Bloomberg says will not run for president

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has decided not to run for the U.S. presidency, he said in the New York Times, ending long-running speculation that he could launch a challenge as an independent candidate.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080228/pl_nm/usa_politics_bloomberg_dc

Bush to Urge Action on Surveillance Law, Iraq, Housing

President Bush on Thursday will call on Congress to renew the terrorist surveillance law, as well as adopt legislation that would help homeowners facing foreclosure and provide more funds for Iraq troops, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,333434,00.html

Group to Hold District Voting Rally This Thursday!

As many of you are aware, there is a movement by Democratic Representative Virgil Fludd to force district voting on the county. Current and past County Commissioners, local Republican elected Representatives and Senators, and City Council members from all Fayette County cities have all indicated they do NOT want district voting.

Thursday night, Feb. 28th, a District Voting Rally has been organized in SUPPORT of district voting. The Rally will be held beginning at 6:45 p.m., just prior to the County Commission's regular meeting.

County Commission Meeting Room
140 Stonewall Avenue, Fayetteville

We encourage all those who oppose district voting to attend the meeting.

Representative Matt Ramsey: Effort to Impose District Voting on Fayette County Would Supersede Local Control

I was disturbed to learn that my colleague in the General Assembly, Virgil Fludd, is once again attempting to change the way our County Commission is elected in Fayette County through the use of "Local Legislation" in the State House. Currently, all five members of our County Commission are elected at-large by the voters of the entire County. Representative Fludd proposes to break Fayette County up into geographic districts and have some, or all, of our Commissioners elected by districts.

The local legislative process exists in the General Assembly because of the limited constitutional authority granted to counties to frame, adopt and amend their own charters, powers and laws. Such legislative changes are referred to as "Local Legislation" in the General Assembly and are put forth by each county's legislative delegation, which is made up of all legislators that represent any portion of a given county. In the Georgia House, the Fayette County delegation consists of me, John Yates (R-Griffin), Roberta Abdul-Salaam (D-Riverdale), Virgil Fludd (D-Tyrone) and Darryl Jordan (D-Riverdale). The rules of the House are such that only a majority of our delegation (3 members) needs to sign onto a local bill to move it out of committee and the House.

The local legislative process does not exist to impose controversial top-down changes on a local community without that community's support and against the will of the locally elected officials. The process exists to give local officials an efficient and accessible process by which they can bring proposed changes that have community support to their General Assembly delegation and constitutionally change the political subdivision's laws or ordinances. Not one of our County Commissioners has called me in support of creating a district based voting system in Fayette County. Further, I have not heard from one of my constituents in favor of this change and have heard from dozens that oppose it out of concern for Fayette County's future. This effort is nothing more than an attempt by a few individuals at the State Capitol to impose their will on Fayette County without the support of the community at-large or our locally elected officials.

Year in and year out, Fayette County is at or near the top of the Georgia rankings in school performance measures such as graduation rates, SAT and ACT scores and percentage of graduates going on to college. Fayette County has one of the highest median household incomes in not only Georgia, but the nation. The value of new and existing homes continues to be among the highest in the State. Crime statistics indicate Fayette County's crime rate is one of the lowest in metro-Atlanta. By any measure Fayette County has historically and currently is one of the most prosperous and well run counties in Georgia. Our success is owed in large part to the conscientious leadership of the current and past members of the County Commission, all of which have been elected at-large, by the voters of this County. It strikes me as tremendously irresponsible to risk the success we have enjoyed by making such a major change to how our leaders are selected without the support of the community or the very Commissioners this would affect. Unlike the proponents of this change, I am not willing to gamble our County's future by imposing such a major systemic change without being certain it is supported by our community and locally elected officials. Based on the significant feedback I have received, this proposal simply does not have the support of Fayette County.

Georgia Representative Matt Ramsey
District 72

Commissioner Peter PfeiferExcerpts from Pfeifer's letter to the editor:

A short explanation of how Fayette County elects its County Commissioners. Two "Posts" are "At Large". A candidate can live anywhere in the County and is voted on by all the voters in the County. Three "Posts" are located in "Districts". The candidate must live in the District but is also voted on by all the voters in the County.

Fayette County has voting for all local officials "At Large"; for the County Commission, for School Board and in each and every town/city in the County.

Those who support a change to "District Voting" want the Commissioner to live in a certain District and to be voted on by ONLY the voters who live in that District. I don't support that change...

...I've checked the list of types of county governments in Georgia on the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) website.

In this list; 113 are District, 16 are Combination (the same listing as Fayette), and 22 are "At Large". The number of Members on Boards varies from 1 to 11. 8 are "Sole Commissioner"; there is only one member of the Commission. Lengths of term vary. Some are Full Time some are Part Time.

There is a list of neighboring counties on a Flyer circulating about this issue. It says, "One of these things is NOT like the others!" It lists Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Pike, Rockdale and Spalding. The flyer says they have "District Voting". This flyer is incorrect. Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton, Fayette and Douglas are "Combination". Rockdale is "At Large".

What does this mean? That each County chooses the form of government that best suits them. They are NOT all the same...

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Chambliss Receives 2008 Congressional Partnership Award for Support of Community and Economic Development Efforts

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today was honored with a 2008 Congressional Partnership Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for outstanding leadership in promoting federal community, economic and infrastructure development programs. Members from the Chattahoochee-Flint, Georgia Mountains, South Georgia and Southwest Georgia Regional Development Centers joined NADO in presenting the award to Chambliss.

“The federal government must continue to invest in our local communities so we can create jobs and improve quality of life in areas of need,” said Chambliss. “Georgia is one of the fastest growing states in the country, and I am proud to advocate for our state at the federal level.”

NADO President Leanne Mazer said, “Senator Chambliss is a true leader who has displayed an unwavering commitment to providing new economic opportunities for our nation’s local communities. Most importantly, Senator Chambliss understands that federal programs for basic infrastructure, small business development, job creation and comprehensive economic development planning are essential for the long-term competitiveness of our local communities.”

The biennial awards program recognizes members of Congress that have displayed strong support of regional development polices. Winners were selected based on their support of NADO’s national legislative priorities, such as increased funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and other federal community and economic development programs, strengthening the role of rural local officials in transportation planning, as well as supporting the work of regional development organizations at the local level.

The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) serves as the national voice of regional development organizations. The association is an advocate for federal community and economic development programs and policies that help local communities improve their local economy and quality of life.
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Barack Obama prefers cooperation abroad

WASHINGTON - Based on his Senate history, Barack Obama as president would likely push to expand human rights and reduce poverty abroad using cooperation rather than confrontation. If foreign events permit.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080226/ap_on_el_pr/obama_foreign_policy
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Senator Obama's Coming Out Party in Cleveland

There has been a great deal of controversy generated over Senator Barack Obama's views towards Israel and the America-Israel relationship. The arguments have revolved around his close associations with people who harbor problematic views toward Israel, his list of foreign policy advisers, and some of his own views on the course of America's foreign policy. American Thinker has run a series of articles on this topic. Supporters have rallied to Barack Obama's defense. As we have said before, we hope these supporters are correct, but we have our doubts. These doubts have increased in the wake of comments the Senator made this past Sunday to Jewish leaders in Cleveland.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/02/senator_obamas_coming_out_part.html
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House Dismisses Challenge to Outcome of Florida Race

The House on Monday dismissed a challenge filed by candidate Christine Jennings and affirmed that Republican Vern Buchanan was the rightful winner in the 2006 election.
By voice vote, the House adopted a resolution (H Res 989) closing the books on a bitterly contested race that led Florida to ban the use of touch-screen voting machines.
Buchanan had been certified the winner, by 369 votes, of the Sarasota-based 13th Congressional District seat.
More than 18,000 ballots were recorded as having no choice made in that race. Jennings said she was certain that machine glitches were responsible for at least some of those thousands of no-vote ballots.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002676168
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A few Obama stories...

