campaign, to opposing then supporting the death penalty for Osama Bin Laden, to raising income taxes.
The troubling this is that we have been listening to Obama, and we don't like what we are hearing.
Of course, you can always find more information about who Obama really is at this website.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Pat Roberts vs. Mr. Special Interest

Yesterday, a new Rasmussen Report came out that shows Sen. Pat Roberts with a commanding lead over his opponent, Washington lobbyist, Jim Slattery.

Party Chairman Kris Kobach had this to say:
These poll results demonstrate what Kansans already know—Pat Roberts has spent his career working for Kansas. Whether it’s fighting for Kansas jobs by standing up for Boeing or working for health care solutions for Kansas children, Senator Roberts is exactly the kind of person we need in Washington.”

Perhaps if Slattery had not abandoned Kansas to serve special interests in Washington 14 years ago, his numbers would look better.

Check out the report here.

For more information about Senator Pat Roberts and his campaign, click here.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Nancy Boyda: Not Independent

Not surprisingly, Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, "Ms. Independent," has not responded to her campaign receiving $1.2 Million in advertising from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

5 days ago we brought up the issue of Washington campaign cash coming in to benefit Boyda's campaign. Yet, Nancy hasn't said a thing about accepting or rejecting the money.

In February 2007, Nancy said this about her so-called independent campaign:

“There’s already a great deal of pressure to do things Washington’s way, to hire Washington consultants, to do the typical Washington fundraising,” Boyda said. “I love being a Democrat and I’m happy to be part of the team, but this is where I just want to remain independent.” Read about it here.

So what gives, Nancy? Do you want to be "independent" or are you going to keep the DCCC money?

I think we all know her decision will be to keep the $1.2 million in Washington money coming in for her campaign. It is just another example of Nancy saying one thing, at a convenient time, but when it really matters, and when the tough decisions need to be made Nancy runs for the hills.

In fact, there have been some Democrats in the United States who kept their word and rejected help from Washington. Take Mary Landrieu from Louisiana who directed the National Democratic Senatorial Committee to take down an ad critical of her Republican opponent.

Landrieu stood up against her DC bosses. Will Nancy Boyda stand up against her DC bosses like Charlie Rangel and Nancy Pelosi?

Probably not.

Why is this a big deal?

Boyda, breaking her word to the people of Kansas regarding the character of her campaign and her pledge to run an independent campaign, is fundamental to whether we can trust this member of Congress.

Boyda has based her entire campaign strategy around being "independent" decision maker. But now, that is being called into question. It looks like Nancy Boyda is like everyone else.

Here is one of the articles where she talks about being "independent."

The question is: Will Boyda really run an independent campaign or is she going to be a vehicle for Nancy Pelosi and the DCCC's radical agenda?

Kansans deserve answers. So far we have heard nothing from our Congresswoman regarding her broken pledge.

When will Boyda respond and tell the voters that she plans to keep her word and reject the DCCC's help?

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Sebelius: Running from the media also

Last week I posted a funny video of Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, aka "Ms. Independent", running from a question about why she stormed out of a meeting of the House Armed Services Committee upon hearing good news from Iraq.

See the video here:




But today we have another great example of a courageous Democrat elected official from Kansas running from important questions.

Go through this link and click the video (under the screen) named "Demanding answers: The Factor confronts lax governors."

Pretty mundane stuff until you come to minute 3:45 where Governor Kathleen Sebelius is confronted on the streets of Philadelphia and asked about her #1 campaign supporter, George Tiller. (What a surprise, it's not in Kansas.)

Watch and see by clicking SEBELIUS.

"Health care provider..."

Right.

Monday, July 14, 2008

John McCain is coming to Kansas City

John McCain will be hosting a Town Hall meeting this Thursday, July 17th at Union Station in Kansas City, MO. The doors will open at 9:30a.m.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

And don't forget to check out the latest ad from the campaign.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Where is Boyda's Independence?


