QUICK HITS: A Funny Thing Happen To Me on the Way to the GOP Meeting

QUICK HIT #1: Saturday morning was our monthly Lyon County Republican Central Committee meeting.  The room was packed as in addition to all the regular attendees we had several candidates or their representatives for upcoming elections on hand.  After our first two speakers, Dan Schwartz (CD04) and Jim Wheeler (Assembly District 39), our Chairman once again moved to the front.  Dr. Titus then announced that speaking for Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich was none other than Tiffiny Ruegner (better known to me as the Field Director for the Tea Party Express).  I thought young lady looked familiar but had no idea this was “Tiffiny”.

For those who have not followed BBP very long let me fill you in.  I have written many articles about the Tea Party Express.  They are the PAC that brought you Sharron Angle, another 6 years of Harry Reid, Joe Miller, Christine O’Donnell and many more.  The TPX is a group that on the surface appears to be upright and working for the cause.  Unfortunately when you get down to the reality of it they are a front group for Russo, Marsh and Associates who are doing nothing more than lining their pockets at the expense of the real Tea Partiers.  I only wish Tiffiny was able to stick around longer.  That could have been a fun conversation.

QUICK HIT #2: It was good to hear from some of the lesser know candidates on Saturday.  Dan Schwartz was in attendance with his team as he works towards a CD04 bid.  My friend, Jim Wheeler, was there as well.  Jim is running in the primary for State Assembly District 39 currently held by Kelly Kite.  I encourage everyone to listen to all candidates.  You never know what you might learn.  In listening to Jim I found out a couple things I didn’t previously know.

QUICK HIT #3: Getting back to the Tea Party Express and their “ka-ching” money making, everyone should be aware that they have started yet another PAC.  That’s right, the Tea Party Express (Russo, Marsh and Associates) have the newly developed Defeat Barack Obama PAC up and ready to take your hard earned cash.  Of course the claim is that the TPX and the Defeat Obama PACs are completely separate but a quick look at the leadership teams of both show a great deal of co-mingling.  Just one more nightmare, er fantasy, brought to you by Sal Russo, Joe Wierzbicki and all their friends.

QUICK HITS: Why Does The GOP Keep Losing?

So you want to know why the GOP continues to struggle.  Let me give you one example.  Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips just couldn’t help but put a nail in the GOP coffin.  Phillips, once a supporter of Herman Cain, apparently has become frustrated with his former choice and Cain’s many missteps.  So what did Phillips have to say?

“I was wrong about Herman Cain…I said originally that Cain could stay on message better than almost any other candidate. His 9-9-9 plan was all he would talk about and I attributed that to good messaging on his part. I was wrong.”

And if that were not bad enough he followed those statements up with:

“Herman Cain needs to leave the race because he is not qualified to be President. The video is painful to watch. It is obvious Cain is in over his head and simply clueless.”

Now I’ll admit Mr. Cain has not helped himself.  But he is also not dead.  There is still a chance he can redeem himself and get the GOP nod.  And my question to Mr. Phillips is, should that happen how long before the Dems create a commercial with the leader of one of the largest Tea Party groups calling Cain “clueless” and saying he’s “not qualified”.

I guess Mr. Phillips sees 4 more years of Obama as a better option than Herman Cain!!!

TRUNC: Attacking the Nevada GOP One Vendetta at a Time

“Recognizing we are a two-party system, we must work within that structure. TRUNC intends to unite all like-minded conservatives who believe in small government, fiscal responsibility, lower taxes & who are “pro” constitution under the umbrella of the Republican Party in Nevada, agreeing to disagree on peripheral issues for the purpose of defeating liberal & socialist candidates and their agenda” 

That is the Mission Statement for the Nevada Conservative Group TRUNC (Tea Party and Republicans Uniting Nevada Conservatives).  It is such a wonderful sentiment – if only TRUNC believed and lived by their own words. 

The two phrases that jump out at me are “unite all like-minded conservatives” and “agreeing to disagree on peripheral issues”.   On Saturday September 24, 2011 these parts of their mission statement were ignored as they issued a Press Release attacking the Nevada GOP Executive Board, making unsubstantiated claims, giving incomplete information, making personal attacks against Chairman Tarkanian and even resorting to thinly veiled threats.  All of this controversy over the potential of “same day voter registration at the February 18^th caucuses”.  Now I agree this is an important issue but for the GOP I still consider this a “peripheral issue”.  You know the issues we agree to disagree on. 

In the first paragraph of the Press Release (which can be found online), referred to how the Executive Committee “kept secrets” regarding a vote on same day voter registration at the caucuses during their meeting back in July.  Now let’s look at this realistically.  The Executive Board has nearly a dozen members.  In addition the there are other members of the Nevada GOP that attend the meetings as required.  Not everyone on the Executive Board supports the same day initiative.  But we are now to believe that, despite the obvious disagreement regarding this issue, the Board determined they would vote behind closed doors and the results would be kept a secret.  Even the possible dissenters agreed to keep quiet.  This sounds like a scandal straight out of a Hollywood movie script.  I would like to remind the TRUNC folks that Amy Tarkanian’s maiden name was Hanson – NOT Gotti. 

Reality is, at the time the Executive Board felt they received additional information and they re-addressed the question in July.  Yes, at that time they determined that voter registration at the caucus only was warranted.  This is not unprecedented.  I suggested that you look at the rules for the states such as Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana and Rhode Island.  Throughout history one of the purposes for caucuses was to fundraise and register voters.  

Now some claim that this issue has been discussed at length and that allowing same day voter registration at the caucus violates the party plank. Maybe – maybe not.  If you review the party platform, by-laws and rules you will find that interpretation can allow the Executive Board to make the decision that they did without A) a violation of the party plank and B) without compromising the GOP.  Here are the facts: 

If you review the 2010 Party Platform under “Citizenship” it states: 

“We oppose same-day registration and voting. We demand proof of U.S. citizenship and residency at the time of registration and authentic government issued photo identification at the time of voting.”

It seems clear but the question becomes – is a caucus a vote?  The argument against is simple.  First, it is not a vote; it is a PPP “Presidential Preference Poll”.  Polls are clearly different from a vote.  We all remember when some counties wanted to take a vote regarding the GOP candidates for CD2.  We were clearly told to NOT have a binding vote but instead have a non-binding preference poll.  That is clearly different from a vote. 

Now I also have argued that a reason to not consider this a vote is because it is non-binding.  Some have argued this point with me.  There are two pieces of evidence I would like to share:

NRP – Presidential Preference Poll Rules for 2012:

Section 3 – Statement of Policy – Selection of County Delegates

It is the express intent and policy of the Nevada Republican Party that County Delegates not be bound by the results of the Presidential Preference Poll in their respective Precinct Meetings, but that binding shall occur during the election of National Delegates at the Nevada Republican Convention. This policy is promulgated for the following reasons: …..

and

NRP – Delegate Binding Rules for 2012:

Section 5 – Binding of National Delegates and Alternates

All National Delegates and Alternates, ex efficio, At Large and Congressional District, shall be required to vote for the Presidential Candidate to whom they are bound.  This requirement applies only to the first vote at the Republican National Convention.

