Entries in the Category "Politics"
Democratic Party caught at their own lies
I remember when the Democrats promised fair voting tallies during votes on bills in the Congress. When they were in the minority, they always accused Republicans of keeping the vote open past the 15-minute window in order to ensure that the "proper" result has been made.
On August 2, 2007, Democrats were caught doing the same thing.
The Morning After the Stolen Vote
Ron Paul's forces ready to slug it out at the GOP convention
Ron Paul has not gone quietly in the night.
Even though it is pretty much impossible for him to clinch the Republican nomination since McCain already exceeded the number of delegates required, he is intent to bring change to the GOP party through his followers.
The forces of Rep. Ron Paul have been organizing across the country, appearing in great numbers at Republican state conventions with one goal: to take control of local committees, boost their delegate totals, and influence platform debates.
With hopefully enough votes, Paul's supporters will try to fight the neocons who have usurped the party's platform.
Clearly, the GOP establishment is not pleased with these folks trying to mess up the status quo. Yet, there are some who are not confident with McCain's conservative credentials.
In Nevada, the GOP state convention ended in chaos, as Paul supporters were poised to be elected to a majority of the 31 state delegate slots before party leaders abruptly adjourned the gathering without picking the national delegates. Paul supporters cried foul and shouted that the process was rigged. There are now fears that the GOP state party will hold another convention but will try to block any Paul supporters from attending.
In Utah, about 100 people have filed to run for national delegate, many of them for the first time, and many of them professed Paul supporters.
In Minnesota, Paul loyalists managed to capture seven delegate slots at congressional district meetings.
In Maine, Paul's activists managed to pick up one of the 18 delegates at stake.
In Missouri, where activists will elect at-large delegates at a state convention at the end of May, a credentials challenge to as many as 300 Paul supporters is underway after his acolytes nearly swept several big county conventions that chose delegates to the statewide gathering. On some Internet sites, Paul supporters have contended they are being discriminated against by the party's establishment.
Of course, the MSM are too busy to cover Ron Paul. They are busy reporting Barack Obama wearing jeans and talking on a cell phone on vacation. What a great use of time.
Related Links
Salt Lake Tribune - Surprise GOP rule switch?
LA Times Blogs - Ron Paul's forces quietly plot GOP convention revolt against McCain
LA Times Blogs - Ron Paul's troops quietly take over some local GOP groups
Boston.com - Infighting rains on McCain's party
Boston Herald - Establishment outvotes Paul supporters at Maine GOP convention
Clinton rejects latest Michigan Delegate Plan
Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday rejected a compromise plan to seat Michigan's delegates to the national convention that would give 69 delegates to Clinton and 59 to Barack Obama.
"This proposal does not honor the 600,000 votes that were cast in Michigan's January primary. Those votes must be counted," Clinton spokesman Isaac Baker said.
The Michigan Democratic Party had approved the plan and intended to submit it to the Democratic National Committee meeting on May 31. Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer said in a statement that the plan was a "good step toward a solution that unites Democrats and ensures that our state will not face a McCain presidency."
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) had stripped Michigan of its delegation to the Democratic National Convention because the state party scheduled its Jan. 15 primary in violation of national party rules. Several plans have been proposed to find a way to seat Michigan's delegation.
Clinton's campaign has maintained that the delegation should be allocated according to the vote in the Jan. 15 primary (73/55) but Obama's campaign had argued the delegation should be split between the two candidates (64/64) because he was not on the ballot. Clinton won that contest with 55 percent of the vote but most of the other major party candidates, including Obama, had removed their names from the ballot because the state violated national party rules.
Since any plan must be approved by all the players -- the state and national parties and both candidates -- it is unclear what will happen now.
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This goes to show that the Clinton campaign is desperate. They do not really care about voters being disenfranchised. All they care about are the original results giving Clinton the win. She got 55 percent, but since she was the only candidate left on the state ballot, her supporters are demanding that she should get all the Michigan delegates.
What a pity.
Clinton / McCain: Drop the Federal Gas Tax Holiday Scheme
Stop this gas tax relief scheme! Both Senator Hillary Clinton and John McCain are offering motorists a federal "gasoline tax holiday."
The tax they are referring to is the 18.4 cents per gallon levied by the federal government as well as the 24.4 cents per gallon tax on diesel. McCain suggested the idea on April 15, and Clinton made a similar proposal on April 25.
The Clinton campaign claimed that the proposal, to last between Memorial Day and Labor Day, would save each driver $70. Of course, they could not explain how they came to that amount.
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation estimates that the total savings for the average American motorist works out to about $28; for a two-car household, $54.
But it is based on the assumption that gas prices would immediately drop by 18.4 cents. It is very likely that the price you will pay at the pump WILL NOT CHANGE! Even if you cut the price by that amount, it will stimulate demand for more gas, and eventually, that price discount would quickly disappear and we would revert to the normal supply and demand pressures.
Besides, the period they are suggesting for the holiday is during the summer where most motorists will be driving the most. Given the full capacity of our refineries converting a barrel of crude oil into gasoline, gas prices will still continue to go up.
Most economists agree that the federal gas tax scheme will not help gas prices. The Clinton campaign cannot even produce an economist who would agree with their plan.
Also, remember where that 18.4 cent per gallon tax is going to. It is being deposited directly into the Highway Trust Fund, which is used to pay for upgrades to roads and bridges. The American Society of Civil Engineers estimates that the 3-month gas tax cut holiday could cost as much as $8.5 billion dollars.
Would you want the Highway Trust Fund lose $8.5 billion of needed funds to keep our bridges and roads intact and kept safe for all American motorists? Of course not.
The Clinton and McCain campaigns fail to disclose this fact.
Drop the scheme and focus on something more meaningful to the voters.
URL: factcheck.org
Let's change last night's ABC Democratic Debate to Guess How Many Camera Shots of Chelsea Clinton were made
The Washington Post was clearly correct when it concluded that ABC was the loser in last night's Democratic debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Almost half of the two-hour debate was focused on the gossip trivia that already has been hashed and rehashed. I guess they wanted the candidates to start sniping at each other over stuff that is no longer news, but it looks like ABC is still trying to beat up a dead horse.
I would also believe that ABC thinks the voters would love Barack and Hillary go at each other like little school kids, and that the real economic, social, and political issues do not matter.
Good open letter from Philadelphia Daily News to Charlie Gibson and George Stephanapoulos.
