MADNESS!!!
If you have ever seen the movie The Bridge On The River Kwai, at the end the British officer looks at all of the devastation war has wrought and says: MADNESS!!!
Well I had my MADNESS MOMENT today. For two weeks around the lunch room at work I have listened to a younger worker rant and rave about the corruption of the bailout. I had a great time thinking this young man may have the makings of an up and coming conservative.
So here comes lunch today, and the young man announces he has voted absentee for Barack Obama, I point out Obama voted for the bailout, the young guy says, I know but he hasn't been there as long as McCain. So hoping this young firebrand knows his stuff I ask him how did you vote for the down ballot offices, I never followed those races!! He said, "I voted straight Democrat!"
I pointed out the Senator he voted for voted for the bailout, and co-sponsored the rules that set up this economic problem, and that the Congressman he voted for voted for the bailout. I also pointed out their opponents already stated publicly and unabashedly they were against the bailout. Well he said it was easier to vote the straight ticket, the ballot was so long and by voting straight ticket I got out of there quicker.
MADNESS!! MADNESS!!
-Tim Grover,
The Plain Blunt Guy
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barack Obama. Show all posts
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Those who do not remember the past are condemned to vote for Barack Obama
From Michael Zak, a Republican speaker:
On July 2, 2008, Barack Obama announced: "We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."
Obama's Civilian National Security Force:
• What sort of people would be in this paramilitary force?
• What sort of weapons would they have?
• Who would command them?
• Would they be subordinate to the U.S. military?
• Would they be subordinate to the police?
• What would be the purpose of this paramilitary force?
• What would it do?
And, what are Obama's "national security objectives?"
Michelle Obama lifts back the curtain hiding Barack's plans for a new order:
"Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism. That you put down your divisions. That you come out of your isolation. That you move out of your comfort zones. That you push yourselves to be better. And that you engage. Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed."
Yikes!
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Weekly Stampede – September 25, 2008
McCain, Palin rev up supporters, tour flood damage
From the Cedar Rapids Gazette, September 18, 2008
CEDAR RAPIDS - John McCain lashed out at his opponent for failing to protect American workers from the financial dominoes falling on Wall Street and at the Democratic Congress for failing to deliver timely flood recovery assistance to Iowans.
"When I pushed legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Sen. Obama was silent. He didn't lift a hand to avert this crisis," McCain said during a Thursday morning rally at PS Air at The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids.
Later, after a 20-minute walking tour of the Time Check neighborhood in northwest Cedar Rapids, the Republican presidential nominee and his running mate, Sarah Palin, called for quick congressional action to help Iowa families and businesses get back on their feet.
Noting that it's been three months since historic floods devastated 100 blocks of Cedar Rapids, McCain called for quick action on a recovery assistance package "that will provide not only home-owners, but businesses, a chance to be restored, to create jobs and give people an opportunity to rebuild their lives."
Click here to read more.
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Iowa Business and Government Leaders Highlight McCain-Palin Economic Plan & Why it’s Best for Iowans
(Ankeny, IA) – Several state and local elected officials met Wednesday with leaders at Accumold, a plastics manufacturing firm based in Ankeny, to discuss the benefits of the McCain-Palin economic plan and why it is the best choice for Iowa taxpayers.
State Representative Carmine Boal of Ankeny, State Senators Brad Zaun of Urbandale and Larry Noble of Ankeny, and Polk County Supervisor E.J. Giovannetti toured the Accumold facility and then held a press conference with CFO Steve Boal to show support for the McCain-Palin plan. The conference also touched on concerns with the Obama-Biden economic plan that calls for raising taxes on many Americans and the businesses that employ them.
Steve Boal is uniquely aware of how increased taxes and regulations can adversely affect both families and businesses. As the chief financial officer for Accumold, he is the first to see how new taxes and red tape can strain his company’s budget making it harder for them to expand and create new jobs.
“I believe Obama’s ideas for change are taking America down the wrong path,” Boal said. “We need less government, not more, because more government translates to higher taxes.”
Boal also knows the negative effects higher taxes have on families across Iowa. His wife is State Rep. Carmine Boal of Ankeny who also attended the conference.
“Obama has said repeatedly that he’s going to ‘tax the rich’ more in order to help the middle class, but his record doesn’t show that,” Rep. Boal said. “He has already voted to raise taxes on Americans making $42,000 a year, why wouldn’t he do it again?”
State Sen. Brad Zaun’s district does not include the Accumold facility, but called it a, “great success story for Ankeny,” and cited it as an example of smart economic growth.
“Tax breaks always help stimulate new investment and development, no matter where they come from,” Sen. Zaun said. “It’s that investment that enables lawmakers to then keep taxes down.”
