Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Live John McCain TOWN HALL!
Today, John McCain will be holding a LIVE health care town hall in Pennsylvania that you can watch online! Tune in to JohnMcCain.com at 2:00 PM EDT to watch John McCain take questions from Pennsylvania voters.
This townhall is part of John McCain's "Call to Action Tour," during which he is talking about the need for health care reform in America that lowers cost, improves access and puts patients back in the driver's seat.
facebook family
Are you on facebook? If you are, get connected with us. It's a quick way to communicate with your friends, Senator Hedlund, Senator Brown, and us.
Massachusetts Native Makes Splash
Daniel J. Flynn, from Arlington, MA has written his third book and is now on tour promoting "A Conservative History of the American Left."
Tonight at 9 p.m. he will be on NightSide with Dan Reay (WBZ 1030) and you should tune in. Dan is a former College Republican from UMASS Amherst and is a solid defender of traditional conservatism.
Pick up your copy here.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Convention Update
Tonight, the Allocation Committee met and heard all of the challenges that were placed on the Delegates and Alternate Delegates elected at their respecitve caucus' on April 5th.Almost every Delegate and Alternate that was challenged will remain to attend the convention. We will have the official list tomorrow along with important information pertaining to the convention.
Be sure to keep your eyes on our convention page for updates.
ps DON'T buy any plane tickes or book any hotel rooms yet.
3 Ethics Strikes
Speaker Sal and his Beacon Hill Democrats are sure doing a great job ensuring the ethics commission is on their toes. I wonder if the ethics commission is getting overtime now?
Monday, April 28, 2008
Tune In To 95.9 WATD Tonight
Tonight, I will be on Senator Robert Hedlund's show on WATD 95.9 which is based in Marshfield. The show is from 6-8 so if you are in the area, tune in.
SomervilleGOP.com Online
Somerville GOP has just got online. They are doing some great things and congrats to the Somerville City Committee.
If you are part of a town committee and would like help organizing online, send us an email info@massgop.com
If you are part of a town committee and would like help organizing online, send us an email info@massgop.com
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
2 New Trainings, 1 Is For you
You owe it to your values and beliefs to understand the right way to fight for them.
RSVP to one of these trainings today by emailing info@massgop.com and click here for more details.
RSVP to one of these trainings today by emailing info@massgop.com and click here for more details.
Communication Breakdown
Boston Phoenix on DP.
"The problem is simple: while Candidate Patrick seemed to say or do whatever the situation required, Governor Patrick frequently does exactly the opposite — whether it’s picking fights with the media, neglecting his staunchest grassroots supporters, or making ill-advised decisions that complicate his job instead of making it easier."
More
"The problem is simple: while Candidate Patrick seemed to say or do whatever the situation required, Governor Patrick frequently does exactly the opposite — whether it’s picking fights with the media, neglecting his staunchest grassroots supporters, or making ill-advised decisions that complicate his job instead of making it easier."
More
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Kinnaman Column - Getting it Right
The Audacity of Bitterness
By Matt Kinnaman
On April 6, 2008, Barack Obama was in San Francisco raising money. In one part of his pitch the Democrat’s harbinger of hope described the embittered populace of small town USA: “They cling to guns or religion or antipathy toward people who aren’t like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations.”
When he was challenged for identifying American bitterness, frustration, and anger as hallmarks of our political culture he was undeterred: "I don't think that is a controversial position. I may not have worded it properly, but there's no doubt that people feel angry."
Between April 6th and April 16th, Obama reiterated and defended his San Francisco statement numerous times.
On April 11th he said, “For 25, 30 years, Democrats and Republicans have come before (voters) and said…we’re going to make your community better. And nothing ever happens, and of course they’re bitter, of course they’re frustrated, you would be too. In fact, many of you are…so people end up voting on issues like guns…like gay marriage.”
On April 12th he maintained that “the underlying truth of what I said remains...”
On April 16th Obama entrenched his position in that evening’s nationally-televised debate: “And so the point I was making was that when people feel like Washington's not listening to them, when they're promised year after year, decade after decade, that their economic situation is going to change and it doesn't, then, politically, they end up focusing on those things that are constant like religion. They end up feeling this is a place where I can find some refuge…so this is something that I've said before. It is something that I will repeat again. And, yes, people are frustrated and angry about it.”