Obama's Fiction and the Reality of Globalization
The President should have visited Cairo this week – Cairo, Illinois that is.
A new Gallup poll confirms America’s “surging pessimism” about the job market coupled with an ongoing decline in consumer confidence. Strikingly, one in four Americans surveyed were worried that they or their spouses would lose their job in the next twelve months.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/JohnnieBByrd/2008/02/25/
obamas_fiction_and_the_reality_of_globalization

Obama: Hoping Away Reality
When the competitive edge begins to dull, successful organizations and individuals often regroup and reevaluate their methods. In sports, when a gifted-new talent contributes extensively to upsetting a dominant team, a wise coach frequently refocuses his athletes on the fundamentals of the game.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/LeeCulpepper/2008/02/25/obama_hoping_away_reality

Islamic Links on Obama Web Site Stir Criticism
(CNSNews.com) - A page for Muslim supporters of Sen. Barack Obama -- hosted on Obama's presidential campaign Web site -- promotes events sponsored by controversial Islamic groups.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200802/NAT20080225a.html

Obama targets NAFTA but says supports free trade
LORAIN, Ohio (Reuters) - Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama assured U.S. trading partners on Sunday that he did not oppose free trade despite making increasingly critical comments about multilateral deals such as NAFTA.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080225/pl_nm/usa_politics_obama_trade_dc

Conservatives Place Hold on Obama's Global Poverty Bill
(CNSNews.com) - Two conservative members of the U.S. Senate have anonymously placed a hold on Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) global poverty bill, Cybercast News Service has learned. The effort is an attempt to slow down the progress of a bill (S. 2433) that conservative analysts say could eventually force the U.S. to increase its foreign aid by hundreds of billions of dollars.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200802/POL20080225a.html

This Just in From Venus: Hillary's The Tough One, Obama's The Nice One
The Democratic candidates have landed, just in from somewhere out there in the stars. The surprise is that Hillary's from Mars, and Barack Obama's from Venus. She's tough; he's nice. She's strident; he's soothing. She insists that she's hard enough -- even mean enough when it comes to that -- and ready to be commander in chief on day one.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/SuzanneFields/2008/02/25/
this_just_in_from_venus_hillarys_the_tough_one,_obamas_the_nice_one

Obama, Clinton Fight for Votes as Battle Rages to Take On McCain
The best political gift of the day for Barack Obama’s campaign has been served up by Iowa’s Des Moines Register, the largest newspaper in the swing state that put the Illinois senator on top in possible head-to-head match-ups in the fall election.
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/24/new-poll-puts-obama-ahead-of-mccain-as-clinton-claims-to-be-better-equipped-for-general-election-fight/

Play by Play: Obama Wins Votes One at a Time
CINCINNATI — Colleen Munninghoff challenged Sen. Barack Obama politely Monday to win her vote in next week’s Ohio primary. And he did.
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/25/play-by-play-obama-wins-votes-one-at-a-time/
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On Trade: Obama's Opportunistic Fear-Mongering

For Barack Obama, hope can triumph over anything, except for open trade with a neighboring country with an economy 1/20th the size of ours. Then, all is despair.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/RichLowry/2008/02/25/on_trade_obamas_opportunistic_fear-mongering

Bush predicts GOP will hold White House

WASHINGTON - President Bush predicted Monday that voters will replace him with a Republican president who will "keep up the fight" in Iraq. "I'm confident we'll hold the White House in 2008," Bush told donors at the Republican Governors Association annual dinner, which raised a record $10.6 million for GOP gubernatorial candidates.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080226/ap_on_el_pr/bush_governors
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California: Sarah's Law Over Half-way to November Ballot

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25 /Standard Newswire/ -- Sarah was a 15-year-old girl who underwent an abortion without her parents knowing. The doctor unknowingly tore her cervix, she developed a massive infection and died.

Sarah's Law, an initiative headed for the California ballot in November, will require that a doctor notify at least one family member before performing an abortion on an under-18-year-old girl.

As of Monday, February 25, the signature count for Sarah's Law topped 600,000 -- out of a total of 1.1 million raw signatures needed.

Like Proposition 73 in 2005 and Proposition 85 in 2005 -- both narrowly lost -- Sarah's Law will require a parent to be notified. But unlike Props 73 and 85, Sarah's Law will allow, in the case of abusive parents, another adult relative -- grandmother, aunt, adult sibling -- to be notified instead.

For petitions and more information, call toll-free (866) 828-8355, email Petitions@FriendsofSarah.com or visit www.FriendsofSarah.com

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News Round Up

Islamic Links on Obama Web Site Stir Criticism
(CNSNews.com) - A page for Muslim supporters of Sen. Barack Obama -- hosted on Obama's presidential campaign Web site -- promotes events sponsored by controversial Islamic groups.

Poll Shows Spike in Young Voter Interest — to Democrats’ Benefit So Far
The nation’s youngest voters, after years of lagging behind the general populace in political participation, may be on the verge of a breakthrough in a year marked by a hotly contested election for president. And the 18-to-29 year olds who responded to a major bipartisan poll released Monday morning say it’s not just about Barack Obama — even if the Illinois Democratic senator currently is a strong favorite for president among members of this demographic group.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002676152

Democrats Try to Shut Down Republicans' Earmark Reform Web Site
(CNSNews.com) - House Republicans are blasting Democratic leaders for ordering the shutdown of an "earmark reform" Web site that was launched two weeks ago as part of a Republican effort to "change the way Washington spends taxpayer dollars."
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200802/POL20080225c.html

GOP Freshman Faces Test — Too Conservative or Just Right for Michigan Voters?
The decision by Democratic Party strategists to heavily target freshman Republican Rep. Tim Walberg as too conservative for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District has its roots in the 2006 campaign that sent Walberg to Congress. Walberg won that year’s Republican nomination in an August primary by defeating one-term GOP moderate incumbent Joe Schwarz after an ideologically charged campaign — one in which the political action committee for the Club for Growth, a conservative organization that endorsed Walberg, waged a vigorous independent expenditure campaign against Schwarz.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002675937

Obama photo in turban, robe causes stir
WASHINGTON - A photograph circulating on the Internet of Democratic Sen. Barack Obama dressed in traditional local garments during a visit to Kenya in 2006 is causing a dustup in the presidential campaign over what constitutes a smear.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080225/ap_on_el_pr/obama_photo

Ralph Nader and Alan Keyes
Friday night I spoke at the Galveston County, Texas Lincoln Day Dinner.
It was a great event. Maybe 300 people came on a Friday night to chat with each other, greet candidates, bid on tshatshkes placed on tables against the back wall which no one really wants or needs to help raise money for their county party, and listen to a speech.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/RichGalen/2008/02/25/ralph_nader_and_alan_keyes

A new American Research group poll conducted over the weekend has Gov. Huckabee down by 4 points! Click here for details.

Code Pink Fasts for Cheney's Impeachment
(CNSNews.com) - Hundreds of anti-war protesters are on a hunger strike, trying to urge House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) to begin impeachment proceedings against Vice President Dick Cheney.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=/Culture/archive/200802/CUL20080225a.html

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Democrats criticize McCain over campaign finance

The Democratic Party asked the U.S. government on Monday to investigate whether Republican presidential candidate John McCain has violated campaign-finance laws by exceeding spending limits he agreed to last year.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080226/pl_nm/usa_politics_mccain_dc

Renzi Says He’s Staying in Congress

Rep. Rick Renzi , who last week was handed a 35-count indictment, returned to Capitol Hill on Monday to face his colleagues and tell official Washington he is not going away.
“I will not resign and take on the cloak of guilt because I am innocent,” Renzi, R-Ariz., said in a written release. “My legal team of Reid Weingarten and Kelly Kramer will handle these legal issues while I continue to serve my constituents.”
An indictment unsealed Feb. 22 accuses Renzi of conspiracy, fraud, extortion and money laundering.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002676167

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Something you may be interested in... or not

GOVERNMENT IS NOT GOD - PAC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Campaign Update 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ February 2008
In This Issue Meeting Ed Rollins
Race for the White House
House Incumbents lost!
Visit Our New Site! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I met with Mike Huckabee's national campaign manager Ed Rollins the day before Super Tuesday. This is the ninth presidential campaign Ed Rollins has worked on including Ronald Reagan's. Men who have trained under him include Lee Atwater and Karl Rove.