State Sen. Larry Noble said that the McCain-Palin plan would be more productive in helping the small businesses that employ the majority of Iowans.
“Bureaucracy and taxes don’t make us stronger, it just drags us down.” Sen. Noble said.
Steve Boal summed up the discussion saying, “John McCain’s philosophy supports smaller government and lower taxes while Obama’s plans include more government. More government is not what Accumold needs.”
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Election Day is approaching, RPI needs your help!
The Republican Party of Iowa is looking for individuals to serve as poll watchers for the general election, November 4, 2008. Poll Watching is an incredibly rewarding experience that enables individuals to see the election process in action.
For further information or to sign up please contact Director of Election Day Operations Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or by phone at (515) 864-6127.
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The question remains: Obama, Fannie, & Freddie
“While the American taxpayer’s hard-earned money was corrupted by a government-backed mortgage business in Washington, Barack Obama took record amount of their campaign cash, and did absolutely nothing to regulate their books. Just like he did over two years ago, Barack Obama chooses to ignore John McCain’s calls to regulate and reform Fannie and Freddie, while defending his own affiliations with their corrupted corporate executives and his stockpile of campaign cash.
“One question remains. Did Barack Obama provide Fannie Mae special access when he appointed Fannie Mae’s embattled former CEO Jim Johnson to lead his vice presidential search committee while Mr. Johnson was still receiving $71,000 a month from Fannie Mae?” ---Tucker Bounds, spokesman McCain-Palin 2008
Three Key Facts:
1. John McCain introduced reforms and regulation for Fannie and Freddie over two years ago.
2. While taking $120,000 in campaign cash in just 3 years, Barack Obama has maintained Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s broken business model.
3. Barack Obama appointed embattled former Fannie Mae CEO Jim Johnson to lead his Vice Presidential search. At that same time Jim Johnson was receiving a $71,000 per month in pension benefits from Fannie Mae. Johnson also received millions in compensation due to accounting manipulation at Fannie Mae.
_______________________________________________Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Weekly Stampede – September 17, 2008
Happy Birthday Senator Grassley!
The Republican Party of Iowa wishes our senior senator, Chuck Grassley, a very happy 75th birthday! Send him a birthday wish via his website, http://grassley.senate.gov/ or on his MySpace page, www.myspace.com/chuckgrassley.
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Election Day is approaching, RPI needs your help!
The Republican Party of Iowa is looking for individuals to serve as poll watchers for the general election, November 4, 2008. Poll Watching is an incredibly rewarding experience that enables individuals to see the election process in action.
For further information or to sign up please contact Director of Election Day Operations Danny McNamara at dmcnamara@iowagop.org or by phone at (515) 864-6127.
__________________________________________________
McCain-Palin 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Foundation"
ARLINGTON, VA-- Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest television ad, entitled "Foundation." The ad features John McCain talking directly to the American people about our economic crisis and his plans to reform Wall Street and fix Washington. The American people cannot afford Barack Obama's agenda of higher taxes, especially when our economy is in crisis. The ad will be televised nationally.
Click here to read more.
Watch the new ad:
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Prominent Clinton backer and DNC member to endorse McCain
From CNN Political Editor Mark Preston, Extra
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Lynn Forester de Rothschild, a prominent Hillary Clinton supporter and member of the Democratic National Committee’s Platform Committee, will endorse John McCain for president on Wednesday, her spokesman tells CNN.
The announcement will take place at a news conference on Capitol Hill, just blocks away from the DNC headquarters. Forester will “campaign and help him through the election,” the spokesman said of her plans to help the Republican presidential nominee.
Click here to link to the article
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Iowa McCain-Palin Campaign Presents Obama with his own “Hollywood Star”
DES MOINES, IA -- In honor of Barack Obama's star-studded Hollywood fundraiser with Barbra Streisand tonight, the McCain-Palin campaign honored Obama with a celebrity "Star of Fame." Additionally, in the spirit of the fundraiser, tonight the Iowa Victory Office phone banks will play Barbara Streisand songs.
"While Barack Obama is posing for pictures with Hollywood's elite, some of whom are contributing $28,500 -- a price substantially unaffordable to the average Iowan -- Iowa families are worrying about how what's happening on Wall Street will affect their lives on Main Street," said Gentry Collins, the McCain Midwest Regional Campaign Manager. "We don't know whether Barack Obama will use this opportunity to disparage 'bitter' Iowans who 'cling to guns or religion,' as he did at one of his most recent California fundraisers, but we know that Iowa families are worrying about the current financial crisis and how to heat their homes this winter. Tonight's fundraiser is further proof that Barack Obama is out of touch and can't relate to the needs of Iowa voters. He's wrong on the economy, his health care plan needs work and he lacks the experience and judgment we need in a president; however, we do think he makes one heck of a celebrity and deserves his own star in Hollywood. We hope this star reminds Senator Obama of the serious challenges hard-working Iowa families face every day."
