Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Kottkamp will hold a town hall meeting in Kissimmee on Monday, January 26, 2009. The town hall meeting will provide an opportunity for the citizens of Florida to voice their concerns about issues important to them.
Date: Monday, January 26, 2009
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Valencia Community College – Osceola Campus
Building 2, Room 2-101 (Teaching Auditorium)
1800 Denn John Lane
Kissimmee, Florida 34744
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Crist - "As Popular as Barack Obama"
From Congressional Quarterly: Florida GOP Gov. Crist Riding High as Re-election Year Nears
“As popular as Barack Obama ” is a label coveted these days by any politician — and maybe even more prized by incumbents of the beleaguered Republican Party who face re-election contests in 2010, the first midterm election year of Democrat Obama’s presidency.
The survey of 1,370 Florida voters taken Jan. 14-19 showed 67 percent of respondents held a favorable opinion of Crist, who was elected governor in the 2006 race to succeed term-limited Republican Jeb Bush. Those who said they disapproved totaled 21 percent, with 10 percent saying they did not know enough to answer and 2 percent declining to state an opinion.
These numbers for Crist, two years into his term, were comparable to those enjoyed by Obama in Florida during his pre-inauguration national “honeymoon.” Obama scored a 66 percent favorable rating in the poll taken in the six days immediately before his swearing-in, well above the 51 percent of the vote he took in scoring a key electoral vote victory in Florida last November. While 48 percent of the state’s voters favored Republican John McCain for president, just 16 percent of the poll respondents said they disapproved of Obama, with 12 percent saying they didn’t know enough and 5 percent declining to answer.
...
But the partisan breakdown on Crist’s poll numbers show that his image as a Republican centrist, particularly on social issues, is helping him build support across party lines. A solid 58 percent of Democratic respondents and 68 percent of independents joined 72 percent of Republicans in approving of Crist’s performance as governor.
“As popular as Barack Obama ” is a label coveted these days by any politician — and maybe even more prized by incumbents of the beleaguered Republican Party who face re-election contests in 2010, the first midterm election year of Democrat Obama’s presidency.
And according to the latest Quinnipiac University poll in Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist is one of those Republicans who can wear Obama-like approval ratings as a badge of honor.
The survey of 1,370 Florida voters taken Jan. 14-19 showed 67 percent of respondents held a favorable opinion of Crist, who was elected governor in the 2006 race to succeed term-limited Republican Jeb Bush. Those who said they disapproved totaled 21 percent, with 10 percent saying they did not know enough to answer and 2 percent declining to state an opinion.
These numbers for Crist, two years into his term, were comparable to those enjoyed by Obama in Florida during his pre-inauguration national “honeymoon.” Obama scored a 66 percent favorable rating in the poll taken in the six days immediately before his swearing-in, well above the 51 percent of the vote he took in scoring a key electoral vote victory in Florida last November. While 48 percent of the state’s voters favored Republican John McCain for president, just 16 percent of the poll respondents said they disapproved of Obama, with 12 percent saying they didn’t know enough and 5 percent declining to answer.
...
But the partisan breakdown on Crist’s poll numbers show that his image as a Republican centrist, particularly on social issues, is helping him build support across party lines. A solid 58 percent of Democratic respondents and 68 percent of independents joined 72 percent of Republicans in approving of Crist’s performance as governor.
RNC Chairman on March for Life
“Today, passionate Americans from coast to coast gather in Washington, D.C. to march for the rights of all. Protecting the sanctity of every life is the responsibility of this nation. I commend the efforts of each person assembling here today, and praise those working to defend the ones who cannot defend themselves. I hope the work of those marching today leads to a renewed appreciation for every human life.”
Ask John Boehner a Question on Digg.com
Dear Friend,
Tomorrow I'll be doing an interview for "Digg Dialogg," a cooperative effort between CNN and Digg.com -- and I'd like you to participate. Here's how:
VISIT the following site TODAY:
SUBMIT a question you'd like me to answer, use iReport to submit a video question, or "Digg" a question you like.
FORWARD this email to your friends and get them to "Digg" your question too.
Digg is a website that allows visitors to vote on news and media by "Digging" it. The items with the most "Diggs" get the most visibility. Likewise, the questions with the most "Diggs" are the ones I'll get to answer tomorrow.
Please go to Digg.com and submit your question today. Also, let me know if you submit a question by posting it here on FreedomProject.org as well. I'll do my best to answer as many as possible in a future edition of the Freedom File.
House Republican Leader John Boehner
P.S. In response to President Obama's request for Republican input, House Republicans are getting ready to unveil our plan to boost the American economy in a smart, direct, efficient and transparent way. Our plan will help middle class taxpayers and small businesses without wasting money or exploding our national deficit. Stay tuned to FreedomProject.org for more information.
Tomorrow I'll be doing an interview for "Digg Dialogg," a cooperative effort between CNN and Digg.com -- and I'd like you to participate. Here's how:
VISIT the following site TODAY:
SUBMIT a question you'd like me to answer, use iReport to submit a video question, or "Digg" a question you like.