Now I believe this clearly shows that delegates assigned at the precinct caucuses on February 18 will NOT BE BOUND.  Therefore is cannot be considered a vote.  Now you may interpret this differently than I but please at least acknowledge that there is a reasonable train of thought.  Also that using this train of thought the Executive Board did nothing outside of its purview.  They were not looking to harm the GOP.  They were simply trying to do the best with the information they were given.

But there are a couple of things that truly bother me about this controversy.  First in reading the TRUNC Press Release it is clear they attempt to single out Amy Tarkanian several times.  This is unfortunate since all decisions made were done by vote of the Executive Board which includes Heidi Smith, Dave Buell, Bob List, Carol DelCarlo, Sherry Dilley, Wes Rice, Dave Gibbs, John Chachas, Lynne Hartung and Amy Tarkanian.  In fact, since the Chris Comfort fiasco of a few years ago the Chairman’s position has been stripped of much of its power.  Nearly all decision must go through a full vote of the board.  A bit ridiculous for a state chairman but that is an argument for another day.  But it is clear to me that TRUNC has a personal issue with Tarkanian and are trying to use the Press Release as a way of attacking her.

Another reason I found this odd is that Amy Tarkanian has tried to help the TRUNC group.  Following the Sharron Angle defeat to Harry Reid, TRUNC was having a hard time gaining traction for their group because they were seen as nothing but “Sharron Angle Cronies”.  In fact one person close to the Angle campaign said to me “good luck finding a picture of the TRUNC ladies that doesn’t include Sharron”. After speaking with TRUNC in May, Amy Tarkanian approached me with a request for a personal favor.  She asked if I would interview the TRUNC ladies (Laurel Fee and Jeri Taylor-Swade) and print an article to allow them to gain some positive traction.  I reluctantly did so.  That article did extremely well both on my website and at the posting on www.redcounty.com.  Ironically I just looked back at this article and this caught my eye:

BBP: In Nevada, the Republicans seem to be very fractured.  With all of the factions (conservatives, moderates, Tea Party, Libertarians) do you see us ever pulling together and acting in unison?

TRUNC: Only if we all agree to disagree on peripheral issues and stop the back biting and backstabbing and betrayals like happened with Bill Raggio.  We really absolutely do see all of us working together and that’s our goal.  All of the groups you mention here.  We all have several key components in common.  We want smaller government, lower taxes, we believe in the Constitution.  If we focus on those things we have in common I think that we can pull together and do what is right. 

Wow it sucks when your own words come back to haunt you.

But despite all of the arguing here is where we stand.  Yes there was quite an uproar regarding the vote taken by the Executive Board in July.  When that surfaced the Executive Board, as a whole, unanimously voted to set aside their earlier decision and bring it to the whole body on October 22.  In addition there will be a panel to discuss the options – both pro and con.  I’m not sure how bringing more information to us all is an issue?

Now I don’t know why TRUNC decided to act as they did.  I don’t know why they chose attack rather than discuss.  I don’t understand why they would go public to the media (that we all trust so much) and I don’t know why they have made personal attacks and accusations regarding the GOP Chairman.  What I do know is they really need to re-read their Mission Statement.  They also need to work harder at getting the whole story before attacking.  Below is letter written by Clark County Republican Party Chairman and Executive Board Member, Dave Gibbs.  It outlines the facts.  I am printing it in its entirety with Mr. Gibbs permission.

I would also give one last piece of advice to TRUNC.  If in the future you write a Press Release and the first thing that happens is Jon Ralston quotes it, writes an article about it and uses it to try and create a divide in the Nevada GOP – you might want to consider that you may have really screwed up.

People – calm down.  The party is making headway.  We are moving forward and we are getting stronger.  Don’t let petty accusations and partial truth destroy what we are building.

DAVE GIBBS LETTER: 

Greetings CCRCC Members: 

A lot of concern and misinformation about the Nevada Republican Party pushing through same day registration for the Feb. 18^th Presidential Caucus has made its way around by email over the last few days.  Much of it is inaccurate.  The diatribe from TRUNC is full of inaccuracies and insults, and I have responded to the authors telling them so.  I hope the next time they put out a press release they will take the time to write one that is logical, accurate, and, most of all, respectful to the people with whom they are disagreeing.  We should be able to disagree without becoming insulting.  I mean, after all, we are not Democrats. 

Here is the straight story.  On July 20^th the State Executive committee met for its monthly telecom.  There was a discussion of providing same day registration at the caucus and how successful the Democrats had been in registering new voters in 2008.  There was nothing written in the rules either way about registration.   The Committee discussed it and voted to allow it as part of the caucus.  After so many voiced their concerns, the Committee agreed to reconsider the motion and voted unanimously to withdraw the July 20^th motion and put this item on the agenda at the Oct 22^nd NRCC meeting, so that you could all hear  the same information the committee received. 

Until then, let me clear up some of the misinformation that has been sent out in emails: 

1.  This was done in secret and is being rammed down the State’s throat by outside operatives.                   

Not true.  This was done in an open discussion at an open committee meeting.  There were no “outside operatives” in attendance. 

2.  The state is taking over the caucus, disregarding the precinct meetings and also using it as a fundraiser for the NRP. 

Not true. There is a draft of a proposed caucus plan.  Each Board member was asked to submit comments.  I submitted 28 general and specific comments about the draft plan, pointing out conflicts with the NRP bylaws and the rules agreed to by the NRCC.  Others submitted their comments along the same line as well.  To put you at ease, all three of the county chairmen who sit on the committee are on the same page when it comes to the caucus, so there will be major changes to that draft.   

3.  The rules have already been sent to the RNC and can’t be changed.  Therefore, same day registration is a done deal. 

Not true.  The rules that were submitted to the RNC were the ones approved in Carson City in April.  Voting to include same day registration would actually have to be done after the deadline and taken into consideration separately by the RNC.  It is not a done deal.  

For some reason, there are folks who prefer to react to rumor and partial stories without taking the time to gather all the facts, then present a logic-based, factual, unemotional opinion that backs their position.  There are others who see sinister motives and plots behind every effort.  It’s easy to throw mud balls, but it doesn’t solve problems.  It eventually causes more and diminishes trust in those who are working for the right cause for the right reasons.  No one wins.  Your Executive committee is engaged in making sure Nevada has a successful caucus.     

From here forward, I ask that you stop the accusations, finger pointing, and rush to judgment and tale the time to get all the facts on the issue.  Please continue the great work you all are doing.  The CCRP did a great job with the CD2 election.  The leadership is working on the political plan for 2012.  CCRP members have been to three very successful outreach events, registering new voters, recruiting candidates, and meeting contacts to work with.  We have great candidates who are already being trained.   I am very actively involved in all that is going on at the state level, and I have Clark County’s interests Number One on my priority list.  I thank all of you who provide inputs to me on this issue.  Your voices were heard. 

I encourage all who are NRCC members to attend the meeting on October 22^nd at the Venetian.  Those who are not members are welcome to attend as guests. 

Let’s keep up the great work! 

Dave

An Open Letter to Eric Odom Regarding the Tea Party Express

Eric –

I want first clarify that I and my family have absolutely nothing against you.  I in fact like and respect your work.  I feel you are a true patriot working for the cause.  It was apparent though, that despite your denials, you were upset by the statements made on Facebook in regards to the Tea Party Express.  More specifically the statement that referred to the TPX as “bottom feeders”.  Your response in return was:

“As a person who will be traveling with and speaking on the tour I have to say I resent your comment. I do not get paid by the group and volunteer my time to do this. A tour such as this is costly, but trust me when I say no one is getting rich off of it. Please avoid the talking points that tear our movement down and try to stick to known facts.”

