TC_Robinson's blog

Wrestling CEO for Senate?

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:14:09 +0000

The Danbury News Times has reported, and the WWE has confirmed that company CEO Linda McMahon is “strongly considering” a run for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Christopher Dodd.

STAMFORD, Conn.—The chief executive of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. wants to slam Democratic U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd to the mat.

A spokesman for the Stamford, Conn.-based media and entertainment company confirmed Friday that Linda McMahon is considering a bid for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate seat.

If the 60-year-old McMahon decides to run, she will step down as CEO and her husband, Vincent McMahon, would assume the duties of CEO in addition to his current position as chairman of the board.

Earlier this year, Linda McMahon was appointed by Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell to the Connecticut Board of Education. Her appointment, approved by the General Assembly, drew some criticism from lawmakers who said it sent the wrong message to children.

I think this could be a major game changer in the race to face Chris Dodd. While Rob Simmons is a great candidate, Linda McMahon has not only the financial resources (Vince is worth around $800 million), but also great personal and business connections. She’s good friends with Governor Rell, former Governor Weicker and Chris Shays. While her political contributions may make some of you cringe (of the $76K she’s donated, 46% has been to Democrats including nearly $8K to Rahm Emanuel since 2002), I think they make her perfect for Connecticut. She’s the kind of Republican we need to run in there.

Federal Judge slanders Sarah Palin - In the Courtroom!

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:30:44 +0000

My jaw hit the floor when I read this. A federal judge actually had the nerve to slander Sarah Palin in an open court. Someone whould sue the pants off of this woman…and demand her resignation as well! Legislating from the bench is one thing; it is often up to interpretation. This is politicizing the bench, and does not fit the “good behavior” standard that they must hold in order to keep office.

From the New York Daily News:

A federal judge got political Wednesday, taking a swipe at Sarah Palin while powwowing with lawyers in the case of an autistic boy whose parents are fighting a ban on big dogs at their luxury upper East Side building.

Manhattan Federal Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald blasted the Alaska governor and former vice presidential candidate for bringing her Down syndrome child on stage after a debate.

“That kid was used as a prop,” Buchwald told lawyers during a hearing on Wednesday. “And that to me as a parent blew my mind.”

Buchwald, a 62-year-old Democrat appointed by former President Bill Clinton, said Palin should have put her child to bed. Such conferences are often held behind closed doors, but Buchwald held yesterday’s session in open court. “Tell me who told the reporter,” Buchwald demanded after realizing her words were on the record.

Link: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/02/04/2009-02-04_judge_in_autism_case_injects_insult_to_s.html

Meet Judd Gregg’s likely replacement

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:56:32 +0000

With it now all but certain that Judd Gregg, New Hampshire’s senior Senator, will become Secretary of Commerce, speculation has begun as to who will replace him in the Senate. Several news sources in New Hampshire are touting J. Bonnnie Newman, Senator Gregg’s Chief of Staff when he was in the House, as the favorite to fill out the remaining 2 years of Gregg’s term.

Newman served as assistant secretary of Commerce for economic development in the Reagan administration. She was in charge of administrative operations for the George H.W. Bush White House.

She was chief of staff to Gregg when he was a congressman in the 1980s, and she was one of the first Republicans to publicly endorse Lynch in his 2004 challenge of then-Republican Governor Craig Benson, and co-chaired Republicans for Lynch.

Newman has also served in prestigious offices in higher education. She was an interim president at the University of New Hampshire and an executive dean at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Another name being bandied about is Kelly Ayotte, NH’s Republican Attorney General, and a Lynch supporter.

BREAKING: Collins, Harkin to vote AGAINST Geithner

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:34:03 +0000

Tom Harkin just announced on the Senate floor that he will be voting against Timothy Geithner for Treasury Secretary. Additionally, Susan Collins said on MSNBC today she will also vote against Mr. Tax Cheat..err Geithner.

This vote may end up much closer than we expected. I’ll even go on record as saying that Mr. Geithner’s confirmation is no longer certain.

