"Liberals don’t like facts – they get in the way of feelings. But, as John Adams famously said in his argument in defense of the soldiers in the Boston massacre trials in December of 1770,
“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”"
Senator Ken Cuccinelli
Virginia 37th District
Quotes in the news from a great week for Virginia Republicans
". . .a savvy decision that positions the GOP for its strongest gubernatorial bid thus far in the 21st century." - (Virginian-Pilot Editorial, March 27, 2008)"Great news for the Republicans." -Larry Sabato (The Daily Progress, March 25, 2008)
"I think it's huge." - House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith (The Roanoke Times, March 25, 2008)
"An opportunity for some real unity in the party, far in advance of the election." - J. Scott Leake, Spokesman, Virginia Senate Republicans (The Washington Times, March 25, 2008)
"Today's announcement underscores the party's political strength throughout the Commonwealth as we march forward into 2009." - John Hager, Chairman, Republican Party of Virginia, RPV Press Release
"..an exciting time for Republicans." - Josh Noland, Spokesman, Republican Party of Virginia (The Washington Times, March 25, 2008)
"It is likely you will have the McDonnell-Bolling ticket unopposed and moving together toward a general election strategy. That is good for us." - Delegate Jeff Frederick (The Washington Times, March 25, 2008)
"A McDonnell-Bolling ticket will be a strong ticket and can beat anything the Democrats throw our way," - Lt. Governor Bill Bolling (The Washington Post , March 25, 2008)
"Both Bill Bolling and Bob McDonnell are excellent candidates and will do a wonderful job promoting Republican values. Having Bill Bolling and Bob McDonnell run as a ticket should help solidify our party." - Corey Stewart, Chairman, Prince William County Board of Supervisors, Press Release
"McDonnell Bolling = Unbeatable in '09." - College Republican Federation of Virginia Blog
CAGW asserts that this process is a vast improvement over the originally proposed tanker lease deal with Boeing, which was crafted by members of Congress behind closed doors without any competitive review or debate in order to subsidize Boeing's 767 production line.
The original tanker deal was nothing more than a corporate welfare giveaway to one well-heeled, politically influential company at the expense of American taxpayers. Then-Senator Phil Gramm (R-Texas) called it the worst pork-barrel handout he had seen in his 22 years on Capitol Hill.
The proposed deal also proved to be a prime example of cronyism and corruption. An Air Force procurement official received a nine-month prison sentence for negotiating the deal while seeking employment at Boeing; top Boeing officials were forced to resign; and the company had to pay the federal government a fine of more than $600 million.
By contrast, the latest tanker decision was based on an open and transparent bidding process. The Air Force ranked each bid on five criteria and Northrop Grumman won over Boeing on four out of the five and tied in one category.
According to published reports, both sides praised the fairness of the competition before the award was announced and agreed that this was the most rigorous acquisition process in the Department of Defense's history.
Any attempt by Congress now to overturn or undermine the Air Force's recent decision would smack of the special-interest politics condemned by the public and federal investigators the first time around, according to CAGW.
The Air Force should be applauded for protecting the interests of taxpayers and our troops by finding the best tanker at the best price.
Despite our troops' urgent need for new tankers, the losing company in the competition, Boeing, is now protesting the contract award and their friends in Congress are doing everything possible to delay the process and reverse the decision.
Citizens Against Government Waste has closely watched this contracting process for a long time, and they're mindful of the fact that the only reason Northrop Grumman was allowed to bid on-- and win-- the contract in the first place is that Boeing's original tanker lease arrangement with the Air Force was fraudulent, could have over charged U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars, and resulted in a senior Boeing official going to jail on corruption charges.
The REAL facts Boeing won't tell you in its advertising:
Local, state and federal governments
representatives have all been invited to speak and inform the community about current conditions, future goals and how they are working towards making Culpeper better.This is not a political event and it will be free to the public. The purpose is to help promote Culpeper and better inform the public on current and future issues, according to Donald Rakes, VCAP Culpeper chapter Chairman.
"This event will give everyone a chance to become better informed and meet their representatives on all levels of government. I hope that you feel, as I do, that this event is a very positive reflection on Culpeper." writes Rakes.