Let’s make some clarifications.  First, our opinion is that the “bottom feeders” of the Tea Party Express are those at the top of the food chain.  Specifically people like Joe Wierzbicki and Sal Russo.  I have not ever called into question the motives or efforts of such people as Lloyd Marcus, Diana Nagy, the Rivoli Review or yourself.  I believe those that are the “worker bees” and those that volunteer do so out of a love and respect for the Tea Party and America.  Your intentions are honorable

Moving on, you also stated that “the suggestion that something is happening that shouldn’t be is downright outrageous”.  But you immediately follow that up with “I too used to make assumptions”.  It seems you are saying that you had the right to question and assume things but now that you are on board with the TPX no one else can.  I think that is the outrageous statement here.

You asked that we “Please avoid the talking points that tear our movement down and try to stick to known facts.”  I have done the research.  In fact I would suggest I may have done more research than anyone in regards to the TPX possible mis-deeds.  I, via Twitter, attempted to address this with you and offered to send you the evidence.  You denied you were upset and never responded to my offer to supply that evidence.  With all due respect to ask for the proof and then refuse to even look at, much less consider it, is a bit short sighted.  That is why I have chosen to respond to you via this open letter.

Maybe I too, like you, could change my opinion of the Express if I were given proof to back up the statements of Joe Wierzbicki and other members of the TPX staff.  I have compiled complete FEC records of their activities.  I have asked Joe Wierzbicki the tough questions.  What I have received in return from him his name calling and accusations.  What I have never received from him is the proof backing up his statements.  If I am wrong about the Tea Party Express I will accept that.  But I will not accept “proof” that is nothing more than statements by individuals I do not trust.  I will ask you some of the same questions and about the same issues I have raised with Mr. Wierzbicki.  If you can get to the bottom of the issues I will gladly accept the answer.  All I ask is that the answers are facts with proof and not simply statement made by TPX members attempting to defend their actions.

Here are a few items that I have asked about and that have never been answered with any real truth, facts or evidence:

1) Follow the money:  FEC reports from Oct of 2008 to June 2011 show that about $3.7 million has been sent from the Tea Party Express to King Media and Russo, Marsh and Assoc.  That is 41% of all dollars spent by the TPX go directly back to companies owned and operated by Sal Russo and Janet King-Russo.  Add in salaries and commissions paid by the TPX directly to Joe Wierzbicki, Sal Russo and Janet King-Russo and that numbers jumps to nearly 42.5%.

2) Focusing on Joe W.: For every donated dollar to the TPX that Joe Wierzbicki claims to be responsible for, he takes a 15% commission.  This is in addition to his TPX wages.  Of the total monies collected $3.4 million was sent to Russo, Marsh and Assoc. where Joe also takes, I assume, another commission.  In addition he is a Principal at RM&A drawing a salary.  Lastly, more money is sent to King Media where Joe is the Director of Media Relation drawing a third salary.  By my accounting that amounts to three salaries and two commissions on the same donated dollars.  Do you think people who struggle to give $20 to the TPX would be happy to know this?

3) The First BIG Controversy:  One of the first big issues for the TPX was identified in the FEC report from July of 2009.  In the report, Betty Presley and Associates (the TPX accounting firm) shows a line item on 7/31/09 for $1597.29 cents.  The note field clearly states “Meeting Cost – Six Meals”.  This issue has been raised many times by many people.  Joe Wierzbicki just two weeks ago, along with a long inappropriate name calling tirade, stated he had told me before that it was a fundraiser for 75 people.  I suggested, as I did with the FEC report, that he shows a copy of the detailed receipt for that event.  That will clarify if it was for 6 meals or snacks for 75.  The FACT is I have repeatedly supplied the FEC report to prove my side.  He has not responded to my request for a copy of the receipt.  Additionally, I have spoken with a former employee of the TPX.  They said meals and drinks like this were typical for the group when they were involved.

4) Luxury Cruises: When the TPX was working for Joe Miller in Alaska there are line items submitted for over $100K for TPX staff and equipment to travel to Alaska via the Holland America Luxury Cruise Line.  According to statements by the TPX this was done to “save money”.  Do you buy that?  That also didn’t cover any additional cost for meals or lodging while on land.

5) My latest find: On the latest FEC report there is a line item paying $500 to JRuegner Car Rental in Sacramento.  I have done research on the internet and can find no record of a J. Ruegner Car Rental in the United States or anything similar.  The odd part of this is that the “business address” is the same as the home Address for Tiffany Ruegner who is on staff with the TPX.  I asked Joe Wierzbicki to clarify this but have received nothing in return.

6) Reported on Manta.com in 2010 the firm of Russo, Marsh and Assoc. had annual sales of $1 to 2.5M.  Consider that from October 2008 to June 2011 the TPX has sent $3.4M to RM&A.  It seems that RM&A is being funded almost completely from the Express activities.  This seems to follow the statements of Ned Ryun, President of American Majority when he said “I’m concerned they’re using it (the Tea Party Express) as a marketing gimmick to line the pockets of consultants instead of actually helping the Tea Party movement”.

I also think it is only fair to recognize that from day one that the Tea Party Express proposal was developed by Joe Wierzbicki that they saw you as a key player in the Tea Party movement as well as a potential thorn in their side.  Do not forget the words of Joe Wierzbicki:

“… because quite frankly we are not only NOT part of the political establishment or conservative establishment, but we are sadly not currently part of the “tea party” establishment (i.e. Michelle Malkin, Eric Odom of Don’t Go Movement, Smart Girl Politics, Top Conservatives on Twitter, Freedom Works, Newt Gingrich of American Solutions, etc…)

We can probably pull off a phenomenally successful tour without these big-ego establishment types…”

It is clear they know you have influence in the Tea Party movement.  They also know you can cause them great harm.  They of course will continue to play nice with you as they fear your turning on them.

Eric, I can understand that you support the TPX.  I personally believe they have corrupt intentions and are using the Tea Party movement to their own advantage. That is why I clearly state I support the Tea Party movement but reject the Tea Party Express.  But I can assure you I go forth and do my homework.  I have never used a talking point without verification.  I am more than happy to supply you with any of the facts and back-up paperwork I discussed.  But I think you should be fair and accept that I have done due diligence and that it is the Tea Party Express that has repeatedly failed to answer the tough questions.

NOTE: For anyone interested here is a link to the TPX FEC reports: http://bit.ly/9aac76

Bob Hastings

Battle Born Politics

www.battlebornpolitics.wordpress.com

The Randomness of Nevada Politics

So what has Harry Reid’s Depends in a bunch this week?  None other than House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor and all for following the words of Barrack Obama.  Apparently Mr. Reid sees the fact that Eric Cantor is sticking stead fastly to his beliefs and refusing to give President Obama respect that (IMHO) has not been earned.  For that Mr. Reid says Cantor is “childish” and “should not be at the table”.  Funny thing is The Prez himself had this to say about sticking by ones ideals:

“We lose ourselves when we compromise the very ideals that we fight to defend. And we honor those ideals by upholding them not when it’s easy, but when it is hard.”

So sorry Mr. Reid.

