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No crazy thought: Michelle Bachmann can win the GOP nomination

By: RealQuiet (Diary)  |  June 16th, 2011 at 09:11 PM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

There is a disturbance in the force of the GOP establishment.  Over the last few months I haven’t seen one inkling or belief that Michelle Bachmann would be a serious contender, let alone win the GOP nomination if she were ever to make a run for President.  After the most recent debate, Congresswoman Bachmann left the GOP establishment and the political punditry astonished and bewildered.  After all, she was supposed to be a nut, off the wall silly and not worthy of consideration.  Why is she leading among independents among all GOP presidential candidates now?  That’s not supposed to be the case for a far-right crazy congresswoman.

In my humble opinion, what seemed to be an insurmountable, practically foolish attempt to even get into the race for Bachmann suddenly doesn’t look that hard.  Very quietly she has assembled a crackerjack political team and has been pulling in impressive fundraising numbers.  She is now the odds-on-favorite to win Iowa, given her deep evangelical, tea party, and native roots in this state.  If she wins Iowa, she is likely to get much more exposure as well as scrutiny from the voters as the New Hampshire primary election approaches.  However, while that it seems for now that Mitt Romney has New Hampshire locked up, she is quietly building up a grassroots organization in New Hampshire and is looking very formidable in South Carolina.

It is not crazy to think Bachmann can win Iowa and South Carolina.  I think her chances to win there are quite strong, especially if Sarah Palin or Rick Perry stay out of the race.  The Romney campaign’s easiest path to a win is for as many conservative candidates to be in the race for as long as possible.  This would keep the conservative vote fractured enough for Romney to win the nomination going away.

She can’t place 2nd or 3rd in New Hampshire can she?  It’s preposterous to think she could win New Hampshire, isn’t it?   Then I remember that I wouldn’t ever believed there was a possibility that I would be thinking the above thoughts a couple of months ago.

One thing is is for sure.  Michelle Bachmann’s chances can no longer be underestimated.  She is definitely not the nut that the media portrays her.  It is becoming apparent that she is a very quiet, very skilled candidate.  She can win.

COMMENTS

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  • centerrightcali

    I saw her a few times in both CNN MSN ans FOX. She really impressed me when she talked to Sean about Obamacare and its dangers. She even brought cards….. I am hoping for the best for her because well she does shake things up :)

    • http://www.voteforteri2010.com teridavisnewman

      I think she’s the best candidate in the field. Romney is a closet RINO, Pawlenty is as interesting as cold oatmeal, Newt is a demagogue, Ron Paul is too old, Palin too polarizing and Perry is needed in Texas. It’s time for a woman. Michele has raised TWENTY-FIVE children–five of her own and twenty foster kids while being a successful tax lawyer and tough as nails Congresswoman who doesn’t waffle or hem and haw. She tells you what’s what and how she is going to act and then she carries through. This is a woman of steel, integrity and principles who knows what America needs and how to get it done.

      • mikeymike143

        to be honest, i am still dreaming and hoping for a jim demint candidacy. of course i am still dreaming and hoping for the day that jessica alba is going to knock on my door and ask to spend the night with me. but i dont seem to be having too much luck with that one either. so i will say if the florida republican primary election was held today with the current slate of candidates i would casting my vote for for michele bachmann. and naturally i would be thrilled if she was elected POTUS.

        also, i am new to this site and i want to thank everyone here for the nice welcome. i just posted my first ?diary? and i would like to invite anyone to look at and feel free to comment on it. it is called ?why ron paul has ZERO chance to win the republican presidential primary?. and i show that ron paul and his nutty paulbots have absolutely no real political power in either the republican party or the tea party movement.

        finally, i wanted to add that i am a member of tea party fort lauderdale and that several members of my tea party group know michele personally. and there is one thing that they all say about her that you ever don’t ever hear in the liberal press. they all said that michele is super intelligent and very ”quick witted”. so if anyone tries to bash her on that issue they are full of BS!!

  • azaeroprof

    but I am thrilled by it.

    The left will not be nearly as effective in pillorying Bachmann as they were with Palin. The public is wising up to their tricks. And Bachmann looks extremely smart compared to the caricature of Palin most indies have in their minds.

    I, too, have gone from “Why is Bachmann even considering this?” to “She could really win this thing!” in an incredibly short time.

    • http://theheartlander.wordpress.com/ heartlander

      Bachmann is far, far more articulate.

    • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

      willing to go one-on-one with the press. She will engage them directly. Sarah won’t and makes every day a “them-against-me” event.

      Bachmann seems to have at least a fundamental understanding of the Reagan success – that the American people will listen to, consider and likely buy the conservative platform when it’s presented to them in a respectful manner. No matter Palin’s positions, her open warfare with press turns people off and they’re not really willing to listen.

      I’m not seeing much in her current tour that is going to change the fundamentals for her. The next round of polling will be interesting.

  • http://www.usdebateboard.com usdebateboard

    And the rest will work itself out.