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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa
Harkin-Obama Let Wall Street Sink!
While Wall Street was sinking, what were Tom Harkin, and Barack Obama doing? SAVING THE DELTA QUEEN!!!! Let me say that I believe the Delta Queen is OK, I don't have anything against it, but this illustrates the thinking behind a Senator who has been in Washington too long and has lost touch, and his protege who has lost touch very quickly.
I offer this as evidence: Sen. George Voinovich introduces bill to save the Delta Queen on September 17, 2008. On September 16, Sen. George Voinovich has introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate (bill no. S. 3498) to save the Delta Queen by exempting her from 1966 Safety at Seat Law. Support comes from at least seven other Senators, both Republicans and Democrats, giving the Delta Queen a new chance for a bipartisan vote in favor of this unique historic steamboat. Cosponsors of this promising bill so far are: Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi), David Vitter (R-Louisiana), Barack Obama (D-Illinois), Evan Bayh (D-Indiana), and Richard Lugar (R-Indiana), but as Vicki Webster, one of the campaign leaders to save the Delta Queen says: "We need much more direct support from Senators all over the country, but especially from the ones coming from a river state".
Members of the Save the Delta Queen grassroots campaign are calling to action all Delta Queen fans and supporters. Campaign's co-leader Franz Neumeier says: "Get on the phone, go to your Senator's local offices, fire up your fax machines and urge your Senators to support this important bill to give the Delta Queen a chance to survive." Campaign leaders are also asking supporters to talk to their local newspapers and TV stations to report about what it means if the Delta Queen disappears forever. "And don't forget to point out that all this is not about safety, because the Delta Queen in fact is a very safe boat", says Neumeier. Detailed information about the Delta Queen's safety can be found at http://deltaqueen.wordpress.com/deltaqueensafety/
OUR GOVERNMENT IN ACTION!!!
-Tim Grover, The Plain Blunt Guy
I offer this as evidence: Sen. George Voinovich introduces bill to save the Delta Queen on September 17, 2008. On September 16, Sen. George Voinovich has introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate (bill no. S. 3498) to save the Delta Queen by exempting her from 1966 Safety at Seat Law. Support comes from at least seven other Senators, both Republicans and Democrats, giving the Delta Queen a new chance for a bipartisan vote in favor of this unique historic steamboat. Cosponsors of this promising bill so far are: Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi), David Vitter (R-Louisiana), Barack Obama (D-Illinois), Evan Bayh (D-Indiana), and Richard Lugar (R-Indiana), but as Vicki Webster, one of the campaign leaders to save the Delta Queen says: "We need much more direct support from Senators all over the country, but especially from the ones coming from a river state".
Members of the Save the Delta Queen grassroots campaign are calling to action all Delta Queen fans and supporters. Campaign's co-leader Franz Neumeier says: "Get on the phone, go to your Senator's local offices, fire up your fax machines and urge your Senators to support this important bill to give the Delta Queen a chance to survive." Campaign leaders are also asking supporters to talk to their local newspapers and TV stations to report about what it means if the Delta Queen disappears forever. "And don't forget to point out that all this is not about safety, because the Delta Queen in fact is a very safe boat", says Neumeier. Detailed information about the Delta Queen's safety can be found at http://deltaqueen.wordpress.com/deltaqueensafety/
OUR GOVERNMENT IN ACTION!!!
-Tim Grover, The Plain Blunt Guy
Friday, September 12, 2008
The Weekly Stampede - Sept 12, 2008
Poll: Convention lifts McCain over Obama
“In the new poll, taken Friday through Sunday, McCain leads Obama by 54%-44% among those seen as most likely to vote.”
By Susan Page, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — The Republican National Convention has given John McCain and his party a significant boost, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken over the weekend shows, as running mate Sarah Palin helps close an "enthusiasm gap" that has dogged the GOP all year.
McCain leads Democrat Barack Obama by 50%-46% among registered voters, the Republican's biggest advantage since January and a turnaround from the USA TODAY poll taken just before the convention opened in St. Paul. Then, he lagged by 7 percentage points.
The convention bounce has helped not only McCain but also attitudes toward Republican congressional candidates and the GOP in general.
"The Republicans had a very successful convention and, at least initially, the selection of Sarah Palin has made a big difference," says political scientist Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia. "He's in a far better position than his people imagined he would be in at this point."
