Entries in the Category "2006 Elections"
Strickland ranks 5th for most votes missed in congress
Ted Strickland ranks 5th for the most votes missed by any congressman this year. He has missed votes on 165 issues. This lack of devotion to his public office shows that he would not take the position of governor seriously. Do you really want to elect someone governor who skips out on his elected roll in the government 165 times?
Strickland on the wrong side of many issues
Abortion:
Voted NO on an amendment to prohibit any funds to be used by the FDA for the testing, development, or approval (including approval of production, manufacturing, or distribution) of any drug for the chemical inducement of abortion
Voted NO on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad
Voted NO on federal crime to harm fetus while committing other crimes.
voted YES on an amendment to allow funds other than Federal funds to be expended for abortions.
Voted YES on allowing human embryonic stem cell research.
Economic Issues:
Against Privatization of social security.
Voted NO on eliminating the "marriage penalty".
Voted NO on eliminating the Estate Tax ("death tax").
Voted NO on Tax cut package of $958 B over 10 years.
Voted NO on $99 B economic stimulus: capital gains & income tax cuts.
Voted NO on making the Bush tax cuts permanent.
Voted NO on retaining reduced taxes on capital gains & dividends.
Voted YES on an amendment in nature of a substitute to require the Department of Labor to establish a Small Employer Health Benefits Plan similar to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan. Requires the Secretary to widely disseminate information about SEHB through the media, internet, public service announcements, and other employer and employee directed communications. Employers with fewer than 100 employees during the previous calendar year shall be eligible to apply for coverage under SEHB.
Voted NO to provide small business certain protections from litigation excesses and to limit the product liability of nonmanufacturer product sellers.
Voted NO on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade.
Voted NO on implementing US-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Voted NO on implementing US-Singapore free trade agreement.
Voted NO on implementing free trade agreement with Chile.
Voted NO on allowing vouchers in DC schools
Rated 25% by NTU, indicating a "Big Spender" on tax votes.
Energy:
Voted NO on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries.
Voted NO on authorizing construction of new oil refineries.
Voted NO on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy.
Voted NO on implementing Bush-Cheney national energy policy.
Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels.
Voted YES on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR.
Voted YES on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol.
Defense:
Voted NO on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date.
Voted NO on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored.
Voted NO on reforming the UN by restricting US funding.
Voted NO on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight.
Voted NO on adopting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.
Voted NO on authorizing military force in Iraq.
Immigration:
Voted NO on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment.
Health Care:
Voted NO on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages.
Voted NO on small business associations for buying health insurance.
Voted NO on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits.
Voted NO on establishing tax-exempt Medical Savings Accounts.
Other Issues:
Voted NO on protecting the Pledge of Allegiance
Voted NO on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage
Ken Blackwell Endorsed By Newt Gingrich
Newt Gingrich has gone on record endorsing Ken Blackwell for governor of Ohio. This says a lot coming from one of the most important figures in the conservative movement. Ken Blackwell has his politics right. He is just as Newt Gingrich says, out of the mold of the greatest president in recent times, Ronald Reagan.
Former U.S. House Speaker and conservative movement hero Newt Gingrich today announced his support for Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell."Ken Blackwell is a man, cast in the mold of President Ronald Reagan, with powerful ideas that will empower individuals and spur job creation in the Buckeye State," said Gingrich. "His new ideas, new strategies and new solutions will set Ohio back on the right path."
"I am honored to have the support of a true hero in the conservative movement," said Blackwell. "The overwhelming support of conservative leaders is a testament to my adherence to the core principles that have made the Republican Party the nation's party of ideas and progress."
We Need Ken Blackwell's Turnpike Lease Plan!
Gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell today blasted the Ohio Turnpike Commission’s move to increase tolls by 14.5 percent simply to maintain current operations. The commission’s decision to seek additional funding while refusing to examine internal cost-saving measures makes it ripe for a market-centered reform.
As we near election time, we are starting to see the need for Ken Blackwell’s lease of the turnpike system. There is too much wasted money in government operations. These leases have worked in other states, yet Strickland wants nothing to do with Ken Blackwell’s excellent plan
Similar leasing deals have proven extremely profitable to state and local governments. Indiana recently leased its 157-mile turnpike for $3.8 billion. Chicago leased its 8-mile Skyway for $1.82 billion. Illinois expects to receive $14 billion from its 274-mile turnpike. Currently, 15 states and municipalities have leased or are accepting bids for their toll roads.Currently, fees collected on the Ohio Turnpike are used exclusively for operations and provide no direct financial benefit to Ohio taxpayers. In addition, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) subsidized the toll road with over $23.4 million in taxpayer dollars over an 18-month period ending June 30.