Ron Paul questions the Iraq War
Both Petraeus and Crocker avoided his questions.
The Revolution: A Manifesto - Ron Paul
Jesse Ventura unloads
Pro-Wrestler-turned-Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura went on Larry King Live Tuesday and unloaded on a variety of topics, including his take on the 2008 presidential candidates, what he's looking for in a commander-in-chief, and whether he plans on running for president.
Ventura told King that he thinks it's time for a revolution in the United States, that we are a nation of "lemmings," and that the only difference between the two major political parties and street gangs are that the politicians wear Brooks Brothers suits.
Ron Paul to visit Penn State on April 11
Wanted by popular demand by Penn State students, Congressman Ron Paul will speak at the university on April 11.
He will be speaking at 5:30PM in 100 Thomas, where he will address "freedom and the Constitution," said Jesse Benton, communications director for Paul.
Members of the College Democrats, Libertarians, and Republicans are all looking forward to the event.
History Channel Satire: 2008 election future
I know I know, it's a Ron Paul production... but when you look at what's been going on, do you really think the Democrats or neo-Republicans are out there for our interests???
Hmm, the Republican Party -> the new Liberal Party
Hmm, the Democratic Party -> the new Socialist Party
Are we too late???
LA Times: Ron Paul runs a conservative campaign
Not only does Paul talk the conservative talk, it seems; he walks the conservative walk. He reported having raised $34.65 million since he launched his (get ready, Paulunteers) longshot White House bid last year. Paul reported spending about $29 million as of Feb. 29. And he reported having an impressive $5.57 million cash left in the bank.
Now, get this: The Ron Paul presidential campaign reported no debts. Not a dollar. Not even a penny. What has this country come to when half the members of Congress run for president and fully one of them campaigns within his means? This conservative revolution will not be run on funny money like the Federal Reserve system they want to abolish.
Perhaps RP can loan McCain a few million...
The Neocons are blasting the Ron Paul supporters
I find it quite amusing when the neocons and other anti-RP folks are classifying all Ron Paul supporters as bigots, racists, 9/11 Truthers, isolationists, even terrorist sympathizers.
Michael Goldfarb, The Weekly Standard has told us to "get lost."
Allahpundit on HotAir told us to go organize some terrorist-themed fundraisers.
Why would such people give Ron Paul over $33 million dollars in donation for his presidential campaign? From their viewpoint, they consider us to be nuts, a bunch of crackpots.
Not everyone would believe 9/11 was a conspiracy. I would even bet very few would even think there is a Pearl Harbor conspiracy either. A large portion of RP supporters are interested in smaller government, full personal liberties and rights, and less taxes. Of course, we would like to see us withdraw from Iraq given that it is now a black hole sucking up taxpayers' funds and the lives of our military men and women. We are not for pre-emptive war. We are not in favor of empire/nation building. We are not in favor of a Big Brother society. We are for an American republic, not an American empire.
The neocons ignore the 12 years of GOP control where power and free spending went unchecked. Now with the Democrats in control, President Bush is acting all fiscal conservative. Where was that when the GOP was in power?
The neocons want more surveillance, wiretapping, security cameras, regardless of personal liberty. Let us not forget the words of Benjamin Franklin - "Anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security."
They rather want to bomb or invade Cuba instead of conducting open trade.
They want to nuke Iran and cause a systematic collapse of the Middle East region. Imminent threat to the U.S.? Do they have hundreds of missiles with ballistc capability? I would have thought China or Russia would fit in that profile.
Of course they want to cut taxes. They would just borrow more or print more money. Let me know when the national debt reaches past $10 trillion.
The neocons are the warmongers. They are the war hawks. They are the empire-building folks. They want to throw out the constitution. They are the threat, not us.
FEC: Latest figures on Ron Paul
Republican congressman from Texas' 14th District and candidate for the Republican presidential nomination.
•Has drawn 803,217 votes, or 4.55 percent of ballots cast in this year's primaries and caucuses, putting him fourth among Republicans, with more than Rudolph W. Giuliani or Fred Thompson.
•Raised $32.6 million for his campaign through the end of January, including a one-day online record for either party of $6 million on Dec. 16.
•Had his best show of support in Washington's caucuses, where his 20.8 percent was good for third place.
•Had his best showing with a second-place finish in Nevada's caucuses, with 13.7 percent of the vote.
•Claims to have secured 42 delegates to September's nominating convention, although other estimates show him with less than half that number.
•Was the Libertarian Party's candidate for president in 1988.
Sources: Federal Election Commission; www.TheGreenPapers.com; the Paul campaign
Why is McCain playing the "Fear Card"
With high oil prices, a falling dollar, turmoil in the financial and mortgage markets, economists stating that we are in a recession, and inflation, you would think that the presidential candidates would be more focused on our economy and other critical domestic issues.
Not Sen. John McCain.
For some reason, he thinks Iraq is still a number one concern for American voters.
At a town hall style forum in Pennslyvania, a questioner asked if the senator feared al-Qaida in Iraq or another group might attack in an effort to aid the Democratic nominee, because Democratic Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama both favor a withdrawal of U.S. forces.
McCain replied, "Yes, I worry about it and I know they pay attention, because of the intercepts we have of their communications."
One can easily twist that in the other way. If it were Clinton or Obama hold a town hall meeting, one questioner could have asked if they feared that al-Qaida or another group might try to step up attacks and bombings in Iraq in order to aid the Republican nominee because voters would want U.S. troops to remain there to protect Iraqi civilians and infrastructure and to combat the insurgents. And of course Clinton and Obama would respond with the same answer McCain gave to that questioner.
Economic concerns are seizing a top spot in many voters' minds. The war in Iraq and terrorism have been supplanted by falling housing prices, rising gasoline prices, health-insurance worries, job security, and taxes.
Gallup poll shows 41% of Americans believing that the economic performance of the U.S. is poor. 86% of Americans are saying the economy is "getting worse."
Another Gallup poll shows 35% of Americans think that the economy is the most important problem facing this country. The situation in Iraq has dropped to 21%. For most of the last four years, Iraq was considered more important.
Not anymore.
McCain tells us to be wary of the Iraqi insurgents. He tells us that it's all a plan to get the Democrats elected because they want to leave Iraq. He implies that the terrorists will win if the Democrats win.
Should we believe that line of reasoning? Are we that stupid? Does it mean that we must stay in Iraq for another 5 years? 10 years? All because of them trying to influence our vote?