Earlier today, in this article and this article the Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) announced an ad buy across the country for several million dollars. Surprisingly, among the beneficiaries is wannabe “independent” Democrat Nancy Boyda.

Since getting elected, Boyda has made her self-proclaimed "independence" a major campaign issue. The New York Times on January 23, 2007, stated this:

“..But Boyda, who distanced herself somewhat from the national party and its liberal reputation during her 2006 bid, insists that she will run an independent campaign again in 2008.”

And again in February of 2007, 2 different articles that ran in CQ Politics and Politico, tried to establish that she wanted to be "independent."

Kansas Republican Party Executive Director Christian Morgan had this to say in light of the DCCC ad buy:
“This is another example of how Nancy Boyda is not telling her constituents the whole truth. She has repeatedly stated that she wanted to run an “independent campaign” in 2008. However, to date she has accepted help from John Kerry’s Presidential PAC, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and now an ad buy of over $1 million from the DCCC. How is she being independent?”

“Boyda is a classic example of a politician who will say what she thinks her constituents want to hear in order to get elected. The people of Kansas are tired of being told one thing by Boyda in Kansas while her actions in Washington are completely different. Just showing up is not enough for 2nd District voters; honesty and integrity are key. Boyda should stick to her word, follow Sen. Mary Landrieu’s example, and reject this assistance from the DCCC. Otherwise, her claim of independence is a joke.”

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Waking Up Washington

Earlier this week, the Nick Jordan for Congress campaign announced their campaign blog. Jordan has been touring Kansas’ 3rd District over the last several weeks meeting voters at local restaurants, coffee shops and businesses, and listening to their growing list of concerns.

Jordan had this to say about his new blog:
www.WakingupWashington.com is a new and innovative grassroots tool for every day people in Kansas to learn about and feel connected to our campaign as we work together to wake up Washington.”

The new website will feature commentary from Nick Jordan, updates on campaign events and videos from the campaign trail. You can check it out here.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Boyda's position on taxes is "malarkey"

Nancy Boyda continues to make all sorts of flip-flops as she gears up for a tough re-election battle. The latest and most egregious of these came in this article today.

What Boyda seems to have forgotten is that she stated on her MySpace page in 2006 that she will “support a rollback of...tax cuts.”

Second, she has multiple votes in favor of Democrat budget proposals that paves the way for these very same tax increases. The budget resolution that Boyda voted for assumes an increase in taxes and begins to lay out a spending plan that would use that money for more government programs.

Third, several of Boyda's House Democrat colleagues have indicated that this is a tax increase.

Bill Foster (D-IL): “I can't support a budget, from either party, that raises taxes on the middle class. This bill hurts families all across the 14th District by eliminating the 10-percent bracket for lower-income taxpayers, reinstating the marriage penalty and increasing taxes on small businesses and investments.” (“Rep. Foster Says No to Tax Increase, Casts Vote Against Democratic Budget”, Press Release, 6/5/08)

Harry Mitchell (D-AZ): “…the plan did not satisfy his concerns about reversing middle-class tax cuts in the midst of an economic slow-down. ‘…I have serious concerns and cannot support a budget that allows key tax cuts to expire,’ said Mitchell.” (“Mitchell Votes Against Democratic Budget, Expresses Concern About Increased Impact on Taxes”, Press Release, 6/5/08)

Don Cazayoux (D-LA): “I voted against [the budget] because it allows tax cuts to expire in 2010, raising taxes on most American taxpayers.”

Finally, in this article by the Associated Press it was reported that the budget that Boyda has voted for would allow “many of Bush's signature tax cuts to expire on schedule.”

Kansans realize that these are tough economic times. We don’t need another tax and spend liberal who will say anything to get elected representing us in Congress. Boyda is right. Her positions on taxes is "malarkey."

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Sebelius as Vice-President?

Late last week an article ran in New York Magazine touting Sebelius as a potential vice-presidential pick. Here’s what the article had to say:

“Sebelius is the 60-year-old governor of Kansas and one of Obama’s most voluble and visible endorsers, a fresh-faced, popular, pragmatic chief executive of a red state with a terrific record on issues affecting blue-collar workers. What’s not to like?”

