Republican News Sweep

Westmoreland: The State of Our Union Is Divided

2012-01-25T08:18:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, the president gave his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. The speech covered a multitude of issues, including energy, immigration, education, national defense, and taxes. The speech is a constitutional requirement on the presidency and has become a way for the president to announce his agenda for the coming year. Below is Representative Westmoreland’s reaction to the president’s speech.

“What struck me the most was the president’s complete disconnect with reality. He promised job creation and announced the need for an all-of-the-above energy plan – an idea instituted by Republicans back in 2008 – yet only two weeks ago he killed the Keystone Pipeline, a construction project that would have created tens of thousands of direct jobs and helped America decrease its reliance on oil from the Middle East. He discussed the damage a tax increase would have on our fragile economy, yet in the same speech advocated for raising taxes on American job creators. He even invoked President Lincoln, stating ‘that government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more,’ while at the same time pushing for more regulations of our energy and financial industries. I didn’t think the gap between what the president says and what he does could get much larger – until he actually contradicted himself in the same speech.

“Yes, the Campaigner-in-Chief unfortunately gave the speech that I was expecting: one full of rhetoric that painted the rosy view of our country rather than the actual state of our union. And why wouldn’t he? He’s running for president after all. And his reelection bid is based on his ability to convince the American people they aren’t worse off under his leadership.

“Well, like my grandmother always said, ‘Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.’ And Mr. President, you aren’t fooling me this time.

“This was the same speech we’ve all heard before. Promises of comprehensive immigration reform, education reform, tax breaks for college tuition, job creation, tax breaks for American companies, and energy independence. All promises the president has broken. The president’s speech tonight was nothing more than a laundry list filled with lofty promises, but short on actual policy.

“While I agree with him that the American spirit is one that can lift this country back to the prosperity we are capable of, we can’t do that with crushing debt, overly burdensome regulations, and higher taxes on small businesses. And while that’s the president’s agenda for 2012 the House passed legislation to address all of these issues that were stalled in the Senate last year. This administration's failed policies have driven our economy to the brink, and his State of the Union only solidified his intent to continue down this same path.

“The true state of our union is one of divisiveness, brought on by the president’s continued insistence on of pitting Republicans against Democrats, rich against poor, haves against have nots. This president seems to thrive on chaos and we all can remember what his former Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said, ‘You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.’ Our country is facing serious challenges right now and leaders in Washington must put aside political rhetoric, roll up their sleeves, and come up with real solutions to help the American people. Unfortunately, we didn’t see that,” stated Westmoreland.

From Georgians with Newt:

2012-01-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

Just a few weeks ago many of you headed north to Iowa to help in our efforts before the Caucuses. Now, it is time to deploy to South Carolina.

Starting on Monday, January 9th, and continuing through the Primary on Saturday, January 21st, we have created a rolling deployment plan to make sure the people of South Carolina know where Newt stands when it comes to protecting this country and to share Newt's bold solutions to defeat President Obama.

There are opportunities to join people from all over the country in phone banking, walking door-to-door, waving signs, and many other exciting campaign activities!

If you are interested in traveling to South Carolina please contact Ella Krivitchenko at ellak@newt.org to let her know your availability and preferred dates of travel. In addition, please copy Sonya Harrison at sharrison@newt.org.

From Republican News Sweep: Send us YOUR official Republican candidates announcements and we'll do our best to share them with our readers. Info on sidebar.

Westmoreland Supports Legislation to Cut Taxes, Create Jobs

2011-12-13T16:37:00.001-08:00

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3630, the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act. The legislation contained a myriad of provisions, many of which have been passed by the House as stand-alone bills. Some of the more notable provisions include $183.4 billion in spending cuts, an extension of the two percent Social Security payroll tax, an extension and reform of unemployment benefits, a two year ‘Doc Fix,’ language requiring President Obama to issue a permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, and a legislative stay on the ‘Boiler MACT’ rules. The legislation passed with bipartisan support and has been sent to the Senate for consideration, but it is unclear whether or not it will garner enough support to be sent to the White House for signature. Congressman Westmoreland supported the bill.

“Look, this bill isn’t perfect. There are parts that I love and parts I could do without. But at the end of the day, you have to determine if the good outweighs the bad. The Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act helps to relieve the tax burden on American families, and it does so without a harmful tax hike on small businesses. Instead, it pays for the tax relief with more than $180 billion in spending cuts. Whether it’s the provisions to repeal portions of Obamacare, the provision to freeze the salaries of Members of Congress, or the provisions to close tax loopholes, the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act ensures that the burden of paying for this legislation isn’t shouldered by job creators.

“In addition to the tax relief, H.R. 3630 also creates approximately 140,000 direct and indirect jobs with the Keystone Pipeline construction and saves countless jobs by delaying the EPA’s harmful Boiler MACT regulations. Plus it makes much needed reforms to unemployment benefits, including allowing states to drug test recipients they determine are likely to be using illegal substances. Clearly, when it comes to the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act, the good outweighs the bad.

“Now, there has been a lot of talk from the White House promising to veto this bill because of the Keystone XL Pipeline provision, which mimics language passed by the House last month with bipartisan support. Well if President Obama wants to kill legislation that creates jobs, ensures Medicare recipients have access to physicians, and extends unemployment benefits at a time when our unemployment rate continues to sit above eight percent, then he will have to answer to the American people. The president can no longer jeopardize American jobs in an effort to appease environmental activists that make up his liberal base. The buck stops with him. The Senate needs to pass this legislation and the president needs to sign it,” stated Westmoreland.

Camp: Legislation to Prevent Default and Cut Spending is a Victory for the American People

2011-08-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) released the following statement after the bipartisan House vote passing legislation to prevent default and cut spending:

“Tonight’s vote marks a victory for our economy and the American people. The legislation not only cuts spending and reforms how Washington manages its budget, it also prevents default on our financial obligations. Importantly, the package does not increase taxes, which is critical to making sure job creators have the resources they need to invest and hire more workers. Finally, the legislation establishes the clearest path yet to a balanced budget amendment — something I have long supported and that is long overdue.”

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Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI)
Statement in Support of Legislation to Prevent Default, Cut Spending
August 1, 2011

(Remarks as Prepared)
Mr. Speaker, if Congress does not act – and act now – America will default. That would wreak havoc on our economy and make it harder for Americans to find and keep a job in an already weak economy. Default cannot be an option, and I am pleased that the bill before us ensures that will not occur.

Just as a default would threaten the economic health of this country, so would increasing taxes. Raising taxes on families and job creators would hinder investment, increase the cost of doing business and result in even less hiring. That is the wrong direction when we are struggling with an unemployment rate of 9.2 percent and 14 million Americans looking for work.

The good news is that the legislation before us recognizes these basic facts. It avoids a default, it makes sure the government pays our bills and it does not increase taxes.

And though some have argued that the new Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction could pave the way for tax increases that is not going to happen. The Committee’s structure, the baseline it will work off of and the fact that Republicans are in the majority in the House virtually guarantee taxes will not go up.

Furthermore, this legislation finally forces Washington to make serious changes to the way it spends taxpayer dollars. There are real budget reforms, there is a path to a balanced budget amendment and there are automatic spending cuts if Congress does not rein in spending on its own.

I applaud the efforts of all of those who helped craft this agreement, especially Speaker Boehner and Leader Cantor.

I urge my colleagues to recognize this opportunity to fix what is broken in Washington and use this occasion to significantly cut runaway spending.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a yes vote.

GAGOP Hosts Health and Legislative Leaders for Obamacare Discussion

2011-02-12T15:26:00.001-08:00

The Georgia Republican Foundation, Chairman Sue P. Everhart and Foundation Chairman Chip Pearson hosted many of Georgia’s elected leaders on health care and legal policy for a panel discussion on Obamacare highlighting the legislation’s current and potential impact on the state. Among those taking part in the discussion were Attorney General Sam Olens; Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens; Senator Renee Unterman, Chairman of Health & Human Services; Representative Richard Smith, Chairman of Insurance; and Representative Sharon Cooper, Chairman of Health & Human Services.

The panelists discussed the current status of various legal challenges to the legislation, the viability of insurance exchanges and the implications of the legislation on individuals, small businesses, insurers and physicians. The panel also fielded questions from the audience.

“This broad legislation has significant impact on Georgians and our future prosperity,” said Pearson. “Americans have a lot of questions, and we thank the panelists for taking the time to answer them.”

The Georgia Republican Foundation consists of major donors to the Party. Members are invited to numerous Foundation Breakfasts and Georgia Republican Party events throughout the year. For more information about the Georgia Republican Foundation, please contact the Finance Department at 404.257.5559.

Westmoreland Votes to Repeal ObamaCare

2011-01-19T16:42:00.001-08:00

Congressman Lynn Westmoreland joined his colleagues today to vote to strike down the job-killing ObamaCare legislation passed during the last Congress. The controversial legislation squeaked by Congress early last year, much to the chagrin of the American people. According to a recent Washington Post poll, 59% of Americans oppose the law. Below is Congressman Westmoreland’s statement.

“ObamaCare is bad policy, crafted using bad procedure. It was passed against the will of the majority of Americans, and is one of the main reasons Democrats saw massive defeats at the polls in November. There are currently 26 states challenging ObamaCare in court. We have already seen some success in federal court, including in Virginia where a judge ruled that individual mandates were unconstitutional. However, Congress must do its part to put an end to this job-destroying law that places federal bureaucrats between patients and their doctors. That’s why I am proud to announce that I joined a bipartisan group of my colleagues in the House today and voted to repeal Obamacare.

“Congressional Democrats and the White House cooked the books on ObamaCare, using accounting gimmicks; one of which was charging 10 years of and only havin 6 years of spending. Any practical assessment of ObamaCare shows it costing 2.6 trillion dollars and increasing the deficit by 701 billion dollars over the next ten years. And believe it or not, it might actually get worse – when Medicare was created in 1965, they projected the cost would be 12 billion dollars in 1990. But in actuality, the cost in 1990 was 96 billion dollars – an 800 percent increase over the projections.

“We need real reform in this country that will address the problems within our health care system, while decreasing costs – not increasing costs like ObamaCare does. Now that we have voted to repeal, the committees of jurisdiction will take the next several months to hold hearings and draft legislation to replace this harmful law with real reforms. The vote today will not be an overnight solution and much must still be done. However, it is a step in the right direction,” stated Westmoreland.

Georgia Republican Party Chairman Sue Everhart Formally Announces Campaign for Re-Election

2011-01-19T10:33:00.000-08:00

Georgia Republican Party Chairman Sue P. Everhart today formally announced that she will run for re-election as Party Chairman at the State Convention in Macon in May.

“I wanted to reassure Republicans throughout the state that I will remain on the job until we take back the White House in 2012,” Everhart said. “We swept the state this election cycle, but a well-funded Obama campaign and energized Democratic get-out-the-vote effort will mean that the State Party will need an experienced Chairman in place to keep the gains we made on November 2. I am confident I am the best person to do that,” she added.

When Chairman Everhart first took office in 2007, one of her main goals was to build on the Republican majority through sophisticated and extensive training and to strengthen grassroots networks. Her personal experience in grassroots politics coupled with her vision for its development in Georgia led to a focused volunteer effort that resulted in landmark wins for Republicans.

Under the leadership of Chairman Sue Everhart, the Georgia Republican Party has grown its majority to an unprecedented level. In 2008, Georgia went against the national tide by delivering for John McCain and re-elected U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss. In 2010, Republicans swept every constitutional office, re-elected U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, and added to the majorities of the U.S. House and Georgia General Assembly.

Sue is a proven leader, determined grassroots advocate and a seasoned fundraiser. With critical events such as redistricting and a presidential election on the horizon, Georgia Republicans need experience at the helm of the GAGOP. Proven leadership will make the difference in 2012.

In seeking her final term, Sue’s primary focus is to move forward with the accomplishments of the Party under her chairmanship and to build a complete and lasting majority in our state. Her plan, including a continued focus on expanding the reach and capabilities of the GAGOP’s social media and IT structure as well as efforts to switch local elected officials to the Republican Party, is a stepping stone to create an enduring era of Republican leadership in Georgia.

Sue Everhart, a former banker, is a long-time Republican activist who served as Chairman of the Sixth District Republican Party and First Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party before being elected as Georgia GOP Party Chairman in 2007. In 2007 and 2010, she was selected as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians. In addition, Sue was chosen as one of 10 women in the United States to be honored as a “Woman of Achievement” by the RNC in 2009. Currently, Chairman Everhart serves on both the RNC Rules and Ethics Committees as well as the Committee on Arrangements for the 2012 GOP National Convention. In addition to her political involvement, Everhart is active in civic organizations in her community.
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Westmoreland Named to Two Subcommittees on Financial Services

2011-01-18T19:23:00.000-08:00

Subcommittees on Financial Institutions and Housing and Insurance Vital to Economic Growth of Georgia

Congressman Lynn Westmoreland today was named to two influential subcommittees on the House Financial Services Committee: the Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee and the Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity Subcommittee.

“Georgia is a growing financial center, and it is important we have a conservative voice on the committees that will affect our economic development in the future,” stated Westmoreland. “I’m looking forward to representing the state of Georgia on the Financial Services Committee this Congress and will work hard to bring economic development back to our state.”

The Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit will have jurisdiction over bank regulations and banking institutions as well as the controversial Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, established under Dodd-Frank. The Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing, and Community Opportunity will have jurisdiction over the housing and real estate sector, as well as insurance institutions.

“Georgia has had more bank failures than any other state in the country since 2008,” stated Westmoreland. “We have also been disproportionately hit by the housing market bust that hit the nation in 2007 and 2008. However, we have a strong economy that can recover from these trials – as long as we continue to have a conservative voice at the table.”

Initial hearings and markups have yet to be set, but please check regularly with http://financialservices.house.gov for updates on committee activities.
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Herman Cain Announces Presidential Exploratory Committee

2011-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Business Executive to "Test Waters" for Potential White House Bid

Business executive Herman Cainannounced today that he has officially established a presidential exploratory committee, "Friends of Herman Cain," to "test the waters" for a possible White House bid.

"After receiving overwhelming encouragement from supporters and donors across the U..S., I have decided to form a presidential exploratory committee," Cain said. "During this time, we will examine the extent of financial resources and grassroots support that would be critical to winning the Republican nomination."

Cain is best known for his role as President and CEO of Godfather's Pizza, Inc., where he led the company from the brink of bankruptcy to profitability in just 14 months. He has also served as an executive of other Fortune 500 Companies, such as Pillsbury and Burger King.

He served as chairman of the Federal Reserve in Kansas City, as well as the President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. Cain was a senior economic adviser to the Dole/ Kemp presidential campaign in 1996.

Cain hosts a nightly radio program, "The Herman Cain Show," one of the highest-rated shows in the Atlanta media market. He is also a syndicated columnist.

"Friends of Herman Cain" is a registered non-profit in the state of Georgia, and the names of exploratory committee members will be released at a later date..

For more information, please visit the newly launched http://www.hermancain.com.
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Westmoreland Launches Twitter Page

2011-01-11T14:01:00.001-08:00

Today, Congressman Lynn Westmoreland launched his Twitter page @RepWestmoreland. Twitter has become an increasingly popular social networking site that allows what’s known as ‘micro-blogging.’ It gives its members an opportunity to share a link, send a quick update, and follow other members. To follow the congressman on Twitter, visit www.twitter.com/repwestmoreland and select ‘Follow.’

“I am excited to be joining the Twitter community. It is a great opportunity for me to connect with my constituents and I would like encourage everyone in Georgia’s Third Congressional District who is on Twitter to follow me. I will use my Twitter page to update constituents on the goings on in Washington, news relevant to our district, and other important information. One of the themes of the 112th Congress is promoting greater transparency in Congress and with my new Twitter account, I can let you know what I’m working on for you while I’m in Washington,” stated Westmoreland.

The congressman can also be found online at www.house.gov/westmoreland and on Facebook by searching ‘Lynn Westmoreland.’

Justin Tomczak Enters Race for GAGOP 1st Vice Chair

2011-01-10T08:21:00.000-08:00

Grassroots Veteran Announces at Cobb GOP Breakfast

Grassroots veteran Justin Tomczak announced his intentions to seek the position of 1st Vice Chair of the Georgia Republican Party in his home county at the Cobb GOP breakfast on Saturday.

Tomczak was introduced by State Representative (elect) Sam Teasley who said “I have known Justin’s work ethic and his commitment to advancing the conservative cause here in Georgia. Having recently won a grassroots election against an incumbent Democrat, I firmly believe we need people in party leadership who are committed to engaging local Republicans in direct voter contact. Justin’s campaign experience and love for the grassroots would be a great asset to the State Party.”

Tomczak brings a solid record of experience in Republican politics to the table. He interned for State Rep. Earl Ehrhart in 1999 and the GAGOP in 2003, served as Grassroots and Volunteer Director for the GAGOP in 2004, Political Director for the campaigns of Governor Sonny Perdue and Senator Saxby Chambliss, and most recently served as Political Strategist for the successful campaign of Congressman Tom Graves in Georgia’s 9th District.

“I have worked side by side with Justin and appreciate his servant’s heart and tireless commitment to the grassroots in Georgia” said Greene County GOP and 10th District 1st Vice Chair Brian Burdette. “He has vast statewide experience, brings a wide variety of perspectives to the table, holds rock solid conservative values and has a proven record of service.”

Citing his campaign theme of “Grassroots in Action” Tomczak kicks off a 4 month campaign that will culminate at the GAGOP State Convention in Macon, May 13-14th. To learn more please visit the campaign website www.GrassrootsInAction.com, add Justin Tomczak on Facebook and/or follow him on Twitter.

About Tomczak: Justin Tomczak’s first political activity was marching in the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. as a child. He was home schooled through high school, served as Student Government President at Kennesaw State University and went on to earn a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University. He has worked tirelessly for the GAGOP and numerous successful Republican campaigns. He is currently responsible for public relations in Georgia at State Farm Insurance. In 2004 Tomczak received the Ronald Reagan Leadership Award from the Georgia Association of College Republicans and he is a Coverdell Leadership Institute (CLI) graduate.
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Everhart Names Kevin Harris Acting Executive Director of the GAGOP

2010-11-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

Sue Everhart, Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, today named Kevin Harris acting Executive Director of the Georgia Republican Party. Harris replaces Toby Carr, who joined Governor-elect Nathan Deal’s transition.

“I appreciate Toby’s hard work throughout the Election that led us to historic victories in 2010, including a Republican sweep of all statewide offices,” Everhart said. “I look forward to working with Kevin as we prepare for the upcoming State Convention and the Presidential election in 2012.”