It seems Entitlement isn’t just a type of spending

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:14:29 +0000

When the word was leaked that President Obama uttered the phrase “I Won” during his meeting with Congressional leaders this week over the stimulus package, it didn’t really bother me at first. I mean, he did win, and he gets the right to gloat to anyone he chooses, especially us Republicans, for at least a little bit. But the more I think about it, the more it seems President Obama believes his win entitles him to whatever he chooses. Notice he said “I” won, not “we,” as in the Democratic Party. He honestly believes that because he won the election, that he is entitled to HIS stimulus package. Never mind that he is about to engage in the same “cut taxes and spend more” economic philosophy that he decried for the past two years, the same one deems the major cause of the current economic hardships. Mr. President, wouldn’t it make sense to, oh I don’t know, NOT do the thing that you say caused the recession? Am I seeing some cracks in the cross, eh Messiah? Economics 101, you either cut taxes or spend more, never both, especially not at the same time. But that’s not the point.

The Presiden’t statement reflects a sickening quality of today’s politicians. That being that they actually think that they are entitled to not only the seat they hold, but also to do anything they please while holding it. It starts at the local level with your Board of Supervisors or your City Council and works it’s way all the way up to the White House itself. They seem to have forgotten that for most Americans, NOTHING is handed to us. We have to work for everything we have and we actually have to accomplish something to be rewarded. If we run our company into a deficit, and fail to fix it, we get fired. Our leaders have forgotten that one word every true patriot loves…RECALL! In the United State, as quickly as we make you, we can break you. And if we can’t get rid of you right away, it just makes it all the more sweeter when we do. If you do one thing for the next four years, remember to remind your leaders, whether they be local or state or federal, that they are employed by the meanest boss in the world….the American Taxpayer. Remind them that just like us, they aren’t entitled to anything.

Creating a Dangerous Precedent

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:20:40 +0000

Let me start off by saying that when Timothy Geithner was first introduced as Treasury Secretary-designate I was semi-pleased. While I would have preferred Sheila Bair or even Larry Summers, the more I looked into Mr. Geithner’s past the more qualified he seemed. That all changed when his “indiscretions” in regards to his taxes came up. At first, they seemed like an honest mistake, one that he corrected as soon as he became aware. Then, we come to find out that he had been sent warning after warning from the IMF regarding his income and the taxes he needed to pay on them before the IRS came knocking.

Then, as I was watching his confirmation hearings (I happened to tune in right as Sen. Kyl’s questioning on the subject began), I noticed this unnerving cockiness coming from Mr. Geithner. He first danced around Sen. Kyl’s question about whether or not he had been thinking about the statute of limitations in regards to not paying his 01-02 taxes (which, ironically, would have been perfectly fine) or whether he simply didn’t think about it. Then, he actually had the nerve to admit the thought simply didn’t cross his mind, which not only seemed to take Sen. Kyl aback, but also showed the very quality of a tax cheat he proclaims not to be.

However, that’s not the point, and in the scheme of things it really doesn’t matter. It also doesn’t matter that the MSM made a much bigger stink over Sarah Palin’s per-diem problem, which was entirely legal, then they have over Mr. Geithner’s tax fraud. The point is, that by confirming Mr. Geithner to head the very agency that collects the very taxes he failed to pay, he gives every other future tax-evader a very, very big out. Now, any time anyone fails to pay their taxes, the IRS will be unable to charge any fines on those people, since it didn’t on Mr. Geithner. It will be very hard to punish anyone for not paying there taxes when the head of the agency that collects them didn’t pay his.

If that seemed rambling to you, let me make it simpler. Would you hire an illegal immigrant to run Homeland Security? Would you hire an oil executive to run Energy? Would you hire an ex-con to run Justice? Would you hire a drug lord to run National Drug Policy?

If any of those answers are yes, then Mr. Geithner should be confirmed. If no, well then, say goodbye Timothy.