Don’t Call Me a Career Politician: On Monday Nevada Assembly Speaker, John Oceguera, announced he will be running for Congress.  He doesn’t know what district or who he will face but he has already determined he is the best candidate.  I wonder if he will still be able to double dip salary if he is in Washington D.C.?

You Said It Madam Chair: Regarding Oceguera’s bid for Congressional District “who the hell knows which one”, Nevada GOP Chair Amy Tarkanian, released the following statement:

“Today’s announcement by Speaker Oceguera is the sad cry of a career politician looking for a new gig. Oceguera’s bid for Congress, made before even understanding or caring about the constituency he claims to want to represent, is an action of a termed-out assemblyman who is panicking at the thought of losing one of his government paychecks. Speaker Oceguera’s signature achievement in the state legislature is failing to bully through a $1.5Billion tax increase; Ocegeura’s colleagues rejected his proposal then and Nevadans will reject him in 2012.”

Kudos to Elliott Anderson:  Many of the State’s Legislators, both Democrat and Republican, enjoyed Tweeting about their every move during session.  But once session ended they suddenly became “Tweetless”.  I give Kudos to Assemblyman Anderson who has remained very active in the Twitter land even after session.  Anderson seems like a good guy who I would not mind having a beer with.  As long as we don’t talk politics!

Thank You Captain Obvious:  Cut taxes, Cap spending and Balance the budget.  Who came up with that cockamamie proposal?  Gosh darn it! That’s not the socialist values this country was founded on.

You Are Giving Me A Headache: So the latest attack on Presidential candidate, Michelle Bachman, is that she has debilitating migraines that cause her to take medication and this should eliminate her from contention.  Uh, Mr. Democrat – is that the best you’ve got?  Migraines affect 303 million people worldwide.  29.5 million in the United States alone.  So I guess those 29.5 million people should stop working and go on disability.

What Do You Get…: What do you get when you cross Sharron Angle, Edith Bunker and a bottle of helium?   Kate Marshall (buh-dum-bump)!!!

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.:  According to Casey Anthony defense attorney and GQ wanna be, Jose Baez, he believes the public needs to get past the jury verdict in his client’s case and accept what the jury decided.  Respect their decision he said?  Curious, do you think if he had lost he would have respected the jury’s decision and waved all his clients rights to an appeal?  It just makes you go hmmmmmm!

Dayton, Nevada: OK – 99.3% of you don’t care but Dayton Nevada now has a Chinese Restaurant and MMMMMM Yogurt is scheduled to open soon.  It may not mean much to you but my life is getting better.  Now if we could just get a Purple Penguin (wink to SB).

Kate Marshall Quote:  I wanted to share what I thought was the best quote I have heard from Kate Marshall.  I tried, I swear.  She just hasn’t said anything worth repeating.

Republican’s For Marshall: Who is Guy Felton and why should I care that he is the leader (and apparently only member) of Republican’s for Marshall?  He apparently sees himself a bit like Harry Reid.  Mr. Felton, I know Harry Reid, and sir, you are no Harry Reid.  THANK GOD!!!

Finding the Real Killer:  Rumor is Casey Anthony is planning on hanging out at dance clubs and wet T-shirt contest trying to find the real killer.

Getting Transparent:  Website “Transparent Nevada” has released most of their 2010 salary numbers.  I have been waiting for those to finally come out. See www.transparentnevada.com

Speaking of Ass. Men: Why are some people so obsessed with Assemblyman Mark Sherwood?  It’s a little creepy if you ask me.

Will Oceguera Pump Joe Heck Up? Question: If John Oceguera is voted into Congress, can our representatives assume they will get a new Congressional gym on the taxpayer’s dime? I’m just asking.

The Doctors In Da’ Houz Part 1: From the Great Dr. Daliah Wachs on Facebook – “My son Broc’s new nickname is Brocamole.  Hope he likes it”

The Doctors In Da’ Houz Part 2: Follow-up from the Great Dr. Daliah Wachs on Facebook – “Older son Stone now wants a nickname too, so his nickname will be Gall-Stone (urethral stone was taken already)”

Classic!!!

USA! USA!! Thank you to Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach and the rest of Women’s World Cup Team.  You may not have won the tournament but you did America proud.  We are looking forward to 2015. 

Holy Wal-Mart Batman: A couple from South Carolina said they went to pick up photos at Wal-Mart.  The receipt was thrown on floor of their car.  Later, as they looked at the receipt they said the image of Jesus appeared.  Really?  Jesus showed up on a Wal-Mart receipt laying on the floor board of a car in South Carolina.  Some say that the image looks more like Charles Manson.  I saw the receipt and to me it looks more like a troll.  But it, in my opinion, is definitely NOT Jesus.

In or Out:  General wisdom tells us that Governor Rick Perry will likely dip his feet in the Presidential Primary waters.  But we are not sure.  Sarah Palin is also up in the air.  Nothing personal towards either candidate (or anyone else considering a run) but make up your mind already.  Get in or stay out.  I really don’t care, but make a decision.  The GOP needs to start vetting candidates and deciding who can actually beat President Obama.

I Prefer A Quick Cup of Coffee: The Tea Party Express is about to embark on their latest rendition of the “Fleecing America Tour”.  The latest version starts on August 27^th.  The Express is calling it “The Reclaiming America” tour.  It would be more honest to call it “Reclaiming profits for Russo, Wierzbicki and Kremer” tour.  Folks, I can only lay it out so many times for you.  They use this organization to push money through several companies and pay themselves big salaries at each stop of every dollar.  Remember, this is the group who got Harry Reid re-elected.

And The Survey Says:  According to Rasmussen, Generic Republican Candidate 47%, Obama 41%.  This guy “Generic Republican” is the only one who seems to have good enough numbers to beat Obama.  How can we get this guy to throw his hat in the ring?

In All Seriousness: This issue is dedicated to Command Master Chief Dave Remington.  Chief Remington suddenly and unexpectedly passed last Thursday at the age of 61.  Dave was a 30 year veteran of the Navy, former school teacher, co-worker and friend.  He was my “politics buddy” often coming into my office to discuss the latest issue.  There were two things I could count on Dave saying to me each week:

1)  “My guy, John Thune, won’t be running for President.  I really like him” and

2)  “We can’t afford another four years of this knucklehead (i.e. Barrack Obama)”.

Dave was a good husband, good father, good grand-father and good friend.  He was also a Great American.  It was an honor knowing you sir.

Nevada GOP Chair Tarkanian: Bringing Unity, Success and a Change in Direction

The Republican National Committee (RNC) released a new television ad entitled ‘Change Direction’.  The ad focuses on President Obama’s failed economic policies and the disastrous course he has set for America’s economy. This is the beginning of a month long campaign by the RNC.  You can view the ad here: http://bit.ly/nxVvIN 

Following a press release from the RNC, newly elected Nevada State Republican Chair, Amy Tarkanian, held her first press conference.  With several journalist and bloggers attending the phone conference, Tarkanian first focused on the new advertisement.  The ad, she said, focuses strongly on President Obama’s clear failure to lead the nation on the issue of the economy.  Tarkanian discussed the fact that the failed policies have led to the loss of 83,500 jobs in Nevada leaving us with an unemployment rate of 12.1% despite spending $800 billion in stimulus money.  According to the RNC ad and Tarkanian this leaves Nevada “in play in 2012”.