Kevin Harris previously served as Political Director for the Georgia Republican Party. Kevin is a professor of political science and a seasoned member of Georgia’s Republican grassroots organization. He has served as a precinct captain, chairman of the Fannin County Republican Party and chairman of the 9th District Committee Republican Party.

Republican Party Projected To Pick Up 6 State Attorney General Seats on November 2

2010-10-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Republicans may pick up as many as six state Attorney General seats on November 2, according to Joseph Kastner, Ballotpedia's state Attorney General elections editor.

Kastner says that Attorney General seats currently held by Democrats in Arizona, California, Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma are in the "leans Republican" or "likely Republican" column based on factors that include polls and campaign funding.

Heading into November 2, the Democratic Party holds the AG position in 32 states, while the GOP holds it in just 18.

However, only 30 of the 50 state attorney general seats are up for election in 2010. In the 30 states with 2010 attorney general elections, Democrats hold 20 seats and Republicans hold 10.

If the GOP picks up six seats as projected, holding all its "safe, likely and leans" elections, it will win 57% of the 30 November elections. It will also then be in possession of 24 state AG seats altogether, while the Democratic Party, if it holds all its "safe, likely or leans" Democratic seats, will be at 25.

Just one state, Iowa, is in the toss-up column, according to Kastner's analysis. Iowa's AG position, currently occupied by a Democrat, could go either way. The Iowa Attorney General election pits incumbent Tom Miller against Republican challenger Brenna Findley. According to Kastner, Iowa's race is "one of the toughest to predict" because of limited polling information in the down-ballot race. GOP challenger Findley has significantly outperformed Miller in the money sweepstakes since mid-summer which may enable her to be competitive with Miller's incumbency and name-recognition advantage.

If the "leans/likely" elections come in where projected for Democrats and Republicans, then toss-up Iowa is the state to watch to see if the final national tally is 26 D–24 R, or a 25-25 split.

Two attorney general offices are likely to get a new occupant as a result of their 2010 gubernatorial election, because in these states, the AG is appointed by the governor. Hawaii currently has a Republican governor, but is thought to be a gubernatorial pick-up opportunity for the Democratic Party in 2010. The reverse is true in Wyoming.

Ballotpedia.org is sponsored by the non-profit, non-partisan Lucy Burns Institute (LBI) based in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Dale Peterson ad for Nathan Deal, candidate for Georgia Governor

2010-10-24T15:16:00.000-07:00

I laughed at the end... the true sign of a good ad in my opinion! - jmd

Roy-onomics: No Way to Pay for Big Spending

2010-10-13T07:33:00.001-07:00

Georgia legislators are required to pass a balanced budget but you wouldn’t know it if you saw Roy Barnes’ campaign promises. The Savannah Morning News has quantified Barnes’ campaign pledges at $2.2 billion per year, meaning his governorship would cost voters over $8 billion in campaign promises alone.

How will Roy Barnes pay for his binge-spending plans? He’s only proposed elimination of one tax exemption, the tax exemption on jet fuel, worth $24 million and barely 1% of his new spending. Barnes also proposed a plan to allow local governments to collect sales taxes, but he disagrees with his own campaign manager on the amount of revenue it would bring in. Even the most optimistic estimates fall far short of balancing the budget with his pie-in-the-sky promises of massive new spending.

“Roy’s big spending plans mirror those of Washington Democrats, not the wishes of Georgia voters,” said Georgia Republican Party Chairman Sue Everhart. “Republicans are addressing the concerns of Georgians by cutting spending and living within our means.”

Georgia Republicans Got It Right, But Macon Telegraph Won’t Hear of It

2010-09-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Macon Telegraph ran a column on Sunday encouraging the Georgia Republican Party to take action to change the ballot in light of misleading information spread in the press. After agreeing to give the GAGOP space to refute their claims, the Telegraph rejected the response.

While it is the paper’s prerogative to refuse op-eds, the Georgia Republican Party believes the column printed by the Macon Telegraph was misleading and warrants response. Below is the op-ed submitted by the GAGOP.

Georgia Republicans Got It Right

Kenny Burgamy made many claims in his recent opinion piece (There’s Time to Get It Right, Macon Telegraph, 9/19/2010) that were untrue and infeasible. Perhaps the most errant assumption was that Georgia Republicans got it wrong when they nominated Nathan Deal as the Republican candidate for Governor. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

Nathan won the nomination in a close primary and runoff. In a state considered to be a Democratic stronghold for generations, Georgia Republicans showed up in record numbers in two successive elections showing their preference for the party of personal freedom and smaller government. While Nathan won the runoff by less than 1 percent, the top two finishers in the primary both bested Roy Barnes with 10 percent more votes.

Mr. Deal’s personal finances have been well documented over the last week, but let’s not ignore the facts. Nathan is a successful small businessman who has created jobs and turned a profit – even in these difficult financial times. Businesses have their ups and downs. The only thing unique here is that Deal’s ups and downs are front-page news.

I can see how that point would get lost in the Democrats’ spin cycle. Most people understand that they simply cannot spend more than they take in. Democrats, however, have overlooked that rule as they have escalated our country into further debt with their binge spending legislation, plunging our nation into $13 trillion in debt.

In Georgia, Roy Barnes has shown he’s not all that different than Washington Democrats. As governor, he turned a $700 million budget surplus into a $620 million shortfall. Now, he’s proposed $2.4 billion in new spending with no way to pay for it, just like a Washington Democrat.

Roy has spent most of his career suing small businesses rather than creating them and destroying jobs for his personal gain. He doesn’t embrace the creative spirit of Georgians who take calculated risks — he demonizes them.

The Georgia Republican Party is the party of small businesses and strong families across Georgia. We believe that Americans can better themselves through hard work, personal responsibility and seizing opportunities. While the road to success is lined with periodic setbacks, we see them as learning opportunities that can move us forward.

Georgia’s successful economic recovery will depend on people willing to take a calculated risk to start a business and employ Georgians. It will also depend on policy-makers’ willingness to create an environment that fosters our American and exceptional entrepreneurism. That’s why we need Nathan Deal.

Nathan’s Real Prosperity plan increases Georgia’s competitiveness by lowering income taxes on Georgia’s families and reducing corporate income taxes by a third. The Tax Foundation estimates that his plan will improve Georgia’s business climate from the bottom half of states to the top one-third.

Nathan’s plan for education, “Real Results,” provides maximum flexibility for local school districts, protects the HOPE scholarship and will bolster math and science education.

He has led the fight against Obamacare. He stands up to Washington liberals whose brand of “change” comes with hefty price tags that Georgians can’t afford.

Georgians are concerned with issues, not petty and personal attacks. Nathan Deal has the philosophy, plan and experience to put Georgia back on track. I ask you to vote for Nathan Deal and not rewind Georgia to the bad old days of Roy Barnes.

Sue Everhart is the chairman of the Georgia Republican Party and lives in Marietta.

Newt Gingrich to Speak at FRC Action's Values Voter Summit

2010-09-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

/PRNewswire -- FRC Action has confirmed that former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will speak at FRC Action's fifth annual Values Voter Summit, which will be held September 17-19 at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Gingrich joins a Saturday morning session that also includes Dr. Bill Bennett, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R-VA), and David Limbaugh, whose new book, Crimes Against Liberty, has rocketed to No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list.

Gingrich will provide insight into the current political climate and his evaluation of what might be historic GOP gains in November.

The line-up of speakers at the Values Voter Summit also includes: Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), former Senator Rick Santorum, Representatives Michele Bachmann (R-MN), and Mike Pence (R-IN), current and former governors Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney, the Duggar family, Phyllis Schlafly, Lila Rose and many more.

FRC Action's Values Voter Summit is cosponsored by American Family Association Action, American Values, The Heritage Foundation, Liberty University, Liberty Counsel and Family Research Council. The Summit will be held September 17-19 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. A presidential and vice presidential straw poll, exhibit hall, book signings, new media row sponsored by Media Research Center and much more will be packed into this three-day conference. On Saturday evening, American Family Association Chairman Emeritus Don Wildmon will be honored at a gala dinner and receive the fourth annual James C. Dobson Vision and Leadership Award.

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Democrats' Ticking Tax Bomb, Part II

2010-07-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

How the Democrats’ Year-end Tax Hike Will Affect Typical Taxpayers

As described in Part I of this series, starting January 1, 2011, Washington Democrats will impose a $3.8 trillion tax hike on hard-working Americans. This tax increase will affect every American who pays income taxes through higher tax rates on individuals, families, and small businesses. Married couples and parents will be singled out for even higher taxes, and there will be significant tax hikes on the very investments that grow the economy and create good jobs. Even the death tax – repealed entirely for 2010 – will be resurrected on January 1, 2011. So far, Democrats have done nothing to disarm this ticking tax bomb.

So how will the family budgets of typical taxpayers be affected by these looming Democrat tax hikes?

A family of four earning $50,000 per year could pay more than $2,100 in higher taxes.
A single mom earning $36,000 per year could pay over $1,100 more in taxes.
Married senior citizens earning $40,000 per year could pay more than $1,400 in higher taxes.

Here are the details:

Typical Tax Return #1: Middle-income family of four
Filing Status: Married, filing joint return Children: 2 Adjusted Gross Income: $50,000
	Without Democrats' 2011 Tax Hike	With Democrats' 2011 Tax Hike
Standard deduction	$11,600	$9,750
Personal exemptions	$15,000	$15,000
Taxable income	$23,400	$25,250
Tax liability	$2,652	$3,788
Child credit (non-refundable portion)	$2,000	$1,000
Total tax	$652	$2,788
Democrats' 2011 tax increase: $2,136

Calculations are based on Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates of various tax parameters reflecting expected inflation adjustments for 2011.

Typical Tax Return #2: Modest-income single parent
Filing Status: Head of Household Children: 1 Adjusted Gross Income: $36,000
	Without Democrats' 2011 Tax Hike	With Democrats' 2011 Tax Hike
Standard deduction	$8,600	$8,600
Personal exemptions	$7,500	$7,500
Taxable income	$19,900	$19,900
Tax liability	$2,373	$2,985
Child credit (non-refundable portion)	$1,000	$500
Total Tax	$1,373	$2,485
Democrats' 2011 tax increase: $1,112

Calculations are based on Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates of various tax parameters reflecting expected inflation adjustments for 2011.

Typical Tax Return #3: Married senior citizens
Filing Status: Married, filing joint return Children: 0 Adjusted Gross Income: $40,000, including $5,000 in dividends ($100,000 invested, 5% yield)
	Without Democrats' 2011 Tax Hike	With Democrats' 2011 Tax Hike
Standard deduction	$13,800	$13,800
Personal exemptions	$7,500	$7,500
Taxable income	$18,700	$18,700
Qualified dividends	$5,000 taxed at 0% (special rate for taxpayers in the 10% or 15% brackets)	$5,000 taxed at 15% (ordinary income rate)
Total tax	$1,370	$2,805
Democrats' 2011 tax increase: $1,435

Calculations are based on Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates of various tax parameters reflecting expected inflation adjustments for 2011.

While the effect of these Democrat tax increases on any particular taxpayer’s family budget will depend on that taxpayer’s specific facts and circumstances, these typical tax returns make clear that this is a massive tax hike that the American people simply can’t afford.

As these examples show, married couples and taxpayers with children will be hit particularly hard by the Democrats’ tax hike. For more detail about the re-imposition of the marriage penalty and the reduction in the child credit scheduled for January 1, 2011, stay tuned for Part III of this series, coming soon.

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Ways and Means Republican Press Office
www.Republicans.WaysandMeans.House.Gov
202.226.4774

Democrats' Ticking Tax Bomb, Part I

2010-07-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Overview: Americans to Pay Higher Taxes Starting January 1, 2011

Get ready to pay higher taxes in 2011 thanks to Democrats in Washington. Starting January 1, 2011 – less than six months from now – an unprecedented, $3.8 trillion tax increase is scheduled to kick in, affecting every American who pays income taxes. This Democrat tax hike will force hard-working Americans to pay over $200 billion in higher taxes next year alone.

What are some of these tax increases? They include:

Higher Income Tax Rates on ALL Americans Who Pay Income Taxes

Individuals and Small Businesses*
with Taxable Income in the Following Ranges…

… Pay This Statutory Rate on that Range of Income in 2010…

…But will Pay This Statutory Rate on that Range of Income in 2011

Up to $8,375 for single filers and
Up to $16,750 for married couples

10%

15%

Between $8,375 and $34,000 for single filers and
Between $16,750 and $68,000** for married couples

15%

15%

Between $34,000 and $82,400 for single filers and
Between $68,000** and $137,300 for married couples

25%

28%

Between $82,400 and $171,850 for single filers and
Between $137,300 and $209,250 for married couples

28%

31%

Between $171,850 and $373,650 for single filers and
Between $209,250 and $373,650 for married couples

33%

36%

Over $373,650 for both single filers and
married couples

35%

39.6%***

Dollar amounts listed in the table above will be indexed for inflation in 2011. Amounts listed for married couples are for married couples filing joint returns.
*According to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), 94% of all U.S. businesses in 2007 were S corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships – “pass-through” business types commonly used by small businesses – that file their taxes on their owners’ individual Form 1040s and pay taxes at the individual tax rates.
** Because of one of the marriage penalties that will be reinstated (see below), this $68,000 amount will drop to $58,200 in 2011, meaning that a married couple with as little as $58,200 in taxable income will be subject to the higher 28% rate on their next dollar earned, rather than the 15% rate.
*** Because of the reinstatement of additional, hidden tax rates (see below), while the top statutory rate will be 39.6% in 2011, the top effective rate will actually be 41.6%.

Higher Taxes if You Are Married

For Married Couples
Filing Jointly, the Marriage Penalty Is Reinstated With Respect To...

2010

2011

The Standard Deduction

Singles: $5,700

Married: $11,400

No marriage penalty because the standard deduction for married couples is twice the standard deduction for singles

Singles: $5,800

Married: $9,750

Marriage penalty is reinstated because the standard deduction for married couples is $1,850 less than twice the standard deduction for singles

The last dollar of income
taxed at the 15% rate
(instead of at 25% in 2010
or at 28% in 2011,
the next highest tax rate in effect)

Singles: $34,000

Married: $68,000

No marriage penalty because the last dollar of income taxed at 15% (instead of at 25%, the next highest rate) for married couples is twice the corresponding amount for singles

Singles: $34,850

Married: $58,200

Marriage penalty is reinstated because the last dollar of income taxed at 15% (instead of at 28%, the next highest rate) for married couples is $11,500 less than twice the corresponding amount for singles

Dollar amounts listed in the table above for 2011 are JCT estimates reflecting expected inflation adjustments.

Higher Taxes if You Are A Parent
Pro-family Tax Benefit	2010	2011
Child Tax Credit	$1,000 per child	$500 per child

Higher Taxes on Investments that Grow the Economy and Create Good Jobs
Investment Incentive	2010	2011
Top rate on long-term capital gains	15%	20%*
Top rate on qualified dividends	15%	39.6%*

* Because of the reinstatement of additional, hidden tax rates (see below), while the top statutory capital gains rate will be 20% in 2011, the top effective rate will actually be 22%. For dividends, while the top statutory rate will be 39.6% in 2011, the top effective rate will actually be 41.6%.

Note that, under the Democrats’ new health law, beginning in 2013, investment income will be subject to an additional 3.8% surtax for single taxpayers earning more than $200,000 and married couples earning more than $250,000. This will bring the top statutory rate on capital gains to 23.8% and the top statutory rate on dividends to 43.4% in 2013. Because of the additional, hidden tax rate increases described below, however, the top effective rate on capital gains will be 25.8% in 2013, and the top effective rate on dividends will be 45.4%.

Higher Taxes through Additional, Hidden Tax Rate Increases

Hidden Tax Rate Increase Reinstated

Individuals and Small Businesses*
with Adjusted Gross Income…

… Pay this additional, hidden
tax rate increase in 2010…

… But pay this additional, hidden tax rate increase in 2011

Personal exemption phase-out (PEP)

Above $171,000 for single filers and
Above $256,700 for married couples
filing jointly

None

Approximately 0.8%

Pease limitation on itemized deductions (such as mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and state and local taxes)

Above $171,000 for both single filers and
married couples filing jointly

None

Approximately 1.2%

Top effective marginal tax rate on income (including dividend income) in 2011,
including reinstatement of these hidden tax rate increases:

    39.6% (top statutory rate)
      0.8% (PEP)
+    1.2% (Pease limitation)
  41.6%

*According to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), 94% of all U.S. businesses in 2007 were S corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietorships – “pass-through” business types commonly used by small businesses – that file their taxes on their owners’ individual Form 1040s and pay taxes at the individual tax rates.

Dollar amounts listed in the table above are JCT estimates for 2011 reflecting expected inflation adjustments.

Note that, under the Democrats’ new health law, beginning in 2013, dividend income will be subject to an additional 3.8% surtax for single taxpayers earning more than $200,000 and married couples earning more than $250,000. Factoring in the additional, hidden tax rate increase described in this table, the top effective rate on dividends will be 45.4% in 2013.

Resurrection of the Death Tax
Estate Tax Provision	2010	2011
Exemption amount	N/A – Death Tax repealed	$1 million
Top rate	N/A – Death Tax repealed	55%

For examples of how these looming tax hikes will affect typical American taxpayers, stay tuned for Part II of this series, coming soon.

Floor Statement of Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) re: H.R. 4380, the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill

2010-07-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

I am disappointed that I cannot support this legislation.

The Miscellaneous Tariff Bill has long been a bipartisan effort that helps both American manufacturers and consumers obtain lower-cost access to products that aren’t made in the United States.

The process used to assemble this legislation is a model in transparency and accountability. This is a long-standing process that has been used by many Congresses – under both Republican and Democrat control – and should serve as an example of how similar legislation should be prepared.

Every provision is first introduced as a separate bill.
Each provision is vetted by the Administration and by the U.S. International Trade Commission and is subject to public notice and comment.
All information is posted on the Committee website.
Any provision receiving any opposition is removed from the final package.

In my view, this bill technically does not contain earmarks in the form of limited tariff benefits. Each provision lowers duties on imports, and any company or person that imports that product receives the benefit of those lower duties, not just those we can positively identify today. Despite these facts, Democrats have written the rules of the House in such a way as to treat limited tariff benefits like other earmarks. The Democrats were wrong to do so.

But the Republican Conference has taken the position, and correctly so, that we are taking a one-year moratorium on all the provisions included in the Democrat Rule to demonstrate our commitment to getting government spending under control. I am committed to both the letter and spirit of that moratorium and therefore will vote against this bill.