I need Advice

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:35:46 +0000

So, let me start off by saying I am as conservative as they come. While I may be a tad bit socially liberal, I consider the conservative tendencies in to hold the majority. I am also someone who wants to hold elected office in the future. I believe I have ideas that could not only help my state of Virginia, but the eventually the nation as a whole. That being said, let me lay the groudwork for what I need advice on. I am an 18-year old college student, active within the college Republicans, who is increasingly diasppointed with his elected officials. It is that disappointment that has caused me, ever since the election, to seriously consider running for elected office in 2011, the earliest possible because of age restrictions. There are two options out there, both with their own challenges. What I want to know is which one would be a better move:

Option #1 - A run for the State Senate against a incumbent Republican who will be running for his 4th full-term. The district I live in is probably 60% Republican, 20% Democratic and 20% Independent. In 2007, he picked up 62% of the vote with a Democratic challenger that dropped out and 2 independents. In my preliminary discussions with people in the district, it seems like he’s someone people are content with, but would replace if a credible challenger came along. I would more than likely run against him as an Independent or possibly as a Libertarian or Indy Green.

Option #2 - A run for the county Board of Supervisors against in Independent who would be running for re-election to her second term. She ran on a platform of responsible growth, but at the same time has been wishy-washy on the issue and accepted lot of money from developers. I would more than likey run against her as a Republican. In 2007, she only recieved about 1,800 more votes than the Republican who hadn’t even lived in the district for a year.

I’m serious about running for something in 2011, so don’t try to say to wait. This will be a way to get my feet wet and spread my name around the county for the future. I believe that I could actually give both of them a good run. My mother is well-known in the business community, my father is a well-known and respected former police officer and both are friends with high-ranking officials and former officials in the county.

So, what do you guys think. Which would be the better choice?

Meet the next DNC Chairman

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:10:05 +0000

So, I just heard on my local news that Tim Kaine, the Governor of Virginia, has been “chosen” by President-elect Obama to be the next Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, replacing Howard Dean who will step down January 21st. Here’s the story from my local CBS affiliate:

WASHINGTON (AP) - President-elect Barack Obama has selected Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine as the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, two Democrats said Sunday.

The officials spoke to The Associated Press on a condition of anonymity because the decision had not yet been officially announced. The Washington Post first reported the selection Sunday on its Web site.

Kaine plans to work at the party part-time until 2010, when his term as governor is up and he can take over the DNC full-time.

It then goes on to say that Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, who ran Obama’s ground campaign, will serve as the DNC’s Executive Director.

I know many other Virginian’s frequent this board, and I’m sure the rest of you are wondering, like I am, what Tim Kaine has done to merit a reward such as this, other than being Obama’s best bud. He will likely go down in history as one of Virginia’s worst Governors, and now, during a time of serious financial hardship, he goes out and gets a part-time job? As a Virginia citizen, I’m quite frankly disgusted. He either does the Chairman thing full-time or he governs full-time, not both. We don’t need someone running our state and making decisions for our future that is preoccupied with other, bigger things. Shame on Tim Kaine for turning his back on Virginia once again.

If only it were January, 2010 already.

2010 Governor’s Races: My Take

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:15:17 +0000

Next year, some 36 states will hold gubernatorial elections. Of those 36 states, 20 Governor’s Mansions are held by Democrats and 16 by Republicans. With the current party breakdown being 28 Democrats and 22 Republicans, it isn’t entirely implausible to see Republicans holding the majority of the excecutive branches come November, 2010. As I look over the prospective races, I honestly don’t see any state that is “out of reach.” Here are the Republicans I see as the best candidates in 2010.