Following her initial statements echoing the RNC ad, Tarkanian then focused on her new role as State GOP chair, the upcoming elections and the plans being put in place to bring about a successful 2012.

Tarkanian acknowledged that in 2008 the party faced some challenges with the caucus system in Nevada.  The Democrats seemed to outpace the GOP in its preparation and execution.  Their use of education, electronic media and mock caucuses allowed the Democrats to see a fair amount of success.  But Tarkanian assured those listening that she intends to not allow that to happen again.  In addition to the items mentioned she expects to focus the GOP on fundraising and candidate recruitment.  Fundraising, in particular, has been a sore point for the Nevada GOP over the last few years.  Tarkanian believes these efforts will turn Nevada into a “solid red state” again.

The transition the Nevada GOP is going through to change from the older, more traditional methods of campaigning was discussed.  Though the transition may not be complete during this election cycle the changes they do make, she believes, will significantly improve the GOPs efforts in regards to voter ID, and polling.  Tarkanian, who has already been in contact with National leadership, did admit that those changes are costly and that it shows a need for improved fundraising.  It was also discussed that there would be more of an effort on statewide coordination.  The support and efforts by the likes of Dean Heller, Brian Sandoval, Joe Heck and the Assembly and Senate caucuses will be critical.  That, Tarkanian said, is how we can push this down to the county level and be successful.  Specifically, she believes that with the Supreme Court’s recent decision the party now has one candidate to focus on.  This will now allow the popular Governor Sandoval to move more to the forefront and be active in his support, much like Senator Reid does for the Democrats.

Tarkanian also acknowledge that being a new chair along with a Special Election in September and caucuses in 2012 will bring some unique and new challenges.  She feels though that the GOP is ready.  Tarkanian points strongly to the fact that GOP candidate for Congressional District 2 is a well known quantity to the state.  As a native Nevadan, Tarkanian sees Mark Amodei as an intelligent leader who is loved and who will be able to unite the party.   And about Amodei’s opponent, Tarkanian stated “Kate is not close to what Mark already has established in the ground game”.

Some questions were asked in regards to Amodei who was Tarkanian’s predecessor as GOP Chair.  In specific she was asked about his lack of press conferences and “anemic fundraising”.  She was also asked if she would be a more active chair.  Tarkanian stated that yes she will be a full time chair.  She hopes this will help the party to become more stable and cohesive.  In regards to Amodei and other previous chairs, Tarkanian would only say that she did not want to look to the past but instead move to the future.

Mrs.  Tarkanian also outlined her plan to reach out to minority groups in the state.  This has traditionally been an area of need for Nevada Republicans.  Tarkanian stated that she has several people already appointed and in place to reach out to the African American, Hispanic and Asian communities.  It will be interesting to see if the efforts allow the Nevada GOP to make inroads in these communities.  She also said she will work closely with Governor Sandoval to effectively reach these groups.

Lastly, Tarkanian was asked about the unity or sometimes non-unity of the Nevada’s Tea Party groups and how the GOP plans to help to bring them together.  Tarkanian said she is very appreciative of the groups.  She also stated they are hard working and they are the ones who have begun to light fires under our legislators.  Tarkanian believes that many of these groups were started out of frustration.  The frustration, in part, was due to a lack of leadership and a need to be heard.  Tarkanian plans to get everyone focused, effective and participating.  She plans on making sure that through elimination of duplicative efforts and strong communication she can bring these groups together.  Tarkanian wants all the groups to know “we are here and we are listening”.

Sign the “Nevada Republican Prosperity Pledge”

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“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work” – Vince Lombardi

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Question: Why is Harry Reid still a Senator from Nevada?  For everyone who shouted Sharron Angle – WRONG!!!

Sharron Angle losing to Harry Reid in November is the symptom.  It is not the disease.  I know Sharron was NOT the best candidate.  I know Sharron continually shot herself in the foot.  I know in doing so she was perceived and labeled “crazy”.  I know she was arrogant and wouldn’t listen to those around her.  I know she sold out her Conservative values for National backing.  I KNOW!!!  But here is the thing.  Whether Reid or Angle won that race we were getting stuck with a “crazy”, arrogant, sell out.  The difference is Reid is a liberal sell out and Angle is a conservative sell out. 

But I digress.  Angle was not the cause of Reid maintaining his Senate seat.  Reid beat Angle by 41,424 votes.  At the time of the election there were 470,919 registered and active Republican voters in the state of Nevada.  If we assumed that every vote for Angle was a Republican, she received 321,361 votes.  By my math there were at least 149,558 registered and active Republican voters in the state of Nevada who failed to show up at the polls.  That is why Harry Reid is still your Senator.

In the Angle/Reid race many could not get past the somewhat bizarre actions of Angle.  I understand the issues.  We had a joke in my house that on Election Day my daughter would have to drive us to the polls.  That was because we would need to be drunk to mark the box for Angle.  But we did.  Not because we liked Angle but we liked Reid a whole lot less.  Too many people, in my opinion, focused on the trees, and forgot all about the forest.  A failure to vote for Angle was like a vote for Reid and all the damage he had caused and continues to cause today.

But this all is not about the Reid/Angle race.  It is a Nevada Republican issue.  It is Republican’s across the board.  I cannot count the number of times I have heard or read the phrase that “Republican’s are cannibalizing themselves” over the last several months. The fact is that is true.  Not all, but many, have decided their own personal agenda is the most important thing.  That as long “they” advance themselves and their positions the advancement of the party is irrelevant.  We have become the party of finger pointers and label makers.

We rarely function as a group.  We function as factions.  We are the Conservatives, or the Tea Partiers, the Libertarians, the Ron Paul people, the RINO’s but we are rarely just “Republican’s” working together.  Those labels I listed are fine – as long as their importance to us falls after American and after Republican.  If you are registered as a party member we must function as a group.

The problem with labels is that they are they are like opinions.  Everyone has one.  There is neither rhyme nor reason to how they are placed on individuals.  I am just as guilty.  I laid plenty of labels on individuals in the past but am working to change that now.  I have heard Dean Heller called a Conservative and I have heard Dean Heller called a RINO.  I have heard Mark Amodei called a Conservative and I have heard Mark Amodei called a RINO.  Who gets to decide who is what?  And come September 13 ask yourself, no matter where Mark Amodei falls on your “Conservative Meter”, won’t he still be a far better choice than Kate Marshall?

The second part of the issue is those who seem to have little loyalty for the party when their own gains and losses come into play.  As I have become more and more involved at the state level over the last year I have seen repeated cases of back room deals, good old’ boy networks, veiled threats and more.  We are not speaking of Democrats.  We are talking about Republican on Republican deception and manipulation.  One could suggest that it is all part of politics.  But it is the part we all claim to hate.  So how long do we allow this to go on within our own party before we stand up and say “NO MORE”?  How many times do we have to hear the words “this is how it has always been done” before we say “it’s unacceptable”?  How long before we are the party of honor and courage we claim to be?

One thing we do seem to lead in is pledges.  It seems weekly we have some group come up with a new pledge and we expect everyone to sign it.  Especially the politicians.  It all seemed to start with the Tax Payer Protection Pledge.  If you signed it you were considered a friend to the tax payer.  Don’t sign it and you were scorned.  Now we have the Cut, Cap and Balance Pledge.  Cut the deficit, cap spending and balance the budget.  It all seems so simple.  But the problem is we all stand back like vulchers waiting for the slightest screw up.  Then we pounce.  The situations are never up for discussions.  We see this as a black and white issue. The only options are pass and fail.