He has seen just about every kind of conduct from candidates and he told me that Mike Huckabee treats everyone around him with kindness and respect. Although Ed Rollins is a practicing Catholic I have never known him to be an outwardly spiritual man. Yet, it was a spiritual experience that brought him to the Huckabee campaign.

At age 65 he asked for God's direction in his life and was guided to Mike Huckabee's campaign for president.

Very few of those who work on the campaign are paid. Attorneys give up their valuable time to take phones to listen to the problems of voters at polling places. CEO's of corporations sit next to high school students working on phone banks to get out the vote. Virtually every yard sign for the Huckabee campaign has been printed at the expense of those who are passing them out. The Huckabee campaign has spent just $1.00 for every $15.00 spent by multi-millionaire Mitt Romney and the results in delegates is about the same.

In the last two months Government Is Not God - PAC has spent over $50,000 in support of Mike Huckabee. The night before Super Tuesday we paid for the calls to 187,000 pro-life households in Georgia asking them to turn out to vote for Mike. We did our part in the victory he had on Super Tuesday.

HELP ELECT SOCIAL CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES

Conservative political action committees such as Government Is Not God need to have a major war chest available for the elections in 2008. We cannot participate and help elect godly social conservative candidates without funds. GING-PAC has already participated in primary elections in Iowa, New Hampshire, Michigan, and South Carolina. Florida is next and we can't do much without your help.

In Georgia, Congressman Paul Broun is under attack and we need funds to help him. Senator Jim Inhofe in Oklahoma also needs our support.

PASS THE WORD

Please tell others about Government Is Not God - PAC. Help by making an online contribution!

William J. Murray, Chairman
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WEEKLY WASHINGTON UPDATES

William J. Murray writes a weekly legislative update on issues important to social conservatives. To read his most current updatefrom Capitol Hill go to: www.rfcnet.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Roads Not Rebates

President George W. Bush and Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi want to send small tax rebates to Americans to buy cheap Chinese junk at Wal-Mart. Should we use the money to fix our roads and bridge instead? You can vote at: www.roadsnotrebates.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Greetings!
THE PRESIDENCY
Race for the White House
MIKE HUCKABEE KEEPS ON GOING

All of the pundits proclaim that Mike Huckabee does not have a chance and that he cannot "win" enough delegates to beat Senator John McCain. They point out that Mike has to get 120% of the remaining delegates to"win." But there are two sides to every coin. While he may need 120% of the remaining delegates to win, he only needs 60% to stop McCain from winning.

Everyone forgets that Mitt Romney and others have delegates as well, not just McCain and Huckabee. Mike Huckabee has won more actual primary elections than any Republican other than John McCain. Mitt Romney did win more caucus states where he could use his vast wealth to bus in delegates, but that is why he dropped out of the race. Romney won only two actual primaries and he had an overall favorable rating of -24. (Yes, that is minus 24 points.)

Most voters viewed him as contrived and phony. But, Mitt Romney spent over $100 million dollars sapping votes from Mike Huckabee. The real conservative, the real 21st century thinker is Mike Huckabee and that is why he outlasted the other candidates.

On Super Tuesday night I was at Mike Huckabee's headquarters at the Clear Channel Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. When the first numbers came in from Georgia cheers went up from the crowd that had gathered. As time went by it became apparent that Mike Huckabee was going to win every state that he had the funds to campaign in. Even in states he was unable to visit he was receiving double digit support and claiming second place in others.

At about nine o'clock, individuals close to the campaign including myself were escorted onto the stage in preparation for a statement by Gov.Huckabee. When he came onto the stage the crowd went wild shouting"Mike is back, Mike is back."

It took some time before Mike Huckabee was able to settle down those gathered and make his statement. In typical Huckabee fashion he said, "The media said it is a two man race and it is; they just got the wrong two men." With that the crowd once again began to chant. In his usual manner Mike Huckabee was gracious not only to his opponents but to all those who had continued to believe in him even when the pundits and press had declared his campaign dead.

In my home state of Virginia, Mike Huckabee was 30 points behind one week before our primary and yet almost won, carrying more than half of all counties. In just three days of campaigning he closed the gap by 25 points. When people have the chance to hear Mike Huckabee, they wind up voting for him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE HOUSE
TWO INCUMBENTS LOST HOUSE SEATS IN MARYLAND
In the middle of the presidential primary people forget that there are other candidates on the ballot. In Maryland there were both Democrat and Republican primaries for Congress as well.

And two incumbents lost their seats. Both were defeated because they had run afoul of the party's activist base.

Reps. Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) and Albert Wynn (D-MD) are from different parties. Neither had been involved in a scandal, and there had not been recent redistricting. Both lost because they were not ideologically in sync with their party's base.

Congressman Gilchrest, the Republican, voted with Democrats more often than with his own party, and his constituents had enough. Groups such as the Club for Growth spent nearly $1 million to dump him. He did not vote with social conservatives and I am glad to see him go.

Wynn,the Democrat, had the opposite problem, having sided with business more often than with his left-wing constituency.

More goes on than just the presidential race, and GING-PAC will be involved One of the upcoming races that is important to us is in Louisiana. Although the presidential primary is over, a special "snap" election is being held on March 8th to fill the seat of Congressman Bobby Jindal (R-LA) who was just sworn in as the Republican governor.

The March 8th race is a party primary with a run-off on April 5th if no candidate gets more than 50%, and then there will be a final election between the Democrat and the Republican on May 3rd. All this, and the winner will have to run again in November!

Ourcandidate in the race is my old friend, former state legislator Woody Jenkins. Woody was cheated out of a US Senate seat by current Senator Mary Landrieu in an election in which van loads of Democrats went from polling place to polling place to vote over and over again using the names of the dead. The election was shamefully dishonest.

Asa legislator Woody Jenkins authored more than 300 major bills including one to protect home schoolers and deregulate state control of private schools. He is a pro-life champion! There are now 29 Republican congressmen who have either outright resigned or announced that they will not run for reelection this year. (This includes Bobby Jindal who resigned to become governor of Louisiana.)

With that many incumbent Republicans leaving, we need as many good conservatives as we can find to fill the slots. Woody Jenkins will not be a McCain Republican; he is solidly one of us, a true social conservative who will fight for the Christian values this nation was founded on. Slowly but surely, we are replacing "moderate" Republicans in Congress who do not vote with social conservatives and we are replacing them with men like Woody Jenkins.

In December GING-PAC won two major victories inspecial congressional elections by helping to elect Rob Wittman in Virginia and Bob Latta in Ohio.

I have mailed Woody a GING-PAC check and with your help GING-PAC can help him win and make it three special election victories in a row for us!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VISIT OUR UPDATED SITE Vist our new updated site at www.gingpac.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Authorized and paid for by
Government Is Not God
Political Action Committee
PO Box 77237
Washington, DC 20013
202.554.2358
www.gingpac.org

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GOP Donors vs. Voters

Following the money has seldom led to winners in this year’s GOP primaries and caucuses. In only 12 of the 34 states that had voted by the end of last week did the most votes go to the candidate who had raised the most money in that state by the end of last year.
And the victor in nine of those dozen contests, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney , isn’t even in the race anymore. Neither is former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani , who led the fundraising in 15 of the states — but ended up not winning any of them.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=weeklyreport-000002672868
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Murtha Named Top Porker in 2007

Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) was named "Porker of the Year" for 2007 on Wednesday by the taxpayer watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW).The organization, which promotes fiscal responsibility and federal earmarks reform, conducted an online poll of 3,400 people about members of Congress. The often controversial Murtha, chairman of the House subcommittee on defense appropriations, won with 63.4 percent of the votes cast, according to CAGW.
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200802/NAT20080221a.html
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Boehner Cries Foul After House CAO Revokes GOP Web Address

House Minority Leader Rep. John A. Boehner wants his Web site address back.
The Ohio Republican on Thursday protested a decision by House Chief Administrative Officer Dan Beard to revoke his staff’s earlier approval for Boehner to use the address www.earmarkreform.house.gov.
The site, which House GOP leaders set up to promote their ideas for making further changes to the congressional earmark system and to pressure Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic leaders to support them, had gone online earlier this month.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002674385
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Nader Launches Presidential Bid

Ralph Nader today threw his hat into the 2008 Presidential ring.