Kansas: Sen. Sam Brownback
Maine: State House Minority Leader Josh Tardy
Michigan: Secretary of State Terry Lynn Land
Oklahoma: Congresswoman and Former Lt. Gov. Mary Fallin
Oregon: Congressman Greg Walden
Pennsylvania: Former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton
Tennessee: Fmr. Senator Bill Frist
Wyoming: Second Lady Lynne Cheney OR Secretary of State Max Maxfield
New Mexico: Fmr. Congresswoman Heather Wilson (really no other candidate)
Alabama: Congressman Bob Aderholt
California: Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner OR Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman
Georgia: Lt. Governor Casey Cagle
Hawaii: Lt. Governor James Aiona
Nebraska: Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy
Rhode Island: Warwick, RI Mayor Scott Avedisian
South Carolina: Henry McMaster
South Dakota: Lt. Governor Dennis Daugaard
Colorado: Fmr. Congressman Tom Tancredo
Arkansas: Congressman John Boozman
Illinois: Congressman Peter Roskam (save Mark Kirk for Senate run)
Iowa: State House Minority Leader Christopher Rants
Maryland: Fmr. Lt. Gov. Michael Steele
Massachusetts: Fmr. Gov. and Lt. Gov Jane Swift
New Hampshire:
New York: Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani
Ohio: Former Congressman John Kasich
Wisconsin: Congressman Paul Ryan
Alaska: Gov. Sarah Palin
Connecticut: Gov. Jodi Rell
Florida: Gov. Charlie Crist
Idaho: Gov. Butch Otter
Minnesota: Gov. Tim Pawlenty
Nevada: Congressman Dean Heller
Texas: Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
Vermont: Gov. Jim Douglas

A Cause for Revolution

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:40:49 +0000

When we think of a “revolution,” no doubt the first ones that come to mind are the American Revolution and French Revolution. Whatever the case, whichever one comes to your mind, they all hold a common link. The people decided once and for all that they were sick and tired of how they were being governed, of how the people they put into power were using the power they gave them. In the words of John McCain, they decided to “stand up and fight.” I say that the time has come for a new American Revolution, that the time has come for us, not just Conservative Americans, but ALL Americans, to stand up and fight for the future of our country.

The actions of the House of Representatives some weeks ago and of the President today show once and for all that the will of the people no longer matters. Ignoring every single public opinion poll that showed roughly 2/3 of Americans opposed a bailout of the American auto industry, the President decided that the people must not know what they are talking about and decided to do it anyway. Unlike our President, a solid majority of our citizens were not willing to sacrifice free-market principles to “save” our economy. We were willing to let the car companies fail, and were ready and able to suffer throught whatever possible economic turmoil that would bring. Our leaders failed to listen to us one again, and as Larry Kudlow put it on CNBC, “The American taxpayer has been sent up the river without a paddle.”

Our leaders have forgetten that the very power they are abusing comes from the people. They forget that we can break you as quick as we made you, a thought the President-elect should hold close. It is time to start fresh with a clean slate. It is time to remove every single member of Congress that has forgetten that “We the people” isn’t just the first three words of the Constitution.

We owe it to my generation, the one that will be around long after the wars are over and the current economic crisis is fixed. We are the ones that will fix the problems being left for us, being left for us with no ounce of remorse. I’m ready to fight for my democracy. The question is…are you?

Nice Thank You Present

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:46:35 +0000

Barack Obama is reportedly going to buy his wife a $30,000 thank you present, a ring no less. It is apparently a gift to thank her for her support during the campaign.

First the $60,000/year tuition for Sidwell, now this. I thought John McCain LOST, because this sounds like something he’d do for Cindy.

What happened to the one-home “community organizer” they elected? I guess this is the “Change” he was talking about?

More bears, more ice, oh my!

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:58:12 +0000

I like to say that I’m most conservative where it matters, on taxes and spending. But what I believe when it comes to climate change probably runs a close second.

Recently, I found reports that say that not only have the ice levels increased this year, by some 6-10 million square kilometers in some places, but (SHOCKER!) there are more polar bears than in recent years. Wait a minute, the very animal that was to be “most directly affected by global warming” is actally prospering?!? What does this do the the “Global Warming” panicists like Al Gore?