Frankly, I am more worried about not losing my house, not getting laid off / fired, not losing my health insurance, not paying more taxes, being able to retire with my 401k intact since my social security benefits won't be worth anything after I retire, and hopefully not seeing New York City under a couple of feet of water.
It's the economy, stupid.
Ron Paul - "The High Tide" Ad
Which is worse?
Getting caught in a federal wiretap involving high-priced call girls or committing an act of adultery and lying about it while in public office?
It is just so easy to compare this with Presidient Bill Clinton. He did in fact lied under oath and chose not to resign. The House passed acts of impeachment, but the Senate acquitted him of all charges, and despite the scandal, he still stayed in office.
Were his opinion polls that high? Or adultery is a tolerable sin?
NY Gov. Spitzer involved in prostitution ring
The one comment I have heard the most in the office was "why didn't he do a good job in making sure this highly expensive call-girl business was totally discreet and not attracting the attention of federal agents."
Unfortunately, the rising star amongst the Democrats has hit a potential career-ending roadblock. It would appear that he was a client (known as "Client No. 9") at the Emperors Club VIP which arranges really high-priced call girls with clients in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Miami, London, and Paris.
His statement:
"I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family,'and violates my, or any, sense of right and wrong,' Spitzer said just now, in a brief public statement, taking no questions. "I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public, whom I promised better.
"I do not believe that politcs, in the long run, is about individuals. It is about ideas, the public good and doing what is best for the state of New York,'' said the father of three, with his wife, Silda, standing at his side. "But I have disappointed, and failed to live up to the standard that I have set for myself.
"I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family,''' the governor told reporters. "I will not be taking any questions... I will report back to you.''
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It appears that the feds are using an almost century-old legislation called the Mann Act of 1910 which makes it a crime to transport someone between states for the purpose of prostitution. Of course, during the early 20th century, prostitution and human trafficking was considered immoral in general. If Spitzer was using a NY-only call girl business, then he won't be charged with a federal crime, and may not even get charged by the state.
Isn't it time for this archaic legislation to be repealed? It is interesting to note that some of the cases involving the Mann Act and the U.S. Supreme Court tells us that "debauchery" can be considered as immoral (1913), consensual sexual liaisons going across state lines was also immoral (1917), and if your marriage is polygamous, that can be considered immoral too (1946).
Of course, everyone is asking whether Gov. Spitzer will resign. WCBS2TV is reporting that Spitzer could resign as soon as tonight, with Lt. Gov. David Paterson being sworn into office right after his announcement. However, some pundits believe he should take the time to weigh his options before stepping down.
Let's take former President Clinton for example. He initially denied having an affair with former White House intern, Monica Lewinsky. That lasted for months, and eventually he admitted in a taped grand jury testimony that he did have an "improper physical relationship" with her. Then he made a nationally televised statement admitting his relationship with Lewinsky was "not appropriate." Since he did committ perjury, he was disbarred in Arkansas and was fined $90,000.
This led to Republicans, who were in control on Congress, to file impeachment charges against President Clinton for obstruction of justice and perjury. After a 21-day trial in the Senate, Clinton was acquitted of all charges and remained in office.
If a President can survive a sex scandal in office, I believe a Governor can survive a prostitution scandal too.
Why is it a surprise? Everyone should know that Washington, D.C. is the pimping capital. It beats flying to Nevada for one of their legal brothels.
At least he admitted the truth to his family and the public. He tells us that he is not perfect. He made a mistake and regretted it. But compared to the rest of the politicians in Albany, he is still probably the least corrupted of the whole bunch.
Spitzer is still probably the only governor that can clean up one of the nation's worst state governments. I really don't think Lt. Gov. Pearson can do much and he has two big shoes that he needs to fill up pretty quickly.
The Smoking Gun - Spitzer Linked to Hooker Probe
NY Times - Spitzer is Linked to Prostitution Ring
The Florida and Michigan Debacle
Honestly, the DNC should have followed the RNC and penalized Florida and Michigan by taking half of their delegates, but still let the candidates campaign there.
But they chose to ignore the rules and decided to bring up their primaries on an earlier date, and they lost their delegates. Those were the rules.
Now Florida and Michigan are complaining about being silenced. Don't ignore the cries of over 5.1 million Americans, they said. They say it's "intolerable" that the Democratic National Committee has denied their citizens their vote.
But wait a minute, you broke the rules, so you got punished.
Florida, you lost your 241 delegates.
Michigan, you lost your 156 delegates.
All of the candidates removed their names from the ballot except for Clinton (how convenient!).
Now you are demanding the right to seat your delegations at the National Convention. You are saying that over 5.1 million voters will lose their say. Then I would say you are damaging the legitimacy of the entire nomination process by potentially deciding the winner and depriving millions of voters their say.
You are also telling the rest of the Democratic state parties that no matter what the rules, your delegates get counted in the end.
Of course the Clinton campaign wants the delegates to be seated because their candidate won both states.
Howard Wolfson states “Our position is the voters of Michigan and Florida have spoken. Those votes ought to count and the delegations ought to be seated.”
But if you ask him if seating the Michigan [and Florida] delegates would cast a pall of illegitimacy over the election because she was the only candidate on the ballot, he says, “I think not giving participation to delegates from those states would send a very unsettling signal to the people of those states.”
Answer the question! Just say yes, we want those delegates because Clinton stayed on the ballot and she knew she would get the votes and knew that by the end of the campaign, the Florida and Mchigian delegates will get counted, and she can win the nomination.
Was that hard to say? Sheesh!
Now they got all these options:
1) The DNC will let the Florida and Michigan delegates sit at Convention, and they will vote based on the current results.
2) The Florida and Michigan state democratic parties will organize a do-over primary at their expense.
3) The Florida and Michigan state democratic parties will organize a do-over primary at the national DNC expense.
4) The DNC Credentials committee can choose to recognize the Florida and Michigan delegates but they lose half of their allotment. (I would choose this)
5) The DNC Credentials committee can choose to deny both state delegations their right to sit at Convention.
I would say "abide by the rules," but I think giving both state delegations half of their delegates would be an appropriate compromise. I would bet that the Clinton campaign won't like that because they need all those pledged delegates to overtake Obama.
2008 Primary Election - Ron Paul v Chris Peden
It's the economy, stupid.
I just love that phrase. "The economy, stupid," was a phrase used during Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign against George H. W. Bush.