FORWARD this email to your friends and get them to "Digg" your question too.
Digg is a website that allows visitors to vote on news and media by "Digging" it. The items with the most "Diggs" get the most visibility. Likewise, the questions with the most "Diggs" are the ones I'll get to answer tomorrow.
Please go to Digg.com and submit your question today. Also, let me know if you submit a question by posting it here on FreedomProject.org as well. I'll do my best to answer as many as possible in a future edition of the Freedom File.
House Republican Leader John Boehner
P.S. In response to President Obama's request for Republican input, House Republicans are getting ready to unveil our plan to boost the American economy in a smart, direct, efficient and transparent way. Our plan will help middle class taxpayers and small businesses without wasting money or exploding our national deficit. Stay tuned to FreedomProject.org for more information.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
WSJ: GOP Calibrates Role as Opposition
Today's WSJ has a great piece on what's next for the GOP. Read it here, excerpts below.
WASHINGTON -- House Minority Leader John Boehner recently attacked the potential "wasteful spending" and "mountains of debt" in President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. A few days later, he warmly invited Mr. Obama to address House Republicans, saying, "We do not want partisan differences to stall achievement."
The contrast captures the balance confronting Republicans as they enter the opening act of what is likely to be a dynamic Democratic presidency. For the first time in eight years, Republicans don't occupy the White House, making Mr. Boehner and his Senate counterpart, Mitch McConnell, the party's leaders.
The November elections were widely seen as a rebuke to Republicans, and Mr. Obama has claimed the economic crisis as a mandate for action, leaving Messrs. Boehner and McConnell groping for the right blend of cooperation and defiance.
Republicans can't simply be "the party of 'no,'" Mr. Boehner, of Ohio, said in an interview this month, but must offer solutions to voters' problems. "We have to give the American people reasons to take a look at us," he said. Tuesday, Mr. Boehner issued a statement congratulating Mr. Obama on his inauguration, vowing to find "common ground with the President on solutions to rebuild our economy, strengthen American families, and keep our country safe."
...
Republicans say they will adopt different strategies for different bills. While they support elements of the stimulus plan, for example, they are dead-set against "card check" legislation making it easier for workers to unionize, and the parties are likely to wage a heated battle over that issue.
In all these fights, Republican leaders face a central challenge: re-energizing party loyalists while beginning to win back the centrists who just rejected them so decisively.
"You have to be a pragmatist," Mr. McConnell said. "I'm a right-of-center senator, but I'm also pragmatic. I have to deal with the art of the possible."
WASHINGTON -- House Minority Leader John Boehner recently attacked the potential "wasteful spending" and "mountains of debt" in President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. A few days later, he warmly invited Mr. Obama to address House Republicans, saying, "We do not want partisan differences to stall achievement."
The contrast captures the balance confronting Republicans as they enter the opening act of what is likely to be a dynamic Democratic presidency. For the first time in eight years, Republicans don't occupy the White House, making Mr. Boehner and his Senate counterpart, Mitch McConnell, the party's leaders.
The November elections were widely seen as a rebuke to Republicans, and Mr. Obama has claimed the economic crisis as a mandate for action, leaving Messrs. Boehner and McConnell groping for the right blend of cooperation and defiance.
Republicans can't simply be "the party of 'no,'" Mr. Boehner, of Ohio, said in an interview this month, but must offer solutions to voters' problems. "We have to give the American people reasons to take a look at us," he said. Tuesday, Mr. Boehner issued a statement congratulating Mr. Obama on his inauguration, vowing to find "common ground with the President on solutions to rebuild our economy, strengthen American families, and keep our country safe."
...
Republicans say they will adopt different strategies for different bills. While they support elements of the stimulus plan, for example, they are dead-set against "card check" legislation making it easier for workers to unionize, and the parties are likely to wage a heated battle over that issue.
In all these fights, Republican leaders face a central challenge: re-energizing party loyalists while beginning to win back the centrists who just rejected them so decisively.
"You have to be a pragmatist," Mr. McConnell said. "I'm a right-of-center senator, but I'm also pragmatic. I have to deal with the art of the possible."
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thank you President Bush
The Washington Post scorned President Truman as a “spoilsman” who “underestimated the people’s intelligence.” New York Times columnist James Reston wrote off President Eisenhower as “a tired man in a period of turbulence.” At the end of President Reagan’s second term, the New York Times dismissed him as “simplistic” and a “lazy and inattentive man.”
...
Beyond his policies and actions, history will take the measure of the man.
I have known George W. Bush for nearly 34 years and have had the privilege of watching from nearby as history has placed its demands on him and our country. I know his humility and decency, his intelligence and thoughtfulness, his respect for every person he comes in contact with, his unwavering commitment to principle-based decision-making, and the quiet and compassionate hearts of the man and his graceful wife, Laura.
