Meeting on Fox News Sunday for there first U.S. Senate debate, Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist duked it out. Crist the sitting Governor of Florida attacked for Rubio for improperly using state party credit cards for personal expenses while Rubio took shots at Crist for supporting the Obama stimulus plan and restoring voting rights to felons in the state.
The two men disagree on just about everything. Rubio says that he would look at raising the retirement age and eliminating cost of living increases as a way to save social security. Crist is against raising the retirement age. Crist mostly spent the 1/2 hour or so attacking Rubio while Rubio laid out his platform and policy differences with Crist.
I have to give this debate to Rubio and suggest that Crist lay out his policy differences with Rubio and platform in the next debate instead of attacks.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Crist says don't get rid of Obama health care plan
Charlie Crist the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Florida told the Palm Beach Post editorial board recently that unlike many Republicans in Washington, he does not believe that President Obama should scrap his health care reform proposal.
"There may be parts of it that you don't have to scrap. There are three parts of it that I would like to see scrapped: It would raise taxes significantly, it would raise rates significantly and it would take a half-a-trillion dollars out of Medicare."
"I think the real issue here, as it relates to health care, is that people want it to not cost so much and people want to have access to it. I think there is a consensus of agreement that the health care that is delivered in America is good. But it's not easy to get it and it's too expensive when you do get it".
Crist indicated that after the legislative session he will begin to focus on national issues and take a firmer stand on health care.
Crist embraced and supported the Obama stimulus plan because as the Governor said, "We needed the money". Crist supports stem cell research, is not a darling of the right wing, and is now willing to work with President Obama on health care reform.
Crist is tempting me to support him for the Senate. If he runs as an Independent, its possible that I may do that to keep Marco Rubio from winning as I realistically think Kendrick Meek would finish third in a three way race. As for Meek vs Crist, I am fine with either one.
"There may be parts of it that you don't have to scrap. There are three parts of it that I would like to see scrapped: It would raise taxes significantly, it would raise rates significantly and it would take a half-a-trillion dollars out of Medicare."
"I think the real issue here, as it relates to health care, is that people want it to not cost so much and people want to have access to it. I think there is a consensus of agreement that the health care that is delivered in America is good. But it's not easy to get it and it's too expensive when you do get it".
Crist indicated that after the legislative session he will begin to focus on national issues and take a firmer stand on health care.
Crist embraced and supported the Obama stimulus plan because as the Governor said, "We needed the money". Crist supports stem cell research, is not a darling of the right wing, and is now willing to work with President Obama on health care reform.
Crist is tempting me to support him for the Senate. If he runs as an Independent, its possible that I may do that to keep Marco Rubio from winning as I realistically think Kendrick Meek would finish third in a three way race. As for Meek vs Crist, I am fine with either one.
Tea Party's least favorite Republicans
I found this quite interesting. When surveyed, more then three dozen grassroots tea party leaders from 29 states named Sen. John McCain, Sen. Mitch McConnell and RNC Chairman Michael Steele among their least favorite Republicans.
Asked who they were most disappointed with, McCain. Senator's Lindsey Graham and Susan Collins as well as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger are among the least favorite of Tea Party members.
They blast Republicans who stray from the principles of limited government and fiscal restraint.
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The Tea Party is a joke
Asked who they were most disappointed with, McCain. Senator's Lindsey Graham and Susan Collins as well as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger are among the least favorite of Tea Party members.
They blast Republicans who stray from the principles of limited government and fiscal restraint.
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The Tea Party is a joke
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Massa to retire from Congress
Freshman New York Congressman Eric Massa will not seek re-election to Congress in 2010, according to an announcement the upstate NY Democrat made Wednesday.
Massa indicated that health issues are keeping him from seeking a second term to Congress, however, Massa is facing an ethics complaint. A junior male staffer is accusing Massa of sexual harassment.
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Massa and Rangel....brings back memories of Foley and DeLay. I guess its good that its coming out in March instead of Sept. Let's hope this is the last Dem retirement.
Massa indicated that health issues are keeping him from seeking a second term to Congress, however, Massa is facing an ethics complaint. A junior male staffer is accusing Massa of sexual harassment.