  • http://www.gmsplace.com/ civil truth

    Let’s track some trajectory for Michelle over the next few months before we start calling the early primaries. There’s a lot of novelty over the fresh face – let’s see what persists.

    That said, I wish her well – and you know the Dems will be loaded for bear when they see her as a viable nominee. I would expect that they’re starting be shifting more of their oppo research resources towards her. She’ll have to prove her mettle before long, I would expect.

  • chbroussard

    it’s a good start and Michelle came across as articulate, smart, knowledgeable, and to quote Randy Jackson…In it to win it.

    I’ll vote for whichever Republican gets the nod, but for Michelle I’d be willing to walk the pavement and man the phones.

  • RealQuiet

    Lots of unanswered questions and it is still early. But she definitely has the attention and a lot of positive momentum that cannot be ignored. It’s going to be an interesting summer with Perry, Guiliani, and Palin pondering a jump into the race.

  • jimmyneutron

    is because she comes across as a straight shooter who is actually conservative. I for one have an uneasy feeling about many of the other R candidates regarding their real committment to conservatism and conservative ideals. I don’t know if they really understand the hole this country is in and if they are really willing to take on the entrenched special interests and all of those who do not want to give up the ‘free’ government money.
    As someone who really believes in conservative ideals and would like to see them implemented I welcome Michelle and any others who can enunciate conservative ideals into the race to pull the conversation further to the right.
    Our country is in terrible shape and we need some serious discussion in this campaign about how we can deal with the problems facing the nation. I would really like to hear the candidates debate how they are going to fix budget problems, will they privatize any government services (postal service anyone?), can we simplify the tax system with a flat tax so that congress can no longer use it as a tool to reward friends and punish enemies, etc.
    The last thing we need right now is another Nixon, Ford or even Bush. We need someone who can explain conservative thought and defend conservative ideals, someone who has the spine to fight for those ideals and who understands that we have no choice but to fight because time is short.

  • Wayne

    the sentiments of the comments above? One only needs to look at the state (no pun intended) of California to understand the importance of fighting progressive ideas connected to big government and big business. Unless someone of Ms. Bachmann’s paradigm toward excessive taxation and a society unencumbered with government roadblocks to free enterprise takes the helm, there is no future for our children and grandchildren that even comes close to that of previous generations.

    I believe this is the second American revolution, fought in the halls of congress and in the homes and businesses of this great nation. And, without people like Michelle Bachmann carrying our standard, the Republican party will continue to fail the people in America that are not afraid to be left to their own ingenuity, individual capacity and resourcefulness to carve out a place in this world.

    More than 30% of the American people don’t even understand the fundamental building blocks of a free society or that this country represents the most successful social experiment in human history. The have no comprehension of how we became the greatest nation the world has ever seen, bar none. Through their ignorance, apathy and dependence on government, they have lead the rest of us down the unfortunate path.

    We need more like her representing those of us who actually get it….

  • belcatar

    They could nip any Palin/Bachmann feud nonsense in the bud. Bachmann is a candidate I could support wholeheartedly, and I hope she continues to do well. Rep. Bachmann was out there at the beginning of the Obamacare nightmare, calling for citizens to come to DC and make sure Congress knew the will of the people. I think she’d make a great President.

    • gekster

      I don’t think she want’s to bring the same poison thrust onto her on anyone else.
      I could be wrong.
      I often am.

      • acat

        She needs to wait until much closer to Iowa…

        The media will be sure to let everyone in the free world (and many in the non-free world) know who she’s backing, so she doesn’t need time to let it percolate.

        Palin’s supporters won’t necessarily turn on a dime as far as putting up yard signs and bumper stickers, but they’re going to to to the polls in large numbers – at least that’s my gut feel – and they’ll vote for whoever she likes.

        She can wait. More importantly, the longer she waits, the longer she can manipulate the dialog among all potential candidates, and the longer the candidates have to “Dean Scream” (if any are so inclined) .. and both increase the chance that whoever Palin picks will win.

        Finally, the longer she waits (and plays cat-and-mouse with the media) the less time the media get to play “Pin the Palin on the GOPer” .. (guilt by association .. i.e. if Palin endorses X, then X is also a fool from Alaska or something…)

        Mew

    • The_Gadfly

      Just “There are a lot (a couple?) of good candidates running in the Republican primary right now, and Michelle Bachmann is one of them.

      If I were in Sarah’s position, I wouldn’t want to endorse just yet.

  • Josh LeGuern

    If the field remains this way, I’d probably vote for her over anyone else.

    However, I’m not about to throw my support behind a person who’s articulate and gives nice speeches that has spent a relatively short time in Congress with no significant achievements behind her name over a former Governor and Vice Presidential candidate who’s achievements running her state in 2 1/2 years make some two-term governors go read in the face or a governor who’s actually taken aggressive leadership in creating an environment that has created jobs in his state in the midst of one of one of the worst recessions.

    I’m waiting for Palin and Perry because accomplishment is more important to me than being articulate.