9/11 statement from John McCain
ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator John McCain delivered the following statement on the seventh anniversary of 9/11:
"No American living then should ever forget the heroism that occurred in the skies above this field on September 11, 2001. It is believed that the terrorists on United Flight 93 may have intended to crash the airplane into the United States Capitol. Hundreds if not thousands of people would have been at work in that building when that fateful moment occurred, and been destroyed along with a beautiful symbol of our freedom. They and, very possibly I, owe our lives to the passengers who summoned the courage and love necessary to deny our depraved and hateful enemies their terrible triumph.
"I have witnessed great courage and sacrifice for America's sake, but none greater than the sacrifice of those good people who grasped the gravity of the moment, understood the threat, and decided to fight back at the cost of their lives.
"I spoke at the memorial service for one of them, Mark Bingham. I acknowledged that few of us could say we loved our country as well as he and all the heroes of September 11 had. The only means we possess to thank them is to try to be as good an American as they were. We might fall well short of their standard, but there is honor in the effort.
"In the Gospel of John it is written, 'Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.' Such was their love; a love so sublime that only God's love surpasses it. I am in awe of it as much as I am in debt to it. May God bless their souls.”
RPI student internship opportunities
The Republican Party of Iowa is looking for interns from across Iowa to assist with the 2008 General Election. Applicants need to be committed to electing John McCain and Republican candidates in November. Students from any major are invited to apply and may also be eligible to receive college credit for their work.
For more information, contact Nathan Treloar at 515-282-8105 or Nathan@iowagop.org.
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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa
“In the new poll, taken Friday through Sunday, McCain leads Obama by 54%-44% among those seen as most likely to vote.”
By Susan Page, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — The Republican National Convention has given John McCain and his party a significant boost, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken over the weekend shows, as running mate Sarah Palin helps close an "enthusiasm gap" that has dogged the GOP all year.
McCain leads Democrat Barack Obama by 50%-46% among registered voters, the Republican's biggest advantage since January and a turnaround from the USA TODAY poll taken just before the convention opened in St. Paul. Then, he lagged by 7 percentage points.
The convention bounce has helped not only McCain but also attitudes toward Republican congressional candidates and the GOP in general.
"The Republicans had a very successful convention and, at least initially, the selection of Sarah Palin has made a big difference," says political scientist Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia. "He's in a far better position than his people imagined he would be in at this point."
9/11 statement from John McCain
ARLINGTON, VA -- Today, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, U.S. Senator John McCain delivered the following statement on the seventh anniversary of 9/11:
"No American living then should ever forget the heroism that occurred in the skies above this field on September 11, 2001. It is believed that the terrorists on United Flight 93 may have intended to crash the airplane into the United States Capitol. Hundreds if not thousands of people would have been at work in that building when that fateful moment occurred, and been destroyed along with a beautiful symbol of our freedom. They and, very possibly I, owe our lives to the passengers who summoned the courage and love necessary to deny our depraved and hateful enemies their terrible triumph.
"I have witnessed great courage and sacrifice for America's sake, but none greater than the sacrifice of those good people who grasped the gravity of the moment, understood the threat, and decided to fight back at the cost of their lives.
"I spoke at the memorial service for one of them, Mark Bingham. I acknowledged that few of us could say we loved our country as well as he and all the heroes of September 11 had. The only means we possess to thank them is to try to be as good an American as they were. We might fall well short of their standard, but there is honor in the effort.
"In the Gospel of John it is written, 'Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends.' Such was their love; a love so sublime that only God's love surpasses it. I am in awe of it as much as I am in debt to it. May God bless their souls.”
RPI student internship opportunities
The Republican Party of Iowa is looking for interns from across Iowa to assist with the 2008 General Election. Applicants need to be committed to electing John McCain and Republican candidates in November. Students from any major are invited to apply and may also be eligible to receive college credit for their work.
For more information, contact Nathan Treloar at 515-282-8105 or Nathan@iowagop.org.
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Paid for by the Republican Party of Iowa
Sunday, August 03, 2008
The Weekly Stampede - July 31
Republican Party of Iowa Opens Victory ‘08 Offices Across Iowa
(Council Bluffs, IA) – Fifth District Representative Steve King will be the keynote speaker for the grand opening of the newest Iowa Victory ’08 office on Monday July 28th. The Pottawattamie County Victory office will be located at 1851 Madison Ave, Suite 716 in Council Bluffs. The program, which will include Rep. King and several local candidates, is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.
"We are excited to open our headquarters so that we can continue our efforts to support and elect our local, state and federal Republican candidates," said Mary Ann Hanusa, chairwoman of the Pottawattamie County GOP.
The Pottawattamie County location will be the fourth Victory ’08 office opened by the Republican Party of Iowa this month and several more are set to open in August. Victory ’08 offices are currently open in Urbandale, Dubuque, and Davenport.