In fact, the Majority is well aware of our earmark ban, and I can’t help but wonder if this bill was put on the suspension calendar – after three-and-a-half years without a vote – so that it would fail and they might avoid taking the blame. It is a sham and it won’t work. The business community knows it, the American workers whose jobs depend on it know it, and we know it – Democrats have had three-and-a-half-years to pass the MTB and they have failed to do so.

Congress has not passed an MTB bill since December 2006 -- right before the Democrats took the Majority. The only new trade bill they have considered in that time is the Peru trade agreement.

I think the record speaks for itself – Republicans have long-supported the MTB and U.S. employers while the Democrats have written rules that discriminate against this bill. More importantly, business investment and hiring are frozen in the face of looming tax hikes, smothering government regulation and little or no action on the trade agenda – all brought about by Washington Democrats.

A true commitment to trade and the good-paying U.S. jobs it provides would involve passing the pending bilateral trade agreements, which, economically, are even more important to this country.

Mr. Speaker, what you are seeing today is merely one more attempt by the Majority to distract American workers and employers from the real damage they’ve done to the American economy. This legislation cannot overcome the over $670 billion in new taxes already passed by this Congress and the billions more coming. It cannot overcome the anti-business attitude of so much of the legislation produced by the Majority.

Mr. Speaker, if my friends on the other side of the aisle were truly interested in helping American manufacturers, they’d be lowering taxes, knocking down trade barriers, and supporting the private sector. This legislation is no substitute for those policies.

Mr. Speaker, the House should take a breather from earmarks, as called for in the Republican Conference Moratorium. It is unfortunate that this pause includes the MTB, but we didn’t write the Rule. I urge my colleagues to show the American people we are serious about reforming the way Washington works and vote no. I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ways and Means Republican Press Office
www.Republicans.WaysandMeans.House.Gov
202.226.4774

Cobb County GOP Breakfast

2010-06-03T19:02:00.001-07:00

Saturday, June 5 at 8:00am. 

End Time: Saturday, June 5 at 9:30am
Where: Williamson Bros. BBQ

Republicans Win Back Supporters

2010-05-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll finds Republicans "have solidified support among voters who had drifted from the party in recent elections, putting the GOP in position for a strong comeback in November's mid-term campaign."

"The findings suggest that public opinion has hardened in advance of the 2010 elections, making it tougher for Democrats to translate their legislative successes, or a tentatively improving U.S. economy, into gains among voters."

"Republicans have reassembled their coalition by reconnecting with independents, seniors, blue-collar voters, suburban women and small town and rural voters -- all of whom had moved away from the party in the 2006 elections, in which Republicans lost control of the House. Those voter groups now favor GOP control of Congress." Read more: Republicans Win Back Supporters

Above is from: Taegan Goddard's Political Wire
Comment: Watch out, the Dems would like Republicans to get confident and blow it. Voters like it when you're humble and working hard to show you're worthy... Keep working to earn those votes, it ain't over until the election results are in, and then it's time to prove that you deserve the votes... and, if you win, time to make sure you keep the votes coming in subsequent elections. Once the Republicans are in power, the press is going to turn and all of a sudden everything that goes wrong will be the fault of those in power (unlike now when nothing is the fault of anyone other than Bush or fat-cat-capitalists).

GA Senate Votes to Prevent Coercive Abortions

2010-03-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

The Georgia State Senate today voted to prevent women in Georgia from being forced to have an abortion against their will. Under Senate Bill 529, authored by Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville), criminal abortions will include unlawfully coercive abortions, or with the intent to prevent a birth based on the gender or race of the unborn child.

“Georgia should have the proper protections in place for women who may be in danger of coercion. The numbers tell the true story; when 64 percent of abortions involve coercion, we clearly need to give women recourse to protect their personal decisions,” said Pearson. “It’s also imperative that as a civil society, we protect the unborn from gender and race selection.”

The bill defines the offenses of a criminal abortion to be when a person performs an abortion with the knowledge that a pregnant woman is being coerced, with the intent to have an abortion based on race, color or gender, or with the knowledge that a pregnant woman is seeking an abortion based on race, color or gender. The bill also allows women to recover civil damages if they receive such an abortion, and ensures that they would not be held criminally responsible.

In a recent article from The Economist, the author coined the term “gendercide” to describe the gender and race selection that has wiped out at least 100 million girls across the globe. The article went on to note that “the cumulative consequence for societies of such individual actions is catastrophic.”

Even Secretary of State Hilary Clinton agrees, saying that “Unfortunately with technology, parents are able to use sonograms to determine the sex of a baby, and to abort girl children simply because they’d rather have a boy.”

According to Americans United for Life, nine states currently have some form of coercive abuse prevention laws and three states have sex-selection abortion laws. The Atlantic Magazine notes that Georgia is joining seven other states in its effort to prevent sex or race-selection abortions.

Sen. Chip Pearson serves as chairman of the Economic Development Committee. He represents the 51st Senate District, which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Pickens, and Union counties and portions of Forsyth and White counties. He may be reached at 404.656.9221 or via e-mail at chip.pearson@senate.ga.gov.
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ObamaCare’s Immediate Impact: Declining Profits for an Already Weak Manufacturing Sector

2010-03-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

With the ink not even dry on the Democrats’ health care overhaul, American manufacturers are already warning about how much it will cost them. Both Deere and Caterpillar are reporting that the bill will result in their reported earnings declining by $150 million and $100 million respectively. A spokesman for Caterpillar noted the bill’s tax “could cause us to consider changes to the retiree prescription drug benefit,” a concern other companies have raised as well. This is just a preview of what is to come from the over half-trillion dollar in tax increases contained in the Democrats’ health care bill -- the largest tax increase in American history.

Caterpillar predicts $100M health care reform cost:
“Heavy-equipment maker Caterpillar says the new health care reform law will create a $100 million drag on its first-quarter earnings because of tax law changes.”

Deere says health care law will raise expenses :
"Deere, based in Moline, Ill., is the second company this week to indicate that the new law will increase its costs."

Obama Tax’s $14 Billion Charge Starts at Caterpillar:
"Disclosures by Caterpillar and AK Steel Holding Corp. in the two days since the signing are the first sets of health-care charges that ultimately may shave as much as $14 billion from U.S. corporate profits."

Deere sees $150 million hit from healthcare reform:
"Farm equipment maker Deere & Co expects after-tax expenses to rise by $150 million this year as a result of the healthcare reform law President Barack Obama signed this week."

Ways and Means Republican Press Officewww.Republicans.WaysandMeans.House.Gov
202.226.4774

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Boehner Selects Camp to Serve on Debt Commission

2010-03-12T10:14:00.001-08:00

CAMP: “We simply cannot sustain the deficit spending going on in Washington, nor can families and employers sustain the higher taxes many in Washington believe are the solution to that crisis.”

Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) today was selected by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) to serve as one of three House Republicans on the President’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

“I want to thank Leader Boehner for naming me to the Commission,” said Camp. “Frankly, there may be no greater or graver task we face than getting our fiscal house in order. We simply cannot sustain the deficit spending going on in Washington, nor can families and employers sustain the higher taxes many in Washington believe are the solution to that crisis. I look forward to working with the other members of the commission to tackle our spending problems and shore up vital programs like Medicare and Social Security.”

Charged with finding solutions to achieve long term fiscal sustainability as well as balancing the federal budget (excluding interest payments on the debt) by 2015, the Commission will be required to examine entitlement spending on Medicare, Social Security and welfare programs, all of which fall under the jurisdiction of the Ways and Means Committee.

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Westmoreland fight against earmarks gaining steam

2010-03-11T20:13:00.000-08:00

Today, the entire House Republican Conference voted to place a moratorium on requesting earmarks, taking a big step toward spending reforms long advocated by U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland.

“The earmark system in Congress is broken, and we needed to take dramatic action like we did today to show the American people we’re serious about doing a better job using their taxpayers wisely and efficiently,” Westmoreland said. “Along with several other conservative legislators, I took this stand against earmarks on my own several years ago, and I have refused to place projects in appropriations bills.

“The way earmarks are done in the House rewards seniority and power of members. It funds projects outside of the competitive process with little means of measuring success or cost-benefit analysis. Tax dollars should go first and foremost to national priorities, they should be distributed fairly and equitably, and when projects fall short of expectations, the funding should end.

“Americans, rightly, have lost faith in Washington’s ability to be responsible with their money. We’ve taken a positive step today. The Democrats’ vow to end all earmarks to for-profit businesses is just more smoke-and-mirrors; it leaves most earmarks safely in place and does nothing to correct the impression that members of Congress are using the federal treasury as a political piggy bank.”

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Camp, Brady: Administration’s Failure to Resolve Trucking Dispute Harming American Workers

2010-03-09T19:03:00.001-08:00

Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX) today issued the following statements on the one-year anniversary of the Congressional termination of the NAFTA trucking pilot program, which then triggered $2.4 billion in retaliatory duties against American-made exports by Mexico:

Congressman Camp said, "Record numbers of Americans are receiving an unemployment check instead of a paycheck. We need to make it easier for employers to create jobs and export American-made goods. Yet this Administration is doing just the opposite. Every day the Administration fails to resolve the trucking dispute, American workers and exporters are forced to pay additional and unnecessary duties to Mexico. The price tag of the Administration’s inaction is $2.4 billion and growing. Given the state of our economy, now more than ever that money should go into American jobs, not to Mexico. The Administration has had one year to solve this problem by developing a plan to keep our highways safe while still complying with our trade obligations. It is time it does so to restore the competitiveness of American exports.”

Congressman Brady asked, “How long must America’s farmers and manufacturers be punished while the White House and Congress refuse to resolve the problem they created? They’ve wasted a full year. With unemployment nearly 10%, America needs to increase U.S. exports and create jobs, not create new barriers that make American exports less competitive. If we continue to disregard our obligations and compel this retaliation, we are punishing our farmers, businesses, and workers. I call on the Administration, once again, to quickly resolve this issue and restore duty-free access to the Mexican market for American-made products."

Background: On March 11, 2009, President Obama signed into law H.R. 1105, which prohibited funding of a pilot program designed to ensure select Mexican trucks met U.S. safety standards. The termination of this program violated U.S. NAFTA obligations, and Mexico retaliated by imposing tariffs on over $1.5 billion in U.S. manufactured products and $900 million in U.S. agriculture products. Mexico is the second largest market for exports of American-made goods and services.

On March 18, 2009, Reps. Camp and Brady wrote to the President and urged the “Administration to work quickly with all interested stakeholders to develop a new program.” They warned, “If we choose to continue to disregard our obligations and compel this retaliation, we are punishing our farmers, businesses and workers at a time when our economy is in great distress.”

On June 8, 2009, a bipartisan group of House members, led by John Salazar (D-CO) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), wrote the President: “[W]e would like to work with you and your Administration to move toward a quick resolution on this issue. Further economic harm to U.S. farmers, manufacturers and service providers is something this country cannot afford.”
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North Fulton GOP Breakfast Saturday, March 13 at 9:30am

2010-03-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

David says, "Please come and lend your support! We need you!"
Event: North Fulton GOP Breakfast
Start Time: Saturday, March 13 at 9:30am
End Time: Saturday, March 13 at 12:30pm
Where: Horseshoe Bend Country Club off Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell.

NC GOP Precint Meetings

2010-02-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that the North Carolina GOP holds it's precinct meetings in February. In Wake County, they are tonight - Monday, February 22, 2010. If you live outside Wake County, got to http://www.NCGOP.org to find out when your county is meeting. Outside of NC, please check with your state party HQ.

WHY ATTEND?

* You'll have a seat at the table - Want to have influence on decisions? Show Up!
* You can become a VOTING delegate to County and State Conventions!
* You can become a precinct or district officer!
* You'll get to meet other like-minded conservatives who are concerned about the direction of our country.
* You can start DOING something about what's wrong instead of just complaining about it!

Those are just a few reasons why you should attend. This is our year to make a difference. Make the small sacrifice that can make a big difference.

My District (eastern Wake County - Zebulon, Wendell, Knightdale, and east of Garner) will be meeting as follows:

East Wake High School Cafeteria
5101 Rolesville Rd.
Wendell, NC 27591

Google Map
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=35.813786,+-78.424799&sll=35.813428,-78.424889&sspn=0.003171,0.003482&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=17

For other Wake County locations, check at http://www.WakeGOP.org

Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) Delivers Weekly GOP Address

2010-02-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Ways and Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) delivered the weekly Republican address and will attend the White House Summit on health care next Thursday. In his address this week, Rep. Camp echoed the American people's request to reduce the cost of health care noting that, "the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projects that the Republican health care bill would actually lower insurance premiums across the board by up to 10 percent - about $2,000 per year. The Democrat bills do just the opposite - they increase the cost of health care."

Hello, I'm Congressman Dave Camp from Michigan, and I serve as the lead Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee.

This is a time of economic uncertainty. Tens of millions of Americans are either looking for work or have just given up entirely. They're looking to Washington for solutions. But instead it seems Washington keeps adding to their problems. That's why Americans are demanding that President Obama and the Democrats in control of Congress scrap their misguided plan of a government takeover of health care. They don't want a 2,000-page bill that threatens jobs and drives up health premiums; they already have enough challenges to deal with in their daily lives. They want Washington to start over with a step-by-step approach to health care reform that begins with reducing costs and ensures they can keep their current plan if they like it.

For those families and small businesses looking for a sign that Washington is ready to wake up and find common sense on this issue, next week's White House health care summit may not be it.
In fact, right now, Democrats are continuing to work behind closed doors, putting the finishing touches on yet another massive health care bill Americans can't afford and don't want.
If it's like Democrats' other health care bills, this one will drive up premiums, destroy jobs, raise taxes, slash Medicare benefits, and add to our already-skyrocketing debt.

But this won't be just another bill written in secret and signed off on by special interests. Democrats have admitted they are working on an undemocratic plan to jam this bill through Congress and subvert the will of the American people. Democrats themselves are describing this latest maneuver as a “trick.”

If the starting point for this summit is more of the same backroom deals and partisan bills, then this meeting will likely be a charade.

From the beginning, Republicans have listened to the American people and offered reforms that lower health care premiums for families and small businesses.

The bill I and House Republicans proposed last fall implements common sense solutions focused on lowering costs. Our bill ensures nobody will be denied coverage on the basis of a pre-existing condition. It gives states the tools to implement their own innovative reforms. And we put an end to the junk lawsuits that are forcing doctors to practice defensive medicine and drive up the cost of health insurance for all Americans. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office projects that the Republican health care bill would actually lower insurance premiums across the board by up to 10 percent - about $2,000 per year. The Democrat bills do just the opposite - they increase the cost of health care.Just as important, Republicans get the job done without cutting Medicare, without raising taxes, and without piling more debt on our kids and grandkids. All the details of our plan are available at healthcare.gop.gov.

Republicans remain ready to discuss these ideas with President Obama and move forward in a bipartisan way to lower health care costs. But Americans' health care is way too important to risk on a rushed backroom deal that puts federal bureaucrats in charge of your personal health care decisions. Instead of hurting small businesses by forcing them to pay new taxes and meet new regulations, our focus should be on lowering their health care costs so that they can expand and hire more workers.

So in order to have a productive bipartisan conversation on health care, Democrats must first listen to the American people and scrap their massive government takeover of health care. We must go into the summit with a clean slate focused on making health care affordable. That is what Americans are asking for, and that is what Republicans will continue to work for.
Thanks for listening.
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Westmoreland: No celebrating on stimulus birthday

2010-02-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

One year ago today, President Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus bill into law with great hype and big promises, but the facts show that after 365 days, we have more debt, lots of wasteful spending, funding for a liberal wish list but no new jobs. In fact, the cost has risen $75 billion to $862 billion because unemployment benefits had to rise to pay for people who lost jobs that the bill was supposed to save.

“President Obama and the Democratic Congress said the stimulus would stem the tide of unemployment ‘almost immediately,’ but instead we’ve seen a continued deterioration of the job market while we’ve piled up hundreds of billions of dollars in new debt,” U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland said. “We know there’s been a lot of spending, but where are the jobs? The administration had a tough job in defending all this deficit spending that we can’t afford to pay back, but it’s that much harder for them when the country lost an additional 3 million jobs AFTER the stimulus.”

When the stimulus passed, the nation’s unemployment rate was 7.6 percent. The administration stated this massive new spending would keep the unemployment rate below 8 percent. It quickly soared above 10 percent – and it’s actually higher than that if you include the many millions of Americans who have simply given up looking for the time being. In Georgia, the unemployment went from 9.2 percent before the stimulus to 10.3 percent at the end of 2009.

“All of this money was deficit spending,” Westmoreland said. “We’ll be paying the interest on this for years – taking hundreds of billions a year away from future priorities and future needs and emergencies. We’ve worsened our fiscal crisis, and adding insult to injury we haven’t gotten much in return for it.

“As a nation, we have spent our way into a lot of trouble. A brighter future depends on less government, less spending and less debt so that we can free our small businesses to create the jobs we need.”
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Graves Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the “Stimulus”

2010-02-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

State Representative Tom Graves (R-Ranger) released the following statement on the one year anniversary of the $787 billion stimulus package being signed into law:

“One year ago today, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. The purpose of the $787 billion stimulus bill was to create new jobs, as well as save existing ones; to spur economic activity by investments that provide long-term economic growth; and to foster unprecedented levels of accountability and transparency in government spending.

“A year later, over three million Americans have lost their jobs; only six percent of Americans believe the stimulus package created jobs; and it was revealed that the Recovery Act website bragged about job creation in make-believe congressional districts.

“The stimulus has failed and the American people know it.

“Unfortunately, President Obama and the Democrats in Congress don’t want to face reality; they want to spend tens of billions more on a JOBS Bill. While they may have gotten the name right, their approach is still wrong.

“There is only one true JOBS Bill in this country and it is being considered and debated right here in Georgia.

“The Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2010 is not another government stimulus, not another government bailout and not another government buyout of the private sector. It is a common sense, free-market approach that will get our economy moving again by using tax credits, cuts and incentives to spur job creation.

“The JOBS Act of 2010 will help Georgia lead the nation out of the recession and into economic prosperity.

“If the leaders in Washington were serious about getting America back to work, they would abandon their big government, big spending approach that is bankrupting our country and instead follow Georgia’s lead by unleashing its entrepreneurial spirit by empowering the private sector to create jobs.”

Last month, Representative Graves introduced the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2010 (JOBS Act of 2010) in the Georgia House of Representatives. More information about the JOBS Act of 2010 can be found by clicking here.