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Massa and Rangel....brings back memories of Foley and DeLay. I guess its good that its coming out in March instead of Sept. Let's hope this is the last Dem retirement.
Rangel gives up House Ways and Means gavel
Embattled scandal plagued NY Congressman Charlie Rangel has stepped down as House Ways and Means Committee Chairman. Sander Levin will now lead the committee as Chairman.
A few days ago I called on Rangel to step down as Chair of Ways and Means, I am glad he did, he made the right decision. Now it is time for the powerless aging Congressman who has lost his influence in Washington to retire and let a new generation of leadership assume his position in the House.
Senator Bill Perkins, Assemblyman Keith Wright and Virginia Fields are all waiting for Rangel's retirement.
A few days ago I called on Rangel to step down as Chair of Ways and Means, I am glad he did, he made the right decision. Now it is time for the powerless aging Congressman who has lost his influence in Washington to retire and let a new generation of leadership assume his position in the House.
Senator Bill Perkins, Assemblyman Keith Wright and Virginia Fields are all waiting for Rangel's retirement.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Perry wins Texas GOP primary
As I predicted earlier today, Texas Governor Rick Perry won the GOP primary for Governor, defeating U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.
This was a heated and very interesting primary that drew the attention of national Republican leaders. Former President George HW Bush, a longtime Houston resident, endorsed Kay Bailey Hutchison for Governor while former Alaska Gov. and probable 2012Presidential candidate Sarah Palin went with Rick Perry.
Perry has strong support among the right wing and Christian conservatives which carried him to victory. Perry faces Bill White in November and is most likely favored for a third term.
This was a heated and very interesting primary that drew the attention of national Republican leaders. Former President George HW Bush, a longtime Houston resident, endorsed Kay Bailey Hutchison for Governor while former Alaska Gov. and probable 2012Presidential candidate Sarah Palin went with Rick Perry.
Perry has strong support among the right wing and Christian conservatives which carried him to victory. Perry faces Bill White in November and is most likely favored for a third term.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Senator Eric Schneiderman to run for New York Attorney General
The Democratic primary for New York Attorney General is frozen until Andrew Cuomo makes his plans known. The popular Attorney General and longtime governor in waiting is expected to announce his candidacy for Governor in a few weeks.
The flood gates will then open in the New York Attorney General race. Former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi who ran for governor in 2006 is expected to run. DA Kathleen Rice, Denise O'Donnell, Sen. Jeff Klein and State Rep. Richard Brodsky are all considering bids.
Senator Eric Schneiderman of Manhattan has already indicated that he will run for state Attorney General if Cuomo runs for Governor. Schneiderman is my choice and has long been one of my favorite NY politicos. I like Jeff Klein who supported John Edwards in the 2004 NY Dem Pres primary but Schneiderman is a better candidate.
Schneiderman has fought for tougher gun safety laws in NY, has been an advocate for education, and has been active in the campaign to clean up the Hudson River and protect New York City drinking water. A supporter of Bill de Blasio in the NYC PA Primary, Schneiderman is my man in the AG race.
The flood gates will then open in the New York Attorney General race. Former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi who ran for governor in 2006 is expected to run. DA Kathleen Rice, Denise O'Donnell, Sen. Jeff Klein and State Rep. Richard Brodsky are all considering bids.
Senator Eric Schneiderman of Manhattan has already indicated that he will run for state Attorney General if Cuomo runs for Governor. Schneiderman is my choice and has long been one of my favorite NY politicos. I like Jeff Klein who supported John Edwards in the 2004 NY Dem Pres primary but Schneiderman is a better candidate.
Schneiderman has fought for tougher gun safety laws in NY, has been an advocate for education, and has been active in the campaign to clean up the Hudson River and protect New York City drinking water. A supporter of Bill de Blasio in the NYC PA Primary, Schneiderman is my man in the AG race.
Jindal gears up for 2011 re-election bid, possible national campaign in 2012
Louisiana Republican Governor Bobby Jindal is up for re-election in 2011 however the campaign team Jindal is putting together looks more like national campaign organization.