Remember after the end of the Cold War and the Persian Gulf War in 1991, Bush had high opinion polls and was considered unbeatable. Unfortunately, the economy went through a recession, and most voters felt Clinton was better qualified to address the economic issues.
Now Sen. McCain is using his national security credentials to get voters to side with him for the 2008 presidential contest.
However, our economy is progressing towards a recession.
Opinion polls show that voters care more about the economy rather than promoting democracy in Iraq. Americans are more worried about their money and standard of living. They are more concerned with China overtaking the U.S. as the world's leading economic power.
Sen. McCain... "It's the economy, stupid."
Ralph Nader officially enters presidential race
Ralph Nader is entering the presidential race as an independent, he announced Sunday, saying it is time for a "Jeffersonian revolution."
"In the last few years, big money and the closing down of Washington against citizen groups prevent us from trying to improve our country. And I want everybody to have the right and opportunity to improve their country," he told reporters after an appearance announcing his candidacy on NBC's "Meet the Press."
Running as an independent may prove difficult. We all know that the Democrats and Republicans will do their best to discourage or even prevent third-party candidates from appearing on state ballots throughout the country. Even if Nader can get the signatures, the election appointees, most likely appointed by a sitting Democrat or Republican will do their best to disqualify enough signatures to stop him.
Now, if Nader throwing his hat in the ring, how soon before NYC Mayor Bloomberg does the same thing?
Ross Perot's Reform Party is a former shadow of itself. Ron Paul's Libertarian-style campaign may attract voters to the Libertarian Party. The Green Party won't have Nader this time.
Perhaps most of the well-known third-parties could back Bloomberg, he could get himself on the presidential debates?
GAO Comptroller General David Walker resigns
It is with sad news to announce that Comptroller General David Walker, our nation's top accountant and head of the GAO announced his resignation effective March 12, 2008. The agency's chief operating officer, Gene Dodaro, will serve as acting head. Walker was appointed to the position in 1998.
Quote:
"As Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO, there are real limitations on what I can do and say in connection with key public policy issues, especially issues that directly relate to GAO's client -- the Congress."
But don't count him out.
He will make a move into the private sector by becoming President and CEO of the new Peter G. Peterson Foundation. Mr. Peterson, one of the billionaire founds of the Blackstone private equity empire is committing $1 billion dollars to the foundation for the purpose of drawing attention to what he stated as “...These problems have reached tidal proportions and festered for more than two decades due to political irresponsibility -- now is the time to put politics aside and put the country first, and begin to solve these problems with courage and clarity. This is the moment in our history when we do what is necessary to remain a first class country.”
Max Stier, head of the Partnership for Public Service:
"In a town that is too often focused on short-term crises, David Walker stands out in his ability to focus on big-picture issues facing our nation and has been promoting real solutions to our country's toughest challenges."
The creation of this new foundation has been criticized by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which fears that it could be a thinly veiled argument for the privitization of welfare.
John Rother, Director of Public Policy, AARP:
"He has a right to spend his money however he wants - there's a free marketplace of ideas. My fear is by characterizing the problem as entitlement it will focus only on the federal budget and will only shift costs onto families and individuals rather than getting costs down."
Well, of course our entitlement programs require reform. We are definitely heading towards a financial crisis down the road. The AARP will always voice opposition if there is any attempt to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Basically, I call it a thin argument to tax the American worker to death so they can keep their full benefits.
In any case, the steady appearance of Walker on Capitol Hill will be no more. He has long emphasized the detrimental effects of overspending and waste by agencies and departments. Though lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have praised him, Congress as a whole has shown no indication to address the major financial problems which threaten America.
During the last few years, Walker embarked on the "Fiscal Wake-Up Tour," which was organized by budget watchdog groups. He has traveled across the country using his show-and-tell powerpoint presentation to alert the American people to the federal government's fast-approaching fiscal disaster.
He even appeared on CBS 60 Minutes on March 4, 2007, and later updated in July 2007. Walker said, “You know the American people, I tell you, they are absolutely starved for two things: the truth, and leadership.”
But Congress is under denial. They know the impending financial doom, but they refuse the face it. Apparently, all they care is filling their own pockets and their special interests, then jumping ship when the sh*t hits the fan.
Walker hopes that by joining the Peterson Foundation, he can make something happen.
"My new position will provide me with the ability and resources to more aggressively address a range of current and emerging challenges facing our country."
We are no longer a creditor nation, but a debtor nation. Today, financial intermediaries hold about 37 percent of U.S. public debt; Japan and China, along with other countries, now hold about 30 percent. The proportion of U.S. debt owned directly by Americans has fallen to less than 10 percent.
Imagine trying to promote democracy if most of your debt are owned by foreigners.
We must do something people, before it's too late. Or maybe it is too late.
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Conservative Voice - David (Walker) vs. Goliath
Reuters - Congressional watchdog Walker to resign
Guardian UK - Blackstone founder backs apocalyptic warning with $1bn
Baltimore Sun - Goverment's only fiscal truthteller to quit
The Rutherford Institute - A Crisis in Democracy: Are we going bankrupt?
Opednews - The Real Straight-Talk Express
Puppet Chris Peden influenced by Kathy Haigler
It is always interesting to find a person like Chris Peden who thought highly of Ron Paul, then decides to stab him in the back and preach neo-con nonsense.
“On January 12, 2007, a Texas city councilman named Chris Peden told the Galveston Daily News, ‘I have an immense amount of respect for Ron Paul. Politics has a way of forcing people to go against their core principles for political gain. That has never been the case for Ron Paul.’ In case you don’t know, Chris Peden is now Ron Paul’s congressional challenger in the Republican primary in Texas’ 14th District.”
Now Chris Peden is off boasting the usual establishment rhetoric:
“I think Islamo-Fascist terrorists were responsible for the 9/11 attacks; the incumbent thinks America’s Middle East policies were responsible for the attacks. The terrorists ‘wish to destroy our way of life because they abhor freedom, democracy, and liberty.’ We should continue to encourage democracy around the world ‘even if it takes the remainder of the century.’”
But the real story behind the story of Chris Peden is the influence of a high level Republican operative in Texas: Kathy Haigler. Again, the research comes from Thomas Woods of LewRockwell.com - Link
“There’s also an interesting story behind Kathy Haigler, the lady that Peden quotes all over his website. Peden has gone out of his way to make it appear like she’s some sort of a constituent or representative of the 14th District. She isn’t. Kathy actually lives in neighboring Congressional District 22, an entire county removed from Ron Paul’s district. Her representative is Democrat Nick Lampson, and she is currently the campaign manager for a Republican opponent of Lampson in the CD 22 primary named Robert Talton.
