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GOP Wins Blogosphere Battle

James Richardson — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 09:31:29 GMT

The results are in and not in the favor of the liberal bloggers who were anticipating victory all last week. The voters have spoken and there just wasn’t a "Latta" love for Robin Weirauch’s extreme agenda. Robin Weirauch, if elected, planned on joining the most liberal ranks of Congress and the liberal blogosphere tried to enable her sad, third attempt.

For the third time voters rejected Weirauch’s “MoveOn Agenda” deciding to support a committed Republican. Article after article poured out of the liberal blogosphere. In fact, here are a few of my favorite quotes: “There's widespread discontent;” “The Republicans have done what they can to try and raise money on the Intertubes;” and “I feel kinda sorry for how incompetent these guys are.” I'm sorry but I must have read that wrong, Markos.

Make no doubt about it, Republicans have a strong web-effort but we, unlike extreme liberals, don’t need to constantly brag about it – we aim for results. The DCCC and liberal blogosphere gave this everything they had, it just wasn’t good enough. For weeks the Democrats have been claiming “As Ohio goes, so goes the nation.” Well, I have to say I agree with them. They discredited their own claim and failed in proving that Ohio and Virginia would provide fertile ground for expansion of the Democrat party.

Weirauch had heavy support from the DCCC, Daily Kos, Act Blue, Nancy Pelosi, Charlie Rangel, Harry Reid, and EMILY’s LIST. We were severely out-manned in Ohio and Virginia and this is what they have to show for it? We came to the game to win. All in all, the liberal blogosphere should take heed: You’re not as powerful as you think and it’s about results not PR.

Cross-posted at RedState.

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The Krohn Zone: Impressions of Iraq

Cyrus Krohn — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:48:55 GMT

“Poll: More in US See Progress in Iraq” …

The Associated Press (12/11) reports, “Growing numbers of people think the U.S. is making progress in Iraq and will eventually be able to claim some success there, a poll showed Tuesday in a sign the politics of the war could become more complicated for Democrats. With diminishing U.S. and Iraqi casualties and the start of modest troop withdrawals, the public's mood seems to have brightened a bit, the Associated Press-Ipsos poll showed. That is a rarity in what has been a relentlessly unpopular war. … By 52 percent to 41 percent, most said the U.S. is making progress in Iraq. When AP-Ipsos last asked that question in September 2006 - a time when vicious sectarian attacks resembled a civil war - just 39 percent saw improvements under way. While far greater proportions of Republicans than Democrats think progress is being made, even growing numbers of Democrats agree. The portion of Democrats saying the troop increase has helped stabilize the country has nearly doubled since September to 26 percent, and the number saying the U.S. is making progress has shown similar growth.”

The Krohn Zone: Splitsville

Cyrus Krohn — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:42:58 GMT

Hillary Divisive Even Among Democrats …

An editorial in The Seattle Times (12/11, Loeb) writes, “When Democrats worry about Hillary Clinton's electability, they focus on her re-energizing a depressed Republican base while demoralizing core Democratic activists, particularly those outraged about the Iraq war. A Nov. 26 Zogby poll actually shows her trailing the major Republican candidates ... But there's a further danger if Clinton is nominated, beyond losing a winnable election — that she'll prevail but then split the Democratic Party. We forget that this happened with her husband Bill ... But, remember that over the course of Bill Clinton's presidency, the Democrats lost six Senate seats, 46 House seats and nine governorships. This political bleeding began when Monica Lewinsky was still an Oregon college senior.”

Steny`s Not So Tiny Earmarks

James Richardson — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:26:11 GMT

Guess who’s on target to be one of the top Pork Barreller’s of 2008? If you said House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D) then you were dead on. The Congressman has tucked away $96 million in appropriations for “pet projects” from next year’s budget.

I know what your thinking – these “pet projects” could be sensible projects that are deserving of these funds. Well, I’ll let you make up your mind for yourself on that one. You should know one of the major beneficiaries of Hoyer’s earmarks is a music organization, InTune, which sought to develop lesson plans on funk music and Nobel Peace laureates. The Department of Education has policies that regulate the distribution of funds and one such policy is for beneficiaries to report back to the department on their progress. InTune last received money from Hoyer 2005, but no report has been filed with the Department of Education. Wait, there’s one more catch. Maillard, the director of InTune, with his current and previous associates have contributed $31,000 to Hoyer, a Congressman from Maryland (they live and work in California). It sounds like a classic case of quid pro quo to me, what about you?

InTune is not the only contributor turned Earmark benefactor; take for instance ManTech Systems Engineering Corp. OpenSecrets.org, a non-partisan website for transparency in campaign contributions, has reported that ManTech’s executives donated $12,100 to Hoyer for his reelection in 2006, making them one of the highest contributors of that cycle.

Senator Jim DeMint has a great petition going on right now: 100,000 Strong for Earmark Reform. It reads “To all members of Congress: It’s time to close the Congressional favor factory. That starts with eliminating wasteful earmarks that cost American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year and undermine their faith in congress…” Go here to sign Senator DeMint’s petition.

Wander on over to Captians Quarters and check out why Ed Morrissey thinks Steny Hoyer would be a good running mate for Hillary (it would be the pork-barrel ticket).

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Congressional Amnesia At Its Worst

James Richardson — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:32:24 GMT

Assuming you aren’t experiencing the same memory loss that is plaguing the Democrats in Congress, you should recall their pandering to the fringe of their party by stalling Judge Mukasey’s confirmation to Attorney General. Judge Mukasey had a superb reputation as a federal judge and was highly regarded by litigants across party lines making it hard for Congressional Democrat leaders to find a reason to stall - until they cooked up the waterboarding issue.