So I have decided that if everyone else can have a pledge, Battle Born Politics will also.  But the purpose of mine is to not be so black and white.  To not place labels.  I ask you if a person is fiscally Conservative but socially middle of the road how would you label them anyway?  Are they Conservative? A RINO? Something else maybe?  The purpose of my pledge is to get everyone on the same page.  We must get back to a team mentality.  To understand that we have our differences but we are all to the right of center and for the most part pulling in the same direction.  I believe if people sign and more importantly honor the pledge we can bring the party back together to work as one cohesive unit.  You see my pledge focuses on three things:

1) Focusing us all on the same basic issues

2) Understanding that despite differences, we are all on the same team – labels and name calling will only cause failure

3) Agree that we will not allow deception, divisiveness or personal agenda’s to get in the way of the good of the party, the good of Nevada and the good of America                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

We all need to sign a pledge like this.  More importantly we all need to live a pledge like this.  But first on the list of people needing to sign are the politicians, legislators and party leaders.  They must be prepared to lead by example.  They cannot feed us lip service anymore.  No more talking Republican pride while stabbing their neighbor in the back.  They must show us the way to leadership, integrity, honesty and teamwork.

As we approach September we are in a very unique time.  We have a new Governor, new Senator and will shortly have a new Representative.  We have elected a new GOP Chair who will bring along new and fresh leaders in the party.  We have every opportunity to change our “business as usual” attitude because that attitude has brought us to where we are.  And honestly, that is not a very good place.

I ask do you have the courage to sign this pledge?  Not for the purpose of someone trying to catch you in a “gotcha” moment.  But to confirm to yourself and to others that you are a part of the team and that the team’s success is ultimately the most important thing.

To see and sign the Nevada Republican Prosperity Pledge,

1) Click this link: http://bit.ly/ikdcgk or

2) go to www.battlebornpolitics.wordpress.com and follow the links on the right side of the page.

The Racist Republican

Herman Cain courtesy of www.revolutionarypaideia.wordpress.com

So you may consider yourself a Republican.  Or maybe you are more a conservative.  Worst of all you may consider yourself (gasp!) a Tea Partier.  Regardless, I can guarantee that at some point you have either directly or indirectly been called a racist.   

Last Thursday was the first GOP Presidential debate.  I was a bit disappointed that I had to miss it.  But my son had a Little League game and I help coach.  I had heard quite a bit about the debate since but had seen very little of it.  On Sunday evening as my wife and I were about to call it a very long weekend we flipped into FOX.  They were replaying the debate so we thought we would watch for a few minutes.  The second or third person to speak was Herman Cain.  I cannot remember exactly what he said but it was an attack on President Obama and the current administration.  After Cain finished my wife said mockingly “Racist Bastard”.  We both got a chuckle out of that.

You see, we chuckled because Herman Cain discussed a position that is no different than our own.  Yet, because my skin is white – I am a racist.  I have opposed Barack Obama since day one.  Not because of the color of his skin but because of the positions he espouses.  But to those on the left and many whose skin is different than mine they cannot believe this to be the case.  In their mind I can only be against Obama because of the color of his skin.  We all know the old question “have you stopped beating your wife yet?”  There is not a good way to answer that question.  I feel that we on the right are in a position of constantly defending our self.  It is a no win situation.  It is as though the new question is “have you stopped being a racist yet?” 

But there is a second side that the “name callers” don’t want to discuss.  How to they label Republican’s, Conservatives and Tea Partiers who are African-American?  Are they racists too?  Are they racists against their own people?  There are some that I would assume would use terms like “Uncle Tom” to describe these Conservative Americans.  Those are the ones I consider the unintelligent.   How does one from the left justify that these individuals are not less racist when they consider all others in the group racist?  Here are some prominent African-Americans and their view of President Barack Obama and his political positions:

Herman Cain (Businessman, Presidential Candidate) 

“Now people are over this first black president thing. But there are some people who will say, ‘I’m not going to vote for another black guy because this one didn’t work out. And my response is, ‘Well, what about those 43 white guys you put in there? How did they work out? Don’t condemn me because the first black one was bad.” 

“A Real Black Man May Run Against Barack Obama. They don’t want Barack Obama to have to go Toe-To-Toe with you as the Republican Presidential Nominee! I said it is because I never use the teleprompter. Complete Full Script, Dialogue, Remarks, Saying, Quotes, Words And Text To Herman Cain – A Real Black Man May Run Against Barack Obama.” 

Allen West (Congressman, Florida) 

“I’m starting to believe that a community organizer is nothing but a low-level socialist agitator.” 

“I am sick and tired of this class warfare, this Marxist demagogue-ic rhetoric that is coming from the President of the United States of America. It is not helpful for this country and it’s not going to move the ball forward as far as rectifying the economic situation in our country. And I’m not going to back away from telling what the truth is.” 

“I can’t stand the guy. I absolutely can’t stand him.” 

Alan Keyes (Diplomat, Pundit, Public Speaker) 

“Christ would not vote for Barack Obama, because Barack Obama has voted to behave in a way that it is inconceivable for Christ to have behaved.”

Michael Steele (Former Lt. Governor of Maryland, Former Chairman, Republican National Committee) 

“The problem that we have with this president is we don’t know him. He was not vetted, folks… He was not vetted, because the press fell in love with the black man running for the office.” 

Thomas Sowell (Economist) 

“President Obama can ban the phrase “war on terror” but he cannot ban the terrorists’ war on us. That war continues, so there is no reason to turn terrorists loose before it ends. They chose to make it that kind of war. We don’t need to risk American lives to prove that we are nicer than they are.” 

“What does calling this medical care legislation “historic” mean? It means that previous administrations gave up the idea when it became clear that the voting public did not want government control of medical care. What is “historic” is that this will be the first administration to show that it doesn’t care one bit what the public wants or doesn’t want.” 

“Whether Barack Obama is simply incompetent as president or has some hidden agenda to undermine this country, at home and abroad, he has nearly everything he needs to ruin America, including a fool for a vice president” 

So the question becomes are these African-Americans racist against African-Americans?  If I can be labeled a racist because of the party I belong to or the Constitutional beliefs I have, why then are they not racist?  We are not speaking of me being a member of the Ku Klux Klan.  We are talking about me being a member of the Republican Party.  The Party of Abraham Lincoln.  

Now don’t get me wrong.  I understand that the GOP, as a whole, has done a very poor job of recruiting African-American’s to the party.  This was apparent in the 2008 election when several prominent African-American Conservatives threatened to jump ship and vote for Obama.  Most did so while pointing at the party as having failed to address the African-American community.  What is amazing to realize is that African-Americans at one time largely voted for Republicans.  This was in part due to the fact that Abraham Lincoln was a Republican and he helped to bring freedom to the black slave.  But it was in the 1930’s, during the great depression, that things began to change.  During Franklin Roosevelt’s term and his implementation of The New Deal, a struggling community found some relief in FDRs policies. 

The GOP does need to be realistic.  The fact is the country’s make-up shows that 12.6% of citizens are African-American.  But the GOP rolls show that only 2% of Republican’s are African-American.  When African-Americans supported the Republican Party, was this based in a time when the voting population was so over-whelmingly white that that the party took the African-American vote for granted?  Maybe that is the case, but that still does NOT make me or anyone else racist for being Conservative. 