“Kathy has also had a personal agenda against the libertarian wing of the Republican Party for years, which explains her strong animosity to Paul. You probably read about the Tom DeLay fiasco in 2006, when the courts prevented the Republican Party from naming a successor. The court ruling basically barred the Republican Party from putting a new nominee on the ballot after DeLay resigned, leaving them with the option of either backing Libertarian Party nominee Bob Smither or launching a certain-to-fail write-in campaign.
“In the days that followed the court ruling there was a serious discussion among Republican Party insiders about endorsing Smither if he would agree to caucus with the GOP and vote for a Republican speaker… Smither was open to the plan and immediately agreed to caucus with the GOP if elected, and to cast his votes under the
guidance of our very own Ron Paul.
“Then enter Kathy Haigler. She caught wind of the effort to recruit Smither, and for whatever reason - her hatred of libertarianism, her wish to be a ‘player,’ her own overstated sense of self-importance - she began personally working the entire State Republican Executive Committee membership list to trash Smither. She accused him of being an anti-family values social liberal (ironic because Smither is a Christian homeschooler who heads up a missing children recovery charity), she implied that he was pro-abortion (he wasn’t), she accused his Republican backers (including Patterson) of deviating from the ‘party platform’ that she herself has apparently never read.
“Needless to say, Haigler’s smear campaign against Smither worked. Smither attempted to go to the meeting of the State Republican Party [but] was barred at the door largely at Haigler’s instigation. Haigler rallied the group behind a dingbat Houston City Councilwoman named Shelley Sekula-Gibbs, whose brief congressional career as the placeholder for the last month in Tom DeLay’s term was a spectacular embarrassment to the entire state of Texas.”
The end result of Haigler’s machinations was the loss of the District in the next election to a Democrat. Woods asks, “What happened to make Peden go from an admirer to an opponent — and not just an opponent, but one who is running a vicious and dishonest smear campaign against the very man he so recently praised? I have no idea.”
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I would say that Kathy Haigler has a vendetta against Ron Paul.
Hence, her quote:
State Republican Executive Committee Chairwoman Kathy Haigler:
"For far too long," she says, "[Congressional District] 14 Republicans have been denied the opportunity to be represented by someone who actually believes in and practices the Republican Party Platform, and now they have the opportunity to vote for a solid conservative who will go to Washington D.C. and vote Republican."
I really don't think the current Republican Party platform upholds the ideals of being a solid conservative.
So which is right? If I practiced the party platform, then I'll be a solid conservative. But if I practiced being a solid conservative, does that make me a Republican? Hmmm.
The constituents of the Texas 14th District should not follow the words of a political hack. Support Ron Paul by going to http://www.ronpaulforcongress.com to contribute.
Galveston County Daily newspaper endorses Ron Paul's primary opponent
The Galveston Daily News released an editorial endorsing Chris Peden for the Republican nomination in the Texas 14th Congressional distrcit over Ron Paul.
The newspaper chose to make its endorsement because there will be no opponent (i.e. Democrat) running against the Republican candidate in the November elections.
Strangely enough, it lists the good things about Ron Paul. They applauded his courage to oppose the war in Iraq as well as his strong defense on our civil liberties. They state his advocacy on smaller government, and his consistent views with the Libertarian Party. They say he is courageous and principled.
Yet the newspaper argues he is not an effective congressional representative.
They talk about his no votes on government spending, especially on earmarks going to Paul's district. Of course, other Congressional reps serving in neighboring districts are lavishing on their respective earmarks.
It cites that during the GOP majority in Congress, Paul was punished for saying no on earmarks. Even under the Democratic majority, Paul's district is still not getting any money.
Because of the need for federal money, the newspaper wants Peden to serve as representative of the Texas 14th District. They want someone to ask for earmark funds for the Galveston National Laboratory and NASA's mission to Mars.
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How can that argument make Peden a more effective representative?
As long as Peden brings more federal funds to the 14th District, the constituents should just be happy with that?
If Peden chooses to sacrifice his loyalties and principles to get more funds, are we fine with that?
If Peden supports pre-emptive war, but he gets more money for his district, should we be content with that?
If Peden wants bigger government and limits on our civil liberties, but he gets a chunk of pork funding for the laboratory, should we say nothing and stay quiet?
I don't think so.
NYT: Purple States: Ron Paul Considered
Throughout the primary season, the Purple States team returned repeatedly to the topic of Ron Paul's unconventional candidacy.
Romney to endorse McCain
Romney's endorsement would probably mean that his control of 286 delegates will go to McCain, giving the Arizona senator a total of 1,113, almost clinching the Republican nomination.
The number needed to clinch is 1,191.
It is likely that McCain will surpass that needed number by the March 4th primaries.
Ron Paul to stay in presidential race
UPDATE: The Ron Paul campaign has confirmed that the congressional representative is still in the presidential race.
At least that's good news for now.
* * * * *
The original entry was based on the FDH Lounge blog allegedly stating that Ron Paul will pull out of the race because of Peden's challenge to his congressional seat.
Here's the entry below:
According to the FDH Lounge blog, Congressman Ron Paul will be pulling out of the Republican presidential race in advance of his home state's March 4 primary. This is due to internal polls which show insurgent challenger Chris Peden having pulled ahead in the Texas 14th congressional district.
Peden's lead is extremely surprising given the vast disparity in resources between the campaigns, a divide that will only grow as Paul is able to divert funds contributed by his large base of small contributors to his presidential race back into the House of Representatives campaign.
It may prove to be an about-face when Ron Paul told supporters that he intends to stay in the presidential race past the March 4th primaries, but I guess that if the polls were correct, then he needs to defend his congressional seat so he can stay in Congress and protest against the overspending, the limitations being placed on our civil liberties, and preventing the transformation of our American Republic into an American Empire. Perhaps it's a ruse to confuse us.
By the way, who is Chris Peden, the challenger?
He is a Republican Galveston City Councilman. Supposedly he has raised more funds than Paul, but according to the latest disclosed financial records, most of his funds are coming from his family and close friends.
NOTE: I am not in support of Chris Peden. I did write an earlier blog on his fundraising where he boasted about having more money than Paul, but in actuality, most of the money came from his own family.