The Washington Post reports that in 2002 Congress was briefed on our interrogation tactics and no one protested; in fact, they encouraged it. Guess who was among those briefed? Surprise, surprise - Speaker Pelosi. It must be difficult for her to remember which group to pander to next.

Among the techniques described, said two officials present, was waterboarding, a practice that years later would be condemned as torture by Democrats and some Republicans on Capitol Hill. But on that day, no objections were raised. Instead, at least two lawmakers in the room asked the CIA to push harder, two U.S. officials said.

Congressional leadership knew about our interrogation tactics, and they willingly supported it. When Speaker Pelosi leaves office, fingers crossed for the next election, she can pursue a career in acting, assuming her amnesia subsides (so she can remember her lines). They’re not only the “Do-Nothing Congress,” but now they’re also the “Amnesia Congress.”

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The Krohn Zone: Week in Review

Cyrus Krohn — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:36:17 GMT

Here's my weekly recap of all things political that you need to know!

Unfavorables up. Falling Nationally. Clinton lead is sliding in SC. Narrowing in NH. Down in IA. Coincidence? We think not.
On Social Security, no plan and no crisis…
Hillary’s campaign believes Obama is “snack food.”
And now: “I like nearly everything. I don’t like things that are still alive.”
Leadership? As Congress considers AMT reform, Hillary and Obama continue to offer nothing.
The RNC continues to point out the anti-growth agenda of the Democrat-controlled Congress.
“Non-partisan” groups help Hillary.
Bill’s Strategy: Pay more attention to Hillary, complain about media coverage.
Clinton volunteer axed.
They’re both inconsistent on Iraq. Makes sense Iowa-skipping Clark would be featured in an ad.
Can Hillary’s campaign give us directions to Arkney, Iowa?
Hillary’s Endorsements: Decided by polling celebs, not always on the mark.
Clinton comments on trade are “misplaced” … She is “wrong” on the issue.
More talk of Hillary candidacy dragging down fellow Dems.
Clinton nomination is no longer inevitable.
Hillary Clinton presents attacks on opponents that we’ve seen before.
Hill Democrats explore different Iraq strategies.
Norman Hsu indicted, RNC raises some cash.
Celine Dion is out the door. Who’s next?
Clinton leadership relocates to Iowa… Always a good sign.
Even though it could be “fun,” and some view it as “dirty tricks,” attacks against statements made in kindergarten are a complete “joke.”

The Krohn Zone: Women Against Hillary

Cyrus Krohn — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:12:31 GMT

“Hillary’s Resisters”…

The Los Angeles Times (12/7; Registration Required) “On paper, they look an awful lot like Hillary Rodham Clinton. They are professional women of a certain age -- politically active Democrats, liberals, unabashed feminists who remember what it was like to be told they could not become firefighters or university department heads, let alone president of the United States of America. You'd think they'd be rushing to support Clinton. But they can't stand her.”

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The Krohn Zone: Better Eat Your Spinach

Cyrus Krohn — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:05:54 GMT

Democrats Not “Tough Enough” To Handle Republicans …

The Politico reports, “A confession: I have not endorsed any candidate in the Democratic primary. Strange for a political junkie, you say. Stranger, even, for someone who has had a political consulting firm for over 20 years. Stranger, still, considering I am passionate about this election year. …

My … concern, I have to confess, is that a lot of Democratic presidential operatives may not be tough enough to handle what the Republicans have dished out. President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Karl Rove, Swift-Boaters and the religious right have all proven that a ‘take no prisoners’ approach really can work. They have run tougher, more focused campaigns than most Democrats of late. Looking back at the 2000 and 2004 elections, a main conclusion that many come to is that Democrats did not respond well enough, did not fight back and did not take on Bush and the Republicans.”

Merry Christmas from Your Do-Nothing Congress

James Richardson — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:38:49 GMT

President Bush and Defense Secretary Robert Gates have consistently asked Congress to pass a $178 billion defense spending bill without timetables for defeat. Harry Reid's determination to armchair quarterback the war will result in civilian Armed Services employees being served with pink slips for Christmas. Yes, Merry Christmas indeed, Mr. Majority Leader.

Is this Senator Reid's method of securing the anti-war vote? The Democrats have an obligation to our Military and civilian military employees to pass this legislation, and pass it without plans for withdrawal. Reid and his counterparts are withholding these essential funds for the war because they want to substitute their judgment for that of General Petraeus and other commanders on the ground. President Bush had this to say on Reid's failure to serve our Military:

This month more of our troops will return home as a result of the success we're seeing in Iraq. People are coming home. For Congress to insist on setting an arbitrary date for withdrawal would put the gains General Petraeus and our troops have made in danger -- and that would threaten the security of our country. It's unconscionable to deny funds to our troops in harm's way because some in Congress want to force a self-defeating policy -- especially when we're seeing the benefits of success.

If you're angered by Senator Reid's refusal to act, don't just sit and be angry - tell him! Make sure he knows you won't sit idly by while he tries to impose conditions on these funds. The men and women of Congress have an obligation to the American public and our military. They need to stay in session until such a time when they can present the President with an acceptable piece of legislation. The year's end is rapidly approaching and Congress' list of accomplishments is... Oh, what list of accomplishments? President Bush's message for Congress is simple: support the troops, protect our citizens, prevent harmful tax increases, and responsibly fund our government. His message is simple, but involves work - so I'll see if it gets done.

Hat tip to Moe Lane at Red State for this one.

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Let`s Bench `Em

James Richardson — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 12:20:07 GMT

Congressman Eric Cantor, Chief Deputy Republican Whip, unveiled a fantastic new web video. How do you think House Democrats have performed over their first year? Upload a video to YouTube and email it to me here! If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: Speaker Pelosi took America in a new direction, just one the American voters didn't want.

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