Offices in Ames, Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids will open over the next two weeks. Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota will join Fourth District Representative Tom Latham for the Ames opening on August 2nd. Program details for the Waterloo and Cedar Rapids openings have not been finalized.
“Our volunteers are eagerly awaiting the Ames grand opening and the campaign,” said Russ Cross, chairman of the Story County GOP. “Governor Pawlenty and Rep. Latham are two great Republican leaders and their visit will generate a lot of enthusiasm in the county and the Fourth District.”
Volunteers Needed for RPI Booth at the Iowa State Fair!
It’s that time of year again! The Iowa State Fair will be August 7 – 17 and the Republican Party of Iowa is looking for volunteers to staff the GOP booth in the air conditioned Varied Industries Building.
The booth needs to be manned from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day of the fair and we are asking that volunteers take at least one shift from either 9-1, 1-5, or 5-9. Volunteer duties are simply keeping the tables stocked with candidate literature and meeting new people from across Iowa and the U.S.! All volunteers will receive a free day pass to the fair!
If you would like to help, please contact Heather Hooper at 515-282-8105 or hhooper@iowagop.org.
McCain Gains as Obama Deplanes
Two pieces of polling data recently released by Gallup USA show that Barack Obama’s World Tour matches nicely with his campaign rhetoric – well scripted, fawned over by media, and not worth a hill of beans.
The Friday – Sunday poll, conducted as Obama was returning to the U.S., showed that overall only 35% of respondents had a positive opinion of the trip. Break those numbers down a little further and you see that the all-important independent vote was split with 31% viewing the trip favorably compared to 28% with an unfavorable opinion. What may be even more telling is that a whopping 39% of respondents said that they did not know enough about the trip to answer.
This begs the question: Are voters getting tired of the media’s incessant flaunting of their love for Senator Obama and are now tuning it out? Gallup just happened to ask and found that 39% of respondents saw press coverage of Obama as unfairly positive. Only 12% of those polled felt that John McCain got the same treatment.
Meanwhile, McCain’s numbers jumped during the same time period. Only a month ago Obama was leading McCain by six points amongst likely voters. This most recent poll now shows McCain with a four point edge. The poll also shows McCain’s favorable ratings moved up three points from last month to 62% as Obama’s dropped by the same amount to land at 61%.
Those may not seem like huge moves considering that the poll’s margin for error is +/- 4%...that is until we again look at those independent respondents. Obama actually lost 5% of his favorables with independent voters while McCain skyrocketed from 57% to 67%.
One last piece of good news for John McCain is this quote from Gallup released along with this weekend’s poll. “The media’s coverage of Obama’s foreign trip, coupled with a strong reaction from McCain and other conservatives, may have created the seemingly paradoxical effect of increasing Republicans’ energy and excitement about voting for McCain.”
(Council Bluffs, IA) – Fifth District Representative Steve King will be the keynote speaker for the grand opening of the newest Iowa Victory ’08 office on Monday July 28th. The Pottawattamie County Victory office will be located at 1851 Madison Ave, Suite 716 in Council Bluffs. The program, which will include Rep. King and several local candidates, is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.
"We are excited to open our headquarters so that we can continue our efforts to support and elect our local, state and federal Republican candidates," said Mary Ann Hanusa, chairwoman of the Pottawattamie County GOP.
The Pottawattamie County location will be the fourth Victory ’08 office opened by the Republican Party of Iowa this month and several more are set to open in August. Victory ’08 offices are currently open in Urbandale, Dubuque, and Davenport.
Offices in Ames, Waterloo, and Cedar Rapids will open over the next two weeks. Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota will join Fourth District Representative Tom Latham for the Ames opening on August 2nd. Program details for the Waterloo and Cedar Rapids openings have not been finalized.
“Our volunteers are eagerly awaiting the Ames grand opening and the campaign,” said Russ Cross, chairman of the Story County GOP. “Governor Pawlenty and Rep. Latham are two great Republican leaders and their visit will generate a lot of enthusiasm in the county and the Fourth District.”
Volunteers Needed for RPI Booth at the Iowa State Fair!
It’s that time of year again! The Iowa State Fair will be August 7 – 17 and the Republican Party of Iowa is looking for volunteers to staff the GOP booth in the air conditioned Varied Industries Building.
The booth needs to be manned from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day of the fair and we are asking that volunteers take at least one shift from either 9-1, 1-5, or 5-9. Volunteer duties are simply keeping the tables stocked with candidate literature and meeting new people from across Iowa and the U.S.! All volunteers will receive a free day pass to the fair!
If you would like to help, please contact Heather Hooper at 515-282-8105 or hhooper@iowagop.org.