President Bush's notion of balancing the federal budget by 2012 is a sham
I really do not understand why fellow Republicans believe the President's words on his argument that his proposed 2009 federal budget will help bring it into balance by the year 2012. Of course, we have to understand that his proposal would not even pass Congress or even be considered since he is going out of office anyway by the end of this year.
The federal budget deficit is running at a pace that is more than double last year's imbalance through the first four months of the budget year.
Yes, you can point out that the deficit for 2007 was $162 billion, a five-year low, but the Bush administration is projecting a deficit of $410 billion for 2008, and around $400 billion for 2009. This pretty much guarantees that the next elected President will witness the U.S. national debt to surpass $10 TRILLION DOLLARS!
Of course, Bush fails to even include the supplemental spending bills on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in his budget.
Goldman Sachs economists have boosted their deficit forecast for 2008 to $425 billion and to $440 billion in 2009, reflecting the recently passed stimulus package.
How can we still agree that President Bush is a defender of fiscal discipline?
If his proposed 2009 budget was approved, it would show that U.S. governmental spending has increased by more than $1.2 trillion since President Bill Clinton left office; adjusted for inflation, that's a 35 percent increase. His budget will be the first $3 trillion plus federal budget which would raise overall spending by 6 percent over last year and 67 percent over 2001.
Republicans still say that these deficits remains small relative to the gross domestic product, but the national debt will amount to a whopping 36.7 percent of GDP in 2009.
How about including actual figures in the budget outlook? Why do these supplemental spending packages are not factored in the administration's equations? How can Bush go in front of the American people and tell them that the deficit is much lower than what it seems?
On this $3 trillion plus budget, over $2 trillion covers Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and the interest on the debt. That leaves about $987.6 billion. Then more than half - $515.4 billion - would go to the Pentagon, but KNOW THAT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY WAR FUNDING!!! That is categorized as emergency funding, so Bush gets to hide it from the official deficit projections.
Bush can talk about getting rid of earmarks, but they are a small percentage of the federal budget. He hasn't even talked about cutting the red tape in the defense bureaucracy. Can we stop listening to these financial lies?
Oh yeah, if you look at Bush's 2009 budget outlook, he assumes the following:
1) The growth of Medicare and Medicaid will be trimmed by $195.7 billion over five years
2) The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is allowed to hit more taxpayers after the 2008 tax year.
3) That the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are not funded beyond 2009.
How can he assume these things? It's doubtful on one. On two, it seems he wants that tax increase to hit the poor middle class. Three, it looks like there was a withdrawal plan for the troops.
Bush better drop his "fiscal discipline" legacy from his memoirs. Not true at all!
Potomac Primary Results - 2/12/08
District of Columbia
Democratic: Obama (75%)
Republican: McCain (68%) (Ron Paul, 3rd, 8%)
Maryland
Democratic: Obama (60%)
Republican: McCain (55%) (Ron Paul, 4th, 6%)
Virginia
Democratic: Obama (64%)
Republican: McCain (50%) (Ron Paul, 3rd, 5%)
Next up:
February 19 - Hawaii (D), Washington, and Wisconsin
Ron Paul: Going the Distance - 2/11/08
Wait for news for a march in Washington, D.C. Also, Ron Paul's congressional primary is on March 4. Donate to his congressional campaign!
So far he has raised over $285,000 this quarter.
Neocons trying to oust Ron Paul with faulty ad
Here's an ad running in Texas against Ron Paul
1) I cannot believe folks think that America is blameless. How can you say that everything was done because of America's freedom and their democratic ideals, and it wasn't the CIA overthrow or the American military bases set up in their country? Why keep this one-sided argument and not face the real truth of looking at a combination of reasons?
2) & 3) are probably from bills that were attached as a rider to important legislation that Ron Paul voted against. Again, this is a political tactic used to get voters to feel angry. Just a cheapshot.
4) We have spent several hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild Iraq. How much should we spend? Over a trillion more? Somehow we are willing to sacrifice our own economy to help re-build another country.
Instead of "Blame America First" let's "Blame the Neocons First"
The truth behind the rebate checks
That $300-500 rebate check, part of the so-called economic stimulus package passed by Congress, is not free money!!!
It is an advance off your 2008 tax credit.
Congress implemented a one-time tax cut for income earned in 2008. Rather than delay the benefit of that cut until you file your tax returns in 2009, Congress is giving you the money now.
If you don't qualify now (either your AGI is below $3,000 or above $87,000,) but do qualify next year, you can still claim the credit when you file your returns for 2008. If you qualify this year, but not next year, congratulations, you win, enjoy your free money.
The government wants you to immediately inject your rebate into the economy by buying all those delicious consumables we love to write about. Saving or paying back student loans is not what they have in mind.
However, recent surveys showed that about 25% of Americans would spend their rebate check. The rest would put that money towards their bills.
What is a Republican?
If we look at Wikipedia and ask for a definition, being a Republican would probably mean being a fiscal conservative, social conservative, and an economic libertarian.
We would generally support lower taxes and limited government.
Former President Ronald Reagan summed up his belief in government:
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem."
Republicans believe making law is in the province of the legislature and is against activist judges. They are also in favor of separation of powers to maintain equal power between the government branches. They believe in a robust version of federalism with greater limitations placed upon federal power and a larger role reserved for the States.
They are generally pro-life and pro-family, and would favor an amendment to define marriage exclusively between a man and a woman. They also favor a strong national defense and they tended to disapprove interventionist foreign policy actions.
So on and so forth...
* * * * * * * * * *
Of course, parts of the Republican platform has changed. It seems they now favor expanded government, the sacrifice of state rights to increase the power of the central government, a president making decisions based on the unitary executive theory where he or she can override or ignore laws passed by the legislature, limit civil liberties, unilateral military actions, and the doctrine of pre-emptive war.
Instead of supporting democratically elected government, we forge alliances with dictatorship-style governments in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan.
Should the Republican Party rename itself the American Empire Party? The Always at War Party? The Executive Party?
How can we still consider ourselves conservatives based on all these changes?
Youth Vote in 2008 Likely to Disrupt Political Status Quo
See CNN video on the youth vote
The 2008 presidential election may mark the turning point where the youth will contribute strongly in shaping America's future for years to come. The political establishment has long viewed the youth as being apathetic and uninterested in politics. Turnout among young voters had been consistently low in past presidential and congressional elections.
This year, that view will change.