Representative Tom Graves represents the citizens of House District 12, which includes portions of Bartow, Gordon, and Pickens Counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, and is currently the Chairman of the 9th District Caucus. He serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Motor Vehicles Committee and is also a member of the Health & Human Services, Transportation, and Ways & Means Committees.
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NBRA: The Massachusetts Message

2010-01-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

From the voters of Massachusetts came a stunning rebuke of President Barack Obama and his Democrat cohorts in Congress. Unmistakable was the clear and concise message shouted by Bay State voters across the political spectrum – WE DO NOT WANT SOCIALISM.

The repudiation of Obama’s socialist agenda began as a murmur of protest in the spring of 2009. During town hall meetings over that summer, the voices of citizens grew louder. For months, Tea Party protests drew millions of average Americans across the country, with over 2 million descending on Washington DC in September, according to National Park Service estimates. Obama and his Democrat congressional minions mocked the protesting citizenry. They expressed a lack of concern when in November the voters in Virginia and liberal New Jersey sent an anti-socialism shock wave throughout our body politic by electing Republicans as their governors.

Ignoring outraged citizens, Democrats on Christmas Eve passed the Senate version of their disastrous health care legislation, egregiously bribing senators for their votes, including the multi-million dollar payoffs to Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson and Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu. Blatantly dismissing Obama’s promise of transparency, Democrats proceeded to reconcile the Senate and House bills behind closed doors. Gleefully, Democrats sent a chilling message to the American public that there was nothing we could do to stop them.

Then came Scott Brown. A witty, down-to-earth guy from a small town, he traveled his state in a pickup truck, clearly articulating the dissatisfaction of Americans across the country. Seeking to capture the seat that Senator Ted Kennedy held for nearly a half century and that had not been held by a Republican in over three and a half decades, Brown boldly proclaimed that he would be the 41st vote against ObamaCare. He stated plainly that he would vote to halt the Democrats’ spending our nation into bankruptcy, giving billions of bailout dollars to corporations, and providing terrorists the same rights and privileges afforded American citizens. His message resonated well with the freedom-loving people of Massachusetts, the home of the Boston Tea Party of 1773 and the 1775 Concord shot that was heard around the world, the genesis of our nation’s blood-soaked journey to independence.

So, how did Obama and the Democrats respond to the Massachusetts earth-shattering vote that reverberated around our nation? They resolved to double down and cram down ObamaCare, gambling that Americans love entitlements more than they love freedom. A lesson Democrats learned from black Americans who consistently vote for Democrats in exchange for government handouts, even though the Democrats’ socialist policies have turned black communities into economic and social cesspools. A video posted on the Internet “Detroit in RUINS! (Crowder goes Ghetto)” provides a look at the type of devastation all of America will face, unless the voters in around the country rebel as urged in the video “America Rising: An Open Letter To The Democrats” and repeat in November the Massachusetts Miracle of January.

By Frances Rice

Frances Rice is a retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel, a lawyer and chairman of the National Black Republican Association. She may be contacted at: www.NBRA.Info
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Boehner Endorses States’ Rebellion Against a Gov’t Takeover of Health Care

2010-01-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today expressed strong support for an effort gaining momentum in state legislatures nationwide to oppose Washington Democrats’ government takeover of health care and opt-out of its burdensome mandates.

Lawmakers in 26 states already have, or will, introduce legislation to outlaw any mandate that individuals must pay a new tax if they don’t have “government-approved” health insurance. This endeavor is being spearheaded by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a non-partisan organization made up of reform-minded state legislators. More states are expected to follow suit and introduce similar bills in the days and weeks ahead – all part of a grassroots effort to defeat this bill before it harms our economy and undermines the health care of every American.

“With our focus squarely on defeating a government takeover of health care, this growing rebellion in the states is yet another indication of strong grassroots opposition to Washington Democrats’ plans,” Boehner said. “All the burdensome mandates, tax hikes, and new layers of red tape Democrats are devising behind closed doors would wreak havoc on the states, so it’s no surprise a majority of them are already fighting back.”

The 26 states where opt-out legislation has been introduced include Boehner’s home state of Ohio, in addition to Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

“When we see so many reform-minded state legislators standing with the American people against Democrats’ government takeover of health care, we’re even more convinced that fighting this bill with everything we’ve got is the right thing to do,” Boehner added. “Congressional Republicans will continue to lend our full support to this effort and look forward to having additional states come on board.”

Last year, Leader Boehner joined Reps. Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Devin Nunes (R-CA) in establishing the GOP State Solutions project as part of an ongoing effort to partner with reform-minded governors, state officials, and legislators and promote better solutions to the challenges facing the American people.

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Dekalb (GA) YR January 2010 Meeting

2010-01-12T05:26:00.000-08:00

Dekalb YR January 2010 Meeting
Tuesday, January 19 at 7:00pm
End Time: Tuesday, January 19 at 9:00pm
Hudson Grille (Brookhaven Station)

Boehner Welcomes Rep. Parker Griffith to the House Republican Conference

2009-12-22T12:28:00.000-08:00

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after Rep. Parker Griffith (D-AL) announced his intent to leave the House Democratic Caucus and join the House Republican Conference:

“Parker Griffith is a dedicated public servant who has consistently put the best interests of his constituents first, and it is in that spirit that Republicans welcome him.

“All year long, Alabamians have been well-served by Congressman Griffith’s support for conservative principles and his rejection of Washington Democrats’ wrong-headed, liberal policies. Whether it was the trillion-dollar ‘stimulus,’ the national energy tax, or a government takeover of health care, Congressman Griffith has consistently sided with Republicans and the American people to call for better solutions rooted in common sense. He has also stood up to Speaker Pelosi by joining efforts to advance ‘read the bill’ reform and to ensure that not a single taxpayer dollar is used to fund abortions.

“With today’s decision, Congressman Griffith has added his voice to the growing chorus of Americans who have had it with Democrats’ wrong-headed policies and lack of leadership. Families continue to ask ‘where are the jobs?’ and all they are getting from out-of-touch Washington Democrats is more spending, more taxes, and more debt.

“Democratic leaders should seize this opportunity to reevaluate their entire job-killing agenda, starting with Senator Reid’s 2,733-page government takeover of health care. House Republicans will continue to offer the American people better solutions to address their everyday challenges, an effort that will surely benefit from Congressman Griffith’s leadership.”

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Fulton GOP TailGate Football Party

2009-12-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 20 at 12:00pm.

Joy says, "There's a Tailgate Party at Fulton GOP HQ...Come join us...$5.00 Donation Asked for and lots of Food and Drink. Wear your favorite teams Colors...".

Event: Fulton GOP TailGate Football Party
Start Time: Sunday, December 20 at 12:00pm
End Time: Sunday, December 20 at 4:00pm
Where: Fulton GOP HQ
Street: 5920 Roswell Rd
City/Town: Sandy Springs, GA

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=202903833089&mid=1958c9aG5d770abcG83f7a6G7

Congressman Lynn Westmoreland: Stimulus II – It’s holiday spending, minus the presents

2009-12-17T07:07:00.001-08:00

With House Democrats trying to load their sleigh with billions of dollars in goodies before wrapping up for the year today, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland opposed the holiday spending binge that raised the nation’s debt ceiling and tacked on another $150 billion in spending – the “Son of Stimulus.”

“On Thursday, Vice President Biden is coming to Georgia to talk about how the $787 billion stimulus bill passed in February is creating and saving all these jobs in Georgia – where the unemployment rate remains above 10 percent,” Westmoreland said. “Well, if the first stimulus is such a raging success, why are we spending another $150 billion?”

The “Son of Stimulus” pours billions of dollars into the very same programs included in the original stimulus. In some cases, such as infrastructure, very little of the money from the first stimulus has even been spent. In other cases, where the money from the first stimulus has been spent, it has failed to create jobs or has been wasted.

Westmoreland, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, cites spending on highways as an example.

“The first stimulus doled out $27.5 billion to highways, and the Son of Stimulus provides another $27.5 billion – even though the government has only spent 18 percent of the original outlay,” Westmoreland said. “The list goes on and on: Amtrak, housing, unemployment benefits, airports, parks, AmeriCorps. All these are getting billions more in spending in a jobs plan that won’t create any jobs.

“Adding insult to injury, Democrats pretend they’re spending ‘free money’ because they’re using unused or repaid money from the TARP program. This flies in the face of the TARP law passed last year which clearly stated that any unused TARP funds go toward paying down the deficit. Instead, we’re sending more money we don’t have out the door and, on the exact same day, raising our nation’s debt limit by another $290 billion, which shockingly will only last for two months.”

Westmoreland notes that in three years of Democratic control in the House, the national debt has increased by 39 percent.
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Isakson Votes to Preserve Medicare Home Health Services for Millions of Seniors

2009-12-05T17:38:00.001-08:00

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today voted for an amendment that would have prevented the Democrats’ health care plan from cutting $42.1 billion from Medicare home health services.

Senate Democrats defeated the motion by Senator Mike Johanns, R-Neb., to send the bill back to the Senate Finance Committee with instructions to remove all home health cuts by a vote of 41-53.

“We are talking about cutting services that greatly reduce the cost of health care and improve the quality of life of America’s seniors. We are taking away an affordable, effective way to deliver health care to millions of Americans,” Isakson said. “The Democrats want to slash this vital program that keeps seniors out of the hospital and in their own homes to help fund their terribly flawed, outrageously expensive, government-run health care system. I will continue to vote to protect our seniors.”

On the Senate floor, Isakson referenced a letter he received from the Georgia Association for Home Health Agencies in support of the Johanns amendment. If the Senate bill becomes law, Adams stated 68 percent of the Medicare certified home health agencies in Georgia would go out of business, forcing the patients they serve to be re-hospitalized or seek alternative, more costly care.

According to the National Association for Homecare and Hospice, Georgia home health providers would lose over $967 million under the Senate health care proposal.

Home health services include skilled nursing care, home health aide services and medical social services as well as physical therapy, speech-language therapy and occupational therapy.
Nurses, therapists, home care aides and others who serve elderly and disabled patients in their own homes care for nearly 12 million patients annually with 428 million visits.

Chambliss: Cuts to Home Health Care Takes Away Affordable Option

2009-12-05T17:37:00.001-08:00

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., on the Senate floor today, spoke in favor of an amendment that would have removed the nearly $42 billion in cuts to Medicare’s home health care program included in the health care bill. Senators voted along party lines and the amendment failed by a 41-53 vote.

“Seniors are very concerned about the impact this bill will have on their Medicare benefits, and they ought to be,” said Chambliss.“I don’t know about the folks on the other side of the aisle, but I want our Medicare patients in Georgia to continue to have the option to receive the good home health care that they are getting today, which allows them to have a better quality of life. This bill will take away an important affordable option. This is just another example of how this bill threatens access to care for Medicare beneficiaries.”

On the Senate floor, Chambliss highlighted a letter from the Georgia Association for Home Health Agencies, which is opposed to the home health care cuts included the health care bill. Chambliss quoted part of the letter during his floor speech, which states:

“Under Senator Reid’s bill, 72.15 percent of home health agencies in Georgia will have negative margins by 2016 in the Senate bill, and approximately 68 percent of the 100 Medicare Certified home health agencies in Georgia will go out of business and the patients they serve will be rehospitalized or forced to seek alternative, more costly care."

Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding the Resignation of Speaker Glenn Richardson

2009-12-03T18:45:00.000-08:00

Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the resignation announcement of Speaker of the House of Representatives Glenn Richardson.

“Today’s decision by my friend Glenn Richardson to step down as Speaker of the House of Representatives was the right one for him personally and for his family. Coping and recovering from depression is difficult enough, even in a private family setting. While I know his personal attributes of resolve, tenacity and perseverance made this act even more difficult, I believe the privacy that he should now enjoy, without the burden of public responsibility, will enable him to recover fully and completely. I look forward to the day very soon when I will once again see the competent, capable and confident Glenn Richardson that I know.”

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Healthcare Town Hall Meeting at the North Cobb Senior Center

2009-11-12T04:06:00.000-08:00

Congressman Phil Gingrey is holding a healthcare town hall meeting this Friday,
November 13th. The public is invited to attend.

November 13, 2009
2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
North Cobb Senior Center
4100 Hwy. 293 (Old 41 Hwy.)
Acworth, GA 30101

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Big surge among small donors for GOP helps campaign committees

2009-10-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Republican National Committee (RNC) and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) have seen a surge in the number of small-dollar donors making contributions in recent months, according to new reports.

Read more: http://www.thehill.com/homenews/campaign/63697-rnc-nrcc-see-uptick-in-small-donors
By Reid Wilson

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Ray McBerry to Speak at South Metro Young Republican Meeting

2009-10-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

The South Metro Young Republicans will host its monthly meeting this Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm. Please note the new location, Downtown Grill in Tyrone (1158 Senoia Road). Ray McBerry, a candidate for governor, will be the guest speaker: http://www.georgiafirst.org/.

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Congressman Joe Wilson Tells the Neal Asbury Show that Incident during President Obama Congressional Address was a “Town Hall Moment”

2009-10-14T04:36:00.000-07:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Participating in his first full length radio interview since his famously shouted “You Lie” remark during President Obama’s address to Congress propelled him into the media spotlight, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) appeared on the nationally syndicated Neal Asbury Show on WZAB-AM. Congressman Wilson attributed his dramatic vocal response to a “town hall moment,” a visceral reaction to what he inherently knew was Obama’s misrepresentation of the citizenship immigration policy. Congressman Wilson likened his response to the kind of spontaneous reaction he is seeing during full capacity town hall meetings he is holding in his congressional district.

“I respect President Obama, but we have the right to disagree, especially when he promotes an immigration policy related to health insurance that I knew was meaningless. The proof is that two days after the joint session, the citizen verification policy was overhauled,” said Congressman Wilson, who was elected to the United States Congress in 2001. He was grateful that President Obama and other Democratic leaders accepted his apologies, and was particularly grateful that the Republican Conference supported him, as did his staff and constituency.

Congressman Wilson is convinced that the Democrats don’t want the American people to understand the issues related to healthcare, and is angry that consumers are being treated as if “they are stupid – which they are not; they’re just looking for answers and explanations.”

“At least 95 percent of my constituents support what Republicans are trying to do. Our HR 3400 is a good bill, and a logical alternative to the proposed HR3200 being promoted by the Democrats, which is a Trojan Horse for a government option that would create bizarre rules and regulations likely to be controlled by a ‘Health Czar’ with the power to interpret these regulations. Our bill really reflects the power and potential of free enterprise,” said Congressman Wilson, who outlined some of the provisions of HR 3400: choice of affordable private options; consumers can keep their current coverage; tax incentives will be created for the insured; coverage will be allowed to cross state lines; and the bill will promote tort and medical liability reform.

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Chambliss to Appear on ABC’s “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos on Sunday

2009-10-09T19:05:00.001-07:00

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Intelligence, will be a guest on ABC’s “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos to discuss Afghanistan, al-Qaeda and Iran. He will be joined by Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and General Jack Keane, the retired four-star general who was behind the troop surge in Iraq.

Sen. Chambliss Inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame

2009-10-09T13:25:00.000-07:00

U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame during a ceremony held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md. The Georgia 4-H nominated Sen. Chambliss for the distinction for his leadership and exemplary service to 4-H. This year, fifteen men and women from across the country displaying strong support for the organization on a local, state or national level have been selected to be inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

“As the largest youth development organization in America, 4-H has the ability to help shape our nation’s future leaders and I am very proud to support its efforts,” said Sen. Chambliss. “My first public speech was as a sixth-grader in a 4-H competition in Tracy City, Tenn., standing on a table in the lunch room. Since then, I have delivered many speeches, but I will never forget that experience 4-H afforded me as a child. It is truly an honor and privilege to support the mission and principles of the 4-H organization as the co-chair of the Senate 4-H Caucus.”

“Senator Chambliss is a wonderful example of our amazing 4-H alumni,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., President and CEO of National 4-H Council. “We are thrilled to honor him today for the passion, dedication and leadership he has shown for our organization and the impact that he has made on the Senate 4-H Caucus.”

Since 2002 when the National 4-H Hall of Fame was created, over 200 individuals have been inducted. Sen. Chambliss joins other distinguished Georgians in this honor including: G.C. Adams, Mary Cresswell, Tommy Irvin, Martha Harrison Jones, W.A. “Bill” Sutton, U.S. Sen. Herman Talmadge, and Dr. Tommy Walton.

This week also marks “National 4-H Week” during which 6 million 4-H members and over 500,000 adult and youth volunteers celebrate their involvement in 4-H. In 2008, over 166,000 individuals participated in Georgia 4-H, with over 25,000 being adult volunteers.

For more information about the National 4-H Hall of Fame, go to: www.nae4ha.org/hof.
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Chambliss to Appear on FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace at 9:00 a.m. EST

2009-10-02T18:48:00.001-07:00

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Intelligence Committee, will be a guest on FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace at 9:00 a.m. to discuss Iran and Afghanistan. He will be joined by Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Evan Bayh, D-Ind.

World’s bad boys swoon for Obama while our friends get cold shoulder

2009-10-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

By Lynn Westmoreland

There aren’t many calls to my office from Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District praising the policies of President Obama.

But Obama need not fear.

As Obama was moving into the White House, his charm, his message of change and his Teleprompter-reading skills, pushed his approval rating to near 70 percent and his disapproval rate a mere 20 percent. Today, that margin has narrowed drastically to 50.4 percent approve and 44.3 percent disapprove.

But, again, Obama need not worry.

Sure, his leftist agenda on deficit spending, cap-and-trade, tax increases and a proposed government takeover of health care has met much resistance in this country.

But who needs the American voters when you have the world’s autocrats singing your praises?

If you’re a national leader who suppresses freedom of speech, jails political opponents on trumped charges or presides over a corrupt regime, you’ve probably had some glowing remarks for our president lately.

Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi put many to sleep with his 1 ½ hour diatribe at the United Nations but his bored audience managed to catch his references to “our son” and “our Obama.”
"The election of Obama is the beginning of change,” Gaddafi said. “We are content and happy if Obama can stay forever as the president.”

Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez was equally effusive, albeit in his own unique way. Chavez never had many nice things to say about former President Bush; he famously called Bush “the devil” during a speech before the United Nations.

But he was singing a new tune before his U.N. audience in September: "It doesn't smell of sulfur here anymore. . . . It's gone. No, it smells of something else. It smells of hope."

Ever the jokester, Chavez invited his new best buddy Obama “come join the ‘Axis of Evil’ here.”

Chavez buddy Fidel Castro jumped on the bandwagon to praise Obama’s strong language on addressing climate change, saying no other U.S. president has displayed such courage.