Arthur Brooks, author of Who Really Cares, who notes that one of the best things that could happen in the fight to reduce poverty would be for Americans to become more religiously conservative.
The best way to support our troops and bring them home faster is to support them fully in word and deed, and stop giving our enemy reasons to believe that it is breaking our resolve!...Like World War II, this is a fight for civilization, and it is a fight we must win.
“If Hamas/Hezbollah succeed here, they are going to succeed everywhere, not only in the Middle East, but everywhere. Israel isn’t the only enemy. They are dedicated to the extinction of everything that the U.S., Israel and the West believe and stand for. So America does have an interest in what happens here, far above and beyond our alliance with the State of Israel.”
Mrs. Reagan released the following statement on her endorsement:
"Although it has been my custom to wait until after the Republican National Convention to announce my support of a candidate, it is clear that the Party has chosen its nominee. So it is with great pleasure that I endorse Senator John McCain for President of the United States.
"John McCain has been a good friend for over thirty years. My husband and I first came to know him as a returning Vietnam War POW, and were impressed by the courage he had shown through his terrible ordeal. I believe John's record and experience have prepared him well to be our next president."
John McCain thanked Mrs. Reagan for her support, saying, "Mrs. Nancy Reagan has earned our love and admiration for her grace and lifetime commitment to our nation's future. Alongside President Reagan in the White House, Nancy was a champion of hope and compassion. I will never forget the kindness that she and her husband shared with me upon my return from Vietnam. I was grateful for her support then, and am humbled by it today."
March 24, 2008
Today, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling announced that he will seek re-election next year. Bill and I have spoken at length about his decision and I know he has given it great thought. I respect his decision and strongly endorse his candidacy for a second term as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.
As a State Senator, and now as Lieutenant Governor, Bill Bolling has been a consistent and determined champion of positive conservative ideas in Virginia. His record is one of achievement and innovation.
Bill was a leader in the Senate on issues of health care, insurance, family policy and taxation. He has shown an ongoing commitment to listening to Virginians through his "100 Ideas" for Virginia's future project. He has been, and will continue to be, an effective and persuasive Lieutenant Governor. Bill's passion for good government, and his outstanding oratorical skills, makes him a powerful, positive force in Virginia government.
Bill and I have known each other for a long time. We have traveled the Commonwealth together as running mates, and as office holders. We speak regularly on everything from our families to state policy. Bill is someone whose opinion I place in the highest regard. We are friends who share the same values, and the same commitment to solving problems, making government work better, and improving quality of life for all our citizens.
The Republican Party will move into the 2009 statewide elections united. As I begin to prepare for my campaign for Governor, I look forward to running next year with Bill as a ticket. We will remain strong partners in the effort to improve opportunity, freedom and justice for the people of Virginia. I have no doubt that, together, we will unite our party, we will unite our Commonwealth, and we will create a safer, stronger, more prosperous Virginia.
Dear Friends:
I have tried my best to avoid answering that question, because I believe it is important for our party to keep our focus firmly fixed on 2008 and the elections at hand.
If we are going to retain the presidency this November, elect a Republican to the United States Senate and retain the eight Republican seats we hold in the House of Representatives, we must focus on these elections and not look ahead to future elections.
Nonetheless, the interest in 2009 has continued and has intensified in recent months. Therefore, I have decided that I need to disclose my future political intentions now and not wait until after the November 2008 elections.
While Jean Ann and I deeply appreciate the encouragement we have received from countless people all across our state, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2009.
It would be a great honor to serve as Governor of Virginia and I think I would make a good Governor. However, I have decided that this is simply not the right time in my personal and professional life for me to embark on a gubernatorial campaign.
If there is one thing I learned from my campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 2005, it was that a statewide campaign is a very demanding thing and a campaign for Governor is an all consuming thing.
Given the all consuming demands of a gubernatorial campaign, I do not believe that anyone should seek that office unless they are able to dedicate their full time and attention to the campaign.
At the present time, I have concluded that numerous personal and professional responsibilities simply prevent me from dedicating my full time and attention to a campaign for Governor.
As you may know, in Virginia the office of Lieutenant Governor is considered to be a part time office. Because I’m not independently wealthy and do not currently have a full time government position, I have to work for a living, just like each of you, to pay the mortgage, college tuition, the power bill and all the rest.