I have come to understand true leadership leans into the wind. It tackles big challenges with uncertain outcomes rather than taking on simple, sure tasks. It does what is right, regardless of what the latest poll or focus group says. History demands much of America and its leaders and I am confident it will judge the 43rd president as a man more than worthy of the great office the American people twice entrusted to him.
Read more of "The Long View" by Karl Rove here.
...
Beyond his policies and actions, history will take the measure of the man.
I have known George W. Bush for nearly 34 years and have had the privilege of watching from nearby as history has placed its demands on him and our country. I know his humility and decency, his intelligence and thoughtfulness, his respect for every person he comes in contact with, his unwavering commitment to principle-based decision-making, and the quiet and compassionate hearts of the man and his graceful wife, Laura.
I have come to understand true leadership leans into the wind. It tackles big challenges with uncertain outcomes rather than taking on simple, sure tasks. It does what is right, regardless of what the latest poll or focus group says. History demands much of America and its leaders and I am confident it will judge the 43rd president as a man more than worthy of the great office the American people twice entrusted to him.
Read more of "The Long View" by Karl Rove here.
What They Are Saying on President-Elect Barack Obama's Inauguration
Some great quotes in today's TC Palm:
"I did serve in Vietnam and the key to America is the peaceful transition of power and it is the one thing we do well, even when we have presidents and parties who fought like hell, even when we do it that way, we do it better than anybody else and that’s what makes it work.”--RPOF Assistant Treasurer Allen Miller
“We’re all Americans regardless of party, we’re going to welcome [Obama] as president and hope he does a good job. ...We’re already looking forward to the next four years.”--St. Lucie County REC Chairman Reece Parrish
“I know when I dropped my two kids off at school this morning, I think they’re going to show some of it in the classrooms, which I think is great. They’ll actually be witnessing history and not just studying it.”--Former State Representative Joe Negron
“He’s my president and I’m going to support my president. He’s going to good for the country and what is good for the county is what is important right now.”--Senator Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie.
"I did serve in Vietnam and the key to America is the peaceful transition of power and it is the one thing we do well, even when we have presidents and parties who fought like hell, even when we do it that way, we do it better than anybody else and that’s what makes it work.”--RPOF Assistant Treasurer Allen Miller
“We’re all Americans regardless of party, we’re going to welcome [Obama] as president and hope he does a good job. ...We’re already looking forward to the next four years.”--St. Lucie County REC Chairman Reece Parrish
“I know when I dropped my two kids off at school this morning, I think they’re going to show some of it in the classrooms, which I think is great. They’ll actually be witnessing history and not just studying it.”--Former State Representative Joe Negron
“He’s my president and I’m going to support my president. He’s going to good for the country and what is good for the county is what is important right now.”--Senator Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie.
Statement by RPOF Chairman Jim Greer on President-Elect Obama's Inauguration
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement today regarding President-Elect Barack Obama's Inauguration:
"Today we put politics aside and stand united behind our nation's new President. We are proud to bear witness to this historic day not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans.
"With unprecedented challenges facing us, Republicans are committed to reaching across the aisle and working with Democrats to get our economy back on track and help families and small businesses.
"In Florida, we have led by example, putting partisan rhetoric aside during these difficult times and seeking common-sense solutions.
"We must also take this bipartisan approach on the national level, beginning with a commitment to working with President Obama and his administration, while staying true to our values and principles.
"As President Obama takes the Oath of Office, the policy debate will begin. Our Party will have an opportunity to distinguish between the governing philosophy of Republicans and Democrats. We must be the Party of results and solutions, not simply the opposition."
"Today we put politics aside and stand united behind our nation's new President. We are proud to bear witness to this historic day not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans.
"With unprecedented challenges facing us, Republicans are committed to reaching across the aisle and working with Democrats to get our economy back on track and help families and small businesses.
"In Florida, we have led by example, putting partisan rhetoric aside during these difficult times and seeking common-sense solutions.
"We must also take this bipartisan approach on the national level, beginning with a commitment to working with President Obama and his administration, while staying true to our values and principles.
"As President Obama takes the Oath of Office, the policy debate will begin. Our Party will have an opportunity to distinguish between the governing philosophy of Republicans and Democrats. We must be the Party of results and solutions, not simply the opposition."
Statement on Martin Luther King Jr Day
Tallahassee–Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer released the following statement today regarding the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
“As we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we remember his tireless fight for civil rights and his vision for an America where our people are not divided race, but are united in freedom.
“We have come a long way since Dr. King explained his dream for our country in a speech that has graced the pages of history books for decades. Now together as Americans, we prepare to inaugurate our first African-American President. Despite our differences, this is a time in the history of our nation that we can each be proud of.”
“As we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we remember his tireless fight for civil rights and his vision for an America where our people are not divided race, but are united in freedom.
“We have come a long way since Dr. King explained his dream for our country in a speech that has graced the pages of history books for decades. Now together as Americans, we prepare to inaugurate our first African-American President. Despite our differences, this is a time in the history of our nation that we can each be proud of.”
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