Further, the Ohio Turnpike is a model of government inefficiency with:
• Twenty-three percent of Turnpike revenue used to collect tolls and full-time toll collectors earning $45,000 a year, when many states utilize automated toll collection systems;
• Twenty-six percent of Turnpike revenue used to make payments on a $709 million, 30-year debt; and
• Twenty percent of Turnpike revenue used for construction projects, even though congestion is low and design deficiencies virtually non-existent.
This leaves the possibility of BILLIONS of dollars of extra revenue plus countless dollars of savings from the removal of governmental operational costs. This will help our economy and reduce the size of our state government. This will help bring jobs to Ohio.
Vote for Ken Blackwell for Ohio Governor.
Dems shooting themselves in the foot with Lieberman
In an election where democrats believe they can gain seats in congress, they have set themselves up for the loss of a senate seat. As the Michael Moore Democrats push out the very liberal Joe Lieberman just because of his stance on the war, they are conceding a seat. Joe Lieberman said he will run as an independent. That likely means that the Democrats and Joe Lieberman will split the vote opening the door for the Republican candidate. I don’t understand why they are driving him out anyways. He is a JFK democrat. He is very liberal in every other regard. How can the democrats praise JFK, yet push out someone who has his politics? This is exactly what is wrong with the Democrat party. Michael Moore and Howard Dean have taken over the party.
If Ronald Reagan were black, his name would be Ken Blackwell
“In order to spur economic growth we need to put the brakes on out of control spending and lower Ohioans tax burden.”
FINALLY, the Republicans have put up a true conservative up for election in Ohio. Ken Blackwell is the most powerful candidate for governor in recent times. He brings to the table Reaganomics as well as all of Reagan's other principals.
Ken Blackwell is essentially a black Ronald Reagan. Ken pulled 40% of the black vote in the last election. While I doubt his numbers will be as high this time around, he could pull a significant percentage. He stands for everything that is beneficial to minorities and the rest of the state of Ohio, family values and a strong economy. Blackwell could continue the process started by Bush of bringing the Black vote towards the Republicans as he can relate to them very well. This is key to the future of conservative politics.
He has an excellent plan to encourage more responsible spending in schools. He has devised a plan that would require schools to spend at least 65% of their budget on the classroom. Research has shown that this will create jobs and improve quality of education without even though it involves no tax increase.
Ken Blackwell WILL LOWER TAXES. The most visible will be reducing the sales tax back to its pre-Taft levels. This 20% increase in sales tax should be repealed for more responsible spending can more than make up for this tax. This along with his THREE other tax decreases will help to jump start the stagnant Ohio economy.
What does Ken Blackwell bring to the table? Blackwell brings true conservative politics that would make the greatest president in recent times, Ronald Reagan, jump for joy. He would continue the conservative movement that has been fairly stagnant recently. He would reduce taxes and bring Ohio's economy into the 21st century. Ken Blackwell’s policies will make the poor AND the rich richer. Ken Blackwell has the political knowledge necessary to make Ohio the greatest state in the union.
Below are excerpts from kenblackwell.com
Blackwell's Plan for education:
In an effort to improve Ohio schools’ classroom performance, Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell joined First Class Education National Advisory Chair Patrick Byrne in announcing the start of an Ohio effort to enact what’s been called “The 65 Cent Solution.” The proposal would require every Ohio school district to spend at least 65 cents of each education dollar on “in the classroom” instruction, increasing classroom spending by more than $1.2 billion statewide without a tax increase.Research shows classroom expenditures are a five times better indicator of academic improvement than overall spending. By requiring school districts to allocate a minimum of 65% of operational budgets to the classroom, we can increase classroom instruction by over $1.2 billion a year without a tax increase. That’s enough to purchase a new computer for every Ohio student or hire 24,000 additional teachers with a starting salary more than $40,000.
According to a June 2005 report by the National Center for Educational Statistics, the Federal clearing house of education research, Ohio ranks a dismal 47th nationally, with only 57.4% of education money reaching Ohio’s classrooms.