I’ve always taken a very common sense approach to our changing climate. I think about it like this: If global warming is man-made, then who caused it after the last ice age? There were hardly any people around then (no way to guess), yet almost all the ice melted and we were left with our current land formations. What, were the animals at fault? No wait, the fires that the nomads build were SO strong that they burned a hole in the ozone layer and boom, no more ice! Gimme a break.

If the bears and the ice weren’t enough, NOAA has said this year will be the coolest in 11 years. How in the blue hell can there be global “warming” when in fact the planet is cooling?

Look, I do believe that humans do play at least some role in climate change. To say that we don’t in any way would be like saying people have no role in lowering the level of fuel in their cars. It’s just not a logical argument. But are we the only reason? Absolutely not. Are we the main reason? No, because the planet has been warming and cooling since the beginning of time, irrespective of how many people were on it. So to blame us and us alone is absolutely absurd. Just like the economy, our planet is a highly complex and continuously evolving thing. I don’t think anyone will ever have all the answers when it comes to climate change.

It seems to me that people ignore the ozone depletion and focus totally on the melting ice caps. In fact, I can’t remember one instance during the campaign where any candidate talked about the ozone layer. Well, guess what, people? While its depletion did cause the temperatures to rise slightly, Ozone can be rebuilt, and if we can get the Ozone layer back to even just 1990 levels, the planet will continue to cool. People talk about the oceans rising due to melting ice, but in reality we are actually overdue for another “Ice event,” and I would bet we see the Northern Hemisphere become a skating rink before we see Florida become a nice big swimming pool.

I do respect those people with other beliefs on Global Warming, but when you really think about it, and when you take history into account, to put it plainly and simply, they are wrong.

The Bushes: What’s Next?

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:51:40 +0000

Not much has been made yet of just what President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush will do come January 21, 2009. Reports have surfaced that the couple is likely to sell their Crawford ranch and purchase a new home in the suburbs of Dallas. Of course they will write books and so on, but what else?

President Bush:
I am of the thought (as I’m sure most here are) that history will judge George W. Bush much better than he has been judged in the present. Remember who was a “bad” President when he left office? Harry Truman. Now, ol’ Harry is considered by scholars to be one the best Presidents ever. Bush will be remembered I think for his strong resolve and incredible resiliance. I would like to see him become an elder statesman on the order of his father. Possibly start up his own foundation. If Iraq succeeds, like we all know it will, hopefully President Obama will call on him for advice at times and hopefully, he won’t attempt to claim credit for a war he thought was unwinnable.

Laura Bush
I hope that the First Lady stays in the public eye. I know she is going to write a book, but I would love to possibly see her become the Executive Director of UNICEF, a position made for her. However, I’m one of the people that think she could do great things in an elected office. Maybe she could replace KBH in the Senate? I think she’s a better politician than Hillary. She has that “Palin Quality” that endears her to almost everyone (her popularity rating has never been below 70%) and makes her seem “real.”

Whatever the Bushes choose to do, George W. and Laura Bush will, I think, be remembered as one of the greatest political tag-teams in history.

Guess what country music star wants to run for Senate?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:59:53 +0000

In a stunning announcement made today, country music star Hank Williams, Jr. announced that he will run for the U.S. Senate as a Republican during the next primary election. That means he will attempt to unseat Bob Corker in 2012, leading to speculation Bob Corker may leave the Senate and run for Governor of Tennessee in 2010 to make way for Williams. Hank Jr. has apparently already spoken to both Bill Frist and Lamar Alexander about a potential run for Senate.

I don’t know what to make of this just yet. What do you guys think?

$57,884

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:15:21 +0000

I wish I was kidding.

That is how much the Obama’s will spend this year on their 10 and 7 year old daughters education. The Obama’s announced today that their daughters will attend the Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. come January.

I am beyond stunned. In perhaps the worst economic downturn in 50 years, the Obama’s are going to spend more this year to send their daughters to private school than my ENTIRE college career will cost. What kind of message does that send? Certainly not that he’s “one of us.”