McCain Gains as Obama Deplanes
Two pieces of polling data recently released by Gallup USA show that Barack Obama’s World Tour matches nicely with his campaign rhetoric – well scripted, fawned over by media, and not worth a hill of beans.
The Friday – Sunday poll, conducted as Obama was returning to the U.S., showed that overall only 35% of respondents had a positive opinion of the trip. Break those numbers down a little further and you see that the all-important independent vote was split with 31% viewing the trip favorably compared to 28% with an unfavorable opinion. What may be even more telling is that a whopping 39% of respondents said that they did not know enough about the trip to answer.
This begs the question: Are voters getting tired of the media’s incessant flaunting of their love for Senator Obama and are now tuning it out? Gallup just happened to ask and found that 39% of respondents saw press coverage of Obama as unfairly positive. Only 12% of those polled felt that John McCain got the same treatment.
Meanwhile, McCain’s numbers jumped during the same time period. Only a month ago Obama was leading McCain by six points amongst likely voters. This most recent poll now shows McCain with a four point edge. The poll also shows McCain’s favorable ratings moved up three points from last month to 62% as Obama’s dropped by the same amount to land at 61%.
Those may not seem like huge moves considering that the poll’s margin for error is +/- 4%...that is until we again look at those independent respondents. Obama actually lost 5% of his favorables with independent voters while McCain skyrocketed from 57% to 67%.
One last piece of good news for John McCain is this quote from Gallup released along with this weekend’s poll. “The media’s coverage of Obama’s foreign trip, coupled with a strong reaction from McCain and other conservatives, may have created the seemingly paradoxical effect of increasing Republicans’ energy and excitement about voting for McCain.”
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The Weekly Stampede - July 9, 2008
News From the Republican Party of Iowa:
Republican Party of Iowa 2008 State Convention to be held July 11 & 12
The 2008 Republican Party of Iowa State Convention has been scheduled for Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Hy-Vee Hall, 730 3rd St, Des Moines.
District Presidential Caucuses will convene at Hy-Vee Hall the evening of Friday, July 11. Credentialing for the caucuses will begin at 6 p.m. and they will convene at 8 p.m.
State Convention registration begins Saturday morning, July 12, at 7:30 a.m. and runs to 8:45 a.m. with the Convention call to order promptly at 9 a.m. If you have a question about the State Convention, please contact Heather Hooper at (515) 282-8105 or hhooper@iowagop.org.
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RNC Chairman Mike Duncan to Attend Pre-Convention GOParty Picnic
To kickoff the 2008 Convention, RPI will host a GOParty Picnic from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11 at RPI Headquarters, 621 E 9th St, Des Moines (two blocks north of the State Capitol). Delegates, friends, and family are invited to attend for hamburgers, hotdogs, and all the fixings. Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan will be the guest of honor at the picnic. Duncan, a 30-year political strategist and veteran of Republican politics, was elected as the 60th Chairman of the Republican National Committee in January 2007.
The cost for the GOParty Picnic is $10 and RSVP’s are required by Noon on Thursday, July 10. Please contact Wes Peterson at (515) 282-8105 or wpeterson@iowagop.org.
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RPI State Chairman Stewart Iverson to appear on this week’s edition of Iowa Press
Republican Party of Iowa State Chairman Stewart Iverson will be a guest on this week’s Iowa Press. Joining him will be Scott Brennan, chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party.
The program will air on Iowa Public Television at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 13.
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From the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, July 8, 2008
McCain Campaign reaches out to Iowa
By Ed Tibbetts, Courier Lee News Service
DAVENPORT --- John McCain's presidential campaign reached out to small business owners in Iowa on Monday by criticizing rival Barack Obama for backing a federal budget they say will raise taxes on middle income Americans.
The criticism came as McCain and Obama argued over taxes and the economy.
At a news conference in Davenport, McCain's Iowa chairman, David Roederer, said the Republican presidential hopeful has a "pro-growth, pro-job-creation tax policy," while Obama voted for a 2009 budget measure in March that would raise taxes.
"Mr. Obama talks about raising the taxes on the wealthy," Roederer said. "His definition of wealthy is any business or individual who makes $32,000 a year."
Click here for the full article.
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Republican Party of Iowa 2008 State Convention to be held July 11 & 12
The 2008 Republican Party of Iowa State Convention has been scheduled for Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12, 2008 at Hy-Vee Hall, 730 3rd St, Des Moines.
District Presidential Caucuses will convene at Hy-Vee Hall the evening of Friday, July 11. Credentialing for the caucuses will begin at 6 p.m. and they will convene at 8 p.m.
State Convention registration begins Saturday morning, July 12, at 7:30 a.m. and runs to 8:45 a.m. with the Convention call to order promptly at 9 a.m. If you have a question about the State Convention, please contact Heather Hooper at (515) 282-8105 or hhooper@iowagop.org.