The AP reports that Jindal "has tapped into an extensive network of Republican fundraising and consulting firms known for their work for GOP candidates and causes around the country".
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Jindal has indicated that he will not have enough time to prepare a 2012 bid for President right after a 2011 re-election campaign however I think Jindal is going to run. Just as Barack Obama inspired Democrats in 2008, Jindal could do the same among Republicans in 2012. Fast forward to the general election, Jindall for President, Scott Brown for Vice-President and the Obama White House should be nervous.
The AP reports that Jindal "has tapped into an extensive network of Republican fundraising and consulting firms known for their work for GOP candidates and causes around the country".
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Jindal has indicated that he will not have enough time to prepare a 2012 bid for President right after a 2011 re-election campaign however I think Jindal is going to run. Just as Barack Obama inspired Democrats in 2008, Jindal could do the same among Republicans in 2012. Fast forward to the general election, Jindall for President, Scott Brown for Vice-President and the Obama White House should be nervous.
Mr. Chairman, time to give up the gavel, time to step down
I have long respected New York Congressman Charlie Rangel. However I have always respected ethics and the law. No one, including Charlie Rangel, is above the law. Rangel has not been convicted of a crime however Rangel has some serious ethical issues.
His trips to the Caribbean violated House gift rules as pointed in the report released by the House Ethics Committee.
Reports are that Rangel had unreported assets and income on his 2007 financial disclosure form. Unreported assets included a federal credit union checking account of between $250,000 and $500,000, several investment accounts, stock in Yum! Brands and PepsiCo and property in New Jersey. Reports are that Rangel did not pay property taxes on two of his New Jersey properties.
It has surfaced that Rangel paid $80,000 in campaign funds to an Internet company run by his son for the creation of his PAC website. Normal cost of the creation of the site might cost a little over $100. A representative for the non-profit Campaign Legal Center said this of Rangel's actions, "This is probably legal but is definitely wrong".
The NY Post has reported that Rangel took a "homestead" tax break on his Washington, DC residence for years while occupying multiple New York City rent stabilized apartments, "possibly violating laws and regulations in both cases".
In September 2008, Rangel paid back taxes of $10,800, owed from rental income on his Dominican villa. Rangel acknowledged that he failed to report $75000 in rental income from his beachfront villa on his tax returns; he owed back taxes for at least three years. Rangel is Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee which writes tax codes.
Rangel rents four apartments in the Lennox Terrace complex in Harlem at below market rates according to the NY Times. Rangel paid $3,894 monthly for all four apartments in 2007, even though the going rate for similar apartments in that building rent for over $8,000 a month. Three apartments on the 16th floor make up the Congressman's 2500 sq foot home. A fourth unit on the 10th floor is used as a campaign office, even though that is in violation of city and state regulations that require rent stabilized apartments be used as a primary residence.
Rangel has some serious ethical issues and could be the Tom DeLay of the 2010 elections. Chris Dodd made the right decision and stepped aside. Charlie Rangel should follow suit. In 1970 a young Charlie Rangel took on Congressman Adam Clayton Powell who had been plagued by scandal. Powell has misappropriated Committee funds for personal use, taking trips abroad at public expense. Fast forward 40 years.
It's time for Charlie Rangel to give up his seat. Rangel's ethical issues are not only a distraction for Democrats and provide campaign fodder for Republicans, they are a distraction from his work on behalf of his district and an embarrassment to his district. Many talented capable Democrat's are prepared to run for Congress and provide the Harlem area with great representation.
Former Manhattan Borough President Virginia Fields is viewed as a possible successor in Congress. Vince Morgan a former assistant to Rangel is already in the race. Adam Clayton Powell IV is said to be interested in Rangel's seat. State Senator Bill Perkins would be a formidable candidate. Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell could be formidable. Assemblyman Keith Wright is waiting for Rangel to step down.
Interestingly if Rangel steps down before July 1st, the Manhattan Democratic Party Chair would select Rangel's successor as the Democratic candidate and there will be a special election with no primary. The Manhattan Dem Chair is Keith Wright, a close Rangel ally.
His trips to the Caribbean violated House gift rules as pointed in the report released by the House Ethics Committee.