Over the last month I have had the pleasure of conversing via e-mail with Carmelinda.  Carmelinda is African-American and contacted me following an article I had written that she did not, in large part, agree with.  I will admit that our conversation were a bit testy in the beginning.  Carmelinda could not understand my positions as a Conservative and more so as a Christian.  We have debated several points at great length.  But at some point as we shared ideas we realized that neither of us was a bad person.  We just looked at the world of different way.  That was all.  At least I believe she feels this way.  Suddenly, you saw words like “I understand” more and more in our correspondence.  Not “I agree” but “I understand”.  I now look forward to the exchanges we have because the dialogue brings about understanding. 

I don’t dislike Barack Obama because of the color of his skin.  I do believe his policies are very bad for America.  But to be put under a microscope and called racist is hurtful to me and harmful to America.  Are their racists in the Republican Party? Conservative Party? Tea Party?  Sure there are.  But most Republican’s are just good people who have a belief system.  Just like any political party.  And reality is we all have racists among us.  But don’t let the few dictate for all.  Remember these words: 

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. – Martin Luther King, Jr.” 

Please remember that street flows both ways.

Sharron Angle’s “Crazy Train” Says Nevada’s “Left Wing GOP” Is Against Her

Ozzy Osbourne sang “I’m going off the rails on a crazy train”.  Welcome to Sharron Angle’s world. 

On Friday Sharron Angle sent a letter to her supporters.  In essence it was a fundraising letter.  But like the guy in court trying to defend himself if you allow them to talk long enough they will manage to hang themselves.  Enter Sharron Angle.  We are all aware of Sharron’s run at Senator Reid.  She was the epitome of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.  Sharron’s biggest problem was Sharron.  She managed to walk away from her Senate run having been tagged as somewhat of a “whack job”.  Whether discussing Scientology, Latin high school students who look Asian, or telling Reid to “man up” she managed to get herself in deep trouble. 

Angle has now started out her latest campaign, to run for Congressional District 2, no differently.  We all saw the video of Angle at the Tax Day Tea Party in Las Vegas singing “Proud to be an American”.  Angle was one leopard skin coat short of a lounge lizard act.  But through all of this there was still a feeling that she could pull this off.  She could possibly garner enough GOP support to have a real shot?  Then came Friday’s letter.  I wanted to do a little analysis of the letter.  What was Angle really saying?  Here is my breakdown of her breakdown: 

Dear Supporter: 

As you know, Nevada’s US Senator John Ensign has resigned and Governor Sandoval has appointed my Congressman, Dean Heller, to replace Ensign. 

A Special Election must take place in the next 180 days. I must begin to raise money immediately if Republicans intend to hold this seat. Will you make an urgent contribution of $25, $50, $100 or even $250 right now? 

My Comments: So here is where we see this first bit of “bipolar” behavior.  Angel refers to Heller as her Congressman.  Funny, I guess she forgot about that little lawsuit she had against Heller when she lost to him.  But then she tells us “I must begin to raise money” but follows that up with “if Republicans intend to hold this seat”.  She has already started setting herself out as the Golden Child. As the only one who can win.  I’m sure this all is playing well with GOP Chairman Mark Amodei, Lt. Governor Krolicki, Commander Kirk Lippold and State Senator Brower.  The woman who was not popular enough to beat the most hated politician in the United States says she is the only one who can win CD2. She continues: 

When I won the Republican Primary in June of 2010, Harry Reid and his allies outspent me by millions of dollars on attack ads. By the time I had the money to respond, it was too late.  That’s not going to happen again – not with your help. 

My Comments: Minor point Sharron.  You may not want to point out that you were not prepared following the primary.  Even if you say it won’t happen again.  Didn’t you make several comments before the primary that you were ready to hit the ground running and defeat Harry Reid.  Apparently you didn’t even think you were going to win the primary.  Surprise!!!  But there is more: 

Instead of more than a year to prepare, I must now raise hundreds of thousands of dollars in just WEEKS. I must do this so WE can set the agenda, not our opponents. Our message will be first to hit the doors of NV-CD 2 and the airwaves and as a team the last to leave it, but only if we can raise money today to prepare for the launch of the special election contest. 

My Comments: First I’m concerned as to who your “opponents” are.  Are you speaking of the Democrats or the GOP as you call them out in your letter. 

I also ask Sharron, why “weeks” to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars?  The actual election is set for September 13, 2011.  That is a full four and a half months.  The weeks you speak of are to the June 18^th date chosen by the State GOP to select their one candidate.  But that won’t take hundreds of thousands.  It will likely take a few grand.  If the GOP does get to choose their candidate the decision will come down to about 350 voters statewide on the Nevada Republican Central Committee.  Sharron, I believe, is very aware she will have an uphill battle to win the spot doled out by the NRCC. 

At the time Angle’s letter was sent we were unaware as to how the election would proceed.  The GOP wanted it to be a closed election in which the parties choose a single candidate.  The Democrats were looking to make it an election that was open to all.  On Monday, Secretary of State Ross Miller shockingly (sarcasm!) chose to follow the Democrats lead.  Interestingly Sharron Angle was one of the few Republicans asking for the open, free-for-all format.  She wants this because she knows it is her only real chance of winning the CD2 seat.  In addition, it sets up an “if not me then no one” scenario for Angle and the GOP.

 There have been many rumors that Angle might choose to run as an independent should she fail in her bid to fill the GOP spot.  Of course she has unequivocally denied those reports.  But that would explain why she is concerned about raising so much money for a six week race focused on 350 voters.  There is no stopping her now: 

The Democrats want this seat. The left wing of the Republican Party wants it more. Instead of an open process – already they are behind closed doors, choosing one of their own to be the preferred candidate in the race. This is exactly why I am running and why I need your help – to put an end to special interest politics! With your urgent contribution, we can make sure that never happens. 

My Comments: Sharron – “Oh no you di-in’t”.  Did Sharron Angle really have the nerve to bag on the party she claims to be a part of and want support from?  She talks about them acting for the “preferred candidate” behind closed doors.  I’ll be the first to admit I have called out individuals for their “back room” deals, but Angle is going after the Nevada GOP as a whole, or at least a large portion of it.  In part the attack is against the GOP leadership and in part the members (i.e. citizens) who sit on the Central Committee.  

First, the decision at the GOP meeting on June 18^th (should it actually happen) would be in the hands of the three-hundred-fifty Central Committee members.  Exactly how many of those are behind closed doors trying to figure out how to screw Sharron Angle?  Reality is the voting group at present is spread among at least five candidates (Amodei, Angle, Brower, Krolicki and Lippold).  Is she saying the supporters of the other four are in “cahoots”?  Sort of an “anyone but Sharron” mantra.  It’s time to break out the foil beanies folks. 

And who are these behind the scene leaders she is calling out.  Amodei?  Smith? DeCarlo?  Sharron has the guts to make a broad accusation but not enough courage to point the finger at anyone specific.  First, I assume that she must think Mark Amodei is up to no good since he too is running.  She has personally told me in the past she feels he “is not a real politician” and that he is “nothing but an entertainer”.  But who else does she think would try to manipulate her out of a job? 