Support for the First Class Education proposal -- dubbed “The 65 Cent Solution” by syndicated columnist George Will – has grown into a national movement in the six months since its February 2005 unveiling. Louisiana and Kansas have both passed “65 cent legislation” and Texas Governor Rick Perry has signed an Executive Order enacting the 65 Cent Solution. Citizen ballot initiatives are in the works in Arizona, Colorado and Washington. Legislative referrals to the ballot are under consideration in more than an additional half-dozen states. According to a study by the Independence Institute of Colorado comparing education spending in all 50 states with National Assessment of Education Progress 4th and 8th grade test scores, the percentage of money reaching the classroom was a five times greater determinant of increased test scores than the total amount of money spent. Blackwell and Byrne will work together over the next several months to create a strategy to give Ohio voters the opportunity to pass the 65 Cent Solution in November 2006, whether by legislative referral or citizen petition. First Class Education estimates that voters in approximately a dozen states will have the opportunity to vote for The 65 Cent Solution on November 2006 ballots. Polls conducted in 10 states consistently showed overwhelming voter approval of the requirement that school districts spend a minimum of 65% of their education operational budgets on classroom instruction, with support ranging from 72% to 92%. This will give students a chance for a better education so they can compete in today’s global marketplace.
Specifics of First Class Education’s “The 65 Cent Solution”
Every school district shall achieve a minimum of 65% of their budget being spent on “classroom instruction” using the National Center for Educational Statistics definitions.
School Districts that currently fall below the 65% goal shall be required to increase that percentage by a minimum of 2% a year until the 65% goal is met.
School Districts would be required to send their annual proposed budgets to the Governor verifying that the 65% goal or 2% annual improvement is being made.
School Districts that believe they can neither meet the 65% goal nor 2% annual improvement may petition the Governor for a renewable one-year waiver along with their proposal of what can be achieved toward reaching the 65% goal.
The Governor shall have 30 days to either deny or grant the one-year waiver or grant a partial one-year waiver short of the 65% goal or 2% annual increase.
The Legislature will have the opportunity to determine what action may be taken if School Districts do not comply with the requirements.
Definition of Classroom Instruction by the National Center for Educational Statistics“In the Classroom”
Classroom Teachers, Personnel
General Instruction Supplies
Instructional Aides
Activities -- Field Trips, Athletics, Music, Arts
Special Needs Instruction
Tuition Paid to Out-of State Districts & Private Institutions for Special Needs Students“Outside the Classroom”
Administration
Plant Operations & Maintenance
Food Services
Transportation
Instructional Staff Support
Student Support – Nurses, Therapists, Counselors
Blackwell on the economy:
We need more jobs. Ohio was ranked 47th in job creation in 2005. This is the greatest challenge facing our state today. We need to change the way we do business if we want to spur economic growth.Government does not create wealth. Entrepreneurs, individuals and families are the ones who take risks, innovate, create, and grow our economy. Ohio needs to create a pro-job, pro-growth, business friendly environment in order to rebuild our economy.
Ronald Reagan once said that the status quo was Latin for "the mess we are in".
The status quo is destroying Ohio’s economy. Out of control tax and spend policies have created the mess we are in.
What the State government has imposed on Ohioans is a travesty.
In the last ten years our state budget has increased by 71% and thrown our economy and its citizens into economic turmoil. Ohio leads the nation in increased government spending.
The current fiscal policies have failed. Ohio has moved from eleventh to the third most tax burdened state in the union. And it’s getting worse! The latest budget raises taxes $4.24 billion and claims to be tax reform because in four years, Ohioans will receive $1.96 billion in tax decreases.
This is not tax reform. This maintains the status quo and we need a change.
A recent state budget, approved by the legislature and Governor Taft, included the second largest tax increase in Ohio’s history. These types of tax and spend policies, which smother job growth, are supported by my Republican challenger.
The out-of-control spending of the state government has to stop.
Blackwell on taxes:
In a restrained and responsible government spending model, these are the tax policies Ken Blackwell is proposing:First, over a four year period, Ken Blackwell would convert our income tax to a single rate system, with the target rate of 3.25%. This will simplify the tax structure and be a more growth oriented approach. This will also have the added benefit of reducing tax on capital gains, which Ohio treats as regular income.