Perhaps we can laugh off some of the bluster of Chavez and Gaddafi. On the other hand, we should look warily at any praise coming from Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Recently, President Obama pulled the rug out from under our Eastern European allies, the Czech Republic and Poland. Leaders of those nations had braved domestic opposition to stand with the United States to build a missile defense system on their land.

Even though it was intended to thwart any potential nuclear threat from Iran, the missile defense shield faced strident opposition from the Russians.

Putin hailed Obama’s decision to scrap plans for the missile shield as “correct and brave.” I’d bet that the Czechs and Poles, who were blindsided by the move, might use different adjectives.

The Putin example drives home the major point. The world’s sole remaining superpower capitulated to a corrupt, autocratic regime that has invaded our ally Georgia, has blackmailed our European friends by cutting off natural gas supplies and blocked every international attempt to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

And what does the United States get in return? Absolutely nothing. For Putin, it’s win/win.

For our friends, it’s a different story. In addition to the Czechs and Poles, other NATO nations have been blown around by Obama’s winds of change. As they keep their troops in harm’s way in Afghanistan and face down domestic opposition to the ongoing war, Obama waffles on the war’s future.

As NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told the Washington Post: The right policy for Afghanistan "is definitely not an exit strategy. It's of crucial importance to stress that we will stay as long as it takes to stabilize the country."

Let’s hope the secretary general doesn’t figure out that the best way to bend the president’s ear is to oppose America at every turn.

Lynn Westmoreland represents Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District.

Fayette Women to Meet for Lunch Oct 15th

2009-09-28T17:20:00.001-07:00

The Greater Fayette Republican Women's Club will meet for lunch on Thursday, October 15th, at 11:30 a.m. at Frank's, 1095 Hwy 54 W, Fayetteville. All interested Republican Women, their families, and friends are invited to attend. For more information, call Alberta Lucas (770-719-0879) or Debby Dickinson (770-641-2383).

Seniors' Bill of Rights

2009-09-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

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Senate Cloaks Obamacare

2009-09-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

You can’t read the bill because they refuse to put it in writing. And you’d better not oppose it because the government will try to muzzle you.

President Obama has consistently refused to put his details into legislative language, and now the U.S. Senate is doing the same thing.

Rather than respecting public demands for transparency, they’re figuratively spitting in the public’s face.

http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=33682

Independents desert Obama, putting 2010 in play

2009-09-24T05:03:00.000-07:00

Independent voters are turning away from President Obama and his fellow Democrats in droves. And if they can't find a way to get them back, the party could be in deep trouble for 2010 and beyond.

Independents gave Obama the White House last year with a vote for pragmatic competence. They have been repaid with partisanship and dithering. And unlike liberals who Obama has quickly re-energized after their summer doldrums, independents are devilishly hard to win back once they lose faith.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/Independents-desert-Obama_-putting-2010-in-play-8284762-60716767.html

By: Chris Stirewalt
Political Edito
rSeptember 24, 2009

Can the Republicans win the House in 2010?

2009-09-24T04:58:00.000-07:00

There’s starting to be some speculation that Republicans might recapture a majority in the House in 2010. That would require them to gain 40 seats—the exact number they needed to gain in 1994, the last time they recaptured a majority from the Democrats. Interestingly, I don’t recall anyone predicting the Republicans would win a majority, much less gain the 52 seats they actually did that year, until July 1994...
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/Can-the-Republicans-win-the-House-in-2010-60766582.html

Washington Examiner
By: Michael Barone
Senior Political Analyst
09/23/09 4:12 PM EDT

Marco Rubio Delivers Letter to Governor Crist Regarding ACORN

2009-09-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

Another interesting race to watch. Marco Rubio (R) is running for the Senate seat vacated by Mel Martinez in Floriday. Governor Charlie Crist (R) is also running for the seat. www.marcorubio.com

September 17, 2009
The Honorable Charlie Crist
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399

Dear Governor Crist:

As you are no doubt aware, the community organizing group Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) is now under intense scrutiny for recent reports of its involvement in questionable behavior and potentially illegal activity in several states.
In addition to the damning video reports of ACORN employees now familiar to most Floridians, just last week the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office announced that arrest warrants were issued for 11 former ACORN employees accused of faking voter registration cards. While it is commendable that ACORN assisted in the investigations that led to the arrests, it begs the question: why were so many people capable of these crimes working for ACORN in the first place?

Last Friday, the Census Bureau severed ties with ACORN. On Tuesday, U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and George LeMieux joined 81 other Senators in an overwhelming and bipartisan vote to strip federal funding from ACORN. Just yesterday, Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger in California and Tim Pawlenty in Minnesota took similar action, asking officials to investigate ACORN’s behavior in their respective states and prevent state taxpayer funding of the group.

Based on the mounting evidence against ACORN and the serious questions surrounding this organization, I respectfully ask that you follow the lead of the other elected officials I mentioned above and take immediate steps to initiate a thorough investigation into ACORN’s activities in Florida, including a detailed accounting of what state funds, if any, ACORN may be receiving. If it is discovered that they are receiving state funds, I believe further steps should be taken to cut off any taxpayer funding of ACORN.

The St. Petersburg Times also reported yesterday that your office may have partnered with ACORN in the past on several initiatives, including your 2007 effort to restore voting rights to convicted felons in Florida. If you partnered with ACORN, I have no reason to doubt you did so unaware of ACORN’s propensity for questionable activity, and with what you believed at the time to be the best interests of Floridians at heart. However, given the recent revelations about ACORN, I believe it is now in the best interest of all Floridians for your office to provide a thorough accounting of its relationship with ACORN and what, if any, influence ACORN may have had in any actions you have taken on behalf of the people of Florida.

Lastly, during last year’s presidential election, despite what now seems to be a prescient chorus of concerned parties asking for an investigation into ACORN’s election-related activities, you insisted that you were unconcerned with ACORN’s activities. In light of the recent allegations against ACORN, I suggest you reconsider your position, demand a full investigation of ACORN’s election-related activities, and take whatever steps available to you to prevent ACORN from engaging in voter registration and other election-related activities until the questions surrounding this organization are resolved.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Marco Rubio
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On NBC's Meet the Press, Boehner Discusses Health Care, Dems' Push for Bigger Government, War in Afghanistan

2009-09-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

In an appearance this morning on NBC’s Meet the Press, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) discussed health care, the War in Afghanistan, and the dramatic expansion of the size of government under the current Administration. Leader Boehner highlighted House Republicans’ better solutions on health care – including allowing the American people to buy insurance across state lines and enacting medical liability reform – and called on the President to scrap his costly government takeover of health care and hit the “reset” button so Republicans and Democrats can work together on a bipartisan bill that reduces health care costs, expands coverage, and doesn’t break the bank. Following are highlights of Boehner’s appearance and video of the interview:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-wppn6_hiQ&feature=player_profilepage

BOEHNER ON DEMOCRATS’ GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER OF HEALTH CARE AND GOP BETTER SOLUTIONS:

“We’ve outlined a number of ideas to make the current system better. Why not allow small employers to group together through national associations so they can buy health insurance for their employees like big companies and unions can today? Why not allow the American people to buy health care plans across state lines? Why not get serious about medical malpractice reform and more importantly the defensive medicine that doctors practice because we haven't reformed our tort system? There are ideas I outlined some of these ideas in a letter to the President back in may, asked to sit down with him and his Administration, and we got a nice polite letter back that says thank you for your ideas, we'll see you at the end. I’ve not been to the White House since late April, early may. There’s been no bipartisan conversation on Capitol Hill about health care, at some point when these big-government plans fail, and they will, the congress will not pass this, it's really time for the President to hit the reset button and stop all of this and sit down and start over in a bipartisan way to build a plan that Americans will support.”

BOEHNER ON RADICAL GROWTH IN SIZE AND SCOPE OF GOVERNMENT UNDER DEMOCRATIC-CONTROLLED WASHINGTON:

“Let's remember something. The debate that we're in here is not just about health care. It’s about the trillion dollar stimulus bill that was supposed to be about jobs and turned into nothing more than spending, spending and more spending. It’s about a budget with a nearly $2 trillion deficit this year and trillion dollar deficits for as far as the eye can see. It’s a cap-and-trade system, this big giant tax on the American people that this week we just find out the Treasury Department said will cost the average family $1,700 per year. You add to that this whole question of health care and the government option and the government involvement, and Americans today are getting more news about what's happening in their government than they have ever gotten before, and Americans are generally scared to death…

“What’s going on here is unsustainable. Our nation is broke, and at a time when we've got the serious economic problem and near 10 unemployment, we ought to be looking to create jobs in America, not kill jobs in America. Their cap-and-trade proposal, all this spending, all of this debt and now their health care plan will make it more difficult for employers to hire people, more difficult, more expensive to have employees which means we're going to have less jobs in America - but Americans are scared and that's why they are speaking up and that's why they are engaging in their government.”

BOEHNER COMMENTS ON WAR IN AFGHANISTAN, CALLS ON GENERAL MCCHRYSTAL TO TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS:

“I said during the year, if the President listened to our commanders on the ground and to our diplomats, that I’d be there by his side, and I supported his strategy in Iraq. I’ve supported his strategy in Afghanistan, but it's pretty clear based on what I heard this morning that the President is changing the goals here. All he talked about was going after al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. What happened to the statement earlier this year when the President said we cannot allow the Taliban and al Qaeda to have a safe haven from which to train, operate and organize to go after Americans? That is a very big change, and so I’m really concerned. We’ve been asking for general McChrystal to come to Capitol Hill and testify. The request -- we haven't heard anything. There's reports out all last week that the White House has asked general McChrystal to wait four to six weeks before sending his request in, and so there's something -- there's something amiss here, and I am highly skeptical of the debate that we're going to have here over the next couple of months.”

Sign-up to receive GOP Leader updates here.

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Mike Huckabee Wins Values Voter Summit Straw Poll

2009-09-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Mike Huckabee has convincingly won Family Research Council's second-ever Values Voter Summit Straw Poll. Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Sarah Palin, and Mike Pence finished roughly tied for second place.

Only registered participants of the Summit who were present at the event were allowed to vote.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in reaction to the second ever Values Voter Summit Straw Poll:

"We were surprised that the event's turnout was more than double our expectations, clearly showing intensity among social conservatives. This was the first time potential conservative candidates could present their vision for change. We have over 1,800 registrants and over 175,000 unique online viewers."

The following are the straw poll results:

Candidate Name Total Votes Percentage

1. Mike Huckabee 170 28.48%
2. Mitt Romney 74 12.40%
3. Tim Pawlenty 73 12.23%
4. Sarah Palin 72 12.06%
5. Mike Pence 71 11.89%
6. Newt Gingrich 40 6.70%
7. Bobby Jindal 28 4.69%
8. Rick Santorum 15 2.51%
9. Ron Paul 13 2.18%
10. Undecided 31 5.19%
11. Other 10 1.68%

* The full results can be accessed at www.frcaction.org

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Isakson, Chambliss Call for End to Federal Program Used To Assist Troubled Banks, Automakers

2009-09-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Urge Administration to Use All Repayments for National Debt Reduction

U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., joined with 37 of their Senate Republican colleagues yesterday in a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner calling for an end to the Troubled Asset Relief Program, known as TARP, which has been used to assist troubled banks, financial institutions and automakers.

The authority for the TARP is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31, 2009.

On Jan. 15, 2009, Isakson and Chambliss voted to oppose the Bush administration’s request to access the remaining $350 billion in TARP funds, citing their disappointment and frustration over how the administration spent the first $350 billion. Isakson and Chambliss also strongly opposed the Bush administration’s decision to use TARP funds to bail out U.S. automakers.

The full text of the letter:

Dear Secretary Geithner:

As we approach the termination date for authority to spend federal funds allocated to the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) through the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) (PL 110-343), we ask you to allow the authority to expire on December 31, 2009. As you know, the latest TARP report shows a significant amount of unobligated funds. Ending the authority for TARP would help improve the Federal debt going forward and reduce the need to increase the debt limit, which Congress has raised three times in the last 14 months.

When Congress passed EESA last October, the financial markets were in a downward spiral, and our country was facing an unprecedented credit crisis. Then Treasury Secretary Paulson requested $700 billion in federal funds to purchase toxic assets, which were at the heart of the financial crisis. Congress was told it was imperative to act quickly before the financial markets crashed, taking with it the pensions, savings and investments of hardworking, American taxpayers. As you know, the Senate passed EESA on a bipartisan basis, including the support of then-Senator Obama. Subsequent to the enactment of this legislation, however, TARP has been used by the federal government to acquire ownership stakes in banks, financial institutions, and automakers. This direct investment certainly was not the intention of Congress in passing this legislation. In fact, Congress explicitly rejected legislation to provide federal funds to bail out car manufacturers.

Based on your comments to the TARP Congressional Oversight Panel on September 10, 2009, it appears that you believe that our financial markets are recovering. In addition, borrowing costs are down for both business and consumer lending and banks are reporting stronger balance sheets. While we understand that our economy is still recovering, we believe it can function without added TARP funding. Additionally, the cost to the taxpayer if TARP authority was extended could be substantial. Already the taxpayer is expected to lose tens of billions of dollars on funding that was provided to GM, Chrysler and AIG.

As elected officials with the responsibility to the American public when it comes to overseeing taxpayer interests, we urge you not to extend TARP. To the extent you have concerns that allowing TARP to expire after this year would jeopardize the progress made in the recovery of our financial markets, we would remind you that Congress stands ready to work alongside the Administration if future action is required. This program should expire on December 31, 2009, and all TARP repayments should be returned to the Treasury for debt reduction.
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Chambliss, Isakson Cast Votes, Cosponsor Legislation to Block ACORN from Receiving Any Taxpayer Dollars

2009-09-17T16:53:00.000-07:00

Also Call On Democratic Leader to Hold Hearings to ‘Determine Extent of ACORN’s Wrongdoing’

U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today cast votes and cosponsored legislation to block the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, known as ACORN, from receiving any federal funding. The senators also signed a letter to the Senate Democratic Leader calling on him to hold hearings “to determine the extent of ACORN's wrongdoing.”

ACORN, which has received an estimated $53 million in federal money since 1994, was accused of fraudulent voter registration in several states during the 2008 presidential election. Now, the group is under fire for hidden-camera videos in which ACORN employees in several cities are seen advising two people posing as a prostitute and pimp on how to break the law.

“After repeated revelations of fraud, it's clear that we must move forward to ensure that ACORN is not receiving any federal funding,” said Chambliss. “Organizations that break our laws and undermine our democratic process should not be eligible for taxpayer dollars.”

“It is indefensible that ACORN is eligible for taxpayers funds when it has repeatedly worked to undermine our electoral process and to advance partisan political activities,” said Isakson. “The recent revelations only offer further proof that this organization should be prohibited from receiving federal funding.”

Chambliss and Isakson cosponsored a bill today to block ACORN from receiving any federal funds from any source. The legislation was introduced by Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., and has 16 cosponsors.

In addition, Chambliss and Isakson voted for an amendment on the floor to block ACORN from receiving federal funding through the Interior Appropriations bills. This amendment passed by a vote of 85-11.

Chambliss and Isakson also joined 26 other senators in calling on Democratic Leader Harry Reid to hold public hearings on ACORN and to end all federal funding for the group.
The letter to Reid says in part: “American taxpayers must be able to trust that their money is being spent responsibly and is not being used to fund criminal enterprises. As Senate Majority Leader, we hope that you will deploy all of the resources at your disposal to restore that trust.”
Earlier this week Chambliss and Isakson also cosponsored and voted for an amendment to block ACORN from receiving federal funding through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill. The amendment passed by a vote of 83-7.
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Westmoreland Supports House Vote Against ACORN

2009-09-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

Congressman previously led effort against group’s involvement with Census

As a congressional leader in the fight to sever federal ties to ACORN, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland joined an overwhelming House majority in voting for a bill to cut all federal funds given to the group.

“Today’s vote marks a rare victory for American taxpayers in this Democratic House, but ACORN’s abuses now are so well documented and so well known that even Democrats can’t defend them,” Westmoreland said. “Undercover videos of numerous ACORN offices giving advice on avoiding taxes and hiding an underage prostitution ring are only the latest examples of this group’s illegal behavior. I hope the Senate will follow the House by passing this legislation and sending it to the president for his signature.”

As chairman of the House Republicans’ Census Task Force, Westmoreland led a successful lobbying effort with the director of the Census Bureau to prevent ACORN from partnering with the bureau on the 2010 Census. The bureau announced last week that ACORN would be dropped from the bureau’s partnership program.

“Republicans didn’t take up this fight because it’s recently become a hot topic on cable news,” Westmoreland added. “In fact, last year, we sounded the alarm about ACORN’s voter fraud activities. In 2007, we started the fight to stop HUD from funding ACORN’s housing activities. Today’s victory has been a long time coming. ACORN’s work will continue even without federal funding and I encourage federal law enforcement authorities to investigate the group’s illegal actions.”
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Nathan Deal: Don't Lie. Verify

2009-09-16T03:57:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, I was honored to stand up for Congressman Joe Wilson of South Carolina on the floor of the U.S. House.

Joe has apologized to the President for his remarks and the President has accepted. But the liberal, national Democrats are trying to silence anyone who stands in the way of their government-run healthcare program.

Joe Wilson is a good friend of mine. He has four sons who all wear the uniform of our Armed Forces, just as their father did.

I also have proudly worn the uniform of the U.S. Army. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I would have to stand up and oppose the Commander-in-Chief. But in this Administration, I have and I will.

For years, I've been leading the fight in Congress to stop illegal immigrants from getting taxpayer-funded health care benefits. In fact, I wrote the law requiring every state to verify identity and citizenship prior to enrolling anyone in Medicaid. No one has been more aggressive about ensuring precious health care funds go only to those here legally.

Just last month, I offered an amendment to the Democrat government-run health care scheme that would prevent illegal aliens from getting taxpayer funded Medicaid benefits by simply requiring verification that an individual is a U.S. Citizen, or in this country legally. Unfortunately, my amendment was defeated on a mostly party-line vote.

However, the buzz on Capitol Hill is that liberal House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is forcing through her government-run health care scheme--without a provision to verify U.S. Citizenship or legal status--to the House floor for a vote as early as this afternoon. And you can help make sure this important taxpayer protection gets an up-or-down vote.

Nathan Deal

Deal for Governor

Call the Speaker's office to tell her to require citizen verification. Her number is 202-225-0100.

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Austin Scott to Speak to South Metro Young Republicans

2009-09-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

The South Metro Young Republicans will host its September meeting this Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at 7:00 pm.

Please note the meeting has been moved to El Reposo in Peachtree City (100 Lexington Circle) with the closing of the Irish Bred Pub.