My first responsibility has to be to my family and I have reluctantly concluded that it would be impossible for me to hold down a very demanding job in the private sector, fulfill my duties as Lieutenant Governor, and run a successful campaign for Governor at the same time.
In addition, five years ago I had the privilege of joining a wonderful group of people in starting up a new business operation in Richmond. We have done well, but ours is still a young and growing business. Until that business has matured and reached its goals, I cannot walk away from the commitments I made five years ago to my business associates.
Needless to say, this was a very difficult decision for me and my family. It is difficult to have a goal and be so close to achieving that goal, only to have it deferred to another day. Nonetheless, that is sometimes the cards life deals us and we have to play them to the best of our ability.
I know that my decision will surprise most people, disappoint many people and it may even make a few people happy. However, I am confident that it is the right decision for me and my family.
Six years ago, when I first started my political travels across Virginia, I did so with a good friend and colleague, Bob McDonnell. Little did we know that we would have the privilege of serving the people of Virginia as Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General.
Bob McDonnell is a good friend and a good man, and he has done an outstanding job serving as the Attorney General of Virginia for the past two and half years. It has been a privilege to work with him.
As you know, Bob has also expressed an interest in running for Governor in 2009 and I think he would make a great Governor. Should Bob decide to seek the office of Governor, he will have my full, complete and enthusiastic support.
While I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2009, I do plan to seek re-election to the office of Lieutenant Governor and I would be honored to have your support in that campaign.
I have enjoyed serving as Lieutenant Governor for the past two and half years. I believe I have made a positive contribution to the betterment of our state and our party and I am willing to continue serving in that capacity if it is the will of the people of Virginia.
I have had the privilege of representing the people of Virginia in state and local government for the past 17 years – four years as a member and chairman of the Board of Supervisors in Hanover County, ten years as a member of the Senate of Virginia, and for the past two and a half years as Lieutenant Governor.
During that time I have done my best to provide the people of Virginia with aggressive and effective leadership in state and local government, and to consistently support the conservative principles and values that most Virginians believe in. I think that effort has been successful and I hope you agree.
As you have heard me say many times, Virginia is a great place to live, work and raise a family. However, we face some serious challenges in Virginia today, and to keep Virginia great we still have some work to do.
Likewise, this is a challenging time for our party. The political dynamics and demographics of our state are changing and we can no longer assume that we will win statewide campaigns just because we are Republicans.
While the challenges we face are significant, I know that we are capable of overcoming them. By working together, by focusing on conservative solutions to the challenges that confront us and by offering a positive vision for the future, I believe we will continue to win political campaigns and earn the right to lead Virginia.
Jean Ann and I deeply appreciate all you have done for us over the years. Without your friendship, confidence and support, our success would not have been possible. We look forward to growing our friendship over the coming years and working with you to build a better Virginia
Very Truly Yours,
WILLIAM T. BOLLING
Lieutenant Governor
Rather than give up and turn our health care system over to the government, we should put our American ingenuity to work to devise payment systems that permit patients to get services they need and save money at the same time."
I, John D. Tucker, chairman of the Republican Party of Madison County, do hereby issue a call for a mass meeting of all members of the Republican Party of Madison County to be at Madison County Circuit Court House at 7:00 PM on March 26, 2008. The purpose is as follows:
Election of 23 voting delegates and up to 115 alternative delegates to represent Madison County at the State Convention of Republican party of Virginia to be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 North Third Street.
Located in Richmond, VA or its alternate site, starting at 2:00PM local time on Friday, May 30, 2008 for the following purposes:
a) Nominating a candidate for U.S. Senate to be elected November 4, 2008
b) Electing twenty-seven (27) delegates and twenty-seven (27) alternate delegates at large to the 2008 Republican National Convention to be held at the Xcel Energy Center, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, or its alternate site beginning on September 1, 2008, for the purpose of nominating a candidate for President and Vice-President.
c) Nominating two (2) Electors At large to be voted for in the presidential election on November 4, 2008.