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RNC Chairman Mike Duncan to Attend Pre-Convention GOParty Picnic
To kickoff the 2008 Convention, RPI will host a GOParty Picnic from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11 at RPI Headquarters, 621 E 9th St, Des Moines (two blocks north of the State Capitol). Delegates, friends, and family are invited to attend for hamburgers, hotdogs, and all the fixings. Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan will be the guest of honor at the picnic. Duncan, a 30-year political strategist and veteran of Republican politics, was elected as the 60th Chairman of the Republican National Committee in January 2007.
The cost for the GOParty Picnic is $10 and RSVP’s are required by Noon on Thursday, July 10. Please contact Wes Peterson at (515) 282-8105 or wpeterson@iowagop.org.
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RPI State Chairman Stewart Iverson to appear on this week’s edition of Iowa Press
Republican Party of Iowa State Chairman Stewart Iverson will be a guest on this week’s Iowa Press. Joining him will be Scott Brennan, chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party.
The program will air on Iowa Public Television at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 13.
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From the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, July 8, 2008
McCain Campaign reaches out to Iowa
By Ed Tibbetts, Courier Lee News Service
DAVENPORT --- John McCain's presidential campaign reached out to small business owners in Iowa on Monday by criticizing rival Barack Obama for backing a federal budget they say will raise taxes on middle income Americans.
The criticism came as McCain and Obama argued over taxes and the economy.
At a news conference in Davenport, McCain's Iowa chairman, David Roederer, said the Republican presidential hopeful has a "pro-growth, pro-job-creation tax policy," while Obama voted for a 2009 budget measure in March that would raise taxes.
"Mr. Obama talks about raising the taxes on the wealthy," Roederer said. "His definition of wealthy is any business or individual who makes $32,000 a year."
Click here for the full article.
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Barrack Obama Votes to Tax Those Making As Little As $32,000
This year, Barack Obama returned to the United States Senate twice to vote in favor of a budget resolution which raises income tax rates by three percentage points for the 25, 28 and 33 percent tax brackets. This would mean a tax increase for those earning as little as $32,000.
While Barack Obama campaigns on a promise of no tax hikes for anyone but the rich, we once again find that his words are empty when it comes time to act. In both March and June, Barack Obama could have put the force of his vote behind his words. Instead, he decided that "rich" now means those making just $32,000 per year.
Over the past several weeks, Barack Obama has made it increasingly difficult to take him at his word on anything. After pledging to accept public financing, he decided not to. After saying he would debate "anywhere, anytime," he decided against participating in any of the ten joint town hall meetings. After backing the D.C. handgun ban, he now says it was unconstitutional. After pledging to filibuster the FISA bill, he voted for it. He is running ads taking credit for welfare reform that he opposed. He is claiming to be bipartisan even though he has never voted against his party on any major issue. He has backtracked on trade. He has backtracked on abortion. And last week for the space of several hours, he held the position that he would listen to our commanders in Iraq if they say we need to stay longer to secure the gains of the surge.
All this political "refining" has resulted in a credibility gap. Since we can no longer simply take Barack Obama at his word, we are left to examine his actions.
Based on his actions and votes, Barack Obama is going to raise taxes on nearly every American. If you make over $32,000 per year, Barack Obama has voted to raise your taxes. If you own stocks, Barack Obama has a plan to raise your taxes. During the primary, he proposed lifting the cap on income subject to Social Security taxation. He has proposed to repeat the failed Windfall Profits Tax and new taxes on natural gas and coal. He is going to raise taxes on small businesses. There is no group rich, poor or other who will not be adversely impacted by his tax increases.
Even more troubling, Barack Obama has proposed increasing Washington spending and expanding government programs while failing to outline how he will pay for his proposals. Where will Barack Obama make up the difference? Unfortunately, we already know the answer. If we ignore his words and look at his record, he will not hesitate to tax any Americans at any income level.
This is a question of credibility. And on ensuring that we can grow our economy by keeping taxes low and more money in the pockets of taxpayers, Barack Obama's record of action shows that his words are empty.
Friday, June 27, 2008
News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson
Obama’s Gun Stance: Unconstitutional
Des Moines – Today’s Supreme Court decision overturning the Washington, DC gun ban sent shockwaves through the presidential race in Iowa.
Barack Obama’s extreme, and now, unconstitutional position on the Second Amendment highlights his unfitness to be Commander-in-Chief. In 1996, while campaigning for the Illinois Legislature Barack Obama responded to a questionnaire indicating he supported banning the sale, manufacturing and ownership of guns. He is also on the record as supporting the Washington, DC gun ban.