Second, we will eliminate the stand alone estate tax. In conjunction with this elimination, we will increase the definition of residency for tax purposes from the current 120 days to 180 days or more. This will put Ohio in a much more competitive position.
Third, Ken Blackwell will keep the promise made and repeal the sales tax increase so we return to a 5% sales tax rate. Ken Blackwell has led the charge to repeal the 20% increase in the sales tax while both Ken Blackwell's opponents supported the tax increase. It was sold to the public as temporary tax but a portion is now being made permanent.
Fourth, we must exempt energy consumption from the Commercial Activity Tax (CAT).
Democrat Congressman promises more money for his district
If Democrats win back control of the U.S. House of Representatives in November, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran said he would use his position in the majority to help funnel more funds to his Northern Virginia district.
I hope all of you realize that more government money means more taxes. Redistribution of wealth... what a ridiculous idea. Apparently the Democrats didn't learn from the USSR that this DOESN'T WORK!!
Sticking to CONSERVATIVE principles will get politicians votes
The victory by Republican candidate Brian Bilbray in California came down to this: CONSERVATIVE principles. That is the template for success. Hopefully this sends a signal to the McCain’s of the Republican Party. Following the polls will not get you re-elected, following conservative principles will. The issue where this will be seen the most is immigration. If one is running for office as a Republican and one supports amnesty, WATCH OUT! The Republicans in America are overwhelmingly against amnesty. If you McCain Republicans think you represent the will of the people, you are living in an altered reality.
Moderate legislating will not ensure re-election. Let’s face it, most people vote Republican because they believe in small government, low taxes, and respect for our military. If a politician sticks to those principles, one may feel a bit of political heat at times. However, when elections roll around, that politician will be re-elected and the American people will support you.
A sign of a rise in conservatism in America?
As we approach the midterm elections, we are seeing what could be a call for more conservative economics in our government. One of these signs is the recent vote in California. The state turned down a very liberal public preschool tax increase. This plan was going to be accomplished using the socialist/democrat taxing principal of "Let’s tax the rich!!!!"
The ballot measure would have imposed a 1.7 percent tax on individuals with incomes above $400,000 and on couples with incomes above $800,000 to raise $2.4 billion to fund the preschool program.
The signs are starting to pop up all over America. We are seeing a majority of Americans siding with the CONSERVATIVES on immigration (not to be confused with George Bush). We also saw the mentioned voter turndown of VERY LIBERAL legislation. Newt Gingrich, a very strong conservative, won the straw poll for the 2008 nomination.
I think that America is calling for conservatives to stand by their principals. I believe that come 2008, Newt Gingrich would be an excellent choice for the GOP nomination. Newt and Reagan were the two most important people in the GOP takeover of our government. He will not give up any ground to special interest groups. He is a man who ALWAYS stands by his conservative principles. Most importantly, he is not afraid to act on his principles like President Bush. Whether it is popular with the liberal media or not, Newt would not waiver.
Democrat congressmen immune to laws?
Rep. William Jefferson took a large bribe and was caught red handed. The FBI was criticized for searching his home. WHY!? It is a federal matter, so it only makes sense that the FBI investigates a federal crime. Just because he's in congress doesn't mean he is immune to the law. His property is not immune to investigation. Last I checked... congressional offices and homes were in the United States and therefore have to follow the laws in the United States. Separation of powers is the most ridiculous argument I have ever heard. He broke the law!!! Of course he is going to get his things searched. That is the way our country works. It is our executive branch's constitutional OBLIGATION to ENFORCE THE LAWS!
I find the lack of press coverage on this funny. The press made a bigger deal about the Speaker's made up charges than they have about a congressman who got caught red handed. It is biased press. Those of you who can't see it clearly need your heads examined.
2 Rules of Media:
1) Any POTENTIAL or even UNLIKELY Republican scandal must consume all forms of media
2) Any Democrat scandal... despite how damning the evidence... must be ignored and played off as nothing.
CULTURE OF CORRUPTION in the DEMOCRATS...... AGAIN!
Congressman William Jefferson, a DEMOCRAT from Louisiana was caught on tape accepting $100,000 in 100 dollar bills from an FBI informant. Agents ended up finding the money hidden in a freezer. The coversations were also recorded. The culture of corruption in the Democrat Party is clear.
Dems blowing a huge opportunity!