According to CNN exit polls and tabulations from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, young voters turned out in record numbers in more than 20 states. In practically every state holding a primary or caucus on Super Tuesday, youth turnout increased astronomically, doubling, tripling, and even quadrupling the turnout in the 2000 and 2004 electoral seasons.
CIRCLE Director Peter Levine
"Young Americans have been turning out to vote at remarkable rates in these primaries. This reflects their deep concern about the critical issues at stake and the impact of this election on our country's future. Since 2000, young people have been volunteering at high rates and are becoming more interested in news and public affairs. Now, they are ready to consider voting as a way of addressing major problems."
CBS News reported that Illinois Senator Barack Obama netted 59 percent of voters under 30 years old on Super Tuesday. Clinton only got about 38 percent. Young men supported Obama by a margin of 64 to 33 percent over Clinton, and young women supported Obama by 53 to 45 percent.
In Tennessee, young voters quadrupled their turnout from 35,000 in 2000 to nearly 140,000 on Super Tuesday. In Georgia, young voters tripled their turnout this year, with more than 280,000 individuals casting a ballot, compared to approximately 92,000 in 2000. When it came to California, more than 850,000 voters under 30 cast ballots, far surpassing 2000 and 2004 levels. Youth voter turnout tripled in Missouri. In Massachusetts, youth turnout doubled from 2000, with 231,000-plus hitting the polls this year. More than 187,000 voters under 30 participated in New Jersey's primary. New York was relatively unchanged from 2000. In Connecticut, the youth vote was doubled from 2000. In Utah, more than 66,300 youth voters voted. Oklahoma tripled their youth turnout.
While some may appreciate the involvement and participation of the youth vote in the electoral process, alarm bells are probably ringing throughout the rest of the political establishment. The youth vote can be quite unpredictable which may concern some political anaylsts. They tend to be cynical to the political process, not quite trusting the politicians in Washington, and hate being spoon-fed the same bullshit answers every year. They are also quite concerned with the war in Iraq, the economy, the bloated federal budget, jobs, social security, and their financial burden in the future.
Some analysts are still not worried and they point to low youth turnout in previous elections. Also from Super Tuesday, youth turnout in Arizona and Arkansas was 7 percent and 10 percent of eligible voters, respectively. Their over-30 counterparts chalked up rates of 23 percent in Arizona and 28 percent in Arkansas. In Massachusetts, young voters turned out a respectable 25 percent. But it was 40 percent for voters over 30.
Yes, youth numbers were low in past presidential elections, but 2008 could be different.
Director of Education at Rock the Vote, Kat Barr
"2008 is the year of the youth vote. The winner in November and the winners in these primary contests are going to be the people who reach out and successfully mobilize young people."
Presidential candidates such like Obama and Ron Paul have been getting a fair share of online buzz among young adults. They got the internet to distribute viral YouTube videos, utilizing the latest technology available, and finding ways to alert voters besides the usual mainstream media.
I would think that the young voters are getting sick of being on the sidelines and letting the middle-aged and elderly dictate policy for them. The 2008 election could mark the future direction of our country. Would they want to be part of a neverending war? Would they expect a draft? Would they face higher taxes because of our national debt? Would they face higher payroll taxes to fund a bankrupt Social Security system? Would they face limited civil liberties? Would they sacrifice freedom for security? How about job security? Social issues? Free Speech? Global warming? Pollution? Immigration?
It's time to disrupt the status quo.
MTV - Super Tuesday Sees Unprecedented Youth Vote
TIME - Why the World Needs the Youth Vote
February 9-10 Primary Elections
FEBRUARY 9
Kansas (R)
Huckabee (60%) (Ron Paul, 3rd, 11%)
Louisiana
Republican: Huckabee (Ron Paul, 4th, 5%)
Democratic: Obama (57%)
Nebraska (D)
Obama (68%)
Washington
Republican: McCain (26%) (Ron Paul, 3rd, 21%)
Democratic: Obama (68%)
FEBRUARY 10
Maine (D)
Obama (59%)
Ron Paul at Liberty U. - 2/8/08
Also, something to read:
US News & World Report - Ron Paul: Spoiler?
Intro
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Ron Paul at the CPAC Convention - 2/7/08
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
GOP sources: Romney to suspend presidential campaign
From CNN:
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will suspend his Republican presidential campaign after a disappointing showing in this week's "Super Tuesday" primaries and caucuses, GOP sources said today. Romney is expected to announce his decision this afternoon at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, three Republican sources told CNN.
This basically leaves McCain, Huckabee, and Paul.
Real ID - the so-called national ID card
On May 11, about four months from now, millions of law-abiding Americans could face new hassles when traveling on commercial flights if they hold driver's licenses or ID cards issued by states that haven't agreed to comply with Real ID. Those same people will also face hassles when entering federal buildings such as the U.S. Capitol building or any federal courthouse.
Of course, everyone is asking why our lawmakers passed such a law in the first place. Well, our wonderful politicians knew that this legislation would be controversial so they decided to bypass the usual legislative process and inserted the legislation as a rider to the mammoth Iraq spending and Asian tsunami bill, the "Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Tsunami Relief, 2005." No public hearings, no public discussion, no open debate was made.
For the full, unedited text of the relevant section of the law
In May, you may see additional lines at airport with signs "Real ID" and "non-Real ID." Of course, the government has not ruled on whether citizens with a non-compliant Real ID would be allowed to travel on an airplane or enter a federal building.
Currently, Americans living in Maine, South Carolina, Montana, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, and up to 15 other states plus the District of Columbia that have rejected the Real ID regulations on privacy and cost grounds or have not agreed to comply will be affected.
This represents a potentially embarrassing political setback to the Bush administration, which has championed Real ID as a way to identify terrorists and criminals. But instead of what supporters hoped would be a seamless shift to a nationalized ID card, the requirements have created a confusing patchwork of state responses. In addition, the administration has been forced to scale back Real ID after an outcry from state motor vehicle administrators.
Airlines and travelers associations worry the May 11 deadline will herald chaos at airports unsurpassed by any other recent change to federal law. Travelers from non-Real ID states will have no choice but to undergo what Homeland Security delicately calls "delays" and "enhanced security screening" unless they happen to have a valid U.S. passport issued by the State Department.
"The DHS proposal that individuals who do not have a passport and happen to live in states that do not seek an extension to comply before May of this year will not be allowed to board a domestic flight is extremely concerning," said Kevin Maguire, president and CEO of the National Business Travel Association, which represents corporate travel managers and travel service providers.