Nader announced his candidacy on NBC’s Meet the Press with Tim Russert.

At the same time, the Nader campaign launched a web site – votenader.org.

The campaign web site highlights twelve fundamental differences between the Nader campaign and the corporate Republicans and corporate Democrats.

In a letter posted on the campaign web site this morning, titled Civics Test, a group of Nader supporters ask:

“Of the following Presidential candidates – Ralph Nader, Hillary Clinton, Barak Obama and John McCain – which one supports a single payer, Canadian style, free choice, Medicare for all health care system?
Answer: Ralph Nader
Which one supports solar energy and would take nuclear power off the table?
Answer: Ralph Nader
Which one would cut the huge bloated wasteful military budget?
Answer: Ralph Nader
Which one would reverse U.S. Middle East policy in Israel/Palestine, Iraq and Iran?
Answer: Ralph Nader
Which one would launch an aggressive crackdown on corporate crime and corporate welfare?
Answer: Again, only Ralph Nader.”
A separate letter, titled “Mr Frugal,” agrees that Hillary Clinton’s campaign spending $3.8 million in January on one consultant alone was “stunning.”
“Give our candidate – we call him Mr. Frugal – $3.8 million and he’ll get us on the ballot all across this country,” the letter reads.
The web site encourages people to join a Road Trip for Ralph – where volunteers will travel the country, getting Nader on the ballot in all fifty states.
On Meet the Press, Nader said that “dissent is the mother of assent.”
Nader said people are feeling “locked out, shut out, marginalized and disrespected.”
“You go from Iraq, to Palestine to Israel, from Enron to Wall Street, from Katrina to the bumbling of the Bush administration, to the complicity of the Democrats in not stopping him on the war, stopping him on the tax cuts (for the wealthy).”
“In that context, I have decided to run for president,” Nader told Russert.
Nader called Obama “the first liberal evangelist in a long time.”

But Nader said that Obama is censoring his better instincts.

“Senator Obama’s record has not been a challenging one,” Nader said. “He’s not been a Senator Wellstone or Senator Abourezk or Senator Metzenbaum by any means. He has leaned, if anything, more toward the pro-corporate side of policymaking. The issue is – do they have the moral courage? Do they have the fortitude to stand up against the corporate powers and get things done? Yes, get things done for the American people?”

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Cynthia McKinney, Green Party & more Ralph Nader

Georgians are familiar with the name, and most already know she's moved to California and that she is running for President under the Green ticket.

There's not a lot of hype about her candidacy so she's pretty much an unknown factor in the ultimate November election. Who knows, between Cynthia and Nader, maybe they'll take just enough to make a difference in November. Doubtful that either will have much of an impact given Obama's rock-star popularity. Course, it's an ever-changing world and who knows what the future may bring! Just be sure if you're a conservative leaning Independent or a Republican of any slant that you get out there and VOTE in November!

BTW - I have no idea how the Green Party goes about selecting their final candidate or if everyone is on their own. I'm guessing that sooner or later someone from the GP will find this blog and enlighten me.

Here's the Green Party website: http://www.gp.org/index.php

GREEN PARTY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Jesse Johnson
Cynthia McKinney
Kent Mesplay
Kat Swift
Ralph Nader

Cynthia websites:

http://www.runcynthiarun.org/ (noted they're looking for a web designer... you get to put your company name at the bottom of all the pages... hmmm....)
http://www.allthingscynthiamckinney.com/

Gotta check out this video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2508693105235438933

Victories for McKinney, Nader in four Green primaries on Super Tuesday
2008-02-06 Washington, DC -- Results from the four states where Green Parties participated in the February 5 Super Tuesday primaries show a landslide for Ralph Nader in California (61%) and a lead among candidates for Cynthia McKinney in Arkansas and Illinois.

Green candidates compete in the February 5 Super Tuesday primaries in four states: Arkansas, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts
2008-02-05 Washington, DC -- Green Party voters across the US are awaiting the results of the Super Tuesday primary elections in Arkansas, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts. In all four of the states, Green candidates are competing for the presidential nomination.

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More on Nader

At least he's grabbing a lot of headlines... maybe he'll grab a few votes on his third trip around the presidential campaign block...

Nader Hopes Third Presidential Run Is the Charm
Washington Post, United States
By Zachary A. Goldfarb Consumer activist Ralph Nader today launched his third bid for the presidency, saying he is not concerned that his candidacy could ...

Nader's bid will change US race BBC News

Nader Says He Will Run for President
FOXNews
by mmaskaly This entry was posted on Sunday, February 24th, 2008 at 9:11 am and is filed under Ralph Nader. You can follow any responses to this entry ...

Consumer advocate Nader starts US presidential bid Reuters

Nader and Obama, together again
Boston Globe, United States
If Ralph Nader intends to spoil Barack Obama’s year with a third-party candidacy, it won't be the first time. "I needed a job closer to the streets" shortly ...

Nader mixes up 2008 race with new White House run AFP

Ralph Nader joins US presidential race
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom
Mr Nader, who turns 74 this week, said he still had a message to offer for the environment, workplace safety and against corporate interests. ...

Nader's In National Review Online

Ralph Nader announces presidential bid MSNBC

Ralph Nader announces bid for presidency Chicago Sun-Times

Ralph Nader: tragedy to farce
Atlantic Online
I have liked and admired Ralph Nader so much. I first worked for him when I was in my teens (and he was in his 30s). Under his auspices, encouragement, ...

Nader is in the race Third Party Watch

Is Nader Giving Lieberman Bad Flashbacks?
Hartford Courant, United States
Now that consumer defender and frequent presidential also-ran Ralph Nader announced his intention today to run for the top spot again, I wonder if Sen. ...

Green Party Article Third Party Watch

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He's baaaccckkk.... Nader is running (again)

Ralph Nader????????????????
AfterEllen.com - USA
I hope all the democrats stick together and don't let what happened in 2000 happen again. nadar is foolish to think he possibly could get elected. running ...

Nader Says He's Running for US Presidency Again (Update2)
Bloomberg - USA24 (Bloomberg) -- Ralph Nader, the consumer advocate who ran for president in 2000 and 2004, said he's going to make another bid for the White House this ...

Basu: Breaking with party not always a bad thing
DesMoinesRegister.com - Des Moines,IA,USA
"His support for Ralph Nader in the 2000 election is not forgotten by good Iowa Democrats," wrote one in an online post. You can understand the frustration. ...

Nader to Run Again
By Sarah Wheaton “Dissent is the mother of assent,” Ralph Nader said on “Meet the Press” this morning. “And in that context, I have decided to run for president.”
The Caucus - http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com

Ralph Nadar for President
For those Democrats upset by another Nadar run for the presidency let me remind you that it might have been avoided if you'd had the wisdom to vote for John Edwards. I haven't donated money to either Hillary or Barack though I did ...
onegoodmove - http://onegoodmove.org/1gm/

Ralph Nader Announces What Everyone Else Already Knows!
By pathickey(pathickey) Illinois Nader Chair - Buck Teefe calls out Progressives, Libertarians, Roto-Rooter Truck Followers, Doc's Stink Bait Gourmets, Circus and Carnie Alumni, Grub Worm Aficionados and the League of Bathtub Bubble Biters to a Ralph Nader ...
. . . With Both Hands - http://hickeysite.blogspot.com/

Ralph Nadar Announces Run for White House
By Natalie(Natalie)
On Meet the Press this morning, Ralph Nader announced that he is jumping into the race for the Presidency. Nadar is an American attorney, author, lecturer and political activist in the areas of consumer rights, humanitarianism, ...
Politics for Moms - http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/

Breaking: Ralph Nadar running
By Dennis(Dennis)
Ralph Nadar has announced that he is running for President. Woohoo! Maybe he'll take enough votes away from Obama or Hillary to get McCain elected :-)
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McCain, Dems in Fundraising Battle Over New York Times’ Lobbyist Article