d) Electing a State Chairman
e) Nominating a National Committeeman and National Committeewoman
Election of delegates for the District Convention to be held on Saturday May 3, 2008 at the Pocahontas Middle School, 12000 Three Chopt Rd. Henrico County VA, or an alternate site if necessary, beginning at 10:00AM with registration 9:00 AM for the following purposes:
a) To elect a Republican Congressional 7th District Chairman
b) To elect three representatives to the state convention
c) To elect 3 delegates and three alternates to the 200[8] Republican National Convention
d) To nominate one Elector from 7th Congressional District of Virginia to 2008 Electoral College
Also Election of Madison County Unit Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer
And for transaction of other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Candidates for delegates for nominations for officers at said mass meeting shall pre-file by declaring their intentions in writing, along with a voluntary $35.00 state convention registration fee in mail or person with name, to Beth Eddins, PO Box 289, 121 North Main Street Madison, VA 22727. Last date for pre-filing is March 24, 2008 at noon.
In addition to the foregoing, to be in accord with the principles of the Republican Party, unless otherwise stipulated by the appropriate Official Committee, a person otherwise qualified hereunder shall not have participated in Virginia in the nomination process of a party other than the Republican after March 1, 2004, or in the last five years, whichever is more recent.
A single exception to this shall be approved for a voter that renounces affiliation with any other party in writing, and who expresses in writing that he/she is in accord with the principles of the Republican Party and intends, a the time of the writing, to support the nominees of the Republican Party in the future. Any voter that utilizes the foregoing exception and thereafter participates in the nomination process of a party other than the Republican Party, shall not have the benefit of the exception thereafter.
For example, Barack Obama was one of the first presidential candidates to demand that “shock jock” Don Imus be fired over a racially tinged on-air joke. Obama didn’t care then that Imus ran a charity for sick children. Yet, Rev. Wright’s good works are supposed to absolve him?
And do you remember Trent Lott? Here was a man who made one off-the-cuff remark on Senator Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday, just “trying to make an old man feel good,” as Senator Lott explained. But because of what Strom Thurmond stood for decades earlier, Trent Lott was forced to give up his leadership position in the United States Senate.
There was no grace, no mercy and no forgiveness for Trent Lott and Don Imus. But we’re all supposed to feel “warm and fuzzy” about Jeremiah Wright because of Barack’s testimony.
I nearly fell out of my chair listening to George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America today heaping effusive praise on Obama for his “honesty” and “honor” in NOT renouncing Reverend Wright. Here’s what Stephanopoulos said:
“And I think the other intangible here is how voters will respond, not only to the honesty that Barack Obama showed yesterday, not only the sophistication he showed in the speech, but also the honor that he showed. He did not renounce someone that he was under a great pressure to renounce, even though he disagreed with his comments. And I think a lot of voters, even if they’re uncomfortable with Reverend Wright, will respect Barack Obama for that act.”Let me see if I understand this: George Stephanopoulos thinks it is honorable for a presidential candidate who says he wants to bring us together not to disavow the major racist in his life, who has been a big part of his life, having married Barack and Michelle and baptized their children. How is it honorable not to disavow a racist?
Let me put it another way: If America is going to reach the goal that Obama says he wants – a country that moves beyond race – then every white American should disavow the David Dukes of the world, and every black American should disavow the Jeremiah Wrights and Louis Farrakhan’s of the world.
Obama wants to be our president, the president of all Americans, but he has failed a major character test, because he did not disavow the anti-American racist in his own life.
He also failed a second major character test, in my opinion. He lied to the American people. Days before the Ohio primary two weeks ago, Obama told a group of voters, “I don’t think my church is actually particularly controversial.” And as the controversy grew, Obama told Fox News last Friday, “None of these statements were ones that I had heard myself personally in the pews.”
But the New York Times reported one year ago that Obama knew enough that he disinvited his pastor from his presidential announcement speech because, as he told Wright, “You can get kind of rough in the sermons, so what we’ve decided is that it’s best for you not to be out there in public.”
And yesterday he said, “Did I know him [Rev. Wright] to be an occasionally fierce critic of American domestic and foreign policy? Of course. Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes.”
A big part of Obama’s attraction is that he isn’t Hillary Clinton. He was assumed to be “honest” and “honorable,” to use George Stephanopoulos’ words. But for twenty years, he sat in the pews of a church whose pastor routinely preached hatred for America and hatred for white Americans. He didn’t have the integrity to get up, walk out and not go back.