    • Toby Calvert-Lee

      I think exactly the same. At the is time the only real Conservative is Bachmann, but if Perry gets in, he’ll be my candidate, because he has a proven successful Conservative record

      • http://travismonitor.blogspot.com Freedoms Truth

        Perry is a great politician.

        Perry was a Democrat in the 1980s, recruited by Rove to join the GOP. He’s been good but is not unblemished.

        • Toby Calvert-Lee

          Qnd he has balanced budgets, cut taxes, set records for vetoes, stood up against Obama on amnesty, stood up to the TSA, and overall has been a great Conservative. Let’s remember he was a Conservative democrat, but, being from the south I know this, many Conservatives took a while switching to the GOP when it became the Conservative party. Plus, Reagan was once so far left he was suspected to be a communist. People change political views sometimes. Of course his record is not unblemished but neither is Bachmann’s, who supported ethanol subsidies and got her start in politics campaigning for Carter. I prefer Perry because he has a stronger record, but I love Bachmann aswell.

          Mark my words, Perry’s a Conservative. Why else would he be a close ally of Palin’s?

          • cpaguy

            Perry has raised taxes roughly $6 billion dollars over the past couple of years.

            Texas, like all states, must create a balanced budget. Rick Perry has nothing to do with this.

            Perry has stood up to nobody on amnesty. He is the amnesty king. The Texas Legislature just passed a bill that is supposed to be “anti-sanctuary city,” but it won’t actually do anything about the immigration problem…it is just for show for the politicos.

            It seems that Perry has just introduced some stuff regrarding the TSA….stupid…stupid…stupid. He is merely trying to gin up some support among conservative voters. Don’t buy into his RINO song.

            Perry is a close ally to Guilliani and Trump….not Palin. RINO’s run in packs.

          • izoneguy

            Why is this stupid?

            Perry adds Texas TSA bill to special session

            http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2011/06/breaking-perry-adds-texas-tsa-bill-to-special-session/

            And this

            TSA Theft of Passenger Valuables a Nationwide Problem

            http://hotair.com/archives/2011/06/20/tsa-theft-of-passenger-valuables-a-nationwide-problem/

            Oh and here us another stupid law that Rick passed.

            Texas Lawmakers Pass Bill to Get Around Federal Light Bulb Law

            http://lonelyconservative.com/2011/06/texas-lawmakers-pass-bill-to-get-around-federal-light-bulb-law/

            State lawmakers have passed a bill that allows Texans to skirt federal efforts to promote more efficient light bulbs, which ultimately pushes the swirled, compact fluorescent bulbs over the 100-watt incandescent bulbs many grew up with.

            The measure, sent to Gov. Rick Perry for consideration, lets any incandescent light bulb manufactured in Texas ? and sold in that state ? avoid the authority of the federal government or the repeal of the 2007 energy independence act that starts phasing out some incandescent light bulbs next year.

            ?Let there be light,? state Rep. George Lavender, R-Texarkana, wrote on Facebook after the bill passed. ?It will allow the continued manufacture and sale of incandescent light bulbs in Texas, even after the federal ban goes into effect. ? It?s a good day for Texas.?

            This one should really get Obama bummed…….

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            On top of these bills there are far more. He is a strong Constitutional Conservative. Have you read Fed Up!?

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            introduce Conservative legislation. They just talk about it. Perry signs it. The thing about taxes just isnt true, and it is the truth that Perry and Palin are not only allies, but close friends. And Perry has attacked Trump, so don’t lump him in with him. do your research.

            http://nationaljournal.com/politics/frenemies-palin-perry-white-house-flirtations-could-set-allies-against-each-other-20110616

            http://www.thepoliticalguide.com/rep_bios.php?rep_id=56615334&category=views&id=20100726090644

          • izoneguy

            Doing the RINO call……

            Perry/Jindal 2012

          • gekster

            Slam the heck out of someone you don’t like,
            while not saying one thing about the person you do like.

            And it’s open season on tribbles all year round. ;)

          • cpaguy

            I have talked often about my like of T-Paw, Cain, and to a lessor extent Newt.

            In fact, I like most all the candidates…besides Perry and Romney. They are birds of feather….Perry is just a Southern RINO, a breed that has historically not gotten as much TV time as the Northeast variety.

            As a Conservative Texan, I will aggressively fight against the propaganda that is being drummed up about Perry being a good Conservative.

          • gekster

            But you see, you spend all your time slamming Perry, and not one word about why you like who you like.
            Obviously you do not of the first tribble, arc_utah.
            He first was a poster with a name of utah something, got banned, and came back as arc.
            Don’t feel bad. You are in good company,
            but I knew arc_utah.
            and you sir, are no arc_utah.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            TPAW-MinessotaCare, Deficits, Cap and Trade
            Cain-TARP supporter, former FED chairman
            Newt-Cap and Trade, Mandate, Ant-Paul Ryan candidates.

            You have no authority to call Perry a RINO when you support these RINOS.

          • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            To disagree with him supporting the premises of TARP and higher government spending I like Cain, but I really can’t support him because of his support for TARP and his opposition for an audit of the Fed.

          • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            Of the poor economic situations. QE1, 2, and the possible 3 are inflating prices and causing instability. Provide some arguments for your side, because I’ve never heard that argument before. But the number one reason I can’t support him is TARP

          • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            for eloquently presenting your side of the argument. You really crystalized your argument for me.

          • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

            And that class of people would include both RonPaul and you.

            Keep this crap up and you can expect to be contacted by both Governor Perry’s and Rep Bachmann’s offices requesting – or demanding – that you remove them from your sig line.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            I cant stand Paul. He’s a nut, and his foreign policy and social policy ideals are irreversably stupid.

            Second of all, Bachmann supports the audit of the FED and voted against TARP, and Perry is agianst TARP. Not Sure about the Fed, but thats less important to me anyway,

            Third of all, Neil did not school me. He didn’t even argue with me. He just used the word Wrong and didn’t back it up.

          • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            who cannot argue the facts, but resorts to empty rhetoric like”Bush drove the economy into the ditch, and we want the keys back.” That is what you sound like. I give facts (like a real Conservative)), and you give empty repeated rhetoric (like a liberal). I know I am a Conservative, are you?

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            Who is your candidate for 2012? JW

          • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

            won’t be voting this time around.

          • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
          • Toby Calvert-Lee
          • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

            Do your homework. Maybe you’ll figure it out. At the very least it will keep you busy, hopefully busy enough you won’t have time to drop tripe off here.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            No, you do your HW, and Cain is a supporter of TARP and the Fed. Not Tripe, just the facts.

          • http://908StraightSt.wordpress.com/ mbecker908

            You want facts? Here’s one: you’re an idiot.

            Consider yourself Franz Rule’d.

            On second thought, I won’t wast the effort.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            or logic, that is simply Tripe and clearly violates the whole “be respectful” thing. When you act like this, you sound like a liberal. You do not deserve to call yourself a Conservative, our founding fathers would be ashamed of Americans, and furthermore, Conservatives, behaving this way when one tries to use facts and logic in an argument.

          • JSobieski

            This is my second favorite of your cartoons. The first is of the guy pounding away on a keyboard saying “someone on the internet is wrong about something” or something to that effect.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            cartoon and it made me laugh, even if it wasn’t applicable.

          • http://www.examiner.com/x-1597-Charlotte-Law--Politics-Examiner Mike gamecock DeVine

            against it should be a positive. Why? Because of the crisis situation and the expectation that Paulson and then Geithner would abide its terms and not abuse the vague and broad grants of power. And because compared to the Stimulus, ObamaCare and his exponentially higher budget deficits, Tarp was puny esp given that it was paid back.

            Now, all should vow never to back such a law again because crises can be averted in other ways and it was a scandal how the elites bailed out their own.

          • rightwingmom52
          • http://www.examiner.com/x-1597-Charlotte-Law--Politics-Examiner Mike gamecock DeVine
          • rightwingmom52
          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            I still dislike it too much to agree with you, but that is actually a fairly smart way of looking at it

          • gekster

            He turned against it when he saw how it was being used.
            (that’s the explanation he used)
            And at this point in time, I don’t see that particular item as a disqualifier for him.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            I don’t like it in idea either, the idea is keynesianism as well, but I suppose it might not be a disqualifier.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            I don’t like it in idea either, the idea is keynesianism as well, but I suppose it might not be a disqualifier.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            I don’t like it in idea either, the idea is keynesianism as well, but I suppose it might not be a disqualifier.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            I don’t like it in idea either, the idea is keynesianism as well, but I suppose it might not be a disqualifier.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            I don’t like it in idea either, the idea is keynesianism as well, but I suppose it might not be a disqualifier.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            I don’t like it in idea either, the idea is keynesianism as well, but I suppose it might not be a disqualifier.

          • gekster

            Close out your web page, restart your computer, and log back in.
            This should fix the error. (should = maybe, might).

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            I am so sorry! Computer issues…thankks for the help

          • http://www.hakubi.us/ Neil Stevens
          • http://www.examiner.com/x-1597-Charlotte-Law--Politics-Examiner Mike gamecock DeVine
          • cpaguy

            Some here say you have a solid rep here, izoneguy.

            You certainly aren’t living up to it.

            Fandom is what got us Obama. Look for action rather than rhetoric.

            Speak about the issues and facts rather than personal attacks and make-believe.

          • powertothepeople

            it is you that does not matter here nor the incessant BS you have pandered day after day.

            Hope that was clear enough for you.

          • izoneguy

            N/T

          • izoneguy

            Texas vs. California
            http://www.alec.org/am/pdf/tax/09RSPS/09RSPS_chap2.pdf

            More than the economic head-to-head comparisons, however, is the fact that Texas is doing just fine with no personal income tax. To repeat the point made previously, one would think ? considering the recent budget fiasco in California ? that a modern state needs a steeply progressive tax code just to survive. The case of Texas is a clear counterexample, showing that these fears are simply a myth. In the longrun, there is no trade-off between healthy government finances and a competitive business environment. After all, punitive tax rates don?t bring in much money when businesses relocate
            to other states.