Austin Scott, a candidate for governor, will be the guest speaker.

Jim Tedisco's editorial in TU: Government can't fix our economic woes

2009-09-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

Jim Tedisco For Congress to Facebook group:

Philosopher George Santayana once said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." A Congress looking to pass a health care overhaul would do well to heed that warning.

The rush earlier this year to pass an economic "stimulus" bill did more to add to our crushing budget deficit than it did to add to our job rolls.

In fact, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation has suffered a net loss of more than 2 million jobs since President Barack Obama signed into law the $787 billion stimulus package. The unemployment rate has shot up from 7.6 percent to 9.7 percent, the highest percentage of Americans out of work in 26 years.

At the same time, the Obama administration admitted that the 10-year federal budget deficit projection will be much higher than originally thought -- a staggering $9 trillion, nearly $2 trillion more than the earlier $7.1 trillion forecast.

It has taken our country more than 230 years, from the Founding Fathers up to today, to build up a $10 trillion deficit. Now we're on course to double it in ten years.

More and more, our destiny will be in the hands of America's creditors, like China and Japan. Higher debt means the possibility of higher interest rates rippling through our economy. Families will be burdened with higher mortgage payments and our children entering college will be saddled with higher loan repayments upon graduation.

Most Americans recognize that we cannot continue on this dangerous path. Doing so threatens our prosperity and saddles the future generation with an unfair, undeserved and impossible debt responsibility.

Yet, there are those who are ignoring warnings and are pressing ahead to pass a trillion-dollar plus health care overhaul.

While our health care system is certainly in need of reform, we must look to innovative solutions that will not bankrupt future generations. Too many Americans lack health insurance. Health care costs are rising at an unsustainable rate. Reform is needed, but Americans shouldn't be blamed for being suspicious of a government-led overhaul.

So, what to do?

Lawmakers should scale back plans and work toward incremental reforms that have bipartisan support. Preventing the denial of coverage because of pre-existing conditions, portability of coverage, comprehensive medical malpractice reform and pooling of insurees across state lines are just a few ideas.

What not to do?

Lawmakers should just say no to a "government-controlled plan." When the government competes with the private sector, it's not a fair competition. Government can run deficits and use taxpayer financing. Government would win, while patients and taxpayers would lose.

Lastly, lawmakers must resist the urge to rush through a bill that raises taxes and is not paid for. We shouldn't condemn ourselves to a repeat of the "stimulus" effort. There is a better way, one that not only strengthens our health care system for all but also eases pressure on our ready-to-burst fiscal system.

http://www.jimtedisco.com/

Rockdale GOP Monthly Breakfast Meeting

2009-09-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

September 19
You are invited to the monthly breakfast meeting Saturday, September 19 at 9:00 a.m. The meeting is held at Honey Creek Golf Club, 635 Clubhouse Dr. SE, Conyers, GA 30094.

Speakers are Ed Stone, President of GA Carry, an organization working to preserve our 2nd amendment rights and Sue Everhart, Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party.

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John McCain: Health Care Reform Petition

2009-09-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

My Friend,

Government-run health care issomething we simply cannot afford.

Sign the Petition Today

Last night, during his speech to a joint session of Congress and the nation, President Obama outlined his new proposal for health care reform. While I respect the President's point of view, and hope for an eventual compromise, I believe his proposal amounts to an egregiously expensive and expansive form of government-run health care.

After a month of hosting and attending town hall meetings with my constituents in Arizona and around the country, I know that Americans want health care reform. But what is so very clear to me is that Americans want to reform health care in the right way.

I am more convinced than ever that we must fix what is wrong with our health care system while doing no harm to the parts that work well. This means we need to have malpractice reform, we must emphasize wellness and fitness, give people the option to get the health insurance of their choice and bring the cost of health care under control.

If you agree, that we need to reform health care reform the right way, then I ask you to sign my health care reform petition today by following this link.

I am very troubled by the potential cost of the President's outlined plans. I know that you are very concerned with the national debt and a projected $9 trillion deficit. The prospective cost of the President's plan could reach $2 trillion, and frankly, our country simply cannot afford this price tag.

I will not support heath care reform that adds to the out-of-control spending spree the Democrats in Congress have gone on this year. And I ask you to join me in rejecting the addition of $2 trillion of debt by signing this petition right away.

Government-run health care is something we simply cannot afford, and I know that the majority of Americans agree with me that it is not the quality of health care that needs reforming, but the cost. But, I need to know you stand with me.

Will you follow this link to sign my petition?

As you know, the Democrats in Washington are doing everything in their power to push through their proposed reform full of political gimmicks. Your action today will send a clear message to them; we don't want government-run health care.

Thank you, my friend, for your support and involvement on this very important national issue.

Thank you,
John McCain

P.S. The Democrats have pledged to "move forward" with their $2 trillion plan regardless of Republican support. But, it is up to us to do everything in our power to put a stop to the wasteful spending and enact health care reform in the right way. Please sign this petition today and if you are able to, make a generous contribution to my reelection effort.
Thank you.

Note: we haven't gone to the petition to sign yet. Hopefully this isn't just a campaign contribution request couched around this very critical issue. - rns

Cash for Clunkers’ woes preview Obamacare

2009-09-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

By Lynn Westmoreland

As Democratic members of Congress heard an earful over August from angry constituents worried about a government takeover of health care, hundreds of thousands of Americans were getting a sneak preview of what Obamacare might look like.

Washington, in its wisdom, instituted a seemingly simple Cash for Clunkers program, a plan so well known by Americans that it needs no further introduction.

The Cash for Clunkers window has closed now, of course, but its record of delays, paperwork, refusals, computer crashes and general red tape remained fresh in the memories of Americans as the president addressed the Congress this week to push his ideas for health care reform.

Without doubt, the president is the Democrats’ greatest messenger and he’s gifted in the art of persuasion. But the president doesn’t need to convince Americans that we have problems with our health care system. We could have all agreed on that long before he took up residence at the White House.

The president’s challenge is selling Americans on the dubious idea that the answer lies in a government takeover of the health care industry.

There are many legitimate reasons Americans from coast to coast flooded town hall meetings over August to voice their opposition. There are basic worries about bigger government, higher taxes and even larger federal deficits. Others wonder how an underfunded Medicare program could sustain $500 billion in cuts. But the main concern is intimately personal: Americans know a public option will undermine private insurance and lead to rationing, lower quality care and bureaucratic interference in the doctor-patient relationship.

It’s the latter concern where the Cash for Clunkers program could come into play.

At first, Congress appropriated $1 billion to provide a $4,500 incentive for Americans to trade in gas guzzlers for new, more fuel-efficient cars. This was supposed to rev up the ailing car dealers and auto manufacturers. (While almost 700,000 cars were bought through the program, this is a case of the government picking winners and losers. Cash for Clunkers merely pushed consumers to buy cars in lieu of other big purchases. Plus, dealers may face a dry spell after the taxpayer-subsided binge.)

The Department of Transportation this week will increase its work force for the program to 5,000, up from 3,000 last week, which was up from 1,100 public and private sector employees in mid-August. The bureaucracy keeps expanding.

What are these 5,000 new government workers doing? They’re processing the 27 million pages of paperwork generated by those nearly 700,000 car sales. A huge backlog formed waiting on the mere stamp of federal approval of the sale.

While many dealers appreciated the jump start on lagging sales, common complaints echoed nationwide: The government’s web site kept crashing, dealers couldn’t get their money from the Department of Transportation, their accountants were working around the clock to fill out the bounty of paperwork required on each car and 50 percent of applications were rejected. As of today (Sept. 10), only a little more than 40 percent of submissions have been paid.

Paperwork. Problems with payments to providers. Delays. Backups. New bureaucrats hired. The government picking winners and losers.

These things were bad enough when U.S. consumers were just looking for a good deal on a new car. What’s it going to be like when you need dialysis or a heart transplant?

President Obama’s effort to sell cars may give Americans extra pause as they watch him kick the tires on his health care plan.

Lynn Westmoreland (R-Grantville) represents Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District.
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In Case You Missed It - Senator Bob Dole in The Washington Post: Starting Over on Health Care

2009-08-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

/PRNewswire-/ -- In today's Washington Post, Senator Bob Dole urges a 'fresh start' on the issue of health care reform and said it is "the vital issue of our time, and Obama should be out front with his specific plan on this make-or-break issue." In June, Senator Dole, along with other former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker and Tom Daschle, all members of the Bipartisan Policy Center's (BPC) Advisory Board and Leaders' Project on the State of American Health Care, released their comprehensive bipartisan health care proposal, entitled: "Crossing Our Lines: Working Together to Reform the U.S. Health System."

Quotes from today's Washington Post editorial:

"If I were a White House adviser, I would suggest that the day Congress reconvenes, President Obama's version of reform should be introduced by Democratic leaders in the House and Senate. Health-care reform is the vital issue of our time, and Obama should be out front with his specific plan on this make-or-break issue."

"Along with former senators Howard Baker and Tom Daschle, I serve on the advisory board of the Bipartisan Policy Center, a group searching for common ground on health care, energy, agriculture, transportation and national security . . . Out of Congress now, we have no votes and no power -- but we have our credibility. It is pleasing that many lawmakers, particularly the Senate Finance Committee leaders, Democrat Max Baucus and the GOP's Chuck Grassley, have looked favorably upon some of our recommendations."

"A bipartisan ending will have more credibility with the American people. Indeed, most important legislation in U.S. history has had broad bipartisan support. As a supporter of bipartisan health reform, I hope the president has gotten some rest in the past week. I also hope he puts the final touches on his own health bill. I'd bet a bottle of aspirin that it would cure many of his headaches."

The Leaders' Project report, released in June, was authored by Senators Baker, Daschle and Dole, and was co-chaired by Chris Jennings, a veteran of the Clinton White House, and Dr. Mark McClellan, administrator of Medicare and Medicaid Services under President George W. Bush. It offers politically-viable policy recommendations to address the delivery, cost, coverage and financing challenges facing the nation's health care system. For more information or to download a full copy of the report, please visit: http://bipartisanpolicy.org/projects/leaders-project.

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CREW Files Ethics Complaint Against Rep. Deal

2009-08-27T05:52:00.000-07:00

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yesterday, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics against Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) for violating House rules and federal law by intervening with Georgia political leaders to preserve a program that financially benefits him.

This past weekend, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Rep. Deal, along with his business partner Ken Cronan, owns a lucrative business, Recovery Services, Inc., that – through a no-bid contract – provides inspection stations to the state for the inspection of salvaged vehicles. The business earned $1.4 million between 2004-2008 and Rep. Deal personally took home $150,000 a year.

In 2008, Georgia Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham took over responsibility for the inspection system and found the operational costs and locations of the inspection stations to be too costly and restrictive for the state of Georgia and its residents. Comm. Graham decided the best course of action was to reform the system and award contracts through a competitive bidding process.

Rep. Deal and his staff, with assistance from Georgia Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, then arranged meetings with Comm. Graham at which Rep. Deal and his chief of staff were present, to persuade him to reconsider his decisions, including the proposed elimination of $1.7 million that has been allocated for the program. After Comm. Graham’s plan was passed by the Georgia House, Rep. Deal’s chief of staff used his House email to contact Georgia state officials to ensure the state Senate did not pass the cut in the program. The money for the program was eventually kept in the budget.

Rep. Deal may have committed a federal crime by using his position and congressional resources to engage in self-dealing, thereby depriving his constituents of his honest services. By using congressional resources, including House computers and staff time to pursue his business interests, he violated the federal law and House ethics rule requiring taxpayer funds be applied only to official business. By using his position to force Comm. Graham to meet with him and his chief of staff to discuss his personal business, and by contacting other Georgia politicians to influence a vote on a state budget matter, Rep. Deal violated the House rule prohibiting members from using their positions to obtain financial benefit. Finally, Rep. Deal’s course of conduct violates the House rule requiring members to act in a manner that reflects creditably on the House.

Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW, said, “Astonishingly, Rep. Deal seems to believe he has the right to use his position as a member of Congress to ensure no one -- not even a Georgia official -- interferes with his sweetheart deal with the state of Georgia. The Office of Congressional Ethics and perhaps the Department of Justice should be able to teach Rep. Deal a valuable lesson: public service is not intended as a path to self-enrichment.”

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DeKalb Young Republican Meeting

2009-08-14T04:02:00.001-07:00

"Come join the best Party in the County!"
What: Club/Group Meeting
Host: Dekalb County Young Republicans
Start Time: Thursday, August 27 at 7:00pm
End Time: Thursday, August 27 at 9:00pm
Where: Hudson Grille - Brookhaven Station

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=113319752873&mid=eec5bfG2210436bG2f066f1G7

Isakson Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Financial Disclosure Rules

2009-08-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., has introduced legislation to increase transparency and strengthen mortgage disclosure requirements for Members of Congress.

The bill by Isakson and Senator Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., would require Members of Congress to make a “full and complete” disclosure of residential mortgages, which includes, the date that the mortgage was entered, the range of the amount, the interest rate, the term, and the name and address of the creditor.

Isakson and Boxer serve as Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, respectively.

Senator Isakson said, “Since my first year in Congress, I have always disclosed my home ownership and the mortgages against my home. It’s the right thing to do and I believe it should be required of all members of Congress.”

Senator Boxer said, “Transparency is the key to accountability in government. We must continually revisit ethics in government, and strengthening our disclosure rules takes an important step forward.”
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Town hall violence -- by Obama supporters

2009-08-07T05:21:00.001-07:00

Town hall violence -- by Obama supporters

President Obama recently e-mailed followers to attend local town halls, and his deputy chief of staff promised to "punch back twice as hard" in the health care debate. Neither of them probably expected their backers to "get in the faces" of their opponents quite this much. Or to punch anyone -- not literally, anyway.

In Saint Louis, the Post-Dispatch reports that Kenneth Gladney, a conservative activist, was distributing Gadsden Flags at a town hall meeting for Rep. Russell Carnahan, D-Mo., when he was allegedly beaten by a group of Obama supporters. One of them reportedly flung racial epithets at him (he is black). Glandey ended up in the Emergency Room, and six people ended up in jail, including a reporter for the Post-Dispatch whom police accused of interfering. Carnahan was not yet present at the town hall when the incident happened.

Read the full story

Mark Tapscott - Angry Mobs Department: That was then, this is now

Democrats screaming to high heaven about those disrupted town hall meetings could use a little refresher on recent history concerning their partisans' conduct in 2005 in response to President George W. Bush's attempt to get Congress to move on a genuine Social Security reform.

Read the full story

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Cobb Countians for Accountable Government Rally

2009-08-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, August 12 at 8:15am.
Event: Cobb Countians for Accountable Government
"Taxed Enough Already" Rally
Host: Cobb Countians for Accountable Government
Start Time: Wednesday, August 12 at 8:15am
End Time: Wednesday, August 12 at 8:45am
Where: School Board HQ, 514 Glover Street, Marietta Georgia

Isakson Criticizes Senate’s Refusal to Stimulate Housing Market by Expanding Tax Credit for Homebuyers

2009-08-06T18:18:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today criticized the Senate’s rejection of his amendment to stimulate housing demand and boost the economy by expanding the first-time homebuyer tax credit to a $15,000 tax credit for any buyer of any home. The Senate rejected Isakson’s amendment, which he sought to attach to the “cash for clunkers” bill, by a vote of 47 to 50.

Isakson then voted against final passage of the “cash for clunkers” bill.

“I’m disappointed in this vote on the homebuyer tax credit, because every American is suffering in this economy. Every American deserves for Congress to look for positive incentives to bring the housing market back, restore their equity, improve their values and return us back to a vibrant economy,” Isakson said. “The ‘cash for clunkers’ program demonstrates what I’ve known all my life, which is positive incentives cause positive results. The problem we have, though, is it was not the automobile market that disappeared first in America. It was the collapse of housing market.”

Specifically, Isakson’s amendment would have increased the maximum amount of the credit from $8,000 to $15,000 and expanded the current tax credit so that it applies to any buyer of any home, not just first-time buyers. The amendment also would have eliminated the income caps of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a couple under the current tax credit so that there is no income limit for eligibility. The amendment would have extended the tax credit for one year from date of enactment and would have still allowed homebuyers to claim the credit on their 2009 tax return for purchases made in 2010. Finally, the amendment would have required the expansion of the tax credit ultimately to be paid for by stimulus funds.

Isakson’s amendment was endorsed by the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors.

Isakson has pushed hard for a tax credit for homebuyers since January 2008 because he knows that it will work. In the mid-1970s, America faced a similar housing crisis when a period of easy credit and loose underwriting flooded the market with new construction. Interest rates rose, the economy slowed and America was left with a three-year supply of vacant homes. Congress responded by passing a $2,000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a new home for their principal residence. Isakson, who was in the real estate industry in Atlanta at the time, says the results were clear and swift as home values stabilized, housing inventory dropped and the market recovered.

Isakson spent more than three decades in the real estate business, beginning his business career in 1967 when he opened the first Cobb County, Ga., office of a small, family-owned real estate business, Northside Realty. Isakson later served as president of Northside for 20 years, presiding over the company’s growth into the largest independent residential real estate brokerage company in the Southeast and one of the largest in America.
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Gary Black to Speak at Hart County Republican Party Meeting

2009-08-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 15 at 8:30am.
Guest Speaker: Gary Black - Agriculture Commissioner Candidate
Hart County Republican Party
Start Time: Saturday, August 15 at 8:30am
End Time: Saturday, August 15 at 10:00am
Where: Hart County Literacy Center (Hart Co. Library basement)

Join the Georgia Federation of Republican Women at their 26th Biennial Convention October 1-2, 2009

2009-08-06T04:56:00.000-07:00

Join the Georgia Federation of Republican Women at their 26th Biennial Convention October 1-2, 2009.

The two-day event starts on Thursday, October 1st, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with the
four-session Leadership Academy. Proposed topics include: The Importance of Leadership
and Grassroots Involvement; Team Building-Unlocking the Power of an Effective Team;
Making Meetings Memorable and Productive; and Image Building.

On Friday, October 2nd, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Holly Robichaud will present
her interactive, lecture-style program designed to provide a comprehensive overview
of campaigns, including management and strategy, fundraising, conducting opposition
research, media, get-out-the-vote techniques, writing winning campaign plans and
communicating with voters.

The event is at the Hilton Hotel/Marietta Conference Center. For more information,
contact Millie Rogers, GFRW President at millierogers@bellsouth.net [mailto:millierogers@bellsouth.net].