The Obama’s will claim that it’s for security reasons. But the simple fact remains that the Obama girls have ALWAYS attended private school, even before he became “The One.” They have just as much of a chance of something possibly happening to them in a private school setting as they do in a public one. Unless Sidwell is guarded by armes Brown Shirts, then anyone that wants to harm the Obama children, god forbid, will be able to.

How can Barack Obama expect to figure out what in the public education system needs to be fixed if he isn’t even willing to send his girls into the trenches. He would have gotten a lot more respect from me had he done so. I think what disappoints me more is that the family apparently didn’t even consider public school.

Oh, and another interesting tidbit. Sidwell Friends is the same school Chelsea Clinton attended. Yea, because we need yet another Obama-Clinton connection.

Sorry, Mr. President-elect. Strike One.

Obama Aide: It’s Hillary

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:56:24 +0000

Some Change.

Barring any unforseen circumstances, Hillary Clinton will be nominated by President-elect Barack Obama to be his Secretary of State, according to transition aides.

The transition aide told The Associated Press that the two camps have worked out financial disclosure issues involving Clinton’s husband, former President Bill Clinton, and the complicated international funding of his foundation that operates in 27 countries. The aide said Obama and Hillary Clinton have had substantive conversations about the secretary of state job.

In other cabinet news, the same aides said that Janet Napolitano, Eric Holder and Tom Daschle are far from “locks” for Homeland Security, AG and HHS Secretary, respectively.

As it relates to Treasury and Commerce Secretary, it appears to be between Timothy Geithner and Paul Volker for Treasury and now that Penny Pritzker has taken her name out of the running for Commerce Secretary, Laura D’Andrea Tyson appears to be the new front-runner.

Aides also said that Robert Gates appears almost certain to remain as Defense Secretary at least for an interim period, then most likely be replaced by former Navy Secretary Richard Danzig.

I must say that I am stunned at how relieved I am that Hillary Clinton appears likely to be the next SoS. When you think about it, looking at it from a conservatives point of view, she really is the lesser of the evils when considering Richardson, Kerry, or Chuck “I hate my Party” Hagel.

Preview 2010: Senate

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:34:30 +0000

Thought I’d handicap the upcoming 2010 elections for US Senate, which will probably be starting in the next 6-8 months.

Safe Democrat:
Barbara Boxer (CA)
Evan Bayh (IN)
Chris Dodd (CT)
Barbara Mikulski (MD)
Harry Reid (NV)
Chuck Schumer (NY)
Byron Dorgan (ND)
Ron Wyden (OR)
Patrick Leahy (VT)
Delaware
Russ Feingold (WI)
Florida (pickup)

Safe Republican:
Richard Shelby (AL)
Johnny Isakson (GA)
Mike Crapo (ID)
Chuck Grassley (IA)
Kit Bond (MO)
Judd Gregg (NH)
Bob Bennett (UT)
John Thune (ND)
Arlen Spector(PA)
Jim DeMint (SC)
Tom Coburn (OK)
Lisa Murkowski (AK)

That leaves the following races and potential outcomes:

Kansas - With Sam Brownback running for Governor in 2010, this seat will be prime target for the Democrats. Republican Rep. Jerry Moran looks to be the likely nominee, with Governor Kathleen Sebelius being the prime Democratic nominee. If the Republicans aren’t careful, they could lose this seat. For now, I’ll list it as REP HOLD
Arkansas - Blanche Lincoln is probably the Democrat’s most vulnerable member. Lincoln is popular, but Mike Huckabee is more popular. If he runs, I’m prepared to call this TOSSUP
Colorado - Ken Salazar narrowly defeated Pete Coors in 2004. This will be the Republicans prime target in 2010. John Elway is onsidered a possible candidate, but I would suggest former Governor Bill Owens. He was probably the state’s most popular Governor and would give Salazar a good run. Currently, this race is TOSSUP
Hawaii - I predict that Daniel Inouye, who will be 86 come 2010, will retire. Even if he doesn’t, Governor Linda Lingle looks to be the most likely Republican candidate. I think Lingle, regardless of who she faces, will win and is the only Republican who could win the seat. I rate this race LIKELY REP PICKUP
Illinois - With Barack Obama’s resignation, Governor Rod Blagojevich will appoint someone who will serve until a special election in 2010. The most likely replacement at the moment seems to be either Jesse Jackson Jr. or Tammy Duckworth. If the Republicans can recruit former Governor Jim Edgar, then they should easily pick this seat up, with the massive disapproval of Democrats in the state thinks to the current Governor. My rating: LIKELY REP PICKUP
Washington - Patty Murray has never seemed to be able to set the Washington state electorate on fire. The largest % she has ever gotten has been 55% in 2004. Republicans need to seriously recruit Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers to run against her. She has strong Conservative credentials and could give Patty a good fight. For now: LIKELY DEM HOLD
Arizona - Governor Janet Napolitano is most likely going to run for this seat, regardless of whether or not she gets a Cabinet post. If John McCain is smart, he won’t run in an election he is likely to lose. To me, the best Republican candidates are John Shadegg and Lisa Graham Keegan. If McCain doesn’t run, which I don’t think he will, this race will be LIKELY REP HOLD
Kentucky - If Jim Bunning is smart, he will spare Kentucky the shame of what will he a humiliating loss to his likely Democratic challenger. Republicans need to persuade him to not seek re-election, then get Elaine Chao to run. That is the only way I see this seat remaining in Republican hands. Currently, this seat is LIKELY DEM PICKUP
Louisiana - David Vitter’s race is a tough one to gauge. Kennedy’s performance against Landrieu should be a good omen for him, so I’ll call this LIKELY REP HOLD
North Carolina - Richard Burr has been a lackluster Senator at best, and if he isn’t careful, he will go the way of Elizabeth Dole. Right now, this race is a TOSSUP

Thompson/Yob may run for RNC Chair

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 11:41:20 +0000

This is a very, very interesting idea. Don’t know what to think of it yet.

From the Boston Herald:

The fight for the Chairmanship of the Republican National Committee (RNC) seems to have more players on the field than a football game. However, a few serious contenders are emerging from the field such as Katon Dawson and Michael Steele.

In a new twist today former Presidential candidate and United States Senator Fred Thompson is poised to enter the race with a partner, Michigan National Committeeman Chuck Yob, as his co-chairman. Thompson would be the public face/spokesman of the RNC while Yob run the Party’s operations.

This partnership of Thompson and Yob could be the winning combination. Already they seem to be gaining momentum. As of tonight Oklahoma Republican Chairman Gary Jones has endorsed the ticket. “We have an extremely large task ahead of us and Senator Thompson has the art of message. When he speaks people listen,” stated Jones. “Chuck Yob is a strong grassroots organizer. As a businessman Chuck will be able to manage the resources of the Party. It is an attractive combination.”

Certainly there is more than enough work in rebuilding the GOP that it might take co-chairmen to get the job and change the direction of our party. Keep your eye on this ticket.

Welcome to the GOP, Mr. Lieberman!

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:30:29 +0000

Well, it’s only a matter of time now. Sen. Pat Leahy has now come out and said that Lieberman does not deserve to keep his committee chairmanship. That’s basically the final nail in the coffin of Joe Lieberman and his 2-year battle with the left-wing of the Democratic Party. Next step, Lieberman will likely either stay an Independent and caucus with the GOP or join the Republican Party altogether.

Here’s the full story:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081114/apongoco/democratslieberman

McCain for Climate Czar?

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:06:58 +0000

I’m surprised no one has mentioned this. Like him or not, John McCain has been on the forefront, along with Joe Lieberman, of the energy and climate issues in the Senate. Now that Gore has turned down the role, it appears to be down to Arnold Schwarzenegger or Nancy Floyd. But with the meeting between McCain and Obama this week, one has to wonder if McCain himself has a shot at the post. A move like that would be the ULTIMATE sign of bipartisanship on Obama’s part, sort of a harkening back to “West Wing,” when Santos made Vinick his Secy. of State.