Obama has it exactly backwards. His April 6th characterization of religion as something that “bitter” people “cling” to, and his April 16th characterization of religion as a refuge where people “end up” after being disappointed by events in Washington DC are equally in error.
Nowhere was this more evident than at another April 16th event, a transcendent gathering on the South Lawn of the White House. On that spectacularly sunny morning, President Bush officially welcomed Pope Benedict XVI to America.
I was privileged to hold a standing-room-only ticket, putting me barely 200 feet from the podium, and light-years away from Obama’s bitter assessment of American politics.
The multi-fluent Pope spoke in English. “From the dawn of the Republic, America's quest for freedom has been guided by the conviction that the principles governing political and social life are intimately linked to a moral order based on the dominion of God the Creator.”
Benedict XVI described an American history in which “religious beliefs were a constant inspiration and driving force, as for example in the struggle against slavery and in the civil rights movement. In our time, too, particularly in moments of crisis, Americans continue to find their strength in a commitment to this patrimony of shared ideas and aspirations.”
In his welcoming remarks to the Pope, President Bush characterized a nation where “each day millions of our citizens approach our Maker on bended knee, seeking His grace and giving thanks for the many blessings He bestows upon us.”
The president offered five faith-inspired observations of our national life: “Here in America you'll find a nation of prayer… Here in America you'll find a nation of compassion… Here in America you'll find a nation that welcomes the role of faith in the public square… Here in America, you'll find a nation that is fully modern, yet guided by ancient and eternal truths…Most of all…you will find in America people whose hearts are open to your message of hope.”
As providence would have it, President Bush’s eloquent five-faceted expression made Orator Obama’s observation of the five objects to which he says bitter people cling (guns, religion, people who aren’t like them, anti-immigrant sentiment, anti-trade sentiment) sound as foreign to the American spirit as anything uttered on the presidential campaign trail in recent memory, if not ever.
And Benedict XVI, a man with a deep sense of history, reminded us that in 1796, before anyone had a chance to be disappointed in Washington DC, it was George Washington who taught that “religion and morality represent “indispensable supports” of political prosperity.”
If only I had an extra ticket to the South Lawn. Obama could have used it.
Matt Kinnaman’s “Getting it Right” column appears every Thursday in the North Adams Transcript.
2nd Shipment Arrived Today!
Good news. The 2nd shipment of John McCain bumper stickers arrived today in the office.
If you have already signed up, and you have yet to recieve your sticker, it should be in the mail soon. This week, and next week, our inters will be mailing you your new sticker.
If you have already signed up, and you have yet to recieve your sticker, it should be in the mail soon. This week, and next week, our inters will be mailing you your new sticker.
When Will Obama Provide Gas Tax Relief
With gas prices at an all time high, it is time for our elected leaders to get behind some relief for the taxpayers. Governor Patrick should say whether or not he supports immediate relief for the people of Massachusetts or whether he supports keeping the gas tax for the summer.
John McCain has proposed immediate gas tax relief for working families. According to the most recent numbers from AAA, regular gas would drop from $3.45 to $3.23 under McCain's plan and diesel would drop from $4.38 to $4.14.