John McCain and the Democratic National Committee are battling to reap the windfall from the fallout over the article in The New York Times Thursday suggesting the Arizona senator had a romantic relationship with a female lobbyist and did favors for her clients years ago.
McCain said Friday morning he will no longer respond to questions about the article, leaving the newspaper to explain why it chose to publish the lengthy and critical profile.

http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/22/mccain-leaves-new-york-times-to-answer-for-lobbyist-article/

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Nader to Appear on ‘Meet the Press’ Amid Talk of White House Bid

Ralph Nader could be poised for another third party presidential campaign.
The consumer advocate will appear on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday. Nader launched his 2004 presidential run on the show.

http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/22/nader-to-appear-on-meet-the-press-amid-talk-of-white-house-bid/

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Rice Says She Will Not Be a Vice Presidential Candidate

Condoleezza Rice’s name on the Republican ticket is a dream to some, but not a reality she can see happening.
The secretary of State told reporters Friday she will not be a vice presidential candidate in the upcoming election.
http://youdecide08.foxnews.com/2008/02/22/rice-says-she-will-not-be-a-vice-presidential-candidate/

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New Book by Gov. Perry

Governor Perry released his new book “On My Honor – Why the American Values of the Boy Scouts Are Worth Fighting For.” In the book, Governor Perry, a former Eagle Scout, defends the values of the Boy Scouts against the moral relativism of today’s culture. The book has earned praise from David Keene, Sean Hannity, and Newt Gingrich.

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Georgia House Committee Approves Official English Bill

2/19/08 PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Georgia House Judiciary (Non-Civil) Committee voted this afternoon to approve legislation that would strengthen the state's official English law as enacted in 1996. H.B. 413 proposes an amendment to the state Constitution that would declare English the state's official language and require the overwhelming majority of state activities be conducted in English, with exceptions for areas such as public health, judicial proceedings, and foreign language instruction. The measure, which passed by a margin of 10-4, provides that final approval of the statute be conducted through a general ballot initiative.

"As Georgia deals with the task of assimilating a significant number of non-English speakers, continuing the recent pattern of unfettered government translation is a recipe for trouble," said Mauro E. Mujica, Chairman of U.S. English, Inc. "If the state is serious about getting new immigrants to learn English and into the mainstream, it must resurrect the past tradition of promoting English learning by doing business in English. That is the expectation of Georgians and it should be the expectation of government agencies in Georgia."

A July 2007 survey of 625 registered voters in Georgia found that 71 percent favor amending the state Constitution to make English the official language of the state. The Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, Inc. poll found strong support for the measure across all regions of Georgia and among Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

If H.R. 413 is passed by the full House and Senate, Georgia would become the second state to feature a November ballot measure to strengthen an existing official English law. Last May, the Missouri legislature approved a joint resolution to make English the official language of all government proceedings, with voters getting the ultimate say in November 2008. State ballot measures proposing or strengthening official English laws have always been approved the voters, most recently in Arizona in 2006 when voters approved a new official English law by a margin of 3-1.

U.S. English, Inc. is the nation's oldest and largest non-partisan citizens' action group dedicated to preserving the unifying role of the English language in the United States. Founded in 1983 by the late Sen. S.I. Hayakawa, U.S. English, Inc. now has more than 1.8 million members nationwide.
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The Lou Dobbs Deal, It's Now or Never Mr. President

Americans for Legal Immigration PAC has released an open letter to CNN host Lou Dobbs, asking him to rise to the call of the American Spirit and run as an Independent candidate for President, since the remaining viable Presidential candidates are all Washington insiders supporting the same amnesty plan created by the US Chamber of Commerce.

"Lou Dobbs is a hero as a news source because you can get information on his show that others in the media suppress or distort," says William Gheen of ALIPAC. "Dobbs knows and reports more of the truth about what is happening in America. He has chosen to stand with the majority of American citizens and not the special interest groups that currently dominate DC."

Lou Dobbs could easily dominate the field on the top issues of the economy and illegal immigration. His views on illegal immigration have brought him a rapidly growing audience and he has a degree from Harvard in economics.

"Polls show historic low satisfaction levels with the White House, Congress, both political parties, and the direction the nation is moving in," says Gheen. "The last thing we need is more DC insiders like McClintobama, which will all do about the same things if elected. A historic stage is set for an Independent to run and win and that person has to be Lou Dobbs."

ALIPAC setup a website at www.LouDobbsforPresident.org where people could sign up as volunteers and potential contributors for a Dobbs campaign. The website quickly received support from over 2,000 people that pledged over half a million dollars. When the amount pledged exceeds one million, William Gheen will request a meeting with Lou Dobbs.

To read ALIPAC's full Open Letter to Lou Dobbs, titled "The Lou Dobbs Deal It's Now or Never", please visit http://www.loudobbsforpresident.org or http://www.alipac.us

Sen. Seabaugh hosts Page Day at the Capitol

State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) hosted students from the 28th Senate District for Page Day at the Capitol on February 12.

The students who served as pages for the Senate were granted access to the Senate Chamber for the day and were responsible for delivering messages to the Senators on the floor. The pages were also called on to run special errands. They received a certificate, $10 honorarium and enjoyed a “working lunch” with Sen. Seabaugh.

“These are our future leaders of tomorrow,” Sen. Seabaugh said. “Serving in the Senate for a day is an excellent opportunity for them to learn about our government in a way that can’t be learned from textbooks.”

Photo: Sen. Seabaugh and Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, in no particular order, Carey Barronton, Asa Black, Erin Black, Ethan Black, Allie Crain, John Christian Evans, Annie Hass, Meg Jones, Emilee Manning, Christine Mezzatesta, Katie Pecce, Madison Pecce, Alexis Reising, Brittany Scarbrough, Maggie Shiffer, Gabriella Bump, Emileann Smith, Ryan Danford and Shelbie Danford.

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Green Party No 'Spoiler' for Obama, McKinney Says

College Park, Md. (CNSNews.com) - Former Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-Ga.) said her bid for the White House as a Green Party candidate won't hurt Sen. Barack Obama or Sen. Hillary Clinton's chances for being the first African-American or woman U.S. president, respectively, because U.S. elections have been corrupted."Basically, what you are suggesting is by participating in the Democratic process the Green Party is going to become, quote, 'the spoiler,' " McKinney told Cybercast News Service at a rally Tuesday at the University of Maryland. "It is impossible to become a spoiler based on past experience when one examines the past.


http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewPolitics.asp?Page=/Politics/archive/200802/POL20080220a.html



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Prominent Black Minister Says Disdain Obama Showed for America When He Refused to Wear the Flag Lapel Pin is confirmed by His Wife's Remarks

Standard Newswire/ -- Bishop E. W. Jackson Sr., prominent black minister, once a top official in the Christian Coalition, blasted Barak Obama today for his lack of patriotism.

"Frankly, I was incensed when he announced that he would no longer wear the American flag lapel pin. In fact I was shocked that Americans did not rise up. But this takes the cake. The Obamas have enjoyed success in law and politics. He has risen in a free political system that has proved to be the greatest in the world. Now he may be poised to become President of the United States. And yet his wife says this is the first time she has been proud of her country. They do not deserve the popularity they are enjoying, and they certainly do not deserve to occupy the White House."

Bishop Jackson also pointed out that until the campaign, Obama was following a Pastor - Rev. Jeremiah Wright - who gives awards to Lewis Farrakhan and calls America a racist country.

"This is all starting to demonstrate a pattern" says Bishop Jackson. "Obama is apparently so far on the left that he has a problem with the flag and with having a real love and affection for his country. I am an African American, but I have been proud of my country for as long as I have been old enough to understand what America means to the world and why so many people around the world want to come here - freedom, opportunity and individual rights that are sacredly guarded."

Bishop Jackson is a minister, graduate of Harvard Law School and Adjunct Professor of Law at Strayer University. He is available for interviews and commentary.
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How Republicans might sink Obama

A fresh-faced Democratic presidential candidate promising change. An economy in turmoil. A nation soured on Republican rule.

It sounds like a recipe for a big win for Sen. Barack Obama this November. It also sounds a lot like the 1976 campaign, which I covered as White House correspondent for the Associated Press. And if history is any guide, don't count the GOP out just yet.