            Illinois tax increase: why lawmakers passed 66 percent income-tax hike

            http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0112/Illinois-tax-increase-why-lawmakers-passed-66-percent-income-tax-hike

            Texas Continues To See Influx Of Businesses Relocate From California

            http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/05/18/texas-continues-to-see-influx-of-businesses-relocate-from-california/

            Best/Worst States for Business

            http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business

            http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/corp_inc.pdf

            (y) Texas imposes a Franchise Tax, otherwise known as margin tax, imposed on entities with more than $1,000,000 total revenues at rate of 1%, or 0.5% for entities primarily engaged in retail or wholesale trade, on lesser of 70% of total revenues or 100% of gross receipts after deductions for either compensation or cost of goods sold.

          • http://www.examiner.com/x-1597-Charlotte-Law--Politics-Examiner Mike gamecock DeVine
          • cpaguy

            I pay these new taxes. It is not a lie.

            Look at Perry’s 10 years as governor. You see he only acts like a Conservative during election time. He has tough Southern RINO skin.

          • gekster

            And can you give me a cite for the ones you claim he raised.

          • cpaguy

            Actually, raised isn’t the right word. A new business tax was created. It has increased the tax burden on Texans to the tune of $6 billion.

            Taxes were also raised on things such as cigarettes…of course…not the same impact as the new business tax.

            http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxes/

          • gekster

            And gives a description of each tax.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee
          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            cutting property taxes by 1/3 and also remember he has fought higher sales taxes and vetoed the internet sales tax. Remember, he has also balanced the budget. Sarah Palin also created a small property tax to partially make up for her cuts in income taxes. Perry has also opposed any sort of income taxes, and has slashed regulation so much that he created the most business friendly environment in the country through fiscal and economic Conservatism.

            http://www.businessinsider.com/rick-perry-amazon-2011-2

            http://www.thepoliticalguide.com/rep_bios.php?rep_id=56615334&category=views&id=20100726090644

            Oh and here’s one of him attacking GWB for not being a fiscal Conservative

            http://pajamasmedia.com/tatler/2011/06/10/flashback-rick-perry-says-george-w-bush-was-never-ever-a-fiscal-conservative/

            And, just for good measure, heres El Rushbo (certainly not a RINO) praising, no, salivating over Rick Perry

            http://www.therightscoop.com/rush-rick-perry-is-more-conservative-than-bush/

          • gekster

            where he lowered some taxes and raised others as an offset.
            No net increase in taxes, per se.

          • Toby Calvert-Lee

            That both Sarah Palin and Ronald Reagan did, and noones calling them RINOS. And would a RINO sign into law a law that nullifies the ban on incandescent lightbulbs, or would a RINO try to nullify the tsa “groping laws”? I think not

          • cpaguy

            You have to understand the tax structure of Texas…and math.

            Tax revenue is heavily derived from property taxes in Texas.

            So what was done (2006/2007 or so…that is what the website shows…when the new tax went in place…sorry you actually have to read) was that a cap was placed on property taxes (i.e. they were not actually lowered).

            Sounds great, right? We’ll no, what actually happen is that property values continued to rise, particularly in metropolitian areas (they have been bleeding red ink lately).

            Just my own personal example from the bankrupt Harris County [Houston], my tax value (and that of my neighbors’) has doubled since the new tax went into effect in 2007. We certainly haven’t seen any property tax increases (and certainly none of the millions in Houston).

            It doesn’t matter if you cap rates, if the governments just push values up.

            As such, Texans have seen steadily increasing property taxes…not a decrease. As such, we have seen a tax hike of well over $6 billion dollars….the talk of a tax trade-off…was just that…talk…

            Perry and friends were using that Obama math.

          • cpaguy

            Above should have read …”We certainly haven’t seen any property tax decreases…”

            Don’t buy into the hype about Perry. Look at the man’s actions and math…it doesn’t add up to conservatism (Rino/Squishy/etc…maybe).

          • izoneguy

            Property taxes are higher in Texas because there is no personal income tax.

            You can choose to be a homeowner or not, If there is a personal income tax that is another set of taxes to do and pay. If you are a CPA you should know this.

            I have several friends who have moved to Texas from California and say yeah the property taxes are higher but I am still paying a lot less then I did in California. And don’t forget – the price of housing is much lower in Texas.

            I also have friends that moved to California from Texas years ago and are coming back because of the horrible California economy. They can’t sell their houses and I know that many of them are just walking out on the mortgage.
            I guess they don’t have to worry about those pesky real estate taxes now.