Background:
Americans Are Feeling The Squeeze "As Gas Prices Hit All-Time High":
USA Today Headline: "Drivers Cut Back As Gas Prices Hit All-Time High." (James R. Healey, "Drivers Cut Back As Gas Prices Hit All-Time High," USA Today, 4/22/08)
The Associated Press Headline: "With Gas Hitting Record Highs, Drivers Feeling Squeezed." (Adam Schreck, "With Gas Hitting Record Highs, Drivers Feeling Squeezed," The Associated Press, 4/22/08)
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) Has Proposed Immediate Gas Tax Relief For American Families, Saving Over $6 Billion:
Under Sen. John McCain's Plan, Families Would Save 18.4 Cents On Every Gallon Of Gas. "Hard-working American families are suffering from higher gasoline prices. John McCain calls on Congress to suspend the 18.4 cent federal gas tax and 24.4 cent diesel tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day." (John McCain For President Website, www.johnmccain.com, Accessed 4/22/08)
"A USA TODAY Analysis Showed That McCain's Gas-Tax Proposal Could Save Motorists $6.8 Billion In Taxes During The Summer."(Kathy Kiely, "Gas-Tax Holiday Among McCain's Plans For Economy," USA Today, 4/16/08)
But Obama Has Rejected Gas Tax Relief, Calling It A "Bad Idea":
Obama Opposes Gas Tax Relief. "Earlier Monday at a community college in the Philadelphia suburbs, Obama rejected a tax holiday as bad economic policy. 'I've said I think John McCain's proposal for a three-month tax holiday is a bad idea,' Obama said, warning consumers that any price cut would be short lived before costs spike back." (Nick Timiraos, "Clinton Joins McCain On Gas-Tax Holiday," The Wall Street Journal's "Washington Wire" Blog, blogs.wsj.com, 4/21/08)
- Despite His Opposition, Obama Outlined Reasons Why American Families Need Gas Tax Relief. Obama: "Now I don't want to jack up the costs. I'm not going to impose an additional tax on gas because consumers just can't bear it right now. I meet too many families who unfortunately, because of some long-term decisions that we've made, they are driving 30-40 miles, they don't have a mass transit option that can get them to work. And so this is just money out of their pockets." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At Town Hall Event, Blue Bell, PA, 4/21/08)
As Of April 22, 2008, The Average Price Of Regular Gasoline In Massachusetts Was Over $3.45 Per Gallon. (AAA Website, www.fuelgaugereport.com, Accessed 4/22/08)
As Of April 22, 2008, The Average Price Of Diesel Gasoline In Massachusetts Was Over $4.38 Per Gallon. (AAA Website, www.fuelgaugereport.com, Accessed 4/22/08)
In Senate, Obama Has Voted For Higher Energy Taxes That Would Have Driven Up The Cost Of Oil And Gas In America:
Obama Voted In Favor Of An Amendment To Add A $32 Billion Tax Hike Package To The CLEAN Energy Act Of 2007 (H.R. 6). (H.R. 6, CQ Vote #223: Motion Rejected 57-36: R 10-34; D 45-2; I 2-0, 6/21/07, Obama Voted Yea)
- A Heritage Foundation Study Found The Tax Increase Would Have Raised Gas Prices To Over $6 By 2016. "A study by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank showed that the proposed tax increase would boost the average price of regular unleaded gasoline from $3.14 per gallon to $6.40 in 2016." (S.A. Miller, "Senate Votes To Raise Auto Mileage Standards," The Washington Times, 6/22/07)
In Illinois State Senate, Obama Voted Against Permanently Eliminating A Portion Of The State Tax On Motor Fuel And Gasohol:
In 2000, Obama Voted Against Legislation To Make "Permanent The Elimination Of The State's Portion Of The Tax On Motor Fuel And Gasohol."
"Amends the Use Tax Act, the Service Use Tax Act, the Service Occupation Tax Act, and the Retailers' Occupation Tax Act. Makes permanent the elimination of the State's portion of the tax on motor fuel and gasohol (now, the tax reverts to 6.25% on January 1, 2001). Exempts the elimination of the tax from the sunset provisions. Amends the State Finance Act and the Motor Fuel Tax Law to reflect the permanent elimination of the State's portion of the use and occupation taxes on motor fuel and gasohol. Effective immediately."
(S.B. 1867: Senate Floor Third Reading, Passed, 46-12-0, 11/15/00, Obama Voted Nay)
Quote of the Day
“I’m going to do my best not to feel like I have to have an opinion on absolutely everything.” – Gov Patrick in State House News Service today, on why he won’t have a position on greyhound racing.
House Republicans
Brad Jones and the House GOP are pushing a measure to require fingerprint voting on the House Floor. Sounds like a great idea, but how will the Democrats vote while sipping pina colada's (with little drink umbrellas) from the beach?
Oh... they won't? That's the point?
Hmm.. sounds something like transparency.
Click the fingerprint for more.