Register online at: www.gfrw.org [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102662287259&s=730&e=001JliDiKXEOf3NKdB_jMMibQNAQ4DbMwVy6gxVj0VnHXvKqiDOa6Ak9BLsInlypki
dbG9Yd9JeajAaEGUM8kFnLRJkbwSpiiC8PpQ7LGIycSE=]

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Governor Perdue to Co-host Second Annual Southeastern United States–Canadian Provinces Alliance Conference

2009-07-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

In second year, group aims to increase economic relationships between southern states, Canada

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue will co-host the second annual Southeastern United States–Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS//CP) conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador from July 26 through July 28. Last year, Governor Perdue hosted the inaugural conference in Savannah, which drew hundreds of delegates from six southeastern states and seven Canadian provinces.

“Canada is Georgia’s top trading partner and it is critically important to continue to form business connections and collaborations that will only improve the trade and investment relationship that we have developed over the years,” said Governor Perdue. “In these economic times, reaching across borders to find commonalities in business and research is the way to help bolster the economies in our states and provinces.”

Approximately 200 delegates from across the Southeast and Canada are expected to attend the second annual conference. The itinerary includes a town hall session on public sector leadership in today’s economy, business sessions regarding energy, green economic development and ocean technology and many opportunities for participating businesses and organizations to network and form lasting partnerships.

“Last year’s conference was an outstanding start to what we believe will be a long, productive alliance among the six southeastern states and seven Canadian provinces,” said Heidi Green, deputy commissioner for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “Georgia businesses will have the opportunity to network with Canadian businesses and delve further into our strategic industries.”

The SEUS-Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS//CP), which is modeled after the successful 33-year SEUS-Japan association, is designed to present opportunities for businesses to enhance commercial exchanges, promote two-way investment, and encourage technological and scientific exchanges between and among six southeastern States and seven Canadian Provinces. Member states include Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama and member provinces include Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba.

In addition to representatives from southern states, three Canadian premiers will attend the conference: Danny Williams, Newfoundland and Labrador; Shawn Graham, New Brunswick; and Darrell Dexter, Nova Scotia.

“On behalf of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend a warm welcome to delegates of the second annual SEUS//CP conference,” said Premier Williams. “Over the course of this conference, businesses from all jurisdictions will have the opportunity to enjoy an itinerary that focuses on key areas of growth. The opportunity to meet with individuals from across the SEUS//CP region will hopefully result in new partnerships being forged and the valuable exchange of ideas.”

SEUS//CP was initially spearheaded by the State of Georgia and the Province of Quebec with support from the U.S. Embassy in Canada and the Canadian Consulate General for the Southeastern U.S. in Atlanta. The program is led this year by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Next year, the state of Misssissippi will chair the alliance
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Sen. Balfour Begins Term as President of National Conference of State Legislatures

2009-07-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Sen. Don Balfour (R-Gwinnett) today took office as president of the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) at the organization’s annual legislative summit in Philadelphia. The first legislator from Georgia to be elected to NCSL office, Balfour will lead the bipartisan Conference in serving the nation’s state lawmakers and advocating for their interests before Congress.

“I have dedicated my political career to serving the people of Georgia, and am humbled by the opportunity to serve the states of this nation as president of such an esteemed organization,” said Balfour. “NCSL is at the forefront of bringing state legislatures together to develop public policy that will strengthen our country and the lives of its citizens. I look forward to working with state leaders from across the nation to enhance the state legislatures’ influence in the federal system.”

Sen. Balfour has been an influential member of NCSL throughout his legislative career. Prior to his election as president, Balfour served as vice president and is a member of the executive committee. He will serve as president in 2009-2010. Known for his work in helping Georgia pass some of the strongest ethics and eminent domain laws in the nation, Sen. Balfour’s colleagues agree that his leadership skills will serve him well as NCSL president.

“This is truly a great day for our state,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “Senator Balfour is one of our strongest and most experienced Senators with over 17 years championing conservative policy and representing his Gwinnett constituents admirably. Now heading one of the most prominent legislative organizations in the nation, Senator Balfour’s expertise and forward-thinking mindset give NCSL a tremendously capable leader who will do an outstanding job as president.”

Balfour’s longtime colleague, Sen. Eric Johnson (R-Savannah), remarked: “Senator Balfour is a driving force in some of the most important political issues facing our state. I greatly respect his commitment and dedication to serving our citizens. We are lucky to have such a seasoned leader representing the state of Georgia in one of the most influential legislative organizations. The states are getting a strong leader at NCSL as we face record deficits and unemployment challenges.”

“I am proud to serve alongside Senator Balfour in representing the citizens of Gwinnett County,” said Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford). “Throughout my years in the Senate, I have watched him fiercely champion the issues that are important to his constituents. He is committed to doing all he can to help those he represents, and I am confident that he will serve as NCSL president with the same determination and convictions that have made him a cornerstone in the Georgia legislature.”

NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation’s 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. The Conference is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.
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Rep. Tom Graves Honored as “Legislator of the Year” by ALEC

2009-07-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) today honored state Representative Tom Graves (R-Ranger) as its “Legislator of the Year.”

The “Legislator of the Year” Award is given to state legislators who are ALEC members in good standing and have distinguished themselves by advancing, introducing and/or enacting policies based on the fundamental Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism and individual liberty.

Graves peers honored him with the award for his work on the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2009 (JOBS Act).

“It has been a pleasure to work with the leadership of the Georgia House and ALEC to formulate a true economic stimulus proposal for Georgia,” said Rep. Graves. “We recognize that sustainable job creation only results from the expansion of the private sector and not from the expansion of government. Hats off to ALEC for their tireless effort to advance sound public policy based on Jeffersonian principles.”

Graves received the award for his authorship and passage of The JOBS Act, HB 481 and 482, which received national attention. These bills were focused on helping small businesses and creating, expanding and attracting jobs through a series of tax credits, cuts, and incentives for businesses to hire Georgians.

ALEC’s 36th Annual Meeting, which began this past Wednesday and wraps up July 18, featured former U.S. Senator and Georgia Governor Zell Miller, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich and others who addressed an audience of nearly 1,500 state legislators and business leaders in Atlanta.

Statement From NEA-Alaska President Barbara Angaiak on Resignation of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin

2009-07-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

/PRNewswire/ -- Sarah Palin's announcement that she's resigning provides educators with an opportunity to open a fresh dialog about the pressing issues in Alaska's classrooms. NEA-Alaska stands ready to meet with Lieutenant Governor Sean Parnell as he takes over as Governor.

We will meet with him at any time and location of his convenience. Despite numerous overtures during the past year, Governor Palin has not made the time to meet with NEA-Alaska.

Education for Alaska's children cannot be put on hold any longer.

Attracting and retaining the best educators for Alaska is critical to ensure Alaska's students are prepared for tomorrow's challenges.

We're confident when Lieutenant Governor Parnell is sworn in as Governor he'll make it a priority to meet with educators and address our concerns.

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Boehner, Westmoreland Unveil “Bloodhounds” Video Asking: Where Are the Jobs?

2009-07-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

Job-Sniffing GOP Bloodhound Ellie Mae Makes Debut, Finds Few Jobs from Trillion-Dollar “Stimulus”

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today released a new web video targeting Washington Democrats’ trillion-dollar “stimulus” bill and asking “where are the jobs?” The tongue-in-cheek web video, inspired by a classic 1984 TV commercial by now-Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), features a job-sniffing GOP bloodhound named Ellie Mae and a down-home voiceover by Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA).

"This is a lighthearted web video, but the underlying point is no laughing matter,” Boehner said. “At a time when Americans are looking to Washington for leadership, the trillion-dollar ‘stimulus’ isn’t working. Americans were promised the ‘stimulus’ would keep the unemployment rate from going above eight percent. It’s now at 9.x percent, and rising. Where are the jobs?”

In the video, job-sniffing bloodhounds follow the “stimulus” money trail across the nation in search of the millions of jobs the Obama Administration promised to “save or create” if the trillion-dollar spending bill were enacted. The trail takes them to AIG Headquarters in New York City, where “stimulus” funds were used to pay big bonuses to top executives; to Wisconsin, where “stimulus” funds are paying for repairs to a bridge that reportedly carries about 260 cars per day, many to a place called Rusty’s Backwater Saloon, according to a June 16 report in the Wall Street Journal; and to North Carolina, where “stimulus” funds were reportedly used by one town to hire a new worker whose job is to apply for more “stimulus” funds from Washington.

“A real ‘stimulus’ would help small businesses across America get back on their feet and create jobs,” Boehner said. “Washington hasn’t tried that yet. Instead we’ve made government bigger, wasted taxpayers’ money, and piled new debt on our children and grandchildren. Republicans have put forth a better solution – a plan that recognizes small business, not government, is the engine of the American economy. We hope Washington Democrats will work with us in the months ahead to make it a reality.”
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Tonight on Evil Conservative Radio 10-11PM EDT

2009-07-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

Note: Well, well, guess this is our day for passing along all kinds of info. Been getting all these updates and info, we look at it, sometimes listen, sometimes click, but generally we've kept it to ourselves. Little light bulbs went off in the brain this morning (caffeine after good night's sleep 'll do it to ya), and we're sharing. Not sure if we'll do it on a regular basis yet, will decide after another cup o' strong Irish tea and a bit of waiting to see if we get a reaction from our readers...

Applied Reaganism for Free Americans

Wednesday (7/1): Gun-Hunting Feds and Grab-Bag Thursday on Wednesday, as EC covers some of the stories we haven't had time to get to during this abbreviated week.

Have a GREAT 4th of July and don't forget EC's on vacation most of next week, but we'll be back LIVE on Thursday 9 July.

EC's Call-in #(347) 215-6246

Live on Liberty Works Radio Network or GRAB a PODCAST
Click to Listen to Liberty Works Radio Network Live Feed
(**note that there are several 3-minute silences per hour for affiliate advertising)
EC's Call-in #(347) 215-6246
CHECK OUT our NEW TEA Party T-Shirts ON SALE NOW
Listen/Watch ECR Archives on LiveLeak or NMATV
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Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Conservatism

2009-07-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

Note: We haven't had time to listen to the program below, but it looked interesting. Some of you have been asking where you can find an alternative to YouTube... http://www.nmatv.com/. They are part of www.heritagenewmedia.com. What's that have to do with this post? We get updates from Heritage New Media, and the following is one we rec'd today. They sponsor or own or whatever the NMATV.com site. We have a page on NMATV (http://www.nmatv.com/users/GeorgiaFrontPage) with one lonely video on it. We're going to add more soon.)

Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Conservatism

Can conservative + grassroots + Christian = edgy and insightful political commentary? Tune in and find out!

Every Thursday at our NEW TIME of 6:00 pm PT hosts Babe Huggett and Warner Todd Huston discuss and examine current political events, put them in historical context and follow trends to their logical conclusions through a conservative, Christian viewpoint. Scheduled guests will enjoy their own featured isegment. Phone in comments from listeners always welcome!On tonight's show:

Hosts Babe Huggett & Warner Todd Huston dig deep & analyze the news with their usual insightful and historical approach all the while being as politically irreverent as possible! We're heading into cloak & dagger territory tonight with Mr. A Nonymous, a retired Department of Defense analyst, Arabic linguist and author of Tremble The Devil, who will explain why the police can not handle terrorism from the African-American community's islamic converts.

Program info

Date / Time: 7/2/2009 at 6:00 PM Pacific/ 8:00 PM Central/9:00 PM Eastern
Tonight's Topic: Mr. A Nonymous explains why the police can not handle terrorism from the African-American community's islamic converts.

Call-in Number: (347) 237-4040
Visit & listen!

Listen to Huggett & Huston on Blog Talk Radio

More from Huggett & Huston:
OutLoudOpinion.com
Publius' Forum
Free Britannia.org
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RNC / Michael Steele: Obama Foreign Policy Survey

2009-07-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

(Note: Generally we dislike passing along anything that has a request for money. We figure if you want to donate to a campaign or cause, you'll do so on your own. Although the following asks for money... when do you ever get anything from the RNC without a request for money ... we decided to pass it along in hopes you'll take the survey. At this critical juncture in our country's history it's important that we ALL get involved on some level.)

A couple of weeks ago, I asked for your thoughts and opinions about President Obama's domestic agenda. Thousands of grassroots leaders like you were gracious enough to take the RNC's online survey and make your voice heard about how the liberal Democrats are governing our country.

Today, I am asking for your input on President Obama's foreign policy.

President Obama came into office promising a new kind of American foreign policy. One in which America would open up dialogues with some of the world's worst dictators and tyrannical regimes. The closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay -- where some of the world's most dangerous terrorist reside -- would earn us goodwill. And apology tours of Europe and the Middle East would yield greater cooperation.

The results:

Obama kept his promise to engage tyrants by exchanging pleasantries with Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez and starting low level talks with the Iranian Mullahacracy, which has now turned on its own citizens to keep an iron grip on power.

North Korea, feeling slighted by the Obama Administration, brazenly conducted a nuclear test and continues to threaten America and our allies through bellicose rhetoric.

He instructed that the phrase "War on Terror" be discarded for "overseas contingency operations" and acts of terrorism renamed the Orwellian term "man-caused disasters."

And Obama signed an executive order to close Guantanamo Bay, but has no plan on where to move the terrorists except to the United States as his apology tour of Europe yielded no takers, save one, for any of the prisoners.

The liberal media would have you believe that President Obama has already "rebuilt" America's image in the eyes of the world. That our country is now safer and more secure.

I'm not buying it -- and I don't think you are either.

But I want to know firsthand your thoughts about some of the most critical foreign policy issues facing our nation.

Please take a moment right now to fill out online the Obama Foreign Policy Survey to let Republican leaders in Washington, D.C. and across the country know where you stand on matters of global importance.

And when you've completed your survey, I hope you will make a secure online contribution of $25, $50, $100, $500 or $1,000 to help the RNC hold President Obama accountable for his foreign policy decisions.

Your participation in the Obama Foreign Policy Survey -- and your continuing generous support of the RNC -- is vital. Please make your voice heard today.

Sincerely,

Michael Steele
Chairman, Republican National Committee

P.S. President Obama's foreign policy that caters to the "Blame America", MoveOn.org wing of the Democrat Party is detrimental to our nation's security. As a Republican grassroots leader, the RNC wants to know where you stand on the top foreign policy priorities of the Obama Democrats. Please complete your Obama Foreign Policy Survey online today and make a special contribution of $25, $50, $100, $500 or $1,000 to support the RNC's efforts to elect more Republicans at all levels in 2009 and 2010. Thank you.

Herman Cain's July 4th Appearances

2009-07-02T05:26:00.000-07:00

July 4th Holiday Rallies

Dear Georgia,

Come celebrate this upcoming Independence Day with Herman and the Tea Party Patriots.

Cobb Independence Day Tea Party
Marietta, Georgia
Friday, July 3, 2009
6:00PM -10:00PM
7:00PM - 9:00PM
Live Broadcast of The New Herman Cain Show
Jim Miller Park
2245 Callaway Rd SW Marietta, GA
Ken Cook (organizer)
678-946-0101 (organizer phone)
www.cobbteaparty.com

Tea Party Patriots Rally Peachtree City, Georgia
Saturday, July 4, 2009
4:00PM - 5:30PM
Herman Cain Guest Speaker Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater (Fred's)
201 MacIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, GA
Denise Ognio (organizer)
770-719-9382 (organizer phone)
www.ptcteapartypatriots.org

See you there!

Boehner, House GOP Outline Plan to Make Health Care More Affordable & Accessible for All Americans

2009-06-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement after Members of the House GOP Health Care Reform Solutions Group outlined its proposal to reduce costs and expand Americans’ access to affordable health care:

"Health care reform is a bipartisan priority, but the Democrats’ plan for government-run health care is not the change Americans want. Their new government-run program will make health care more expensive, raise taxes, ration care, and empower bureaucrats to make key medical decisions instead of patients and doctors. It will force at least 23 million Americans to lose their current health care plan, and force them into a massive new government-run plan that will crowd out all competition. Middle-class families and small businesses simply don’t support a government takeover of health care, and neither should Congress.

“House Republicans have a better plan to reduce costs, expand access, and increase the quality of care in a way that Americans can afford. Our plan focuses on innovative preventive and wellness programs to help avoid serious, and costly, illnesses. It gives states tools to design innovative programs that make health care coverage more affordable for everyone, while providing more Americans incentives to buy health care they cannot afford now. Our proposal allows small businesses to band together and provide insurance for their employees at a lower cost, just as large corporations and unions do. And it roots out waste, fraud, and abuse that costs taxpayers billions, while reining in junk lawsuits that make health care more costly for everyone.

“Unlike the Democrats’ government takeover of health care, this common-sense plan keeps patients and doctors in charge of key medical decisions. I thank Rep. Blunt, as well as Reps. Dave Camp (R-MI), Buck McKeon (R-CA), Joe Barton (R-TX), and all the Members of our Republican Solutions Group for their work on this proposal, and I urge Democrats in Washington to give it serious consideration during the health care debate this summer.”

NOTE: The plan outlined by the House Republican Health Care Reform Solutions Group, led by Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO), is designed to:

Make quality health care coverage affordable and accessible for every American, regardless of pre-existing health conditions.
Protect Americans from being forced into a new government-run health care plan that would eliminate the health care coverage that more than 100 million Americans currently receive through their job.
Let Americans who like their health care coverage keep it, and give all Americans the freedom to choose the health plan that best meets their needs.
Ensure that medical decisions are made by patients and their doctors, not government bureaucrats.
Improve Americans’ lives through effective prevention, wellness, and disease management programs, while developing new treatments and cures for life-threatening diseases.
Boehner said the GOP plan also maintains current law provisions regarding restrictions on federal funding of abortion services, and does not impose mandates either on insurance carriers or medical providers to participate in activities that violate their religious and moral beliefs.

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Boehner Previews House GOP Plan on Healthcare

2009-06-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

OEHNER PREVIEWS HOUSE GOP’S PLAN TO EXPAND AMERICANS’ ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE:
“We’re going to make sure that all Americans have access to high-quality health insurance. Part of the way of doing that is to make sure they get the same tax treatment as companies do today so insurance premiums are deductible for people, whether they get their insurance from their company or not. Bigger risk pools in states for those people who have pre-existing conditions. Help for those who can’t afford health insurance, in the private market. But we want to take the current system and improve it, to cover almost all Americans. We don’t want the government to come in and bigfoot this like they’ve done other things.”

BOEHNER CONTRASTS HOUSE GOP PLAN WITH DEMOCRATS’ COSTLY GOVERNMENT TAKEOVER OF HEALTH CARE:
“We agree with the President and want to work with the President, to make sure that all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable, health insurance. But we’re not for the government taking control of our health system. And if you look at the leading Democrat proposals in the House and Senate, they have this giant government bureaucracy that literally is going to take over private health insurance in America. And if you think the post office is the model of efficiency, can you imagine what they’re going to do to America’s health care? We’re going to unveil our plan today that will bring down costs, insure most Americans, and improve the quality of care that we have in our country.”