          • gekster

            Any rise in property taxes is tied directly into the assesed value, which is done by a board that the Govenor doesn’t control.
            Perry lowered the tax rate,and reformed the appeals process, but doesn’t influence the local boards.

            info on the tax bill:
            http://governor.state.tx.us/priorities/economy/tax_regulatory_reform/property_tax_reform/

          • cpaguy

            nt

          • gekster

            and how does the Govenor effect the property tax.

            I foung this website, and it doesn’t mention anything about the Govenor having any control over property value.
            That being said, how did Perry raise property taxes, or the value of property, when the value is controlled locally, and not by the state.

            http://crosslandteam.com/blog/2007/05/13/understanding-the-history-of-texas-property-taxes/

          • cpaguy

            Gekster, that is how government gets bigger…they say…”hey…I have deal for you. Look at this hand over here…yes this hand…don’t pay attention to the other.”

            Perry dramatically increased business taxes and lied about a property tax decrease to push it through. It was Obama math. It was known that the property taxes weren’t really going to go down (capping one variable does absolutely nothing if the other variable can increase exponentionally…a lot of wool was pulled over peoples’ eyes).

          • gekster

            Just what tax was increased.

          • cpaguy

            Nothing I say is make-believe (I have even supported Perry in the past…based on the circumstances, however…I don’t hate the guy or anything).

            It is all true. Trust in the facts, rather than wishes, or risk becoming a band-wagon fan like the Obama crew.

          • gekster

            Re-post it so I can get educated.

          • cpaguy

            “Actually, raised isn?t the right word. A new business tax was created. It has increased the tax burden on Texans to the tune of $6 billion.

            Taxes were also raised on things such as cigarettes?of course?not the same impact as the new business tax.

            http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxes/”

          • gekster

            what the taxes are, and a discription of each tax.
            It DOES NOT say what was RAISED.
            In other words, YOU GOT NOTHING.

          • cpaguy

            http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/franchise/index.html

            The link I originally meant to post…

          • gekster

            it shows taxes were raised.
            All it shows is how to file a franchise tax.

          • cpaguy

            It is there in plain sight. It isn’t an article…just the plain vanilla facts from the state of Texas. It discusses the change in business taxes. It uses very boring tax language of course…and it isn’t spelled out to the reader.

            $6 billion dollars right in front of you.

            I have already provided links to various articles in addition to my own analysis. The link shows the plain vanilla truth.

          • gekster

            I must be a bigger idiot than you.

          • cpaguy

            See: “Tax Revisions”

            Or…if you are really bored: “Texas Statutes and Rules for Franchise Tax”

          • gekster

            Ok, I see.

            from
            Taxable Entities
            Corporations
            Limited Liability Companies

            to
            Taxable Entities
            Corporations
            Limited Liability Companies
            Partnerships (with exceptions)
            Professional Associations
            Joint Ventures
            Business Trusts
            Other legal entities

            (from some doing buisiness to everyome doing buisiness).

            from a rate of
            Rate
            0.25% (.0025) per year of privilege period of net taxable capital, or
            4.5% (.0450) of net taxable earned surplus.

            to a rate of
            Rate
            1.0% (.01) for most
            0.5% (.005) for entities primarily engaged in retail or wholesale trades
            OR
            E-Z rate of 0.575% (.00575) for qualifying entities

            That is just horrible.
            How can a buisiness survive.
            This must be why Texas is doing so much worse than the rest of the country.
            This must be the reason that Texas has become the poverty center of the US.
            They lowered property taxes on individuals and imposed this draconian tax rate on buisiness’ and added more people who actually do buisiness.
            No wonder Texas has people fleeing the state.
            I guess these figures must be wrong, and Texas must be decimated.

            from:
            http://www.texasahead.org/economy/outlook.html

            excerpt.
            Jobs
            ?Texas? May 2011 unemployment rate was 8.0 percent, unchanged from April.
            ?Texas total nonfarm employment increased by 8,800 jobs from April to May. Between May 2010 and May 2011, Texas gained 205,400 jobs.
            ?The U.S. gained 54,000 total nonfarm jobs in May 2011.
            ?The U.S. unemployment rate was 9.1 percent in May 2011, up from 9.0 percent in April.
            ?The Texas unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate for 52 consecutive months.

            Rick Perry has killed the state of Texas because of the inhuman tax increases by lowering property taxes and increasing HUGE buisiness taxes.

            I think you have no leg to stand on.

          • cpaguy

            It taxed citizens of Texas $6 billion dollars more of their money.

            It was a very big change (there is more to it than just that one blurb I lead you to…but it is very technically…you get the point…I hope).

            It certainly shows that Perry isn’t above growing the government and raising taxes….and claims to the otherwise (even you can now admit, gekster) are false and of the Obama fanboy nature.

            I personally make more money because of it (higher taxes, more forms to fill out, = $$$ for cpaguy), but that isn’t the point.

          • gekster

            All I can figure is you are geting paid to trash him, or he personally fired you from a job.
            I am going to apply the rules of holes at this time, with a twist.
            The rule of holes is to know when to stop digging.
            My rule,
            when you are dumb enough to argue with an idiot,
            be smart enough to know when to stop.
            I hope you get your wish, and pigmies in New Guinie eat Perry alive.
            Continue on your mission.