If he didn’t believe what the pastor was preaching, why was he there? Was Obama just using this church as a launching pad for his political ambitions, as some are suggesting? Maybe. It obviously worked well enough at the local level, and Obama was smart enough to disinvite Wright from his announcement speech last year.
This isn’t “Change we can believe in.” It’s the same old political cynicism that we’re all sick of."
Gary Bauer
The following legislation is pending in Congress:
"In the latter months of 2007, there was a flurry of incidents attempting to censor America's religious heritage (e.g., the capstone at the Washington Monument, the flag folding ceremony in the Veterans' Department, the flag certificates from the Architect of the Capitol, etc.). In each case, citizens learned of the incidents and in large numbers made their feelings known; each policy was promptly reversed.
H.Res.888, declares its two-fold purpose:
The House has agreed to consider and debate this excellent resolution. There are three things you can do to help:
Call or email Congressman Eric Cantor (202.225.2815) and ask him to co-sponsor H.Res.888
Call Randy's office (202.225.6365) and thank him for standing up for our religious heritage. (All folks appreciate encouragement, but especially those on the front lines of battle.)
Forward the resolution to others.
It will remind Americans what God has done for them and instruct the next generation about God's hand in America's history."
New Media Alliance; David Barton of WallBuilders
More than 300 Republican women leaders from across the nation attended the meeting, held in the Washington, D.C., area March 14-15.
In addition to unanimously approving a resolution endorsing McCain, board members heard from a diverse line-up of Republican officials and leaders regarding the upcoming elections, including House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH); U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao; Jo Ann Davidson, co-chairman of the Republican National Committee; and, Judy Black, Women for McCain.
“We are energized and enthusiastic about Senator McCain,” NFRW President Shirley Sadler said. “Our members are committed to his presidential campaign and are working at the grassroots in every state to turn out voters to the polls for him and our other Republican candidates in November.”
Founded in 1938, the NFRW is one of the largest women’s political organizations in the country with more than 1,800 local clubs in all 50 states and in the U.S. territories. The grassroots organization recruits and elects Republican candidates, advocates the Party’s philosophy and initiatives, and empowers women in the political process.
excerpt
"Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and other liberals in the House of Representatives have decided to put partisan politics ahead of our nation's security once again.
And, in doing so, Pelosi and company have sent a clear message to terrorists who wish to harm America and our interests: Get on the phone with your operatives in the United States. If you are plotting terrorist attacks against innocent people, the American intelligence community is operating with one hand tied behind its back...
Since 9/11, our intelligence agencies have used these tools to thwart major plots to commit unspeakable atrocities:
One of the plotters, Jose Padilla, planned to explode a "dirty bomb" inside the U.S. A dirty bomb is filled with conventional explosives and radioactive materials.
Padilla was recently found guilty of Conspiracy to Murder, Kidnap, and Maim Persons in a Foreign Country and Conspiracy to Provide Material Support for Terrorists.
Intelligence agencies -- with the help of telephone companies -- intercepted 70 calls by Padilla and his cohorts to their handlers. Enough said!
In 2006, U.S. and international authorities foiled a plot hatched by eight terrorists to blow up a commuter train tunnel connecting New Jersey and Manhattan.
According to CNN:
"[L]aw enforcement sources said the suspects wanted to cross the Canadian border into the United States."
"Once in New York City, they would board trains with backpacks full of explosives, which they planned to detonate when the trains passed through a tunnel under the Hudson River."
In addition to these plots to attack us on our home soil, the U.S. helped to uncover and thwart a number of major plots throughout the world. For example:
It's time to force Speaker Pelosi to stop playing politics with our national security!
Tell them in no uncertain terms that Pelosi's egregious actions did not go unnoticed. Tell them enough is enough. Tell them that American citizens and our troops overseas are not expendable pawns in a petty game of political chess. Demand that they make the passage of the Protect America Act -- as originally passed by the Senate -- their first order of business."
The Center for Individual Freedom, www.cfif.org
Taken as a whole the Governor’s budget was a formula for disaster. It spent too much money on new and expanded programs and it sought to pay for these programs through budgetary gimmicks like raiding the rainy day fund, the lottery fund and transportation.