Currently, less than 30 percent of Americans have U.S. passports, and it takes about 4-6 weeks for processing.
Expect a lot of political brinksmanship between the federal government and the states in the coming months. Recently, the nation's most populous states, including Florida, Texas, Virginia, and Georgia, have not agreed to comply with Real ID. On the other hand, California has publicly applauded Real ID. (What are they drinking over there?)
* * * * *
OHIO - The state has requested an extension and was approved. (link) - Initial deadline for compliance with Real ID is Dec 31, 2009.
NEW JERSEY - It has not decided whether to comply, reject it, or request an extension. The state government is unsure of the fiscal requirements due to their weak budget.
NEW YORK - It has already received an "unsolicited extension" from DHS as part of a recent agreement to change its driver's license policies.
McCain misses economic stimulus vote
The weird part of this is that Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican from South Carolina was traveling with McCain, and the both of them arrived in Washington-Dulles Airport just before the proceedings opening on the Senate floor on whether to expand the economic stimulus plan to include 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled veterans.
Senator Graham managed to get to the Senate to cast his vote against the expanded plan. McCain never made it.
The vote was 58-41 in favor, but the measure was rejected because the Democrats needed 60 votes to break the Republican filibuster. It was actually 59 votes, but Majority Leader Sen. Reid changed his vote to "no" so he can bring up the measure again in the near future.
99 votes, McCain was the lone senator who missed it. Altogether, McCain has missed all eight roll call votes since the beginning of this year.
Asked Wednesday morning to comment on the pending vote, McCain talked about the need to pass a stimulus measure quickly. Later, on his plane, he said he was not sure he would make the vote.
"I haven't had a chance to talk about it at all, have not had the opportunity to, even," McCain said. "We've just been too busy, focused on other stuff. I don't know if I'm doing that. We've got a couple of meetings scheduled."
* * * * *
McCain, you are the so-called Republican front-runner. You were supposed to woo other members of your party to support the expanded package or maybe your plan was to go against it in favor of the House-passed version. You were in a Catch-22. Vote "no" to not give Social Security recipients and disabled veterans rebate checks. Vote "yes" and you offend Bush, GOP leaders, and conservatives who are already suspicious of your political leanings. Of course, you missed the vote. I really don't know if it was just a plan to avoid being on record.
Regardless, it gives a bit of PR ammo to Clinton and Obama.
Ron Paul campaign - National Delegate Count is 42 or more
With the results of many of the “Super Tuesday” primaries and caucuses now finalized, the Ron Paul campaign is now projecting that it has at least 42 delegates to the national convention secured.
According to campaign projections, a minimum of 24 delegates were won in yesterday’s contests. When added to projected delegates coming from strong showings in Iowa (4), Nevada (8), Louisiana (3) and Maine (3), that brings the total delegate count to 42 delegates or more.
The Aftermath of Super Tuesday
I voted in the New Jersey Republican primary one hour before the polls closed and placed my checkmark next to Ron Paul. Getting home, I managed to persuade my parents to also go down to the polling station, but alas, they both voted for McCain.
In any case, McCain carried the state by a landslide (given Giuliani's endorsement) winning 55% of the vote and all 52 state delegates. Romney was 2nd with 28%, Huckabee with 8%, and Ron Paul with 5%. Giuliani's name was still on the ballot and still managed to get 3%.
Living in Morris County, McCain won with 55%, Romney got 31%, Huckabee 7%, Paul 4%, and Giuliani 3%.
In nearby New York, McCain won the state with 51%. Romney got 28%, Huckabee 11%, Paul 7%, and Giuliani 3%. It does feel strange that Paul did not do better. You would think New York would give Paul a greater turnout because of his anti-war position. Paul did hit double-digits in the Bronx, Fulton, Greene, and Hamilton counties.
As such, I would like to thank the corporate state media for their blackout of Ron Paul. I figured McCain got most of the anti-war vote in New York because many voters have never heard of Ron Paul's platform. Most folks do agree there is a mainstream bias against Paul. They certainly cannot ignore the fact that he raised the most cash in the last quarter of 2007. Of course, he started getting publicity when the Republican field was narrowing and especially with Thompson and Giuliani leaving the race. Still, we saw examples of major state newspapers ignoring Ron Paul. They would list McCain, Romney, and Huckabee and their platform, but nothing on Paul. In California, the Los Angeles Times made their tepid endorsement of John McCain, but discussed every remaining GOP candidate except for Paul.
Despite a huge presence on the Internet, voters still rely quite a lot on the mainstream media. It is with hope that this will change in the near future. Then candidates such like Ron Paul can defeat the media establishment.
If we looked at the plus side for Paul, he came in second in the Montana Republican caucuses right behind former governor Mitt Romney winning eleven counties outright. In North Dakota, Paul was third with 21%, behind Romney's 36% and McCain's 23%. In Alaska, he was also third with 17%, Romney got 44%, and Huckabee got 22%. By the end of the night, Paul has a total of 16 delegates to the Republican Convention. Add three more if you count the West Virginia deal with Huckabee.
Compared with the rest of the candidates, Paul has virtually lost the nomination. McCain is leading with 615 delegates, Romney 268, and Huckabee 169. Most folks knew it was a long shot anyway.
But will he drop out of the race? Probably not.
He still does have a substantial amount of cash left in his campaign.
On February 9th, Kansas, Louisiana and Washington (caucus) will vote. Note that in Louisiana, Paul has garnered a majority of alternate delegates to the state convention.
February 12th has District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
February 19th has Washington (primary) and Wisconsin.
March 4th is Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont.
March 11th has Mississippi.
April 22nd has Pennsylvania.
May 6th has Indiana and North Carolina.
May 13th is Nebraska.
May 18th is Hawaii.
May 20th has Kentucky and Oregon.
May 27th is Idaho.
June 3rd gives us New Mexico and South Dakota.
At this point, the Ron Paul campaign is looking to stay in the race until March 4th or perhaps way past it. It is possible that by that date, a Republican candidate would nearly clinch the nomination. Out of the remaining states, Paul could do well in Oregon and Idaho. Of course, it will not be enough. It is clear by now that Ron Paul is trying to get his message out to the Republican base and to all the voters.
But I don't think the media will let him. After Super Tuesday, the chances for him to get into future debates will be slim. If he won at least one state, there should be no problem. There is supposed to be a Republican debate on the 28th of February sponsored by MSNBC and Ron Paul was invited. Will he be dis-invited?