          • zooboy

            He was chairman of GUILIANI’S campaign organization for Texas last time. On social issues Guiliani is a DEMOCRAT.
            ‘Nuff said.

          • acat
          • gekster

            Seen some of your comments from there.
            (I am a registered member, though I don’t comment much).
            You should go back there. You won’t find many you like here.
            Who ever let you out of your cage should be repremanded.

          • http://moelane.com/ Moe Lane

            Or so I’ve heard.

    • standingonthewall

      Your point of view makes sense and I am hesitant to disagree. It is true that Michelle Bachmann is no Rick Perry when it comes to a long track record of accomplishment in government (though her accomplishments as a person are not insignificant).
      However, at this moment in time I think we desperately need “articulate” (paired with at least a reasonable level of accomplishment). Ronald Reagan’s accomplishments would not have gotten him elected president, nor would they have enabled him to rally the American people to his agenda had he not first been a “great communicator.”
      I’d be more than happy to vote for Sarah Palin or Rick Perry, but I would be equally happy to work for and vote for Michelle Bachmann (certainly much more so that Romney et al.),

      • JSobieski

        It played a big part of him being elected President, as independent voters could see what he had actually done.

        Its harder to convince swing voters that a person is a radical nut when you can look to their actual experience in an executive position.

  • Change Jar Conservative

    Lots of people can win the nomination, but I’m sure that we’re more interested in who can win the general election.

    • acat

      enough moderate Dem soccer moms will support Bachmann in the general to make up for the extremely old-school “women shouldn’t be in positions of authority” folk stay home…

      The key danger Bachmann needs to avoid is looking too much like the caricature of Sarah Palin the media have created… If Bachmann gets too close to that vortex of media hysteria, lies, and unpleasantness, it’ll suck the momentum right out of her campaign.

      Mew

      • Wayne

        It’s a given that there is no limit in what the opposition will do to in an effort to manipulate the Republican party into producing the least viable candidate agains BO.

        MB has been in politics long enough to affectively fend off the classic and predictable strategies that will be employed to discredit her. It is quite possible she and her team will be smart and agile enough to use them in her favor.

        Because this is the most important election in my lifetime, the selection of a Constitutional conservative by the Republican party is paramount to recapturing the WH. One can only hope it will be a charismatic and natural leader capable of inspiring the less informed of our society that our founding father’s had it right.

      • The_Gadfly

        although there are some moderate independent soccer moms.

        • Doc Holliday

          they treat them like the fine china, they don’t want them to experience life, the ups and downs.

    • Josh LeGuern

      I think so.

      I think when measured against Obama, Bachmann becomes very appealing. It won’t be a cake walk whomever the nominee is. (It’s hard to beat an incumbent president.) but I think she’s got a shot.

      I think Palin and Perry could win too.

      • izoneguy

        I love her to death but let’s get realistic.

        • standingonthewall

          Well, I can’t prove it any more than you can, but I honestly believe that Bachmann can beat Obama and her chances are at least as good (better IMO) as Romney, Palin, Cain, Pawlenty, etc. Rick Perry may be the only one with a “clearly” better chance.

  • naraht

    There will be one establishment Republican (Romney, Huntsman, Pawlenty), one Tea Party Favorite (Bachman, Cain, Palin, etc.) and possibly one more (note, that will *not* be either Paul or Johnson) .

    IMO, New Hampshire and Nevada lean a little toward the establishment Republicans and Iowa and South Carolina away from them. If any of the establishment Republicans can win Iowa or South Carolina, they’ve got the inside track to the nomination, OTOH, if any of the Tea Party Favorites can win New Hampshire or Nevada, I think they have the inside track.

    I’m not really sure where Texas governor Perry sits in this, as an establishment Republican or a Tea Party favorite…

    • http://theheartlander.wordpress.com/ heartlander

      He’s a good, solid conservative — and was a very competent governor. No way does he belong in the same category as Romney and Huntsman, in my opinion. I wish people would quit casting him in that category!

  • The_Gadfly

    I am pleased with the Republican primary field. I’m still a Cain supporter, but there are several competing candidates I could vote for with a clean conscience. Michelle would be my number 2 pick, Pawlenty at 3, and Santorum at 4. The only thing I am pretty sure of is that Romney’s numbers are going to deflate quickly once the real season begins. He’s a leftover from last year’s campaign when I didn’t like ANYBODY who was in the race for more than a couple of weeks. It will be another one of those surprises like the next round of bad economic news the experts didn’t see coming.

    • golfrbob

      Did you know McCain played up to the dems(Kennedy,etc) in order to win over the big eastern liberal crossover primaries when he ran; it was just so this self-centered man could say “MY FRIENDS” ten thousand times and could say later he ran for president. He is really the ‘Benedict Arnold’ of our nations recent tragic history by giving the presidency to Obama because his friend Ted Kennedy wanted Obama to win.