Reports are that Rangel had unreported assets and income on his 2007 financial disclosure form. Unreported assets included a federal credit union checking account of between $250,000 and $500,000, several investment accounts, stock in Yum! Brands and PepsiCo and property in New Jersey. Reports are that Rangel did not pay property taxes on two of his New Jersey properties.
It has surfaced that Rangel paid $80,000 in campaign funds to an Internet company run by his son for the creation of his PAC website. Normal cost of the creation of the site might cost a little over $100. A representative for the non-profit Campaign Legal Center said this of Rangel's actions, "This is probably legal but is definitely wrong".
The NY Post has reported that Rangel took a "homestead" tax break on his Washington, DC residence for years while occupying multiple New York City rent stabilized apartments, "possibly violating laws and regulations in both cases".
In September 2008, Rangel paid back taxes of $10,800, owed from rental income on his Dominican villa. Rangel acknowledged that he failed to report $75000 in rental income from his beachfront villa on his tax returns; he owed back taxes for at least three years. Rangel is Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee which writes tax codes.
Rangel rents four apartments in the Lennox Terrace complex in Harlem at below market rates according to the NY Times. Rangel paid $3,894 monthly for all four apartments in 2007, even though the going rate for similar apartments in that building rent for over $8,000 a month. Three apartments on the 16th floor make up the Congressman's 2500 sq foot home. A fourth unit on the 10th floor is used as a campaign office, even though that is in violation of city and state regulations that require rent stabilized apartments be used as a primary residence.
Rangel has some serious ethical issues and could be the Tom DeLay of the 2010 elections. Chris Dodd made the right decision and stepped aside. Charlie Rangel should follow suit. In 1970 a young Charlie Rangel took on Congressman Adam Clayton Powell who had been plagued by scandal. Powell has misappropriated Committee funds for personal use, taking trips abroad at public expense. Fast forward 40 years.
It's time for Charlie Rangel to give up his seat. Rangel's ethical issues are not only a distraction for Democrats and provide campaign fodder for Republicans, they are a distraction from his work on behalf of his district and an embarrassment to his district. Many talented capable Democrat's are prepared to run for Congress and provide the Harlem area with great representation.
Former Manhattan Borough President Virginia Fields is viewed as a possible successor in Congress. Vince Morgan a former assistant to Rangel is already in the race. Adam Clayton Powell IV is said to be interested in Rangel's seat. State Senator Bill Perkins would be a formidable candidate. Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell could be formidable. Assemblyman Keith Wright is waiting for Rangel to step down.
Interestingly if Rangel steps down before July 1st, the Manhattan Democratic Party Chair would select Rangel's successor as the Democratic candidate and there will be a special election with no primary. The Manhattan Dem Chair is Keith Wright, a close Rangel ally.
Zuckerman will take pass on NY Senate race
Billionaire real estate developer Mort Zuckerman will not enter the New York U.S. Senate race according to the New York Daily News, a publication that he owns and the Washington Post.
A Marist poll showed that Senator Gillibrand would easily cruise to re-election over Zuckerman or Harold Ford who recently took himself out of the running.
Republicans had been wooing Zuckerman who is registered Independent to take on Gillibrand.
With Zuckerman and Ford out, Senator Gillibrand is a safe bet for re-election. She will face voter's again in 2012 when she campaigns for a full six year term in the Senate.
I predict that Gillibrand will be elected in 2010, re-elected in 2012, and will then make a bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2016.
A Marist poll showed that Senator Gillibrand would easily cruise to re-election over Zuckerman or Harold Ford who recently took himself out of the running.
Republicans had been wooing Zuckerman who is registered Independent to take on Gillibrand.
With Zuckerman and Ford out, Senator Gillibrand is a safe bet for re-election. She will face voter's again in 2012 when she campaigns for a full six year term in the Senate.
I predict that Gillibrand will be elected in 2010, re-elected in 2012, and will then make a bid for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2016.
Gillibrand will trounce Zuckerman
A new Marist poll shows that New York Senator Gillibrand would trounce Billionaire Mort Zuckerman by 30 points in a general election Senate race.
Gillibrand would take 59 percent, 48 percent of Independents and 38 percent of Republicans against the real estate and media mogul.