Oh... they won't? That's the point?
Hmm.. sounds something like transparency.
Click the fingerprint for more.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Obama's Waffles
When Obama declined to answer reporters questions because he was eating waffles, someone saved the dish.
It is selling on ebay here.
It is selling on ebay here.
What they’re saying about Obama’s waffle & failure to answer tough questions:
“Journalists in general don’t relish asking politicians questions in awkward situations, like on a golf course or over a waffle. But sometimes our hands are forced: Obama hasn’t given a press conference in 10 days and the questions, some of them -- like Hamas -- rather important, are starting to build up. If he wins the nomination he'll be running again John McCain, whose philosophy is to give the press total access to the point of saturation; Obama might consider holding avails with a little more regularity. Then, maybe, reporters would let him to eat in peace.” (Newton-Small, 4/21/08)
“The last time Sen. Barack Obama held a press conference with the traveling media was ten days ago, on April 11 -- an unusually long period for him to go without answering questions from the dozens of reporters and photographers who follow him around the country. When an NBC off-air reporter tried to squeeze in a question today about former President Jimmy Carter's meeting with Hamas, the Iliinois senator rebuffed it. He was sitting at a diner in
Chomping down on sausage and waffles at Glider's Diner in
FLASHBACK:
Mr. Obama's Waffle: His commitment to pursue public financing for the fall campaign suddenly looks soft. - Washington Post Editorial, February 16, 2008
NECN This AM
This morning, I was on NECN wtih my counterpart at the Mass Democrat Party talking about the PA primary today.
Watch the video here.
Watch the video here.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Clinton, Obama and McCain on WWE's `Monday Night Raw'
The 3 candidates for President will appear tonight on the WEE wrestling show. Here is John McCain's message:
"Looks like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama want to celebrate their differences in the ring," McCain says. "Well, that's fine with me, but let me tell you: If you want to be the man, you have to beat the man. Come November, it'll be game over. And whatcha gonna do when John McCain and all his McCainiacs run wild on you?"
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Friday, April 18, 2008
Chairman Torkildsen on Phantom Voting
The voting controversy generated outrage on Beacon Hill yesterday, with Democratic and Republican lawmakers fuming about the brazen nature of the violation. The state’s Republican Party called for an ethics investigation and punishment for any lawmakers involved.
“I find this repugnant,” said GOP party chairman Peter Torkildsen. “Sadly, this is not a new problem. It has happened before, and will happen again unless the House takes swift and certain action to stop it.”
View the whole article hereThursday, April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Patrick Adds More $
From the State House News Service:
The $267.6 million supplemental spending plan includes $25.5 million for welfare caseload growth, $17.6 million for the Committee for Public Counsel Services, and $13.1 million for unanticipated snow and ice removal.
The package adds to current fiscal year spending, and was filed within hours of the House Ways and Means Committee release of what Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has described as a "conservative" budget with few expansions, a claim blasted by Republican Party officials who ripped the "Patrick-DiMasi" plans as irresponsibly taxing and spending.
The $267.6 million supplemental spending plan includes $25.5 million for welfare caseload growth, $17.6 million for the Committee for Public Counsel Services, and $13.1 million for unanticipated snow and ice removal.
The package adds to current fiscal year spending, and was filed within hours of the House Ways and Means Committee release of what Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has described as a "conservative" budget with few expansions, a claim blasted by Republican Party officials who ripped the "Patrick-DiMasi" plans as irresponsibly taxing and spending.
Republican Spring Fling!