In August 1976, after winning the Republican nomination in Kansas City, Mo., Gerald Ford invited GOP VIPs to his summer retreat in Vail, Colo., to plot strategy for the November election against Jimmy Carter, who at that time enjoyed a nearly insurmountable advantage in opinion polls. Indeed, as summer peaked, Mr. Carter was doubling Ford's support in surveys – capturing nearly 70 percent

http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0219/p09s02-coop.html

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Isakson, Chambliss Co-Sponsor Legislation to End Reckless Spending, Reform Federal Budget Process

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today joined Senator Pete Domenici, R-N.M., in introducing bipartisan legislation to end reckless spending and reform the federal budget process by converting it to a two-year cycle, with one year for appropriating federal dollars and the other year devoted to oversight of federal programs.

“One of the problems we have in Congress with deficit spending is spending money on projects that shouldn’t be funded with tax dollars and programs that have outlasted their usefulness. So this is first and foremost about changing our budget process and setting priorities for spending,” Isakson said. “Also, under this legislation, if you appropriated during odd-numbered years and did oversight during even-numbered years, wouldn’t it be refreshing to have candidates seeking federal office in even-numbered years talking about the oversight of federal programs instead of how they want to spend more of the taxpayers’ dollars. Congress must become better stewards of the taxpayers’ money, and this legislation is a good step in that direction.”

“The people of Georgia expect their tax dollars to be used wisely, and they expect Congress to be more efficient and more productive,” said Chambliss. “I believe that improving our budget process is an important step in reigning in wasteful spending and ensuring fiscal responsibility, and I hope our colleagues will join us in supporting these much-needed reforms.”

Specifically, the Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act, S.2627, would require the president to submit a two-year budget at the beginning of the first session of a Congress. Members of Congress would then need to adopt a two-year budget resolution, a reconciliation bill if necessary and two-year appropriations bills during that first session. The legislation ensures the enactment of two-year appropriations bills by providing a new majority point of order against consideration of an appropriations bill that fails to cover two years.

The second session of a Congress would then be devoted to the consideration of authorization bills and oversight of federal programs. Isakson and Chambliss believe the enhanced oversight will result in more accountability of government programs.
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Former First Lady Nancy Reagan Hospitalized After Fall

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Nancy Reagan's spokeswoman says the former first lady has been hospitalized after falling in her Bel-Air home.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330989,00.html

The article doesn't say much other than she's doing fine, didn't break her hip and she's in the same room her husband was in when he broke his hip.

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House Approves Contempt Citations for Miers, Bolten

The House voted Thursday to issue contempt citations for two presidential confidants on an almost completely party-line vote pushed by Democrats.
The White House said the Justice Department would not ask the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia to pursue the House contempt charges. However, the measure would allow the House to bring its own lawsuit on the matter.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330637,00.html
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GA Legislative Alert - Immediate action request on English as Official Language

Representaive Bearden (District 68) has proposed a constitutional amendment, H.R. 413, that declares English as the official language of Georgia.

If H.R. 413 passes, official state actions would be done in English, meaning no law, ordinance, decree, program or policy of Georgia could require the use of language other than English. Also, H.R. 413 protects the treatment of everyone that speaks only English. They would be eligible for all state programs, benefits and opportunities, including state jobs. However, everyone would be free to use other languages in private.

If H.R. 413 passes, it would be on the ballot in the November General Election. Voters would answer "yes" or "no" to this question: "Shall the constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that English is the official language of the State of Georgia?" If a majority of voters vote "Yes," a new Paragraph X, entitled English as Official Language, would be added to Article 1, Section II of the Constitution of the State of Georgia.

Please call Non-Civil Judiciary Chairman Representative Ralston at 404-656-5943 and Vice Chairman Representative Robert Mumford at 404-656-0254 and ask them to pass this out of committee. Georgians have the right to vote on such an important issue. In fact, the future of our culture, most likely, depends on whether English, actually, is used as our official language.

Sue Ella Deadwyler

Rep. Ralston e-mail: dralston1@etcmail.com
Rep. Robert Mumford: xda92@mmm-law.com

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2007_08/house/07alpha.html

PLEASE CALL OR E-MAIL IMMEDIATELY AS THIS WILL BE VOTED ON TUESDAY, FEB. 19TH.
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Republican Governor's Campaign Updates

It was a successful weekend in Missouri. A record breaking number of Republicans in the state held their annual Lincoln Days celebrations. Governor Blunt’s service was honored and Governor Barbour delivered a rousing keynote address.

The big news came when Lt. Governor Peter Kinder decided to bow out of the gubernatorial primary and run for re-election as Lt. Governor. Republicans in the state strongly applauded his choice knowing how important it is for the party to be united in order to beat Jay Nixon. There are now two Republicans in the race, Congressman Kenny Hulshof and Treasurer Sarah Steelman.

In Washington, Dino Rossi is gearing up for a “big-money battle” with the incumbent governor, Christine Gregoire. Dino Rossi has $1.6 million on hand; Gregoire has around $3 million on hand after already spending $1.6 million on research and consulting. Rossi said, “She's done a lot of polling, trying to figure out what to say and how to say it…I actually know what I want to do and what I'm going to say and how I'm going to do it.” Gregoire has also been criticized for the rapid increase in spending for the state budget and it seems her campaign is no different.

Gregoire is now not allowed to fundraise while the legislature is in session, while Rossi can continue his fundraising.
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Stop the Nancy Pelosi $18 billion energy tax hike!

The Democrats are at it again, trying to raise taxes on energy. Speaker Pelosi’s latest scheme includes $18 billion in new taxes and does nothing to increase domestic production and lower overall energy costs. In fact, this new bill, HR 5351, would raise the cost of energy production, causing home energy bills and the price of gas at the pump to rise.

We were able to stop similar legislation last year in the Senate, but the House Democrats want to give it another try. Help us put a stop to this anti-energy nonsense by TAKING ACTION NOW!
In a world economy where energy resources are so important, it is foolhardy to make American companies less competitive on the world market by increasing taxes and regulations on them. Instead we should be unleashing the power of the market, and expanding domestic production to meet our energy needs.

HR 5351 is based on the failed belief that government can create jobs. The reality is that government taxes and regulations are much better at destroying jobs than creating them. HR 5351 will no doubt create energy production jobs overseas, but will destroy them at home. In a time when we want to encourage our economy, it makes no sense to raise energy prices, squeeze family budgets, and stifle our industry’s ability to compete globally.

TAKE ACTION to send a message to Congress that more taxes on energy production is the wrong way to go.

Sincerely,
Dick Armey
Chairman
FreedomWorks.org
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FreedomWorks Activists Outraged at Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Last week, the chairman of the conservative 216 Group, Representative Tom Graves, along with other members of the fiscal watchdog group, were stripped of their committee assignments because they failed to be bullied by House Speaker Glenn Richardson.

Legislators that make up the 216 Group, led by Representative Graves, are dedicated freedom-loving advocates that work together to advance policy that adheres to four simple principles: less government, lower taxes, personal responsibility, and liberty and justice for all. These bold leaders act as fiscal watchdogs and aren’t afraid to go after lawmakers, even those in their own party, who would seek to expand government on the backs of hard-working Georgia families.

Because Graves and other 216 Group members put policy before politics, they have angered Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson. The Speaker has decided to ‘teach the 216 Group a lesson’ by removing Representative Graves from the House “Hawk” team – a position that allowed him to vote on contentious legislation in any committee if the vote was close – effectively sidelining a key limited government champion.

FreedomWorks moved to activate conservative grassroots in Georgia by issuing a ‘call to action’ to its statewide membership of over 4,000 volunteers as well as other limited government advocates from all over the state urging them to phone and email Speaker Glenn Richardson calling for the reinstatement of Rep. Tom Graves as a House Hawk and to stop the Speaker’s quest for revenge by removing 216 members from important committees.