BOEHNER WARNS ADMINISTRATION’S FINANCIAL REGULATORY PROPOSAL MAY SLOW JOB GROWTH EVEN FURTHER:
“If you look deeply into some of what the President’s calling for, we’ll have the federal government deciding what interest ought to be charged on credit cards. We’ll have the President’s proposal having to decide what kind of financial products are available. And I just think that the government involvement in the financial industry is going to be too big of a foot, on an industry that’s already having problems. I think at the end of the day, what the American people want is they want to know, how do I get my job back? How do I hold on to my job? And these kinds of policies that we’re seeing out of the Administration are going to work to slow down job growth and prevent the private sector from growing and bringing people back to work."

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Karen Handel to Speak to South Metro Young Republicans Tonight

2009-06-17T04:30:00.000-07:00

The South Metro Young Republicans is having its June meeting tonight, Wednesday, June 17, 2009, at 7:00 pm at the Irish Bred Pub in Peachtree City (273 Highway 74 N).

Karen Handel, Georgia's Secretary of State, and candidate for governor, will be our guest speaker.

Young Republicans offers you a chance to meet lots of local and state leaders, an environment for becoming more involved citizens, and even the opportunity of leadership in our club. No cost or commitment is required to come to our events. We welcome everyone, regardless of political beliefs.

Looking forward to seeing you tonight!

Nathan Bradfield
Chairman
info@smyr.org
www.smyr.org
Also, join our Facebook page to stay current with our events.

Westmoreland: IMF loan a poison pill

2009-06-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland today regretted that he had to vote against the bill to fund the war effort because Democrats tacked on $108 billion in loan guarantees to the International Monetary Fund. All House Republicans and a handful of Democrats joined Westmoreland in opposition, but the bill passed the House.

“American troops are waging a war that has gone on for years and members of Congress should be able to vote to fund the war with no strings attached,” Westmoreland said. “Instead, we’re getting an alleged war spending bill that actually spends more money on the International Monetary Fund than on the war.”

The legislation provides just under $80 billion for the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next year. It provides additional money for other defense-related funds and Westmoreland voted for a bipartisan troop funding bill earlier this year that didn’t include the IMF funding.

“Americans overseas are fighting for us in wars. And Americans at home are fighting to pay the bills during a time of extraordinary economic difficulty,” Westmoreland continued. “We have the ability to bounce back out of this recession, but we can’t afford to pay for a global bailout – we have more than enough bailouts going on in our own country, thank you very much. The irony of all this is that we have to borrow money from other countries, particularly China, in order to lend money to the IMF, which then lends money to countries that hate the United States.

“I hate to vote against a bill that funds our troops. We in Congress have a duty and a responsibility to them. But today’s bill does them a disservice, because these troops are also American citizens and they’ll come home and have to join all the rest of us in paying off this gigantic debt that the Democrats are running up.”
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Haralson Outreach Day: Gingrey representative in Buchanan to answer questions, gather opinions

2009-06-11T07:02:00.001-07:00

Congressman Phil Gingrey will have a representative in Haralson County on June 24th to assist constituents with case work, legislative questions and other concerns and inquiries. Linda Liles, Constituent Service Representative to the Congressman, will be at the Government Complex, Conference Room, 155 Van Wert St., Buchanan, GA 30113 on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. All members of the community are invited to stop by for assistance with federal agencies, answers to questions about Congressional legislation, and an opportunity to voice comments or concerns they would like brought to Congressman Gingrey’s attention. This service is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Linda Liles at (706) 290-1776.

House Republican Leaders Outline $375 Billion in Federal Savings in Proposal for President Obama

2009-06-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) today sent a proposal to President Obama outlining $375 billion in taxpayer savings over the next five years. The savings proposal comes after a White House meeting in which the GOP leaders pledged to deliver to the President a plan that expands upon his initial proposal to trim the federal budget. Boehner issued the following statement on the leaders’ proposal:

“We hope the President will work with us to make the reforms outlined in this proposal as the first step in a serious bipartisan effort to crack down on unnecessary and duplicative spending by the federal government. The federal government is too big and wastes much of the money it takes from middle-class families and small businesses. In today’s tough economy, we owe it to taxpayers to get serious about changing the way in which Washington spends their hard-earned money. I commend Rep. Cantor and Members of the House GOP’s Economic Recovery Solutions Group for their work in crafting this proposal and for their ongoing effort to control spending, create jobs, and curb the debt.”

June 4, 2009

The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President,

Per our last bipartisan leadership meeting on April 23rd, enclosed please find a list of proposals that we believe could generate significant savings for American taxpayers.

As we have expressed to you, we are greatly troubled by the spending and deficit levels adopted in the recent budget. We believe this level of spending and borrowing is not only unsustainable, but unfair towards hard-working American families who will see increased mortgage costs as a result of our reckless borrowing and to future generations who will be required to pay for this profligate spending.

In testimony before the House Budget Committee yesterday, Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke raised similar concerns stating, “Unless we demonstrate a strong commitment to fiscal sustainability in the longer term, we will have neither financial stability nor healthy economic growth."

Of course, reducing spending is never easy. In 2005 when Congressional Republicans enacted the Deficit Reduction Act, which saved taxpayers $40 billion over five years, not one single Democrat in the House or Senate supported the bill. The proposed terminations and reductions your Administration released last month garnered immediate opposition from many Democrats. Likewise, the proposals we have put forward here will not be supported by all Republicans. However, if we work together, we are confident that we can come up with a common-sense package of entitlement reforms, program terminations, and spending reductions that will generate significant savings for the American taxpayer and reduce our current deficit. For example, enactment of the proposals we have outlined in the enclosed document could save taxpayers in excess of $375 billion.

We will continue to work with our Members to identify other potential areas for savings. We firmly believe that given the gravity of the current fiscal situation both parties must dedicate themselves to a sustained program to root out wasteful and unnecessary spending and reforming entitlement programs.

We look forward to working with you in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

John Boehner Eric Cantor
Republican Leader Republican Whip

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Gwinnett GOP to Host Rep. Austin Scott and County Commissioners at Saturday Breakfast

2009-06-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

The Republican Party of Gwinnett County’s upcoming breakfast meeting will feature guest speaker State Representative Austin Scott (R-Tifton), Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee and candidate for Governor.

Also invited are all 5 county commissioners to talk about the proposed millage rate increase was tabled at Tuesday’s public hearing.

“The Gwinnett Republican Party offers the county’s conservative voters the opportunity to meet the candidates running for governor and to be better educated on this issues that matter in the community,” said party Chairman Chuck Efstration.

The meeting, scheduled for this Saturday, June 6th, will start at 8:30 a.m. Breakfast service begins at 8:00 a.m. and the meeting is held at the Sweet Tomatoes restaurant located at 3505 Mall Boulevard in Duluth, across from Gwinnett Place Mall.

For more information on this Saturday’s meeting or other upcoming Gwinnett Republican Party events, please visit our web site at www.gwinnettgop.org or send an email to gwinnettrepublicanparty@gmail.com.
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Boehner: White House Health Care Report More Smoke & Mirrors

2009-06-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) released the following statement on the health care report released today by the President’s Council of Economic Advisors:

“This report is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. Everyone agrees that reducing the cost of health care would benefit our economy, but the Administration hasn’t offered a credible plan to do so without raising taxes or rationing care. Republicans want to work with the President and Democrats in Congress to ensure that every American has access to affordable, high-quality health coverage. But this 56-page press release lacks any real answers about how the Administration will deliver promised savings and improve Americans’ health care.

“One thing is clear: We don’t need a government takeover of health care that raises taxes, rations care, and puts government bureaucrats in control of decisions that should be made by families and doctors. The American people are asking for common sense solutions, not more photo-ops that produce a good headline but make no real difference to the millions of Americans struggling to pay for their health care coverage. Congress should be working together to improve access to quality health care, reduce skyrocketing costs, and fix what’s broken.”

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Boehner Statement on GM Bankruptcy

2009-06-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement today after General Motors filed for bankruptcy protection:

“This agreement may buy some time, but does nothing to ensure GM’s success. The only thing it makes clear is that the government is firmly in the business of running companies using taxpayer dollars. Does anyone really believe that politicians and bureaucrats in Washington can successfully steer a multinational corporation to economic viability? It’s time for the Administration to fully explain what the exit strategy is to get the U.S. government out of the board room once and for all.

“The success of our automotive industry is critical to families, workers, and communities across America, including my home state of Ohio. But the policies coming out of Washington have been conflicting and counterproductive, while leaving American workers holding the bag. On one hand, the Administration says it is committed to keeping GM afloat, but then it announces increased CAFE standards that would force more American auto jobs overseas. Auto workers and retirees, their families, and all taxpayers deserve better.”

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Chambliss Statement on Supreme Court Nominee

2009-05-26T13:49:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., today made the following statement regarding Judge Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination for the Supreme Court.

“I have consistently stated that Supreme Court nominees must not engage in legislating from the bench, but must interpret the laws as they have been passed. The Senate deserves an appropriate amount of time to review this nominee. I look forward to a dignified and thorough confirmation process.”

Isakson Statement on Supreme Court Nominee

2009-05-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today issued the following statement on the President’s nomination of federal appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the Supreme Court. Isakson is traveling in Africa this week on Senate business, but issued the statement through his Washington, DC, office.

“I look forward to a thorough examination and debate of her credentials and legal views during the Senate confirmation process.” Isakson said. “I believe a qualified judge is one who understands the value and the strength and the power of the Constitution of the United States of America, who will rule based on the law, and who will not legislate based on the position.”

Westmoreland Condemns Cover-up on Pelosi Charges

2009-05-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland today condemned House Democrats’ attempt to sweep Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s allegations against the CIA under the rug.

“Speaker Pelosi has made serious charges against the CIA, saying point blank that the agency misled her and other members of Congress,” Westmoreland said. “I think she needs to produce evidence to support her claims or she needs to apologize to the agents at the CIA charged with collecting information vital to safeguarding our nation.”

House Democrats today voted down a motion to create bipartisan Select Intelligence Subcommittee to investigate the allegation that Central Intelligence Agency professionals lied to the speaker of the House during a Sept. 4, 2002, briefing on its interrogation program.

“The speaker promised the American people the most open and honest Congress in American history and now she’s stonewalling a bipartisan investigation,” Westmoreland said. “How can Nancy Pelosi say she wants a truth commission to look into torture allegations and then quash a probe into her own involvement? The speaker seems to think this is all about her. This isn’t just about Nancy. If the CIA lied to members of Congress, that’s a big deal, and members of Congress need to act on that. If the CIA can prove that it did fully brief her on enhanced interrogation techniques, on the other hand, that presents another problem for Congress. Either way, we need to do something, and it appears the Democrats are doing everything they can to protect their speaker by covering this up.”

Note: A Gallup poll shows that Americans don’t believe the speaker’s claims that the CIA lied to her. The poll asked: “Do you approve or disapprove of how each of the following has handled the matter of interrogation techniques used against terrorism suspects?”

Pelosi:
30% Approve
63% Disapprove

CIA:
63% Approve
33% Disapprove

Gallup; conducted May 19, 2009; Survey of 997 Adults Nationwide.
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Isakson Praises Signing of Law to Investigate Economic Crisis

2009-05-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Independent, Bipartisan Financial Crisis Commission Would Have Subpoena Power

Yesterday U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., praised the signing by President Obama of a financial fraud bill that includes his proposal with U.S. Senator Kent Conrad, D-N.D., to create a Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission charged with fully investigating the causes of the near collapse of our financial markets and our economy.

“This is a great day for the American people, who demand and deserve some answers. I’m pleased the President understood the importance of signing this bill into law quickly so we can get those answers to what caused this financial collapse,” Isakson said. “We need a forensic audit of the damage to the financial markets and our economy so we can find out where mistakes were made and ensure we don’t make them again.”

“My constituents deserve answers. The American people deserve answers. They have every right to know where mistakes were made, and why our financial system spiraled downward so far, so fast. If it is discovered that laws were broken or any wrongdoing led our nation down this path, people must be held accountable,” Senator Conrad said.Isakson and Conrad originally introduced legislation in January 2009 to examine the causes of the current economic crisis. On April 22, the Senate overwhelmingly passed an amendment by Isakson and Conrad to the Senate’s version of the financial fraud bill that would create a Financial Crisis Commission.

On May 6, the House of Representatives passed the financial fraud bill, including the Financial Crisis Commission, with amendments by a vote of 367 to 59. On May 14, the Senate, on a unanimous consent motion, agreed to relatively small changes to the bill and sent it back to the House. On May 18, the House agreed to the Senate’s changes and sent the bill to President Obama for his signature.

The 10-member, bipartisan Financial Crisis Commission will have until December 2010 to investigate all the circumstances that led to this financial crisis. The panel will have subpoena power and will have the authority to refer to the U.S. Attorney General and state attorneys general any evidence that institutions or individuals may have violated existing laws. At the end of its investigation, the Commission will report its findings and conclusions to the Congress and the President.

This bipartisan Commission will be appointed by Democrats and Republicans in Congress. The Speaker and Senate Democratic Leader would choose the commission’s chair. The Senate and House Republican Leaders would select the vice-chair. Members of Congress as well as federal and state employees would be prohibited from serving on the Commission.
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Isakson Continues Push to Stimulate Housing Market, Expand Tax Credit for Homebuyers

2009-05-21T04:23:00.000-07:00

Seeks to Add Homebuyer Tax Credit to Supplemental

Yesterday U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill that seeks to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market by expanding the current $8,000 homebuyer tax credit to include all individuals who purchase a home in the next year.

Specifically, Isakson’s amendment would expand the current $8,000 homebuyer tax credit so that it applies to any buyer of any home, not just first-time buyers. The amendment also would eliminate the income caps of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a couple under the current tax credit so that there is no income limit for eligibility. Finally, the amendment would extend the tax credit to June 10, 2010, and would still allow homebuyers to claim the credit on their 2008 tax return.

“By removing the income and first-time buyer restrictions from the current homebuyer tax credit, I am confident many more buyers will take advantage of this tax credit and we will have a significant improvement in the housing market and in our economy,” Isakson said. “As has happened in 1968, 1974 and 1990-1991, housing took America into a recession and it was only when the housing market recovered that the America economy improved.”

Isakson has pushed hard for a non-repayable tax credit for homebuyers because he knows that it will work. In the mid-1970s, America faced a similar housing crisis when a period of easy credit and loose underwriting flooded the market with new construction. Interest rates rose, the economy slowed and America was left with a three-year supply of vacant homes. Congress responded by passing a $2,000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a new home for their principal residence. Isakson, who was in the real estate industry in Atlanta at the time, says the results were clear and swift as home values stabilized, housing inventory dropped and the market recovered.

Last year, Isakson introduced legislation to specifically target those homes that were causing the unprecedented increase in housing inventory by offering tax credits to individuals purchasing a foreclosed home or a home where foreclosure is pending. In April 2008, the Senate passed legislation to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market that included Isakson’s proposal. However, the final version of the legislation that was signed into law included only a $7,500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers that must be repaid over a 15-year period.

On Feb. 4, 2009, the Senate unanimously approved an amendment by Isakson to the economic stimulus bill would have provided a direct tax credit to any homebuyer who purchases any home. The amount of the tax credit would be $15,000 or 10 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. During conference negotiations between the House and Senate on the final version of the bill, Isakson’s $15,000 tax credit for all purchasers of any home was removed. Instead, House and Senate negotiators made only small modifications to the first-time homebuyer tax credit that was enacted in 2008 as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

Isakson spent more than three decades in the real estate business, beginning his business career in 1967 when he opened the first Cobb County, Ga., office of a small, family-owned real estate business, Northside Realty. Isakson later served as president of Northside for 20 years, presiding over the company’s growth into the largest independent residential real estate brokerage company in the Southeast and one of the largest in America.
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Higher Income Tax Rates on ALL Americans Who Pay Income Taxes
Individuals and Small Businesses* with Taxable Income in the Following Ranges…	… Pay This Statutory Rate on that Range of Income in 2010…	…But will Pay This Statutory Rate on that Range of Income in 2011
Up to $8,375 for single filers and Up to $16,750 for married couples	10%	15%
Between $8,375 and $34,000 for single filers and Between $16,750 and $68,000** for married couples	15%	15%
Between $34,000 and $82,400 for single filers and Between $68,000** and $137,300 for married couples	25%	28%
Between $82,400 and $171,850 for single filers and Between $137,300 and $209,250 for married couples	28%	31%
Between $171,850 and $373,650 for single filers and Between $209,250 and $373,650 for married couples	33%	36%
Over $373,650 for both single filers and married couples	35%	39.6%***

Higher Taxes if You Are Married
For Married Couples Filing Jointly, the Marriage Penalty Is Reinstated With Respect To...	2010	2011
The Standard Deduction	Singles: $5,700 Married: $11,400 No marriage penalty because the standard deduction for married couples is twice the standard deduction for singles	Singles: $5,800 Married: $9,750 Marriage penalty is reinstated because the standard deduction for married couples is $1,850 less than twice the standard deduction for singles
The last dollar of income taxed at the 15% rate (instead of at 25% in 2010 or at 28% in 2011, the next highest tax rate in effect)	Singles: $34,000 Married: $68,000 No marriage penalty because the last dollar of income taxed at 15% (instead of at 25%, the next highest rate) for married couples is twice the corresponding amount for singles	Singles: $34,850 Married: $58,200 Marriage penalty is reinstated because the last dollar of income taxed at 15% (instead of at 28%, the next highest rate) for married couples is $11,500 less than twice the corresponding amount for singles

Higher Taxes through Additional, Hidden Tax Rate Increases
Hidden Tax Rate Increase Reinstated	Individuals and Small Businesses* with Adjusted Gross Income…	… Pay this additional, hidden tax rate increase in 2010…	… But pay this additional, hidden tax rate increase in 2011
Personal exemption phase-out (PEP)	Above $171,000 for single filers and Above $256,700 for married couples filing jointly	None	Approximately 0.8%
Pease limitation on itemized deductions (such as mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and state and local taxes)	Above $171,000 for both single filers and married couples filing jointly	None	Approximately 1.2%
Top effective marginal tax rate on income (including dividend income) in 2011, including reinstatement of these hidden tax rate increases: 39.6% (top statutory rate) 0.8% (PEP) + 1.2% (Pease limitation) 41.6%