The Middlesex County Republican Club
And
Framingham Republican Town Committee
Host a
Spring Fling with Republican Candidates
April 26, 2008
8:00-10:00 am
Nobscot Café, 847 Edgell Rd, Framingham, MA 01701
Meet Republican candidates and have a great breakfast
For $10.00 per person
Expected guests include:
Republican Candidates for US Senate:
Jeff Beatty and Jim Ogonowski
Republican legislative candidates and officials
To RSVP send your checks made payable to:
Framingham Republican Town Committee to PO Box 773 Framingham, MA 01701 on or before April 23, 2007
E-mail questions or comments to Ed McGrath at mcgrathed@rcn.com or call Ed at 508-820-0696
And
Framingham Republican Town Committee
Host a
Spring Fling with Republican Candidates
April 26, 2008
8:00-10:00 am
Nobscot Café, 847 Edgell Rd, Framingham, MA 01701
Meet Republican candidates and have a great breakfast
For $10.00 per person
Expected guests include:
Republican Candidates for US Senate:
Jeff Beatty and Jim Ogonowski
Republican legislative candidates and officials
To RSVP send your checks made payable to:
Framingham Republican Town Committee to PO Box 773 Framingham, MA 01701 on or before April 23, 2007
E-mail questions or comments to Ed McGrath at mcgrathed@rcn.com or call Ed at 508-820-0696
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Petro
Looks like top DiMasi Lieutenant Democrat Tom Petrolati took a bundle of cash from convicted felons.
Herald has the story.
(Also, the video of the Herald reporter chasing Petrolati is hillarious.)
Herald has the story.
(Also, the video of the Herald reporter chasing Petrolati is hillarious.)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Economic Plan - Build Bridges?
This is a great example of how liberals believe that government can and should create jobs. Instead of getting out of the way for the private sector to flourish, Governor Patrick believes that the government can create growth.
This is not to say that our bridges do not need repair. Maintaining safe roads is a primary function of government. However, it is not a primary way to stimulate the economy.
Here is a State House News article about this proposal.
This is not to say that our bridges do not need repair. Maintaining safe roads is a primary function of government. However, it is not a primary way to stimulate the economy.
Here is a State House News article about this proposal.
"Senate Minority Leader Richard Tisei said Patrick's economic policies have been 'a disaster for the state.' In an emailed statement, Tisei said, "It's ironic that Governor Patrick would give a major speech on economic development today, less than 24 hours before the House is scheduled to pass his half-a-billion dollar plan to increase taxes on Massachusetts businesses. You don't need an MIT professor to tell you raising taxes during a recession is like throwing grease on a fire. It's a poor economic development strategy and will do nothing to improve the state's economy or competitiveness."
"The state Republican Party knocked Patrick's plan. Spokesman Barney Keller said in a statement, 'The Big Dig also put people to work - it put the taxpayers to work to the tune of billions of dollars. Someone should hide the Governor's credit card before his massive new spending proposals get out of control.' "
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
State Senator Jim Marzilli
Democrat State Senator Jim Marzilli of Arlington did not have such a "super" morning waking up to these news stories:
Boston Herald
Boston Globe
Arlington Advocate
Eyewitnes News Rhode Island
WHDH-TV
etc...
Boston Herald
Boston Globe
Arlington Advocate
Eyewitnes News Rhode Island
WHDH-TV
etc...
Monday, April 7, 2008
Honoring Rep. Webster
Please Join Us For A Reception Honoring
6th Plymouth District
State Representative Daniel K. Webster
6th Plymouth District
State Representative Daniel K. Webster
House Committee on Ways and Means, Joint Committee on Financial Services (Ranking Member) , Joint Committee on The Judiciary, House Committee on Personnel & Administration, Joint Committee On Mental Health and Substance Abuse (Ranking Member)
Thursday, April 10th, 2008
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Suggested contribution $125.00
The Webster Committee would like to extend a special invitation to Young Republicans to attend this event at a reduced rate of $50 per person.
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Suggested contribution $125.00
The Webster Committee would like to extend a special invitation to Young Republicans to attend this event at a reduced rate of $50 per person.
RSVP by April 8th
Hosted and Paid For By The Webster Committee P.O. Box 554, N. Pembroke MA 02359-0554
Karen Barry 781-934-9869
Hosted and Paid For By The Webster Committee P.O. Box 554, N. Pembroke MA 02359-0554
Karen Barry 781-934-9869
The Politics of...Well
The Weekly Standard has a good article out about how Deval Patrick offers a preview of an Obama presidency.
Read here
Read here
Kinnaman - Time to Pony Up
State Committeeman Matt Kinnaman has an article out in the transcript on how hard it's become to live in Massachusetts under the Democrat leadership.
Read it here.
Read it here.