The Senator narrowly trails George Pataki, 48% to 45%. Pataki has been courted by the NRSC to run however rumors are that Pataki is more interested in spending his time in Iowa and New Hampshire to possibly prepare for a 2012 White House bid.
Gillibrand would take 59 percent, 48 percent of Independents and 38 percent of Republicans against the real estate and media mogul.
The Senator narrowly trails George Pataki, 48% to 45%. Pataki has been courted by the NRSC to run however rumors are that Pataki is more interested in spending his time in Iowa and New Hampshire to possibly prepare for a 2012 White House bid.
Primary polls in Texas are open
The polls are open today in Texas from 7 am to 7 pm as Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Governor Rick Perry duke it out in the hotly and closely watched Republican governor primary.
Perry is viewed as the conservative in the race. Firmly pro-life, Perry has a decade of experience in state government as a former state Representative, Agriculture Commissioner and as George W. Bush's Lt. Governor. Perry assumed the office of Governor in 2000 when Bush was declared the winner in the 2000 Presidential race. Perry was an early supporter of Rudy Giuliani in the 2008 Presidential race. He has been endorsed by key conservative leader's and is viewed as possible candidate for President in 2012.
Hutchison is the senior Senator from Texas having served as Texas Treasurer before her election to the Senate in a 1993 special election. Hutchison is regarded as a moderate Republican, pro-choice, she broke ranks with Republicans and opposed attempts to stall the Democratic health care bill in the Senate. If Hutchison wins the primary this evening, she is expected to resign her Senate seat.
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I think Perry is going to win the GOP primary for Governor. Bill White is my choice for Texas Governor however Texas Republicans should go with Hutchison.
Perry is viewed as the conservative in the race. Firmly pro-life, Perry has a decade of experience in state government as a former state Representative, Agriculture Commissioner and as George W. Bush's Lt. Governor. Perry assumed the office of Governor in 2000 when Bush was declared the winner in the 2000 Presidential race. Perry was an early supporter of Rudy Giuliani in the 2008 Presidential race. He has been endorsed by key conservative leader's and is viewed as possible candidate for President in 2012.
Hutchison is the senior Senator from Texas having served as Texas Treasurer before her election to the Senate in a 1993 special election. Hutchison is regarded as a moderate Republican, pro-choice, she broke ranks with Republicans and opposed attempts to stall the Democratic health care bill in the Senate. If Hutchison wins the primary this evening, she is expected to resign her Senate seat.
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I think Perry is going to win the GOP primary for Governor. Bill White is my choice for Texas Governor however Texas Republicans should go with Hutchison.
Ford will not take on Gillibrand for US Senate
Former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford who has been considering a run for the U.S. Senate in New York has declared in a New York Times op-ed piece that he will not take on Kristen Gillibrand for the Senate.
Ford blamed "party bosses" that tried to "bully me out of the race". Ford went onto to say "they are the same people responsible for putting Democratic control of the Senate at risk".
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The fact of the matter is Ford is crazy to think that he could come into New York, run for the US Senate and win. He's not Hillary, hes Harold Ford. Ford should of taken on Lamar Alexander in Tennessee in 2008, he might of won with Barack Obama heading the ticket. The only way Ford can get back into political office is by waging a fight for his old Congressional seat in Tennessee. His dreams of becoming President are over.
Ford blamed "party bosses" that tried to "bully me out of the race". Ford went onto to say "they are the same people responsible for putting Democratic control of the Senate at risk".
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The fact of the matter is Ford is crazy to think that he could come into New York, run for the US Senate and win. He's not Hillary, hes Harold Ford. Ford should of taken on Lamar Alexander in Tennessee in 2008, he might of won with Barack Obama heading the ticket. The only way Ford can get back into political office is by waging a fight for his old Congressional seat in Tennessee. His dreams of becoming President are over.
How Reagan ruined conservatism
Traditional conservatives disdain populism and respect knowledge. They believe in balancing the government’s books. And they are pragmatists who are suspicious of ideology. Reagan debased all these ideas – and modern American conservatism is still suffering the consequences, writes Gideon Rachman
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