In addition, the Governor’s budget would have placed the state in a perilous economic posture for the future. If we failed to meet the Governor’s overly optimistic revenue projections, we would not have been able to pay for the new programs he proposed and we could have been facing massive budget shortfalls in future years.
When the General Assembly began its consideration of the Governor’s budget, I encouraged my fellow Republicans to do their best to address these issues in the final budget conference. In some areas they were successful, but in other areas their efforts were blocked by Senate Democrats who generally rubber stamped the Governor’s budget proposals.
As far as the Revenue Stabilization Fund is concerned, the final budget agreement reduced the Governor’s proposed withdrawal of $423M, but only marginally. The final withdrawal number is $351M, considerably more than I feel was appropriate.
Fortunately, we were able to restore the proposed transfers to the Lottery Proceeds Fund. As a result, lottery profits will be returned directly to local governments for use in public education. This was a major victory and keeps faith with the intentions of the Constitutional amendment that voters approved in 2000.
Likewise, we were able to restore the $180M in transportation money the Governor had proposed spending on other programs. While this money was restored via the use of bonds, as opposed to cash, at least we will not see transportation funding diminished as a result of this change.
The General Assembly reduced spending on several of the new and expanded programs the Governor had proposed and made across the board cuts totaling $100M in aid to localities and $35M for various state agencies. However, the final budget still includes millions of dollars of spending on new and expanded programs considerably more than I would have preferred.
The issue of debt remains unresolved. The Senate and House of Delegates have passed competing bond bills for capitol improvement projects, but budget conferees were unable to agree on a final bond package. This issue remains under discussion and should be resolved when the General Assembly returns to Richmond for the Reconvened Session on April 23rd.
My biggest concern with the budgets adopted by the General Assembly continues to be the overly optimistic revenue projections that the budgets are based on.
In the current fiscal year, Virginia’s economy is growing at a rate of about 2.3%. In the 2009 fiscal year the budget adopted by the General Assembly assumes revenue growth of 2.2%. This is a realistic estimate based on current economic performance.
However, in 2010 fiscal year the budget adopted by the General Assembly assumes revenue growth of 6.8% and imbedded within this projection is projected growth in personal income of 7.6%. I am concerned that this is an overly optimistic revenue projection.
While I hope that our economy is growing at a rate of 6.8% in 2010, I do not believe that should base our budget on such an optimistic forecast. A more prudent course would have been to adopt a more conservative revenue estimate and reduce spending accordingly.
If we fail to meet these revenue projections, we will be unable to afford the new and expanded spending programs the General Assembly has approved and we could face significant budget shortfalls in future years.
I should also note that the final budget agreement did not include language to eliminate state funding for Planned Parenthood. We had fought hard to secure this language in the Senate budget and I was very disappointed that the budget conferees did not include this language in the final budget agreement. While I understand that the Democrats did not support this prohibition, at the very least the budget conferees should have secured comparable concessions, such as restoration of funding for abstinence education programs that Governor Kaine had previously eliminated. Their failure to do so is a huge disappointment to me and other pro-life Virginians, who do not believe that taxpayer funds should be used to subsidize one of the largest providers of abortion services in the country.
Some of the key funding provisions of the budget include:
Employee Compensation
Public Education
Health and Human Resources
Natural Resources
Public Safety
Taken as a whole, there are things I agree with and things I disagree with in the final budget agreement. However, in a divided government - where Democrats control the Governor’s office and the Senate and Republicans control the House of Delegates – I recognize that compromises have to be made to reach agreement.
I know that many Republicans will be disappointed that this budget does not do more to constrain spending in a challenging economic time. I share that disappointment. But the best way to assure that this is done in the future is to elect a conservative Republican Governor in 2009. That way we can set the agenda and better frame the budgetary debate.
Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling
bill.bolling@billbolling.com
HB 429 Abortion; forced or coerced prohibited, penalty.
02/12/08 passed House (64-Y 35-N)
Summary as passed House:
YEAS--Houck, Saslaw, Lucas, Howell, Edwards, Whipple, Locke, Barker, Northam, Miller, J.C.--10.
NAYS--Quayle, Martin, Newman, Ruff, Blevins--5.
ABSTENTIONS--0.
HB 894 Abortion; licensure of clinics.