Boston Herald
Today, the Herald reveals State Rep Eugene O'Flaherty greeted outside of his house with questions from Bill O'Reilly's team. Eugene does not like Jessica's Law. State Senator Scott Brown said he would shave his head if the Democrats passed this legislation.
"The state GOP this week slammed Sen. John F. Kerry for seeking $138 million for 124 Bay State pork projects which were highlighted in the “Pig Book,” an annual publication by the Washington, D.C.-based Citizens Against Government Waste.
'Pork projects are one of the many reasons that people are sick of career politicians like John Kerry,” sniped state GOP spokesman Barney Keller. 'He has consistently shown a disregard for taxpayer dollars.' "
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
From Wal-Mart moms to Facebook independents, GOP targets voters
By TIM KORTE Associated Press Writer
Article Launched: 04/04/2008 03:38:27 PM MDT
SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M.-Remember the soccer moms?
The top campaign official for presumptive Republican nominee John McCain
on Friday identified five groups of target voters, a wide-ranging bloc
that includes young people, Hispanics and what he called "Wal-Mart
moms," "Rehab Republicans" and "Facebook independents."
Addressing the Republican National Committee's meeting of state chairmen
at posh Tamaya Resort, McCain campaign manager Rick Davis said those
voters will play a major role in this fall's general election.
He urged GOP officials to familiarize themselves now.
"Go to Wal-Mart and stand next to the greeter for 20 minutes," he said.
"Go see the voters we're targeting. If you see them, you'll understand
them."
Such political and cultural talk rises every four years, when campaigns
identify groups that are evenly divided over which presidential
candidate to support, as well as the issues those people view as most
important.
Political analysts during the 1990s chose America's soccer moms as the
desired swing voters-middle- to upper-income women who shuttled their
school-age children to activities such as soccer practice.
This year, Davis said it's not just McCain's White House bid that stands
to benefit from securing support from targeted groups, but also GOP
candidates for federal offices and state legislative seats further down
the ticket.
Davis listed the targeted voters in this order:
- Wal-Mart moms. The description sounds like an updated version of
soccer moms, battling a sluggish economy. "They shop at Wal-Mart," Davis
said. "They don't have expensive tastes. They are suburban by nature."
- Rehab Republicans. Longtime GOP members "who are not so enthusiastic
over the last few years," Davis said. "We've got to get them back."
- Youth. Davis acknowledged the energy and enthusiasm Democratic
candidate Barack Obama is drawing at rallies attracting thousands of
young voters.
"We've got to go after this segment," he said, suggesting outreach and
education efforts through improvements to campaign Web sites.
"Obama's site looks like a Calvin Klein commercial, very hip," Davis
said, adding that McCain's site, while quite productive for campaign
fundraising efforts, "is like a Buster Brown commercial."
- Facebook independents. Tech-savvy, social networkers who are fiscally
and socially conservative. "A critical, growing group," he said. "They
spend a lot of time on the Internet. When they pick a candidate, they
tend to become activists."
- Hispanics. "This group is critical to our party, not just in the
Southwest or Florida but the whole nation," Davis said.
Spanish-language versions of McCain television advertisements will air
in key markets, Davis said. "We're putting our money behind this effort.
We're putting our time behind this effort," he said.
McCain, campaigning in Tennessee, made videotaped remarks that were
played for the group. The U.S. senator from Arizona called for unity and
said it will take a team effort to win the election.
McCain urged the audience to work hard each day. He also said his
campaign welcomes suggestions from state-level GOP officials, saying
they better understand regional culture and issues.
"See you on the campaign trail," McCain told them. "Give us your advice.
Give us your counsel. I promise you we'll listen and we'll act."
Article Launched: 04/04/2008 03:38:27 PM MDT
SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M.-Remember the soccer moms?
The top campaign official for presumptive Republican nominee John McCain
on Friday identified five groups of target voters, a wide-ranging bloc
that includes young people, Hispanics and what he called "Wal-Mart
moms," "Rehab Republicans" and "Facebook independents."
Addressing the Republican National Committee's meeting of state chairmen
at posh Tamaya Resort, McCain campaign manager Rick Davis said those
voters will play a major role in this fall's general election.