Lastly, wasn’t it Sharron who owes her entire Senate primary campaign to the Club for Growth and Tea Party Express?  Can you get anymore “Special Interest”?  The TPX has put so much money into the pockets of Sal Russo and Joe Wierzbicki it would make Osama Bin Laden spin in his watery grave. Now the big finish: 

Thanks again for your generous support for me last year. Our noble cause fell short, but with your help we can win this race and make our conservative voices heard. 

Please make a contribution today. It will make all the difference for our American future! 

For the cause,

Sincerely,

Sharron Angle

Republican Candidate, US Congress

Nevada’s 2nd Congressional District 

P.S. We need to raise at least $150,000 online this quarter. Will you commit to being one of our first contributors for the special election? With your help we can be ready to fight the good fight! 

My Comments: Gimme, gimme, gimme.  How many times can you say it? 

This letter seems to me to be doing the exact opposite of its intent.  While Angle strives to increase her votes and to get back in the good graces of some of her former followers, it instead calls out and attacks those very individuals. 

But then again maybe Angle, with this letter, is doing exactly as she intends.  With the subtle attacks and finger pointing Angle can create a serious separation with the GOP.  If that were the case she could claim that the GOP never gave her a fair shot and therefore justify her right to run as an independent. 

What Sharron Angle fails to see is that her time has passed. When you get to the point of having to manipulate your own party to gain any chance of winning – then your time is done.  Sharron owes the members of the state GOP a lot.  She owes them for past support.  She owes them for past efforts but mostly she owes them an explanation as to why she is attacking “her own”. 

Sharron, you should never bite the hand that feeds you.

Of Tea Parties, the GOP and Nevada

Picture courtesy of www.monsterjam.com

Today we celebrate the “3^rd Anniversary” of the Tea Party.  With Tax Day Tea Parties nationwide Tea Partiers are gathering to try to affect the government in some positive way and make our voices heard.  So I would like to make some statements, ask some questions and generally just have some fun with all of my “God Fearing, Gun Toting, Flag Waving, Tea Bagger” friends.

1) On Wednesday President Obama made a very deep and hard hitting speech regarding our budget (tongue in cheek).  One of B.O.’s quotes was “We have to live within our means, reduce our deficit, and get back on a path that will allow us to pay down our debt”.  Is he starting to use Republican talking points?  More importantly who should be more upset?  The Democrats because Obama is trying to not be like them or Republican’s because Obama is trying to be more like us? 

2) Do any of us get mad at the term “Tea Bagger”?  Yes, I know it’s meant as an insult.  But most who use the term do so with a very angry tone and that makes me laugh. 

3) I have spent twenty plus years working in quality.  One of the gurus of “Quality Assurance” is a gentleman by the name of W. Edward Deming.  Part of Mr. Deming’s theory was “The Deming System of Profound Knowledge”:

“Once the individual understands the system of profound knowledge, he will apply its principles in every kind of relationship with other people. He will have a basis for judgment of his own decisions and for transformation of the organizations that he belongs to. The individual, once transformed, will:

• Set an example;
• Be a good listener, but will not compromise;
• Continually teach other people; and
• Help people to pull away from their current practices and beliefs and move into the new philosophy without a feeling of guilt about the past.”

I’m thinking some of our GOP brethren in Carson City need to read and more importantly implement this theory.

4) An important question you need to understand and answer this weekend: Who is John Galt?

5) Is anyone else sick of Charlie Sheen?  I hope he never goes back to “Two and a Half Men”.  I think people are watching Sheen for the same reason many watch NASCAR.  They are just hoping for a crash.  What would it mean to our lives if Sheen quietly fades away? Duh, winning!

6) Speaking of the Wednesday speech, what did “The Prez” have to say? His speech was about 5200 words and lasted about 44 minutes (no wonder Biden fell asleep).  In his speech he mentioned:

God – 3 times, Democrats – 4 times, Debt – 5 times, Republicans – 6 times, Medicaid – 8 times, Seniors – 12 times, Commitment or Promise – 13 times, Medicare – 16 times, Tax or Taxes – 33 times

I tried to calculate the number of times he said “I” but my calculator kept flashing the following message “Number too large, exceeds allowable characters”.

7) A name and face to watch in Nevada politics is James Settelmeyer.  Mr. Settlemeyer is the State Senator for the Capitol District.  Not known much in the south, James has been a strong player in the current session and was ranked 5^th of all Nevada Legislators in 2009 by Citizen’s Outreach for percentage of conservative votes. Tipping my cowboy hate to ya’ James!

8 ) Naval Commander Kirk Lippold of Carson City has thrown his hat into the ring for CD2.  Lippold is only the second to officially announce a run for the seat (aside from Sharron Angle).  It is believed that Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki and GOP State Chair Mark Amodei will eventually enter the race.  My question is – does Kirk Lippold give us the Conservative voice we need without the shoot from the hip, torpedoes be damned attitude (pun intended) of a Sharron Angle?  Only time will tell.

9) My new favorite quote: “Don’t Let the Perfect Be the Enemy of the Good” – Voltaire

10) Apparently I am upsetting some in both Lyon County and the State GOP with some of my statements, predictions and rumors (many of which have come to fruition).  I repeat – I am a registered Republican and consider myself more so a conservative.  Just because you have an “R” next to your name does not mean I will carry water for you.  Not now.  Not ever.  Be honest baby.  Be honest!!!

11) A personal note.  My daughter is in Las Vegas this week visiting a friend in the hospital.  The group she traveled with plans on going to the Silver and Gold Pawn Shop at some point.  If my daughter loves me she’ll bring me home a “Chumley” t-shirt.  I’m just saying.

12) Word Wars: This one is for Jesse and David.  We were talking at the GOP Convention in Carson City about how people misuse words.  The word of the day was “literally”.  As when someone says “I was so scared I literally pee’d my pants”.  Really?  Was it messy? 

People, the English language is not that hard.  Please try and use it correctly.  I realize most of us have a public education – but really.

13) Speaking of Education, the Lyon County School Board befuddled me this week.  An idea has been floated for Lyon County to go to four day school week.  First I want to thank those from the Board who came to speak with the parents on the subject.  Where I was confused was that they stated the reason for the proposal was to help close a potential $4M budget shortfall next year.  But we were told the four day week would take a couple years to implement and only save $750K.  The money is fine but how will cost savings in two or three years help the budget shortfall next year?

14) For those that missed it.  Never say that Democrats and Republicans can’t work together.  Proof is here in this video.  H/T to Rick Astley and the Oregon Legislature. http://bit.ly/i9aU25  I can’t wait to see Stephen Horsford’s version of “Ya Can’t Touch This”. It’s Horsford Time!

15) Shelley Berkley has officially entered the race for the US Senate.  GOP – a word of warning: Dean Heller and the GOP should be able to win this race BUT it is not a foregone conclusion and we cannot get complacent.  Keep your eye on the prize.

16) CLASSIC CARS AND THE FOOD BANK OF NORTHERN NEVADA: For all Carson City/Reno area folks, here is a great opportunity for this weekend.  Capitol Classic Productions is holding a Show and Shine on Saturday April 16that the Carson City Harley Davidson (2900 Research Way) from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Also feel free to bring any non-perishable food items to donate.  On hand will be MONSTER TRUCK AIRBORNE RANGER 2 (pictured above).