FreedomWorks Chairman Dick Armey commented, “The 216 Group is a stellar example of what is right in the conservative movement. It is a serious working group that concentrates on creating good policy for the people of Georgia. Unfortunately, Speaker Richardson is more interested in playing power politics and has set the fiscal conservative, small government movement in the state of Georgia back. I hope Speaker Richardson reconsiders his decision, and restores Rep. Graves and other 216 Group members to their rightful positions.”
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News Round Up

GOP Growing Irritated With Huckabee
U.S. News & World Report - Washington,DC,USA
Republican officials and aides to John McCain are growing concerned that the longer presidential candidate Mike Huckabee stays in the race, the more it will ...

Huckabee defends decision to keep campaigning; McCain due in Wis.
WBAY - Green Bay,WI,USA
(AP) - Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee today defended his decision to stay on the campaign trail, hours before his party's presumptive nominee ...

McCain campaign insists Huckabee can't possibly win enough delegates
Boston Globe - United States... that he has the Republican nomination locked up, saying it is mathematically impossible for Mike Huckabee to reach the 1191 delegates needed to clinch. ...

Gov. Huckabee still confident, determined to remain in race
Daily Cardinal - Madison,WI,USA
Mike Huckabee said he would stay in the race for the nomination Thursday in Madison, drawing support from conservative voters. Former Arkansas Gov. ...

John McCain Sells His Soul: Backs Off on Torture Ban
AlterNet - San Francisco,CA,USA
Has there ever been a more repugnant example of political pandering than John McCain's decision to vote against a bill banning waterboarding, putting hoods ...

McCain Scolds Obama on Campaign Funds
The Associated Press - John McCain admonished Democratic Sen. Barack Obama for hedging on whether he would accept public funding as promised if he wins his party's nomination or ...

Bush ‘41′ to Endorse McCain
New York Times - United States
Former President George HW Bush is expected to endorse Senator John McCain in Texas on Monday, in a potent sign that the Republican establishment is ...

Bush Family Swinging Behind McCain
The Associated Press - WASHINGTON (AP) — John McCain's embrace from the Republican establishment, once hard to imagine, is nearly complete. Former President George HW Bush's ...

McCain on Bush, Sr.
CBS News - New York,NY,USA
Calling him a “great American hero” and “one of the most respected members in the Republican Party,” John McCain said he looked forward to meeting with ...

Texas poll: Clinton leads Obama slightly; McCain, Huckabee in dead ...
Bizjournals.com - Charlotte,NC,USA
John McCain and Mike Huckabee both fall within the margin of error with McCain leading 45 percent to 41 percent statewide. Ron Paul trails with 6 percent. ...

Endorsements Piling Up For McCain
CBS News - New York,NY,USA
WASHINGTON, DC – The endorsements from the Republican establishment keep rolling in for John McCain – George HW Bush plans to endorse him on Monday in ...

McCain and Obama draw battle lines for November
Guardian Unlimited - UK
John McCain and Barack Obama this week began to lay down the battle lines for a possible confrontation in next November's presidential election. ...
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Pennsylvanians Say Now is the Time for Marriage Amendment

Standard Newswire/ -- A recent survey indicates that 70 percent of Pennsylvanians believe that now is the time for our legislators to deal with the issue of same-sex marriage.

Furthermore, the survey indicated that 72 percent wants voters -- not the courts -- to have the final say on whether marriage remains defined as one man and one woman in the Commonwealth.

With the introduction of SB 1250 -- the Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment -- there is hope those voters will get their chance. Sen. Michael Brubaker, R-Lancaster, along with 16 bi-partisan co-sponsors introduced the Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment legislation this week, kicking off the process of getting the question about marriage on the ballot for Pennsylvania voters.

The Pennsylvania For Marriage coalition, a non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting and preserving marriage in this Commonwealth, praised the senators for taking this important first step to clearly defining marriage as only the union between one man and one woman.

"The goal is simple," said Deborah Hamilton, coalition spokeswoman, "We must protect the definition of marriage as the union between one man and one woman and prevent creation of civil unions or other terms used to give all the legal incidents of marriage under a different name.

"By more than 2 to 1, Pennsylvanians support a Marriage Protection Amendment. Senate Bill 1250 is a critical first step to protecting marriage in Pennsylvania."

To amend the state constitution, the amendment must pass in two consecutive legislative sessions before being placed before the voters as a statewide referendum. The earliest the amendment could take effect is 2009.

For more information, visit www.PA4Marriage.org or call Deborah Hamilton, PA4Marriage Coalition at 215-815-7716

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Help Defend an American Source of Clean Natural Gas

I am writing you with a special call to action for America's energy independence.We have been fighting an ongoing battle with liberal organizations over the fate of a major source of clean U.S. energy in Wyoming. Many of you sent comments to the government on this issue in April 2007. We need you to sound off once more.

This week, the organized Left is again sending thousands of new comments to the U.S. Department of Interior to try to derail the production of clean natural gas in Wyoming. At stake: the fate of the 3rd largest natural gas field in the United States.

[TAKE ACTION]

America urgently needs to develop clean energy resources here at home, such as Wyoming’s abundant natural gas fields. That’s why I strongly support the new Proposed Action to conduct limited year-round production in Wyoming’s Pinedale Anticline Project Area. The government estimates that the Pinedale Anticline has enough clean-burning natural gas to supply ten million homes annually for more than 30 years. Unfortunately, the extreme environmental groups have organized a campaign to derail new production in Pinedale. They ignore the fact that this is one of the cleanest sources of energy, and can be produced right here at home. It seems like some on the Left want to move America back into the Dark Ages (quite literally) of candles and wind power. That's why we need you to take action now to defend reasonable and commonsense energy policy.

[TAKE ACTION]

There is already natural gas production in the Pinedale Anticline, and the new Proposed Action plan would better utilize these existing operations, benefiting the environment, consumers, and our economy, while reducing America’s dependence on foreign sources of energy. With modern technology, we can further develop Wyoming’s energy resources in an environmentally responsible manner. Under the Proposed Action, 92 percent of the Pinedale Anticline will be left undisturbed by natural gas development.

What’s more, domestic natural gas development in Pinedale will have a positive impact on the local and regional economy because it will create a year-round workforce in this part of Wyoming.

Let’s keep America moving forward. Thanks in advance for your work on behalf of America's freedom and prosperity.

Sincerely,
Dick Armey
ChairmanFreedomWorks

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Obama, Hillary, Dems Take FISA Trial Lawyer Cash

As Congress debates giving immunity to phone companies that assisted the government in tracking terrorist communications, trial lawyers prosecuting those phone companies have poured money into the coffers of Democratic senators, representatives and causes.
Court records and campaign contribution data reveal that 66 trial lawyers representing plaintiffs in lawsuits against these phone companies donated at least $1.5 million to 44 different current Democratic senators and Democratic causes

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/AmandaCarpenter/2008/02/13/obama,_hillary,_dems_take_fisa_trial_lawyer_cash

Surging Obama whacks Clinton, McCain on economy

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Boosted by eight straight wins in the White House nominating race, Barack Obama Wednesday pinned partial blame for an economic malaise stalking America on stalling Democratic foe Hillary Clinton.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080213/wl_afp/usvote

McCain Turns Focus to GOP Solidarity

After his sweep of Tuesday’s “Potomac Primaries,” presumptive nominee Sen. John McCain is now concentrating on forging unity in a Republican Party that has been divided and dispirited since its huge losses in the 2006 elections — and doesn’t want to see either Illinois Sen. Barack Obama or New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton serve as president with likely Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002670667

House GOP rallies to McCain's side

In recent weeks and months, House Republicans and their leadership have not exactly swooned over the presidential candidacy of Arizona Sen. John McCain.
But you never would have known it from the atmospherics of a brief meeting McCain had with his House GOP colleagues Wednesday at the Capitol Hill Club.

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8514.html

There's a Democrat Behind Door No. 1, 2 and 3

A few more primary wins and B. Hussein Obama will be able to light up a cigarette during a televised speech and still get the nomination. It looks like the only thing that can stop him now is an endorsement from Al Gore.
Gore is always lunging into a movement just as it has passed its prime -- the Internet, Howard Dean, global warming, trying to talk black when he campaigns at a black church. He probably bought a big house a few months ago. Gore is such a supremely unlikable human being, he even subverted the mainstream media's affection for liberalism during the 2000 election.