“More than a few things, says a source of mine, a savvy operative with ties to organized labor. “She’s a terrible public speaker with no sense of her crowd and how to connect with it,” this person e-mailed me after seeing Sebelius speak last month at the Teamsters Unity Conference in Las Vegas. “And I can't imagine how anybody would mistake her for Hillary Clinton just because they are both women. Seems to me a lot of Hillary supporters might actually be irritated with Obama for picking Sebelius, think he was patronizing them by selecting any old damn woman, rather than the specific woman they actually admire.” And then my source offered this: “She's a bit older than Obama, but not old enough to be maternal. And she is quite attractive. They'd look too much like a couple together. [Putting her on the ticket] would risk evoking on a subconscious level every American trope about miscegenation — a recurrent, threatening theme throughout our cultural and political history. Every time they smile at each other, it will be triggered … And that's exactly the kind of anxiety you do not want to raise in white working-class men — the fear that this handsome, charismatic black guy is after their women.”

“The latter part of this analysis is certainly incendiary, but it’s far from crazy. There are those who believe, and not implausibly, that it was precisely the fear of miscegenation that Karl Rove was stoking when he referred to Obama recently as “the guy at the country club” (a typically all-white venue) “with the beautiful date” (not “Michelle” or “his wife”) “holding a martini and a cigarette that stands against the wall and makes snide comments about everyone who passes by.” And even beyond that, it’s hard to quibble with the fact that although Sebelius — like Arizona governor Janet Napolitano or Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell — has executive experience, it’s hardly a slam-dunk case that she’s qualified to tote the nuclear football.”


Monday, July 7, 2008

Moore Ethics Issues

It comes as no surprise that Dennis Moore’s office continues to have some issues following the rules. Previously, we discussed this problem with the Chief-of-Staff.

Today, Roll Call is reporting this:
“On several occasions this spring, staff members in the office of Rep. Dennis Moore (D-Kan.) used their House e-mail accounts to circulate political information about the Senate campaign of former Rep. Jim Slattery (D-Kan.) in violation of House rules and, potentially, federal law.

“In one case, a Moore staffer sent an e-mail urging recipients to "get out your checkbooks," which would appear to violate a criminal statute prohibiting soliciting federal employees for campaign contributions..."

In the same article Moore’s office had this to say:
“...as Kansans we are certainly interested in what's going on. It certainly should not be discussed over House e-mail and that's been reiterated - but I absolutely can't ask people to not be interested in what's happening..."

“The House ethics manual explains that federal law "prohibits members of Congress and staff ... from knowingly soliciting any contribution from any other federal officer or employee." In addition, the manual states that official resources of the House "including the computers, telephones and fax machines" can only be used for official Congressional business and "may not be used for campaign or political purposes... Meredith McGehee, policy director at the Campaign LegalCenter, said the e-mails from Moore's office clearly violate the rules...”

Here is the Kansas City Star’s Prime Buzz Blog coverage of this problem.

This is another example of how Dennis Moore is part of the problem in Washington, DC. Click here to find out how you can change this.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Leavenworth County Republicans hosting candidate forum

On Saturday, July 19 the Leavenworth County Republican Party will be hosting a forum for several contested primary races. It will begin at 9:30 AM, and will be held at the Riverside Community Center, 123 S. Esplanade.

Candidates speaking will include:
2nd Congressional District candidates Lynn Jenkins and Jim Ryun
State House District 40 candidates Laura Gasbarre and Charlie Gregor
State House District 42 candidates Ted Ingerson and Connie O'Brien and
County Attorney Candidates Deb Snider and Todd Thompson

For more information contact Leavenworth County Chairman Rich Kiper at rkiper1@kc.rr.com.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Slattery fundraising wilting, DSCC bailing

United States Senator Pat Roberts released his latest impressive fundraising totals yesterday bringing in around $850,000 for the reporting period. Senator Roberts's approximately $3.1 million in the bank puts him well ahead of his Democrat rivals.