He urged GOP officials to familiarize themselves now.
"Go to Wal-Mart and stand next to the greeter for 20 minutes," he said.
"Go see the voters we're targeting. If you see them, you'll understand
them."
Such political and cultural talk rises every four years, when campaigns
identify groups that are evenly divided over which presidential
candidate to support, as well as the issues those people view as most
important.
Political analysts during the 1990s chose America's soccer moms as the
desired swing voters-middle- to upper-income women who shuttled their
school-age children to activities such as soccer practice.
This year, Davis said it's not just McCain's White House bid that stands
to benefit from securing support from targeted groups, but also GOP
candidates for federal offices and state legislative seats further down
the ticket.
Davis listed the targeted voters in this order:
- Wal-Mart moms. The description sounds like an updated version of
soccer moms, battling a sluggish economy. "They shop at Wal-Mart," Davis
said. "They don't have expensive tastes. They are suburban by nature."
- Rehab Republicans. Longtime GOP members "who are not so enthusiastic
over the last few years," Davis said. "We've got to get them back."
- Youth. Davis acknowledged the energy and enthusiasm Democratic
candidate Barack Obama is drawing at rallies attracting thousands of
young voters.
"We've got to go after this segment," he said, suggesting outreach and
education efforts through improvements to campaign Web sites.
"Obama's site looks like a Calvin Klein commercial, very hip," Davis
said, adding that McCain's site, while quite productive for campaign
fundraising efforts, "is like a Buster Brown commercial."
- Facebook independents. Tech-savvy, social networkers who are fiscally
and socially conservative. "A critical, growing group," he said. "They
spend a lot of time on the Internet. When they pick a candidate, they
tend to become activists."
- Hispanics. "This group is critical to our party, not just in the
Southwest or Florida but the whole nation," Davis said.
Spanish-language versions of McCain television advertisements will air
in key markets, Davis said. "We're putting our money behind this effort.
We're putting our time behind this effort," he said.
McCain, campaigning in Tennessee, made videotaped remarks that were
played for the group. The U.S. senator from Arizona called for unity and
said it will take a team effort to win the election.
McCain urged the audience to work hard each day. He also said his
campaign welcomes suggestions from state-level GOP officials, saying
they better understand regional culture and issues.
"See you on the campaign trail," McCain told them. "Give us your advice.
Give us your counsel. I promise you we'll listen and we'll act."
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Democrat Distortions
The Columbia Journalism Review has a great article on how the Democrats are distorting and twisting John McCain's words.
Click here.
Click here.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
McCain Running Strongly In Some Key Democratic States
March 31, 2008
Arizona Sen. John McCain is running strongly in three states that have been solidly Democratic in recent presidential elections; a particular surprise is New Jersey where, a month ago, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton had a double-digit lead, according to a new round of state-by-state general election match-ups.
The series of polls by Rasmussen Reports, which included Michigan and Washington State, also underscored what most other national and state polling has found - high negatives for Clinton as far as favorability ratings. McCain often scores the highest favorability ratings ...
Rasmussen says McCain and the Democrats are in a statistical tie in New Jersey, with McCain leading Clinton 45 percent to 42 percent and Obama by 46 percent to 45 percent, with a 4 point margin of error. ...
McCain is also running a close race with the Democrats in Michigan, according to the Rasmussen survey conducted March 25. He leads Obama 43 percent to 42 percent, and Clinton by 45 percent to 42 percent, with a 4.5 percent margin of error.
McCain is viewed favorably by 55 percent of voters, Obama by 50 percent and Clinton by 47 percent. This is a state the Democrats have carried in the last four elections. It is also one of the two states (the other being Florida) where the controversy continues over the Democratic Party's decision to strip both of their delegates for breaking party rules by moving up the dates of their primaries. ...
And in Washington State, Rasmussen finds McCain is competitive with both Democrats, according to a poll conducted March 27. ... [M]cCain leads Clinton 46 percent to 43 percent. ... The last time a Republican won this state was in the Ronald Reagan landslide of 1984. ...
To View The Entire Article, Please Visit: http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docid=news-000002694330