      • The_Gadfly

        you need to go educate yourself. Because frankly, I never thought I’d have a reason to put both their names in the same sentence before today.

  • golfrbob

    Progressive Republicans have been the ruination of conservatives; narcissist McCain knew by voting along with eatern liberals(Kennedy,etc) he would win the big eastern liberal open crossover primaries when he ran. Essentilally, he blocked all decent conservatives from winning by his self-serving tactics. He and South Carolina’s Graham are just alike. Going way back progressive Repubs have lost elections(Dole,etc). The RNCC is a joke. They should be erecting giant roadside billboards in swing states showing Obama bowing to Middle East dictators; state “Women of America, did you know women over there are not allowed to drive, are not considered anything but chatals”. And other billboards should show Obama and Democrats in Congress standing beside Calderon of Mexico running down Americans in Arizona. As I said they are a joke; the DNC knows how to destroy Republican wimps. At least Palen and Bachman are fearless.

  • clowngirl

    Don’t know a lot about Michelle Bachman but very impressed so far. She’s got a rare ability to really connect with the audience and had some of the most satisfying answers of the debate. (the one where she ever so politely slammed Obama on the debt ceiling comes to mind) and looks to be somebody who can take a conservative message to the country and persuade the middle – without having to water it down.( Loved her answer to the guy who asked about the tea party.)

    And, for any pro-choicers who say ” these conservatives are so against abortion but how many of them are willing to adopt a child” her life speaks to an above and beyond conviction that will persuade more effectively than any merely verbal argument.

  • izoneguy

    CPAGUY can keep up with Rick at “Perry Watch”

    http://blog.chron.com/txpotomac/tag/perry-watch/

  • standingonthewall

    Clearly Bachmann generates some excitement and most of the comments seem favorable. I’ve not yet made a definite choice (other than No Romney and No Paul and No Huntsman), but Bachman is definitely one of the front runners in my field.

  • devereaux

    The GOP elites can’t stand her, but she is very charismatic , attractive with a very compelling story.

  • dtr1

    In all sincerity please explain how a person who has no executive experience can be qualified for the chief executive officer of the country ( and this includes Vice President). What specifically is Bachman’s accomplishments in creating jobs? When Perry or Romney point to the unemployment rate of their states under their leadership – what accomplishments does Michelle point to? She is a legislator – and she can not even point to a legislative accomplishment (meaning does she have any bills that have been passed into law – none). Her own peers would not elect her into a leadership position – reality – how exactly is she supposed to beat Obama? And please – disabuse yourself of the fantasy that women are going to flock to her – especially moderate Democrats – her strong pro life, and out of the mainstream views on gays are just two reasons why a majority of women will find her too doctrinaire and polarizing. Bachman has spent a lot of time in front of the camera – often saying and being less than articulate (let’s remember the Washington girl at the center of the Weiner scandal began following him on Twitter after she felt Weiner destroyed Bachman in a debate on Hardball). In so many ways Bachman is the caricature that the media has painted of Palin – the media has plenty of ammunition to destroy Bachman if she happens to get close to the nomination.

    • gekster

      You must have someone in mind.

    • zooboy

      A very recent Gallup poll showed over 60% of Americans support one man- one woman marriage. A majority are also pro-life. Michele’s conservative positions on these crucial social issues are winners for Republicans with Main Street American voters, including independents.
      She is one of only 60-70 Republican Congress members who have not fallen prey to the go-along-to-get-along Washington elitist mentality.

  • jerry39

    1. Palin stays true to her word and stays out of the race because she doesn’t need to be in it with Bachman in – she endorses Bachman.

    2. Perry and Christie stay out of the race.

    3. Paul ends his exercise in futility and sends his minions over to Bachman.

    If those 3 things happen and she doesn’t self-destruct, she can win no matter what the media does.

    Gingrich went off his rocker and is done for.

    Pawlenty has almost blown his and the establishments attempts to paint him as the anti-Romney. He will likely take more establishment votes from Romney than Conservative votes from Bachman.

    Cain has two big negative responses before he ever got a chance to build up steam..

    If conservative could find a way to unite around her, we could turn the tables and have the squishes diving their votes between 3 candidates instead of us dividing ours. I have no special love for Bachman other than being a conservative who can win. If it was Cain or Pawlenty emerging this way, I’d be saying to rally around them.

  • californiagold

    For months the media and political gurus have declared Romney the frontrunner (even before any polls had been taken) Then early polls were taken, and Romney jumped ahead primarily because of name i.d. Due to the snowball effect, Romney continues to be labeled the frontrunner even though 75% of those polled support someone else.

    The point is, Romney has no solid base of support, and could very well have a glass jaw. While he’ll probably do well in New Hampshire, does anyone really think he will win Iowa or South Carolina ?

    The point is, this race is wide open, and a clear frontrunner won’t be determined at the earliest until after the Florida primary. At this point, I have no idea who that will be.