Summary as introduced:
01/22/08 House: Read third time and passed House (60-Y 37-N)
02/28/08 Senate: Passed by indefinitely [killed] in Education and Health (10-Y 5-N)
YEAS--Houck, Saslaw, Lucas, Howell, Edwards, Whipple, Locke, Barker, Northam, Miller, J.C.--10.
NAYS--Quayle, Martin, Newman, Ruff, Blevins--5.
ABSTENTIONS--0.
This is the first of a series of posts on Senator Ed Houck's votes pertaining to legislation that failed in the Senate Education and Health Committee which he chairs.
Delegate Dick Black once called this committee the 'killing ground for all pro-family legislation."Senator Houck represents the 17th Senate District which consists of: Culpeper County (All); Fredericksburg City (Part); Louisa County (All); Madison County (All); Orange County (All); and Spotsylvania County (Part)
In a testament to his courage and sacrifice, over eighty former POWs have joined McCain's campaign to help elect the man they believe has the character and ability to serve America as Commander in Chief. He is a patriot whom they feel embodies honor, and integrity.
Over 130 retired Flag and General officers who are members of Senator McCain's Military Advisory Council are also working to elect John McCain.
They want a proven leader in the White House who will give our military the support it needs to win against radical Islam.Below are the names of a few of our military heroes who are supporting John McCain:
Commander Everett Alvarez, USN (Ret.)
POW for 8 1/2 years
Colonel Bud Day, USAF (Ret.)
Medal of Honor,
POW Over 5 Years
Rear Admiral Robert Shumaker, USN (Ret.)
POW for 8 years
Colonel Leo Thorsness, USAF (Ret.)
Medal of Honor,
POW for 6 years
Commander Paul Galanti, USN (Ret.)
POW for over 6 1/2 Years
Captain Mike Cronin, USN (Ret.)
POW for over 6 years
Major General John Borling, USAF (Ret.)
POW for over 6 1/2 years
Captain Richard Stratton, USN (Ret.)
POW for over 6 years
Lt Colonel Orson Swindle, USMC (Ret.)
POW for over 6 years.
A movie of the day John McClain returned home can be seen on his web site, www.JohnMcCain.com. Click here.
Eva Scott, a Republican from Amelia, became Virginia's first female Senator after a successful campaign in 1979.
"Eva Scott is a pioneer who served the people of Virginia with class and dignity," said Republican Party of Virginia Chairman John Hager. "She not only paved the way for women in Virginia politics, but she also was instrumental in growing the Republican Party in Virginia and setting a course for victory throughout the Commonwealth. For her service and for what she has done for RPV, we extend to Eva our deepest thanks and appreciation."
RPV presented Senator Scott with a framed poster from her first campaign for Senate.
Josh Noland, RPV
Fiorina, who campaigned for McCain in the primaries, is now leading the Republican National Committee's fundraising efforts for McCain's campaign and taking his economic agenda on the road.
Whitman, who has been named as a national co-chair for McCain's campaign, had been a key fundraiser and supporter of Mitt Romney. As co-chair, Whitman will be raising money for McCain and her duties will include "developing policy and travel the country on his behalf," according the the San Jose Mercury News.
Both women are possible Republican candidates for governor in California's 2010 election.
Horton, elephant star of HORTON HEARS A WHO
Tony Perkins, Family Research Council
Note: Republican John McCain supported the Allard amendment. He also opposes abortion and has called for Roe vs. Wade to be reversed.
Although the writer does acknowledge that there is an increasing demand for oil, he claims the price of oil increases because we import it. He neglects to mention that Saudi Arabia and the Gulf monarchies, Russia and Venezuela have a world-wide monopoly and stranglehold on petroleum supplies.
The world demand for oil is growing and will outstrip the current supply, which we do not control, within a decade, according to experts. Even if demand lessens, as long as the monopoly countries control supply, they can keep prices high.
There is plenty of information available on the internet concerning the declining dollar. It seems the majority of these authorities do not agree with the contorted notion that 'George Bush did it.' They point out that ups and downs in the dollar's value happen historically, which explains how it is predictable.
Some cite China as a major problem for their valuation of the Yuan. China has also reduced the amount of U.S. Treasury bonds they were purchasing with profits they made from goods sold in the U.S. which has led to a decrease in the demand for the dollar, according to Business Today.