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/AnnCoulter/2008/02/13/theres_a_democrat_behind_door_no_1,_2_and_3

Minority Lawmakers Lag in Earmark Take

Black and Hispanic lawmakers in the House lag significantly behind their white counterparts in the distribution of appropriations earmarks, a new analysis of spending bills for fiscal 2008 shows.
The average white House Democrat got twice as much money for special projects this year as the average black Democrat, by one measure. By another, white Democrats came out on top by a 5-3 ratio. White Democrats also did better than Hispanics in netting earmarked dollars.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002670715

Why Hillary Will Lose

Hillary Clinton has blown an almost sure shot at the Democratic presidential nomination. Having surrendered the lead to Obama, she is not likely ever to regain it. It is a fantasy that the Ohio and Texas primaries will be a “firewall” to contain the flames of enthusiasm for Obama and reverse her defeats of February. Just as with Giuliani’s supposed Florida firewall, Hillary’s will crumble as Obama’s momentum carries him forward to the nomination.

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/DickMorrisandEileenMcGann/2008/02/13/why_hillary_will_lose

Senate Ethics Committee Admonishes Craig for Conduct Related to June 11 Incident

Sen. Larry Craig brought discredit upon the Senate, the Ethics Committee said Wednesday in issuing a formal admonishment of the Idaho Republican.
The panel said Craig was out of line for his actions in a Minnesota airport restroom in June, his subsequent attempt to withdraw his guilty plea, and for his unapproved use of campaign funds to pay lawyers in Washington and Minneapolis.
“We consider your attempt to withdraw your guilty plea to be an attempt to evade the legal consequences of an action freely undertaken by you — that is, pleading guilty,” the six-member panel said in its letter to Craig.

http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002670679

Senate votes to ban waterboarding

WASHINGTON - Congress on Wednesday moved to prohibit the CIA from using waterboarding and other harsh interrogation methods on terror suspects, despite President Bush's threat to veto any measure that limits the agency's interrogation techniques.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080214/ap_on_go_co/intelligence_bill

Clinton's edge slips with whites, women

WASHINGTON - Hillary Rodham Clinton's crushing losses in Maryland and Virginia highlight an erosion in what had been solid advantages among women, whites and older and working-class voters. While this week's results can be explained by those states' relatively large numbers of blacks and well-educated residents — who tend to be Barack Obama supporters — her presidential campaign could be doomed if the trends continue

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080214/ap_on_el_pr/democrats_voters

Chambliss Applauds Passage of Intelligence Surveillance Bill

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today applauded the Senate’s passage of legislation to update and improve the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and urged the House to act before the February 15th deadline. Chambliss said he was pleased that immunity for telecommunications providers was not stripped out of the final legislation.

“I cannot stress how critically important this legislation is to our intelligence community’s ability to protect our nation. Since the FISA law was first implemented several decades ago, technology has advanced and so have terrorist organizations and their capabilities. If we are going to protect our homeland, protect our troops in the field and our allies as well, we need to make certain our ability to collect intelligence is not hindered. I’m pleased my colleagues were able to come together in a bipartisan way and pass this legislation which will ensure our intelligence community has the tools and the legal framework necessary to collect vital foreign intelligence information.

“There has been a great deal of debate about the issue of immunity for telecommunications providers. After careful review, the Senate Intelligence Committee concluded overwhelmingly that granting liability relief to telecommunications providers was not only warranted, but required to maintain the regular assistance our intelligence and law enforcement professionals seek from them. Too often the government needs assistance from the private sector in order to protect our national security as well as for law enforcement purposes, and in return they should be able to rely on the government's assurances that the assistance they provide is lawful and necessary for our national security. American companies should not be subjected to costly legal battles, and Americans should not have to supplement it through higher telephone and Internet bills. Providing immunity to our telecommunications carriers is the necessary and responsible action for Congress to take.”

Chambliss noted that the urgent need to pass terrorist surveillance legislation was underscored in a recent threat hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where leaders in the intelligence community testified that America continues to face serious threats from homegrown and foreign terrorists and rogue nations seeking weapons of mass destruction. The Director of National Intelligence, and the Directors of the Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation, testified to the importance of terrorist surveillance legislation calling it one of the most important tools the intelligence community has to keep America safe.

Isakson Praises Passage of Terrorist Surveillance Legislation

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today praised the Senate’s passage of legislation to update the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, also known as FISA, and bring the law up to date with current communication technologies.

“The intelligence gathered through foreign intelligence surveillance saves American lives,” Isakson said. “The absence of any catastrophic attacks in America since September 11, 2001, is the product of hard work by Americans in intelligence, law enforcement and the military.”

The bipartisan legislation amending FISA makes needed changes to FISA so the government’s counter-terrorism intelligence-gathering can continue uninterrupted. It reiterates that FISA constitutes the exclusive means by which electronic surveillance and surveillance of domestic communications may be conducted.

The bill clarifies that FISA’s requirement of prior court approval does not apply to surveillance that is targeted at a person reasonably believed to be located outside the United States in accordance with the bill’s procedures. The bill’s provision for warrantless authority sunsets on December 31, 2013.

Additionally, the legislation includes retroactive immunity for private telecommunications carriers that assisted the United States in conducting intelligence surveillance post-9/11 as well as prospective immunity to those carriers whose cooperation will be needed in the future.

“The assistance of private telecommunications carriers is essential to carrying out the intelligence-gathering contemplated in FISA,” Isakson said. “Those who assist the government in tracking terrorists should not be punished with lawsuits.”

The legislation passed the Senate by a vote of 68 to 29. The House has passed its own update of FISA and the two chambers must now seek to reconcile the differences between their two bills.

Secretary of State Karen Handel Certifies Presidential Preference Primary Results

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel today certified the elections results for the February 5 Presidential Preference Primary.

Democratic Presidential Preference Primary (100% of precincts reporting)

Votes
Percentage

Joe Biden
2,536
0.23%

Hillary Clinton
329,964
31.1%

Chris Dodd
904
0.08%

John Edwards
18,199
1.71%

Mike Gravel
952
0.08%

Dennis J. Kucinich
2,096
0.19%

Barack Obama
704,237
66.38%

Bill Richardson
1,879
0.17%

Total Votes
1,060,767

Republican Presidential Preference Primary (100% of precincts reporting)

Votes
Percentage

Rudy Giuliani
7,157
0.74%

Mike Huckabee
326,845
33.92%

Duncan Hunter
755
0.07%

Alan Keyes
1,458
0.15%

John McCain
304,724
31.62%

Ron Paul
28,092
2.91%

Mitt Romney
290,681
30.17%

Tom Tancredo
324
0.03%

Fred Thompson
3,411
0.35%

Total Votes
963,447

2,024,214 voters cast ballots in the Georgia Presidential Preference Primary, bringing voter turn out to 45 percent.

The results have been transmitted to the Governor. The Georgia Republican Party and the Democratic Party of Georgia will allocate delegates to their respective nominating conventions.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

Westmoreland: ‘Stimulus’ merely explodes deficit

Oops, rec'd this back on 1/29 and overlooked it somehow...

U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland joined all of the House’s Georgia Republicans to oppose the $150 billion economic “stimulus” package. The measure passed 385-35, with one “present,” and now goes to the Senate, where senators have vowed to tack on even more spending.

“This legislation promises tax rebates, but it’s not a tax rebate when we’re borrowing money from China to write checks to ourselves,” Westmoreland said. “It’s difficult to vote against sending money to people, particularly at a time of economic distress, but sending out checks in a couple of months isn’t going to expand the economy, it’s just going to expand the deficit.

“We need to give businesses incentives to expand and create new jobs. We need to focus on long-term economic growth by making the Bush tax cuts permanent and lowering corporate tax rates to keep our employers competitive in the global marketplace.

“These checks aren’t going to stem the housing crisis, which is at the heart of our economic problems. This is simply a national credit card binge, and as many Americans are discovering these days, the bill eventually comes due and the results aren’t pretty. We are putting the future of our country in the hands of foreigners who buy our debt. It’s scary, it’s reckless and it’s got to stop. What happened today is a step backward from fiscal responsibility, sadly, after we’ve taken significant steps toward reducing the deficit in recent years.”