“Iowans take their Second Amendment rights very seriously. Obama’s extremely liberal position on guns is just another example of him being out of step with a vast majority of Iowans,” said Stewart Iverson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. “The more Iowans get to know Obama’s positions on issues like gun control, the fewer votes he will get in November.”
Read the entire article.
John McCain and Victory 2008 Open Urbandale Office
The McCain campaign has hired a great team for Iowa and is teaming up with the Republican Victory Campaign to achieve victory in 2008. McCain’s Iowa Chairman, Dave Roederer, announced the hire of Charlie Liebshutz as McCain’s Iowa campaign manager. Liebshutz will be teaming up with Victory Director Jim Anderson and field directors across the state to help build our Republican grassroots effort. The Urbandale Victory office is located at 2775 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322. Stay tuned to your email for volunteer opportunities in the coming days to help elect Republicans all across Iowa!
Des Moines – Today’s Supreme Court decision overturning the Washington, DC gun ban sent shockwaves through the presidential race in Iowa.
Barack Obama’s extreme, and now, unconstitutional position on the Second Amendment highlights his unfitness to be Commander-in-Chief. In 1996, while campaigning for the Illinois Legislature Barack Obama responded to a questionnaire indicating he supported banning the sale, manufacturing and ownership of guns. He is also on the record as supporting the Washington, DC gun ban.
“Iowans take their Second Amendment rights very seriously. Obama’s extremely liberal position on guns is just another example of him being out of step with a vast majority of Iowans,” said Stewart Iverson, Chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa. “The more Iowans get to know Obama’s positions on issues like gun control, the fewer votes he will get in November.”
Read the entire article.
John McCain and Victory 2008 Open Urbandale Office
The McCain campaign has hired a great team for Iowa and is teaming up with the Republican Victory Campaign to achieve victory in 2008. McCain’s Iowa Chairman, Dave Roederer, announced the hire of Charlie Liebshutz as McCain’s Iowa campaign manager. Liebshutz will be teaming up with Victory Director Jim Anderson and field directors across the state to help build our Republican grassroots effort. The Urbandale Victory office is located at 2775 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322. Stay tuned to your email for volunteer opportunities in the coming days to help elect Republicans all across Iowa!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
News From RPI Chairman Stewart Iverson
Harkin Spews Hate Against Veterans
…Harkin, who has a history of embellishing his own military record, told Iowa reporters last week that McCain’s background as the son and grandson of Navy admirals creates a “dangerous” situation because he can only view the world through the prism of the military.
“He has a hard time thinking beyond that,” Harkin said, according to The Des Moines Register. “I think he’s trapped in that. Everything is looked at from his life experiences, from always having been in the military, and I think that can be pretty dangerous.”
The paper also quotes Iowa’s junior senator telling reporters, “It’s one thing to have been drafted and served, but another thing when you come from generations of military people and that’s just how you’re steeped, how you’ve learned, how you’ve grown up.”
Military service is not a foreign concept to U.S. presidents. In the post-War War II era, Bill Clinton is the only president to have not served in some branch of the military.
Read the entire article.
…Iverson also called on Obama to "denounce" fellow Democratic Senator Tom Harkin's recent comments about Republican presidential candidate John McCain. Last week Harkin said McCain's worldview is "trapped" because of his military career, and the military careers of his father and grandfather.
"First of all, we have to have a strong military in the United States. We have to take care of not only ourselves, but help allied nations," Iverson said. "With an all-volunteer Army and Air Force, Marines and Navy -- all the branches of service, I think it's absolutely ridiculous to say that John McCain is 'too military.'"
Read the entire article.
California Supreme Court Looses its Moral Compass
In an era where our nations moral compass is being tested daily, last weeks ruling by the California Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage is particularly disturbing. The 4-3 decision, which overturned a ban enacted by the California legislature, is yet another example of power hungry justices legislating from the bench. This is just one of the many reasons why this year’s election is so important. The next president may have the opportunity to nominate as many as four justices to the Supreme Court. John McCain will stand up for our Republican beliefs and nominate justices who hold the same jurisprudence as Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Alito.
…Highlighting an issue he plans to use aggressively in the general election campaign, Sen. John McCain on Tuesday decried "the common and systematic abuse of our federal courts by the people we entrust with judicial power" and pledged to nominate judges similar to the ones President Bush has placed on the bench.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee said that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. "would serve as the model for my own nominees, if that responsibility falls to me," highlighting the gap between Republicans and Democrats on the question of who should sit on the Supreme Court. Both justices have established strong conservative records since Bush appointed them, and the appointment of one more conservative to the nation's highest court could tip the balance on issues such as abortion, discrimination, civil liberties and private property.
Read the entire article.
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