Other factors are that Americans are spending and borrowing too much; low interest rates have made America less attractive for foreign savers, and interest rates have been cut further because of the housing slowdown while interest rates on the Euro have risen.
The trade deficit is not helping the dollar but Richard Pettinger, an economics teacher at Oxford, contends that the lack of action by the U.S. Government to shore up the dollar's value is due to the fact that the decline is providing an economic boost through increasing exports, and helping to reduce the deficit. The downside is the chance of inflation but the President is urging caution instead of the popular mantra of 'do something, even if it's the wrong thing.' The rising prices consumers are seeing in stores today seem largely due to Congresses' misguided jump down the ethanol rabbit hole. This is joyful news to the drive-by media who have been salivating for any signs of an economic downturn since we recovered from 9/11. They have worked consistently to convince Americans that times are bad, very bad indeed.
It is disingenuous, at best, to pretend that our President can wave a magic wand and control world currency rates and world petroleum supplies. To deny that Congress supported the "War on Terror" also flies in the face of reality. Of course, the denial of reality has never been much of a problem for Bush-bashers.
John McCain
-House and Senate Budget Negotiators Agree to Let Fee Expire as Scheduled-Richmond- Attorney General Bob McDonnell applauded the budget negotiators from the House and Senate for agreeing to allow the Jamestown Fee to expire this summer as originally scheduled. This action occurred as part of the final agreement on the new biennial budget for the Commonwealth.
Speaking about the General Assembly's agreement with this position, McDonnell noted, "I commend the House and Senate budget negotiators for agreeing to the budget amendment submitted by Delegate Kirk Cox allowing the Jamestown Fee to expire as originally planned. I also thank Speaker Howell for his leadership on this issue. This fee was enacted for a specific purpose, to fund the events commemorating the 400th Anniversary of Jamestown. That anniversary is over, and the fee should expire as planned. It is a simple matter of keeping trust with the people of Virginia. When the purpose of a fee expires, so too must that fee. I am pleased to see that the House and Senate budget negotiators agreed with this common-sense position."
The 400th Anniversary vehicle registration fee raised nearly $4 million a year for events commemorating the founding of Jamestown and Virginia. Smaller amounts from the fee were distributed to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Commonwealth's open space conservation effort.
Ibn Misr, sonsofapesandpigs.org
The true intention of the article becomes apparent In the second paragraph as the attack on abstinence-only sex education begins.
In this paragraph, "some doctors" are reported to be claiming that abstinence-only sex education is to blame for the results of this study and, by the 4th paragraph, an actual quote from one doctor appears, blaming an increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in teenage American girls on abstinence education.
This is followed about half-way through the article with a quote from the president of Planned Parenthood (PP), also claiming that the abstinence-only programs are a failure that has endangered teenage girls. It omits the fact that 75 percent of U.S. schools offer a contraceptive-based education approach.
Tony Perkins of Family Research Council did address the findings from the studies which were cited in the AP story:
"While the proponents of comprehensive or contraceptive-based sex education and much of the medical and public health community continue to pay lip service to prevention for our young people, these CDC results offer fresh evidence that the focus is on facilitating high-risk behavior rather than true primary and even secondary prevention. The risk-avoidance or sexual abstinence-until-marriage strategy must be adopted to reverse the STD epidemic. It's an evidence-based approach with proven results for reversing the HIV/AIDS trends in several African countries--let's give it a chance in this country."
Perkins also noted that "findings from two studies presented demonstrate that of the 15-to-24-year-old women receiving contraceptives, over half are not receiving appropriate counseling, screening, and treatment for STIs [sexually transmitted infections]."
However, neither Mr. Perkins or anyone else who might have an opposing view was interviewed for this article.
All of this shilling for PP was balanced by (drum roll, please) absolutely nothing.
This whole article is just a left-wing scare-monger, anti-Christian hit piece to promote the services of a taxpayer-funded abortion provider. One which has recently been exposed agreeing to accept money for racially motivated minority abortions, and accused of ripping off taxpayers to the tune of almost $200 million.
Incredibly, this biased article is considered front page news by the editors of this liberal agenda-driven newspaper. Then again, it's not incredible, unfortunately, it's standard procedure in today's media.
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