Despite Republicans’ problems in congress and a low presidential approval rating, the democrats will not take the House in November. One reason is the Democrats lack of unity. While the Republicans have been having trouble following through with their party’s ideals, the Democrats still have no unified message. They still are taking the approach of “Let’s go against whatever Bush says.” This attitude will hurt them in 2006. Another interesting sequence of events…. The DNC chairman Howard Dean has blown all of their money. The GOP has a clear advantage in that category. Do the Republicans in congress deserve to be booted out of Congress? Probably… but I’d argue that the Dems in Congress deserve the same fate. For the reasons stated, I predict that the Congressional seat ratios will remain about the same.
article on dean's money problems
Democrat Agenda? Looks like it
Ok... so the dems have come to a consensus on what they want to do if they come to power. This leaves us with the question of what will the republicans do if we keep them in power? You guys better prove to us that we should re-elect you in november. While the dem plan is merely impeach bush and cripple the economy... it's still more than the republicans are offering right now.
Kennedy car crash coverup?
It's funny how the Democrats call the GOP a culture of corruption... I think they're pointing the finger the wrong way...
ROLL CALL reports: According to a letter sent by Officer Greg Baird, acting chairman of the USCP FOP, the wreck took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. Thursday when Kennedy's car, operating with its running lights turned off, narrowly missed colliding with a Capitol Police cruiser and smashed into a security barricade at First and C streets Southeast.“The driver exited the vehicle and he was observed to be staggering,” Baird’s letter states. Officers approached the driver, who “declared to them he was a Congressman and was late to a vote. The House had adjourned nearly three hours before this incident. It was Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy from Rhode Island.”
SENIOR DEMOCRAT STEPS DOWN FROM HOUSE ETHICS PANEL ON CORRUPTION CHARGES
It's amazing how little coverage this is getting. Let me remind you what happened with Delay. The press was all over it. Here is something that is just as bad if not worse... yet the media refuses to run the story as much as the Delay allegations.
This should be interesting as it pans out. This comes as the democrats still try to push "Culture of Corruption" in the GOP. Give it up... your party has just as much corruption as anyone. I don't recall any GOPers punching any policeman... However... I do recall a Dem doing just that. Am I saying the GOP has done nothing wrong? Of course not... you can see from my recent posts that I am not in full support of the direction of the party. I will admit that there have been some ethical issues in the GOP. However, there have been even more in the Dem party. Here's the 3 that I can list off the top of my head.
1) Many top democratic congressmen listed by Jack Abramoff.
2) Congresswoman punched a police offer.
3) Senior Democrat has to exit position over corruption charges.
Government FINALLY asks for proof of citizenship to recieve medicaid
Wow.... it's funny how the New York Times is spinning this as a bad thing. They are requiring proof that people that aren't eligible AREN'T RECIEVING FUNDS FROM THE GOVERNMENT!!!!!!!!!! How is that a bad thing? If they don't pay taxes as a citizen... they are entitled to NOTHING. Good for the republicans for actually doing something about this long lasting problem.
More than 50 million Medicaid recipients will soon have to produce birth certificates, passports or other documents to prove that they are United States citizens, and everyone who applies for coverage after June 30 will have to show similar documents under a new federal law.The requirement is meant to stop the "theft of Medicaid benefits by illegal aliens," in the words of Representative Charlie Norwood, Republican of Georgia, a principal author of the provision, which was signed into law by President Bush on Feb. 8.
Poll finds black republican may steal a lot of the black vote
This poll has determined that as many as 44 percent of black Americans may abandon their democratic allegiances in support of Steele.
"They're afraid of what I represent. They're afraid of the fact that African American voters have options, and I'm one of them."
Democrats' biggest problem is lack of new ideas
The editorial by Barry Casselman outlines the democrats biggest problem: lack of new ideas.
Democrats make fighting social security reform top issue in 2006
After the republicans brought up social security reform again, the democrats shot it down rapidly. They also pledged to KEEP FIGHTING AGAINST PRIVATIZATION AS A MAIN ISSUE IN THE 2006 ELECTIONS! This is going to make it very easy for the republicans. All they have to do is get out the 18-30 years old age group. A large majority of the young people in America are in support of privatization because we all know that with the current system... my generation is getting the short end of the stick. Even if the privatization is not perfect... it still leaves me with more than $0. My generation does not want to just throw our money away via social security. Partial privatization would provide us with at least something in return for paying into it. It works for the teachers in Ohio... why can't everyone get that sweet deal?
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