"These strong fundraising numbers reflect the fact that Kansans are pleased with the performance of Senator Roberts. This was recently demonstrated by Senator Roberts's pushing the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to side with Boeing in its appeal of the tanker contract."

"Compared with Slattery's weak fundraising numbers, Roberts's numbers look especially strong. This shows that Kansans aren't buying Slattery's thinly veiled charade. Slattery spent 14 years in Washington representing special interests that he now says he detests. You can't have it both ways. Even Obama's supporters know that putting a lobbyist in the Senate isn't change." said Kansas Republican Party Chairman Kris Kobach.

Not surprisingly, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) displays a list of their targeted "battleground" states across the country, and Jim Slattery apparently has been left behind.

"With Slattery's weak fundraising numbers (compared to an average of $4.3 million as of March 31st in each of the "battleground" states) it is no wonder why the DSCC is bailing out," Kobach said. "Slattery has a long way to go to make this a race. With Senator Roberts's strong support statewide and his tireless work for the people of Kansas, Jim Slattery will be an after-thought on November 4th."

Over the weekend, Slattery, Sebelius and Kansas Democrats sent out numerous emails trying to drum up support, knowing how critical this fundraising period is. According to Sebelius over the weekend: "On Tuesday, Jim faces a critical fundraising deadline for his Senate campaign. Political insiders will use this to decide whether or not they should take a Senate race in Kansas seriously."

Indeed, Governor Sebelius, indeed. While Slattery keeps wilting, look for the DSCC to run further from the special interest man from D.C.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Roberts has strong fundraising quarter and lead

Earlier today, the Roberts for Senate campaign released this statement about their 2nd quarter fundraising totals:

Further solidifying his lead, Senator Roberts today announced he raised over $850,000 this quarter, leaving over $3.1 million "cash on hand."

"This quarter was exceptional for Senator Roberts," Communications Director Molly Haase, said. "With only four months until election day, Roberts has over $3.1 million in the bank, which is an excellent position to be in. This is more than any previous Kansas federal candidate in history. Kansans have noticed Roberts' hard work, and this strong financial support proves Roberts is ready to run a great race this fall."

The Roberts for Senate campaign has already hugely invested in commercial production and placement, voter research and a first class field operation.

"I am extremely grateful for all the support I have received," Senator Roberts said. "Our campaign has incredible momentum and I look forward to the final few months."

Senator Roberts has set in-state fund raising records for a federal election since announcing his intention to run for re-election in 2008. Roberts is seeking his third term in the United States Senate.

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Nancy Boyda: Yes, new taxes!

Freshman Congresswoman Nancy Boyda has committed a number of errors during her short time in Washington. Whether storming out of an Iraq briefing or calling people "liars," her first 16 months has been nothing but entertaining.

However, nothing prepares you to hear support for a tax increase—especially when that support comes straight from a candidate's mouth. But that seems to be what happened in today's Topeka Capitol Journal. You can read it here.

From the article:
“Asked about raising the tax on gas, Boyda said, ‘I don't know that any politician wants to stand up here today and say they support increasing the fuel tax, but that's how roads are built.’”

Party Chairman, Kris Kobach had this to say:
"Nancy Boyda appears to confirm today what we always knew: that she is a tax and spend liberal. With fuel taxes too high, fuel prices through the roof, and Kansans feeling the pinch, Nancy Boyda wants to raise our taxes."

"Boyda's true colors are showing through, and they don't match the views of Kansans. She has already violated her pledge to reform earmarks in Washington, she clearly shows disdain for any good news coming from Iraq, and now she evidently wants to raise taxes on every American who goes to the pump to fill up his car."

"Boyda suggests that she wants to raise the fuel tax because 'that's how roads are built.' That's also how hardworking Kansan see their incomes erased in hard economic times. Boyda needs to explain to Kansans what exactly she is proposing."